WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
People navigating suicide loss, childhood grief, traumatic loss, complicated grief, mental health struggles, depression, anxiety and anyone trying to better understand the long-term impact of losing a parent or loved one to suicide.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
An honest conversation about grief, suicide stigma, mental health awareness, childhood trauma, healing after loss and how vulnerability and open conversations can help people feel less isolated in their grief journey.

DESCRIPTION:

In this deeply emotional episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, host Nick Gaylord sits down with author, mental health advocate and suicide loss survivor Lisa Sugarman for a powerful conversation about grief, trauma and the lifelong impact of losing a parent to suicide. Lisa shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father at just 10 years old, believing for 35 years that he died of a heart attack before learning the truth about his suicide later in life. Together, Nick and Lisa explore childhood grief, mental health stigma, suicide loss, survivor guilt, depression and the silence that so often surrounds traumatic loss. Lisa opens up about how that revelation reshaped her understanding of grief, mental illness and her father himself. The conversation also highlights the importance of vulnerability, emotional honesty and creating safe spaces for people to talk openly about grief and mental health. Lisa discusses her work with The Trevor Project
, her platform The Help Hub
and her podcast The Survivors Podcast
, all focused on supporting people through trauma, crisis and loss. This episode is a raw and compassionate reminder that grief does not disappear when ignored and that nobody should have to suffer in silence.

This episode answers:

• How does losing a parent to suicide affect a child later in life?
• What happens when you discover the truth about a loved one’s suicide decades later?
• How can people better support someone grieving a suicide loss?
• Why is suicide still so stigmatized in grief conversations?
• What are the long-term mental health effects of unresolved grief and trauma?

Key Takeaways:

• Silence and avoidance can deepen grief and emotional isolation.
• Suicide loss survivors often carry complex layers of grief, anger, guilt and confusion.
• Honest conversations about mental health and grief create safer spaces for healing.
• Vulnerability helps normalize difficult conversations around suicide and depression.
• Grief cannot simply be ignored or “gotten over” without emotional consequences.
  
  Go to Lisa's EPISODE page on www.griefisnotadirtyword.com for all of her links.

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone navigating grief tied to identity loss, fractured relationships, or societal division.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
A powerful perspective on grief, uncertainty, and emotional conflict beyond death.

DESCRIPTION:

This episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word explores a different kind of grief—one rooted in division, identity loss, and uncertainty. Nick Gaylord sits down with Mark Davis to unpack how grief shows up when trust erodes, relationships fracture, and the world feels unstable. Together, they examine the emotional toll of speaking up, the personal cost of conflict, and the grief that comes from losing a sense of safety and belonging. Mark shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing to stepping into a public role, revealing how loss shaped his perspective long before politics entered the picture. This conversation goes beyond headlines, focusing instead on human experience, emotional resilience, and the unseen grief many people carry today. It’s a raw look at what happens when personal values collide with the world around you. If you’ve felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of where you stand, this episode will resonate deeply.

This episode answers:

• Why does political division feel like grief and emotional loss?
• How do you handle losing relationships over beliefs or values?
• What are people grieving right now beyond death and loss?
• How do you speak up when it costs you personally and emotionally?
• Can a divided society heal from identity loss and fractured trust?

Key Takeaways:

• Grief isn’t limited to death—it includes loss of identity, trust, and stability
• Division creates emotional distance that mirrors personal grief
• Speaking up often comes with real personal and relational consequences
• Financial stress and uncertainty are major sources of modern grief
• Healing begins with recognizing shared humanity beneath disagreement

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Grieving parents, anyone navigating child loss, and those supporting someone through deep grief and trauma.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Honest insight into grief processing, how to show up for someone in loss, and how to break the silence around death and healing.

DESCRIPTION:

In this powerful episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Kelly Edmondson to explore the unimaginable grief of losing her son, Darius, to sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Kelly shares the raw reality of child loss, the shock of sudden death, and the emotional aftermath that reshapes identity and life itself. Together, they unpack why silence around grief is more damaging than grief itself and how honest conversation creates space for healing. Kelly opens up about the importance of speaking directly about death, the role of support systems, and what grieving people truly need. The conversation also dives into societal discomfort around loss, the failure of traditional bereavement norms, and the long-term impact of unprocessed grief. Nick guides the discussion with empathy and clarity, reinforcing the mission of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word. This episode is both a tribute to Darius and a roadmap for navigating grief with honesty, connection, and courage.

This episode answers:

• How do you cope with the sudden loss of a child?
• What should you say to someone who is grieving a major loss?
• Why is silence harmful in the grieving process?
• How can you support someone dealing with child loss and trauma?
• What does healthy grief processing actually look like over time?

Key Takeaways:

• Grief is not the problem—silence is what isolates and damages healing.
• Saying the words “dead” and “died” helps process reality, not avoid it.
• Support matters more than perfection—showing up is everything.
• Unprocessed grief can manifest as physical, emotional, and mental health issues.
• There is no timeline for grief, and traditional expectations often fail grieving people.

Website / Business

• https://thetimelypresence.com
• https://www.thememorybox.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-edmondson
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/the.kellyedmondson
Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/thetimelypresence
Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/TimelyPresence

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone navigating sudden loss, widow grief, or traumatic death without closure

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Real insight into grief processing, trauma recovery, and rebuilding life after loss

DESCRIPTION:
Nick Gaylord sits down with Lynn Stone for a deeply personal conversation about sudden loss, widow grief, and life after unexpected death. Lynn shares the moment everything changed when her husband Brian passed away overnight, and the shock, trauma, and grief that followed. Together, they unpack the realities of grief fog, parenting through loss, and the emotional aftermath that doesn’t end after the funeral. The conversation explores how people respond to grief, what helps, what hurts, and why most of us get it wrong. Lynn also opens up about PTSD, dating after loss, and the unexpected challenges that come with rebuilding life. Nick and Lynn challenge common grief clichés and offer real, practical ways to support someone in mourning. The episode closes with Lynn’s mission to help others prepare for death through planning, conversation, and awareness.

This episode answers:

• What happens emotionally after sudden, unexpected loss of a spouse?
• How do you cope with widow grief and trauma after sudden death?
• What should you say or not say to someone who is grieving?
• How do you help children process grief after losing a parent?
• Why is death planning important and how do you start?

Key Takeaways:

• Sudden loss creates trauma that extends far beyond the moment of death
• Grief doesn’t end after the funeral, it evolves over time
• Most people unintentionally say the wrong things to those grieving
• Consistent support after the first few weeks matters most
• Planning for death reduces chaos and emotional burden for loved ones

CONTACT LYNN:

Website: www.authorlynnbstone.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlynnbstone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlynnbstone/

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

BOOK:

‘Til Death Do Us Part: A Practical Guide to Preparing for the Inevitable: https://a.co/d/9dSBzjR

PRODUCTS:

Single Point of Failure Vulnerability Risk Assessment (FREE): https://forms.gle/z7KLWkugrKK4hJPb9

Resistant Conversation Toolkit: www.authorlynnbstone.com/store

PODCAST:

The Flip Side of Death

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone navigating grief, addiction recovery, trauma, or struggling with identity and self-worth.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
A powerful, honest look at grief, sobriety, healing, and what it takes to rebuild your life.

DESCRIPTION:
In this deeply personal episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Faith C to explore the intersection of grief, addiction, trauma, and recovery. Faith shares her journey through alcoholism, emotional sobriety, and the long process of rebuilding identity and self-worth. Together, they unpack the hidden grief behind addiction, including loss of self, connection, and trust. Faith opens up about childhood emotional abuse, food addiction, and the pressure of perfectionism. This conversation goes beyond sobriety and into the ongoing work of healing and self-acceptance. Nick guides the discussion with depth and clarity, creating space for real, human moments. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not about perfection, but about staying present and continuing the work. If you are navigating grief, trauma, or addiction, this conversation will meet you where you are.

This episode answers:

• What does grief look like in addiction recovery?
• Can you heal trauma and addiction at the same time?
• Why do people in recovery still struggle with identity and self-worth?
• How does childhood trauma impact addiction and grief later in life?
• What actually changes after getting sober and what doesn’t?

Key Takeaways:

• Sobriety removes the substance, but healing the underlying grief takes ongoing work
• Addiction is often rooted in a deep need for connection and validation
• Emotional sobriety is just as important as physical sobriety
• Trauma and grief can resurface in recovery and require intentional healing
• Self-worth grows through honesty, connection, and consistent inner work

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:

Anyone navigating grief, trauma, ambiguous loss, missing persons cases, complicated family relationships, or the long and uneven process of healing after loss.

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:

Anyone navigating grief, trauma, ambiguous loss, missing persons cases, complicated family relationships, or the long and uneven process of healing after loss.

DESCRIPTION:

In this special episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, Nick Gaylord joins Michael and Alyssa McFarland of Tragedy - A True Crime Podcast for a deeply personal conversation about grief, trauma, healing, and the realities of loss. Nick shares the story behind starting his podcast after the death of his father, the anger and unresolved grief that followed, and how therapy helped him process it all. He also explains why he rebranded from Our Dead Dads to Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, expanding the conversation beyond death into all forms of grief and loss.

The discussion goes deeper into missing persons cases and ambiguous loss, including the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie, highlighting the emotional toll on families living without answers. Together, they explore how grief shows up differently for everyone, why some people withdraw instead of speaking publicly, and how to support those navigating trauma and uncertainty.

Nick also shares insights from his work with Gabby Petito’s parents and the Gabby Petito Foundation, reinforcing the importance of awareness, compassion, and continuing to speak the names of those who are missing or gone. This episode is about grief support, mental health, and creating space for honest, meaningful conversations.

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief, loss, emotional healing, or feeling alone in their grief journey

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Honest reflections on grief, healing, connection, and what it means to live with loss over time

DESCRIPTION:

In this milestone episode, Nick Gaylord steps away from the traditional interview format to reflect on the grief conversations, emotional healing, and human connection that have shaped Grief Is Not A Dirty Word. After 75 episodes, Nick shares what he has learned about grief, loss, and the many forms it takes beyond death, including identity shifts, relationship loss, and the “long goodbye.” He speaks directly to listeners about the power of being seen, heard, and understood in grief, and how sharing stories creates connection and healing. Nick also reflects on the evolution from Our Dead Dads to a broader grief-focused mission, emphasizing that grief is universal and deeply human. He highlights the impact of listeners, guests, and real-life connections that have grown from the podcast. This episode reinforces that grief does not follow rules, timelines, or expectations, and that people need space, not solutions. It is both a thank you and a call to continue the conversation around grief, healing, and emotional truth.

This episode answers:

• What does grief really look like beyond death and loss?
• How do you cope with grief that doesn’t follow a timeline?
• Why do people feel alone in grief, and how can that change?
• What happens when you allow yourself to talk openly about grief?
• How can sharing grief stories help with healing and connection?

Key Takeaways:

• Grief exists in many forms beyond death, including identity, relationships, and life changes
• Healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and understood
• There is no timeline or “right way” to process grief
• Connection and conversation are powerful tools in navigating loss
• Sharing your story can create impact far beyond what you expect

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone navigating grief, regret after loss, or the fear of losing family memories. Listeners who want to strengthen family connection and preserve the stories of parents, grandparents, and loved ones before they are gone.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
A powerful conversation about grief, legacy, and the healing power of intentional storytelling. Author Jeffrey Mason explains how capturing family stories can reduce regret, deepen relationships, and help families process grief long before loss arrives.

DESCRIPTION:

Nick Gaylord sits down with bestselling author Jeffrey Mason, creator of the Hear Your Story guided journals, to explore how storytelling can transform grief, family connection, and legacy. Jeffrey shares how his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s inspired him to start writing questions that eventually became a global series of journals helping families preserve memories before they disappear. Together, Nick and Jeffrey talk about grief, regret, forgiveness, and the painful realization that many people wait too long to ask the important questions. They also explore the emotional difference between telling stories and sharing them, and why that distinction matters when we’re trying to understand the people we love. The conversation moves through generational trauma, personal healing, and the importance of perspective when reflecting on parents and family history. Nick shares his own grief journey after losing his father and how reframing the past changed the way he understood his relationship with him. This episode is ultimately about preserving life stories before they are lost and creating deeper human connection in a world that often feels disconnected. It’s a powerful reminder that the most meaningful legacy we leave behind may simply be our stories.

THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:

• How can storytelling help with grief and healing after losing a parent?
• Why do people feel regret after a loved one dies and how can we prevent it?
• What questions should we ask our parents before it’s too late?
• How can sharing family stories strengthen relationships and emotional connection?
• Why does preserving memories matter for future generations?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Grief often becomes heavier when regret is mixed with loss.
• Capturing family stories helps reduce future regret and strengthens connection now.
• Understanding the full life story of a parent can transform how we process grief.
• Intentional storytelling creates meaningful legacy for future generations.
• Connection grows when people move beyond surface conversations and share real life experiences.

JEFFREY MASON — LINKS & CONTACT INFO

WEBSITE:
• Hear Your Story Books: https://hearyourstorybooks.com

SOCIAL MEDIA
• Instagram:

Support the show

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

FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!

BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com

FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtyword
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/