What happens when your most trusted person and biggest supporter is no longer there? Join us as Leslie Kuny shares her deeply personal and emotional journey of navigating life after the loss of her father, her rock and guiding star. Through Leslie's heartfelt story, listeners will gain insight into the profound impact of losing a loved one and the often unspoken challenges that come with it. We promise you an episode filled with raw emotion, valuable lessons, and the importance of creating a community where grief and trauma are normalized and discussed openly.

As we move through Leslie's narrative, we reflect on family dynamics and the evolving perceptions of parental roles. From youthful dreams shaped by supportive parents to adult realizations about the complexities of family life, Leslie's account offers a poignant look at how parental encouragement and sacrifices shape our paths. The chapter on her father's alcoholism reveals the protective measures her mother took and the hidden battles that only came to light later in life, showcasing the resilience and strength often required within families.

In the final segments, we explore Leslie's journey of honoring her father's memory and the therapeutic power of storytelling and journaling. Overcoming intense sorrow, rage, and guilt, Leslie's experiences highlight the universal nature of grief and the enduring strength found in sharing stories. We also touch on lighter moments, such as navigating sleep struggles and sharing cultural references that bring joy amidst the sorrow. This episode offers a heartfelt tribute to Leslie's father and underscores the importance of living fully and authentically for those we've lost.


LESLIE'S LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.nadon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekuny/


ABSOLUTE MOTION PERFORMANCE & DANCE STUDIO:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559258507569
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absolutemotiondance/

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How do we break the cycle of trauma and build healthier relationships? This week on "Our Dead Dads," we sit down with Doug Beitz, host of "Intuitive Conversations with Doug," who opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his father and the impact of his dad's traumatic childhood. Doug's commitment to raising his own children differently shines through as he shares heartfelt stories of growth, resilience, and the powerful group conversations he's initiated that have connected people worldwide. These discussions have fostered a strong sense of community and support, encouraging listeners to share their stories of grief and loss.

Doug's journey from a young locksmith to a professional firefighter reveals the cultural and educational differences between Australia and the United States, highlighting his career transitions and the resilience required to navigate family dynamics and personal growth. Tune in to hear about the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one's passing and the value of life lessons learned along the way. Through vivid recollections of his father's unpredictable behavior and the joys of camping trips, Doug reflects on how his father's actions, shaped by his own hardships, taught him crucial lessons on what not to do.

Join us as we explore various cultural approaches to death and grieving, from the communal support systems on a small tropical island to the importance of normalizing conversations about grief. This episode also touches on the evolution of sports, the significance of intuitive decision-making, and the promise of better things on the other side of grief. Don't miss this compelling conversation with Doug Beitz, filled with personal anecdotes, profound insights, and a mission to create a supportive community for all.



DOUG'S LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.beitz.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougbeitz/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntuitiveConversationwithDoug
Website: https://dougbeitz.com/

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What happens when a parent’s love turns into an unshakeable pillar of support for an entire community? Join us for a deeply touching conversation with Jason Tuttle, a father who transformed his grief into a mission of advocacy and support. In this episode, we discuss Jason's new book, "Letters to Zachary," a 70-page coloring book inspired by the life and memory of his late son, Zachary. Jason shares the emotional rollercoaster of raising two special needs children, grappling with Zachary’s rare Eagle Barrett syndrome diagnosis, and the subsequent neurological challenges that followed. This heartfelt discussion sheds light on the unique grief journey of fathers, often sidelined in societal narratives.

We dive into the powerful connections formed within the grief community, with insights from Tanya Manley of Sunset Stories Podcast and Nick Gaylord of Our Dead Dads Podcast. Tanya emphasizes the need to normalize conversations around child loss while Nick shares his own experiences and offers a generous gesture to support grieving families. Together, they highlight the importance of community and open dialogue in navigating the complex emotional landscape of grief. The episode also touches upon the stress and irritability Jason faces in everyday life, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the ongoing battle with personal grief.

