aftering podcasts

In this episode, the 21st century approach to the memorial. Guest Jennifer Muldowney (AKA The Glam Reaper)is an expert who helps families design and organise meaningful memorial services. She has long experience working in the deathcare industry and runs several successful businesses providing a range of services. Jennifer shares her insights into how she started out in Ireland working in this mainly male-dominated service. She is now based in New York so has seen how both cultural differences and deep human universal meaning shapes memorials across society. Further information: Podcast/Blog - www.theglamreaper.com www.muldowneymemorials.com @TheGlamReaper on Twitter and Tedx 2017 'Say Farewell Your Way' - a funeral planning guide for Ireland. Irish Glass Memorial Jewellery line: Humans - www.celtic-ashes.com Pets - www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com

In this episode, learning about the findings from a first-of-its-kind survey of people bereaved by suicide in Ireland. The survey seeks to understand the needs of the bereaved and hear their stories. Dr Eve Griffin from the National Suicide Research Foundation joins me to share the background to 'AfterWords: A survey of people bereaved by suicide in Ireland' and the key findings in it. It's important to note that Pieta provides services to those who are thinking about suicide and those who have been bereaved by suicide. Their free 24-hour number is 1800 247 247 Also, Samaritans provide a 24-hour listening service, free of charge. Phone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org AfterWords: A survey of people bereaved by suicide in Ireland is available via the website nsrf.ie The direct link to the survey here: https://www.nsrf.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Suicide-Bereavement-Survey-report_digital.pdf A list of support organisations and organisations for people bereaved by suicide can be found on the HUGG website: www.hugg.ie ‘You are not alone: Support for people who have been bereaved by suicide' is a guide which provides information on suicide bereavement and the supports available in Ireland. The guide was developed by people who have lost loved ones through suicide in conjunction with the HSE. A download of the guide can be found here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/connecting-for-life/news/national-suicide-bereavement-support-guide.pdf

In this episode – I got the chance to speak with Neltah Chadamoyo about Solo Sirens — an entirely female theatre-making and producing collective based in Tallaght. Solosirens created an innovative project exploring grief and loss. Supported by the Irish Hospice Foundation, it drew on the experiences of the group. The SoloSiren's symposium 2022 was also part of this year's Dublin Theatre Festival. Zimbabwean Neltah also shares traditions and culture around dealing with death and supporting the bereaved that she grew up with there. Further information: SoloSirens.info https://hospicefoundation.ie/arts-and-creativity/dance-and-movement-map-experiences-of-loss/

In this episode, my guest is Irish Hospice Foundation's Arts and Creative Engagement Officer Dominic Campbell. He explains the background to its special Seed Grant. This fund is available to individuals and groups seeking to create art that helps explore universal themes of dying, death and bereavement. More information: https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/ihf-in-the-community/arts-and-creativity/seeds-grants-2022/

In this episode, guest Bob Hendrickx shares how the world's first living coffin came to exist. He is an architect, bio-designer and the inventor of a process to grow sustainable coffins from mycelium. The boxes break down when buried and have the ability to enhance biodiversity and detoxify soil. More information: https://www.loop-of-life.com/

In this episode, Caroline O'Sullivan is a specialist cancer nurse with the Irish Cancer Society and she shares advice on how and why it's so important to check your breasts regularly. In Ireland, cancer is the biggest killer and breast cancer is one of the top three (along with prostate and skin cancers). She outlines methods of checking and what to look for as well as sharing what supports are available to patients and their families. More information from cancer.ie or via the Irish Cancer Society support line call — 1800 200 700

In this episode, exploring the moral dilemmas attached to the display of dead people and animals for museum curators. Special guest @DrVerityBurke shares a brief history of anatomy museums and how some unscrupulous 18th & 19th century collectors used stolen bodies, as in the case of Derry's 'Irish Giant' Charles Byrne and even the remains of animals facing extinction during the time period. What are some ethical approaches available to museum curators today for legacy collections born from spoils of colonisation and empire?

