Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

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 is joined by Cody Sanders, author of Corpse Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead. Together, they discuss how historical events like the treatment of Indigenous Americans, the Civil War, African American slavery, major epidemics, and the rise of ecological responsibility have shaped our practices in caring for the dead, and how these practices, in turn, have shaped us. Key takeaways include how these pivotal moments in history have influenced our approach to deathcare and how the evolving practices continue to reflect and shape our societal values. This episode aims to normalize conversations around death and provide a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of caring for the deceased. Links/Resources: Guest: Cody Sanders’ Book - Corpse Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead: https://www.fortresspress.com/store/search?ss=cody+sanders Contact Cody Sanders falculty page: https://www.luthersem.edu/faculty/cody-sanders Host Traci Arieli's Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes!  In this episode, I mentioned that the U.S. spends between $110-150 million each year to research, analyze, and recover the 81,000 MIA/POWs from every war since World War II. This information is cited from:  "Inside the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency." Task & Purpose, https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/defense-pow-mia-accounting-agency-dpaa/. Accessed 31 July 2024. "POW/MIA Experience." U.S. Department of Defense, https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/POW-MIA/. Accessed 31 July 2024. 

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 discusses the innovative and environmentally conscious practice of reef memorials with George Frankel, founder and CEO of Eternal Reefs. George shares the inspiration behind the company and how Eternal Reefs transforms cremated remains into artificial reefs that help rebuild marine habitats. They discuss the personal and ecological benefits of this unique memorialization process, highlighting how it allows families to actively participate in creating lasting tributes to their loved ones.   Key takeaways include the healing power of personalized memorials, the significant positive impact on local communities, and the deep connections families form with the marine environment.  Links/Resources: Guest: Eternal Reef’s Website - www.eternalreefs.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources: Eternal Reefs on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eternalreefs Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! 

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 explores barriers that many face when accessing hospice care. Joined by Priya Jayadev from Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC), they explore how VHOCC is making hospice care accessible and compassionate for all, regardless of financial constraints or provider availability. Discussion includes the operating model of VHOCC, the importance of community support in sustaining non-profit hospice care, and the role of cultural sensitivity in delivering end-of-life services. This episode aims educate on the challenges of hospice care accessibility and how community-driven efforts can bridge these gaps, normalizing conversations around death and dying. Links/Resources Guest: Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County - www.volunteerhospice.org Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources: Death Cafes: https://deathcafe.com/ Hospice CARE Act of 2024: https://www.nhpco.org/wp-content/uploads/HospiceCARE_Act-NAHC-NHPCO_Alliance.pdf National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization: https://www.nhpco.org/resources/ The Art of Dying Well: https://www.artofdyingwell.org/ The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/ Five Wishes: https://www.fivewishes.org/ The Death Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com/ GoWish: https://codaalliance.org/go-wish/ Hello: https://commonpractice.com/products/hello-game Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #HospiceCare #AccessibilityInHealthcare #CommunitySupport 

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 sits down with Toula Saratsis, a mother, advocate, and end-of-life doula who knows firsthand the heartache of losing a child. Together, they discuss the topic of pediatric palliative care. Toula shares her personal story, discussing how parents can make sure their child’s voice is heard and respected, even in the most difficult of situations. The conversation covers how to maintain a sense of normalcy for a child who is seriously ill, how parents can advocate for their child’s care, and the emotional support families need. This episode is not just about information; it’s about connection, understanding, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable challenges. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply want to learn more about these topics, this conversation will leave you feeling informed. Links/Resources Guest: Toula Saratsis can be found on Facebook and Instagram. You can also email her at toulasaratsis@gmail.com. Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com If this episode has been helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to help us continue these important conversations. 

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 explores the critical topic of legally protecting your advance directive wishes. Joined by Janis Landis, an end-of-life care advocate from the Final Exit Network, they discuss how to ensure your healthcare preferences are respected and followed. Key takeaways include the importance of selecting the right healthcare representative, understanding the legal aspects of advance directives, and navigating complex situations like dementia and ALS. This episode aims to normalize conversations around end-of-life planning and empower listeners with practical tips to safeguard their final wishes. Links/Resources Guest: Final Exit Network - https://finalexitnetwork.org Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources: AARP Advance Directive Forms - https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/  Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! 

