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

WJOB Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals

What Makes the Cow Guy Cry pulls back the curtain on one of the most recognizable voices in the financial world and introduces you to the man behind the markets. Known to millions as Scott Shellady, "The Cow Guy," Scott has spent decades breaking down the headlines that move commodities and equities, delivering sharp market insight and closing-bell commentary alongside industry heavyweights. But beyond the trading floor, the television hits, and the fast-moving markets, there's a deeply human story that hasn't often been told, until now. In this podcast, Scott steps away from the charts and into his own life. From graduating as a finance major from the University of Colorado Boulder just before the market crash of 1987, to navigating early job interviews built on 100% commission, Scott traces the winding, uncertain path that led him to Chicago, where a $125-a-week job and parking cars at Harry Caray's marked the very beginning of something bigger. Listeners will hear firsthand stories of taking risks, betting on himself, and making life-altering decisions, including moving to London at just 24 years old with no cell phone, no place to live, and no safety net, and how one major misunderstanding nearly ended his career before it truly began. What Makes the Cow Guy Cry is about more than finance. It's about ambition, resilience, fear, failure, and reinvention. It's about the moments that don't make the highlight reel, the ones that shape who we become. Whether you know Scott as a market expert or you're discovering him for the first time, this podcast invites you to meet the person behind the persona and explore what really drives him when the trading day ends. Because everyone has a story, even the Cow Guy.

  1. Aug 14

    What Makes the Cow Guy Cry: Choosing Happiness Through Life's Highs and Lows

    After experiencing devastating loss, how do you learn to live again—and even find happiness? In this episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, Jim Dedelow and Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady reflect on the stories, tragedies, and lessons that have shaped the podcast. Scott opens up about how losing his daughter changed his life forever and how, over time, he has learned to choose happiness despite the grief that still comes with him. Scott explains that rebuilding your life after tragedy doesn't happen overnight. It is a daily choice to focus on what you still have rather than everything you've lost. He discusses the emotional "triggers" that can bring grief rushing back, the importance of having a support system, and why sharing your struggles with others can make the burden feel a little lighter. The conversation also explores how hearing other people's stories of loss can create a sense of connection and remind us that, as difficult as our own circumstances may be, everyone is carrying something. Scott shares how opening up about his own experiences has helped others—and how those conversations have also helped him. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons from this episode is the importance of celebrating the home runs in life just as much as we dwell on the strikeouts. Scott reflects on a recent personal accomplishment and how he could have allowed the absence of loved ones to overshadow the moment, but instead chose to celebrate it. For Scott, the journey isn't about forgetting the people or experiences he's lost. It's about carrying those memories forward and using them as a source of strength. "Celebrate the home runs." This episode is a powerful reflection on grief, resilience, faith, perspective, finding purpose, and choosing to keep moving forward—even when life has given you every reason to stop.

  2. Aug 13

    What Makes the Cow Guy Cry | Miscarriage, Grief, Loss & Finding Hope

    Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal experience that many people go through but few feel comfortable talking about. In this emotional episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, Jim Dedelow, Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady, Michelle Henderson, and Joel Henderson have an honest conversation about miscarriage, grief, trauma, and learning how to move forward. Michelle and Joel open up about experiencing two pregnancy losses, including the devastating loss of their baby at 20 weeks. They share what those experiences were like, how they coped afterward, and why talking openly about miscarriage helped them realize they were far from alone. The conversation also brings Scott Shellady's own experience with pregnancy loss into the discussion. Scott explains the different ways he has learned to cope with tragedy and why he believes that, even after devastating loss, you can still make a conscious effort to choose happiness and keep moving forward. From grieving privately to talking with friends and family, returning to work, finding humor, and simply taking things one day at a time, the group discusses the different ways people navigate grief—and why there is no single right way to heal. Most importantly, this episode offers a message of hope for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss or another major tragedy: you don't have to forget what happened to move forward. You can carry the loss with you while still finding reasons to live, laugh, and keep going. As Joel puts it, sometimes the first step is simply to climb out of the hole far enough to breathe the air and see the sunlight again. Listen to What Makes the Cow Guy Cry for an honest conversation about miscarriage, grief, healing, resilience, and finding hope after loss.

  3. Aug 12

    What happens when tragedy changes your entire life? And how do you find your way back to happiness?

    Is there a moment when the road finally turns after tragedy—or does healing happen slowly, one moment at a time? In this episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, Jim Dedelow sits down with Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady for one of their most open and personal conversations yet. Scott reflects on the devastating losses he has experienced throughout his life, including the deaths of his daughter, father, brother, and mother, as well as his own battle with cancer. Scott shares how those experiences changed his perspective on life, faith, grief, and happiness. Rather than describing one dramatic turning point, he explains how acceptance came gradually through countless small moments. After years of tragedy, he began to realize that his time on Earth is limited—and that choosing to enjoy life doesn't mean forgetting the people or experiences that caused him pain. The conversation also explores the complicated reality of grief: how you can still be deeply sad while laughing, loving, traveling, and enjoying life. Scott discusses the invisible wounds that people carry after loss and why talking about those experiences can help others feel less alone. At its heart, this episode is about hope, resilience, acceptance, and choosing to live despite tragedy. If you've experienced loss or are somewhere in the middle of your own grief journey, Scott's story is a reminder that healing doesn't have to happen overnight. Sometimes, the road simply bends a little at a time. Listen to What Makes the Cow Guy Cry on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube through WJOB 1230.

  4. Jul 21

    How to Find Hope After Child Loss | The Cow Guy on Grief, Healing & Choosing Happiness

    How do you find hope after unimaginable loss? In this powerful episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, host Jim "Jed" Dedelow and Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady reflect on one of the podcast's biggest questions: Can you truly heal after tragedy? Twelve years after losing his daughter, Chloe, and days after losing his father, Scott shares why grief never truly disappears—but why it doesn't have to define your life. From the emotional impact of being inducted into his high school's Athletic Hall of Fame without the loved ones he longed to call, to revealing for the first time the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son, Christian, this episode offers one of the most personal conversations Scott has ever shared. Together, Jed and The Cow Guy discuss the stages of grief, survivor's guilt, child loss, miscarriage and infant loss, cancer, faith, resilience, and the decision to choose happiness despite life's deepest pain. Scott explains how his perspective has evolved through tragedy, why faith has become a cornerstone of his healing journey, and how hope can emerge even after experiencing profound loss. Whether you've lost a child, parent, sibling, spouse, or someone close to you—or you're supporting someone who has—this episode is a reminder that healing isn't about forgetting. It's about finding purpose, embracing life's blessings, and choosing to keep moving forward one day at a time.

  5. Jul 14

    Choosing Happiness After Child Loss: Grief, Trauma & Healing with The Cow Guy | What Makes the Cow Guy Cry

    Can you ever truly move forward after losing a child or loved one? In this heartfelt episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, host Jim "Jed" Dedelow and Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady reflect on the emotional conversations that have shaped the podcast and explore what it means to live with grief instead of simply trying to "get over it." Following an emotional interview with Christina Vlamakis Hernandez, The Cow Guy discusses the lifelong impact of losing his daughter, Chloe, to a heroin overdose, the lessons he's learned through unimaginable tragedy, and why choosing happiness is a decision he continues to make every day. Together, they examine the stages of grief, survivor's guilt, depression, healing, and how unexpected moments—from teaching college students to a life-changing cancer diagnosis—can reshape your perspective. This episode is an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, and finding hope after devastating loss. Whether you've experienced the death of a child, the loss of a family member, addiction, trauma, or another life-altering event, this discussion reminds listeners that healing isn't about forgetting—it's about learning to carry grief while continuing to live.

  6. Jul 7

    What Makes the Cow Guy Cry | Child Loss, Addiction, Grief & Finding Hope After Tragedy

    How do you rebuild your life after losing someone you love? In this deeply moving episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, host Jim "Jed" Dedelow and Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady are joined by Christina Vlamakis Hernandez, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her older brother to addiction and gun violence at just 18 years old. Christina reflects on growing up alongside her brother, the devastating impact of opioid addiction following a sports injury, and the life-changing phone call that forever altered her family. The conversation explores the lasting effects of grief, sibling loss, trauma, and the difficult road toward healing. The Cow Guy also opens up about the loss of his daughter, Chloe, to a heroin overdose, revisiting the unimaginable moments following her death and explaining how tragedy reshaped his outlook on life. Together, they discuss forgiveness, resilience, survivor's guilt, mental health, and the importance of giving yourself grace while moving forward. This honest conversation is for anyone coping with the death of a loved one, supporting someone through grief, or searching for hope after experiencing profound loss.

  7. Jun 30

    What Makes the Cow Guy Cry – Surviving Child Loss, Survivor's Guilt & Choosing Life After Tragedy

    In this powerful and deeply emotional episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, Jim "Jed" Dedelow and The Cow Guy have an honest conversation about child loss, survivor's guilt, grief, bullying, mental health, and finding purpose after unimaginable tragedy. The Cow Guy shares the heartbreaking story of losing his daughter Chloe, the guilt he still carries years later, and how he learned to keep living, teaching, loving, and giving back despite the pain. This episode offers comfort and perspective for parents grieving a child, families navigating trauma, and anyone struggling with the question: "How do I move forward after loss?" #WhatMakesTheCowGuyCry #ChildLoss #GriefSupport #SurvivorsGuilt #ParentGrief #MentalHealth #BullyingAwareness #HealingAfterLoss #Podcast #NorthwestIndiana

  8. May 31

    Dave Woerpel talks about the loss of his son, Jimmy, from heroin

    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.

See All (26)

About

What Makes the Cow Guy Cry pulls back the curtain on one of the most recognizable voices in the financial world and introduces you to the man behind the markets. Known to millions as Scott Shellady, "The Cow Guy," Scott has spent decades breaking down the headlines that move commodities and equities, delivering sharp market insight and closing-bell commentary alongside industry heavyweights. But beyond the trading floor, the television hits, and the fast-moving markets, there's a deeply human story that hasn't often been told, until now. In this podcast, Scott steps away from the charts and into his own life. From graduating as a finance major from the University of Colorado Boulder just before the market crash of 1987, to navigating early job interviews built on 100% commission, Scott traces the winding, uncertain path that led him to Chicago, where a $125-a-week job and parking cars at Harry Caray's marked the very beginning of something bigger. Listeners will hear firsthand stories of taking risks, betting on himself, and making life-altering decisions, including moving to London at just 24 years old with no cell phone, no place to live, and no safety net, and how one major misunderstanding nearly ended his career before it truly began. What Makes the Cow Guy Cry is about more than finance. It's about ambition, resilience, fear, failure, and reinvention. It's about the moments that don't make the highlight reel, the ones that shape who we become. Whether you know Scott as a market expert or you're discovering him for the first time, this podcast invites you to meet the person behind the persona and explore what really drives him when the trading day ends. Because everyone has a story, even the Cow Guy.

Information