

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

Jan 11, 2024 • 38min
Rooted in Remembrance: Better Place Forests’ Vision of End-of-Life
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' I sit down with Gillian Nye from Better Place Forests. We talk about the innovative concept of sustainable Memorial Forests as an alternative to traditional memorial methods. Gillian shares insights into how Better Place Forests combines environmental conservation with creating meaningful, lasting legacies for loved ones.Discover how choosing a Memorial Tree can be a comfort to families and a gift to the earth. Whether you're considering eco-friendly end-of-life options, interested in sustainable practices, or simply curious about new ways to honor our final journey, this episode will provide you with a unique perspective on memorialization.Learn more about Better Place Forests: https://www.betterplaceforests.com/Connect with us:· Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com· Email: traci@comfortingclosure.comPlease like, share, and subscribe if this episode resonates with you, and don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments!#BetterPlaceForests #SustainableMemorials #EcoFriendlyBurial #DeathDoula #EnvironmentalConservation #NatureMemorials #EndOfLifeDoula #ComfortingClosure

Jan 4, 2024 • 45min
Navigating Medical Aid in Dying: Insight & Advocacy with Karen Morin, RN
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, end-of-life doula and founder of Comforting Closure Traci Arieli has a conversation with patient advocate Karen Morin. They discuss the complicated world of Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and talk about the moral problems and mental difficulties that come up when people have to make this choice. Karen Morin has extensive experience advocating for individuals and provides helpful insights about how MAID affects patients, their families, and the healthcare system. Listen to this episode if you want to learn more about the complicated issues facing end-of-life decisions and how Medical Aid in Dying is changing. To reach Karen, please visit: https://www.lapatientadvocates.com/To reach Traci, please visit: https://www.comfortingclosure.com For more insights, like, share, and subscribe. Questions or comments? Feel free to reach out.

Dec 28, 2023 • 41min
The Healing Power of Rituals: Honoring Loved Ones During the End-of-Life Journey (First Aired August 8, 2023)
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Happy Holidays! 🌟 As we celebrate this festive season, we're revisiting one of our most cherished episodes. Enjoy a popular replay from our podcast, bringing warmth and wisdom into your holidays. “The Healing Power of Rituals: Honoring Loved Ones During the End-of-Life Journey"- A Repeat Broadcast 🕯️ During moments of sorrow, rituals stand as a beacon of hope and unity, offering comfort and fortitude in our collective grieving. They guide us to cherish our connections with loved ones, creating invaluable memories and bonds in their final days.Join us in this encore presentation featuring Danielle Slupesky from ConsciousCrossroads, as we delve into the healing effects of rituals in the end-of-lifejourney. Learn how simple acts like lighting candles, sharing stories, andoffering prayers can provide immense solace and forge enduring connections thatoutlast the boundaries of life and death. To find out more about Danielle, visit https://www.deathdouladanielle.com/.

Dec 21, 2023 • 33min
Embracing the Journey: Insights from a Hospice Nurse
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Join host Traci Arieli, end-of-life doula and founder of Comforting Closure, in "Embracing the Journey." This episode features Shelley Henry, a seasoned hospice nurse and co-founder of The Amity Group, as we explore the misunderstood world of hospice care. In our conversation, we'll uncover: Shelley's journey into hospice nursing. The realities of hospice care, focus on patient dignity and comfort. Debunking common myths about hospice. Addressing the shortage of hospice nurses and its impact. How hospice supports families and caregivers, including the role of end-of-life doulas. Insights into making informed decisions about hospice care and preparing for these discussions. This episode is an invaluable resource for understanding hospice care, whether you're directly impacted or simply seeking knowledge. To learn more about Shelley and the Amity Group, please visit https://www.amitystaffing.com/. To learn more about Traci and Comforting Closure, please visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. If you find this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to support our mission of providing guidance and understanding in end-of-life care. #Hospice #EndOfLifeCare #EndOfLifeDoula #DeathDoula

Dec 14, 2023 • 38min
Empowered Endings: End-of-Life Options with Compassion & Choices, Part 2
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In Part 2 of our conversation on end-of-life decisions, Traci Arieli, end-of-life doula and founder of Comforting Closure, is joined by Angela Schultz from Compassion and Choices. This episode explores the topics of palliative sedation, the intricacies of DNR and refusal of care, and the unique challenges that dementia introduces to end-of-life choices. About Compassion & Choices: Compassion & Choices is at the forefront of empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care. Their mission is to improve care, expand options, and champion the rights of everyone facing end-of-life decisions. For more information, visit them at https://www.compassionandchoices.org/.

