#414: How Do You Keep Going After Suddenly Losing Your Sister — And Then Your Mom? (with Kate Gladdin)

When life shatters once, it’s devastating. When it happens twice… it’s almost unthinkable.

In this deeply moving conversation, Australian-born Kate Gladdin opens her heart to share a story no one should have to experience, much less endure the pain twice.

If you’ve ever faced a loss that made you question everything… if you’ve felt like your world stopped spinning and you didn’t know how to start again — this episode will speak straight to your soul. Kate’s story reminds us that resilience isn’t about staying positive when life breaks you — it’s about finding purpose in the pieces left behind.

Why You Must Listen:

• Hear the defining moments that transformed Kate’s heartbreak into hope
• Discover what resilience really means when you’ve lost everything — twice
• Walk away understanding how purpose and meaning can become your lifeline through grief

What’s It All About?

“This can’t be happening again.” Those were the words running through Kate Gladdin’s mind when tragedy struck not once, but twice.

First came the unthinkable — losing her sister Nicole in a tragic accident overseas. But through tears and determination, Kate launched The Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation, turning heartbreak into hope by helping other young people travel safely while living boldly — just as Nicole did.

Years later, just as life seemed to steady, tragedy returned. Kate’s beloved mother, Julie, was killed while crossing a quiet Wyoming street — another devastating loss caused by a repeat offender who walked away with little consequence.

And yet, Kate rose again. From grief, she built purpose. From injustice, she sparked change — renaming the foundation the Nicole & Julie Fitzsimons Foundation, now working to reform pedestrian safety laws while continuing to empower others to live courageously.

Through her pain, Kate has built a global mission — showing the world that resilience isn’t born from denial or blind optimism, but from the decision to live with purpose no matter what life takes away.

Looking for the Links?

• Visit Kate’s Website: KateGladdin.com
• Learn More + Support the Nicole & Julie Fitzsimons Foundation
• Purchase Kate’s Book: Okay, Now What? How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough
• Listen to Kate’s Podcast: Okay, Now What?
• Follow Kate on Instagram: @kategladdin
• Connect with Kate on LinkedIn @KateGladdin
• SURPRISE BONUS! Listen to Kate's story turned into a song!

Today’s Featured Guest

Kate Gladdin is an Australian-born resilience coach, author, speaker, and host of the podcast Okay, Now What? After losing her sister and later her mother in two tragic accidents, Kate transformed grief into purpose. Through The Nicole & Julie Fitzsimons Foundation - she advocates for travel and pedestrian safety while inspiring others around the world to live bravely, love deeply, and find purpose in their pain.

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