Shows
End of Life ConversationsTwo Envelopes - Give Your Beloveds the Gift of Knowing Your End of Life Wishes with Rusty RosmanSend us a textIn this conversation, Rusty Rosman shares her experiences with caregiving and the importance of pre-planning for death through her book, 'Two Envelopes.' She discusses families' emotional challenges during end-of-life decisions and emphasizes the need for clear communication and documentation of final wishes. Rusty introduces the concept of two envelopes: one for immediate actions after death and another for post-funeral instructions, highlighting the significance of leaving a legacy and ensuring loved ones are prepared. We share insights on navigating grief, family dynamics, and the importance of preparation for end-of-life decisions. She discusses the...2025-05-0732 minEnd of Life ConversationsAddressing the Gaps in End of Life Care with Marci DonaldsonSend us a textIn this conversation, Marci Donaldson shares her journey from a small town in Wyoming to becoming a passionate advocate for end-of-life care. She discusses her early experiences with death, the impact of her mother's strength, and how these experiences shaped her career in hospice and nursing. Marci highlights the gaps in care for those at the end of life and her efforts to innovate solutions, including the establishment of Hopeful House and her new service for families seeking medical aid in dying. We talk about the importance of community support and the need...2025-04-3043 minEnd of Life ConversationsAnnouncing Child Loss Virtual Support Group with Phoenix Destiny and Karen CarlissiSend us a textIn this episode, Karen Carlissi discusses her work as a death doula and the collaborative event she is hosting with Phoenix Destiny, focusing on supporting individuals who have experienced child loss. We explore the concept of disenfranchised grief, the format of their workshops, and the importance of ongoing support for participants. Karen shares insights into the emotional landscape of child loss and the rituals that can help in the healing process, culminating in a poignant poem that encapsulates the essence of remembrance and love.Workshop Flyer and Registration Link2025-04-2621 minEnd of Life ConversationsIntroducing the Grievers' Library with Pamela BelyeaSend us a textIn this conversation, Pamela Belyea shares her journey through grief after losing six family members in a short span. She discusses the founding of the Griever's Library, a nonprofit that provides grief resources to the community. We explore the importance of being present for those in grief, the role of community support, and the impact of literature on the healing process. Pamela emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in dealing with loss and how her experiences have shaped her approach to helping others navigate their grief.She speaks to the...2025-04-2338 minEnd of Life ConversationsTelepathic Connections: Communicating with the Deceased with Fran ParkerSend us a textIn this episode, we welcomed Fran Parker. Fran is a writer who loves Earth and the diversity of life on planet Earth. Her awe of humanity's potential, her communication with God, and her journeys in dreams and meditations led her to write the book God's Gift to Gaia: Guidance for Awakening Humans. Messages from Jesus led to a book sequel, Jesus Joins the Dialogue. Fran has a Ph.D. in Intercultural Education. She is Wakil's mother’s cousin, and they’ve had many fascinating conversations over the years. In today’s podcas...2025-04-1642 minEnd of Life ConversationsCalled to Accompany the Dying with Karen CarlisiSend us a textIn this conversation, Karen Carlisi shares her profound journey from being an English language educator to becoming a death doula. She reflects on her early experiences with death, including the loss of loved ones, and how these moments shaped her understanding of life and death. Karen discusses her transition into the role of a death doula, its responsibilities, and the challenges she faces in educating others about this profession. She emphasizes the importance of community support and self-care in her work, highlighting her collaborative efforts with other doulas to bridge gaps in societal...2025-04-0934 minEnd of Life ConversationsHelping Navigate Grief in the Wild Heart Space with Mirabai StarrSend us a textIn this conversation, Mirabai Starr shares her profound experiences with death and loss, detailing how these events have shaped her spiritual journey and her work. She discusses the impact of her brother's and first love's deaths on her life, leading her to explore the sacred dimensions of grief. Mirabai also introduces her current projects, including the Wild Heart Space community, which supports individuals navigating grief as a spiritual path. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing all forms of loss and the transformative power of grief in connecting with the divine. ...2025-04-0239 minEnd of Life ConversationsNatural Body Disposition and Mindfulness at End of Life with Mike ReaganSend us a textIn this conversation, Mike Reagan, CEO of The Natural Funeral, shares his profound journey in end-of-life care, from his teenage years working in a cemetery to his current role in revolutionizing the funeral industry. He discusses the importance of presence and compassion during the dying process, the innovative approach of terramation, and the challenges of raising awareness about eco-friendly death care options. Mike reflects on his personal experiences with death and dying, emphasizing a sense of peace and acceptance regarding the end of life. This conversation explores the profound experiences of end-of-life care...2025-03-2641 minEnd of Life ConversationsUnique Death Education with the Death Doyenne, Gail RubinSend us a