Grief Revisited

What this episode covers

One year ago this week, host John Shaw’s life changed permanently when his 22-year-old son, Andrew, lost his battle with cancer. In this deeply personal yet scientifically rigorous episode, John takes us back into the trenches of long-term grief to explore what happens under the hood of a "grief brain" as the milestones pass. Why do overwhelming waves of loss suddenly blindside us years after a tragedy, turning a beautiful day into complete darkness? John introduces a powerful concept he coined himself—ictalgia—to map the literal, neural pain of these sudden bursts. Moving far beyond the outdated linear "stages of grief," this episode breaks down modern clinical frameworks, including Dr. Therese Rando’s STUG framework , the Dual Process Model of Coping , and Continuing Bonds Theory. Discover the biological reality of "brain fog" as a state of cognitive overhead , explore how a stuck neurological reward system can lead to Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) , and walk away with an evidence-based biological resilience kit—grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—to help your mind update its internal map. Your mind is not broken; it is simply doing the hardest remodeling work it will ever face. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. Connect With UsWe love hearing from our listeners. Whether you want to share your own story of integration or suggest a future topic, reach out to us:Website: yourmindonpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @yourmindonpodcastEpisode Resources & ReferencesThe peer-reviewed studies and clinical frameworks discussed in today's episode include: The STUG Framework (Sudden Temporary Upsurges of Grief) – Dr. Therese Rando. The Dual Process Model of Coping – Margaret Stroebe & Henk Schut. Continuing Bonds Theory – Dr. Dennis Klass et al. Longitudinal Grief Risk Studies – University of Pittsburgh & the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Music CreditsIntro & Outro Theme: More Now Than Ever by North Sphere Additional Background Music: End of Rain by Beyza Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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