On this episode of What Makes a Cow Guy Cry, host Jim Dedelow sits down with Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady and special guest Dave Skibinski for an honest, emotional conversation about grief, tragedy, mental health, and finding purpose after losing someone you love.

Dave shares the story of his late wife, Annie Johnston, who lived with bipolar disorder and died by suicide 19 years ago. He reflects on their marriage, the challenges of navigating mental illness, and the lasting impact Annie had on his life. He also discusses how faith, grief counseling, supportive friendships, and meaningful work helped him navigate life after loss.

Scott opens up about the death of his daughter, who died at 17 following years of struggles connected to bullying. He discusses the guilt, heartbreak, and difficult emotions that can follow the loss of a child, including the challenge of watching other families reach milestones his daughter never had the opportunity to experience.

Together, Dave and Scott share their personal approaches to grief and offer thoughtful advice for anyone struggling with a recent loss or carrying grief years later.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Living with the loss of a spouse or child

• Bipolar disorder, mental health awareness, and suicide

• The lasting emotional impact of bullying

• Survivor's guilt, unanswered questions, and the "what ifs" of grief

• Why everyone experiences grief differently

• The importance of counseling, support networks, and meaningful friendships

• How faith, family, and purpose can help people navigate difficult times

• Finding ways to honor loved ones while continuing to live your life

• Why it is important to be gentle with yourself and others

Dave offers a powerful reminder: Be gentle with yourself and those around you. There is no universal timeline for grief, and no one else can tell you exactly how to navigate your experience. Both guests emphasize that finding support and discovering a personal purpose can help you move forward without forgetting the people you have lost.

The conversation also touches on Dave's work with FiberX, which transforms agricultural waste into innovative, bio-based materials, and Scott's work hosting a daily financial program on RFD-TV.

About What Makes a Cow Guy Cry

Hosted by Jim Dedelow and featuring Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady, this podcast explores the human experiences behind the headlines and professional lives—including grief, trauma, loss, resilience, and the ways people find meaning after life's hardest moments.

📻 Listen on WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM.
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