Podcasts about death doula

Death doula Darnell Lamont Walker, author of "Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End," came to this work young. At just 12 years old, he sat with his dying cousin during the AIDS crisis. At 13, he helped classmates grieve the death of a friend. Darnell shares with Sarah how his grandma's fearless, open-hearted approach to death shaped those early experiences and everything that followed. He explains why grief doesn't have just one face: it can look like starting a garden, running a marathon, laughing hysterically, or crying at a red light. Darnell and Sarah also discuss their shared belief that adventure and creativity can be the ultimate antidotes to despair. For more information on Darnell and his work, please visit his website: https://www.darnellwalker.com/

Have you ever wondered what a “death doula” does? Doulas offer compassion, guidance, and information to help people better understand their options around the end of life. This week, I talk with Vanessa Johnston, an active doula in Colorado, as she shares “a day in the life of a doula.” How do people find her? At what point do they typically reach out? Why do supportive colleagues matter so much? How does she structure her work and fees? And how does she — as a compassionate companion — recharge and care for herself while working so closely with death and dying?For more information on Best Life Best Death please visit our website at ⁠⁠www.bestlifebestdeath.com⁠⁠Follow us on our social channels to receive pertinent and helpful resources on death, grieving, and more at:Facebook: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠

Kicking off our 4-week Pride Month series celebrating voices from the LGBTQIA+ community, we sit down with Jackie L. Disch.  Jackie is a poet, indie author, and the woman behind a  raw and honest grief memoir;  Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief.  It is a genre-bending work that weaves together poetic prose, journal entries, and emotional insight to paint an intimate portrait of what she calls "living grief." The memoir follows her journey from just before the sudden death of her wife, Katy, through the third anniversary of that loss.In this conversation, Jackie opens up about what it means to lose a spouse without warning, how writing became her lifeline, and why she believes grief isn't something you get over, it's something you learn to carry.Whether you've experienced loss yourself, love someone who has, or simply want to hear a story about how deep love can go, this episode is for you.You can find Jackie here:  jackieldisch.comAnd her book: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Katy-Memoir-Living-Grief/dp/1665310480/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oj2TLojOcFn0Y-YMTklkbKAOg-1KjX2fWdru89knFdc.6CQFvIBr2EEtyEA1mpvqTcStRSm9Oxk9h0C4wHb9U-o&qid=1756238881&sr=1-1Want to Join the Good Grief Society?https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/the-good-grief-societyHave a burning question for Nikki the Death Doula? Leave me a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/458190/1/9pa2xynf4iwbj6p1Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠You can find me here:https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoulaGet merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/

In this episode I got to talk with author and death doula Jule Wright Halbert. Formerly a lawyer and national education attorney,  after the death of her husband Jim she found that she needed to shift her focus and began a new chapter with a different meaning and purpose. We talk about her book, "Divine Ashes Descending," a memoir about her own experiences as a newly bereaved widow and her journey of discovering an alternative career. As an advocate for end-of-life care and hospice models, she speaks openly about the different ways we all deal with the pressure of how to say goodbye.  Find out more about Julie and her work at https://risingphoenix.life/ Follow her on IG @Transformational_soul_coaching 

Season 7, Episode 5: Jane Callahan on a Meaningful End Jane Callahan is an end-of-life doula and the author of A Death Doula’s Guide to a Meaningful End. In this conversation, Jane shares how the painful, medicalized death of her estranged mother set her on the path to becoming a death doula, and why most Americans are completely unprepared for one of the most universal human experiences. We talk about what it means to design your own death, the economics of dying with dignity, advance directives, the difference between fearing death and fearing dying, and what a “vigil” actually looks like when done right. More on Jane Callahan: https://www.janekcallahan.com/ Coaching with Hansa WeCroak on YouTube Download our app, as featured in 10% Happier, Atlantic Magazine and The New York Times, at WeCroak.com Support WeCroak on Patreon Ask Death Advice Column Sounds by James Mercer

How did we go from prophet to profit with Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, Deepak Chopra... one by one, the curtain got lifted?  And we're left asking: who do we actually trust? Religious ethicist Dr. Liz Bucar has spent 25 years studying exactly that question. Her answers will surprise you. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the guru era is collapsing and what a good teacher actually looks like versus a predatory one The hidden Orientalism behind Deepak Chopra and Jay Shetty's appeal — and the latent racism nobody's talking about How a 19th century minister literally named after the Graham cracker gave us our food guilt Why a single question from a tarot card reader reversed years of orthorexia when therapy and church couldn't touch it What happened when a straight-edge religious studies professor did ayahuasca three times a day for three days in an Oregon yurt — and what it broke open about death, grief, and living well What sangha means and why real community requires you to be inconvenienced Prefer to watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/5kXU5Cf2heE Resources & Links: ORDER Beyond Wellness book: https://amzn.to/4wQJypx Liz's website: https://www.lizbucar.com/books Liz's Substack (Religion, Reimagined): https://lizbucar.substack.com/ Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbucar/ Liz on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lizbucar Work with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Intro: Prophet to profit. The guru era is over. 02:25 — Welcome Dr. Liz Bucar 03:25 — Is the guru era over? Jay Shetty, Deepak Chopra, and what cracked 07:35 — The halo effect: how platform-built gurus get their power 09:23 — Red flags of a bad spiritual teacher 10:57 — What a good teacher actually looks like 11:47 — The Orientalism and latent racism behind the wellness guru industry 13:43 — What is wellness — and why it's too low of a bar 15:05 — Women, optimization, and the anemic version of human life we've been sold 16:22 — What if dying well is part of living well? 17:56 — What a "none" borrows from religion without belonging to it 21:21 — Religion's PR problem and who's controlling the narrative 24:01 — Safety, belonging, and the search for somewhere to land 25:24 — Disordered eating, orthorexia, and the tarot reading that reversed it 30:01 — How bad theology gave us food moralizing (the Graham cracker guy) 34:26 — Ayahuasca: the plan Liz did NOT have 36:58 — Santo Daime, the sacrament of Daime, and a legal ayahuasca church in the US 39:12 — Why the religious container was everything 41:53 — Confronting her father's death in an Oregon yurt 43:18 — Death doulas, dying well, and the epiphany that changed everything 44:01 — Sangha: what community actually means 45:23 — Hope vs. optimism — and why the difference matters right now 48:20 — Rage has good intel. Embrace the ugly parts. 49:05 — Why individualism has done us dirty 50:33 — Biohacking, hustle culture, and inviting friction back in 51:06 — Real community requires showing up, not just extracting 52:46 — Where to find Liz and preorder Beyond Wellness Allison's Offer: Schedule a free podcast clarity call: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Darnell Lamont Walker is one of those people who has somehow managed to live several lives inside a single lifetime. He is a writer, filmmaker, children's television creator, and death doula. He is also a documentary filmmaker whose work has explored Black Americans seeking refuge from injustice, Black mental health, and the global epidemic of sexual violence. His newest book, Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End, grows out of his work supporting people and families at the end of life. In this conversation, Darnell talked about what a death doula actually does, how storytelling can become a form of legacy work, how families can begin having honest conversations long before crisis arrives, and the near-death experience at age 22 that changed his life . He also spoke about laughter at the bedside, the role of ritual in grief, the silence many Black men inherit around vulnerability and death, and how to speak with children plainly and tenderly about dying. Darnell also shared why he asks people to write their own obituary, how families can tell the truth about the dead without flattening them into saints, and why his work — whether with children, the dying, or the grieving — so often comes down to finding the empty space where healing is needed, and stepping into it. https://www.darnellwalker.com/never-can-say-goodbye

On the May 22 episode of Friday LIVE, we're broadcasting from our radio studios. Tune in and hear host Genevieve Randall and guest host Penelope Morrow have lively conversations with: Hannah the Death Doula, explains what a death doula is and the meaning behind "death cafes" (1:26); Magdelena Garcia, executive director for Omaha's El Museo Latino, about an exhibit on textiles from Latin America (10:12); Kyren Gibson about the upcoming Carhenge Quilt Challenge (19:14); Karin Campbell, curator of contemporary art for the Joslyn Art Museum, discusses the new exhibition "I'm Not the Girl Who Misses Much" (33:16); and Alicia Henderson from the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble (40:03). The episode will also feature poetry from Kelly Madigan (45:59), as well as a film review of Blue Heron from Kwakiutl Dreyer (21:02).

On the May 22 episode of Friday LIVE, we're broadcasting from our radio studios. Tune in and hear host Genevieve Randall and guest host Penelope Morrow have lively conversations with: Hannah the Death Doula, explains what a death doula is and the meaning behind "death cafes" (1:26); Magdelena Garcia, executive director for Omaha's El Museo Latino, about an exhibit on textiles from Latin America (10:12); Kyren Gibson about the upcoming Carhenge Quilt Challenge (19:14); Karin Campbell, curator of contemporary art for the Joslyn Art Museum, discusses the new exhibition "I'm Not the Girl Who Misses Much" (33:16); and Alicia Henderson from the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble (40:03). The episode will also feature poetry from Kelly Madigan (45:59), as well as a film review of Blue Heron from Kwakiutl Dreyer (21:02).

"What if I told you that we've been quietly practicing grief and end-of-life care, without even realizing it?"In this episode, I sat with Darnell Lamont Walker, a death doula and author of Never Can Say Goodbye, who explained how our love and presence can become the ultimate acts of care at life's hardest moments.From comforting family during a loved one's passing to easing the heavy burden of stories left behind—this is the heart of what it means to support someone through transition.ResourcesBook Mentioned:Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End - By Darnell Lamont WalkerConnect with Darnell on Instagram: @hello.darnellEMAIL: SheDiscoveredPodcast@gmail.comIG: @shediscoveredpodcast

What can those who work closest to death teach us about life, compassion, and the possibility of what comes after? In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Lynn Monet explores Death, Dying, the Afterlife as a Nurse and Death Doula, sharing perspectives shaped by years of caring for individuals during life's final transition. Drawing from her experiences as both a nurse and a death doula, Lynn discusses the emotional, spiritual, and human aspects of end-of-life care. She reflects on the importance of dignity, presence, and compassion in supporting individuals and families during deeply personal moments. She also shares how experiences surrounding death can influence perspectives on consciousness, connection, and the possibility of an afterlife. This episode invites listeners to approach the subject of death with openness and reflection rather than fear. What role does a death doula play in helping individuals and families navigate the end-of-life journey? How do caregivers cope with witnessing loss on a regular basis? And what can these experiences teach us about living more fully and compassionately? Join us for a heartfelt and meaningful conversation that explores one of life's most profound realities—where care, understanding, and human connection help illuminate the path through life, death, and beyond.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

Join me and end-of-life doula and author Jane Callahan as we talk about meaningful endings. As she explains, “Because medicine has always been predicated on the idea of fixing, saving, and caring, we began to treat death that way – morphing society's view of death into primarily a medical and physical event, instead of a personal, spiritual, mental, and community-centered experience.” Jane's new book, A Death Doula's Guide to a Meaningful End, explores her experiences both personally and professionally, on how to come to terms with our mortality. What knowledge can help? What free and low-cost resources are out there?For more information on Best Life Best Death please visit our website at ⁠⁠www.bestlifebestdeath.com⁠⁠Follow us on our social channels to receive pertinent and helpful resources on death, grieving, and more at:Facebook: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠

Welcome to Season 9! I have a lot of great things coming this season and I'm so excited to have you all back. New episode dropping next week!You can find me at www.nikkithedeathdoula.comWant to Join the Good Grief Society?https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/the-good-grief-societyHave a burning question for Nikki the Death Doula? Leave me a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/458190/1/9pa2xynf4iwbj6p1Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠Get merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ 

Send us Fan MailThis is the first of a two-part episode. Check out part 2: 189 What a Death Doula Knows About Grief That Most of Us Don't (2/2) | Sierra CampbellWhat does someone who has spent more than three decades sitting with the dying actually know about grief, and what can that teach the rest of us about living?Today's guest is an elder caregiver, end-of-life doula, and founder of a leading end-of-life education platform. She began working in care at sixteen, opened her own home care services by twenty-one, and has since supported hundreds of people through the final chapter of their lives. As a two-time cancer survivor, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to one of the most avoided conversations of our time.Chapters00:00 Welcome03:10 Sierra's life story07:10 What facing death taught me08:49 The effect of unresolved generational trauma10:09 Presence in being with the dying15:52 When the support we get is not the support we need24:11 Grief of not being able to be a mother28:18 What do people grieve most at the end of their life31:05 Families who are not prepared for a loved one's death34:17 Anticipatory grief34:48 Being prepared for someone dying40:51 Being present when people dieWhether you are grieving a loss, supporting someone who is, or simply carrying an unspoken awareness that you are not prepared for what lies ahead, this conversation offers grounding, clarity, and practical perspective.About our guestAn experienced elder caregiver and end-of-life doula, Sierra Campbell is the founder of Choose Nurture. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Sierra is a leading voice in end-of-life reform. She combines her professional background with her personal journey as a cancer survivor to educate and support ageing adults and their loved ones.choosenurture.com IG: choosenurtureTED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sLENQbRSlsResources mentionedBook - Stephen Levine: One Year to LiveIf this episode was useful to you, please take a moment to leave a five-star review. It helps this podcast reach the people who need it most.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis is the second of a two-part episode. Check out part 1: 188 What a Death Doula Knows About Grief That Most of Us Don't (1/2) | Sierra CampbellWhat does someone who has spent more than three decades sitting with the dying actually know about grief, and what can that teach the rest of us about living?Today's guest is an elder caregiver, end-of-life doula, and founder of a leading end-of-life education platform. She began working in care at sixteen, opened her own home care services by twenty-one, and has since supported hundreds of people through the final chapter of their lives. As a two-time cancer survivor, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to one of the most avoided conversations of our time.In this episode, we coverWhat the dying most commonly grieve about their lives, What unprepared families carry long after a loved one is gone, What accumulates in the body of a caregiver who witnesses death repeatedly, and Why talking about death is, in her words, talking about life.Chapters00:00 Welcome00:49Second part episode02:49 Death is a great teacher03:44 Letting go or continuous bonds?08:44 Your wishes for your death012:51 How not to fix, save or heal017:48 Medical-assisted death05:32 Secondary gains in grief0Teaching Death Doulas - What surprises them the most?Whether you are grieving a loss, supporting someone who is, or simply carrying an unspoken awareness that you are not prepared for what lies ahead, this conversation offers grounding, clarity, and practical perspective.About our guestAn experienced elder caregiver and end-of-life doula, Sierra Campbell is the founder of Choose Nurture. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Sierra is a leading voice in end-of-life reform. She combines her professional background with her personal journey as a cancer survivor to educate and support ageing adults and their loved ones.choosenurture.com IG: choosenurtureTED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sLENQbRSlsIf this episode was useful to you, please take a moment to leave a five-star review. It helps thSupport the show

Alua Arthur is a death doula and a New York Times bestselling author, most recently for her book "Briefly Perfectly Human." In this episode from 2024, Alua shares with Sarah what it was like fleeing Ghana as a child, and how she found her calling in an unexpected conversation on a bus. They also discuss the transformative nature of confronting mortality, why it's important to set boundaries in grief, and how to address people's natural fears during the dying process.For more information about Alua's work, please visit www.aluaarthur.com, and follow her on social media @alualoveslife.

