Podcasts

Episode 30: Grief Pt 2

Trigger warning

This podcast is about grief and will involve discussions of death and dying. Here is a link to the Blue Cross for anyone who may need support following the loss of a companion animal: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss

In episode 30, part 2 of a discussion on grief, we are joined again by Irene Perrett, a fellow researcher from the University of Exeter, who is engaged in PhD research on morethanhuman-animal grief. In this podcast episode, we delve into the multifaceted nature of grief, highlighting its transformative process and the concept of continuing bonds with lost loved ones. We explore various coping mechanisms, such as memorial tattoos and rituals, as ways to maintain connections with departed individuals, including companion animals. Our discussion emphasises the personal nature of grief and the diverse ways individuals navigate the mourning process, challenging societal norms and expectations regarding the length and expression of grief. Furthermore, we examine societal attitudes towards grief, focusing on cultural differences in mourning practices and the impact of disenfranchised grief on individuals' ability to grieve openly. We discuss language's role in shaping perceptions of grief, particularly the use of minimising language and the importance of validating individuals' grief experiences. Our conversation also extends to the emotional connections between researchers and their morethanhuman subjects, raising questions about ethical considerations and the potential grief experienced by researchers upon leaving their subjects. Ultimately, our dialogue underscores the significance of narrative in recognising individuality and fostering empathy, particularly in research contexts where animal grief experiences may be overlooked. In the podcast we reflect on the broader societal implications of grief and the ethical responsibilities of researchers and caregivers in acknowledging and validating diverse grief experiences of those grieving.

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PodCrew

Dr. Kris Hill PhD Candidate, University of Exeter

kh458@exeter.ac.uk

https://katzenlife.wordpress.com/

Dr. Michelle Szydlowski

ms835@exeter.ac.uk

www.internationalelephants.org

@intl_elephants

Sarah Oxley Heaney PhD Candidate, University of Exeter

sh750@exeter.ac.uk