Best Life Best Death

In this episode, I’m joined by Ken Ross, son of the legendary Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, whose groundbreaking work revolutionized the field of end-of-life care. Ken shares insights into his mother’s contributions, including the true meaning and intentions behind the “5 stages” model which is so commonly associated with her name. We also explore his ongoing work with the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation to expand access to palliative and hospice care worldwide. Ken reflects on the complexities of grief, the evolution of global hospice care, and his journey as a photographer, shaped by his extensive travels. This episode offers a heartfelt tribute to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s legacy and Ken’s passionate mission to continue spreading her teachings. https://www.instagram.com/elisabethkublerrossfoundation/ https://www.facebook.com/ekublerross/ https://www.youtube.com/@ElisabethKublerRossFoundation

This episode delves into a subject that many find deeply uncomfortable: pregnancy loss. Whether through miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, accident, or medical necessity, countless women, their partners, and families carry this profound pain. How can we, as a culture, become more literate and compassionate about pregnancy loss? How do we honor this vulnerability instead of silencing it? Pregnancy loss often feels taboo, perhaps because conversations about death are challenging for so many — and when it involves the death of a baby, the difficulty multiplies. My eloquent guest, Amy Wright Glenn, captures this sentiment beautifully, saying, “I strive to lift this from the cultural shadow and help us all become more fluent in its language.” https://birthbreathanddeath.com/ instagram.com/birthbreathanddeath Facebook.com/AmyWrightGlenn

As Sarah Kerr puts it, “Grief is a feeling; grieving is an action.” This week, I speak with Janelle Ketcher, an artist and archivist who envisioned a unique way to take action in grief and honor those we’ve lost. What is the Postal Service for the Dead? How does it function, and why is it significant? Could this “simple action” offer a powerful way to process our grief? And what is this magical community of letters all about? Janelle shares, “Ultimately, whether you write a letter or not, I hope this podcast inspires curiosity and sparks conversations!” https://www.janelleketcher.com/postal-service-for-the-dead https://www.instagram.com/postalserviceforthedead

[Note to listeners: Sorry for the not-so-great sound on this one. I had issues.] Erin Whalen has spent years as an actor and acting coach, and she’s now discovered her true calling: Compassionate Coaching. Through improvisational theater with groups of all sizes, she creates space for grief to flow and growth to flourish. But what does that really mean? How did Erin find her way into this unique work? And what is her personal story, including the life and loss of her sister? Erin’s energy and approach are hard to put into words — have a listen and experience her infectious style for yourself! https://www.compassionatecoaching.org/

In this episode, Dr Kaishauna Guidry and I take a look at some myths about hospice, and you’ll hear Dr G’s heart-filled point of view as she busts some of these common misconceptions, including: Hospice is only for the very end of life. All hospices are the same. Hospice is a place you go. It’s expensive and only for the privileged. Calling hospice means giving up hope. Ever heard any of these or believed them yourself? Join us to hear another point of view from a seasoned physician. instagram.com/MourningDoveMedical facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071152321982&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Dr. James Tulsky is passionate about enhancing communication between clinicians and patients. Why are words so vital in the medical field? What do patients and families need most during critical conversations? And what are the key moments where navigating communication effectively can make all the difference? (Spoiler: delivering difficult diagnoses, discussing changes in care or prognosis, and navigating end-of-life conversations.) Dr. Tulsky, alongside Dr. Anthony Back and Dr. Robert Arnold, founded the nonprofit VitalTalk to provide clinicians with practical tools and training to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and clarity. Reflecting on what inspired him to focus on this area – and to go on to train tens of thousands of others in the medical field – Dr. Tulsky shares, “It hit me like a lightning bolt—the power of words.”

Some people possess the rare gift of weaving together knowledge from multiple fields, using it to chart new and inspiring directions. Amy Wright Glenn is one of those remarkable individuals. In this conversation, Amy and I talk about birth, breath and death, and about “holding space” for difficult experiences. What does she mean by that phrase? What are threshold experiences in our lives? How might we strengthen this skill, whether we are family members, friends, or practitioners and clinicians working with clients? How can developing our compassionate presence help us be comfortable with the uncomfortable, so that we can say, “I will be brave enough to sit with you in this.” https://birthbreathanddeath.com/about-amy/ https://www.facebook.com/AmyWrightGlenn https://www.instagram.com/birthbreathanddeath/

When someone is living with dementia, challenges abound. Join me for a conversation with Ashley Bright and Heather MacLeod, experienced instructors of a course designed to provide a deeper understanding of dementia. They’ll share a practical framework for navigating the journey, along with actionable tips to ease daily life for caregivers and families. How can we learn to “enter their world” rather than trying to bring them back to ours? What strategies help caregivers adapt and connect with individuals where they are? What communication tools and practical approaches can improve daily interactions? As Ashely notes, “We can lighten the load when we choose to learn a little more about dementia.” Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or simply want to understand more about this condition, check out the insights and resources in this episode.

Cait Maddan’s free downloadable guide called “How to Hold Space for Suicide Talk” is just one key part of all the work that she does. As a doula with a focus on suicide, suicide ideation and the grievers who are left in the wake of a death, Cait does work that matters to us all. Where can we go to talk, in addition to 988 the suicide hotline? Why does it matter to make space for this topic and for chronic ideation? How can grievers be supported? By all means, let’s move out of silence and stigma and have this conversation. https://www.facebook.com/caitthedeathdoula/

Terramation, Natural Organic Reduction, Human Composting –  whatever you call it, let’s get down in the dirt to discuss this body disposition option! In this earth-shattering episode, I talk with Mike Reagan about how a Colorado company is taking this innovation in body disposition in a different, yet down-to-earth direction. Mike says, “We want to enable existing funeral homes and crematory operators to open up their own termination facilities and serve their local communities. These folks are passionate about embracing this green option and serving their community, and we are here to help.” Innovation and expansion?! Let’s dig in! (All puns intended.) ⁠https://www.thenaturalfuneral.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalfuneralcolorado/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/thenaturalfuneral