The Happy Pear Podcast

Share

The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss with Psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor

Season 8, Ep. 112

We have an amazing guest on today's episode, Mary-Frances O'Connor, a psychologist and author of "The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss."


Mary-Frances conducts studies to better understand the grief process both psychologically and physiologically. She is a leader in the field of prolonged grief, a clinical condition in which people do not adjust to the acute feelings of grief and show increases in yearning, avoidance, and rumination. 


Her work primarily focuses on trying to tease out the mechanisms that cause this ongoing and severe reaction to loss. In particular, she is curious about the neurobiological, immune, and cardiovascular factors that vary between individual responses to grief.


In this episode we explore the different facets of grief, how it affects our brain, how to deal with it and how we can support others. 


A heavy topic, and we are complete novices here but we learnt a lot and hope that you did to.


This episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15 


Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!


Lots of Love,

Dave & Steve


Produced by Sean Cahill and Sara Fawsitt


More Episodes

  • 123. The Science of Dance: Dr. Peter Lovatt Shares his Expertise on the Psychology of Movement

    01:03:00
    Dr. Peter Lovatt, also known as "Dr. Dance," is a renowned psychologist and researcher who has dedicated his career to exploring the relationship between movement and human behavior. He is an expert in the field of dance psychology, and his work has been featured in numerous academic journals and media outlets.In the latest episode we sit down with Dr. Dance to discuss the many benefits of dance and movement, both for physical health and mental well-being. Throughout the episode, we explore topics such as the connection between movement and creativity, the role of dance in building social connections, and the positive effects of dance on mental health.With his infectious energy and enthusiasm, Dr. Dance shares his wealth of knowledge and insights on the power of movement to transform our lives. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete novice, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated to get up and move your body!So, if you're looking for some uplifting and informative listening, be sure to check out this episode with Dr. Peter Lovatt, aka "Dr. Dance."Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 122. Natural Movement Patterns and Organic Foods: A Conversation with Colman Power

    49:21
    In this week’s episode we sit down with Colman Power, a fitness coach and personal trainer with over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Colman is also an expert in organic horticulture and has a wealth of knowledge to share on growing your own vegetables and herbs.During the episode, Colman shares his passion for organic gardening and the benefits of growing your own produce. He explains how easy it can be to get started, even if you have limited space or experience. We discuss topics such as companion planting, soil health, and the importance of organic methods in promoting biodiversity and protecting the environment.But it's not just about gardening - Colman also provides insights on how to incorporate the fresh fruits and veggies you grow into your meals. He shares his favourite recipes and ideas for making the most of your harvest. He also discusses the importance of functional movement and how gardening can actually be a form of exercise. A great episode which we had the pleasure of recording in person!Lots of love,Dave & SteveProduced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 121. How to Overcome Insomnia: Insights from Kathryn Pinkham of the Insomnia Clinic

    57:44
    Dr. Kathryn Pinkham is a highly esteemed sleep specialist with over a decade of experience helping people overcome their sleep issues. She is the founder of The Insomnia Clinic, which is a private clinic based in London that offers a range of evidence-based treatments for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Kathryn has also worked with a variety of well-known clients, including professional athletes, business leaders, and celebrities.During this episode, Kathryn discusses the importance of getting a good night's sleep and how it can impact our overall health and wellbeing. She shares some helpful tips and tricks for improving our sleep habits, including setting a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and avoiding screens before bed.Kathryn also discuss the impact of stress and anxiety on sleep, as well as the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation techniques for improving sleep quality. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with sleep issues or looking to improve their overall sleep hygiene. Enjoy!Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 120. Suncream, Natural vs Unnatural Cosmetic Ingredients, and Myths debunked with Cosmetic Chemist Michelle Wong

    58:12
    In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Wong, a cosmetic chemist and skincare blogger with a PhD in chemistry. Michelle has been sharing her expertise on all things skincare for over a decade, and her blog, Lab Muffin, is a go-to resource for those looking to learn more about the science behind beauty products.The conversation covers a range of topics, including the importance of using sun cream, the difference between natural and unnatural cosmetic ingredients, and more. Michelle shares her insights and expertise throughout the episode, explaining complex scientific concepts in an approachable and engaging way.We start off by discussing the science behind sun cream and how it works to protect the skin from UV radiation. Michelle emphasises the importance of using sun cream on a daily basis, regardless of skin tone or weather conditions, to prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.The conversation then shifts to the topic of natural vs unnatural cosmetic ingredients. Michelle explains that these labels can be misleading, as there is no clear definition of what constitutes a "natural" ingredient. She also notes that many synthetic ingredients are safe and effective, and that the focus should be on choosing products that work well for your skin type and needs.Throughout the episode, Michelle shares her expertise on skincare and beauty products, dispelling common myths and misconceptions and offering practical advice for listeners. A fascinating and informative deep dive into the world of skincare, from the insights and expertise of Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin). Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or simply curious about the science behind beauty products, this episode is for you..Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 119. Eating to Extinction: Exploring Sustainable Food Choices with Dan Saladino

