We welcome researcher and author Jen Golbeck to discuss the intriguing topic of ghost dogs, just in time for the Halloween season. Golbeck, a professor at the University of Maryland, shares her research on supernatural experiences reported by pet owners who claim to see, hear, or even smell their deceased pets. These experiences, while varied, are surprisingly common and can include everything from hearing the jingle of a collar to sensing a familiar scent.
With Golbeck, we explore the psychological aspects of these encounters, focusing on how they help people cope with grief. Golbeck introduces the concept of "disenfranchised grief" and suggests that these ghostly experiences, often dismissed as hallucinations, may actually provide comfort and aid in the healing process for those who have lost pets.
The conversation also touches on the cultural and anthropological significance of these stories, highlighting the need for more discussion around the emotional and psychological impacts of losing a pet. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their feelings and experiences with their deceased pets as part of the journey through grief.
Show Notes:
" If you see the ghost of your dog, it can make you better and that should be okay. It shouldn't be something that we say is a problem." - Jen Golbeck
October Special! Transcript
Guest: Jen Golbeck is the “internet’s dog mom” and creator of the social media sensation The Golden Ratio. A professor at the University of Maryland’s College of Information Studies, she is a popular science communicator on issues related to her research on social media and dogs. Her TED Talks have been viewed by millions and she is a popular keynote speaker who has appeared on NPR, The 11th Hour, and more. Her writing has appeared in Slate, The Atlantic, Psychology Today, and Wired. She and her husband rescue golden retrievers who are senior or who have special medical needs and give them a safe and comfortable life. Find out more at JenGolbeck.com
Book Recommendation: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
1:17 Guest Introduction
02:37 Anthropological Research on Ghost Dogs
05:07 Types of Supernatural Experiences with Pets
07:50 Psychological Insights on Grief and Ghosts
09:51 Challenging Traditional Views on Grief
19:08 Exploring Unique Ghost Dog Stories
20:56 Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Supernatural
25:40 The Final Three Questions
(This blog post was written with the help of AI and edited for content and accuracy by Marika Bell)
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