→ Air Doctor | Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code DRG to get up to $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! → Puori | Go to https://puori.com/DRG and use the code DRG at checkout to get 32% off your first Puori Creatine+ subscription order. → Santa Barbara Chocolate | CocoaDynamics available at https://SantaBarbaraChocolate.com. Use code DRG20 for 20% off. Episode Description What if the disease in your body isn't just yours — what if it's been waiting in your family for generations for someone to finally break it? Darlene Cordero was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer, did everything right, and thought she was through it. Then years later, weeks after losing her father and one month after her godmother was murdered, she was blindsided by a stage 4 diagnosis that had spread to her liver. Her doctors had no explanation. She did — because she had done the deep work to understand what her body had been carrying long before any scan could show it. Three years later, she is one of the most alive, grounded, and radically honest human beings Dr. G has ever sat across from. In this episode, you'll discover:  • Why Darlene believes her breast cancer has a generational root — the pattern of women in her lineage giving everything and receiving nothing, repeated across four generations — and what it finally took to break it  • What a death doula actually does, why looking directly at death might be the most life-giving thing you ever do, and why American culture's avoidance of it is quietly making us sicker  • What came through in a plant medicine journey that stopped Darlene cold: the words "you are the sacrifice" — and what that meant for her healing This is not a sad episode. There is no victimization here. This is one of the most alive conversations on this entire podcast. Find Darlene:   • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetdarlene/  • Substack: https://meetdarlene.substack.com   • Book: The Healer's Playbook — https://www.amazon.com/Healers-Playbook-Empowering-Wellness-Entrepreneurs/dp/B0DFJLJTFR Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:04 - Darlene's Life Before Cancer: Finance, Media & Finding Purpose  6:04 - The First Diagnosis, the Wakeup Call & the Shift That Followed  8:22 - Two Deaths in One Month — And Then Stage 4 Three Months Later  10:47 - Why Major Life Events Often Precede a Cancer Diagnosis  15:26 - What Has Kept Her Robust Through Three Years of Stage 4  22:19 - Feeling the Protection of Ancestors Through Treatment  23:33 - Why Connecting to Your Roots Matters More Than You Think  31:57 - Generational Wounding, Giving Without Receiving & What's Living in the Body  35:22 - The Energetic Root of Breast Cancer: What She Believes Is Driving It  42:05 - "You Are the Sacrifice" — The Plant Medicine Vision That Changed Everything  43:49 - Why We'll Never Cure Cancer Without Looking at What Actually Drives It  47:30 - What Is a Death Doula and How Did She Find Her Way There  51:03 - How Looking at Death Made Her More Alive  56:21 - First Steps for Anyone Afraid to Think About Death  1:02:05 - Write Your Own Obituary — and Use It as a Decision-Making Tool  1:03:03 - Living Fully While Being Fully Aware You Might Die  1:05:33 - The Book, Where to Find Her & Final Words Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever avoided thinking about death — your own or someone else's — episode 426 of Grief and Happiness is exactly what you need to hear. Death doula and soul coach Julie Wright Halbert joins Emily to challenge everything we've been taught about the end of life, and why dying people deserve the same celebration as newborns. Raw, surprising, and deeply comforting, this conversation will change the way you think about living.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(00:57) From national education attorney to death doula and soul coach (01:52) How death doulas are transforming end-of-life care (04:16) The hidden toll caregiving takes — and why supporters need support too (06:17) Why walking toward death is a gift, not a burden (07:19) How dying people can reclaim their agency (14:16) Why we celebrate births but not the people we're about to lose (18:23) How grief and happiness mirror each other through presence (22:27) Why there is no timeline for grief (23:08) The signs, numbers, and moments that prove love doesn't die (31:46) Why people go silent after a death — and what makes all the difference (35:35) The death doula movement is growing — how you can be part of itJulie Wright Halbert, Esq. is a death doula, transformational soul coach, and national advocate for grief literacy whose work bridges nearly three decades of legal rigor with soul-centered presence. A former Legislative Counsel for the Council of the Great City Schools, she shaped national education policy up to the U.S. Supreme Court level before the sudden loss of her husband to cancer in just three weeks transformed her path entirely. Today she is the founder of Rising Phoenix Life, guiding individuals and families through grief and life transitions, and volunteers as a certified death doula with Tidewell Empath Hospice in Florida. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Divine Ashes Ascending.In this episode, Julie brings lived loss and professional wisdom to a conversation about dying with agency, presence, and love. She and Emily explore the importance of patients using their voice — choosing their environment, their people, and the terms of their final days — and the often-overlooked toll caregiving takes on loved ones. Julie introduces her philosophy of "living and dying awake": being so fully present in life that death can ultimately be met with legacy and celebration rather than fear. She also speaks openly about her continuing spiritual connection to her late husband Jim, and encourages listeners to explore the growing death doula movement as an accessible, compassionate source of support.Connect with Julie Wright Halbert:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramBook: Julie Wright Halbert - Divine Ashes AscendingFree guided meditation by Julie Let's Connect: WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a moment in time that marks a profound shift in how we care for one another. In this powerful episode, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN—founder of the Doulagivers Institute—announces a historic expansion of the Doulagivers Death Doula World Training, now available in 15 different languages. For the first time in modern history, people around the world can access free, life-changing education that teaches them how to care for a loved one at the end of life—bringing these essential human skills back into the hands of families and communities. This is more than a training. This is a global movement. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why end-of-life care is a human right, not just a medical service The reality that families provide 98% of hands-on care—yet most feel unprepared How we've lost these sacred caregiving skills over the past 100 years—and why it's time to bring them back What a death doula is and how this role is transforming end-of-life care worldwide The vision behind translating this training into 15 languages—and why this matters now more than ever How YOU (or someone you love) can access this free training and become empowered, prepared, and at peace Why This Matters Every single one of us will face end-of-life—either personally or with someone we love. And yet, most people enter this sacred time feeling: Unprepared Fearful Overwhelmed The Doulagivers mission is simple and profound:

Death doula Darnell Lamont Walker joins us to discuss his debut book, Never Can Say Goodbye. Darnell shares his moving experiences holding space for those at life's end and offers a gentle roadmap for those navigating the quiet weight of grief. We're exploring why we stay silent about death—especially within the Black community—and how we can find comfort in the conversation.

Everyone dies. And yet most of us have no idea what dying actually looks like — because we've been shielded from it, and because everything we've seen on screen is wrong.Jade Adgate is a death doula, educator, and founder of Farewell Fellowship in Middle Tennessee. She's spent years walking alongside families at end of life — not as a tour guide, but as a fellow traveler — and she's on a mission to normalize the experience of death so that fewer people have to face it completely unprepared.In this conversation, Ashley and Jade cover a lot of ground: the real dying process versus what we expect it to be, how we live is how we die, the role of control in caregiving, what those extended months of treatment are actually buying us, and what it looks like to bring sacredness back to the end of life — even when it's messy and ordinary and nothing like the movies.In This EpisodeHow Jade got into death doula work- from Hurricane Katrina, to moving in with her great-aunt Sis, to hospice volunteeringThe parallel between parenting teenagers and supporting families at end of life, both require learning to hold while letting goHow death became less ordinary and why that's a tragedyThe idea that modern medicine has learned to extend dying, not just lifeQuality versus quantity: what people think they're buying with treatment versus what they're actually gettingRoxanne: the client who tried to control every detail of her own death, and what Jade learned from herAdeline: a pediatric client who died just before her fifth birthday, and the home funeral that gave her family something differentWhy 90% of people end up in a hospital bed at end of life and why that matters to knowWhat actually happens in the hours after someone dies and why slowing down is the most important thing a death doula doesThe gap between the Forrest Gump death scene and realityHow Jade protects herself in this work as a self-described recovering codependent eldest daughterThe future of death doula work, bringing these tools into communities and families who can't access a professionalQuotes From This Episode“How we live is how we die. Who we are is who we are when we're dying.”— Jade Adgate“If we are going to buy more time, can we know at the beginning that this is the time we're buying? It starts right now — instead of we're going to do all these treatments and then start our time when you're feeling better.”— Jade Adgate“Death is the teacher. As much as I think I might know, it is totally different for every single person.”— Jade Adgate“This is not wisdom that needs a gatekeeper. This is all of our collective wisdom.”— Jade Adgate“There are no monsters around corners if you know where all the corners are.”— Ashley BlackingtonResources & LinksFarewell Fellowship (in-person doula services, education & library): farewellfellowship.comInstagram: Farewell LibraryBook referenced: Gone From My Sight — Barbara CarnesShow referenced: Dying for Sex (Hulu)Connect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In this powerful and necessary episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN, shares the essential questions every aspiring death doula must ask before choosing a training program. With the rapid growth of the death doula profession, not all trainings are created equal. This episode is a call to discernment, integrity, and responsibility—because the work of supporting individuals and families at the end of life is sacred, deeply human, and requires the highest level of preparation. Suzanne breaks down the three non-negotiables that define a legitimate, ethical, and high-quality death doula training—so you can confidently choose a path that truly prepares you to serve.     -What You'll Learn Why the death doula profession requires high ethical standards and deep training The risks of choosing an underqualified or superficial program How to be a wise and empowered consumer in a rapidly growing field The 3 essential components every legitimate death doula training must include How proper training directly impacts the quality of care families receive -The 3 Must-Haves in a Legitimate Death Doula Training 1. Comprehensive, Real-World Education A true training goes far beyond theory. It must include: Real evidence based end of life care models from someone who actually worked in end of life care. Medical training for the Non-Medical Doula Physical, mental emotional, and spiritual care Hands-on, practical tools Doulas can actually use Real bedside insight—not just conceptual teaching

During childhood, we move through the world with curiosity and fearlessness of the unknown and near-endings. As we become more institutionalised within the dominant culture, we begin to embody harmful anti-ageing values which are rooted in a crippling fear of the inevitable - death. How then can practicing death in our lives help us re-experience endings and letting go as crucial pathways to living more freely within the wider death-positive ecosystem?   In this episode, we are in conversation with Pamela Rathbun, a Death Doula and Quantum Healing Practitioner, and the creator of Reunion Tour: Making Peace with Your Life. With a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and over 25 years of experience in education, elder care, and integrative healing, she supports people through life's most meaningful transitions—helping them reconnect with themselves and make peace with their lives. In this episode, Pamela walks us through the expansiveness of death doula work, more as a spiritual journey through the various endings in our lives rather than the physical transition, and the many ways we can experience and practice death in our living lives, regardless of age or stage in life. Visit mindfullofeverything.com to access full episode shownotes, resources and archives. Connect with us on Instagram (@mindfullofeverything_pod) and Facebook (@mindfullofeverything).

Hazel und Thomas unterhalten sich über Nicole Kidmans neue Karriereziele, Ultra-Marathons, Pottwale und das „perfekte Festival“. 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:25 Go One More Ultra 00:11:29 Workout Mindset 00:21:09 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 00:26:25 Zweites Kind 00:35:40 Winzerfest Groß-Umstadt 00:41:35 Nicole Kidman Death Doula 00:47:05 Spiegel Artikel Timmy der Wahl 00:48:47 Hazel's Morbidität 00:57:14 Crowd Work 01:01:01 Freiheitsparadoxon 01:04:47 Sperm Whale 01:08:44 Schoko-Pringles, Jessica-Trend 01:12:56 Netflixfilme zum Ende abfallend 01:16:40 Einfach Danke! Hazel Live https://hazelbrugger.com/#termine Kim Gottwalds IG https://www.instagram.com/kim.gottwald/ Go One More https://www.bild.de/sport/mehr-sport/kim-gottwald-deutscher-extremsportler-will-beim-go-one-more-ultra-unglaubliches-schaffen-69d7cbb35b1aefe780325925 1 Murph Workout ist: • 1 Meile laufen (1,6 km) • 100 Klimmzüge • 200 Push-ups • 300 Squats • 1 Meile laufen (1,6 km) Is Gen Z saving cinema? https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gen-z-movie-theaters-1236526243/ Justin Bieber zeigt RTL beim Coachella https://www.bild.de/unterhaltung/stars-und-leute/justin-bieber-beim-coachella-ploetzlich-zeigt-er-ein-rtl-video-69dbab8af30b32a4822c25e9 Will Ferrell bei Sabrina Carpenter https://www.vice.com/en/article/will-ferrell-makes-random-cameo-in-star-studded-sabrina-carpenter-coachella-performance/ Netflix „Tudum“ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tudum We Love Green Festival https://www.welovegreen.fr Winzerfest Umstadt https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winzerfest_Groß-Umstadt Nicole Kidman https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/apr/15/nicole-kidman-death-doula Werther-Effekt https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werther-Effekt Über das Paradoxon sexueller Freiheit https://youtu.be/1CoT1AJBb54?si=2wW6u1dQ0IXdBIR8 Live Podcast in Groß-Umstadt https://www.ztix.de/gross-umstadt/events/live-podcast-hazel-thomas-hoererlebnis-yT1OjT Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/hoererlebnis Du möchtest Werbung in diesem Podcast schalten? Dann erfahre hier mehr über die Werbemöglichkeiten bei Seven.One Audio: https://www.seven.one/portfolio/sevenone-audio

It took the deliciously unhinged creative genius of Miranda July to invent a dating questionnaire that asks the questions no one else is brave enough to ask. Forget your height or if you like 'long walks on the beach'; Em is looking at the prompts that actually reveal your soul, like a photo of your bookshelves, your messy bed, or a screenshot of your ex describing you via text. So, what would you ask, to really get to know someone? And is the secret to finding love just showing someone the inside of your fridge? There’s a name for that 'meh' feeling you have after a day at work: Office air. Thanks to a smart TikTok creator, Clare has finally figured out why we all look like 'sick Victorian children' by the time the clock strikes five. Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman is currently on a promo circuit, but she isn't talking about her latest film. Instead, she’s opening up about her desire to become a death doula after the devastating loss of her mother. So Holly’s asking: What is a death doula? Why don’t work and caring and basically, life, stop for you to deal with losing a loved one? And how do we get better at understanding that the loss of a parent - even at an age deemed ‘appropriate’ - is often completely unmooring. And finally, according to Vogue, nobody’s getting their nails done any more.

THIS IS PART TWO - Listen to part one hereCONTENT HEADS UP:  This episode contains discussions of death, dying, end-of-life care, and sensitive topics related to mortality, including chosen suicide and medicalization of death and illness. Listener discretion is advised, especially for individuals who may find these topics distressing or triggering. Please prioritize your emotional well-being while engaging with this content.Also, Ali wants to note that when she asks Karen about her thoughts on suicide, she meant to make a disctinction between “chosen” suicide (when someone wants to live but they are in too much physical pain/their body is too deteriorated without hope of recovery) and “suicide under duress” (meaning due to emotional/psychological/spiritual pain, that may or may not be accompanied by an unavoidably dying body, the person does not want to live). Of course facing a death someone does not want can also be considered duress!  SYNOPSIS:What does good acting and dying have in common? In this episode, Ali discusses all things death, dying, and living as bodies with Karen Bellone, Certified End-of-Life Doula and Death Educator. They focus on the interconnectedness of life and death, the significance of conscious living, and the complexities of end-of-life care. Karen shares her experiences working with dying individuals, highlighting the challenges of the dying process, including issues related to dementia and Alzheimer's. They discuss the importance of compassionate and holistic approaches to end-of-life care, emphasizing the need for conscious decision-making aligned with personal values to achieve a good death without regrets. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the essence of embodiment and the importance of being present in the moment, trusting the intelligence of the body to embrace a richer life and ultimately a better death.  ALI & KAREN EXPLORATION POINTS:-  The concept of a 'good death,' this discussion emphasizes the significance of conscious decision-making and holistic approaches to end-of-life care, challenging societal norms and perceptions surrounding death.  -  The complexities, ethical considerations and medicalization surrounding end-of-life decisions, highlighting the need for open dialogue and support for individuals facing such choices.-  The role of a Death Doula, illuminating the profound support and guidance provided by these compassionate professionals in assisting individuals and families through the dying process, fostering a sense of empowerment and comfort.-  How our physical and emotional bodies communicate and play integral roles in the dying process, highlighting the importance of listening to and honoring the body's wisdom. -  Insights into embracing conscious living, pursuing meaningful experiences, and aligning actions with personal values to cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose.-  Sensory experiences shape our perception of life and death, emphasizing the significance of sensory elements in the dying process and fostering connections with loved ones.To be an angel to the podcast, click here: To read more about the podcast, click here: MORE ALI MEZEY:Website BODY MAPPING VIDEO LIBRARYPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course informationTransgenerational Healing FilmsMORE KAREN BELLONE:Film Website: Website: The Seventh Sense BIO:Founder, Doula, Educator: Karen Bellone, MFA, is a Certified End-of-Life Doula and Death Educator. She is the founder of The Seventh Sense in NY's Hudson Valley, where she is an integral part of a worldwide community that is reigniting the wisdom of death within our modern lives. She is also founder of Exit Strategy for Dying, a monthly Death, Arts and Culture Readers supporting a resource hub to educate and refocus the narrative around death and grief through the lens of arts, culture, storytelling and innovation. Prior to embracing her passion for end-of-life work, Karen has had a long career as an award-winning filmmaker and internationally collected photographer. She received a BFA in Film Production from New York University, and did graduate work with the world-renowned Actors Studio, through their inaugural program at the New School for Social Research.After training and becoming certified with INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association), Karenworked with an innovative hospice in Los Angeles where her skills as a death doula were developed and broadened. In addition to working with patients in various stages of their life journeys, she was responsible for training the volunteer staff, nurses and other hospice and medical professionals to bring more understanding, humanity and compassion into their work with the dying. She spoke regularly with groups, such as the Alzheimer's Project, about the role of the doula at end-of-life, and the space that can be held to bring about ‘a good death'. She believes strongly in the ability to demystify and assuage the fear that surrounds death in our culture and to foster safe passage for the dying, as well as to aid the families and loved ones through grief and bereavement.As a visual artist and storyteller, Karen acquired a multitude of skills throughout her career that unlocked a deep passion for the healing power of visual and auditory perception on human consciousness. She integrated these strengths and resources into tools to bring aid and comfort for those imminently facing their mortality. Working with somatic and sensory awareness, Karen utilizes visual, sound and meditation therapy, personalized guided imagery, and commemoration of the sacred in the form of ritual, legacy and memory work, in order to bring comfort - physically, emotionally, spiritually to celebrate and commemorate the life of the individual. In addition to her ongoing private practice, Karen is currently directing a feature film about living American artist Michelle Stuart, whose work also engages with the elemental and ineffable nature of existence.RESOURCES:Edgar Allan PoeErik EriksonExit strategy for dying (Karen's monthly newsletter)Omega Home NetworkAll...

In this episode, you will discover:What it means to die before you dieThe biggest fear people have about deathHow to avoid your world getting smallerWhy thinking about your eventual death is expansiveThat death is really transforming into a state of energyHow owning our mortality allows us to life fearlessly in the sunThe goal of the Die Before You Die workshopContact Linda Weaver: https://consciousdeathandgrief.com/Next Sunday's Topic: Are Angels Intervening More Than Ever Now?The Angel Room is a weekly podcast- A place for those who love angels and want to know more about them. Enjoy spiritual, healing, personal growth, enlightening and empowering topics. Named one of the top 10 Healing With Angels Podcasts in 2025 by PlayerFM.Named one of Top 10 Best Angel Podcasts by Feedspot. ListenNotes.com ranks it in the top 3% of most popular shows globally. Host, Ivory LaNoue is a respected angel communicator based in central Arizona. She is also the author of Let Your Angels Lead, Archangel Sachiel's Guide to Abundance and other spirituality books. Learn more on her website.You can learn more about Ivory and her services at IvoryAngelic.com.Email: ivoryangelic@outlook.comYouTube Channel: Ivory LaNoue

Struggling with chronic pain, trauma symptoms, or a dysregulated nervous system that won't seem to settle no matter what you try? There's a deeper root cause many people miss: your nervous system.

