Episode 76: Partner TBI & Journeying Through the Grief Portal

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Episode Transcript

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Joining me on the podcast today is our very special guest, Shideh Etaat, an Iranian-American writer. Shideh holds an MFA in creative writing from San Francisco State University and has recently unveiled her debut literary masterpiece, Rana Joon and the One and Only Now. Today, Shideh shares an emotionally resonant narrative, recounting the day of her police officer husband's traumatic brain injury and the following six years since.

Brace yourself for an impactful exploration of the "grief portal," a term Shideh uses to illustrate her voyage through abrupt trauma, a journey that reconnects her with spiritual insights, acceptance, and grace. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Shideh demonstrates remarkable determination, ushering healing and transformation into her own life and the lives of those around her. The episode unfolds as an intriguing tapestry of themes, including steadfast devotion, the profound impact of grief, and the remarkable strength that arises from profound challenge. Join us as Shideh unveils her extraordinary odyssey through grief and beyond, a journey that will undoubtedly leave you equal parts moved and inspired to embrace your own capacity for growth and renewal.

“There's always some goodness you can hold on to.”
— SHIDEH ETAAT

Highlights

Shideh's childhood experiences, early awareness, and anxiety
Intergenerational trauma from her family's escape during the Iranian revolution
The challenges Shideh encountered in parenthood and healing her inner child
Her husband's traumatic brain injury, and the resulting shock, fear, and resilience
Shideh's shift to a deeper spiritual perspective on her husband's condition
Mobilizing positivity and hope amid medical uncertainty
Protective denial during pregnancy, focusing on her husband's potential
Themes of devotion, grief, resilience, and finding meaning in adversity.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

SHIDEH’S BOOK

Rana Joon and the One & Only Now

Learn More

Index Health

Special thanks to our sponsor!

Index Health provides Root Cause Medicine and Diagnostics via telemedicine. Get access to board-certified, functional medicine trained doctors, and functional trained nutritionists, who use advanced lab tests to diagnose and treat chronic conditions. Doctor appointments are 1 hour long, and they really take the time to deep dive into their patients' health.

To schedule your first appointment, visit indexclinic.com/nwiopodcast.

Listen Now

Listen to Lauren’s Private Podcast on Patreon

Get exclusive access to bonus material, live events, voice notes from Lauren, live episode recordings, and private episodes of The Insider Podcast.

Thank you for helping support the show!