End-of-Life University

Enjoy this very first conversation with my friend Barbara Karnes as we get to know one another and discuss our hopes for the future of hospice care. This episode is a replay of my very first interview with Barbara Karnes RN that appeared on the EOLU speaker series but not on the podcast. Barbara is a pioneer in the hospice movement and a world-renowned speaker, author and educator. You’ll hear us getting to know one another and talking about her work at that time, which has expanded and grown over the years. Enjoy our conversation and remember that some links and programs mentioned back then may have changed. For up-to-date resources go to Barbara’s website: bkbooks.com YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: How Barbara first came to work in hospice The inspiration behind Barbara’s very helpful hospice guideline series Barbara’s video: New Rules for End-of-Life Care The difference between home health care and hospice care What Barbara finds discouraging about hospice care now Why she finds hope in the end-of-life doula movement How we care for the dying continues to evolve though the dying process remains the same Advice for new nurses in hospice care Why community education about death and dying is essential Links: Check out the Holiday Gift Guides for Caregivers People Receiving Care People Who Are Grieving Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal

Learn how a college student investigating death and dying is starting student-run Death Cafés on her campus. My guest Jenna Yeam is a senior at Duke University who is investigating what it means to die well anyhow we can help people die better. As part of her thesis she interviewed 67 death doulas to learn about the major issues that interfere with experiencing a “good death” and will publish her results in the future. She is now organizing student-run Death Cafés, called Dying with Duke, to encourage young people to have open conversations about death and dying. Learn more on this Instagram account: Dying with Duke YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: How Jenna became interested in doing research on death and dying What her thesis program on death doulas consists of What she has learned from interviewing death doulas How she was inspired to create a Death Café for students on her college campus The student response to the Dying with Duke event she hosted How she promoted it by word of mouth, physical marketing, and social media The format of the Duke event and questions used to prompt discussion What she learned from the first event and plans for the future Tips for those who want to start a student Death Café or similar event on their campus The ripple effect of encouraging young people to talk about death Links mentioned in this episode: Death Café website: https://deathcafe.com Connect with Jenna on Linked In: linkedin.com/in/jenna-yeam NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving Get my two newest books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu, especially my latest supporters Nancy Walker and Linda Fennigbauer and thanks to Linda for also making a Paypal donation! Your contributions make all the difference and ensure this podcast stays ad-free.

Learn about effective, personalized grief support that arrives via text message and how this innovation is a game changer for caregivers, healthcare workers, and the bereaved. My guest Emma Payne is the founder and CEO of Help Texts, which provides private grief, caregiver, or mental health support via personalized text messages. On this episode, Emma’s second guest appearance, she will discuss what’s new on the Help Texts platform and the data they’ve been gathering about the efficacy of grief-informed texting. You need to know about this tool if you work anywhere in the end of life as a means of offering support to people who are grieving, caregivers and healthcare workers. This is a game-changer! Learn more at the website: helptexts.com Get a discount with this link YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: What inspired Emma to create Help Texts Why text messaging is an ideal delivery method for grief support, as validated by neuroscience How Help Texts messages are customized and personalized to each person who signs up by many different experts in this space Why the cost of Help Texts is less than one hour of therapy Research shows remarkable efficacy of these messages Why people supporting grievers are also included in receiving helpful messages and reminders by text The ripple effect of helping people become “grief literate” one text message at a time How hospices and other organizations are signing up to gift Help Texts to the families they work with Help Texts for healthcare workers and caregivers Support is also now available for pregnancy loss, pet loss, and mental health issues Links mentioned in this episode: Go to helptexts.com/eolu to get a $10 discount on a one-year subscription to Help Texts NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving Get my two newest books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu,  and to Molly Byock for making a donation through Paypal! Your contributions make all the difference and ensure this podcast stays ad-free.

Learn about palliative medicine from a physician who is also a popular content creator on social media. My guest Dr. Matthew Tyler is a board certified physician in internal medicine as well as hospice and palliative medicine. He is the creator of How to Train Your Doctor, a coaching platform designed to help patients and caregivers make medical decisions related to serious illness and end of life. He specializes in creating short videos for social media that cover a variety of topics related to hospice and palliative medicine. Learn more at this website: howtotrainyourdoctor.com YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: How Matt ended up choosing palliative medicine as a career path Overview of palliative medicine and how it differs from hospice What a palliative doctor does How to find a palliative provider near you Why early referrals to palliative medicine are important How the palliative care team can help patients and families make decisions about medical care Why many doctors can use training to have better serious illness and end-of-life conversations Why Matt started creating content for social media sites The power of short, informative videos online Links mentioned in this episode: Blog Post: How to Make a Difficult Decision for a Loved One at the End of Life Dr. Tyler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtotrainyourdoctor/ Dr. Tyler on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtotrainyourdoctor Palliative care referrals: https://getpalliativecare.org Goals of Care Conversation Starter Vital Talk: https://www.vitaltalk.org NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving Get my two newest books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu, especially my latest supporter Monica Park, and to Dana Tuttle for buying me 3 coffees! Your contributions make all the difference and ensure this podcast stays ad-free.

Learn about a helpful book for grieving teens by grief counselor and thanatologist Dr. Korie Leigh … and why you should have it on your bookshelf. My guest Dr. Korie Leigh is a grief counselor and an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Thanatology Program at Marian University. She has spent 20 years working with children and families experiencing grief and loss. She is the author of two books including What Does Grief Feel Like? and It Won’t Ever Be the Same: A Teen’s Guide to Grief and Grieving. Learn more about her work at the website: korieleighphd.com Get the book here YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: How children and teens are the forgotten grievers of our society How childhood grief is most often expressed behaviorally and may be missed by adults There is a gap in resources for children and teens as well as a gap in understanding their experience About 1 out of every 10 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 18 Why teachers need to be trained to recognize grief in their students Resource for becoming a “grief informed” school Tips for dealing with grief in the classroom, including the teacher’s own grief Books are helpful for children to find the words to talk about their grief and its many emotions How Dr. Leigh’s books help fill a gap in developmentally appropriate materials for children and teens Thanatology courses and certificates offered through Marian University WI Links mentioned in this episode: New York Life’s Grief Sensitive Schools Initiative Hero’s Path Palliative Care in New Mexico Ed Tronick’s “still face” experiment Marian University Thanatology Program NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving Get my two newest books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu, especially my latest supporter Pam, and to everyone who has bought me a coffee or made a donation through Paypal! Your contributions make all the difference and ensure this podcast stays ad-free.

Learn how grief is a major theme of Alexander Hamilton’s life as portrayed in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical Hamilton. Today I’m joined once again by my co-host Benjamin Kintisch for another episode of the Death & Grief in Pop Culture Series. Ben is a cantor, hospice and eldercare chaplain, music teacher, and the creator of Life Review: The Hospice Musical. Together we talk about all the interesting ways death shows up in culture, what we might learn about death and grief through the lens of pop culture, and how we can utilize popular references to death and grief to increase death literacy for ourselves and others. This week we are discussing the Broadway musical “Hamilton” Learn more about Ben’s work at his website: lifereviewmusical.com View lyrics here YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: How we can talk about difficult subjects with a touch of lightness and humor Some of the most memorable moments in theatre deal with uncomfortable topics Grief is a powerful lens through which to view the mega-Broadway hit Hamilton Alexander Hamilton experienced multiple types of grief including survivor’s grief and guilt as a war hero The poignancy of the death of Hamilton’s son Phillip and subsequent grief as expressed in the song It’s Quiet Uptown How setting apart this song in contrast to others in the musical made it even more emotionally evocative We need to experience the full spectrum of emotions in our grief How Eliza Hamilton utilized her grief to take action and make a difference in the world Links mentioned in this episode: Previous episode in this series Watch Hamilton the movie on Disney+ Listen to the soundtrack on Spotify NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving Get my two newest books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu, especially my latest supporters Bonnie and CJ, and to everyone who has bought me a coffee or made a donation through Paypal! Your contributions make all the difference and ensure this podcast stays ad-free.

Learn how an astrologer uses death charts to provide insights and solace for people who are grieving. My guest Moon Zlotnik is an astrologer who has been practicing and teaching astrology full-time for over 40 years. Her practice of modern astrology includes a focus on both psychology and spirituality. She discusses her discovery of the helpfulness of astrological “death charts” for grief after the death of her twin sister and how she uses the charts now in her work with bereaved clients. She is the author of the book Star Sisters: An Astrologer’s Memoir of Twin Loss and is currently working on a second book about death charts. Learn more at her website: astrologybymoonrabbit.com Get the book here YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: What astrologers do and various applications of astrology in our world How Moon first got interested in working with people who are grieving Why astrology is not inconsistent with science and can fit into a scientific understanding of the universe The mystery of the timing of a person’s last breath The profound grief of twin loss What information is required before creating a death chart The death chart can tell a narrative about the passage at the end of life and what transformation is possible for loved ones Astrology can help put together the “puzzle pieces” of life and make sense of them How Moon ensures that readings are empowering rather than fear-inducing How these insights can help us live more consciously and purposefully Links mentioned in this episode: Twinless Twins International NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving Get my two newest books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu. Also thank you to everyone who has joined the $10 for 10 Years Campaign! Your contributions make all the difference and ensure this podcast stays ad-free.

Barbara Karnes RN, a renowned hospice nurse and author of the influential guide 'Gone From My Sight', shares invaluable insights about the natural dying process. She discusses common signs caregivers can observe and the gradual changes that occur months before death. Karnes emphasizes the importance of education to dispel fears and misconceptions about dying, and she highlights the healing power of presence over trying to fix things. The conversation sheds light on how to create a safe environment and encourages loved ones to express meaningful sentiments as the end approaches.

Learn about a beautiful, sustainable option for disposition of ashes after death at the base of a memorial tree. My guest Gillian Nye has served at the Forest Memorials Manager at Better Place Forests for the past 6 years. She helps families create meaningful, nature-centered ceremonies that honor their loved ones in a unique and sustainable manner. She will tell us how and why to choose a special tree as a memorial for ourselves or those we love. If you love trees (as I do) and want to learn about sustainable options for disposition after death don’t miss this conversation! Learn more at the website: betterplaceforests.com YouTube Channel Listen here: This episode includes: The story behind how Better Place Forests got started Where the forests are located The process for choosing a memorial tree (online or in-forest) Reforestation of other forests through partnership with Arbor Day Foundation How families can return over time to visit the tree they’ve chosen Examples of nature-centered ceremonies that have taken place in the forests How families benefit from choosing a tree as a memorial (rather than a tombstone) The “spreading grove” as a less-expensive forest option for disposition Links mentioned in this episode: Karen Wyatt on Growth Mixtape Podcast Previous interview with Sandy Gibson of Better Place Forests NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving Get my two new books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death Get EOLU Podcast Merch here Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here Leave me a message by email: kwyattmd@comcast.net, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul Subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher Radio Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and receive free gifts like the “Mind if we talk about death?” mini-poster or Love Your Life sticker or coffee mug. PLUS get our regular bonuses: the monthly EOL News Update, monthly What to Watch recommendations, Behind the Scenes Bonus content, and automatic access to A Year of Reading Dangerously! Buy me a coffee Donate on Paypal If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu. Also thank you to James M. Schultz for buying me a cup of coffee and to Sue Julian who joined the $10 for 10 Years Campaign! Your contributions make all the difference and ensure this podcast stays ad-free.

Marian Krawczyk, a medical anthropologist and Lead Convenor for the End of Life Studies Program at the University of Glasgow, explores a unique postgraduate initiative that examines death and dying through a global lens. The program attracts diverse students from over 20 countries, offering non-traditional pathways like introductory courses. Marian discusses her research on the death doula movement and ecological grief stemming from climate change. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary education and community engagement in transforming end-of-life care.