

Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula
Traci Arieli
Join host Traci Arieli for "Comforting Closure," a podcast where the often silent topics of aging, death, and grieving are explored with compassion and clarity. Each episode features guests who share practical advice, emotional insights, and spiritual perspectives to illuminate these natural yet seldom discussed aspects of life. Dive into tender conversations designed to demystify and destigmatize these experiences, offering solace and understanding to those navigating life's final chapters. Grab a warm drink and find a moment of peace amidst profound transitions with "Comforting Closure."
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2024 • 42min
Creating Honoring Spaces: The Art and Practice of Death Care
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli joins Trina Wacasey, the founder of Creating Honoring Spaces, to discuss the changing practice of death care. Discover how she creates personal, compassionate end-of-life environments that honor the departed's journey while also supporting the healing process of those left behind. From the innovative Mini Mobile Suite to the importance of green burials, this discussion provides insight into the possibilities for honoring our loved ones respectfully and compassionately. Join us as we explore the importance of family involvement and the sustainable methods that are shaping the future of death care. To reach Trina Wacasey, visit https://www.creatinghonoringspaces.com/. To reach Traci Arieli, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com/. #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeCare #EndOfLifeDoula #DeathCare

Mar 21, 2024 • 49min
Beyond Fear: Understanding and Comfort in the Final Journey
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli, an end-of-life doula, talks with Gabby Jimenez, a hospice nurse, end-of-life doula, educator, and author. This episode, titled 'Beyond Fear: Understanding and Comfort in the Final Journey,' aims to demystify the end-of-life process, addressing the fears and uncertainties many face. Gabby shares her extensive experience and insights into the physical and emotional experiences of the dying, the importance of supportive care, and how to approach the final days with compassion and understanding. Whether you're facing these challenges personally, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand more about this inevitable part of life, this episode offers guidance and reassurance. To connect with Gabby Jimenez, visit https://www.thehospiceheart.net/. To connect with Traci Arieli, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. #EndOfLifeDoula #DeathDoula #Hospice #EndOfLife

Mar 14, 2024 • 41min
Beyond the Brochure: Discovering Excellence in Assisted Living Communities
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, host Traci Arieli talks about the critical topic of finding the right assisted living community for our loved ones. We are joined by special guest Annemarie Fina, who shares her personal journey of searching for a community that would provide her mother, a resident with Alzheimer's, the care and dignity she deserves. Through Annemarie's story, we explore the challenges and considerations that families face when choosing an assisted living facility. From understanding the importance of quality care to recognizing red flags, this episode offers valuable insights and advice for anyone navigating this complex process. Key Highlights: Annemarie Fina's firsthand experience with assisted living communities. Tips on what to look for and questions to ask when visiting assisted living facilities. Strategies for making informed decisions that honor the dignity and well-being of our family members. Contact Information: Have questions or want to share your story? Comment below or reach out to Traci Arieli directly. Visit www.comfortingclosure.com #AssistedLivingCommunities #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula

Mar 7, 2024 • 58min
From Compassion to Calling: The Road to Becoming a Death Doula
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Welcome to another episode, hosted by Traci Arieli, founder of Comforting Closure and a dedicated end-of-life doula. In this episode, we are joined by special guest End-of-Life Doula. Episode Highlights: Understanding the role and responsibilities of a death doula. Insights into the training and certification process for aspiring death doulas. Discussion of the essential skills and emotional intelligence required in this field. Personal stories and experiences from both Traci and Rae that illuminate the journey of becoming a death doula. About Our Guest: Rae Gutierrez, a recently certified death doula, brings a fresh perspective to the conversation, discussing her path to this career and the challenges and rewards she has encountered. Connect with Us: Traci Arieli: www.comfortingclosure.com Rae Gutierrez: www.crossingtolight.com We encourage your questions and comments! Please feel free to share your thoughts below or reach out to us directly. If you find this episode valuable, please like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on end-of-life care. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Feb 29, 2024 • 47min
Radiant Reflections: Illuminating the Path Through Advance Directives
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli welcomes Maureen Kures, the founder of A Radiant Mourning, to shed light on the importance of Advance Directives. Together, they discuss end-of-life planning, exploring how Advance Directives can guide individuals and families toward making informed, respectful decisions that honor their wishes and values. This conversation aims to demystify Advance Directives, address common misconceptions, and offer practical advice for those looking to create or update their plans. Whether you're navigating this journey for yourself or supporting a loved one, "Radiant Reflections" offers guidance, understanding, and a path to peace and comfort. To learn more about Maureen Kures, visit https://www.radiantmourning.com/. To learn more about Traci Arieli, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. #AdvanceDirectives #EndOfLifeCare #DeathDoula#EndOfLifeDoula #EndOfLifePlanning

