PODCAST: On the Marie Curie Couch with Clemmie Telford

This month, Jason is joined by author, influencer and blogger Clemmie Telford. Clemmie is curator of the Mother of all Lists blog, a collection of lists about parenthood and life in general. She's also the host of podcasts Honestly and But Why? Both podcasts take a refreshing look at uncomfortable topics through honest conversations with guests from all walks of life. In this episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, Clemmie talks to Jason about losing a close family friend at a young age and her beloved Granny at 100.

"If a conversation feels difficult, it's probably one that needs to be had... I'm into powerlifting, and in order to grow muscle, you have to continually tear the muscle and then it regrows, tear the muscle, regrow, that's how you get more muscle. Relationships are very much like that. Those difficult conversations [about death] that feel as if they're tearing a relationship actually end up being the things that strengthen it."

"Don't talk about people 'going to sleep' because it's just confusing. Stick as closely to the facts and the science of it, and then be led by the kids. I didn't know how to pitch things appropriately for my children. They're nine, seven, and four. Just give them what they need and expect that you'll probably have to have those conversations over and over again."

"When my kids go, 'Where's Great Granny? Is she still dead?' all they're doing is processing the same grief that we process, which is, 'My brain can't comprehend that this person has died,' and they're verbalising that."

Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Jason's chat with Clemmie. Alternatively, listen to or download it via Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd prefer, you can read a full transcript of the episode. Be sure to like and subscribe so you know when we’ve uploaded a new episode – there are more conversations coming soon.