Celebrating 100 Episodes: Pet Loss, Grief and Finding the Courage to Begin Again with Alexis Doss - Episode 100

CONTENT NOTE: This conversation includes bullying, an abusive relationship, an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts. WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating pet loss, anticipatory grief or non-death grief after divorce, career changes or the loss of a familiar identity, especially people who worry that sharing their pain makes them a burden. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: An honest conversation about grief support, coping with pet loss and beginning again, with Alexis’s perspective on self-compassion, changing daily routines and finding support that fits where someone is emotionally. DESCRIPTION: Grief Is Not A Dirty Word reaches its 100th episode as host Nick Gaylord welcomes Alexis Doss, known online as The Tough Love Coach, for a conversation about pet loss, non-death grief and the courage to begin again. The milestone opens with Nick’s gratitude to the listeners, guests and his wife Kim, whose support has helped him reach this moment. Alexis shares what losing her English bulldog Ned has meant after years of working from home with him beside her through moves, divorce and career changes. Together, Nick and Alexis explore anticipatory grief, the disruption of everyday routines and why grieving people can worry about burdening those they love. Her story also includes childhood bullying, an abusive relationship and homelessness, experiences she reflects on while discussing self-compassion and taking steps toward change. Alexis explains how she approaches coaching and why some struggles need the support of a licensed mental health professional. As she pursues electronic music and DJing, she describes making space for excitement about the future while still feeling the loss of Ned. Episode 100 celebrates the community around the podcast through a conversation that gives listeners room to miss what they love and consider what comes next. This episode answers: Why does losing my dog hurt so much? How do I cope with grief before my pet dies? Why do I feel like a burden when I talk about my grief? Can I grieve a divorce or a life I chose to leave? How do I start over when I don’t know who I am anymore? Key Takeaways: Pet loss can change the structure of an entire day, especially when a companion was present through work, rest and major life transitions. Anticipatory grief deserves support before a loss happens; Alexis shares how having emotional support and tools already in place helped her. Grieving a relationship, an identity or an imagined future deserves acknowledgment, even when leaving was the right decision. Alexis’s version of tough love includes self-compassion and recognizing when someone needs licensed mental health care rather than coaching. Missing a loved companion and feeling excited about a new direction can coexist; beginning again does not require being finished with grief. ALEXIS'S 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/