What Makes the Cow Guy Cry: A Journey of Resilience, Recovery, Trauma, and Lifestyle Stories/Personal Journals

Hammond councilman Dave Woerpel talks about the death of his son, Jimmy, from a heroin overdose after fighting addiction for more than 20 years. Woerpel and Cow Guy share tales of despair and disbelief and note that they're both members of the number one club in America that you don't want to be a part of.

What keeps someone going after losing a child? Host Jim Dedelow and The Cow Guy discuss the emotional aftermath of child loss, choosing happiness through pain, battling cancer, compartmentalizing grief, and the moments that helped him survive the darkest days of his life. From the Chicago Board of Trade to teaching college students at DePaul University, this episode explores how purpose, family, faith, and helping others can become lifelines during trauma. The Cow Guy also shares why speaking openly about grief may now be part of his mission — helping parents and families who feel alone in their suffering. If you've experienced loss, depression, trauma, or are searching for hope after heartbreak, this emotional conversation will resonate deeply. 🎙️ Listen to What Makes the Cow Guy Cry on WJOB Radio and wherever you get your podcasts. #WhatMakesTheCowGuyCry #GriefPodcast #MentalHealth #ChildLoss #HealingAfterLoss #FaithAndHealing #TraumaRecovery #Parenting #PodcastRecommendation #WJOB #NorthwestIndiana #DePaulUniversity #ChicagoBoardOfTrade #EmotionalPodcast #Resilience

What happens after unimaginable loss? How do you keep living when grief never truly leaves? Episode 17 of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry. Scott opens up about losing his daughter Chloe, the devastating days that followed, returning to work just days later, losing his father in the same week, and learning how to carry grief without letting it define him. Host Jim Dedelow and The Cow Guy discuss mental health, masculinity, faith, trauma, parenting, resilience, and why so many grieving parents silently carry pain that never goes away. This powerful conversation is resonating with listeners who have experienced child loss, addiction, family tragedy, and personal hardship. From the Chicago Board of Trade to Nashville, this episode explores perseverance, faith after tragedy, and what it means to face your emotions instead of running from them. 🎙️ Listen to What Makes the Cow Guy Cry on WJOB Radio and wherever you get your podcasts. #WhatMakesTheCowGuyCry #GriefPodcast #ChildLoss #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #FaithAndGrief #Parenting #PodcastRecommendation #WJOB #NorthwestIndiana #ChicagoBoardOfTrade #TraumaRecovery #Resilience #PodcastLife #EmotionalPodcast

Some pain never leaves — you just learn how to carry it. On this emotional episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, The Cow Guy opens up about the unimaginable grief of losing his daughter Chloe, living with prostate cancer, survivor's guilt, parenting regrets, and the lifelong journey of persevering through tragedy. Host Jim Dedelow and The Cow Guy discuss child loss, addiction, bullying, mental health, healing, and why keeping loved ones' memories alive matters. This deeply personal conversation is resonating with parents, families, and anyone carrying invisible grief. If you've ever struggled with loss, heartbreak, or finding a reason to keep moving forward, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. 🎙️ Listen to What Makes the Cow Guy Cry on WJOB 1230 AM / 104.7 FM and streaming online. #WhatMakesTheCowGuyCry #Podcast #GriefJourney #ChildLossAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingAfterLoss #Parenting #AddictionAwareness #BullyingAwareness #Perseverance #WJOB #NorthwestIndiana #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastRecommendation #EmotionalPodcast

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, hosts Jim Dedelow and Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady reflect on resilience, grief, mental strength, and the realities of overcoming life's hardest moments. Following last week's emotional conversation with Robert T. Grand, the Cow Guy opens up like never before—sharing raw insights on loss, including the heartbreaking death of his daughter, his current battle with cancer, and how those experiences have reshaped his perspective on life, fear, and purpose. This episode dives into the mindset required to push forward through tragedy, exploring the idea that life is meant to be hard—and that true strength comes from how we respond. From powerful sports moments and personal memories to lessons on discipline, masculinity, and emotional vulnerability, this conversation blends inspiration with real-world grit. Listeners will gain insight into: How to overcome grief, trauma, and personal loss The importance of resilience, mental toughness, and mindset Why choosing happiness is a daily decision The role of discipline, parenting, and personal responsibility Finding purpose after tragedy and living with authenticity With candid storytelling and unfiltered honesty, this episode resonates especially with those navigating loss, adversity, or searching for motivation to keep going. 🎧 Whether you're facing your own challenges or looking for inspiration, this episode is a reminder that strength isn't about avoiding pain—it's about facing it head-on. Listen to What Makes the Cow Guy Cry on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or at WJOB 1230 AM.

