When You Die

Johanna Lunn speaks with Death Doula, Jill Schock, about what it means to be a death doula and death worker in the time of COVID-19.

Jill Chandler handled many roles in her life: performer, wife, mother. But when her husband Donald died, Jill became a young widow. She spoke with us about grief, loss, healing and the fact that life does go on.

Francesca has written a richly illustrated book for children that introduces the importance of memories of those we love who have died. Children are one of the most vital aspects of our society, and yet they are often the ones left out of important conversations, particularly about death. WYD speaks with Francesca about her new book. Find out more about Francesca Arnoldy and her new book here: https://contemplativedoula.com and https://francescalynnarnoldy.com

The role of a funeral director is all-encompassing and ever-changing. But when you are part of a small community, you not only provide the services required, you also grieve with them. Andre Roupp talks about his life in the death business.

Michael Hebb and Johanna Lunn talk about Death over Dinner.

Barbara Karnes, an experienced hospice nurse and author, shares her invaluable insights on end-of-life care with Johanna Lunn. She discusses the importance of viewing dying as both a personal and communal journey, highlighting the shift in family roles after death. Karnes offers strategies for coping with grief, especially when loved ones are separated due to circumstances like COVID-19. She also emphasizes the need for self-care among healthcare workers and encourages finding joy in daily activities, even in challenging times.

Sheree Fitch is known for many things: an author of witty and wonderful children's books, an award-winning poet, a bookstore owner and a teller of stories. But in 2018 she became known as something else—a mother grieving the loss of her son.

Sheree Fitch is known for many things: an author of witty and wonderful children's books, an award-winning poet, a bookstore owner and a teller of stories. But in 2018 she became known as something else—a mother grieving the loss of her son.

Dale Jackson—a licensed embalmer and funeral director with 46 years of experience and counting—shares his story (SPOILER: and his own near-death experience at 13:13) and lessons learned from his time helping families through the loss of a loved one.

WYD Podcast in conversation with Death Doula Francesca Arnoldy, the author of Cultivating the Doula Heart: Essentials of Compassionate Care. She is the course developer, facilitator, and program director of the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate Program.  www.contemplativedoula.com