Tribute to a Father

In which we discuss recent events in our lives, paying tribute to Lisa's father, and making space for grief.

Two weeks ago, Lisa lost her father. In August, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the last three months have been some of the most harrowing days we’ve ever experienced. While we’ve hovered around this topic in recent episodes, we’ve avoided discussing it outright. Today, we were compelled to put it into record.

We’re not sure how much you want to engage with this story. If you choose to skip this one, we totally understand. Publishing right on its heels is a much more typical Comic Book Couples Counseling episode with writer Adam Rose, discussing his exceptionally strange comic, Huge Detective. It’s a fun one.

Lisa’s earliest encounters with comics were a direct result of her father's love for the funnies. He and his father would mail comics to each other across state lines. They’d hang on the fridge for months until they were replaced with more comics. Lisa’s last text exchange with her father was a laugh over an Ellis Rosen cartoon. Lisa’s humor and heart came from him, and if you’ve ever enjoyed our show at all, it’s because of Dad.

Cancer sucks. It’s a horror show. However, it also revealed the tremendous love coursing through our two families and all our friends who came together to support Lisa’s father. These last few months overflowed with as much laughter as tears, and this episode perfectly represents that maddening and beautiful juxtaposition.

For November and December, we will donate all proceeds from our TeePublic Shop and Patreon to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. You can also donate directly to them here.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. Whether you listen to this episode, skip directly to the next one, or do neither, know that we appreciate you profoundly. Thanks for spending your time with us.

Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode:

• Lisa's Father's Obituary

• Subscribe to The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics

• Previously on CBCC: Grant Morrison on Batman/Deadpool

• Live at New York Comic Con: The Massive Comic Book Podcast Crossover

• Comic Book Film Club: 30 Days of Night at the Alamo Drafthouse Winchester on 12/14

Final Round of Plugs (PHEW):

And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.

Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts.

Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators.

Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.