In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott sits down with bereavement expert Jason Davidson.
This month, Jason is joined by neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott. Her research looks at voices, speech and laughter – particularly speech perception, speech production, vocal emotions and human communication. Sophie's TedTalk, Why We Laugh, has had more than 4.5 million views. In this episode of the podcast, she talks to Jason about the death of her dad, Colin, who Sophie describes as having been a 'proper optimist'.
A different world
"I was surprised at how physical and cognitive [grief] is. I was expecting bereavement to be devastatingly sad, and of course it is endlessly sad, and you're just lost in this new, different world. I had difficulty remembering things or reading books. I remember my mother saying she couldn't read a book, a novel, for years. She just couldn't engage with stuff in the same way. I can completely understand that."
Like a broken arm
"Grief felt almost like you were carrying an injury, like you'd broken your arm. You were just vulnerable; things could affect you. You didn't feel safe. You're not safe, are you? People can go. The world can just take them. That's a terrifying feeling. So, you do feel like you're carrying an injury, like you are not whole."
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Sophie's chat with Jason. AAlternatively, 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.
Content note: discussion of death and grief with reference to themes/topics that might be triggering or upsetting.
If you need support with bereavement or grief, call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/information