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 explores the collaborative relationship between death doulas and hospice teams.  She is joined by two nurses, Dori Sappo and Denise Campbell. Both Dori and Denise bring unique perspectives as they have worked on both sides—serving as hospice nurses and end-of-life doulas. Together, they discuss how these roles complement each other, the emotional and practical support that doulas provide, and how this partnership can better serve clients and their families during the end-of-life journey.  Key takeaways include understanding the different roles within hospice care, the value of death doulas in extending emotional and practical support, and strategies for effective collaboration between doulas and hospice teams. This episode aims to normalize conversations about death and dying while providing information for both professionals and those unfamiliar with end-of-life care. Links/Resources: Guest: Dori Sappo - Your Heartbridge: https://www.yourheartbridge.com Guest: Denise Campbell - End of Life Midwife: https://www.endoflifemidwife.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com National End-of-Life Doula Alliance: https://www.nedalliance.org/ 

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 sits down with Jim Van Buskirk, a Final Exit Network volunteer and the editor of "There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network." They read a few stories from the anthology, discussing themes of autonomy, dignity, and the profound choices we face at the end of life. Jim shares his personal journey, insights on the critical role of volunteers, and the emotional and ethical challenges involved in this important work. Key takeaways include the importance of having control over one's end-of-life decisions and the impact of compassionate support during these final moments. Links/Resources Guest: Final Exit Network - https://www.finalexitnetwork.org Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Book: "There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network" - Available on the Final Exit Network website Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #FinalExitNetwork #AutonomyAndDignity #SelfDeliverance 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, we explore how Titan Casket is transforming the funeral industry by making high-quality caskets more accessible, customizable, and affordable by selling directly to consumers. Josh and Scott share their personal journeys that led to the creation of Titan Casket and explain how their mission is to help families manage the financial burden of funerals. We also touch on the issue of funeral debt and explore the importance of planning ahead. Josh and Scott provide advice on how families can ease both financial and emotional burdens while honoring their loved ones. This conversation aims to normalize end-of-life arrangements, encouraging open and proactive discussions. Whether you're an industry professional or someone unfamiliar with aging, death, and grief, there’s something valuable in this episode for you. Links/Resources: Guest: Titan Casket's Website - https://titancasket.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Financial figures in this episode of sourced from: National Funeral Directors Association article on funeral costs - https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral Article on funeral costs: https://choicemutual.com/blog/burial-plot-cost/ #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #FuneralPlanning #TitanCasket #EcoFriendlyFunerals  

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, Traci Arieli speaks with Charles Tigard, the director of Stanford's Office of Decedent Affairs. They discuss the reasons behind the creation of this office, the family experiences, and the larger impact of their work. Key takeaways include insights into how the office supports grieving families and the unique services they offer. This episode aims to provide a compassionate look at end-of-life care and normalize conversations around these important topics. Links/Resources: Guest: Stanford's Office of Decedent Affairs - https://stanfordhealthcare.org/for-patients-visitors/spiritual-care-service/what-we-provide/decedentcare.html Host’s Website – www.comfortingclosure.com Donor Network West: donornetworkwest.org #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #StanfordHospital #FamilySupport #MedicalExcellence 

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 discusses a unique memorialization option with Jason Leach from And Vinyly. This innovative service transforms a person’s ashes into vinyl records, creating a beautiful blend of legacy, memory, and sound. Jason shares the fascinating process behind this service and how it can provide comfort during the grieving process. Key takeaways include the emotional impact of hearing a loved one's voice on vinyl and how this unique tribute can help maintain a connection to those we've lost. This episode aims to normalize conversations around death and provide new perspectives on memorialization. Links/Resources: Guest: And Vinyly's Website - http://www.andvinyly.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #Memorialization #Legacy #GriefSupport #VinylRecords