In this powerful episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, host Jim Dedelow and the Cow Guy sit down with Northwest Indiana leader and former managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg, Robert T. Grand, for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, mentorship, and overcoming life's toughest challenges. From a traumatic childhood accident that changed his family forever to rising through the ranks of one of America's top law firms, Bob Grand shares his inspiring journey of perseverance, faith, and personal growth. Hear how influential mentors like Coach John Friend helped shape his path, and why having "the right people in your corner" can make all the difference. The conversation dives deep into themes of adversity, mindset, and success—exploring how early life struggles can either break you or build you. Bob also reflects on his experiences in politics, including working alongside former Vice President Mike Pence and navigating pivotal moments in American history like January 6th. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in: Overcoming adversity and trauma Leadership and mentorship lessons Personal development and mental toughness Real-life success stories from Northwest Indiana Law, politics, and behind-the-scenes insights If you're looking for motivation, life lessons, and authentic storytelling, this episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry delivers a compelling reminder that success isn't self-made—it's built through resilience, community, and the people who believe in you. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this powerful and emotional episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, host Jim Dedelow sits down with the Cow Guy for one of their most raw and thought-provoking conversations yet. From personal tragedy to purpose, this episode dives deep into grief, resilience, and finding meaning after loss. The Cow Guy opens up about his journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a commodities trader and now a national voice supporting American farmers through financial hardship and mental health struggles. With firsthand insight into the pressures facing rural America, he explains why farmers are among the most underserved and misunderstood communities—and why their struggles matter to everyone. This episode explores the emotional toll of farming, including financial instability, generational pressure, and rising suicide rates. The Cow Guy shares how his own life experiences—including devastating personal loss—have shaped his mission to help others navigate their darkest moments. Listeners will hear powerful lessons on overcoming adversity, choosing happiness, and redefining identity beyond career or circumstance. Whether you're dealing with grief, career struggles, or searching for purpose, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and real-world wisdom. If you've ever wondered how to keep going when life gets hard—or what truly defines who you are—this episode will stay with you long after it ends.   grief and resilience podcast, farmer mental health, rural America struggles, overcoming tragedy, personal growth podcast, identity beyond career, farming crisis USA, motivational podcast, dealing with loss, mental health awareness, financial stress farmers

What Makes the Cow Guy Cry is a deeply emotional and powerful conversation about bullying, parenting, grief, and the lifelong impact of loss. In this episode, host Jim Dedelow speaks with "The Cow Guy" as he shares the heartbreaking story of his daughter Chloe and how years of relentless bullying, isolation, and damaged self-esteem led to a tragic outcome. The episode explores how bullying can slowly destroy a young person's confidence and mental health, even when parents are doing everything they can to help. From moving cities and seeking therapy to changing schools and investing every available resource, this father recounts the six-year battle to save his daughter—and the guilt and grief he continues to carry after her death. Listeners will hear a raw and honest discussion about the warning signs of bullying, the pressure teenagers face socially, and the devastating ripple effects on families. The Cow Guy also offers powerful advice to parents: act early, take bullying seriously, and never be afraid to overreact when your child's well-being is at stake. This episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about youth mental health, teen bullying, and how trauma shapes our lives long after tragedy strikes. It's a story of love, regret, resilience, and the difficult journey of learning how to live with unimaginable loss. bullying awareness, teen bullying story, parenting and bullying, mental health awareness, bullying prevention, grief and trauma, parent loss story, youth mental health, bullying consequences, emotional podcast, real life tragedy, overcoming grief, parenting advice, bullying in schools.

What happens when a seasoned trader known as The Cow Guy opens up about the deepest loss of his life? On What Makes The Cow Guy Cry, host Jim Dedelow sits down with market veteran Scott Shellady for one of the most raw and personal conversations you'll hear in podcasting. This isn't about politics. It's not about the trading pits. It's about trauma, healing, and what it really takes to move forward after unimaginable loss. Scott shares the story of losing his 17-year-old daughter, Chloe — how he compartmentalized the pain, how he learned to live again, and the deliberate (and sometimes surprising) method he discovered for surviving grief. From dreams that bring peace… to the complicated role of social media… to the quiet ways he keeps her memory alive every single day — this episode dives deep into the stages of trauma, reconnection, and rebuilding a life that will never look the same. You'll hear powerful reflections on: • The stages of healing after trauma • Living with loss without being consumed by it • Guilt, grace, and moving forward • Keeping loved ones present after they're gone • Finding purpose after devastation Whether you're driving to work, taking a long road trip, or just searching for something meaningful to listen to — this is a podcast designed for real life. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch full episodes on the WJOB 1230 AM YouTube channel. If you've experienced loss, trauma, or are searching for a way forward, this conversation may be exactly what you need.

In this deeply emotional episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, host Jim Dedelow sits down with Scott Shellady for one of the most raw conversations yet — about anger, guilt, grief, and the lifelong pain of losing a child. Scott opens up about the death of his 17-year-old daughter in the John Hancock Center in Chicago after a heroin overdose — a tragedy he often describes as being "bullied to death." What began as severe middle school bullying spiraled into isolation, toxic friendships, drug experimentation, and ultimately a fatal accident. This episode explores: The anger parents feel after losing a child Feeling guilty for moments of relief after tragedy The emotional stages of grief (shock, anger, depression, acceptance) Heroin overdose awareness and teen drug use The long-term psychological impact of bullying Parental trauma and complicated grief Choosing happiness after devastating loss Mental health for fathers and men Faith, forgiveness, and resilience Living with a "hole in your heart." Surviving cancer while carrying grief Scott speaks candidly about: • Being angry at his daughter after her death • Feeling guilt for not having to "worry anymore" • Watching her struggle after intense bullying in junior high • The danger of vulnerable teens gravitating toward toxic peer groups • The haunting memory of seeing his daughter on a gurney • Praying not to wake up during the darkest 60 days of grief • Losing his brother to brain cancer • Fighting prostate cancer himself • Becoming an adjunct professor at DePaul University as part of his healing journey • Choosing to live with purpose instead of bitterness This is not just a story about child loss — it's about: ✔ Parental grief and trauma recovery ✔ Coping with the death of a teenager ✔ The effects of bullying on mental health ✔ Addiction and accidental overdose ✔ Grief counseling insights ✔ Post-traumatic growth ✔ Faith in the face of tragedy ✔ Learning to be less judgmental because "you never know how heavy someone's cross is" Scott shares the powerful metaphor of feeling like a wounded war veteran who lost a limb — invisible to the world, but painfully present every day. He explains how grief doesn't get better — you just get better at carrying it. For anyone struggling with: The loss of a child Suicide or overdose in the family Bullying trauma Cancer diagnosis Survivor's guilt Depression after loss Finding purpose after tragedy This conversation is honest, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. Because sometimes healing isn't about "getting over it" — it's about choosing, every day, to live anyway. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

What Makes the Cow Guy Cry – From Trading Floor to Redemption | Addiction Recovery, Sobriety & Reinventing Your Life In this powerful and deeply personal episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, host Jim Dedelow sits down with Scott Shellady (The Cow Guy) and former Chicago trader Matt Maloney for an honest conversation about life after the Chicago Board of Trade, addiction, sobriety, career collapse, faith, and rebuilding from rock bottom. When the iconic trading pits of the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange faded into history, thousands of traders were forced into an identity crisis. For many, the end of the open-outcry era meant more than lost income — it meant lost purpose. Matt shares his raw story of alcoholism, drug addiction, and hitting rock bottom inside the Board of Trade building — before crying out for help and beginning a 19-year sobriety journey rooted in faith, accountability, and personal responsibility. His transformation from self-destruction to successful real estate broker and devoted father is a testament to redemption and second chances. Scott reflects on: Surviving the collapse of a financial career The mental health toll of losing professional identity Why you should never define yourself by your job Watching colleagues fall into addiction, depression, and suicide How resilience, discipline, and faith helped him endure tragedy, divorce, financial pressure, and even a cancer diagnosis This episode explores powerful themes including: ✔ Addiction recovery and sobriety ✔ Alcoholism in high-pressure careers ✔ Life after Wall Street and the futures markets ✔ Career transition after job loss ✔ Identity beyond your profession ✔ Faith, spirituality, and personal growth ✔ Overcoming self-destruction ✔ Mental health for men ✔ Reinventing yourself after 40 ✔ Redemption stories From the trading pits of Chicago to real estate in Indiana and life beyond the markets, this is a conversation about hitting bottom, rebuilding your life, and choosing who you want to become. If you've ever struggled with: Substance abuse Losing a career Financial stress Midlife reinvention Faith during hardship Finding purpose after failure This episode will resonate. Because sometimes the biggest comeback isn't financial — it's personal. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jim Dedelow sits down with The Cow Guy for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, grief, tragedy, and the deliberate choice to be happy — even after unimaginable loss. The episode begins with a hot-button discussion about the Chicago Bears stadium controversy, the future of Soldier Field, Arlington Heights, and the possibility of the Bears moving to Indiana. Jim and Cow Guy debate the economic future of Chicago real estate, population shifts, sanctuary city policies, corporate departures like Citadel, Boeing, and McDonald's, and the broader trend of Americans relocating to warmer states like Arizona and Florida. But the heart of this episode dives much deeper. Cow Guy opens up about the devastating loss of his daughter in the John Hancock Center (now 875 N. Michigan), the moment a Chicago police officer told him, "Sir, your daughter is deceased," and the unimaginable task of making seven phone calls to family members to relive the tragedy again and again. He shares the emotional aftermath, the waves of grief, losing his brother and father shortly thereafter, and how trauma permanently changes you. This episode explores: Coping with the death of a child Grief recovery and emotional resilience Mental strength and mindset after tragedy Post-traumatic growth Choosing happiness as a daily decision Overcoming anxiety and fear Life after loss Suicide awareness and family trauma Faith, mortality, and perspective How routine and work help during grief Personal development through adversity Leadership through pain Motivation for difficult times Cow Guy shares his philosophy: If you're going to be here, make it worthwhile. He explains how tragedy stripped away his fear, and why choosing happiness must be deliberate. Jim also reflects on interviewing a mother who lost two children — including an autistic son killed in a train accident — and how shared tragedy creates a quiet understanding between people who have "tasted death." This episode is raw, real, and ultimately hopeful. If you're struggling with grief, navigating trauma, rebuilding after loss, or looking for motivation during hard times, this conversation delivers powerful perspective and practical mindset shifts. 🎙 Topics include: Chicago Bears stadium debate, Chicago politics, economic migration trends, grief counseling, death of a child, resilience mindset, mental toughness, choosing happiness, overcoming tragedy, life lessons, motivation podcast, personal growth, and inspirational stories. Watch on YouTube at WJOB1230 or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