Lastly, we explore how creative expression can serve as a healing tool, with Jason’s coloring book project standing as a testament to love and remembrance. From heartfelt anecdotes to practical coping mechanisms, we delve into the collaborative efforts that brought "Letters to Zachary" to life, offering solace and a meaningful tribute to lost loved ones. This episode is a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of a community united by shared loss and the remarkable resilience of those who channel their grief into lasting legacies.


JASON'S LINKS:

Website: https://letterstozachary.com/

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/Tuttlepatriarch

Facebook (Letters To Zachary Community): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952

Purchase the book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC5GSFZK



TANYA'S LINKS:

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/wil.manley

Facebook (Sunset Stories Community): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557532859745

Sunset Stories Podcast: https://tanyawz.podbean.com/

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Can a camp really change the life of a grieving child? Join us as we welcome Paul Rubin, the visionary behind Camp Good Mourning on Long Island, a haven where children aged 7 to 17 find solace and community after losing a parent or sibling. Paul shares his heartfelt journey from volunteering at a similar camp in New Jersey to establishing this indispensable resource on Long Island. You’ll hear about how Camp Good Mourning’s unique overnight stays forge deeper connections among campers, and how the initiative has flourished since its inception in 2018, even adapting creatively during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout our talk, Paul opens up about the meticulous volunteer screening process and the impactful stories of campers who have found a sense of family and belonging at Camp Good Mourning. We dive into the camp's structure, which balances support group sessions with recreational activities to create a nurturing environment for grieving children. Highlighting the importance of ongoing connections, Paul discusses how the camp ensures that kids continue receiving support beyond their camp experience, leveraging social media to keep the bonds strong.

We wrap up with a light-hearted Q&A session where Paul reveals some personal quirks and heartwarming anecdotes, making for a truly engaging conversation. From discussing the complexities of talking about death with children to celebrating the camp's 50% return rate, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how Camp Good Mourning is changing lives one child at a time. Don’t miss this heartfelt episode as we explore the profound impact of community and support in the healing journey of grieving children.

PAUL'S LINKS:

Email: paul.campgoodmourning@gmail.com

Website: https://www.campgoodmourning.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampGoodMourning

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN'S GRIEF:
https://nacg.org/


DONATE TO CAMP GOOD MOURNING: https://www.campgoodmourning.org/wish-list




NICK'S PERSONAL FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/nick.gaylord.50/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Can you imagine the unimaginable—losing both parents within a week during a global pandemic? This episode promises an empathetic and raw conversation with Jocelyn Bates, who shares her harrowing experience and the journey of processing such an immense loss. We unravel the bravery it takes to face profound grief, the struggle against anger and frustration, and the crucial importance of openly discussing these intense emotions. Jocelyn's story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is strength to be found and a community ready to support those who are grieving.

We then explore the deep emotional ties of family and the transformative power of forgiveness. Listen as we recount the evolving relationship between a father and child, marked by the father's struggle with PTSD and his commitment to being an exceptional grandfather. The narrative captures the poignant moments of reconnection and the devastating impact of losing loved ones during the pandemic. We reflect on the emotional toll on families dealing with hospital trauma and burnout, recognizing the compassionate efforts of medical staff and the solace provided by hospice nurses.

Lastly, we venture into the intricate landscape of healing through grief and connection. Discover the realities of dissociation, the therapeutic impact of practices like Yoga Nidra and EFT tapping, and the importance of emotional validation. We also discuss breaking the cycle of emotional repression and the generational trauma that shapes our responses to loss. Join us as we highlight stories of resilience, practical strategies for navigating grief, and the uplifting work of individuals like Paul Rubin, who dedicates his life to helping bereaved children find a path to healing.

JOCELYN'S LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://www.jocelynbates.net/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jocelyn.bates.5
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/soulsessionsbyjocelyn/

Check out "Ungovernable", the podcast that Jocelyn and her husband Matthew Struck (who will be my guest on an upcoming episode) produce and host together. Available on Apple, Spotify and podcast platforms everywhere!

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What if you could find peace amidst unimaginable sorrow? Join us for a poignant conversation with Suzy Easterling Wood, who bravely shares her heartbreaking journey of losing two of her three children. Suzy reveals the stark contrasts between her experiences with loss—one that brought unexpected peace, and another that was unbearably painful. She offers profound insights into how she found the strength to move forward, providing a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths of grief.

We also explore the emotional turbulence that follows such devastating losses, including the impact on personal relationships and the challenge of seeking closure when answers are hard to come by. Suzy recounts the difficulties of modeling healthy grieving behaviors for her surviving daughter, all while managing her own emotional landscape. From the therapeutic power of creative outlets to the importance of small, intentional steps toward healing, Susie shares invaluable strategies for integrating grief into a meaningful life.

Humor and relatable anecdotes add lightness to our conversation, making this episode not just a lesson in surviving grief, but also a celebration of resilience and community support. Whether it's through the comfort of a quirky hot dog recipe or the candid reflections on anger and forgiveness, Suzy’s story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience. Tune in to find comfort, inspiration, and practical advice from a mother who continues to find hope amidst profound sorrow.

SUZY'S LINKS:

Website: https://www.fromthreetoone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzy.easterling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/from.threetoone/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthreetoone

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Losing a parent can change everything. Join us on this special 10th episode of "Our Dead Dads" as we sit down with Laura Cina, who recounts the profound impact of losing her father at just 11 years old. Through her tears and laughter, Laura brings a unique perspective on how grief shapes family dynamics and how humor can coexist with sorrow. Laura's journey is a testament to the enduring process of grieving and the importance of normalizing conversations around loss.

Family relationships can become incredibly complex in the wake of loss, and Laura's experience is no exception. She opens up about the difficult dynamics with her father's girlfriend, whose emotional struggles and alcohol issues compounded the family's grief. Laura reflects on the emotional toll of maintaining memories through personal belongings and dealing with family conflicts over her father's possessions. Her story sheds light on the ongoing impact of grief on relationships with half-siblings and other relatives, offering a raw and honest look at how family bonds change and evolve through tragedy.

Grieving through significant dates like Father's Day and birthdays comes with its own set of challenges, and Laura shares her personal rituals for honoring her dad's memory. From visiting her father's dock property to the awkwardness of reconnecting with distant relatives on social media, Laura provides a candid look at the mixed emotions these experiences bring. As we wrap up the episode, Laura engages in a fun rapid-fire question segment, offering a refreshing end to a deeply meaningful conversation. Tune in to hear her story and join us in building a supportive community that embraces the complexities of grief and loss.

FOLLOW LAURA!

WEBSITE: https://www.lauracinaofficial.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/laura.cina.3
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lauracinaofficial/

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Imagine growing up with an abusive, schizophrenic father and then surviving a school shooting where you knew the shooter. On this week's episode of "Our Dead Dads," we feature an incredible interview with Melissa Armstrong, a nurse turned trauma-informed functional health coach, who bravely shares her life story. From witnessing her brother's tragic death to navigating a career in nursing amidst personal turmoil, Melissa opens up about the profound layers of grief and trauma she has endured over the past 20 years.

Melissa's journey through therapy and holistic healing is nothing short of inspiring. Dealing with severe anxiety and panic attacks, Melissa discovered meditation and other holistic practices that gave her control over her mental health. Her transition to functional health coaching allowed her to help other women heal from similar experiences. Through candid discussions about her family dynamics, Melissa provides insight into how unresolved past traumas continuously affect relationships, and emphasizes the importance of supportive networks and self-care.

As we wrap up, Melissa's story takes a hopeful turn, focusing on forgiveness and personal growth. She shares her future plans to expand her practice and reach more people through books and speaking engagements. We conclude with some lighter moments, including a fun rapid-fire round that reveals hidden aspects of Melissa’s personality. Tune in for a deeply moving and ultimately uplifting conversation about resilience, healing, and the power of human connection.

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