In this episode of Question The Default, Harry is joined by spoken word artist and musician Dan Whitlam to discuss the power of words and creativity in coping with grief and making sense of trauma.
From losing his mum at a young age and being stabbed at 16 to finding his voice through poetry, Dan opens up about his journey through grief and the unexpected healing that came from releasing his art.
The conversation explores how creative expression can help us process pain, why men are often taught to bottle things up, and how vulnerability can be a radical act, for ourselves and for others who see their own stories reflected back at them.
Dan opens up about:
• Losing his mum as a child and how grief shaped his inner world
• Growing up between countries and feeling the impact of constant change
• Being stabbed at 16 and living with panic attacks and fear
• Turning trauma into poetry and performance
• Challenging toxic ideas of masculinity and emotional silence
• The power of spoken word to help others feel less alone
• Why slowing down, reflecting, and “not having it all figured out” matters
A moving episode about language, loss, and the strength it takes to speak honestly.
Question The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.
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This episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:
Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.net
Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.uk
Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.org
GamCare - Call 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.
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