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In this conversation, Seth Samuels shares his journey through understanding death, grief, and emotional expression. He reflects on his early experiences with loss, particularly within his family, and how these experiences shaped his identity and spiritual journey. The discussion explores the cultural significance of grief, the role of humor in processing emotions, and Seth's work in examining male emotions through his podcast, 'The Good World.' We discuss the importance of emotional expression, the fear of mortality, and the role of ministry in today's media landscape. We emphasize the need for connection and presence in a world filled with distractions, culminating in a reflection on the healing power of tears and the importance of being true to oneself.

Seth Samuels is a performer-turned-social scientist-turned-interfaith spiritual leader. His podcast, "The Good World," is available on YouTube and on every podcast platform he is aware of (please let him know if you are unable to find it).

Seth has found that the greatest truths reside at the crossroads where our many diverse traditions intersect; interfaith practice helps deepen his Judaism, Buddhism, Sufism, secular humanism, and his connection to the boundless wonders around us.

His college thesis advisor once said, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and Seth took both of them." Seth takes great joy in continuing to live into that statement.

Seth's YouTube Channel

Poet Jarod K Anderson

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this conversation, Jay Deitcher shares his personal experiences with death and grief, discussing how these experiences have shaped his life and work. He reflects on the loss of friends and family, the impact of death on his children, and how writing serves as a coping mechanism. Jay also introduces the unique practice of texting deceased loved ones as a way to process grief and maintain connections with them.

We emphasize the importance of community support and the normalization of conversations around death. We explore the themes of grief, community, spirituality, and the challenges of coping with loss. And we discuss the importance of creating community through shared experiences of grief, the role of spiritual practices in coping, and the challenges faced in writing about personal loss.

The conversation also delves into anticipatory grief, the fear of death, and the significance of acceptance and quality time with loved ones. Humor is highlighted as a coping mechanism, and the discussion touches on the unique challenges men face in expressing emotions related to grief.

“Mourning our parents can start before they die. Here’s how to cope with anticipatory grief.” (Washington Post)

"11 Helpful Ways to Deal With Grief." (Wondermind)

"Why Texting the Dead Helps Those Still Living." (Popsugar)

Jay’s website

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this conversation, Dr. Sheila K. Collins shares her profound experiences with grief, having lost both a son and a daughter. She discusses the importance of community support, the role of art in healing, and the misconceptions surrounding the grieving process.

Through her personal stories and professional insights, she emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of grief and the transformative power of love and connection during times of loss.

We explore the significance of end-of-life discussions, the caregivers' role, and the transformative power of grief. We emphasize the importance of intentionality in life choices, the need to face fears surrounding death, and the value of art and dance in processing grief.

We highlight how joy can coexist with sorrow and the necessity of sharing experiences to foster understanding and healing.

Sheila K. Collins, Ph.D
Author, Key Note Speaker, Workshops
817-706 4967|
sheilakcollins@gmail.com

https://www.sheilakcollins.com

https://www.artofgrieving.us

Intro to Sheila’s Work

Sheila’s YouTube Channel

Her books

When Death Threatens Someone We Love
Aging with Aging Parents
Discovering Healing Through Art

Her Books

Her Website

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You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this conversation, Tim Arsenault shares his profound experiences with death and grief, exploring how these experiences shaped his journey into spiritual direction.

He discusses the concept of spiritual bypassing, the impact of his early losses, and how he found purpose in helping others navigate their spiritual journeys.

Tim also reflects on his current work in spiritual direction, the importance of deep listening, and the challenges he faces in his practice. Our conversation highlights the significance of being present with others in their grief and the transformative power of love and suffering.

We also discuss the importance of attention and listening in spiritual direction, the challenges of navigating resources, and the significance of sitting with pain and fear.

He reflects on faith, uncertainty, and the mystery of death, sharing his hopes for dignity in dying and the importance of resourcing oneself for sacred work. Tim also opens up about his identity as a gay man and the challenges faced within religious circles, emphasizing the need for authenticity and community support.

Tim lives in Clearwater, Florida, with his husband of 30 years and seven miniature
dachshunds. He can be contacted at: tarsen0885@aol.com

Audire Spiritual Direction institution website
Shalem Institute for Spiritual Direction

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You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this conversation, Rusty Rosman shares her experiences with caregiving and the importance of pre-planning for death through her book, 'Two Envelopes.' She discusses families' emotional challenges during end-of-life decisions and emphasizes the need for clear communication and documentation of final wishes. Rusty introduces the concept of two envelopes: one for immediate actions after death and another for post-funeral instructions, highlighting the significance of leaving a legacy and ensuring loved ones are prepared. We share insights on navigating grief, family dynamics, and the importance of preparation for end-of-life decisions. She discusses the challenges families face when dealing with loss, the fears surrounding death, and how to find purpose in later life. Rusty emphasizes the significance of communication and planning to avoid conflicts over generational wealth and possessions.

