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Grief Is Not A Dirty Word

Grief Is Not A Dirty Word

Written by: Nick Gaylord
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About this listen

Grief Is Not A Dirty Word is a weekly podcast that brings honest, real-world conversations about grief, loss, trauma, healing, and mental health into the light. Hosted by Nick Gaylord, the show creates a safe, compassionate space for anyone navigating the complicated emotions that come with losing a parent, partner, child, friend, relationship, or former version of themselves.


Originally launched as Our Dead Dads, the podcast has evolved into a broader mission: to normalize grief and break the stigma around talking about it. Nick explores every corner of the grieving experience — from anticipatory grief and sudden loss to complicated family dynamics, unresolved anger, identity shifts, and the invisible pain people carry long after the world assumes they’re “fine.”


Each episode features powerful, unfiltered stories from guests who have lived through loss and rebuilt their lives in deeply personal ways. Through conversations centered on resilience, vulnerability, courage, and connection, the podcast helps listeners understand that grief isn’t something to hide — it’s something that deserves space, honesty, and community.


Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, whether it’s tied to death or to a different kind of ending, this show will help you feel seen, supported, and less alone. If you’re looking for meaningful discussions about healing, emotional wellbeing, and the human experience — you’re in the right place.


New episodes every Tuesday.
Listen on all major podcast platforms or at griefisnotadirtyword.com.


Grief Is Not A Dirty Word — because every story matters, every emotion belongs, and healing begins when we speak the truth.



© 2026 Grief Is Not A Dirty Word Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Childhood Grief, Bereavement Support, and Healing at Camp Good Mourning with Paul Rubin

    Childhood Grief, Bereavement Support, and Healing at Camp Good Mourning with Paul Rubin
    Feb 18 2026

    CAMP GOOD MOURNING INFORMATION:

    WEBSITE: https://www.campgoodmourning.org

    E-MAIL: info@campgoodmourning.org

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

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/campgoodmourning

    DONATIONS / SUPPORT: https://www.campgoodmourning.org/donate


    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
    Parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone supporting grieving children navigating loss, death, and bereavement.

    WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
    A deeper understanding of how children experience grief, how to talk honestly about death, and how community-based support helps kids heal.

    DESCRIPTION:

    In this episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, host Nick Gaylord welcomes back Paul Rubin, founder and director of Camp Good Mourning, a Long Island–based children’s bereavement camp supporting kids ages 7–17 after the death of a parent, sibling, or loved one. Paul shares how children experience grief differently than adults and why movement, play, and honest language are essential to healing. Nick and Paul explore why avoiding conversations about death often causes more harm than good, especially for grieving children. They discuss the importance of memory, storytelling, and keeping loved ones’ names alive long after they die. The conversation also highlights how parents and caregivers can better support grieving children while caring for their own grief. This episode offers powerful insight into childhood grief, bereavement education, and why community changes everything.

    THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:

    • How do children experience grief differently than adults?
    • What is the right way to talk to children about death and loss?
    • Why does avoiding grief conversations harm grieving kids?
    • How does Camp Good Mourning help children heal through community?
    • What can parents and educators do to better support grieving children?

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Children grieve in waves and need outlets for emotional energy
    • Honest language about death helps children feel safer and less confused
    • Talking about loved ones keeps connection alive and supports healing
    • Grief support works best when children are not isolated
    • Caregivers must care for themselves to fully support grieving children


    GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS!

    FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

    BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com

    FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod
    Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • How Listening to Your Own Story Can Heal Trauma, Grief, and Shame with Susie Delo

    How Listening to Your Own Story Can Heal Trauma, Grief, and Shame with Susie Delo
    Feb 10 2026

    LINKS:

    Go to Susie's website HERE!

    Contact Susie HERE!

    Want to listen to Lauren Heaton's interview? Click HERE!

    Want to listen to Elissa Swihart's interview? Click HERE for part 1 and HERE for part 2!

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS
    Anyone carrying unresolved grief, long-term trauma, shame, or emotional self-judgment who struggles to offer themselves compassion.

    WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET
    A powerful, practical look at how grief healing deepens through self-forgiveness, reflection, and hearing your own story without judgment.

    DESCRIPTION:
    In this follow-up conversation, Nick Gaylord reconnects with Susie Delo after she listened back to her original Grief Is Not A Dirty Word interview for the first time. What she experienced surprised her: pride, compassion, and deep self-forgiveness for the woman telling the story — herself. Together, Nick and Susie explore how listening to your own voice can transform trauma, soften shame, and unlock grief healing at any stage of life. This episode dives into emotional self-compassion, forgiveness, and the power of reflection without blame. Susie shares why recording and listening to your own story can be a pivotal healing practice. The conversation also highlights community, safe connection, and why grief work must include caring for yourself first. This episode stands alone but builds powerfully on Susie’s original interview.

    This episode answers:

    • How can listening to your own story help heal trauma and grief?
    • Why is self-forgiveness so hard after trauma and loss?
    • Can hearing your own voice change how you see your past?
    • How do you stop judging yourself for what you survived?
    • What role does reflection play in long-term grief healing?

    Key Takeaways:

    • Self-forgiveness is essential for meaningful grief healing
    • Listening to your own recorded story can unlock deep emotional clarity
    • Trauma survivors are often harsher on themselves than anyone else
    • Healing accelerates when shame is replaced with compassion
    • You cannot support others fully without caring for yourself first


    GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS!

    FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

    BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com

    FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod
    Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • How Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence Shape Grief with Susie Delo

    How Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence Shape Grief with Susie Delo
    Feb 3 2026

    CHECK OUT SUSIE'S WEBSITE!!

    Go to Susie's website by clicking HERE!

    Contact Susie by clicking HERE!

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS
    People navigating childhood trauma, domestic violence, complex grief, and long-term emotional healing after abuse and loss.

    WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET
    A deeply honest conversation about grief, trauma, resilience, and how healing begins when someone finally feels that they matter.

    DESCRIPTION:

    This episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word features trauma-informed peer coach and You Matter founder Susie Delo, who shares her powerful story of surviving childhood abuse, domestic violence, and profound grief. In conversation with host Nick Gaylord, Susie explores how unresolved childhood trauma and silenced grief shaped her relationships, identity, and sense of self-worth. She reflects on losing her brother as a child, growing up in poverty and addiction, and enduring emotional and physical abuse that followed her into adulthood. Susie also opens up about the death of her abusive husband and the complicated grief that followed, including blame, shame, and isolation. Through therapy, faith, and advocacy, she transformed trauma into purpose by creating You Matter to help others heal. This episode centers resilience, post-traumatic growth, and the life-changing impact of finally being seen and believed.

    This episode answers:

    • How does childhood trauma affect grief and adult relationships?
    • What happens when grief is silenced or ignored for decades?
    • How do survivors heal after domestic violence and emotional abuse?
    • What is complicated grief after losing an abusive partner?
    • How can trauma be transformed into healing and purpose?

    Key Takeaways:

    • Unresolved childhood trauma deeply shapes grief responses later in life
    • Silence around grief can create lifelong emotional damage
    • Survivors of domestic violence often carry shame that isn’t theirs
    • Healing begins when people feel believed, supported, and valued
    • Purpose and advocacy can grow from even the most painful experiences


    GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS!

    FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

    BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com

    FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod
    Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
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