Feb 22, 2024 • 51min
Healing Connections: Affirmations of Heart and Hope
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, we're honored to have a special guest, Kim Moldofsky, the founder and CEO of Scrappy Affirmations and the author of the graphic novel 'It’s Her Story – Amelia Earhart'. Join us as we explore the power of connections in healing from profound loss. Kim opens up about her journey, and the creation of Scrappy Affirmations, and shares valuable insights on coping with grief through community support. Connect with Kim Moldofsky: https://scrappyaffirmations.com/ Connect with Traci Arieli: https://www.comfortingclosure.com Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org/ We invite you to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below or contact us directly if you prefer a more personal conversation. #GriefHealing #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #CommunitySupport #HealingJourney

Feb 15, 2024 • 43min
Memories to Meadows: Nurturing the Future with Terramation
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli talks to Micah Truman, founder and CEO of Return Home, about the innovative and eco-conscious world of Terramation. Terramation, or human composting, offers an eco-friendly approach to afterlife care, turning human remains into nutrient-rich soil and providing a sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. This process not only honors our loved ones but also gives back to the earth, allowing for a legacy that continues to nurture life long after we're gone. Join Traci and Micah as they explore: The inspiration behind Return Home and the journey to embracing Terramation. The detailed process and environmental benefits of Terramation. How Terramation can change our relationship with grief and the memory of our loved ones. The future of sustainable afterlife care and its impact on society. Contact Information: To learn more about Terramation and Return Home, visit https://returnhome.com/ For questions or to reach out to Traci Arieli, please comment below or contact her through https://www.comfortingclosure.com. Take Action Now: Help make a difference in the future of afterlife care. Visit Return Home's Legislative Action Page to access a pre-written legislative letter template. It's a simple yet powerful way to voice your support for eco-friendly Terramation practices. Here's how you can make your voice heard: Go to https://returnhome.com/idratherbecompost/ Fill out the legislative letter template with your details. Send it to your state legislator to show your support for Terramation or go to https://fiscalnote.com/find-your-legislator to email your representatives. It takes just a few minutes, but your action can pave the way for sustainable afterlife care options in your state. Let's work together to create a future where our final act is one of love for the planet.

Feb 8, 2024 • 54min
Voices for Healing: Exploring the Power of Patient Advocacy
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of Comforting Closure, host Traci Arieli talks with Marian Rouse, founder of Triad Health Advocates, about patient advocacy. Episode Highlights: - Marian Rouse's journey to becoming a patient advocate. - The dynamic and impactful role of patient advocates. - Navigating the complexities of healthcare systems. - Building trustful relationships between patients, medical staff, and insurers. - Ensuring seamless transitions in patient care. - Strategies to safeguard clients' interests. - Addressing and overcoming common challenges in patient advocacy. - The future landscape of patient advocacy. To learn more about Marian, visit https://triadhealthadvocates.com/. Resources mentioned: Bay Area Health Care Advocates (BAHCA)- https://bayareahealthcareadvocates.org/Umbra Health Care Advocates - associated with Alliance of Professional Advocates - https://app.umbrahealthadvocacy.com/searchGreater National Advocates - https://gnanow.org/National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHCA) -https://nahac.com/Patient Advocate Certification Board - https://www.pacboard.org/To learn more about Traci, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com/. #PatientAdvocate #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #ComfortingClosure #TriadHealthAdvocates

Feb 1, 2024 • 46min
Eternal Echoes: The Art of Legacy Storytelling
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, host Traci Arieli, an end-of-life doula and founder of Comforting Closure, sits down with Karla Combres, a legacy guide and celebrant. Join us as we talk about legacy storytelling and its impact on our lives. Karla shares her journey and insights into how storytelling shapes our identities, preserves our family histories, and connects us across generations. Whether you're interested in capturing your own life story, or simply looking for a deeper connection to your heritage, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. To learn more about Karla Combres, visit https://www.karlacombres.com/. To learn more about Traci Arieli, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. #Legacy #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula

Jan 18, 2024 • 52min
The Ultimate Itinerary: Death Doulas on Life's Last Trip, 01/18/24
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, host Traci Arieli is joined by two peers in the death doula community, Kacie Gikonyo and Mikey Marin. Join Kacie (a registered nurse and founder of The Death Doula Collective), Mikey (founder of The Healing Hearts House), and Traci (founder of Comforting Closure), as they answer questions about being death doulas and end-of-life care. In this episode, we cover: The diverse roles and practices of death doulas. Collaborating with healthcare professionals. Managing compassion fatigue in end-of-life care. Memorable experiences that have shaped their practice. Addressing common fears and anxieties about death. Supporting individuals with unresolved issues. The importance of end-of-life planning. Advocating for personal choices in healthcare. Dealing with the anxiety surrounding death. Connect with our guests: - To learn more about Kacie's work, visit https://www.deathdoulakacie.com. - To learn more about Mikey's work, visit https://www.healingheartshouse.com/ - To learn more about Traci’s work, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. If you've found this episode meaningful, please consider subscribing to our channel, liking this video, and sharing it with anyone who may benefit from these conversations. #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeCare


