Death on the Daily

In this episode of 'Death on the Daily', I share my personal journey through grief during the holiday season, emphasising that it's okay to feel sadness amidst the festive cheer. I discuss the complexities of grief, especially during significant dates, and offer practical tips for coping with loss during this time.  Encouraging you to honour your feelings, set boundaries, and create new traditions, while also remembering and celebrating their departed loved ones if you wish to.  If you’re grieving this Christmas, I am sending you so much love.  Plus for anyone else, please do share this episode with someone who is grieving and it might support.  Key takeaways:  It's okay to not be okay during the holidays. Grief doesn’t take a holiday.  Grief can feel raw and complex, especially during significant dates. Giving yourself permission to feel your grief is essential. Setting boundaries is crucial for self-care during the festive season. Prioritise connection over perfection in holiday celebrations. Rewriting traditions can be freeing after a loss. Bringing departed loved ones into holiday celebrations can provide comfort. It's important to check in on those who are grieving. Grief doesn't take a holiday; it's a continuous journey. Meeting yourself where you are is vital for emotional well-being. Follow me (Tanya Wilkinson) and Death on the Daily: Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to this podcast Instagram: @death_onthedaily YouTube: Death on the Daily Apple: Death on the Daily Spotify: Death on the Daily

I am joined today by Lou Nylander, founder of Wildflowers of London. We discuss the complexities of grief, particularly during the festive season. Exploring our personal stories of loss, with Lou having lost both of her parents, and my baby loss 5 months into pregnancy.  We speak to the impact these losses have on us at times like the festive period. Speaking to the power of “ripping the rule book up on Christmas” and creating new traditions.  We speak to the complexities of grief and loss, emphasising the importance of coping mechanisms, open conversations about death, and finding joy amidst sorrow.  If you are navigating grief, I I hope that our conversation supports you at this tender time of year. Sharing these conversations are SO important, so if you know someone who is grieving, then remember to check in on them. Plus share this episode with them.  Key takeaways Grief is a personal and complicated journey. The festive season can amplify feelings of loss. Creating new traditions can help in coping with grief. It's important to allow oneself to feel grief rather than suppress it. Time does not erase grief, but it can change how we experience it. Acknowledging that things will never be the same is crucial for healing. Breaking old patterns can help in creating new memories. It's okay to seek support and share your grief with others. You are better able to cope and process feelings after loss. Open conversations about death are essential for healing. It's okay to feel hurt during the festive season after a loss. Finding small moments of joy can help during grief. Wearing items that belonged to loved ones can aid in remembrance. Different types of grief require different understandings and support. Advocacy for grief counselling and support is crucial. Self-advocacy is important in recognising health issues. Community support is vital in the grieving process. Follow Death on the Daily: Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to this pod Instagram: @death_onthedaily YouTube: Death on the Daily Where you can connect with Lou Nylander: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lounylander/ Website: wildflowersldn.com Instagram: instagram.com/wildflowers_hq/ Pancreatic Cancer Action - understand the symptoms of pancreatic cancer: pancreaticcanceraction.org/about-pancreatic-cancer/symptoms/ Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Nor is it a substitute for professional support.  The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.  You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

Inspired by my recent conversation with comedian Daman Bamrah about our culture’s deathly disconnection. Today, I explore my perspectives on why Western culture has a deep disconnection from death. Plus the profound impact this has on our emotional well-being, grief processes, and societal wisdom.  I share practical tools about how you can reconnect to death. Including starting conversations about death with loved ones, using nature's cycles as a guide to understanding mortality and connecting into our cultures and ancestral wisdom. Tune in to learn why facing death is essential for reclaiming wisdom, connection, and a richer life. If you like this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who might need it. Takeaways Connecting with our heart space can reveal ancestral wisdom. Death is a universal experience that should be embraced. Western culture has sanitised and medicalised death. Cultural narratives often glorify youth and avoid aging. Disconnection from death leads to unresolved grief and fear. Reconnecting with ancestral wisdom can provide valuable insights. Nature's cycles reflect the inevitability of death. Personal rituals can help honour our relationship with death. Conversations about death can alleviate fear and anxiety. Understanding death can enhance our appreciation for life. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this podcast: Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/death-on-the-daily/id1761150738⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pr6DsoOxwMd1EIDscdqtg?si=9d268431aaf043d1⁠⁠ The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, shared with artist's permission. You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

I am joined today by Sikh-British comedian and writer Daman Bamrah. Two friends chatting about our perspectives on death, we explore the multifaceted nature of death.  Discussing personal experiences with loss, cultural and religious perspectives, and societal attitudes towards mortality.  We delve into how capitalism influences our perception of death and the importance of having open conversations about end-of-life decisions.  Plus speak to death in our career transitions, speaking to our experiences as we left corporate. With Daman’s to carve out a new identity and career as a comedian.  Our chat highlights the interconnectedness of death, personal growth, and our identity shifts and letting go of former versions of our self in our career and life.  Takeaways Death is the great unknown, but also the great equaliser. Talking about death can bring empowerment and meaning. Personal experiences with loss shape our understanding of death. Religion plays a role in how we perceive death and the afterlife. Western cultural attitudes push death into the shadows. Finding peace with death can enhance our quality of life. Open conversations about end-of-life wishes are essential. Acceptance of mortality can lead to a more fulfilling life. It's important to talk about death openly. Living well now is crucial, given life's impermanence. Career transitions from corporate to follow your heart and purpose requires courage. Failure is a part of the creative process.  Embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth. Authenticity is key to finding fulfilment in life. Continual growth and reinvention are essential throughout life. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this podcast: Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/death-on-the-daily/id1761150738⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pr6DsoOxwMd1EIDscdqtg?si=9d268431aaf043d1⁠ Follow me on Instagram:⁠ instagram.com/death_onthedaily⁠ You can connect with Daman here: https://www.instagram.com/daman.bamrah/ https://www.tiktok.com/@daman.bamrah Plus find out about his latest comedy gigs here: https://www.damanbamrah.com

In this solo episode I share what palliative care teaches us about living well—right here, right NOW.  Starting with… what on earth is palliative care and what are common misconceptions of it.  Then unpacking transformational life lessons that palliative care can teach us. Like prioritising what truly matters, embracing community, and having hard conversations.  This episode will inspire you to live with intention, presence, and courage. With journal prompts to support you in personally reflecting on what you need to prioritise now.  What you’ll learn in this episode: What palliative care really is (and isn’t) Four life-changing lessons that we all need to know from palliative care principles How to prioritize meaning, connection, and joy in everyday life Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this podcast: Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/death-on-the-daily/id1761150738⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pr6DsoOxwMd1EIDscdqtg?si=9d268431aaf043d1⁠ Follow me on Instagram:⁠ instagram.com/death_onthedaily

In today’s episode, I dive into the fascinating world of end of life care and choices with Dan Ariely, renowned Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University and best selling author of Predictably Irrational. We explore how our most human decisions around dying are shaped by our medical systems and cultural norms that have pushed dying into the shadows. Making our last chapter one of the most under utilised chapter of our life. Dan is currently exploring the early stages of research into the end of life through his “The Life We Should Live” project.  Key takeaways Death is a process, not just a moment. Are we prolonging living, or dying?  What is most important to people at the end: no pain, no loss of dignity in the body, surrounded by love, having a sense of legacy.  Most physicians prefer not to prolong their own dying. Quality of life should be prioritised. Palliative care focuses on comfort and dignity. Communication about our end-of-life wishes and getting necessary paperwork e.g. do not resuscitate order (DNR or DNACPR) is crucial. Live and find something that makes you happy everyday Make a list of things that you want to achieve when you’re still around The psychological model of hope is about living a hopeful life, with objectives, paths to get to objectives and you’re in control What is your version of a hopeful life?  Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/death-on-the-daily/id1761150738 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pr6DsoOxwMd1EIDscdqtg?si=9d268431aaf043d1 Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/death_onthedaily You can find out more about Dan’s work here: danariely.com/ Plus explore and get involved with The Life We Should Live here: thelifeweshouldlive.com/

Today we explore the mixed emotions (including sometimes grief) and growth that can accompany major career transitions. Drawing from my own journey with a 14-year corporate career in entertainment to becoming a death doula and coach. Sharing five powerful lessons to help you navigate big career transitions with compassion, purpose, and grace. This episode offers actionable insights for anyone facing a chapter of big change in life. Key takeaways:  Recognise and honour your identity beyond your career. Embrace your support systems during transitions. Acknowledge the multiple layers of grief in change. Your unique skills and experiences are valuable. Be patient and give yourself time to decide. Self-care is crucial during life transitions. Transitions can bring up unexpected emotions. You are not starting over; you are rebirthing. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Navigating change is a shared experience; seek support. Support Death on the Daily: Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to this pod - it really helps me to get the word out.  Instagram: ⁠⁠instagram.com/death_onthedaily⁠⁠ The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.  You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

I am joined by Olympic,  medal winner, Team GB track & field athlete Marilyn Okoro OLY to explore the themes of career transitions, burnout, mental health, and the emotional landscape of retirement from professional athletics.  Marilyn shares her journey from being an Olympic medalist to navigating life beyond sports, emphasising the importance of self-care, rediscovering your identity and the impact of mentorship and support from others.  We explore the themes of resilience, identity, and the challenges of transitioning from a professional athletics career that has defined you since childhood. Marilyn shares so profoundly her personal experiences of the tenderness as she navigated her retirement. It’s a conversation that I have no doubt will be comfort, support and inspiration to you if you are navigating a big transition in life.  Key Takeaways Big career transitions can be a complex emotional journey. Finding stillness is essential during transitions. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth. Legacy is built through the impact we have on others. It's important to acknowledge the emotional side of retirement. Self-care and kindness to oneself are vital during transitions. Transitioning into a new career requires intentionality and support.  Support from others is crucial during difficult times. Resilience is built from challenging experiences. Identity can be multifaceted beyond one's career. Transitioning from a career can bring feelings of grief. It's important to embrace change. Conversations can open doors to new opportunities. Sharing stories can empower and connect individuals. Finding purpose in pain can lead to personal growth. Authenticity is key in navigating life's transitions. Follow Death on the Daily: Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to this pod Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/death_onthedaily⁠ Where you can connect with Marilyn: Instagram:⁠ www.instagram.com/marilynokorooly LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marilynokorooly/ The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.  You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

Today I reflect on the profound lessons that I learned from accompanying my Grandad through his final year.  I opens my heart to share 7 invaluable lessons that witnessing my Grandad journey taught me about life, love, and the courage it takes to sit with discomfort. I filmed this one day after the 2 year anniversary of my Grandad dying. Recounting my weekly visits to his care home, including moments of silence, discomfort, and compassionate presence. How these visits transformed my understanding of both holding space for others and navigating my own complex emotions. Takeaways Being present opens us to joy and love. Meeting others where they are is crucial. Silence can foster deeper connections. Discomfort can lead to profound moments. Love your loved ones like tomorrow may never come. Joy can coexist with grief and pain. Never take time with loved ones for granted. Constant action distracts from true connection. Finding comfort in silence is a valuable skill. Grief can teach us about resilience and love. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, grieving, or simply seeking to live a more mindful life, these lessons are for us all.  Support Death on the Daily: Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to this pod - it really helps me to get the word out. Instagram: instagram.com/death_onthedaily The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.  You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

Palliative Care Chaplain and host of Dying To Tell You Podcast, Cody Hufstedler, joins me today as we explore what death and dying can teach us about living well.  Cody shares his journey to becoming a palliative care chaplain, the misconceptions surrounding palliative care and hospice, the emotional challenges faced in hospital settings, and the importance of taking the time you need to make thoughtful decisions during challenging moments.  We also speak to the lessons we can learn from those facing the end of life. Including living intentionally, focussing on what truly matters, finding meaning in simplicity, guarding against regret and understanding your personal values. Cody is a gem, who has created an incredible platform to share the stories and wisdom of the dying. If this episode resonates with you, then make sure you check out some of the conversations that he speaks to here. The links are below.   Key Takeaways When diagnosed with a serious illness, priorities become clear. Conversations about death can illuminate how to live well. Palliative care is about comfort and quality of life. You can slow down decision-making in hospitals. Fear should not drive medical decisions. Intergenerational relationships provide valuable life lessons. Stories from the dying can teach us about living. Living intentionally is crucial for a fulfilling life.  Simplicity can bring clarity to what is truly important. Experiencing life fully now can prevent future regrets. Understanding personal values is crucial for decision-making. Self-awareness helps in managing emotional responses during crises. Choosing to focus on joy and compassion can change outcomes. It's essential to communicate what needs to be said now. Recognising personal triggers can lead to better interactions with others. Living in the moment can enhance the quality of life. Everything is impermanent; embrace the present. Follow Death on the Daily: Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to this pod Instagram: instagram.com/death_onthedaily Where you can connect with Cody Hufstedler: Instagram: instagram.com/dttypod/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@dying.to.tell.you Website: dttypodcast.com/ Dying To Tell You (DTTY) Podcast is on Apple and Spotify Listen to the stories that Cody mentioned:  Linda’s episode Denise’s episode Deanna’s episode The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.  You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com Chapters 00:00: The Clarity of Mortality 03:03: Cody's Journey to Palliative Care 05:58: Understanding Palliative Care 08:55: Navigating Hospital Experiences 12:12: The Importance of Decision-Making 15:06: Living Well Until the End 18:00: Advice for Facing Life-Changing Diagnoses 20:54: The Role of Values in Decision-Making 24:10: Stories of Life and Death 28:57: Letting Go of Material Attachments 31:50: Finding Meaning in Simplicity 33:54: Guarding Against Regret 36:19: The Importance of Values 38:40: Knowing Yourself in Crisis 44:39: Choosing a Different Path 49:29: Reassurance in Uncertainty