TW: mentions of murder, SA and some strong language.This episode is not an easy listen, but it's an important one. In this week's episode, I sit down with Isabella Young, a survivor whose life took a devastating turn when she escaped a messianic cult led by her ex-husband. What followed was unimaginable loss, deep trauma, and the long, complicated road back to herself.Isabella also shares how her lived experience shaped her work today, helping others identify harmful patterns, reclaim their autonomy, and begin healing from deep emotional wounds.You can find Isabella at: www.feelingbetternaturally.lovehttps://youtube.com/@feelingbetternaturally.natureSubstack: https://feelingbetternaturally.substack.com/Want to Join the Good Grief Society?https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/the-good-grief-societyHave a burning question for Nikki the Death Doula? Leave me a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/458190/1/9pa2xynf4iwbj6p1Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠You can find me here:https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoulaGet merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music: Cherry Monday by Kevin MacLeod - licensing info can be found at filmmusic .io

CONTENT HEADS UP:  This episode contains discussions of death, dying, end-of-life care, and sensitive topics related to mortality, including chosen suicide and medicalization of death and illness. Listener discretion is advised, especially for individuals who may find these topics distressing or triggering. Please prioritize your emotional well-being while engaging with this content. SYNOPSIS:What does good acting and dying have in common? In this episode, Ali discusses all things death, dying, and living as bodies with Karen Bellone, Certified End-of-Life Doula and Death Educator. They focus on the interconnectedness of life and death, the significance of conscious living, and the complexities of end-of-life care. Karen shares her experiences working with dying individuals, highlighting the challenges of the dying process, including issues related to dementia and Alzheimer's. They discuss the importance of compassionate and holistic approaches to end-of-life care, emphasizing the need for conscious decision-making aligned with personal values to achieve a good death without regrets. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the essence of embodiment and the importance of being present in the moment, trusting the intelligence of the body to embrace a richer life and ultimately a better death.  ALI & KAREN EXPLORATION POINTS:-  The concept of a 'good death,' this discussion emphasizes the significance of conscious decision-making and holistic approaches to end-of-life care, challenging societal norms and perceptions surrounding death.  -  The complexities, ethical considerations and medicalization surrounding end-of-life decisions, highlighting the need for open dialogue and support for individuals facing such choices.-  The role of a Death Doula, illuminating the profound support and guidance provided by these compassionate professionals in assisting individuals and families through the dying process, fostering a sense of empowerment and comfort.-  How our physical and emotional bodies communicate and play integral roles in the dying process, highlighting the importance of listening to and honoring the body's wisdom. -  Insights into embracing conscious living, pursuing meaningful experiences, and aligning actions with personal values to cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose.-  Sensory experiences shape our perception of life and death, emphasizing the significance of sensory elements in the dying process and fostering connections with loved ones.To be an angel to the podcast, click here: To read more about the podcast, click here: MORE ALI MEZEY:Ali's Website BODY MAPPING VIDEO LIBRARYPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course informationTransgenerational Healing FilmsMORE KAREN BELLONE:Film Website: Website: The Seventh Sense BIO:Founder, Doula, Educator: Karen Bellone, MFA, is a Certified End-of-Life Doula and Death Educator. She is the founder of The Seventh Sense in NY's Hudson Valley, where she is an integral part of a worldwide community that is reigniting the wisdom of death within our modern lives. She is also founder of Exit Strategy for Dying, a monthly Death, Arts and Culture Readers supporting a resource hub to educate and refocus the narrative around death and grief through the lens of arts, culture, storytelling and innovation. Prior to embracing her passion for end-of-life work, Karen has had a long career as an award-winning filmmaker and internationally collected photographer. She received a BFA in Film Production from New York University, and did graduate work with the world-renowned Actors Studio, through their inaugural program at the New School for Social Research.After training and becoming certified with INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association), Karenworked with an innovative hospice in Los Angeles where her skills as a death doula were developed and broadened. In addition to working with patients in various stages of their life journeys, she was responsible for training the volunteer staff, nurses and other hospice and medical professionals to bring more understanding, humanity and compassion into their work with the dying. She spoke regularly with groups, such as the Alzheimer's Project, about the role of the doula at end-of-life, and the space that can be held to bring about ‘a good death'. She believes strongly in the ability to demystify and assuage the fear that surrounds death in our culture and to foster safe passage for the dying, as well as to aid the families and loved ones through grief and bereavement.As a visual artist and storyteller, Karen acquired a multitude of skills throughout her career that unlocked a deep passion for the healing power of visual and auditory perception on human consciousness. She integrated these strengths and resources into tools to bring aid and comfort for those imminently facing their mortality. Working with somatic and sensory awareness, Karen utilizes visual, sound and meditation therapy, personalized guided imagery, and commemoration of the sacred in the form of ritual, legacy and memory work, in order to bring comfort - physically, emotionally, spiritually to celebrate and commemorate the life of the individual. In addition to her ongoing private practice, Karen is currently directing a feature film about living American artist Michelle Stuart, whose work also engages with the elemental and ineffable nature of existence.RESOURCES:Edgar Allan PoeErik EriksonExit strategy for dying (Karen's monthly newsletter)Omega Home NetworkAll the Little DeathsRabbi Leder's book, The Beauty of What RemainsAllen GinsbergHenry Firsco WeissThe Rites of the DyingPhilip ShepherdThis one is for you, Pop: April 12, 1931 - April 15, 2015With my deep love - AM

D&P Highlight: Becoming a death doula. full 523 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:57:00 +0000 PgdaSdrebLvktyD9MwtgbtoGms62zlgr news The Dana & Parks Podcast news D&P Highlight: Becoming a death doula. You wanted it... Now here it is! Listen to each hour of the Dana & Parks Show whenever and wherever you want! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https

In this special episode, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN—founder of the Doulagivers Institute—announces the 8th Annual Death Doula World Training Day, taking place on April 22nd at 7 PM ET. This global event is more than a training—it's a movement. With over 400,000 people trained in 39+ countries, Death Doula World Training Day continues to bring together individuals, caregivers, and professionals from around the world to learn how to support others through the end of life with presence, compassion, and confidence. This year's theme is Global Unity, and the event is dedicated to the 100th birthday of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, whose groundbreaking work helped bring awareness, dignity, and humanity back to the end-of-life experience. ✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode Why end-of-life education is a human right The inspiration behind Death Doula World Training Day How this global movement is helping to transform fear into empowerment The impact of training over 400,000 people worldwide The deeper meaning of Global Unity in today's world How YOU can participate and be part of this historic event Why This Matters We are living in a time where many people feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and unprepared for life's most sacred transition. Death Doula World Training Day is here to change that. This free training teaches individuals how to: Support loved ones through the three phases of end of life Reduce fear around death and dying Bring love, presence, and dignity back into the experience Feel empowered instead of helpless during one of life's most important moments As Suzanne shares, “We are not here to fix death—we are here to bring love back into it.”

Join us in this episode as Darnell Lamont Walker sits down to discuss his powerful new book, Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End. Darnell is a Death Doula, Emmy-nominated writer, and cultural anthropologist whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, care, and transition. Whether he's supporting individuals and families through the final stages of life or creating meaningful stories for children, his mission remains the same: to help people navigate life's most profound moments with compassion, clarity, and grace. This conversation covers: What a death doula is. How to approach end-of-life planning with intention and peace. The emotional and spiritual dimensions of dying. How to support loved ones through grief and transition.  Want to learn how to reframe your relationship with death, and why storytelling plays such a vital role in how we process grief, love, and letting go? Hit play now! Follow along with Darnell and his work by visiting his website!