In this episode, speaking to the women behind an immersive art installation mourning those lost to Covid 19. Visual artist Miriam Mc Connon and poet Jessica Traynor explain how they are asking people to collaborate on the project by sharing their stories of lost loved ones. For this large outdoor installation, Miriam will be creating 10,000 'clooties' (fabric tied alongside holy wells) of white handkerchiefs to create lace patterns and Jessica will be writing four poems responding to the stories of loss shared by the public, the art of lacemaking and the idea of clooties in ancient Irish tradition. Her poems will be accessible via QR codes positioned around the artwork. It will be available to visit in Dublin's Iveagh Gardens from 15 October 2022 and will be open to the public for 10 days. More information from LostLace.com

In this episode, folklorist and author Mattie Lennon joins me to share some of what he's learned from recent research into the process of home burial in Ireland. The guidance on being buried on your own land can be different from county to county and will also involve obtaining planning permission. Mattie Lennon's work including his essays, plays, poetry and stories can be found at MattieLennon.com Also on the programme is an interview with the founder of the Green Graveyard Company Colin McAteer who shares the background to Ireland's first green graveyard and how he set it up in Wexford. More information from GreenGraveyard.com

In this episode, learning about the concept of solastalgia — the grief and loss felt when the environment around you is negatively changed. Dr Christopher Phillips is an academic with a special interest in climate change adaptation and environmental psychology. He shares what he's discovered researching how the people of Courtown, Co Wexford have adapted to its beautiful sandy beach experiencing severe coastal erosion and the protective rock armour installed to mitigate the damage. Link to 'Solastalgia, place attachment and disruption: insights from a coastal community on the front line': https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10113-021-01778-y#Fig1

In this episode, digital afterlife researcher Dr Debra Bassett shares fascinating insights into the concept of 'digital zombies', why it's so important for tech companies to have an ethics code of conduct for storing the afterlives of the dead and how they are used. She explains that people need to have the rights over their digital afterlife protected with the equivalent of a 'Do Not Resuscitate' form so that they cannot be 'reanimated' to say and do things without consent after death. Dr Bassett also delves into the complexities for the bereaved to navigate this ever changing landscape where a deceased loved one can often have a presence in phones, social media and with companies offering post-death messaging services.

In this episode, a very dark chapter from Dublin's past. Historian Hugo McGuinness reveals the savage treatment of people who died by suicide in the 18th and 19th centuries. An ancient and callous law particularly affected the very poorest in society. There's a small unmarked plot where their bodies are still buried in Ballybough. EastWallForAll.ie facebook.com/hugomcguinness

In this episode, I get to speak with Tara O'Connor from Care Alliance Ireland about what happens when a carer's journey ends. She shares advice on the next steps and where to get support. Caring for a loved one — over decades, in some cases — means it can be very challenging to adjust to not be the main provider of care, such as when a loved one moves to a nursing home. It's also really important to give space to adjust during this challenging period and especially to grieve if the loved one being cared for has died. More information from CareAlliance.ie

In this episode, St Francis Hospice Dublin's Senior Occupational Therapist Dr Lauren Boland shares details about its successful patient-centred EMPOWER programme. One of its aims is to provide support to palliative patients who are suffering from panic attacks and anxiety with a practical toolkit of innovative methods of relaxation they can use themselves. The programme also helps patients improve their quality of life by working with them to create goals and creatively problem-solve ways of achieving them. She also shares stories of the camaraderie of the groups and how the patients find they can also be a great support to each other. SFH.ie

In this episode, understanding Death Education and why it matters. My guest is academic Jennifer Moran Stritch from Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). She explains the concept of Thanatology, the power of Death Cafés and shares some of the research happening in TUS. TUS.ie Twitter: @stritchj

In this episode, the strange towering Irish memorials of the 19th century. Guest archeologist Isabel Bennett shares the story behind her piece in Archaeology Ireland magazine on how a medieval tower for monks was reimagined and built in the 1800s for a completely different function. Further information: Excavations.ie ArchaeologyIreland.ie

In this episode, guests Niamh Donnelly, Occupational Therapy Manager and Lisa McGirr, Physiotherapy Manager from St Francis Hospice Dublin explain the many ways tailor-made Palliative Rehabilitation programmes can create gains in the quality of life for patients under their care. SFH.ie

In this episode, navigating the challenging experience of bereavement when you are a teenager and young adult. Guest Niamh Finucane, Co-ordinator of Social Work & Bereavement Services in St Francis Hospice Dublin shares insights from their new free book — 'Finding your way through grief' — produced by the hospice and written in collaboration with teens about what helped them in their grief. More information and how to get a copy of this free book can be found on www.SFH.ie

