Grief Is Not A Dirty Word

Nick Gaylord
  • 4.9 (62)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED DAILY

Grief Is Not A Dirty Word is a weekly podcast that brings honest, real-world conversations about grief, loss, trauma, healing, and mental health into the light. Hosted by Nick Gaylord, the show creates a safe, compassionate space for anyone navigating the complicated emotions that come with losing a parent, partner, child, friend, relationship, or former version of themselves. Originally launched as Our Dead Dads, the podcast has evolved into a broader mission: to normalize grief and break the stigma around talking about it. Nick explores every corner of the grieving experience — from anticipatory grief and sudden loss to complicated family dynamics, unresolved anger, identity shifts, and the invisible pain people carry long after the world assumes they’re “fine.” Each episode features powerful, unfiltered stories from guests who have lived through loss and rebuilt their lives in deeply personal ways. Through conversations centered on resilience, vulnerability, courage, and connection, the podcast helps listeners understand that grief isn’t something to hide — it’s something that deserves space, honesty, and community. Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, whether it’s tied to death or to a different kind of ending, this show will help you feel seen, supported, and less alone. If you’re looking for meaningful discussions about healing, emotional wellbeing, and the human experience — you’re in the right place. New episodes every Tuesday. Listen on all major podcast platforms or at griefisnotadirtyword.com. Grief Is Not A Dirty Word — because every story matters, every emotion belongs, and healing begins when we speak the truth.

  1. Grief, Anger, and the Loss of Stability in America Today with Mark Davis - Episode 81

    APR 28

    Grief, Anger, and the Loss of Stability in America Today with Mark Davis - Episode 81

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief tied to identity loss, fractured relationships, or societal division. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: A powerful perspective on grief, uncertainty, and emotional conflict beyond death. DESCRIPTION: This episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word explores a different kind of grief—one rooted in division, identity loss, and uncertainty. Nick Gaylord sits down with Mark Davis to unpack how grief shows up when trust erodes, relationships fracture, and the world feels unstable. Together, they examine the emotional toll of speaking up, the personal cost of conflict, and the grief that comes from losing a sense of safety and belonging. Mark shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing to stepping into a public role, revealing how loss shaped his perspective long before politics entered the picture. This conversation goes beyond headlines, focusing instead on human experience, emotional resilience, and the unseen grief many people carry today. It’s a raw look at what happens when personal values collide with the world around you. If you’ve felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of where you stand, this episode will resonate deeply. This episode answers:  Why does political division feel like grief and emotional loss?  How do you handle losing relationships over beliefs or values?  What are people grieving right now beyond death and loss?  How do you speak up when it costs you personally and emotionally?  Can a divided society heal from identity loss and fractured trust? Key Takeaways:  Grief isn’t limited to death—it includes loss of identity, trust, and stability  Division creates emotional distance that mirrors personal grief  Speaking up often comes with real personal and relational consequences  Financial stress and uncertainty are major sources of modern grief  Healing begins with recognizing shared humanity beneath disagreement 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/

    1h 1m
  2. What Grieving Parents Need After Child Loss and Sudden Death with Kelly Edmondson - Episode 80

    APR 21

    What Grieving Parents Need After Child Loss and Sudden Death with Kelly Edmondson - Episode 80

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Grieving parents, anyone navigating child loss, and those supporting someone through deep grief and trauma. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Honest insight into grief processing, how to show up for someone in loss, and how to break the silence around death and healing. DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Kelly Edmondson to explore the unimaginable grief of losing her son, Darius, to sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Kelly shares the raw reality of child loss, the shock of sudden death, and the emotional aftermath that reshapes identity and life itself. Together, they unpack why silence around grief is more damaging than grief itself and how honest conversation creates space for healing. Kelly opens up about the importance of speaking directly about death, the role of support systems, and what grieving people truly need. The conversation also dives into societal discomfort around loss, the failure of traditional bereavement norms, and the long-term impact of unprocessed grief. Nick guides the discussion with empathy and clarity, reinforcing the mission of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word. This episode is both a tribute to Darius and a roadmap for navigating grief with honesty, connection, and courage. This episode answers:  How do you cope with the sudden loss of a child?  What should you say to someone who is grieving a major loss?  Why is silence harmful in the grieving process?  How can you support someone dealing with child loss and trauma?  What does healthy grief processing actually look like over time? Key Takeaways:  Grief is not the problem—silence is what isolates and damages healing.  Saying the words “dead” and “died” helps process reality, not avoid it.  Support matters more than perfection—showing up is everything.  Unprocessed grief can manifest as physical, emotional, and mental health issues.  There is no timeline for grief, and traditional expectations often fail grieving people.Website / Business https://thetimelypresence.com https://www.thememorybox.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-edmondson Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/the.kellyedmondson Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/thetimelypresence Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/TimelyPresence 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/

    1h 15m
  3. Navigating Sudden Death, Widow Grief & Trauma Recovery with Lynn Stone - Episode 79

    APR 14

    Navigating Sudden Death, Widow Grief & Trauma Recovery with Lynn Stone - Episode 79

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating sudden loss, widow grief, or traumatic death without closure WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Real insight into grief processing, trauma recovery, and rebuilding life after loss DESCRIPTION: Nick Gaylord sits down with Lynn Stone for a deeply personal conversation about sudden loss, widow grief, and life after unexpected death. Lynn shares the moment everything changed when her husband Brian passed away overnight, and the shock, trauma, and grief that followed. Together, they unpack the realities of grief fog, parenting through loss, and the emotional aftermath that doesn’t end after the funeral. The conversation explores how people respond to grief, what helps, what hurts, and why most of us get it wrong. Lynn also opens up about PTSD, dating after loss, and the unexpected challenges that come with rebuilding life. Nick and Lynn challenge common grief clichés and offer real, practical ways to support someone in mourning. The episode closes with Lynn’s mission to help others prepare for death through planning, conversation, and awareness. This episode answers:  What happens emotionally after sudden, unexpected loss of a spouse?  How do you cope with widow grief and trauma after sudden death?  What should you say or not say to someone who is grieving?  How do you help children process grief after losing a parent?  Why is death planning important and how do you start? Key Takeaways:  Sudden loss creates trauma that extends far beyond the moment of death  Grief doesn’t end after the funeral, it evolves over time  Most people unintentionally say the wrong things to those grieving  Consistent support after the first few weeks matters most  Planning for death reduces chaos and emotional burden for loved onesCONTACT LYNN: Website:  www.authorlynnbstone.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlynnbstone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlynnbstone/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlynnbstone/ BOOK: ‘Til Death Do Us Part: A Practical Guide to Preparing for the Inevitable:  https://a.co/d/9dSBzjR PRODUCTS: Single Point of Failure Vulnerability Risk Assessment (FREE): https://forms.gle/z7KLWkugrKK4hJPb9 Resistant Conversation Toolkit: www.authorlynnbstone.com/store PODCAST: The Flip Side of Death 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/

    1h 19m
  4. Sobriety, Identity, and Grief Recovery After Addiction with Faith C - Episode 78

    APR 7

    Sobriety, Identity, and Grief Recovery After Addiction with Faith C - Episode 78

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief, addiction recovery, trauma, or struggling with identity and self-worth. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: A powerful, honest look at grief, sobriety, healing, and what it takes to rebuild your life. DESCRIPTION: In this deeply personal episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Faith C to explore the intersection of grief, addiction, trauma, and recovery. Faith shares her journey through alcoholism, emotional sobriety, and the long process of rebuilding identity and self-worth. Together, they unpack the hidden grief behind addiction, including loss of self, connection, and trust. Faith opens up about childhood emotional abuse, food addiction, and the pressure of perfectionism. This conversation goes beyond sobriety and into the ongoing work of healing and self-acceptance. Nick guides the discussion with depth and clarity, creating space for real, human moments. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not about perfection, but about staying present and continuing the work. If you are navigating grief, trauma, or addiction, this conversation will meet you where you are. This episode answers:  What does grief look like in addiction recovery?  Can you heal trauma and addiction at the same time?  Why do people in recovery still struggle with identity and self-worth?  How does childhood trauma impact addiction and grief later in life?  What actually changes after getting sober and what doesn’t? Key Takeaways:  Sobriety removes the substance, but healing the underlying grief takes ongoing work  Addiction is often rooted in a deep need for connection and validation  Emotional sobriety is just as important as physical sobriety  Trauma and grief can resurface in recovery and require intentional healing  Self-worth grows through honesty, connection, and consistent inner workSupport 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/

    1h 11m
  5. Ambiguous Loss, Grief, Trauma, and True Crime with Michael & Alyssa McFarland - Episode 77

    MAR 31

    Ambiguous Loss, Grief, Trauma, and True Crime with Michael & Alyssa McFarland - Episode 77

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief, trauma, ambiguous loss, missing persons cases, complicated family relationships, or the long and uneven process of healing after loss.  WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:  Anyone navigating grief, trauma, ambiguous loss, missing persons cases, complicated family relationships, or the long and uneven process of healing after loss.  DESCRIPTION: In this special episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, Nick Gaylord joins Michael and Alyssa McFarland of Tragedy - A True Crime Podcast for a deeply personal conversation about grief, trauma, healing, and the realities of loss. Nick shares the story behind starting his podcast after the death of his father, the anger and unresolved grief that followed, and how therapy helped him process it all. He also explains why he rebranded from Our Dead Dads to Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, expanding the conversation beyond death into all forms of grief and loss. The discussion goes deeper into missing persons cases and ambiguous loss, including the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie, highlighting the emotional toll on families living without answers. Together, they explore how grief shows up differently for everyone, why some people withdraw instead of speaking publicly, and how to support those navigating trauma and uncertainty. Nick also shares insights from his work with Gabby Petito’s parents and the Gabby Petito Foundation, reinforcing the importance of awareness, compassion, and continuing to speak the names of those who are missing or gone. This episode is about grief support, mental health, and creating space for honest, meaningful conversations. 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/

    1h 8m
  6. Grief, Healing, and Loss Reflections on a Milestone Podcast Journey with Nick Gaylord - Episode 76

    MAR 24

    Grief, Healing, and Loss Reflections on a Milestone Podcast Journey with Nick Gaylord - Episode 76

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief, loss, emotional healing, or feeling alone in their grief journey WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Honest reflections on grief, healing, connection, and what it means to live with loss over time DESCRIPTION: In this milestone episode, Nick Gaylord steps away from the traditional interview format to reflect on the grief conversations, emotional healing, and human connection that have shaped Grief Is Not A Dirty Word. After 75 episodes, Nick shares what he has learned about grief, loss, and the many forms it takes beyond death, including identity shifts, relationship loss, and the “long goodbye.” He speaks directly to listeners about the power of being seen, heard, and understood in grief, and how sharing stories creates connection and healing. Nick also reflects on the evolution from Our Dead Dads to a broader grief-focused mission, emphasizing that grief is universal and deeply human. He highlights the impact of listeners, guests, and real-life connections that have grown from the podcast. This episode reinforces that grief does not follow rules, timelines, or expectations, and that people need space, not solutions. It is both a thank you and a call to continue the conversation around grief, healing, and emotional truth. This episode answers:  What does grief really look like beyond death and loss?  How do you cope with grief that doesn’t follow a timeline?  Why do people feel alone in grief, and how can that change?  What happens when you allow yourself to talk openly about grief?  How can sharing grief stories help with healing and connection? Key Takeaways:  Grief exists in many forms beyond death, including identity, relationships, and life changes  Healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and understood  There is no timeline or “right way” to process grief  Connection and conversation are powerful tools in navigating loss  Sharing your story can create impact far beyond what you expect 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/

    13 min

  7. MAR 17

    Grief, Legacy, and Family Stories: Preserving Memory and Healing with Jeffrey Mason - Episode 75

    WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief, regret after loss, or the fear of losing family memories. Listeners who want to strengthen family connection and preserve the stories of parents, grandparents, and loved ones before they are gone. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: A powerful conversation about grief, legacy, and the healing power of intentional storytelling. Author Jeffrey Mason explains how capturing family stories can reduce regret, deepen relationships, and help families process grief long before loss arrives. DESCRIPTION: Nick Gaylord sits down with bestselling author Jeffrey Mason, creator of the Hear Your Story guided journals, to explore how storytelling can transform grief, family connection, and legacy. Jeffrey shares how his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s inspired him to start writing questions that eventually became a global series of journals helping families preserve memories before they disappear. Together, Nick and Jeffrey talk about grief, regret, forgiveness, and the painful realization that many people wait too long to ask the important questions. They also explore the emotional difference between telling stories and sharing them, and why that distinction matters when we’re trying to understand the people we love. The conversation moves through generational trauma, personal healing, and the importance of perspective when reflecting on parents and family history. Nick shares his own grief journey after losing his father and how reframing the past changed the way he understood his relationship with him. This episode is ultimately about preserving life stories before they are lost and creating deeper human connection in a world that often feels disconnected. It’s a powerful reminder that the most meaningful legacy we leave behind may simply be our stories. THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:  • How can storytelling help with grief and healing after losing a parent?  • Why do people feel regret after a loved one dies and how can we prevent it?  • What questions should we ask our parents before it’s too late?  • How can sharing family stories strengthen relationships and emotional connection?  • Why does preserving memories matter for future generations? KEY TAKEAWAYS:  • Grief often becomes heavier when regret is mixed with loss.  • Capturing family stories helps reduce future regret and strengthens connection now.  • Understanding the full life story of a parent can transform how we process grief.  • Intentional storytelling creates meaningful legacy for future generations.  • Connection grows when people move beyond surface conversations and share real life experiences. JEFFREY MASON — LINKS & CONTACT INFO WEBSITE: • Hear Your Story Books:   https://hearyourstorybooks.com  SOCIAL MEDIA • Instagram:    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/

    1h 18m
  8. Say The Weird Thing – Leaving Church Didn’t Heal My Grief, Finding Myself Did with Keya McClain - Episode 74

    MAR 11

    Say The Weird Thing – Leaving Church Didn’t Heal My Grief, Finding Myself Did with Keya McClain - Episode 74

    IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING AND NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE, CALL OR TEXT 988 (SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE) ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES, US TERRITORIES AND CANADA WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: People struggling with grief, depression, suicidal thoughts, or anyone searching for an authentic path to healing after loss. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: An honest conversation about grief recovery, mental health, faith, therapy, and how people can begin untangling grief in their own way. DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, Nick Gaylord speaks with author, poet, and grief advocate Keya McClain about her journey through profound loss, depression, and multiple suicide attempts. After losing the uncle she considered her father at nineteen, Keya struggled for decades to find healing. When traditional grief advice and religious expectations failed to help, she began searching for a more authentic path forward. Through therapy, journaling, walking, and deep self-reflection, she discovered that grief does not follow stages and healing cannot be forced. Together, Nick and Keya explore grief myths, mental health, spiritual identity, and the courage required to rebuild a life after loss. Their conversation is both deeply honest and unexpectedly hopeful for anyone navigating grief. THIS EPISODE ANSWERS• Why do common grief phrases like “they’re in a better place” sometimes hurt more than help?  • What happens when traditional grief advice or religious support doesn’t help you heal?  • Can therapy, journaling, and nature actually help untangle long-term grief and depression?  • Why do the “five stages of grief” fail many people who are grieving deeply?  • How can someone begin healing after years of suicidal thoughts and emotional pain? KEY TAKEAWAYS• Grief does not follow stages and healing is rarely linear.  • Well-intentioned grief advice can sometimes invalidate real emotional pain.  • Authentic healing often begins when people reconnect with themselves.  • Simple practices like journaling and walking can create powerful emotional breakthroughs.  • People struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts are not alone and help exists. CONTACT KEYA! (Links below) Website / Work With Keya / Coaching: https://keyascoaching.com  Book – Untangling Grief: Unraveling the Emotions of Loss https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F59KYZZH Instagram (Primary Account) https://www.instagram.com/hardcorehealingpencoach Instagram (Poetry / Writing) https://www.instagram.com/cigarchroniclespoet Podcast – The Healing Poetic Podcast 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/

    1h 21m
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4.9
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About

Grief Is Not A Dirty Word is a weekly podcast that brings honest, real-world conversations about grief, loss, trauma, healing, and mental health into the light. Hosted by Nick Gaylord, the show creates a safe, compassionate space for anyone navigating the complicated emotions that come with losing a parent, partner, child, friend, relationship, or former version of themselves. Originally launched as Our Dead Dads, the podcast has evolved into a broader mission: to normalize grief and break the stigma around talking about it. Nick explores every corner of the grieving experience — from anticipatory grief and sudden loss to complicated family dynamics, unresolved anger, identity shifts, and the invisible pain people carry long after the world assumes they’re “fine.” Each episode features powerful, unfiltered stories from guests who have lived through loss and rebuilt their lives in deeply personal ways. Through conversations centered on resilience, vulnerability, courage, and connection, the podcast helps listeners understand that grief isn’t something to hide — it’s something that deserves space, honesty, and community. Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, whether it’s tied to death or to a different kind of ending, this show will help you feel seen, supported, and less alone. If you’re looking for meaningful discussions about healing, emotional wellbeing, and the human experience — you’re in the right place. New episodes every Tuesday. Listen on all major podcast platforms or at griefisnotadirtyword.com. Grief Is Not A Dirty Word — because every story matters, every emotion belongs, and healing begins when we speak the truth.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Gaylord
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grief Is Not A Dirty Word
  • Show Website
    Grief Is Not A Dirty Word

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