From the Chicago Board of Trade to London's LIFFE exchange, this episode dives deep into the collapse of open outcry trading, the rise of electronic trading platforms, and what happens when an entire financial industry disappears. Former pit trader, broker, and financial markets commentator Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady shares his firsthand experience transitioning from futures trading in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and London International Financial Futures Exchange (LIFFE) to a full-time career in financial media and market analysis. As electronic trading replaced floor traders in 2015, thousands in commodities trading, futures markets, options pits, and derivatives markets were forced to reinvent themselves. This episode explores: Open outcry trading vs. electronic trading systems Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) history and CME floor trading culture Career reinvention after job loss in financial services Transitioning from Wall Street trading to financial media Market volatility, futures trading, and broker life in London and Chicago Personal resilience after divorce, loss, and economic uncertainty AI replacing white-collar jobs in accounting, investment banking, finance, and software Artificial Intelligence disruption in financial markets Trade school vs. college in an AI-driven economy Career advice for traders, investors, finance professionals, and young entrepreneurs We discuss financial markets, investing, market psychology, risk management, industry disruption, and adapting to technological change. If you're interested in stock market careers, futures trading, commodities markets, financial news, business strategy, economic trends, or how AI will impact jobs in finance and beyond, this episode delivers real-world insight. Perfect for listeners of finance podcasts, investing podcasts, business leadership shows, economic commentary, and career growth content. This is a story about market evolution, economic survival, professional reinvention, and thriving after the death of an industry. Listen now for powerful insights on trading, technology disruption, financial careers, and embracing change in the modern economy.

In this episode, The Cow Guy opens up about the power of structure, regimentation, and planning, and how those habits don't box him in—but actually free him to think creatively, generate original ideas, and show up every day in media, markets, and life. From waking up before dawn to scripting live radio shows, he explains how discipline creates the mental space for insight, artistry, and sharp commentary. But this conversation goes deeper than productivity. The Cow Guy speaks candidly about grief, loss, and surviving some of the darkest moments of his life—when routine vanished and survival was the only goal. He shares how perspective, accountability, and what he calls "intestinal fortitude" helped him rebuild, return to structure, and keep moving forward. Along the way, the discussion touches on motivation, generational differences, leadership, coaching, and why heart still matters more than talent. It's an honest, unfiltered look at how old-school discipline can still work in a modern world—and why thinking time may be the most valuable asset we have. Raw, reflective, and unapologetically real.