    01:01:47
    This week we are joined by the incredible Dan Saladino, a renowned food journalist and presenter. Dan's latest book, 'Eating to Extinction,' takes centre stage in this discussion as they explore the vital link between our food choices and the preservation of our planet.A passionate advocate for sustainable food systems, Dan Saladino is a familiar name in the world of food journalism and presenting. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Dan has been a driving force in raising awareness about the environmental impact of our food choices.Get ready to be inspired as Dan unveils the motivation behind his powerful book, 'Eating to Extinction.' Discover the profound connection between our diets and biodiversity loss, and how simple shifts in our food choices can contribute to a more sustainable future. From embracing plant-based diets to supporting local and organic farming, Dan offers practical strategies to make a lasting impact.Join us as we discuss overcoming barriers to change and fostering a sense of community support along the journey to sustainable food choices. Together, we explore the significant role that both the food industry and policy play in creating a sustainable food system.A brilliant episode! Every meal is an opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet, so let's embrace sustainable food choices and create a brighter and more sustainable future together!Lots of love,Dave & SteveTo learn more about Dan & his work check out: @eating2extinct & www.fooddiversityday.comThanks to Instant Brand for sponsoring this episode. We've been having a blast using their range of Air Fryers for the last few months. The Air Fryer is now our most used kitchen tool. You can make quick easy healthier meals with almost zero effort.Save 25% on any full price Instant air fryer at www.instantbrands.co.uk with code HAPPY until 31st May.https://bit.ly/3KPCiEj Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 117. Soil Health and Sustainability with Agro-Ecologist Nicole Masters

    01:04:25
    We're super excited to share this episode with you, where we chat with Nicole Masters, a soil health expert and agro-ecologist.We've always been passionate about sustainability and living in harmony with nature, so talking to Nicole was a dream come true for us. She really knows her stuff when it comes to healthy soil, and we learned so much from her about how we can make a positive impact on the environment through regenerative agriculture and composting.One of the things we loved about this episode was how Nicole made such a complex topic so accessible and interesting. We asked her all sorts of questions about soil health, from the benefits of cover crops to the importance of microbial diversity, and she had so many great insights to share.We hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we did!Love,Dave & SteveIf you would like to find our more, Nicole at Integrity Soils has a range of self-directed online courses so you can read the health of your soil like a pro! Deepen your knowledge and hands-on skills to measure soil health at any scale. If you’ve been unsure about current on-farm practices and are looking to make sense of the endless recommendations that may not “add up,” these courses will give you the foundations to support you in making informed decisions to improve the health of your soil.The Soil Horse Course: LINKSoil Health Masterclass: LINKProduced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 116. Epigenetics, Microbiome, Mental and Physical Health with renowned physician Zach Bush

    02:16:12
    This week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Zach Bush, a renowned physician and thought leader who has been at the forefront of research in health, nutrition, and regenerative agriculture.It was truly an incredible 2 and a half hour conversation, filled with fascinating insights and mind-blowing revelations. We covered a wide range of topics, from the fascinating world of microorganisms, to the powerful impact of epigenetics, and the vital importance of human autonomy.One of the key topics we explored was the devastating impact of glyphosate on our health and the environment. Zach shared his extensive research and insights into how this widely used herbicide is contributing to chronic illness, environmental degradation, and the erosion of soil health.We also delved into the profound connections between physical and mental health, and the role that our microbiome plays in regulating both. Zach shared his insights into the interconnectedness of our bodies and minds, and how we can work to optimise both for optimal health and wellbeing.And of course, we couldn't have a conversation with Zach without exploring the deeper spiritual and philosophical implications of our existence. We explored the concept of evolution, extinction, and the nature of consciousness itself, and how these ideas can inform our approach to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.Overall, it was an absolutely incredible conversation, and we feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to sit down with Zach and share his wisdom with our listeners. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 115. Parenting advice, the evolution of parenting, empathy and trends with author Sarah Ockwell-Smith

    01:08:49
    Today we had an amazing conversation with the wonderful author of 14 parenting books, Sarah Ockwell-Smith. Sarah studied psychology and after becoming a mother began to dive deep into the psychology and science of parenting. She has recently re-released her book: The Gentle Parenting bookIn this episode we started off by discussing the history of parenting advice and how it has evolved over time. Sarah explained how in the past, parenting was much more community-based, with family members and neighbors providing support and guidance. However, with the industrial revolution, families became more isolated and parenting advice began to be sold as a commodity.We then delved into current parenting trends, such as attachment parenting and positive parenting, and how these approaches have become more popular in recent years. Sarah emphasized that while it's great to have a framework to work within, ultimately a parent's own intuition is the most important part of parenting.We also talked about the importance of empathy and understanding in parenting, and how it can be challenging to stay calm and patient in the face of difficult behavior from our children. Sarah provided some great tips on how to handle these situations with grace and compassion.Overall, it was an incredibly insightful conversation and we learned so much from Sarah. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone Air Fryer . Currently on special offer: now £159.99 a saving of £60 until 8th May. Follow this link to find out more: https://bit.ly/3KPCiEjProduced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt
  • 114. Rewilding & How you can make the world a better place with reformed internationally acclaimed landscape designer, Mary Reynolds

    01:08:55
    Mary is a reformed internationally acclaimed landscape designer turned revolutionary who launched her career at the Chelsea flower show in 2002, being the youngest contestant to win gold. The story of which was made into a 2016 movie called “Dare to be Wild”.She is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker, occasional television presenter and founder of the global movement “We are the ARK”, a practical groundswell movement who’s aim is to shift the environmental game in nature’s favour.“The time for gardens as canvases for our creative pleasure is over. Everything must change and if we are to save the planet, then we must start with our own patches of it. It’s time to reimagine our work as gardeners, to become leaders in the race to save our beautiful planet, to save ourselves.”"We need to stop thinking of ourselves as gardeners of the land and start becoming guardians of the land"We had the privilege of recording this episode in person, it was truly inspiring, chilling and brilliant. Mary is wonderful!Enjoy!Lots of Love,Dave & SteveTo find our more about Mary, her book and her work, visit: https://marymary.ie/Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt