Seeing Death Clearly

Send us a textIn this episode, I welcome back Barbara Karnes to discuss the journey of transitioning from 'we' to 'me' after her husband Jack's death. Barbara shares heartfelt stories about her early days in hospice care, highlighting the value of understanding daily responsibilities and her experiences with end-of-life preparations, emphasizing the importance of discussing finances and duties early. We also discuss how death doulas play a role in modern hospice care, her thoughts on medical aid in dying, the creation of her widely beneficial booklets like 'Gone From My Sight,' and offers perspectives on educating families about the natural process of dying. This episode aims to open minds and demystify death, dying, and grief, encouraging listeners to prepare and embrace end-of-life conversations.00:00 Introduction to End of Life Education00:45 Guest Introduction: Barbara Carnes01:35 Adjusting to Life After Loss02:56 The Importance of Being Prepared04:18 Challenges of Living Independently07:10 Support Systems and Grief Counseling08:54 End of Life Doulas and Hospice Care13:31 Medical Aid in Dying: Perspectives and Ethics00:00 Comparing Birth and Death25:39 Contemplating Mortality and Legacy27:12 Current Projects and Writing28:07 The Importance of Food at End of Life30:28 The Family Support Bundle33:11 The Origin of 'Gone From My Sight'36:11 Personal Stories and Impact40:04 The Shift Back to Home Deaths43:48 Resources and Contact Information46:17 Final Thoughts and Farewellhttps://bkbooks.com/products/approaching-death-support-kithttps://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-abouthttps://www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrn/https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarakarnesrn/Support the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, welcomes Marni Blank, a former attorney turned entrepreneur and end-of-life doula. They discuss the emotional and logistical challenges families face regarding end-of-life planning. Marni shares her personal journey, including her mother's serious accident, which highlighted the importance of having essential paperwork in order. The conversation focuses on the significance of open discussions about end-of-life wishes, the role of a death doula, and practical advice for organizing important documents. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right people for roles like healthcare proxies and how preparation can provide peace of mind. Jill and Marni also address the common barriers and emotional reactions people have when discussing these topics and offer insights into facilitating these important conversations.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:43 Meet Marni Blank: From Attorney to End-of-Life Doula00:55 The Importance of End-of-Life Planning02:44 Challenges and Realizations in End-of-Life Conversations03:50 The Role and Impact of a Death Doula04:25 Personal Stories and Experiences08:09 Navigating Family Dynamics and Responsibilities10:09 The Emotional and Practical Aspects of End-of-Life Decisions37:21 The Role of Medical Professionals in End-of-Life Care41:05 Marni's Business and Resources for End-of-Life Planning44:10 Conclusion and Call to ActionWebsite: https://beginwiththeend.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginwith_theend/Book a Free Call: https://calendly.com/marni-blank/marni-blank-initial-consultationPlan Well Organizer: https://beginwiththeend.co/plan-well-organizerSupport the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Dave Roberts, an addictions counselor and psychology professor, shares his heart-wrenching journey after the loss of his daughter, Janine. He discusses how grief can coexist with peace and the importance of maintaining bonds with loved ones. Dave emphasizes the value of different coping mechanisms within marriage, highlighting how he and his wife supported each other despite grieving differently. He also explores the intersections of spirituality, afterlife beliefs, and how his teaching evolved post-loss, encouraging open dialogues about death and diverse perspectives.

Send us a textIn this special Thanksgiving episode, Jill McClennen discusses the complex emotions of gratitude and grief that many people experience during the holidays. Early in the morning, Jill felt a mix of thankfulness and sadness and realized that she was not alone in these feelings. Holidays often amplify what we're already feeling, creating a paradox of joy and sorrow, especially when dealing with the loss of loved ones, relationship issues, or even societal pressures. Jill emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief instead of suppressing it. She recounts her personal experiences, including the loss of her grandmother and the challenges of maintaining holiday cheer amidst grief. Jill advises on setting boundaries, creating new rituals, and finding personal ways to cope, such as art and movement. She reminds listeners that it's okay to feel both gratitude and grief, and encourages them to reach out for support and to honor their complex feelings during the holiday season.00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections00:50 Navigating Complex Emotions During Holidays01:44 Societal Pressures and Isolation02:24 Grief and Loss in Relationships03:22 Anticipatory Grief and Global Concerns04:16 Historical Context of Thanksgiving05:43 Environmental Grief and Hope for the Future06:49 The Empowered Grief Journey08:29 Creating New Rituals and Setting Boundaries13:37 Art as a Coping Mechanism16:53 Final Thoughts and Support18:09 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionSupport the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Send us a textIn this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, Jill McClennen sits down with Tolley Casparis, a death doula from Southern California, to explore the realities of supporting people at the end of life. They discuss the emotional challenges of caregiving, the importance of community, and how conscious preparation can create healing for both the dying and their loved ones. This conversation offers insight into the compassionate, yet often misunderstood, work of death doulas.Tolley shares what it truly means to guide someone through their final days, addressing emotions that often go unnamed, such as anger, fear, and frustration. She emphasizes the power of holding space consistently and quietly, and how these small acts can profoundly impact both the person dying and their families. The discussion also covers the accessibility of quality end-of-life care, navigating medical aid in dying, and the delicate balance between volunteer and paid work in the field.They explore the challenges around certification, the influence of social media on death doula work, and why ongoing learning and genuine community are essential for anyone supporting the dying. This episode provides an honest, grounded look at death doula work, conscious living, and supporting others with compassion and clarity.https://deathprofesh.com/Insta @tolleycasparis and @yourdeathprofessional00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:10 Welcome to Seeing Death00:35 Guest Introduction: Tolley Casparis01:01 The Realities of Death Doula Work01:12 Challenges and Certifications01:47 Personal Background of Tali Caspar03:19 Balancing Paid and Volunteer Work03:21 End of Life Care Plans03:43 Dealing with Difficult Conversations07:44 The Concept of a Good Death17:47 Art and Grief21:13 Certification Debate24:19 The Challenge of Gaining Experience as a Death Doula26:09 Heart-Centered Qualifications and Volunteering26:56 The Debate on Charging for Services29:08 Certification and Training Controversies32:57 Marketing and Personal Branding39:59 Navigating Client Relationships and Boundaries44:46 Building Community and Setting Industry Standards45:28 Conclusion and Call to ActionSupport the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Send us a textJonathan Foster joins the conversation to share the story behind Indigo, his book about the life and death of his daughter, Quincy. This episode explores how a parent’s grief can reshape faith, deepen compassion, and reveal new ways to heal and live consciously. It offers an honest look at love, loss, and the courage it takes to rebuild meaning after tragedy.He explains how losing her forced him to rethink long-held beliefs about God, certainty, and what it means to love without conditions. Jonathan describes how this heartbreak challenged his theology but also opened space for a more expansive, healing understanding of love that is not limited by religious rules. He shares how nature, community, and honest conversations about death and dying helped him stay connected to his daughter’s legacy while learning to live with deep sorrow. Together, they reflect on the “sin of certainty,” the power of curiosity, and the importance of end-of-life awareness in shaping a more compassionate world.Jonathan’s background spans decades of ministry, writing, and advocacy. He is a father of three, a former church planter, and a partner of one, with a doctorate in theology from Northwind Seminary. His work, including his leadership with lovehaiti.org and the co-founding of OpenTable.network, centers on love-driven community, inclusion, and human connection. His book Indigo: The Color of Grief has been praised by progressive Christian thinkers for its honest exploration of death, mourning, and healing. This conversation offers comfort, clarity, and a reminder that even in loss, beauty and meaning can still be found.jonathanfosteronline.com 00:00 Introduction: Exploring Life and Death00:16 Meet the Host: Jill McClennan00:41 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Foster01:34 A Mother's Grief and Appreciation03:03 The Meaning Behind 'Indigo'05:06 Faith, Loss, and Transformation09:57 Navigating Grief and Relationships17:11 The Divine and Gender Perspectives20:33 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies22:51 Questioning Good and Bad24:17 The Absurdity of Defining Good and Bad26:39 Leaving Religion and Asking Questions30:48 The Sin of Certainty34:34 Understanding Sin and Love37:15 Unconditional Love and Compassion41:40 The Complexity of Love and Forgiveness43:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Send us a textIn this episode, our guest is Princella Seymour, a social worker with decades of experience in geriatrics and dementia care. Princella shares how she was called into elder care work, why early planning is essential, and what families often struggle with when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Together, they explore the emotional, financial, and logistical realities of caregiving, along with the federal and state resources that many people don’t know are available. Princella highlights the importance of honest conversations, clear planning, and making decisions before a crisis hits so families can focus on connection rather than chaos. Her new book, Everything You Need to Know About Me, inspired by the countless families she’s supported through painful, confusing decisions, is now available on Amazon.As CEO of Complete Elder Solutions, she has guided thousands of families through the complexities of aging. 00:00 Introduction to Seeing Death Clearly00:43 Meet Prince Seymour: A Journey in Geriatric Social Work02:07 Navigating Alzheimer's and Dementia Care06:12 The Role of a Care Coach08:01 Financial and Legal Planning for Elder Care16:17 The Importance of Pre-Planning19:21 Encouraging Conversations About End-of-Life Care24:05 Navigating Family Conversations About End-of-Life Planning24:51 The Importance of Written Wishes25:17 Family Dynamics and Funeral Experiences25:46 The Challenges of Caregiving26:10 Making Tough Decisions in Crisis Situations27:29 The Cost of Care and Financial Strain28:13 Balancing Caregiving with Personal Responsibilities29:33 Support Programs for Caregivers31:18 The Value of Professional Guidance40:35 Revisiting End-of-Life Plans Over Time43:15 Conclusion and ResourcesURL https://www.completeeldersolutions.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/complete-elder-solutions/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CompleteElderSolutions#Instagram Support the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Send us a textIn this episodeI talk with Kimberley Mead, a grief therapist who transitioned from a career in the arts at age 40. Kimberley  shares her journey into grief therapy and the development of her game, Morbid Curiosity, which has sparked transformative conversations about death. She discusses the importance of storytelling in grief therapy and how her game fosters deeper connections and meaningful conversations about mortality. The episode also highlights the profound impact of discussing death on personal relationships and societal attitudes towards grief. Jill and Kimberley  delve into the nuances of grief, the power of storytelling, and how addressing these themes can enrich our lives. The episode promises an insightful conversation that navigates grief with compassion and curiosity, encouraging listeners to explore conscious living and end-of-life planning. Tune in for a heartwarming and thought-provoking discussion about death, dying, and the legacy we leave behind.00:00 Introduction to Seeing Death00:36 Meet Kimberley Mead: From Arts to Grief Therapy01:42 The Power of Storytelling in Grief Therapy02:54 Personal Journeys and Career Changes04:01 The Game of Morbid Curiosity06:17 Understanding Grief and Pain09:58 The Role of Pain in Healing12:12 Engaging Conversations Through the Game14:54 Creating Meaningful Connections16:33 How the Game Works24:08 Exploring Historical Perspectives on Privacy24:56 Deep Conversations and Meaningful Connections26:11 Embracing Death Positivity27:47 Navigating Personal Loss and Memories29:46 The Importance of Deep Friendships31:09 Creating and Sharing the Morbid Curiosity Game39:35 The Role of a Grief Therapist41:48 Where to Find the Game and Workshops44:13 Supporting the Podcasthttps://www.morbidcuriositygame.comhttps://www.facebook.com/morbidcuriositygamehttps://www.instagram.com/morbidcuriositygame/https://kmeadcounseling.com/Support the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Send us a textIn this episode of the podcast 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen talks to Jo Beth Polly about her experiences with infertility and the death of her husband from brain cancer. Jo Beth shares how these profound losses shaped her life and career in helping others navigate grief. They discuss the isolating nature of grief, the importance of genuine support, and how such intense experiences can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. Jo Beth emphasizes that while grief is incredibly challenging, there is always potential for joy and purpose to emerge from it. The conversation also touches on the importance of presence over busyness, particularly in parenting, and how society often misguides us. Together, they explore the idea that by acknowledging and working through grief, individuals can find a renewed sense of connection and purpose.00:00 Introduction and Host's Perspective on Grief01:30 Guest Introduction and Infertility Journey02:33 Navigating Grief and Isolation07:07 Therapy and Coping Mechanisms10:09 Spirituality and Physical Impact of Grief15:55 Living with Purpose and Presence21:15 Reflecting on Life's Priorities25:33 Discussing the Pressure of Youth Sports26:51 Reflecting on the Impact of Over-Scheduling28:36 COVID-19: A Forced Pause and Its Lessons33:33 The Value of Happiness Over Achievement38:49 Grief and Joy: Co-Authoring a Book42:40 The Importance of Seeking Help45:24 Closing Remarks and Supporthttps://nwagriefspecialists.com/https://www.facebook.com/nwagriefspecialistsEpisode with Chris Mamone our coauthor https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/episodes/16878010Support the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok

Send us a textIn this podcast episode, Janet Turkula and Ryan Olivera, the founders of Give Willow, a platform designed to support families during funeral planning by allowing the community to contribute financially. Janet shares her personal story of losing her father at 21 and the struggle her family faced with unexpected funeral expenses, which inspired her to create Give Willow. The platform works like a wedding registry, enabling families to list specific items needed for a funeral, making it easier for friends and family to offer meaningful support. Ryan, who specializes in tech startups, discusses his initial discomfort with the topic of death but explains how working with Janet and understanding her vision changed his perspective. They both aim to change societal attitudes towards death, making it a more open and community-supported process. The platform also provides resources to help with the often-overwhelming administrative tasks following a death. The episode emphasizes the importance of planning for end-of-life and reducing the stigma around discussing death.Janet's Personal Story and InspirationThe Birth of Give WillowRyan's Journey and PartnershipHow Give Willow WorksFuture Goals and VisionThe Cost of Dying and Unclaimed BodiesPersonal Reflections on Death and GriefThe Importance of Planning for DeathConversations with Children About DeathEncouraging End-of-Life PlanningCreating a Platform for End-of-Life PlanningChanging the Stigma Around DeathCelebration of Life vs. Traditional Funerals info@givewillow.com Ryan@givewillow.com Website: https://givewillow.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givewillow/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@givewillowSupport the showSupport the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.comInstagramFacebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity CircleLinkedInTikTok