Rusty Rosman is the author of the book “Two Envelopes.” She spent years helping her parents and her in-laws as they aged. Over the years, Rusty saw many friends and their families conflicted over final arrangements and family confrontations. After making sure her parents updated their estate planning, Rusty encouraged them to write out their final wishes for their funerals and mourning period and then what they wanted done with their belongings that weren’t covered in their legal documents.

Rusty is one of four children. Having her parents put their wishes in writing made the heartbreaking experience of a parent’s death much easier for all four of them to navigate. From that experience, her book, “Two Envelopes,” was born.

Two Envelopes Book
Rusty's Info Page

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this conversation, Marci Donaldson shares her journey from a small town in Wyoming to becoming a passionate advocate for end-of-life care. She discusses her early experiences with death, the impact of her mother's strength, and how these experiences shaped her career in hospice and nursing. Marci highlights the gaps in care for those at the end of life and her efforts to innovate solutions, including the establishment of Hopeful House and her new service for families seeking medical aid in dying. We talk about the importance of community support and the need for compassionate care during the dying process.

In our conversation, Marci shares her experiences and insights on navigating grief, the importance of community support, and the challenges faced in end-of-life care. She reflects on her journey through loss, the significance of music and rituals in processing grief, and her hopes for integrating psilocybin therapy into hospice care. The discussion underscores the significance of compassion, understanding, and innovative approaches in supporting individuals nearing the end of life.

Marci grew up in a town of 200 people in rural Wy as the youngest of six children and was raised by a single mother. She is a world traveler, a wife, and a mother to a 14-year-old son, currently residing in Gresham, OR. She discovered her passion for end-of-life care as a hospice volunteer and returned to college at the age of 32 to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Marci has focused her career in the non-profit sector, serving for 25 years as a nurse, educator, end-of-life doula, mentee and mentor, board member, administrator, and program innovator.

Her career has been inspired by significant gaps in care that exist at the end of life, particularly around addressing existential suffering, the need for presence, and the lack of in-home support. She is writing her first book to address the gaps in education, preparation, and support for hospice workers new to the field of hospice care. Marci owns and operates End of Life Advocacy & Care LLC, a liaison referral and support service that assists individuals out of state in pursuing Medical Aid in Dying in Oregon.

Hopewell House - Portland, OR
Omega Home Network
EndofLifeAdvocacyAndCare.Org
Compassionate Communities Model of Care (PDF)
Email: MarciDonaldson@EndOfLifeAdvocacyAndCare.Org
Marci Digital Card: https://blinq.me/NNCT1tu5O38W
Psilocybin Facilitators in Oregon

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this episode, Karen Carlissi discusses her work as a death doula and the collaborative event she is hosting with Phoenix Destiny, focusing on supporting individuals who have experienced child loss.

We explore the concept of disenfranchised grief, the format of their workshops, and the importance of ongoing support for participants. Karen shares insights into the emotional landscape of child loss and the rituals that can help in the healing process, culminating in a poignant poem that encapsulates the essence of remembrance and love.

Workshop Flyer and Registration Link
Death Doula Panel Episode
Karen's Episode
Phoenix Episode

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In this conversation, Pamela Belyea shares her journey through grief after losing six family members in a short span. She discusses the founding of the Griever's Library, a nonprofit that provides grief resources to the community. We explore the importance of being present for those in grief, the role of community support, and the impact of literature on the healing process. Pamela emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in dealing with loss and how her experiences have shaped her approach to helping others navigate their grief.

She speaks to the importance of children's literature in addressing themes of life and death, particularly in the context of grief. She shares her passion for supporting grieving children through literature and community engagement.

Pamela Belyea is a licensed architect and co-founder of Seattle’s Gage Academy of Art, where she served as director for 23 years. After losing six family members in 15 months, Pamela channeled her grief into founding the Grievers Library—a volunteer-run bibliotherapy nonprofit providing free grief books to children, teens, and adults through book boxes in and around Seattle.

The organization’s website also offers unique online resources – “Global,” a directory of grief books available in public libraries worldwide; “EZreads,” a directory of short, meaningful excerpts from grief books; and a list of Crisis Hotlines.

Calling the Grievers Library her “ComPassion Project,” Pamela is dedicated to keeping it refreshingly non-commercial. The library is supported by the generosity of community businesses, donors, and volunteers.

Grievers Library Website
Seattle Times Article
Local Vashon Island newspaper article
Community Quotes of Support

Support the show

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.