Can writing truly heal a broken heart? In this profoundly moving episode of The Enlightened Life Podcast, Scott Allan sits down with John DeDakis—former CNN journalist, acclaimed author, and grief survivor—to explore how writing for healing became his lifeline through unimaginable tragedy. After coping with loss of a loved one—both his sister and son—John discovered that therapeutic writing techniques weren't just cathartic—they were essential for survival. This honest conversation about grief and loss recovery reveals the transformative power of putting pain into words. What You'll Discover ✍️ How to process grief through writing when emotions feel overwhelming 💔 Why grief journaling benefits extend far beyond the page into lasting healing 🕊️ The healing power of storytelling and mental health in navigating bereavement 🤝 How empathy in difficult times and vulnerability transform both writer and reader 📰 The impact of media consumption on our emotional well-being during grief 🌱 Practical cathartic writing exercises to start your healing journey—even if no one ever reads it 🎯 How journalism and empathy shaped John's approach to writing through bereavement 💡 Transforming pain into purpose through creative expression LINKS: johndedakis.com JOHN'S BOOKS:  https://johndedakis.com/books/

I did not write this memoir to relive the trauma—I wrote it to survive it. When I sat down to tell the truth about what it means to serve in EMS, to carry the quiet aftermath of war and emergency tones, I didn’t realize I was entering a process psychologists call post-traumatic growth. But that’s what it became.

YouTube video by The Long Pain - Mamaenga Roa

Writing has long provided a powerful outlet for self-expression, introspection, and personal growth. From journaling to blogging and…

MENTORSHIP I offer writing mentorship sessions and programmes. You might want an editorial eye or feedback on a single story, or a series of sessions to help you through the long-haul of writing a …