{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F80725687-e749-4d29-9a64-9096f9999168","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Writing Through Grief: Journalism, Spirituality, and Resilience with John DeDakis","description":"On The Mindful Journey with host Sana, veteran journalist and novelist John DeDakis unpacks a life lived at the intersection of hard news, personal loss, and mindful creativity. From covering the White House to processing the deaths of close family members, John explains how writing became a disciplined, therapeutic pathway\u2014not just to publish fiction, but to make sense of life. We explore spiritual evolution beyond dogma, the craft lessons behind six political thrillers, and the decade-long grit it took to publish a first novel (10 years, 14 revisions, 39 rejections). If you\u2019re navigating grief, rebuilding purpose, or sharpening your storytelling, this conversation offers practical, no-fluff tools to create with presence and heal with honesty.\nAbout the Guest:\nJohn DeDakis is a former White House correspondent, CNN senior copy editor, writing coach, keynote speaker, and the author of six political thrillers. His work blends newsroom realism with the inner work of grief and renewal.\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nWriting as healing, not escape: Putting pain on the page can be cathartic\u2014when you\u2019re ready. It\u2019s one valid path among many (therapy, art, music).\n\n\nMindfulness in practice: Come back to the present via breath; it\u2019s how John stabilized attention after loss and wrote forward\u2014deliberately.\n\n\nSpirituality beyond dogma: Evolution from rigid belief to a lived spirituality focused on being present, ethical, and relational.\n\n\nCraft grows with community: Ten years to book one wasn\u2019t failure; it was a training arc\u2014teachers, feedback, and iterative drafts.\n\n\nEmotions are universal: Even when scenes are fictional, emotional truth connects reader to character\u2014and writer to self.\n\n\nGrief is non-linear: There\u2019s no single \u201cright way\u201d to mourn; honor personal timing and responses (even within the same family).\n\n\nKnow your wiring: Lean into natural aptitudes; purpose emerges where strengths and love of the work overlap.\n\n\nTake the long view: Patience, presence, and steady revision are sustainable strategies for both healing and publishing.\n\n\nConnect with the Guest:\nWebsite: https://johndedakis.comBooks, coaching, speaking, and contact details are available on John\u2019s site.\n\u00a0\nIf you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services right away.\n\n\nUnited States: Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support. 988 LifelineSAMHSA\n\n\nCrisis Text Line (US/CA/UK/IE): Text HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), 85258 (UK), or 50808(Ireland). Crisis Text Line+2Crisis Text Line+2\n\n\nIndia: Tele MANAS\u2014call 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 for 24/7 mental health support across India. AASRA\u2014confidential support via +91-9820466726. Telemanas+1Disability Empowerment DeptAasra\n\n\nUK & ROI: Samaritans\u2014call 116 123 (free, 24/7). Samaritans+1\n\n\nCanada: Call or text 9-8-8 for the national Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7, English/French). Government of Canada9-8-8: Suicide Crisis HelplineCAMH\n\n\nLGBTQ+ Youth (US): The Trevor Project\u2014call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat on the website. The Trevor Project+1\n\n\nGlobal Directory: Find verified crisis lines worldwide at findahelpline.com. Find a Helpline\n\n\n\nNote: Services and numbers can change. If one line doesn\u2019t connect, try another option above or consult your local health department website.\n\n\nWant to be a guest on The Mindful Journey? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\n\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/fa5e3591-84fc-492d-815f-96e307958300/untitled-design-11-7aj21.jpg"}