Dec 7, 2023 • 53min
Empowered Endings: End-of-Life Options with Compassion & Choices, Part 1
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Join Traci Arieli, end-of-life doula, grief coach, and founder of Comforting Closure for the first of a two-part series about end-of-life options. In this episode, we discuss Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) with Angela Schultz, Regional Advocacy Manager for Compassion and Choices. Stay tuned for the second part where we explore the compassionate realm of Palliative Care. Subscribe now to be notified! About Compassion & Choices: Compassion & Choices is at the forefront of empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care. Their mission is to improve care, expand options, and champion the rights of everyone facing end-of-life decisions. For more information, visit them at https://www.compassionandchoices.org/. #EndOfLifeDecisions #MAiD #VSED #CompassionAndChoices #EndOfLifeDoula #DeathDoula

Nov 30, 2023 • 50min
From Grief to Growth: Reclaiming Quality of Life After Limb Loss with James Jones
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, I'm honored to host James Jones, the founder of QOL Group (Quality of Life Group). James talks about his journey from the grief of losing a limb to rediscovering and reclaiming an enriched quality of life. It’s a story of pain, loss, resilience, and remarkable recovery. We'll discuss the silent struggles and the untapped reservoirs of strength that emerge in the face of adversity. James’ story is a guide for many, shedding light on the path from darkness to growth, and revealing the possibilities of a life reimagined. Join us to explore the intersection of grief and recovery, and the dynamic journey to reclaim a quality of life defined by hope, strength, and unwavering resilience. To contact James, please go to: https://qolgroup.net/ To donate to the QOL Group, go to: https://qolgroup.kindful.com/ To reach Traci, go to: www.comfortingclosure.com #LifeAfterLimbLoss #GriefToGrowth #QOLGroup #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula

Nov 16, 2023 • 41min
Planning for Peace: Navigating the Path of Estate Planning with Debra Cassara
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Join Traci Arieli and attorney Debra Cassara in this episode as they explore the essentials of securing your legacy and ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - The basics and importance of early estate planning - How often you should refresh your estate plan - How to avoid common mistakes - Tips for involving family and choosing the right attorney To connect with Debra, go to: https://ferglawgroup.com/ To connect with Traci, go to https://www.comfortingclosure.com #EstatePlanning #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula

Nov 9, 2023 • 46min
The Art of Compassionate Touch: Exploring Hospice Massage with Susan Coffey
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of Comforting Closure, I talk with Susan Coffey, a pioneer in the field of hospice massage. Susan talks about her journey and how she focuses every session on meeting the needs and preferences of her clients, creating a place of peace and comfort. If you're thinking about hospice massage for yourself or a loved one, this conversation will provide you with experiences and insights. Join us as we explore the world of hospice massage, where touch goes beyond mere therapy to become a way to connect, show kindness, and comfort. Susan can be contacted through her website: https://www.susancoffeylmt.com/ Traci can be contacted through her website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com

Oct 26, 2023 • 41min
Unveiling Samhain Ancestral Veneration and the Anderson Feri Tradition
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Join us as we explore Samhain and the rich tapestry of the Anderson Feri Tradition with our special guest, Sharon Knight. In this episode, Sharon, an initiate in the Anderson Feri Tradition of witchcraft, shares her extensive knowledge on the topic, offering viewers an intimate look into the profound connections that Samhain holds with ancestral veneration and the end-of-life journey. To reach Sharon Knight: https://www.sharonknight.net Mandragora Magika site: https://www.mandragoramagika.com/ Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans: https://cuups.org/ Make sure to connect with us for more insights, resources, or support in your end-of-life journey at www.comfortingclosure.com #Samhain #AndersonFeriTradition #DeathDoula #PaganTraditions #EndOfLifeDoula