In this episode, learning about Ireland's first survey of those bereaved by suicide. I speak with Dr Eve Griffin from the National Suicide Research Foundation about the work that they do and she explains why it's so important to understand the experience of bereaved — from close family to wider community like carers, friends & emergency service staff. This research will inform public policy and how better to support those who have been affected by suicide. ***Whatever you are going through please know that The Samaritans provide a confidential 24/7 listening service free of charge call 116 123 Further information: www.nsrf.ie/contact/about-us/national-suicide-bereavement-survey/ www.hugg.ie hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/bereavement-support-line/ (Bereavement Support Line is a national freephone service 1800 80 70 77 available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday)

In this episode, could terramation or human composting be the future of what we do with our bodies after we die? Cremation and conventional burial can contribute to negative impacts on the environment. However, terramation has been shown to be a more ecologically sustainable practice and it has now been approved across some western US states. I got the chance to speak with Brie Smith and Katey Houston from Return Home about what terramation is and how it works. They are located in Washington state in the USA. More information: ReturnHome.com

In this episode, a preview of the upcoming Irish Hospice Foundation 2021 Forum taking place on 5-6 of October. Rebecca Lloyd shares why this year's theme is 'Are we the same? The art of losing and building back better' and how the wide range of speakers and topics will touch on what we've learnt from the experience of loss during the Covid Pandemic.

In this episode, Melanie Leamy is a complementary therapist whose life-changing experience of bereavement has moved her to train as a death doula, write a book and create podcasts about end of life. She explains the work of a death doula, what the training entailed and how she found a different and rewarding way of helping people to cope with this hugely challenging time. More information: HealingWell.ie

In this episode, taking a look at the upcoming palliative care week taking place across Ireland. Guest Karen Charnley is director of the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care. She shares the wide range of events scheduled to take place and how to access them. More information at thePalliativehub.com

In this episode – ghosts, death threats and Oliver Cromwell — Tom Reilly is an historian, author and manager of Ardgillan Castle and Demesne which sits on its own 200 acre park overlooking the sea in north county Dublin. He's written ten books with four of them challenging the accepted thinking about Cromwell's history in Ireland. I got to meet with Tom in Ardgillan where he shared some of the fascinating ghost stories from the castle and explained his lifelong obsession Oliver Cromwell. You can find more information at ardgillan.ie and find Tom's books on Amazon and from good book sellers including his latest book - 'The Protector, The fall and rise of Oliver Cromwell'

In this episode, understanding the difficulties and complexities of the experience of grief or loss from miscarriage or abortion particularly in teenage girls who have become pregnant. Caroline Lloyd is an academic, author and grief counsellor whose research includes speaking to women in Ireland and around the world about what it means for them and their very individual experiences of bereavement. Further information: CarolineLloyd.co.uk pregnancyandinfantloss.ie

In this episode, understanding the full horror of femicide, the patterns of behaviour in a relationship that should raise 'red flags' and can lead to the murder of a woman at the hands of her male partner. Christine Doherty is a journalist and academic and has researched the media portrayal of women victims. She shares the shocking scale of domestic abuse in Ireland and what can be done to make Ireland a safe space for women and girls.

'Death and Birth in my Life' is a long term work from Swiss artist Mats Staub. He explores the human condition around the world in his art collecting life stories. Simone von Büren is dramaturg on the project and joins to discuss the process, how Mats has so far recorded participants from South Africa, Congo, Switzerland, Germany, France and will now be recording in Dublin. Those chosen share the very human experiences of death and birth in their lives. Simone also explains the special duty of care required for both subject and viewer when putting together the work and shares some of the fascinating cultural differences between different countries. MatsStaub.com

In this episode, hearing about a fascinating new book exploring Dark Tourism spaces in Ireland and this country's special cultural attitude to death. I got the chance to speak with Dr Gillian O'Brien. She is an historian and author who has written “The Darkness Echoing: Exploring Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion'. Her book ‘The Darkness Echoing: Exploring Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion' is out now and can be found in all good bookshops and via online too.

On today's programme – fascinating insights from a long-term study on ageing in Ireland. Dr Aisling O'Halloran from 'The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing - A study of people in Ireland aged 50 and over' shares some of what has been found so far. The study has been discovering the reality of growing older and why your biological age can be way more important than your age in years. If you would like to see the research it can be found at tilda.tcd.ie

In this programme, looking at an innovative Dublin City Council proposal to protect the heritage of Dublin's old cemeteries. Typically these space have been closed to new burials for decades so have been locked to the public for many years. Labour councillor Dermot Lacey has proposed a way to open these peaceful green biodiverse areas spaces again by sensitively integrating columbarium walls. These are structures used to house urns of cremated remains. This would allow for local families to have an alternative for interments of a loved ones ashes. The cemeteries that are being assessed include old burial grounds in Bluebell, Merrion and Clontarf with the pilot of the proposal being conducted in Donnybrook graveyard. The plan would also include supports for biodiversity in these urban green spaces.

In this episode, what you need to know about registering a death in Ireland and what steps you need to take when someone has died. Mary Watters from Citizens Information shares what questions they get asked the most from how to deal with the state, banks and utility companies. Citizens Information also will help people find supports and assist them find what they need during an incredibly difficult time. CitizensInformation.ie

In this programme, looking at Ireland's Coroner's Court. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties commissioned a report 'Left Out in the Cold' looking into Ireland's system of investigating deaths. It found serious failings that compound the suffering of bereaved families I'm joined on the line by Liam Herrick, executive director of the Irish council for civil liberties to share what it found and what can be done to fix it. ICCL.ie

In this programme, hearing about an innovative scheme to inspire and support creative responses to the themes of dying, death and bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irish Hospice Foundation in partnership with Creative Ireland have looked to do this with a special seed grant to support a wide range of projects. I'm joined by Dominic Campbell from the Irish Hospice Foundation who tells the story of the diverse group of awardees and explains the wide range of projects from remembrance murals to choral works to digital commemorations. HospiceFoundation.ie

In this episode, Pat Garry shares stories of Dublin's hidden history via its secret graveyards and fascinating cemeteries. He is a tour guide and does talks and tours with Richmond Barracks and 14 Henrietta Street — Dublin's tenement museum. Pat explains the macabre and surprisingly widespread business of bodysnatching to keep the many anatomy schools - both in Dublin and London - supplied during the 19th century. He also speaks about the tragic fate of the Irish Famine refugees who came to flee the countryside and starvation only to die in the city. richmondbarracks.ie

In this programme, sin eaters, changelings and the supernatural. I got a chance to talk with storyteller Mark O'Géaráin about the darker side of Irish folktales and the real world consequences of it. He is Experience Manager at the National Leprechaun Museum and shares what he misses about having visitors while museums remain closed during the current pandemic.

This documentary explores the hidden world of Dublin urban honey bees and their beekeepers. But the reality is that bees and beekeepers don't exist within a vacuum. to try to understand the challenges facing bees and other pollinators in the city of Dublin it's a good idea to understand what these very important insects face from a changing climate and threats to habitat. Hear from Dr Una Fitzpatrick of Biodiversity Ireland, Kaethe Burt-O'Dea of Bí Urban, beekeeper Michelle Merne, Lorraine Bull Dublin City Council, beekeeper Nessa Winders and Stuart Hayes from the Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations.

In this episode, Dr Ida Milne shares what she's discovered about life & death during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and the parallels between then and now. She is a social historian who studies disease and has interviewed centenarian survivors in addition to extensively researching the events of over 100 years ago. Her book 'Stacking the Coffins : Influenza, War and Revolution in Ireland, 1918-19' is published by Manchester University Press.

Grief at Christmas — Irish Hospice Foundation have a bereavement support line that will continue to operate over the holiday period. Orla Keegan explains what to expect if you call and the supports available for people coping with grief and loss. HospiceFoundation.ie bereavement.ie

My name is Valerie Vetter and welcome to the aftering radio show: mortality & us. On this programme, helping a child cope with grief. My guest is Maura Keating from The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network and she shares ways of supporting children of various age groups deal with bereavement and the different ways they can experience sadness. More information available from childhoodbereavement.ie, Tusla.ie and the Irish Hospice Foundation at hospicefoundation.ie