TW: mentions of bodily functionsIn this episode, I sit down with Mark Porro, author of A Cup of Tea on the Commode, to talk about his experience giving up his bachelor lifestyle  to care for his mother during her final months.Mark shares the raw, unfiltered reality of stepping into the role of caregiver with no experience outside of a sense of humor.This conversation is for anyone who has ever found themselves exhausted, overwhelmed, or quietly wondering if they're doing any of this “right.” (Spoiler: there is no perfect way to do this.)Mark brings honesty, vulnerability, and a surprising amount of wit to a topic that can feel incredibly heavy. His story is a reminder that even in the messiest, most human moments, there can be connection, meaning, and even a little laughter.You can find mark at:https://acupofteaonthecommode.org/andhttps://www.youtube.com/@acupofteaonthecommodeWant to Join the Good Grief Society? Join today!https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/the-good-grief-societyHave a burning question for Nikki the Death Doula? Leave me a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/458190/1/9pa2xynf4iwbj6p1Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠Get merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music: Cherry Monday by Kevin MacLeod - licensing info can be found at filmmusic .io

In this deeply meaningful episode, we invite you into a global movement rooted in compassion, presence, and love. Join Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN, founder of Doulagivers Institute, as she announces the 8th Annual Death Doula World Training Day, happening on April 22nd—a day dedicated to unity, education, and the sacred honor of supporting one another at the end of life. This year's event is especially powerful as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the pioneer who transformed how the world understands death, dying, and the human experience. Her groundbreaking work opened the door for conversations that were once feared—and today, we continue that legacy together. This episode is both an invitation and a remembrance:  -A remembrance of the truth that death is not something to fear  -An invitation to step into service, awareness, and love  -A call to bring this essential knowledge back into our homes and communities Whether you are a family caregiver, healthcare professional, aspiring Death Doula, or simply someone seeking peace and understanding, this episode—and this global training—are for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode The vision and mission behind Death Doula World Training Day Why end-of-life education is a human right The lasting impact and teachings of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross How understanding death can actually help you live a more peaceful and purposeful life The role of death doulas in transforming end-of-life care globally How YOU can participate in this worldwide movement of compassion  About Death Doula World Training Day Death Doula World Training Day is a global event created to bring education, awareness, and empowerment to people everywhere—so no one has to face death alone, unsupported, or unprepared. With over 400,000 people trained in 15+ languages, this movement is helping to restore dignity, peace, and humanity to the end-of-life experience.

Send us Fan MailYou can feel “fine” on the outside and still be white-knuckling your way through life. That's the quiet tension Elena Box is unpacking as Ode to Joy shifts into a new season on the art of letting go, a practice she also calls “practicing death while fully alive.”We talk about why resilience isn't only about staying strong. Sometimes strength is releasing what was never yours to control in the first place. From Elena's work as a shamanic practitioner and death doula, a pattern keeps repeating: the things we struggle to let go of at the end of life are often the same things we cling to every day in relationships, motherhood, identity, and the stories we tell about who we're supposed to be. That's where the real work begins, not with willpower, but with honesty.Then we get practical. Control isn't the problem, it's the strategy. So what are you protecting yourself from feeling? Elena names the emotional roots beneath avoidance grief, uncertainty, powerlessness, rejection, shame, loneliness and not being chosen and shares a vulnerable story about returning to acting through a community theater audition. The twist is the takeaway: the goal isn't to be chosen, it's to choose joy. You'll also learn a simple 30-second nervous system friendly practice to help you pause, name what you feel, and stay with it long enough for your life to open back up.If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who's been holding it all together, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What feeling are you most resistant to experiencing right now?✨ THREE ELENA TRUTHSYou are not avoiding your life—you are avoiding a feeling within itControl is not your problem—it is your protectionThe way you practice feeling now is the way you will meet life later

NYT best-selling author and death doula Alua Arthur reveals how facing our mortality empowers us to live fully, love deeply, and create a life of meaning and intention.

What if talking about death didn't feel so… heavy?In this episode, I sit down with the hosts of End of Life Conversations to explore what happens when we stop avoiding the topic we're all quietly thinking about. (You know, the one we tend to shove into the emotional junk drawer labeled “deal with later.”)We talk about why these conversations matter more than we think, how they can actually bring connection instead of discomfort, and what it looks like to approach them with honesty, curiosity, and a little more courage than we feel ready for.You can find Wakil and Annalouiza here; https://www.endoflifeconvos.com/Want to Join the Good Grief Society? Join today!https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/the-good-grief-societyHave a burning question for Nikki the Death Doula? Leave me a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/458190/1/9pa2xynf4iwbj6p1Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠You can find me here:https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoulaGet merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday

Today I have invited an acquaintance of mine to join us - Ally Berry - who's multiple interests, disciplines and experiences led her from training as a Death Doula to now branching out further into a role she titles a Holistic Culinary Caregiver. She also hosts her own Podcast titled “You Want to go Home?”, described as a place in between many places created with the intent to guide you back to yourself, however that process comes through for you. Her podcast is an invitation to you to hold her hand while walking a divine path

Get ready for an episode that's as heartwarming as it is inspiring! In this week's Widow 180 episode, I sit down with widow, author, and death doula Jackie Disch. Jackie takes us on a deeply personal journey through the loss of her beloved wife, Katie, during the pandemic.You'll hear Jackie open up about: becoming a caregiver in the isolating days of lockdown navigating the practical “business side” of grief and the agony of probate! learning how to honor both her pain and her partner's memory, by creating the time and space to grieve, like a 10 day writing retreat! how studying as a death midwife prepared her (in surprising ways!) for their final days together.why she's a lifelong advocate for therapyhow she wrote the book In Losing Katie: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief.  how little steps—like the simple act of moving a dirty dish to the sink—can help you slowly find your way forward after loss.Plus, Jackie talks about the power of intention, the signs she believes showed her a new path, and the courage it took to start anew in a place she and Katie once dreamed of retiring. If you're navigating grief, wondering what “moving forward” looks like, or just want to hear a beautiful story about love and resilience, this episode is for you!Tune in for validation, hope, and a reminder that you're not alone—grief changes us, but it also makes room for strength we never knew we had.Find Jackie's book and connect with her at https://www.jackieldisch.com.Find all of the Widow 180 Workbooks for help with loneliness, confidence, purpose, guilt, new grief, and much more! Go to www.widow180.com/workbooks Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQFor more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.comQuestions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

In this episode I sit down with Sarah Baldwin, co-founder and CEO of Restfully, to explore a concept that can change the way we understand grief: grief personas.We often expect grief to look a certain way. Lots of tears, deep sadness, and a clear emotional timeline. But anyone who has experienced loss (or supported someone through it) knows that grief doesn't follow a script.Sarah shares how the idea of grief personas helps explain these differences and why recognizing them can reduce conflict, increase empathy, and help us support each other better after loss.If you've ever wondered why your sibling, partner, or friend seems to grieve so differently than you do, this conversation will help you understand what's really going on and how to meet each other with more compassion.You can find Sarah at: https://restfullycare.comWant to Join the Good Grief Society? Join the Waitlist now! https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/good-grief-waitlistHave a burning question for Nikki the Death Doula? Leave me a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/458190/1/9pa2xynf4iwbj6p1Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠You can find me here:https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoulaGet merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday

Death Doula: A Guide For Transitioning Into The Afterlife Death is never an easy topic to talk about. To help manage this difficult transition, many are turning to death doulas. They provide compassionate guidance for the dying, like how birth doulas support new mothers. Our experts discuss how to foster curiosity rather than fear, navigate the art of a peaceful end, and find meaning in the time that's left. Guests:  Darnell Lamont Walker, death doula, author, Never Can Say Goodbye Barbara Hansen, mother David Hansen, brother Host: Elizabeth Westfield   Producer: Polly Hansen     Will Hypnosis Fix Your Gut Issues?   The gut-brain connection is very real – and could be the reason behind your stomach issues. When your irritable bowel syndrome is caused by mental stress, medication may not be the best treatment option. Our expert explains how hypnotherapy can help patients heal that mental connection and eliminate symptoms. Guests: Dr. Megan Riehl, GI psychologist, author, Mind Your Gut Host: Greg Johnson   Producers: Kristen Farrah     Medical Notes: Needle-Free Injections, The Benefits Of A Forgotten Skeletal Tissue, And The Importance Of Demographic Inclusiveness In Science The ongoing war on antibiotic resistance. Science has rediscovered a "forgotten" skeletal tissue that could be the future of facial reconstruction. A common bedtime habit might be preventing your brain from performing its nightly "deep clean."  Building public trust in science may rely on appearances. Host: Maayan Voss de Bettancourt   Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Death Doula: A Guide For Transitioning Into The Afterlife Death is never an easy topic to talk about. To help manage this difficult transition, many are turning to death doulas. They provide compassionate guidance for the dying, like how birth doulas support new mothers. Our experts this week discuss how to foster curiosity rather than fear, navigate the art of a peaceful end, and find meaning in the time that's left. Guests:  Darnell Lamont Walker, death doula, author, Never Can Say Goodbye Barbara Hansen, mother David Hansen, brother Host: Elizabeth Westfield Producer: Polly Hansen Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jenny Briscoe-Hough on the uncomfortable truths which saw her set up Australia's first ever not-for-profit funeral home (R).After her mother died, Jenny Briscoe-Hough had an epiphany about the business of funerals.Although her family brought in their own flowers and had a simple service, the bill came to $11,000. A short time later, Jenny began thinking about setting up a not-for-profit funeral service in her local area.With the help of a documentary and a crowdfunding campaign, she and the community of Port Kembla raised more than $120,000 to buy an old fire station in town.This is now where Tender Funerals operates, helping families prepare their dead for burial or cremation.On the day of the funeral, family and friends can wash and dress the body themselves, bring flowers from their own gardens, and run the service the way they want it.Learn more about the Natural Death Care Movement.Watch the trailer for Lynette Wallworth's documentary which helped begin the funding campaign.Watch the Australian Story episode about Tender Funerals.This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. The executive producer was Pam O'Brien.It explores death industry, funerals, grief, grieving, how to grieve, Western attitudes towards death, funerals, ritual, charity, crowd funding, power of community, dying, how to die well, mothers, daughters, filmmaking, Lynette Wallworth, after life.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

TW: Some discussions of addictionWhat happens when someone you're not close to dies… and you're the one legally responsible?In this episode, I sit down with Cat, host of Call Her Cat, to talk about the death of her father—whom she was estranged from at the time of his passing. Despite the distance in their relationship, Cat stepped in as his Medical Power of Attorney, made end-of-life decisions, and arranged his funeral.We explore what it's like to grieve someone you had a complicated history with. The love that may have existed. The hurt that definitely did. The expectations from others. And the internal tug-of-war between duty, resentment, tenderness, and relief.You can find Cat's podcast here: https://unityyork.podbean.com/Want to Join the Good Grief Society? Join the Waitlist now! https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/good-grief-waitlistHave a burning question for Nikki the Death Doula? Leave me a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/458190/1/9pa2xynf4iwbj6p1Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoulaGet merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday

Team Simon here! While A Bit of Optimism is on a short break, we're revisiting a few episodes you helped make some of our favorites. We'll be back with brand-new conversations next week, on March 24th, 2026. In the meantime, we're bringing back an episode that explores a word most people like to avoid: death. We dance around the subject or use vague euphemisms to not hurt anybody. But what if being open about our deaths meant we could live happier lives? That's where Alua Arthur comes in. Alua is one of the most prominent death doulas in the country, which means it's her job to help people die. She offers support to her clients and their families as they embark on their dying journey, tackling everything from financial planning and insurance policy to emotional support and grief. Before this work, Alua was a lawyer, but after a life-changing encounter that forced her to confront mortality in a new way, she shifted her path entirely. Now she has dedicated her career to helping others prepare for the end of life with clarity, compassion, and even a bit of humor. In this conversation, Simon and Alua talk about why our culture struggles to talk honestly about death, what she's learned from the people she's accompanied in their final days, and why remembering that life is finite can help us live with more presence, gratitude, and intention. This… is A Bit of Optimism. --------------------------- For more on Alua and her work, check out: https://goingwithgrace.com/ & @GoingwithGrace‬  ---------------------------  

Suzanne O'Brien is founder and CEO of the Doulagivers Institute and author of the book “The Good Death.” She has trained thousands of people around the world in end-of-life care, with a mission to make death literacy accessible to all. She tells Sarah why she believes that dying is not just a medical event, but a sacred transition — one that can be met with preparation, presence, and even peace. In this conversation, Suzanne also shares what she has learned from decades at the bedside of dying people, how to diminish fear of the natural dying process, and why granny pods matter now more than ever.For more information on Suzanne's work and The Doulagivers Institute, please visit https://doulagivers.com/

“Let people love you.” Death doula Darnell Lamont Walker finds himself saying this phrase again and again at bedsides —to those afraid of being “seen” in their final days, to those who've built walls around receiving care. In this moving conversation with Tami Simon, the Emmy-nominated writer shares what decades of accompanying the dying have taught him about love, grief, and letting ourselves be held.This conversation offers genuine transmission—not just concepts about awakening, but the palpable presence of realized teachers exploring the growing edge of spiritual understanding together. Originally aired on Sounds True One.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what's going on in the world of TV, then dive into the season finale of Fallout and the latest episode of The Pitt.What do we think about The Last of Us ending with season 3? Was questioning Ted Sarandos a good use of our tax dollars? When can we expect to see another season of Pluribus? And what did we think of how Fallout season 2 wrapped up? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Homework for next week:The Pitt Season 2 Episode 6 (HBO Max)Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate):02:00 - TV NewsCatherine O'Hara Has Passed AwayThe Last of Us Will Probably End With Season 3Vince Gilligan offers update on PluribusMan on the Inside renewedMST3K Revival is crushing it on Kickstarter‘Stranger Things: Tales From '85' TrailerSarandos testifies before CongressBW Corner:CBS News Pulls '60 Minutes' Segment With Peter AttiaBattle royale between Paramount corporate and CBS News38:49 - The Pitt Season 2Episode 5 - 11:00 A.M.1:17:15 - Fallout Season 2 reviewLinks:Listen to Patrick's videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick's newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David's free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the best things about Crestone is that it attracts people like Goldie. She came here to build an Earthship with her partner, Matt, and everyone agrees that it's a richer place with them in it. She's a big part of the annual Crestone Energy Fair and works with the Crestone End of Life Project as a death doula, helping people on their way to whatever comes next. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe