Episode 187 - Sally McQuillen - Loving and Losing a Wild Child, Addiction, Rehab and Dangerous Choices

Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction, grief, and trauma recovery.

She provides ongoing support for addiction recovery, as well as support for those recovering from the impact of a loved one’s addiction. She sees adults seeking relief from mood symptoms, helps them navigate their personal and professional relationships and lead more fulfilling lives. She works with clients to find peace and healing from trauma and loss. Her goal is to bring light into the lives of her clients intuitively pulling from different therapeutic models and resources to support their specific needs.

Book: Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child

A luminous story of how love triumphs over pain, love transcends fear, and love never dies; this debut memoir from a mother grieving her young-adult son’s death is a must-read for any parent who has lost a child, is raising a child from the edge of their seat, or whose family struggles with addiction.

When Sally’s twenty-one-year-old son died in a boat accident, her greatest fear is realized. Christopher was often drawn to risk and struggled with addiction. In this riveting memoir, Sally captures the wild ride of his jam-packed life and her deep love for him while reflecting on her own childhood and family’s legacy of alcoholism.

Sally shares insights about what it’s like to experience the emotional aftershocks of acute grief, filtered through the lens of her personal experience as a mother and her professional vantage point as a psychotherapist. Even if they have not been touched by loss in this way, readers may see themselves in Sally’s bittersweet illusion of trying to keep her son safe, in how she is challenged to let go of her fear, guilt, and regret in order to forgive herself, and in the ways grief teaches her about the power of love.

https://www.sallymcquillen.com/

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 185 - Kindness, Strength, and Presence - What Father’s Day Means in 2025

Father’s Day 2025 marks a special milestone-the third anniversary of the Dad Space Podcast. As dads everywhere celebrate this year, it’s a perfect moment to share uplifting sentiments that honor the journey of fatherhood. Fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with love, patience, and presence every day. Whether you’re reading bedtime stories, offering guidance, or simply being a steady presence, your consistent care shapes your children’s world in profound ways.

This Father’s Day, take pride in the quiet strength you bring to your family. Your kindness, wisdom, and willingness to grow make you a role model-not just for your kids, but for the community around you. Remember, the small moments-the smiles, the hugs, the everyday acts of support-are the foundation of a loving legacy that lasts a lifetime.

To all dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and father figures: thank you for your dedication, your sacrifices, and the joy you bring into your families’ lives. You are appreciated more than words can say. Celebrate this day knowing you are exactly the father your children need, perfectly imperfect and deeply loved.

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Episode 184 - Theo Von - I Wish Someone Told Me to Have More Pride in My Family When I Was Younger

A recent of Theo Von's podcast made me think about the relationship between Dad's and Kids and Kids with their Dad's - check out the full clip here:

https://youtu.be/p-pqzPeAwvs

In a deeply personal reflection, comedian and podcaster Theo Von opens up about his relationship with his father, revealing the complex emotions and regrets he’s been working through as a son. The conversation is raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful—a journey from shame and judgment to understanding and healing.

Main Themes and Points:

Relating Through Shared Experience:

• Theo finds comfort in knowing others can relate to his story about having an older father. This shared experience creates a sense of connection and helps him feel less alone in his struggles.

Regret and Missed Opportunities:

• Looking back, Theo realizes he could have been a better son if he hadn’t judged his father so harshly. He acknowledges that circumstances weren’t ideal, but he now sees how his own judgments and lack of pride in his family shaped their relationship.

Shame and Self-Protection:

• As a child, Theo was embarrassed by his father and even joined others in making fun of his family situation. He reflects that this shame may have been a way to protect himself from the pain of getting close, knowing his father’s old age meant their time together was limited.

The Power of Self-Examination:

• Through writing about his resentments and anger, Theo uncovers deeper feelings—realizing he was angry at his father because he never truly knew him. This process of self-examination brings clarity and allows him to see his own role in the relationship.

Judgment as a Barrier:

• Theo recognizes that his judgment of his father, and of others, has kept him at a distance from real connection. He describes how judgment can become a habit that isolates us, tricking us into thinking we’re protecting ourselves when we’re actually missing out on love and closeness.

Taking Ownership and Finding Healing:

• Rather than blaming his father or circumstances, Theo chooses to take ownership of his part in the relationship. This shift gives him control, allowing him to forgive, apologize (even if only at his father’s grave), and rebuild memories with more compassion and less anger.

The Transformative Power of Reflection:

• As Theo works through his feelings, he notices that his memories of his father soften. The sharp edges of resentment give way to a gentler, more loving perspective. He emphasizes that healing comes from looking inward, understanding our own emotions, and being willing to let go of judgment.

Theo Von’s candid exploration of his relationship with his father is a reminder that regret and shame are universal, but so is the possibility of healing. By facing our judgments, taking responsibility for our actions, and choosing compassion over resentment, we can transform even the most difficult relationships—finding connection, understanding, and ultimately, love.

https://www.theovon.com/podcast

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https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270