Journalist Stephen McDermott has been covering the Dying with Dignity Bill 2020 for TheJournal.ie. He shares what he's learnt about the background to the bill, what it contains and what are the possible outcomes from it. twitter.com/Ste_McDermott TheJournal.ie

Everything you wanted to know about writing a will but were afraid to ask. Will experts and solicitors Susan Murphy and Bernadette Parte answer questions including what is a will, why should you make one, what you need to know about the process and what to consider around legacy gifts to charity. Susan Murphy from MakeMyWill.ie Bernadette Parte from Parte and Associates - Parte.ie MyLegacy.ie

On this programme, I'm joined by Paula Lawlor from Suicide or Survive to talk about the work of the organisation, to learn about their free wellness webinars and hear about an innovative programme to enable people to regain mental health. Please seek help if you are suffering from suicidal thoughts and feelings. Dublin Samaritans offer a free number from any phone 116 123 Suicideorsurvive.ie

Considering your legacy – exploring how to gift money to charity after you're gone. Aoife Garvey from My Legacy answers questions on wills – how to select a charity or charities, the form of words to use & how the process works. Will writing is an important process for everyone to go through. We all accumulate stuff over the course of a life and leaving that for others to sort through after we die can be very hard on those left behind. It's also an opportunity to figure out if there might be any financial gifts to leave to family, friends and perhaps to groups that you admire or have touched your life in some way. MyLegacy.ie

Talking to Dr Siobhán Doyle about her perspective on the Remembering Bloody Sunday Exhibition at the GAA Museum. It explores the tragic events of November 21st 1920 through personal artefacts, reports and photographs. The exhibition concentrates on the stories of the victims of the attack. https://crokepark.ie/bloodysunday

Heritage Week podcast

Archaeology shows how humans have dealt with death for millennia. Psychologist Dr Jennie Dayes shares how research harnessing history helps therapists & anyone working with those facing bereavement today. Jennie is one of the team researching how the past can inform present attitudes to death, dying and grief. A fascinating free online workshop takes place on Thurdsday 23 July 2020 – Bereavement and Archaeology: CPD for psychologists and counsellors - Jennie shares the back story to this innovative workshop and how it came together. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bereavement-and-archaeology-cpd-for-psychologists-and-counsellors-tickets-113315461596

The system of Direct Provision was set up as an emergency measure in 1999. It is intended to provide asylum seekers with accommodation while waiting for a decision on their refugee status. It's been long criticised by human rights organisations. Cónal Thomas is a journalist who has been reporting on Direct Provision. He shares the surprising difficulties he's faced obtaining data on those who have sadly died within the system and what happens to their bodies after their death. https://www.thejournal.ie/deaths-direct-provision-4670179-Jun2019/

Are viruses alive? Dr Cliona O'Farrelly is Professor of Comparative Immunology in Trinity College Dublin. She explains how viruses work in this episode. Dr O'Farrelly also explores what happens to viruses in a Covid-19 victim after they have died and how we have to be extra careful around the bereaved as their immune systems can also be affected by grief. [Image from US National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases showing SARS-CoV2 covering a human cell]

Recording healthcare wishes safeguards vulnerable adults and the people who care for them. Safeguarding Ireland found that 95 per cent of Irish adults have not taken any steps to document their wishes. This can cause huge difficulties around end-of-life care. Patricia Rickard-Clarke is chair of Safeguarding Ireland and she shares the results of the survey they conducted to explore if attitudes to healthcare planning have changed during the Covid 19 pandemic. SafeguardingIreland.org

How Roma and Travellers are disproportionately affected by Covid-19 in Ireland. These marginalised groups can't easily self-isolate and can find access to washing facilities very challenging. Martin Collins is co-founder of Pavee Point. He explains the very difficult circumstances these groups endure including homelessness, poverty and racism. PaveePoint.ie

What Dr Pádraig MacCarron discovered when he and Dr Gerard McCarthy analysed Irish death notice data and how they found unexpected patterns county by county. Although not all deaths in Ireland are associated with Covid-19, it's extremely useful to be able to map the effect that the virus has been having across the country in real time. Dr Gerard McCarthy is a lecturer in the Department of Geography at Maynooth University. Dr Pádraig MacCarron is an applied mathematician and Complex Networks Researcher at the University of Limerick. https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2020/0505/1136496-death-notices-ireland-coronavirus/