In this deeply moving episode of Our Dead Dads, I sit down for an in-person conversation with Niki and Jim Schmidt, the mother and bonus dad of Gabby Petito. While many are familiar with the tragic circumstances surrounding Gabby’s story, today’s conversation focuses on the grief, resilience, and advocacy that have defined her family’s journey in the years since. Niki and Jim share what it was like to process the unimaginable loss of their daughter while also stepping into the role of advocates for missing persons and domestic violence awareness. They open up about how they’ve channeled their grief into action through the Gabby Petito Foundation, working to prevent future tragedies and provide resources for those in dangerous situations.
Beyond the headlines, this episode is about healing, both for Gabby’s family and for anyone experiencing grief. We discuss the challenges of navigating personal trauma in the public eye, the importance of mental health awareness, and the role of self-forgiveness in the grieving process. Jim, a first responder, reflects on how his career shaped his ability to cope with loss and how his perspective has evolved in the wake of Gabby’s death. Niki speaks candidly about the emotional weight of their advocacy and how she balances the drive to make change with the need for personal healing.
Despite the heavy themes, we also find moments of laughter and light, emphasizing that grief is not just about sadness—it’s about remembering, growing, and finding ways to move forward. Niki and Jim’s message is clear: grief doesn’t have to be faced alone, and through conversation, support, and action, we can create a safer world for those at risk. This episode is a testament to their strength, their love for Gabby, and their determination to turn pain into purpose.
This episode is sponsored by Kim Gaylord Travel and Dotted Avenue Creative Studio. Please visit https://www.ourdeaddads.com/our-friends to contact.
LINKS FOR GABBY:
Gabby Petito Foundation: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/
Gabby Petito Alliance: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/gabby-petito-alliance
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/
National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233), or text “START” to 88788
Gabby Petito Foundation Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnglightenedEntrepreneur
GABBY PETITIO FOUNDATION GOLF EVENT - FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025 (MOUNT SINAI, NY):
Register Today: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/events/golf
Or email golf@gabbypetitofoundation.org
GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS!
FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!
BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com
FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod
Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.