Podcast Summary: The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers Episode Title: Writing As A Tool For Grief And Dealing With Change with Karen Wyatt
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Host: Joanna Penn
Guest: Dr. Karen Wyatt
Description: In this heartfelt episode, Joanna Penn interviews Dr. Karen Wyatt, a retired hospice physician and bestselling author, about using writing as a means to navigate grief and significant life changes. They delve into the multifaceted nature of grief, the therapeutic benefits of writing, the challenges of publishing personal narratives, and the role of spirituality in the grieving process.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Joanna Penn opens the episode by highlighting the focus on writing as a tool for coping with grief and dealing with life's inevitable changes. She references her own recent appearance on Karen Wyatt's podcast, End of Life University, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about their shared experiences with grief and writing.

2. Understanding Grief Beyond Loss

Timestamp [33:18] Karen Wyatt:
"Grief can be felt in times of happiness, when good things are happening. Life is a series of losses and changes, and grief is an emotion that's always present for us."

Karen emphasizes that grief extends beyond the loss of a loved one. It encompasses any significant change or loss, even those occurring in moments of joy. Examples include a child no longer using baby language or personal milestones like menopause, highlighting that grief is intertwined with the concept of control over life's events.

3. The Therapeutic Power of Writing

Timestamp [35:50] Karen Wyatt:
"Writing gives us a place to express and ventilate our emotions, to put down what’s otherwise hidden or repressed inside of us."

Karen shares her personal journey of using writing to process grief after her father's suicide. She began with morning pages—a practice inspired by Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way—which allowed her to release pent-up emotions through stream-of-consciousness writing. Over time, her writing evolved from raw emotional outpouring to more structured forms like poems, stories, and essays, enabling her to process her grief constructively.

4. From Personal to Published Writing

Timestamp [52:16] Karen Wyatt:
"I chose to share my writing only after I had clarity and no longer wrote out of anger or blame. I focused on writing from a place of love and healing to inspire others."

Transitioning from personal journaling to publishing was a significant step for Karen. She decided to share her writings only after achieving emotional clarity, ensuring that her work was not fueled by residual anger or blame. This deliberate approach allowed her to create content that was not only therapeutic for herself but also beneficial to others experiencing similar grief.

5. Navigating Family Reactions to Published Grief Writing

Timestamp [59:20] Karen Wyatt:
"When I shared my stories with my mother, it became a healing moment for both of us, allowing us to communicate our grief in a way we hadn't before."

Karen discusses the delicate dynamics of sharing grief-related writing with family members. Initially hesitant, her mother eventually found solace in reading Karen's stories, which facilitated deeper conversations and mutual healing. Karen advises authors to ensure their writing is intended for healing and to approach the topic with sensitivity to loved ones' feelings.

6. Spirituality and Grief

Timestamp [48:08] Karen Wyatt:
"Focusing on universal spiritual concepts like love and forgiveness helped me move beyond resentment and find peace in my grief."

Spirituality plays a crucial role in Karen's approach to grief. She highlights the importance of universal spiritual principles—such as love, forgiveness, and finding meaning—in navigating the grieving process. Embracing these concepts allowed her to shift from anger to curiosity, fostering resilience and creative thinking.

7. Karen Wyatt's End of Life University Podcast

Timestamp [63:45] Karen Wyatt:
"My podcast serves as a resource for people in need, helping them understand death, dying, and grief through meaningful conversations."

Karen shares insights about her own podcast, End of Life University, which aims to demystify and destigmatize conversations around death and grief. Through interviews and discussions, she provides valuable resources and support for individuals navigating loss, emphasizing the impact of shared experiences and knowledge.

8. Listener Feedback and Community Impact

Karen recounts touching stories from listeners who have found her podcast instrumental in their own experiences with grief. For example, one listener used her podcast while supporting a dying friend, enabling him to provide meaningful comfort.

9. Balancing Writing and Professional Help

Timestamp [44:04] Karen Wyatt:
"Writing served as my therapist, allowing me to process emotions internally. However, I recommend seeking professional help if writing alone isn’t sufficient."

While Karen found writing to be a powerful tool for self-healing, she acknowledges that it may not be enough for everyone. She encourages individuals experiencing severe grief or destructive emotions to seek professional counseling and support alongside their personal writing practices.

10. Notable Quotes

• Karen Wyatt [33:18]:
  "Grief can be felt in times of happiness, when good things are happening. Life is a series of losses and changes, and grief is an emotion that's always present for us."

• Karen Wyatt [35:50]:
  "Writing gives us a place to express and ventilate our emotions, to put down what’s otherwise hidden or repressed inside of us."

• Karen Wyatt [48:08]:
  "Focusing on universal spiritual concepts like love and forgiveness helped me move beyond resentment and find peace in my grief."

• Karen Wyatt [59:20]:
  "When I shared my stories with my mother, it became a healing moment for both of us, allowing us to communicate our grief in a way we hadn't before."

• Karen Wyatt [44:04]:
  "Writing served as my therapist, allowing me to process emotions internally. However, I recommend seeking professional help if writing alone isn’t sufficient."

11. Conclusion and Takeaways

Joanna Penn and Karen Wyatt conclude by reinforcing the therapeutic benefits of writing in coping with grief and change. They encourage listeners to embrace writing as a means of self-expression and healing while also acknowledging the importance of community support and professional help when needed. The episode underscores the transformative power of storytelling in navigating life's most challenging emotions.

12. Additional Resources

• Karen Wyatt’s Podcast: End of Life University (eoluniversity.com)
• Karen Wyatt’s Books: "Stories from the Dark Night" and others focused on death, loss, and grief.
• Joanna Penn’s Resources: The Creative Penn website, free author blueprint (thecreativepenn.com/blueprint)

This episode offers a compassionate exploration of how writing can serve as a vital tool for managing grief and adapting to life’s inevitable changes. Through Karen Wyatt’s personal experiences and professional insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intricate emotions tied to grief and the empowering role of creative expression in healing.