

Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula
Traci Arieli
Join host Traci Arieli for "Comforting Closure," a podcast where the often silent topics of aging, death, and grieving are explored with compassion and clarity. Each episode features guests who share practical advice, emotional insights, and spiritual perspectives to illuminate these natural yet seldom discussed aspects of life. Dive into tender conversations designed to demystify and destigmatize these experiences, offering solace and understanding to those navigating life's final chapters. Grab a warm drink and find a moment of peace amidst profound transitions with "Comforting Closure."
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 7, 2024 • 58min
From Compassion to Calling: The Road to Becoming a Death Doula
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Welcome to another episode, hosted by Traci Arieli, founder of Comforting Closure and a dedicated end-of-life doula. In this episode, we are joined by special guest End-of-Life Doula. Episode Highlights: Understanding the role and responsibilities of a death doula. Insights into the training and certification process for aspiring death doulas. Discussion of the essential skills and emotional intelligence required in this field. Personal stories and experiences from both Traci and Rae that illuminate the journey of becoming a death doula. About Our Guest: Rae Gutierrez, a recently certified death doula, brings a fresh perspective to the conversation, discussing her path to this career and the challenges and rewards she has encountered. Connect with Us: Traci Arieli: www.comfortingclosure.com Rae Gutierrez: www.crossingtolight.com We encourage your questions and comments! Please feel free to share your thoughts below or reach out to us directly. If you find this episode valuable, please like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on end-of-life care. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Feb 29, 2024 • 47min
Radiant Reflections: Illuminating the Path Through Advance Directives
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli welcomes Maureen Kures, the founder of A Radiant Mourning, to shed light on the importance of Advance Directives. Together, they discuss end-of-life planning, exploring how Advance Directives can guide individuals and families toward making informed, respectful decisions that honor their wishes and values. This conversation aims to demystify Advance Directives, address common misconceptions, and offer practical advice for those looking to create or update their plans. Whether you're navigating this journey for yourself or supporting a loved one, "Radiant Reflections" offers guidance, understanding, and a path to peace and comfort. To learn more about Maureen Kures, visit https://www.radiantmourning.com/. To learn more about Traci Arieli, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. #AdvanceDirectives #EndOfLifeCare #DeathDoula#EndOfLifeDoula #EndOfLifePlanning

Feb 22, 2024 • 51min
Healing Connections: Affirmations of Heart and Hope
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, we're honored to have a special guest, Kim Moldofsky, the founder and CEO of Scrappy Affirmations and the author of the graphic novel 'It’s Her Story – Amelia Earhart'. Join us as we explore the power of connections in healing from profound loss. Kim opens up about her journey, and the creation of Scrappy Affirmations, and shares valuable insights on coping with grief through community support. Connect with Kim Moldofsky: https://scrappyaffirmations.com/ Connect with Traci Arieli: https://www.comfortingclosure.com Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org/ We invite you to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below or contact us directly if you prefer a more personal conversation. #GriefHealing #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #CommunitySupport #HealingJourney

Feb 15, 2024 • 43min
Memories to Meadows: Nurturing the Future with Terramation
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli talks to Micah Truman, founder and CEO of Return Home, about the innovative and eco-conscious world of Terramation. Terramation, or human composting, offers an eco-friendly approach to afterlife care, turning human remains into nutrient-rich soil and providing a sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. This process not only honors our loved ones but also gives back to the earth, allowing for a legacy that continues to nurture life long after we're gone. Join Traci and Micah as they explore: The inspiration behind Return Home and the journey to embracing Terramation. The detailed process and environmental benefits of Terramation. How Terramation can change our relationship with grief and the memory of our loved ones. The future of sustainable afterlife care and its impact on society. Contact Information: To learn more about Terramation and Return Home, visit https://returnhome.com/ For questions or to reach out to Traci Arieli, please comment below or contact her through https://www.comfortingclosure.com. Take Action Now: Help make a difference in the future of afterlife care. Visit Return Home's Legislative Action Page to access a pre-written legislative letter template. It's a simple yet powerful way to voice your support for eco-friendly Terramation practices. Here's how you can make your voice heard: Go to https://returnhome.com/idratherbecompost/ Fill out the legislative letter template with your details. Send it to your state legislator to show your support for Terramation or go to https://fiscalnote.com/find-your-legislator to email your representatives. It takes just a few minutes, but your action can pave the way for sustainable afterlife care options in your state. Let's work together to create a future where our final act is one of love for the planet.

Feb 8, 2024 • 54min
Voices for Healing: Exploring the Power of Patient Advocacy
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of Comforting Closure, host Traci Arieli talks with Marian Rouse, founder of Triad Health Advocates, about patient advocacy. Episode Highlights: - Marian Rouse's journey to becoming a patient advocate. - The dynamic and impactful role of patient advocates. - Navigating the complexities of healthcare systems. - Building trustful relationships between patients, medical staff, and insurers. - Ensuring seamless transitions in patient care. - Strategies to safeguard clients' interests. - Addressing and overcoming common challenges in patient advocacy. - The future landscape of patient advocacy. To learn more about Marian, visit https://triadhealthadvocates.com/. Resources mentioned: Bay Area Health Care Advocates (BAHCA)- https://bayareahealthcareadvocates.org/Umbra Health Care Advocates - associated with Alliance of Professional Advocates - https://app.umbrahealthadvocacy.com/searchGreater National Advocates - https://gnanow.org/National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHCA) -https://nahac.com/Patient Advocate Certification Board - https://www.pacboard.org/To learn more about Traci, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com/. #PatientAdvocate #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #ComfortingClosure #TriadHealthAdvocates

Feb 1, 2024 • 46min
Eternal Echoes: The Art of Legacy Storytelling
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, host Traci Arieli, an end-of-life doula and founder of Comforting Closure, sits down with Karla Combres, a legacy guide and celebrant. Join us as we talk about legacy storytelling and its impact on our lives. Karla shares her journey and insights into how storytelling shapes our identities, preserves our family histories, and connects us across generations. Whether you're interested in capturing your own life story, or simply looking for a deeper connection to your heritage, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. To learn more about Karla Combres, visit https://www.karlacombres.com/. To learn more about Traci Arieli, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. #Legacy #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula

Jan 18, 2024 • 52min
The Ultimate Itinerary: Death Doulas on Life's Last Trip, 01/18/24
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, host Traci Arieli is joined by two peers in the death doula community, Kacie Gikonyo and Mikey Marin. Join Kacie (a registered nurse and founder of The Death Doula Collective), Mikey (founder of The Healing Hearts House), and Traci (founder of Comforting Closure), as they answer questions about being death doulas and end-of-life care. In this episode, we cover: The diverse roles and practices of death doulas. Collaborating with healthcare professionals. Managing compassion fatigue in end-of-life care. Memorable experiences that have shaped their practice. Addressing common fears and anxieties about death. Supporting individuals with unresolved issues. The importance of end-of-life planning. Advocating for personal choices in healthcare. Dealing with the anxiety surrounding death. Connect with our guests: - To learn more about Kacie's work, visit https://www.deathdoulakacie.com. - To learn more about Mikey's work, visit https://www.healingheartshouse.com/ - To learn more about Traci’s work, visit https://www.comfortingclosure.com. If you've found this episode meaningful, please consider subscribing to our channel, liking this video, and sharing it with anyone who may benefit from these conversations. #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeCare

Jan 11, 2024 • 38min
Rooted in Remembrance: Better Place Forests’ Vision of End-of-Life
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' I sit down with Gillian Nye from Better Place Forests. We talk about the innovative concept of sustainable Memorial Forests as an alternative to traditional memorial methods. Gillian shares insights into how Better Place Forests combines environmental conservation with creating meaningful, lasting legacies for loved ones.Discover how choosing a Memorial Tree can be a comfort to families and a gift to the earth. Whether you're considering eco-friendly end-of-life options, interested in sustainable practices, or simply curious about new ways to honor our final journey, this episode will provide you with a unique perspective on memorialization.Learn more about Better Place Forests: https://www.betterplaceforests.com/Connect with us:· Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com· Email: traci@comfortingclosure.comPlease like, share, and subscribe if this episode resonates with you, and don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments!#BetterPlaceForests #SustainableMemorials #EcoFriendlyBurial #DeathDoula #EnvironmentalConservation #NatureMemorials #EndOfLifeDoula #ComfortingClosure

Jan 4, 2024 • 45min
Navigating Medical Aid in Dying: Insight & Advocacy with Karen Morin, RN
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, end-of-life doula and founder of Comforting Closure Traci Arieli has a conversation with patient advocate Karen Morin. They discuss the complicated world of Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and talk about the moral problems and mental difficulties that come up when people have to make this choice. Karen Morin has extensive experience advocating for individuals and provides helpful insights about how MAID affects patients, their families, and the healthcare system. Listen to this episode if you want to learn more about the complicated issues facing end-of-life decisions and how Medical Aid in Dying is changing. To reach Karen, please visit: https://www.lapatientadvocates.com/To reach Traci, please visit: https://www.comfortingclosure.com For more insights, like, share, and subscribe. Questions or comments? Feel free to reach out.

Dec 28, 2023 • 41min
The Healing Power of Rituals: Honoring Loved Ones During the End-of-Life Journey (First Aired August 8, 2023)
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.Happy Holidays! 🌟 As we celebrate this festive season, we're revisiting one of our most cherished episodes. Enjoy a popular replay from our podcast, bringing warmth and wisdom into your holidays. “The Healing Power of Rituals: Honoring Loved Ones During the End-of-Life Journey"- A Repeat Broadcast 🕯️ During moments of sorrow, rituals stand as a beacon of hope and unity, offering comfort and fortitude in our collective grieving. They guide us to cherish our connections with loved ones, creating invaluable memories and bonds in their final days.Join us in this encore presentation featuring Danielle Slupesky from ConsciousCrossroads, as we delve into the healing effects of rituals in the end-of-lifejourney. Learn how simple acts like lighting candles, sharing stories, andoffering prayers can provide immense solace and forge enduring connections thatoutlast the boundaries of life and death. To find out more about Danielle, visit https://www.deathdouladanielle.com/.