textIn this conversation, Gail Rubin, a pioneering death educator, shares her journey into the field of death education, emphasizing the importance of planning for end-of-life issues. She discusses her creative approaches, including the use of humor and film clips, to engage people in conversations about death. Gail also reflects on her personal experiences with loss and the challenges she faces in her work, advocating for pre-need funeral planning and the need for open discussions about mortality. In this conversation, Gail Rubin shares her experiences with medical aid in dying, the role of death...2025-03-1933 minEnd of Life ConversationsThe Wind Phone: A Symbol of Connection with Russell YoungSend us a textIn this conversation, Russell Young shares his profound experiences with death, grief, and the importance of community support. He reflects on the impact of losing loved ones, particularly his father and wife, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of life and death. We also highlight his installation of a 'wind phone' on his church's property, a symbolic gesture that allows individuals to communicate with lost loved ones. Russ emphasizes the significance of maintaining connections, whether through imagination or belief, and the role of community in navigating grief. He shares insights on resilience...2025-03-1229 minEnd of Life ConversationsWhat is a Death DoulaSend us a textIn this episode, we introduce the concept of death doulas, professionals trained to support individuals and families during the end-of-life process. Four experienced death doulas are featured in the conversation, sharing their backgrounds, specialties, and personal stories that inspired them to enter this field. They discuss the importance of providing emotional and practical support to families, their unique challenges, and their profound impact on the dying and their loved ones. The doulas emphasize the need for better organization and support during the dying process, highlighting the value of their role in f...2025-03-051h 12End of Life ConversationsHand Woven Coffins and the Importance of Death Literacy with Dr. Tamara McIntyreSend us a textIn this conversation, Dr. Tamara McIntyre shares her journey and insights into death literacy, the importance of curiosity in facing mortality, and her work with hand-woven willow coffins. She discusses the challenges of engaging people in conversations about death, the cultural shifts surrounding end-of-life practices, and the need for community support in navigating these experiences. Dr. McIntyre emphasizes the significance of understanding our mortality and making informed choices about death and dying. We explore the importance of advanced care planning, compassion in healthcare, and the dynamics of end-of-life conversations. We discuss the emotional...2025-02-2646 minEnd of Life ConversationsCultural Ritual with the Founder of A Thoughtful Death Neshia AlaovaeSend us a textIn this conversation, Neshia (Nee sha) Alaovae (Alah vi) shares her profound experiences and insights on death, grief, and the importance of cultural rituals. Raised by her grandparents in Samoa, Neshia's early encounters with death shaped her understanding and approach to end-of-life care. She emphasizes the significance of rituals in navigating grief and the need for community support. Neshia discusses her journey into death work, highlighting her current role as an end-of-life consultant, where she helps individuals, particularly young adults, confront and plan for their mortality. In this conversation, we explore the themes of...2025-02-1938 minEnd of Life ConversationsHelping Children and Adults Find Meaning in Death with Rich NisbetSend us a textIn this conversation, Rich Nisbet shares his profound experiences with death, grief, and spirituality. He discusses his journey from personal loss to becoming a grief counselor, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning in death. Rich also introduces his children's book, The Life Cycle, which aims to help children understand death and the continuity of life. The discussion also touches on the significance of open conversations about death, the stigma surrounding spiritual experiences, and the therapeutic benefits of journaling in processing grief. Rich advocates for a holistic approach to grief that acknowledges b...2025-02-1543 minEnd of Life ConversationsLast Words & First Words and How They Relate with Michael ErardSend us a textIn this conversation, Michael Erard discusses his work on language, mainly focusing on the first words of babies and the last words of the dying. He shares personal experiences with death, including a profound encounter that shaped his understanding of grief and mourning. The discussion explores the importance of communication at the end of life, the cultural models surrounding death, and the collective experience of dying, emphasizing the significance of verbal and non-verbal communication. In this conversation, we delve into the profound themes surrounding language and communication at the end of life. We...2025-02-1239 minEnd of Life ConversationsCompassionate End-of-Life Care for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community with Tianna DargentSend us a textIn this conversation, Tiana Dargent, founder of Queer Community Death Care, shares her personal journey with death and grief, highlighting the importance of inclusive and compassionate end-of-life care for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She discusses her experiences with death from a young age, the evolution of her understanding of grief, and the creation of safe spaces for discussions about death through Queer Death Salons. Tiana emphasizes the challenges marginalized communities face in death care and the significance of community support in navigating these experiences. In this conversation, the speakers explore the importance of creating...2025-02-0633 minEnd of Life Conversations🔒 How to Become a Death Doula - Premium EpisodeSubscriber-only episodeSend us a textAn edited video version of this episode is available here: https://youtu.be/9bLisrm7q4wIn this podcast episode, the hosts engage with experienced death doulas to explore the journey of becoming a death doula, the personal inspirations behind their work, and the training involved. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the calling to serve the dying, and the unique philosophy guiding their practice, including recognizing their work as a form of ministry. This conversation delves into the multifaceted role of end-of-life doulas, exploring...2025-02-041h 13End of Life ConversationsCulturally Sensitive Training with Joe'l the Grave WomanSend us a textIn this conversation, Joe'l Simone Maldonado, a licensed funeral director and grief educator, shares her profound experiences with death from a young age, the challenges she faces in her profession, and the importance of self-care and boundaries in her work. She emphasizes the need for cultural competency in death care and reflects on the spiritual aspects of her role, while also discussing the fears and uncertainties surrounding death. In this conversation, we explore the complex emotions surrounding death and grief, discussing personal fears, cultural practices, and the importance of inclusivity in end-of-life care...2025-01-2936 minEnd of Life ConversationsServing 10,000 Veterans at their End of Life with Deborah GrassmanSend us a textIn this conversation, Deborah Grassman shares the profound insights she gained from her extensive experience as a hospice nurse for veterans. She discusses the concept of 'soul injury,' a wound that disconnects individuals from their true selves and emphasizes the importance of healing through self-discovery, grief, and forgiveness. Grassman reflects on how facing death can lead to a deeper understanding of life and the urgency to connect with one's authentic self. She also addresses the challenges of promoting healing practices in a busy, distracted society and shares her personal reflections on life...2025-01-2232 minEnd of Life ConversationsServing Individuals and Families Navigating the End-of-Life with LiElla KellySend us a textLiElla Kelly is a nationally recognized NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Alliance) Proficient End-of-Life Doula and After-Death Care Educator. She founded Leaving Well, a groundbreaking business that serves individuals and families seeking to navigate end-of-life transitions with grace, dignity, and peace. Her clients understand the importance of planning and wish to approach death with openness and preparedness—those who believe that we can “do death” better.LiElla brings a unique blend of compassionate care and practical expertise to her work. Her role is to ensure that the dying know their options, that their voice...2025-01-1537 minEnd of Life ConversationsSpeaking with Death Doulas - with Phoenix Destiny and Myra DanielSend us a textIn this episode, we spoke with two new friends we met at a recent death care conference in Seattle. They are both Death Doulas and some of their cohort will share their inspiration and work in a special premium video episode called “What is a Death Doula?” We hope you’ll subscribe to enjoy that and other premium content.Phoenix and Myra share their personal experiences with death and how it has shaped their lives and careers. They discuss the importance of community, the challenges they face in their work, and the profou...2025-01-0838 minEnd of Life ConversationsTraining Caregivers At The Humane Prison Hospice Project with Laura MusselmanSend us a textLaura Musselman is the Director of Communications (and program facilitator) for the Humane Prison Hospice Project. She is also a trauma-support specialist and advocate for compassionate, dignified end-of-life care. A mother of one child and three dogs, she enjoys exploring how privilege affects access to a “good death” and learning from others’ stories.In this conversation, Laura Musselman shares her journey from teaching philosophy to becoming an end-of-life care specialist. After losing her parents, she became a doula and now works with the Humane Prison Hospice Project at the Central...2025-01-0143 minEnd of Life ConversationsCelebrating the End of Season TwoSend us a textNOTE: You can see the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/L-mUMV5shaAAlso, please note that subscribing to the YouTube channel (though we appreciate it!) is not the same as subscribing to our podcast to have access to our premium content. Please consider clicking on the "Support the Show" link at the bottom of these (and all) podcast notes or on our website to become a supporter of our work. Thanks!!2024-12-2507 minEnd of Life ConversationsPlant Medicine for Grief and Healing with Teresa YungSend us a textIn this conversation, Teresa Yung shares her profound journey through grief and healing, exploring the impact of death on her life and work. As an activist and therapist in training, she discusses her experiences with plant medicine, the awakening process, and her role as a life doula. Teresa emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the challenges faced in the healing journey, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of life, death, and the infinite nature of the soul. In this conversation, Teresa Yung shares her insights on finding support during overwhelming times, the importance...2024-12-1843 minEnd of Life ConversationsBe Vessels of Love in the World and Imagine Peace - with Author and Playwright Anastacia DadashpourSend us a textIn