Peaceful Exit

Dr. Michael J Moore is a veterinary scientist who spent his entire career studying and advocating for the North Atlantic Right Whale. This is a critically endangered species, on the brink of extinction, due in large part to commercial fishing and shipping in the waters where they live. We talk about the critical role right whales play in the ocean's biodiversity and why biodiversity is so important to human survival. We explore what it means to have a relationship with the natural world, how we can conceptualize extinction in a way that our brains can grasp, and how he's working with industry to advance fishing technology to reduce whale death and ultimately save our ecosystem. You can learn more about Michael and his work here:https://www.whoi.edu/news-insights/content/michael-moore/https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/mmoore/?_gl=1%2Aa4isjz%2A_gcl_au%2AODU1NjMwNjUuMTczMjMwNTQyOQ..%2A_ga%2ANjA0MjQ3MTQwLjE3MzIzMDU0Mjk.%2A_ga_HLKFZX9JZK%2AMTczMjMwNTQyOS4xLjAuMTczMjMwNTQyOS4wLjAuMA..You can find his book, We Are All Whalers, here: https://www.amazon.com/We-Are-All-Whalers-Responsibility/dp/022680304X

We live in a culture that avoids talking about death and Peaceful Exit is an invitation to be in candid conversation about it. In season five, host Sarah Cavanaugh is talking with writers, artists, musicians and other creatives who have explored death through their art, to help us demystify and normalize this very human experience. There's no guarantee of a peaceful exit, but imagining into the experience you want can help build courage in the face of death. Accepting your mortality will give you a sense of peace. And it’s not all doom and gloom – there's joy, meaning, and connection to be found in exploring the messiness of death, dying, and grief. We can radically accept our eventual demise.Learn more at https://www.peacefulexit.net/

As the show begins to switch gears a bit, from talking with authors to talking with artists, theologians, musicians, poets –creatives of all kinds – we take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned over the years making the show. Sarah talks with Larj Media’s Principle Creative, Tina Nole, to talk about why she began these conversations and the many ways making the Peaceful Exit podcast has impacted her.This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

As Sarah looks forward to the future of a Peaceful Exit, we take a look back at some memorable moments of the past year with some of her most impactful guests. Link to Katy Butler’s book:http://www.katybutler.com/author/the-art-of-dying-well/Link to Louisa Zondo’s book:https://www.amazon.com/Dearest-MaRiky-Mothers-Journey-through-ebook/dp/B0C81LH954Link to Mary-Frances O’Connorhttps://maryfrancesoconnor.org/Link to Leslie Gray Streeterhttps://lesliegraystreeter.com/Link to Michael Wiegershttps://www.coppercanyonpress.org/authors/michael-wiegers/This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

Sarah talks with multidisciplinary artist Alixa Garcia about Alixa's transformative experiences with art, her powerful personal stories of loss, and her impassioned work in social and climate justice.  Alixa reflects on the role of imagination during times of collapse and the importance of creativity, awareness, and community in fostering resilience and healing. The episode includes an intricate exploration of grief as a ceremony and the potential for art to help heal even in the darkest places.

Rev. Steven Tomlinson, an Episcopal priest, playwright, and former economist, shares his poignant journey through grief after losing his partner, David. He reflects on how writing his play 'Curb Appeal' aided his healing process. Tomlinson discusses the intertwined themes of loss and community, emphasizing the vital role of faith and connection in navigating grief. He highlights the importance of living fully in the present, the power of shared experiences, and transformative moments of hope amidst despair.

In this episode of Peaceful Exit, host Sarah Cavanaugh interviews Gabi Lowe, author of Get Me to 21: The Jenna Lowe Story. Gabi shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience. Following the devastating diagnosis and eventual loss of her daughter Jenna to a rare lung condition, Gabi discusses how writing her book became both a mission to save lives and a profound act of healing. From battling South Africa’s healthcare system to becoming an advocate for pulmonary hypertension and organ donation, Gabi’s story is one of courage, strength, and the enduring impact of love. She also opens up about her husband’s current battle with cancer and reflects on the meaning of authentic resilience, offering listeners insight into coping with unimaginable challenges.Find more of Gabi’s work at:: https://thecoachingnest.co.za/about-gabi/The Jenna Lowe Trust : www.jennalowe.orgThis podcast is produced by Larj Media.

Michelle Hord, author of 'The Other Side of Yet,’ recounts the devastating loss of her daughter, Gabrielle, who was murdered by her ex-husband. The conversation delves into how Michelle navigated her grief and transformed it into action, hope, and resilience. She reflects on her faith, the support of her community, and how starting the nonprofit Gabrielle's Wings has helped pain into action. Michelle also discusses the personal impact of other significant losses in her life and the importance of allowing oneself to feel joy again.Find Michelle’s book at: https://michelledhord.com/the-other-side-of-yetThis podcast is produced by Larj Media.

In this episode, we talk with Luke Lorentzen and Mati Engel about their intimate documentary, 'A Still, Small Voice'.  The film features Mati as a hospital chaplain during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of chaplaincy, the challenges of burnout, and the importance of human connection in end-of-life care. Luke and Mati explore themes of witnessing, trauma, and the struggle to maintain presence and empathy during a healthcare disaster.Find a Still Small Voice: https://lukelorentzen.com/A-Still-Small-VoiceThis podcast is produced by Larj Media.

In this episode of Peaceful Exit, host Sarah Cavanaugh interviews Carole Fisher, who shares her deeply personal journey through experiences of grief, denial, and the healing power of community in the hit podcast The Girlfriends. Carole discusses how she and her friends processed the trauma of uncovering that her ex, Bob, was guilty of murder, and how denying harsh realities served as a temporary protective mechanism. Carole's story is one of strength and resilience, as she embraces her past, from dating a murderer to overcoming the stigma of her husband's suicide. She also shares her work with the organization No More, and in hospice care innovation.This podcast is produced by Larj Media.