In this expansive and deeply reflective episode, **Scott Shellady—The Cow Guy—**shares the full arc of a life shaped by discipline, loss, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to growth. From playing college football at the University of Colorado under legendary coach Bill McCartney, to living and trading in London for 16 years, Scott looks back on the pivotal moments, mentors, and mindsets that defined his journey. Scott opens up about navigating profound personal challenges—divorce, the loss of loved ones, cancer, and reinvention after the trading floor went electronic—while still describing his life as deeply blessed. He explains why "choosing to be happy" isn't denial or positivity theater, but a practical, daily discipline rooted in accountability, self-critique, and perspective. The conversation explores Scott's personal philosophy of "winning the day," his habit of coaching himself through honest self-reflection, and how athletics taught him to own mistakes, handle criticism, and keep moving forward. He also shares how an early background in art and creativity shaped his unconventional approach to financial markets, media, and personal branding—including the iconic Cow Guy jacket that became part of his identity on television. Along the way, Scott honors the teachers and coaches who changed the trajectory of his life, recounts lessons learned from failure and success, and reflects on what it means to live fully in the present at 60 years old—with gratitude, confidence, and purpose. This episode blends life lessons, resilience, leadership, creativity, athletics, finance, and personal growth, offering listeners a candid and motivating look at how experience, discipline, and self-belief can carry you through every chapter of life.

In this deeply personal and unexpectedly uplifting episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, **Scott Shellady—The Cow Guy—**reflects on the simple but powerful idea that happiness is a choice, even after life delivers its hardest blows. Through candid conversation and real-life stories, Scott opens up about losing his daughter, navigating divorce, watching his trading career disappear as markets went electronic, and rebuilding his life piece by piece. He shares how choosing happiness became a daily, intentional practice—not a platitude—and how faith, friendship, humor, and human connection helped him survive moments when simply getting through the day felt impossible. The episode also explores love found later in life, the wife who helped save him, the family he gained through marriage, and the unexpected joy of becoming a stepfather, mentor, and grandfather. Scott reflects on teaching finance at DePaul University during his darkest period, how mentoring young people helped heal his grief, and why living fully in the present matters more now than ever. Blending grief, resilience, reinvention, relationships, mental health, and life after loss, this episode offers a raw and honest look at what it means to keep going, embrace emotion, and choose joy—even when it takes effort.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, **Scott Shellady—The Cow Guy—**opens up about the life experiences that shaped who he is beyond the trading jacket. Known nationally as a markets expert and media personality, Scott reflects on loss, faith, resilience, and the conscious decision to choose happiness in the face of unimaginable hardship. Scott shares candid stories about losing his daughter and father within days of each other, living through grief, navigating cancer, and how those moments forever changed his perspective on fear, success, and purpose. Drawing from his years as a trader on the Chicago Board of Trade and in London, Scott explains how surviving life's hardest moments prepared him for high-pressure markets, public media, and reinvention beyond the trading floor. The conversation explores themes of mental health, grief, faith, identity, and reinvention, including why Scott never defined himself solely as a trader, how he transitioned into financial media and television, and what it truly means to live fully—laughing, crying, and reflecting every single day. This episode is a raw, honest look at life after loss, the importance of resilience and faith, and how embracing change can lead to purpose, fulfillment, and impact—both in markets and in life.

In this episode, Scott Shellady—widely known as The Cow Guy—shares the untold origin story that shaped his career in global financial markets. From the historic 1987 stock market crash to the volatile spring of 1988, Scott reflects on life as a fresh-out-of-college finance major from the University of Colorado Boulder, navigating a Wall Street world built on 100% commission stockbroker roles. Choosing a different path, Scott followed his instincts to Chicago, earning just $125 a week while working a second job parking cars at Harry Caray's—a humbling start that laid the foundation for resilience in the commodities and equities markets. The journey takes a dramatic turn when, at just 24 years old, Scott moves to London with no cell phone, no job, and no place to live, where a major misunderstanding unexpectedly becomes a career-defining breakthrough. This episode is a powerful look at risk-taking, perseverance, financial history, and personal growth, offering insight into what it really takes to succeed in trading, investing, and global markets—and the moments that change everything.

Welcome to the podcast featuring Scott Shellady, nationally recognized market expert and media personality better known as The Cow Guy. In this introductory episode, Scott pulls back the curtain on who he is—both professionally and personally—beyond the trading floor. Listeners are introduced to the first layer of Scott's journey, from his work as a markets specialist covering commodities and equities to the personal experiences that shaped his perspective, resilience, and voice in the financial world. This episode sets the foundation for a podcast that blends market insight, life lessons, and personal storytelling, offering a deeper look at the man behind the nickname. Perfect for listeners interested in finance, investing, trading, market commentary, and real-life stories from Wall Street and beyond, this episode marks the beginning of an honest and revealing series about career, identity, and what it really takes to navigate high-stakes markets.