Death Becomes Her

Beneath the streets of Palermo lies a haunting yet deeply human story—the Capuchin Catacombs, where the dead remain eerily present. In this episode, we step into the dim corridors lined with mummified monks, aristocrats, and children, exploring the motivations behind their unusual burials. What drove people to preserve their bodies in such a dramatic fashion? How did visitors of the past experience this macabre yet sacred space? And what does it reveal about our own desire to be remembered? Join me as we unravel history, confront mortality, and uncover the echoes of those who came before us.

In this episode, LiElla takes a look at the fascinating history of the Whitechapel Club, a late 19th-century group of journalists who embraced gallows humor, irreverence, and a deep fascination with mortality. With their macabre decor and unconventional rituals, the club served as a stark reflection of their time—and perhaps, of ours.Join me as I draw parallels between the Whitechapel Club's dark approach to death and our modern-day obsession with true crime. What is it about the morbid and the mysterious that captivates us? Prepare for a journey through history and the human condition—because talking about death won't kill you...I promise.

Ever heard of Sin-Eaters? In this fast-paced episode, LiElla dives into the fascinating history of these mysterious figures who were believed to take on the sins of the dead. From the past rituals to preserving legacy today, we'll explore how this tradition connects to the modern role of death doulas – and how, in many ways, we're still 'eating' the worries of the dying and their loved ones. Get ready to unpack the past and find meaning in the present.

LiElla takes a look at the history of medical cadavers and discusses what you need to consider if you would like to donate your body to science.

On the latest episode, LiElla takes a look at the excess associated with Victorian mourning rituals and compares them to modern bereavement practices. How do we stack up?

LiElla shares a personal story of loss.

LiElla discusses the intertwining history of suicide and the Golden Gate Bridge and the lessons that we can learn from the past.**Content warning for this episode. This podcast episode contains sensitive subject matter discussing suicide, personal experiences, and detailed medical descriptions that aren't suitable for all audiences.

Who is this feather-plumed, skeletal woman? Where did she come from? Why is she here? And what does she have in common with Santa Claus?

Did Vladimir Lenin start a trend? Some are choosing a procedure known as Extreme Embalming as a way to honor their loved ones after death, as they were in life. LiElla takes a look at the process and the motivations behind the choice.

"The times, they are a changin.'" Modern life can create challenges when it comes to navigating end-of-life. Death Doulas are working to fill the gaps.

LiElla takes a dive into the science of rigor mortis, how funeral homes handle the phenomenon and how it can be managed in the home funeral setting.

The tragedy of Pedro and Inez, the iconic first couple of Portugal.

LiElla discusses the variety of styles and practices that end-of-life doulas employ. We're not one size fits all.

LiElla discusses the stress and strains that we experience as we navigate End-of-Life with our loved ones and strategies to help us move through the tough times with grace.

LiElla shares her "taphophiliac" tendencies as she walks you through her love of cemeteries and how we benefit from strolling graveyards.

LiElla explores Threshold Choirs to support end-of-life transitions.

Let's take a look at what is really involved in body disposition, from traditional burial to human composting.

Stress can be hard to handle. How can we work through stressful situations while maintaining physical and emotional equilibrium?

The history of La Calavera Catrina

End of Life wishes that are a smidge unusual.

A look at how we might be guilty of dismissing the grief of others or ourselves.

So your loved one has been cremated...now what?

Is being present during the end-of-life period or viewing the body of a dead friend or family member detrimental to young ones? Will it traumatize them?

Is it just a thing of folklore or can you really have a Viking burial?

What happens when someone else's grief becomes your pain?

Deathly Paperwork, Part 2: Wills

Let's talk paperwork! Woohoo!

Three conversations we all need to have and how to get the ball rolling. Recommended reads:I Will Die: A Creative Journal For Mortals by Jessica Featherly https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29061263-i-will-dieIt's Your Funeral!: Plan the Celebration of a Lifetime — Before It's Too Late by Kathy Benjamin https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57479234-it-s-your-funeral?ref=nav

Let's talk about sex...and death.

What makes a good obituary? Today we're looking at the good, the great and the ugly.

Jae Rhim Lee's Mushroom Suit was a TED Talk sensation. While the science may not have panned out, the project was an inspiration that got people thinking about end of life decisions.

Exploring the history and process of embalming.

LiElla discusses an innovation that is giving parents the space and opportunity to grieve and bond with their precious babies.

Do you have end-of-life plans or wishes?

LiElla discusses eco-friendly, cost-effective, green burial.

Is grief pathological? Prolonged Grief Disorder and supporting others through Death Anniversaries.

LiElla discusses the challenges of being a caregiver and taking steps to improve your self-care.

LiElla takes us through the history of the Paris Catacombs and discusses a resourceful burial option available in our culture.

Tips to comfort and support parents who have lost a child.

Home funerals are non-commercial, family-centered funerals that occur when a loved one is cared for at home after death,​ giving family and their social community time to gather and participate in the care of their loved one.

Can talking about and thinking about death lead to a better life now? The answer is yes!You can find LiElla Kelly at www.leavingwellmt.com.Shout out to Lily Fields and her work on Sing With Your Feet: The Podcast. Music by RomanBelov from Pixabay

Welcome to Death Becomes Her, a mini-cast where we're not afraid to talk about death, dying and grief from a variety of angles.You can find LiElla Kelly at www.leavingwellmt.com.Shout out to Lily Fields and her work on Sing With Your Feet: The Podcast.Music by RomanBelov from Pixabay