Best Life Best Death

Dr. James Tulsky is passionate about enhancing communication between clinicians and patients. Why are words so vital in the medical field? What do patients and families need most during critical conversations? And what are the key moments where navigating communication effectively can make all the difference? (Spoiler: delivering difficult diagnoses, discussing changes in care or prognosis, and navigating end-of-life conversations.) Dr. Tulsky, alongside Dr. Anthony Back and Dr. Robert Arnold, founded the nonprofit VitalTalk to provide clinicians with practical tools and training to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and clarity. Reflecting on what inspired him to focus on this area – and to go on to train tens of thousands of others in the medical field – Dr. Tulsky shares, “It hit me like a lightning bolt—the power of words.”

Some people possess the rare gift of weaving together knowledge from multiple fields, using it to chart new and inspiring directions. Amy Wright Glenn is one of those remarkable individuals. In this conversation, Amy and I talk about birth, breath and death, and about “holding space” for difficult experiences. What does she mean by that phrase? What are threshold experiences in our lives? How might we strengthen this skill, whether we are family members, friends, or practitioners and clinicians working with clients? How can developing our compassionate presence help us be comfortable with the uncomfortable, so that we can say, “I will be brave enough to sit with you in this.” https://birthbreathanddeath.com/about-amy/ https://www.facebook.com/AmyWrightGlenn https://www.instagram.com/birthbreathanddeath/

When someone is living with dementia, challenges abound. Join me for a conversation with Ashley Bright and Heather MacLeod, experienced instructors of a course designed to provide a deeper understanding of dementia. They’ll share a practical framework for navigating the journey, along with actionable tips to ease daily life for caregivers and families. How can we learn to “enter their world” rather than trying to bring them back to ours? What strategies help caregivers adapt and connect with individuals where they are? What communication tools and practical approaches can improve daily interactions? As Ashely notes, “We can lighten the load when we choose to learn a little more about dementia.” Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or simply want to understand more about this condition, check out the insights and resources in this episode.

Cait Maddan’s free downloadable guide called “How to Hold Space for Suicide Talk” is just one key part of all the work that she does. As a doula with a focus on suicide, suicide ideation and the grievers who are left in the wake of a death, Cait does work that matters to us all. Where can we go to talk, in addition to 988 the suicide hotline? Why does it matter to make space for this topic and for chronic ideation? How can grievers be supported? By all means, let’s move out of silence and stigma and have this conversation. https://www.facebook.com/caitthedeathdoula/

Terramation, Natural Organic Reduction, Human Composting –  whatever you call it, let’s get down in the dirt to discuss this body disposition option! In this earth-shattering episode, I talk with Mike Reagan about how a Colorado company is taking this innovation in body disposition in a different, yet down-to-earth direction. Mike says, “We want to enable existing funeral homes and crematory operators to open up their own termination facilities and serve their local communities. These folks are passionate about embracing this green option and serving their community, and we are here to help.” Innovation and expansion?! Let’s dig in! (All puns intended.) ⁠https://www.thenaturalfuneral.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalfuneralcolorado/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/thenaturalfuneral

In this enlightening conversation, Mike Reagan, an end-of-life doula and CEO of The Natural Funeral, shares his experiences from hospice care. He emphasizes the healing power of silence and presence, illustrating how being there for someone can mean more than words. Mike discusses society's discomfort with death and the vital role doulas play in supporting families. He also reflects on the profound connections formed during life's final moments, advocating for an embrace of stillness and compassion as we face the end of life.

Sarah Kerr joins BLBD again this week, as we share exciting news about a new course we’ve been developing at the Centre for Sacred Deathcare. Launching in 2025, the Sacred Deathcare Guide Training and Certification is designed as a modern “Mystery School for Deathwalkers.” Participants will learn to cooperate with the deep archetypal patterns that shape the process of death and trust their intuitive intelligence as they guide others. They will be equipped to explain the energetic and spiritual dimensions of death and loss as we explore healing not only for the living, but also for the dying and the dead. As one person said about Sarah’s classes: “It's like a path that’s been lit up on the runway. It’s why I'm here, it's why I was always here. My life now blows my mind.”  https://sacreddeathcare.com/our-courses/ https://www.instagram.com/sacreddeathcare/ https://www.youtube.com/@SacredDeathcare https://www.facebook.com/Sacred.Deathcare https://www.tiktok.com/@sacreddeathcare

This week’s conversation with Sarah Kerr invites you to broaden your perspective on death, shifting toward a soul-centered understanding. We talk about the role of archetypes: what are they, and why do they matter? In particular, we delve into the Archetype of the Deathwalker. As Sarah notes, “We are creatures of narrative. Everything in our world makes sense to us because we tell ourselves a story about it.” This leads us to consider the dominant cultural narrative around death, and how that story shapes our experiences. Could a new/old healing story emerge – one rooted in the journey of the soul – that would better serve the dead, the dying, and the living? instagram.com/sacreddeathcare

In this insightful discussion, Su Park, founder of Die Well, shares her journey of creating a digital time capsule service for terminally ill parents. She explores how embracing mortality can enhance life quality and drive intentional living. Listeners learn about the significance of legacy conversations and leaving structured messages that help children process grief after loss. Su's innovative approach fosters enduring connections, giving parents a voice to guide their children through life's transitions, even after they're gone.

Rhea Mader and I chat about the mysteries that this time of year brings forth. We start out with some light-hearted remembrances of Halloween costumes, and then we ask each other the famous (perhaps seasonal) question: Do you believe in ghosts? Plus, why do some say there are two separate autumn seasons, and why is it said that “veil is thin” this time of year? Finally, Rhea shares an experience with the ancestors of the land, and we mull over our own impending ancestorhood. https://consciouslivingconsciousdying.com/ https://www.instagram.com/consciouslivingconsciousdying https://www.facebook.com/consciouslivingconsciousdying https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheamader/