Grief Encounters is a weekly podcast series that looks at an issue that affects us all and yet remains so difficult to talk about: grief. Hosted by Venetia Quick and Sasha Hamrogue, the pair are hoping to open up the conversation around loss and create a modern platform for people to share their own experiences, and start open dialogue around the subject of death and all that comes with it.
When a child experiences the death of a parent, the emotional trauma can be devastating. On this week’s episode of Grief Encounters, Sasha & Venetia look at this extremely personal issue, and what effect that it can have in later life. The episode takes an extremely rounded look at the theme at hand, as it discovers it from a psychological perspective and a personal perspective over the course of two compelling interviews, with experts in their own rights.
Owen Connolly is a consultant psychologist, family therapist and co-author of the book “Parenting for the Millennium”. Owen is also the founder of The Connolly Counseling Center in Dublin, which works closely with bereaved children. In the first part of this podcast, he gives his opinion on what the correct way to explain death to children is, and how often it is best to be upfront about the loss to the child. It is widely accepted that men and women often grieve differently, and this can also occur when children grieve. This is discussed in detail as he speaks about the importance of exercising and encouraging kids to be more emotive, particularly around the subject of grief.
In the second half of the podcast, Sasha & Venetia had the pleasure in speaking to one of the worlds most revered and decorated chefs Marco Pierre White, about the most deeply personal moment of his life, the death of his mother. In 1994 Marco rose to world fame as the youngest chef to win three coveted Michelin stars, but in most circles is just as well known for his temperament in the kitchen. In his appearance on Grief Encounters, he opens up about the devastation that this loss cost, shaping him in to the global figure that we all know on our bookshelves and TV screens. He paints a vivid picture of his childhood before and after his mother’s death, speaking about many symptoms that Owen described in the preceding interview.
Marco Pierre White is currently the owner of two Irish restaurants situated in Dublin’s Ballsbridge and Dawson Street areas. You can find more information on them here: marcopierrewhite.ie
If you’re looking for a safe haven to express how you feel, share articles, photos, memories and more, join the Grief Encounters Facebook Group. A place for support, compassion and empathy for those grieving.
Music by: Nctrnm
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