this conversation, Anastasia Dadashpour shares her profound experiences with death and loss, exploring how these events have shaped her understanding of life, love, and spirituality. She discusses the impact of her grandmother's fear of death, the loss of her daughter, and her father's suicide, emphasizing the connections that remain after death. Anastasia also highlights her work in creating a play about children imagining peace after an apocalypse, reflecting on the importance of love and community in healing and transformation. The conversation delves into the significance of acknowledging grief and the role of...2024-12-1141 minEnd of Life ConversationsAI Replicants, Sentience, Death Awareness - with Playwright Duane KellySend us a textDuane Kelly is an award-winning author of eleven full-length plays. His plays often delve into end-of-life themes. The two most recent productions were a premiere of Abacus in Seattle in September 2024 and the play Patrimony in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in October 2024. Abacus tells the story of a synthetic human replicant who experiences unexpected concerns as she cares for a man who suffers the indignities of old age and cognitive decline.His plays, which often delve into end-of-life themes, were produced at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 and 2023. Duane is also writing a history...2024-12-0438 minEnd of Life ConversationsThe Importance of Planning for the End of Life as a Gift to Your Loved Ones with Dr Kimberly HarmsSend us a textIn this conversation, Dr. Kimberly Harms shares her profound experiences with grief and loss, detailing the impact of her mother's and son's deaths on her life. She discusses the importance of processing grief, the role of legacy planning, and how to support others through their grief journeys. Dr. Harms emphasizes the significance of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the need for community support in navigating the challenges of loss. She also highlights the importance of leaving a legacy of love and preparing for death to ease the burden on loved ones.Dr. Harms...2024-11-2744 minEnd of Life ConversationsFuneral & End of Life Planning with Jamie SarcheSend us a textIn this conversation, Jamie Sarche discusses her mission to help people confront their mortality and plan for their funerals, which she believes leads to more meaningful lives. She shares personal experiences with death, the importance of open conversations about grief, and the various options available for funeral planning. Jamie emphasizes the need for rituals and the emotional landscape of grief, advocating for a society that embraces these discussions rather than shying away from them.Jamie's calling is to help people be less afraid of death. By arranging for them to provide...2024-11-2043 minEnd of Life ConversationsSpeaking With a Pharmacist About Medical Aid in Dying with Rodney DiffendafferSend us a textRodney Diffendaffer, a clinical compounding pharmacist and certified functional medicine practitioner, discusses his work in the field of medical aid in dying (MAID). He shares his personal experiences with death growing up on a farm and how it shaped his perspective. Rodney talks about his role at Flatirons Family Pharmacy, where he helps people with their end-of-life journey and develops formulations to make the process more comfortable. He also highlights the challenges he faced in spreading awareness about MAID in Colorado, particularly in getting doctors to engage in conversations about the topic. He...2024-11-1337 minEnd of Life ConversationsWhat Comes Next - A Near Death Experience with Libby CarrSend us a textLibby Carr. Libby has been an environmental and political activist for much of her life. It was when she had her first big job (working for the Sierra Club) when she had her near death experience while on a white-water raft trip on the Snake River. This happened in 1972, several years before much had been written about this phenomenon. Libby shares her near-death experience in 1972 and how it impacted her life. She describes being trapped under a raft during a whitewater rafting trip and having a conversation with an energy beyond any...2024-11-0644 minEnd of Life Conversations🔒 The What, Why and How of Advanced Care DirectivesSubscriber-only episodeSend us a textThis premium episode is available as a video at: https://youtu.be/axTn31uxgGAIn this conversation, Wakil and Annalouiza delve into the significance of advanced care directives, exploring their definition, importance, and the various components involved. They discuss who should have an advanced care directive, the role of healthcare agents, and the emotional and legal implications of these documents. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of having clear directives to avoid family conflicts and ensure that personal wishes are honored at the end of life. They also...2024-11-0330 minEnd of Life ConversationsSimplify Estate Planning and Organization - Buried In Work Website for End of Life Resources with Adam ZuckermanSend us a textAdam Zuckerman is the Founder of Buried in Work, a leading eCommerce platform specializing in estate planning/organization, end-of-life tasks, and estate transitions. With a deeply personal motivation stemming from his experience managing his father's estate, Adam is dedicated to simplifying these complex processes for individuals and families nationwide. As an Eisenhower Fellow, an attorney, and MBA, Adam brings a wealth of expertise to his role, combining legal knowledge with entrepreneurial vision to drive innovation in the field of estate planning. Adam's mission is to empower individuals...2024-10-3034 minEnd of Life ConversationsAlternative Body Disposition - Terramation and Water Cremation - with Seth ViddalSend us a textIn this episode Seth Viddal shares his journey of becoming aware of death and how it has impacted his life. He discusses his experiences with traditional funerals and the limitations he felt in the funeral industry. This led him to start The Natural Funeral, an organization that offers ecological funeral options. Seth explains the processes of natural organic reduction and water cremation, highlighting their environmental benefits. He also emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful rituals and the challenges of making these options more widely available.Seth has been an entrepreneur for...2024-10-2337 minEnd of Life ConversationsMindfulness and Art as tools for healing & support during the dying process with Tajali TolanSend us a textIn this episode we're pleased to welcome Tajali Theresa Tolan, MS Tajali is a Certified Mindfulness Educator, Peace Educator, Marriage and Family Therapist, Family Life Educator, and Registered Yoga Teacher. She is the founder of both the Children’s Global Peace Project and The Consciousness Project–an Empowerment Life Coaching Counseling Business. She holds an MS in Educational Psychology and BS in Family Life Education. Tajali is passionate about teaching social-emotional, awareness and mindfulness skills. She specializes in creative expression, communication, healthy parent-child relationships and peace work. Over the course of...2024-10-1636 minEnd of Life ConversationsCaring for the Homeless and Trans Communities with rev. Dr. Meghan RohrerSend us a textIn this episode we speak with Megan Rohrer, PhD and DMin, a social justice influencer known for their advocacy with the homeless and LGBTQ communities. Megan received a PhD in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies for their dissertation Trans Theology Without Apology. Megan received a Doctorate of Ministry from the Pacific School of Religion, studying the radical organizing in the 60's and 70's at Glide Memorial Church, where he currently serve as the Senior Church Communications Specialist. Megan is an award-winning filmmaker, musician and historian. He was a fi...2024-10-0942 minEnd of Life ConversationsDementia Care with the Creator and Host of the Daughterhood Podcast, Rosanne CorcoranSend us a textIn this episode, we meet Rosanne Corcoran, who shares her experience as a caregiver for her mother with vascular dementia. She discusses the challenges of caregiving, the impact of death awareness, and the importance of supporting caregivers. The conversation also delves into the complexities of dementia care and the need to meet caregivers where they are. We talk about the challenges of caregiving, the broken system, the importance of support, and the spiritual aspect of end-of-life care. We emphasize the need for open conversations about death and grief, and the significance of nature...2024-10-0241 minEnd of Life ConversationsThe Value of Listening, Patience, and Compassion in End-of-Life Care with Lynn RovigSend us a textIn this episode, we enjoyed a conversation with Lynn Rovig. Lynn contacted us to say she had a story to tell about her work as a Home Care Consultant with a Seattle area organization called “Home Instead.” Lynn has been working with seniors for twenty-four years. She has worked with many people in hospice care and on a personal note, Lynn’s parents died in the last few years. Lynn notes that dealing with her own parents' death has helped her with her hospice clients in a compassionate and very rewarding way. She offers...2024-09-2532 minEnd of Life Conversations🔒 Being With GriefSubscriber-only episodeSend us a textYou can see the video version of this premium episode on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/8mWuhQCQyB8 In this conversation, Wakil and Annalouiza discuss how to support someone who is grieving. They emphasize the importance of compassionate listening and being present for the person without trying to fix anything. They also highlight the need to be aware of the person's individual needs and preferences, rather than making assumptions. They discuss the unhelpful things to say or do, such as offering unsolicited advice or making insensitive comments. T...2024-09-2529 minEnd of Life ConversationsPoetry As a Powerful Tool for Addressing End-of-Life Topics with Poet Steve DahlSend us a textIn this episode we are honored to speak with poet, Steve Dahl. Steve’s career has always been in the world of marketing and creativity. He’s helped many clients over the years promote and grow their business with his creative writing, photography, and social media skills. Steve holds a Master’s degree in Organization Development and a Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology.His marketing experience took an interesting twist in 2013 when he became Director of Marketing for the Cal State University Institute for Palliative Care. There, he began to dive int...2024-09-1837 minEnd of Life ConversationsCreative Aging, Death Awareness, and Resilience with Rebecca CrichtonSend us a textIn this episode we meet Rebecca Crichton, the executive director of Northwest Center for Creative Aging. We discuss her work in the field of creative aging and grief counseling. She shares personal experiences with death and highlights the importance of having conversations about death and end-of-life choices. Rebecca emphasizes the value of resilience and positive psychology in the grieving process. She also talks about the significance of legacy letters and the need for open discussions about death and dying. Rebecca encourages listeners to embrace the gift of each day and find purpose in...2024-09-1130 minEnd of Life ConversationsEco Friendly Caskets and Urns with Diana O'Riordan Verschoor and Luc NadeauSend us a textToday we're very happy to be able to share a conversation with two friends, Diana & Luc Diana O'Riordan Verschoor, who also goes by Dee, is an eco folk artist living in the Colorado on Cheyenne, Ute, and Arapaho ancestral land. Dee's small business, Thimble and Stone, supports collective liberation through functional folk arts, placing an emphasis on ritual and wellness. One of Dee's artistic focuses is on painting simple, nature-inspired designs onto eco-cremation urns using natural pigments.Luc Nadeau is an entrepreneur, artist, and freelance ecologist living in Longmont...2024-09-0437 minEnd of Life ConversationsA Cultural Perspective on the End of Life from a Black Woman with Dr. Amelia PhillipsSend us a textToday we have an opportunity to share a conversation with Dr. Amelia Phillips, a black woman working in a variety of fields dominated by white men including Engineering Information technology and real estate. Dr. Phillips is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a BS degree in Astronautical Engineering and a BS in Archaeology along with an MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. She completed her PhD at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Computer Security.She has also managed rock bands, worked on an as...2024-08-2841 minEnd of Life ConversationsMedical Aid in Dying & Personal Agency at the End of Life with Dr. Twana SparksSend us a textTwana Sparks MD is a semi-retired ear, nose and throat surgeon and writer. She is a native New Mexican and 1986 graduate of the University of New Mexico Medical School. Dr. Twana Sparks excels at oral histories mixed with scientific information. Her books on Medical Aid in Dying (2024) and Tuberculosis treatment (2013) blend the personal with the process. She was raised in a large family in New Mexico and by age 12 she had a bucket list that included but was not limited to: become a doctor, write a book, walk across America, go aroun...2024-08-2143 minEnd of Life ConversationsDeath Designer Isabel Knight - Creating Human Centered, Accessible and Inclusive End of Life ExperiencesSend us a text On today’s episode we have a wonderful conversation with Isabel Knight. Isabel is the Founder of The Death Designer, a company that provides end-of-life planning services, including funeral and vigil planning, digital account password management, advance directives, and assistance with reconciling fears of mortality. She takes a human-centered design approach, with a focus on promoting individual autonomy, sustainability, and home deathcare options. Her goal is to create a more humane and equitable end-of-life experience for all. She is also the President of the National Home Funeral Alliance, a boar...2024-08-1444 minEnd of Life ConversationsTerramation - Composting as an Alternative Body Disposition - with Brien SmithSend us a textIn this episode we got to spend time with Brie Smith. Brie is the longest-standing employee at Return Home, a leader in the new (but old) practice of terramation or body composting. She first served as Director of Services, then as COO, and now she is responsible for overseeing Return Home’s community outreach initiatives, including both their in-person and online efforts. She is also the General Manager of Return Home’s newest venture, TerraPets. With TerraPets she works to offer terramation to families who have lost their beloved pets. Finally, Brie...2024-08-0741 minEnd of Life ConversationsSeason One Roundup and Season Two TeaserSend us a textIn this episode you can view as a video podcast on YouTube or on Spotify Annalouiza and Wakil discuss the first twenty episodes from Season One and all of the profound and inspirational insights that we learned from our guests.We also talk about what is coming in Season Two, including a new website and new video offerings for paid subscribers that will include discussions of some of the episodes, short classes on preparing for end-of-life, role-playing ways that you can communicate about grief and loss, and examples of w...2024-07-1030 minEnd of Life ConversationsGrief Companioning is Walking Side by Side with Someone Unconditionally - with Dr. Janice LundySend us a textIn this episode we meet Dr. Janice Lundy, who is a grief support specialist and a grief educator. She is the founder of the Metta Center, which offers specialized training in spiritual direction, also known as spiritual companionship, including one-of-a-kind grief companionship training. Having experienced a great deal of loss in her own life, she knows firsthand the transformative power of healing through grief.Jan is a celebrated author and lifelong educator who currently serves as the Gerald May Professor of Spiritual Direction and Counseling at the Graduate Theological Foundation. For...2024-07-0335 minEnd of Life ConversationsAddressing Death Anxiety and Grief in a Holistic and Sacred way with Paul MinerSend us a textPaul Minor is a transpersonal and spiritual counselor and a Thanatologist. He shares his personal experiences with death and how they influenced his career path. Paul's work involves transpersonal spiritual counseling and Thanatology, the study of death, dying, and bereavement. He emphasizes the importance of addressing death anxiety and grief in a holistic and sacred way. Paul faces challenges in breaking through societal taboos and misconceptions around death and spirituality. He strives to be a companion and create space for the mystery of death in his work. In this...2024-06-1941 minEnd of Life ConversationsProviding Resources and Support for the LGBTQ+ Community - with Grief Specialist Gary SturgisSend us a textGary Sturgis, a grief specialist, speaker, and bereavement facilitator, shares his personal experience with loss and his journey to support others through grief. He discusses the importance of providing resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community, who often face unique challenges in their grief. Gary emphasizes the need for understanding and respect when supporting someone who is grieving and encourages seeking help and connection during the grieving process. Gary survived the greatest loss of his life and now works as a Grief Specialist, Speaker, and Bereavement Facilitator. He is r...2024-06-0529 minEnd of Life ConversationsDeath Is the Coronation of Life with Professor Dr. Harald WalachSend us a textFor this unique episode, we will be interviewing Professor Harald Walach PhD.Professor Walach is a clinical psychologist, philosopher of science, and researcherat the interface between medicine, psychology, and consciousness studies. He is a professorial research fellow with the Next Society Institute at Kazimierash Simonavichius University in Vilnius, Lithuania. He is the founding director of the Change Health Science Institute in Basel, Switzerland, where he lives as a freelance scientist and an author. His recent work focuses on the role of spirituality and consciousness within science, for our health...2024-05-2934 minEnd of Life ConversationsSupporting Children and Teens in Grief with Julie LockhartSend us a textIn this episode, we talk with Julie Lockhart, a retired academic. During the last years of her career, she led a grief support nonprofit called WinterSpring, where she discovered the beauty and depth of personal stories. There she shared her own experience, which helped grieving people feel less alone. Julie loves an adventure, especially in wild places. She spent most of her career in academics, publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals. From that, she has embraced writing personal essays about her adventures, life experiences, and grief, sharing insights from what sh...2024-05-1534 minEnd of Life ConversationsThe Importance of Gathering and Saying Goodbye - with Arlene HoagSend us a textArlene Hoag, a hospice volunteer and co-chairman of the Mountains of Courage conference, shares her experiences and insights on death and dying. She discusses her early encounters with death, the grief she experienced when a friend passed away, and the importance of communicating with loved ones who have passed. Arlene also emphasizes the significance of supporting grieving individuals and caring for loved ones with dementia. She shares how a class at a spiritual community camp and a gravestone exercise influenced her perspective on death. Arlene concludes by...2024-05-0133 minEnd of Life ConversationsHealing Through Writing with Laura DavisSend us a textIn this episode, we speak to Laura Davis, author of The Burning Light of Two Stars, The Courage to Heal, and four other books. In addition to writing books that inspire, the work of Laura’s heart is to teach. For over twenty years, she’s helped people find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft. She teaches online and at retreat centers around the world. She's a featured speaker for The National Association of Memoir Writers and a popular craft teacher at The San Miguel Writer's Conference. In May...2024-04-1735 minEnd of Life ConversationsEducating About the Realities of Death and Dying and Grief - with Jill McClennenSend us a textWe were honored to meet and talk with Jill McClennen in this episode.She is a certified death doula, a non-medical professional specially trainedto provide holistic care for individuals in their final stages of life. She offerscomprehensive support, preparation, and deep soul healing to her clients and theirfamilies, whether in person or through virtual sessions, as she works as a deathdoula and end-of-life coach.In her virtual practice, Jill helps people prepare themselves and their loved ones forthe end...2024-04-0333 minEnd of Life ConversationsBringing Kindness Through Song to Those Facing Life's Thresholds with Kate SchuylerSend us a textPlease note this content warning for the following episode. In this episode our friend Kate speaks about her experience with putting down a beloved horse. Please take care of yourselves.Today we are excited to have a conversation with Kate Schuyler. She is an active student of life, self, and the heart, a mother, grandmother, partner, and loyal friend. She is a world traveler, a hiker, a backpacker, a community volunteer, a gardener, a poetry lover, and a musician and singer. She has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1982, a...2024-03-2025 minEnd of Life ConversationsGrief is Where Your Love Goes with Rev Judith LaxerSend us a textIn this episode, we are blessed to spend time with the Rev. Judith Laxer. She is a modern-day mystic who believes that beauty, humor, and the wonders of nature make life worth living. The founding Priestess of Gaia’s Temple, Judith is a keynote and TEDx speaker, teacher of the magickal arts and mysteries, and author of Along the Wheel of Time: Sacred Stories for Nature Lovers [Ravenswood Publishing]. Judith dedicates her work to the rise and cultural integration of the Divine Feminine in all Her magnificence and wisdom. www...2024-03-0638 minEnd of Life ConversationsGrief is Grief, Loss of Pets, or Loss in a Small African Village - with Stephanie and JeffreySend us a textIn this episode, we had the honor of sharing a conversation with Jeffrey and Stephanie, a married couple who live on an island near Seattle.Jeffrey has his master's and a Ph.D. in agriculture and has been working in food security in Sub-Saharan Africa for over 20 years. He has found that our humanity comes before our agendas, that we must connect as people before we work together, and that laughter, tears, and sighs bring us together in times of joy and sorrow. He is currently the program coordinator for an...2024-02-2142 minEnd of Life ConversationsValentines Day Memorial SpecialSend us a textIn this special episode, we bring you memorials to beloveds who have crossed over the veil ahead of us.Wakil and Annalouiza share memorial tributes to Wakil's Grandpa Herbert and Annalouiza's sister Vivian.We'll also hear from Jane Ellen Nickell whom we interviewed in our last episode who shares the story of her mother's end of life.Then, our friend Quan Yin Lynn Williams speaks about her journey with her friend Coco and her gracious and beautiful end-of-life story.Finally, we are privileged to hear...2024-02-1440 minEnd of Life ConversationsWorking as a College Chaplain - with Jane Ellen NickellSend us a textJane Ellen Nickell is enjoying retirement, after serving 16 years as Chaplain of Allegheny College, which followed a career in performing arts management and marketing. A native of West Virginia, she currently lives in Meadville, Pennsylvania, with two feline companions. In retirement, she keeps busy gardening, cooking, doing yoga, making music, reading, and writing. She also works with Third Act Faith, a group of activists over age 60 who are addressing climate and democracy.For a college chaplain, death is a relatively rare occurrence, but it is often unexpected and involves losing someone...2024-02-0737 minEnd of Life ConversationsThe Privilege of Accompanying People in Their Sacred Time of Dying - with Yanna HansonSend us a textIn this episode we speak with Yanna Hanson. Yanna is a death doula and currently specializes as a volunteer with end-of-life Washington. Helping terminal patients navigate the medical aid in dying process.She is often present when they take the life-ending medications. Yana also helps educate clients about another life-ending choice, that of V-S-E-D, which is voluntarily stopping eating and drinking.After raising her own five children, Yana became an RN, providing post-op care for pediatric patients, but she often felt called to hospice nursing.When she...2024-01-2435 minEnd of Life ConversationsAlways Coming Back Into the Light with Ms. MargaretSend us a textMs. Margaret Johnson. Ms. Margaret is currently 101 years old. When's your birthday? So she just turned 101. Margaret has lived a very rich and varied life. She has been a homemaker, a wife, and a mother to two children. She lived all over the country due to her husband's career as a geologist. She went back to school at the age of 52 and became a clinical social worker. By the time she moved to Denver, she was slowly led into a deeper and richer spiritual life. She then trained as a spiritual d...2024-01-1026 minEnd of Life ConversationsAwareness of daily losses builds a container for grief - with Patty BuenoSend us a textPatty Bueno is a certified grief counselor, dying consciously teacher, and creator of the Amorté podcast on death and grief education.She's currently training to become a somatic experiencing facilitator. Having accompanied three of her grandparents and later her mother through their dying process as a primary caregiver was an initiation and powerful call to serve and assist others in her community.She's the mother of two beautiful men who are married and she just became a grandmother.She lives in Mexico City and has been supporting t...2023-12-2736 minEnd of Life ConversationsHeaven: From Community to Community - with Rev. John MabrySend us a text“If you cultivate community in this life, you will pass into community.”In this episode we spend time with our dear friend and teacher, Rev. John Mabry. We met him when we were both seminary students in Berkeley, CA and have remained close.Reverend Dr. John Mabry is a United Church of Christ pastor and a spiritual director. He is a novelist and songwriter and lives with his veterinarian wife and 3 boxers in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains In upstate New York.We will talk about his...2023-12-1335 minEnd of Life ConversationsMy Boat is Small, the Ocean is So Vast with Rev Bodhi BeSend us a textWelcome to Episode 3! Today we welcome Reverend Bodhi Be ‘Warrior of the heart, protector of the sacred’.Reverend Bodhi Be is an ordained interfaith minister and teacher in the Sufi lineage of Samuel Lewis and Hazrat Inayat Khan. He is the founder and executive director of Doorway Into Light, a nonprofit organization on Maui, which provides conscious and compassionate care for the dying, their families, and the grieving, and has been offering community educational programs and training since 2006 in the fields of awakened living and dying and the care of the dyin...2023-11-2935 minEnd of Life ConversationsCompanions on the Path with Rev Ayah Shakur SevignySend us a textIn this episode we are blessed and honored to spend time with our friend Rev Ayah Shakur Sevigny. He is currently working as a palliative care chaplain at a large hospital in Seattle, and spent 20 years as a hospice chaplain.He shares with us his wisdom and insights about the work of an end of life caregiver.He mentioned two important resources - first this book by Carolyn Singh - The Grace in Dying; and the Zen Hospice project, now renamed the Zen Caregiving project....2023-11-1529 min
End of Life ConversationsIntroducing End of Life ConversationsSend us a textIn this first episode of our End of Life Conversations podcast, Rev. Annalouiza Armendariz, and Rev. Wakil David Matthews share their own stories and talk about their passion for normalizing the conversations around death and dying.In future podcasts, we'll share people’s experiences with the end of life. We have reached out to front-line workers, as well as friends, neighbors, and the community to have conversations about their experiences with death and dying. We have invited wonderful people to sit with us and listen to each other’s stories. Ou...2023-11-0136 min