A Good Death Begins with a Good Life – With Chris Palmer

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli explores the true meaning of a good death, and why it begins with how we choose to live. Joined by teacher, speaker, and author Chris Palmer, they unpack what it means to live with intention, plan ahead with compassion, and face death as a part of life rather than a medical failure. 

Chris shares deeply personal stories and lessons from his book Achieving a Good Death: A Practical Guide to the End of Life, reflecting on fear, autonomy, quality of life, and how to make end-of-life care more humane and empowering. 

Key takeaways include: 

• Why intentional living leads to a more peaceful death 
• How to approach advanced directives, even if you're scared 
• Practical tools for having difficult conversations with loved ones 
• How medical culture can hinder, rather than help, end-of-life care 
• The importance of creating a personal mission statement for life and legacy 

Whether you work in aging care, are planning ahead for yourself or a loved one, or are simply curious about what it means to die well- this episode offers powerful, grounded, and compassionate information. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Chris Palmer’s Website -  https://www.chrispalmeronline.com/death-dying 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website -  https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Book: Achieving a Good Death: A Practical Guide to the End of Life by Chris Palmer 
• Compassion & Choices Dementia Values Tool – https://www.compassionandchoices.org 
• Final Exit Network – https://www.finalexitnetwork.org 
• AARP Advance Directive Links – https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives 

 
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