Best Spiritual Care At The End Of Life Podcasts (2025)

1
A Fiduciary As End of Life Advocate and Resource with Sara Ecklein 49:58

16h ago49:58

49:58

Send us a text In this episode, Rev Wakil David and Annalouiza engage with Sarah Ecklein, a fiduciary and end-of-life advocate, discussing the importance of legacy planning and the emotional aspects surrounding death. Sarah shares her personal experiences with death, the role of a fiduciary, and the challenges families face in estate planning. The …

1
Public Radio in Democracy 28:55

3d ago28:55

28:55

Bill Siemering, NPR’s first program director and the author of its inspiring mission statement, recounts the network’s early goal of honoring diversity by including a variety of American voices. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in associati…

1
Renewables 29:13

7d ago29:13

29:13

Renewable energy (including low-carbon sources like solar and wind) is rapidly shifting to a higher profile sector of the way Americans derive electricity to power homes and workplaces. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in association with G…

1
Embrace Softness and Connection in Grief with Dr. Mekel Harris 35:58

8d ago35:58

35:58

Send us a text In this conversation, Dr. Mekel Harris shares her profound insights on grief and loss, drawing on both her personal experiences and professional expertise. She discusses the impact of her mother's death on her life, the importance of journaling as a tool for processing grief, and the non-linear nature of the grieving process. The con…

1
Episode 49: A Testimony Not Given Might Be a Blessing Withheld (Part 2) 11:23

9d ago11:23

11:23

Send us a text Have you ever hesitated to share your success story because it felt like boasting? That reluctance might be keeping someone from the very encouragement they desperately need. In this second episode of our three-part series "A Testimony Not Given Might Be a Blessing Withheld," Dr. A. introduces four transformative principles that empo…

1
Beyond War: Waging Peace, Pt 2 29:30

10d ago29:30

29:30

In these special Humankind documentaries, ‘Beyond War’ takes a look back at the last time the U.S. military had major involvement in the Middle East. We examine the true human costs of organized violence (for both soldiers and civilians). And what happens when citizens protest against war? Hear accounts from Yugoslavia to South Africa—of non-violen…

1
Benefit of Adopting a Growth Mindset in Your Grief Healing Process 15:31

13d ago15:31

15:31

Welcome back to today’s episode. I missed posting an episode last week and I’m deeply sorry for that. My world got a little shaken up and I just couldn’t but I’m back. We’ve been undergoing a series. Today’s episode is on how adopting a growth mindset can help you on your healing Journey through grief. Typically this podcast is about grief from the…

1
Caring for People at the End of Life 30:52

14d ago30:52

30:52

At the end of life, when most people need medical care and emotional comfort from family and friends, some turn also to chaplains for spiritual support. In this episode, we hear from two caregivers in Massachusetts. We also listen to the candid reflections of a dying patient, Brian Noone, recorded with his devoted wife Rosalie by his side. An amazi…

1
The Essence of Life and Death - Letting Go of the Egoic Self with Rabbi Rami Shapiro 47:01

15d ago47:01

47:01

Send us a text In this conversation, Rabbi Rami Shapiro shares his insights on death, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of life. He reflects on his early awareness of death, the impact of losing loved ones, and the profound lessons learned from witnessing the dying process. Rabbi Rami emphasizes the importance of letting go of the egoic self…

1
Beyond War: Waging Peace, Pt 1 29:31

17d ago29:31

29:31

In these special Humankind documentaries, ‘Beyond War’ takes a look back at the last time the U.S. military had major involvement in the Middle East. We examine the true human costs of organized violence (for both soldiers and civilians). And what happens when citizens protest against war? How fully do we exhaust peaceful options before resorting t…

1
An Informed Republic 29:11

22d ago29:11

29:11

America’s founders recognized that without a king, their fledgling nation would require knowledgeable citizens. But now in the digital age, this essential need is ever-more critical to our democracy. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in asso…

1
Affordable and Environmentally Sustainable Death Care with Liz Dunnebacke 32:38

22d ago32:38

32:38

Send us a text In this conversation, Liz Dunnebacke shares her journey from the entertainment industry to founding Wake, a nonprofit focused on affordable and environmentally sustainable death care. She discusses her personal experiences with death, the challenges of navigating the death care system, and the emotional impact of choices surrounding …

1
Beyond War: War Without End, Pt2 29:30

24d ago29:30

29:30

In these special Humankind documentaries, ‘Beyond War’ takes a look back at the last time the U.S. military had major involvement in the Middle East. We examine the true human costs of organized violence (for both soldiers and civilians). And what happens when citizens protest against war? To see additional resources and our other programs, please …

1
Mindfulness and Grief: Finding Healing in the Present 14:24

27d ago14:24

14:24

For the past few weeks we’ve been in a series, following the episode I released in May called “Beyond the Shell: Rebuilding Identity in grief.” If you haven’t listened to it, I encourage you to go back and do so. We seek to understand how we can rebuild our lives and identities when everything we know feels lost. That episode covered several tools …

1
Wrongful Convictions 29:09

28d ago29:09

29:09

Emboldened by a U.S. Justice Dept. estimate that ten percent of prisoners serving time are actually innocent, journalist Rob Warden describes his Chicago-based efforts to free inmates who are wrongly convicted. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-statio…

1
Self Care for Caregivers with Christine Gautreaux 44:26

29d ago44:26

44:26

Send us a text In this conversation, Christine Gautreaux shares her journey of understanding death and caregiving, beginning with her early experiences of loss in her family. She discusses how these experiences shaped her career in social work and her role as a death doula. Christine emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers and the nee…

1
Beyond War: War Without End, Pt 1 29:31

30d ago29:31

29:31

In these special Humankind documentaries, ‘Beyond War’ takes a look back at the last time the U.S. military had major involvement in the Middle East. We examine the true human costs of organized violence (for both soldiers and civilians). And what happens when citizens protest against war? Hear 4 half-hours. To see additional resources and our othe…

1
Episode 48: A Testimony Not Given Might Be a Blessing Withheld - Part 1 28:10

1M ago28:10

28:10

Send us a text Have you ever hesitated to share your achievements because it might sound like bragging? That pause, that moment of self-doubt when God has clearly blessed your work but you're afraid to acknowledge it openly—this is the spiritual tension we're diving into today. "A testimony not given might be a blessing withheld." This quote frames…

1
How Rituals and Traditions Can Assist with Grieving 11:31

1M ago11:31

11:31

Today is the third episode breaking down a previous episode on aspects of grief healing. The topic of this episode is on how rituals and traditions play a crucial role in grief healing. Link to the journal prompts I referred to in this episode: https://forms.gle/Ez55BudNNVrd8L639 Kristy's Contact Information: Email: [email protected] IG: www…

1
The Lost Art of Healing, with Bernard Lown 29:23

1M ago29:23

29:23

An elderly physician and Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Bernard Lown, pleads for a revolution in health care that would place greater emphasis on personal interaction between doctor and patient. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in association wi…

1
Using Taxidermy Puppets for Storytelling with Kilah Storm 49:40

1M ago49:40

49:40

Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Kilah Storm, a writer and puppeteer, shares her unique perspective on life, death, and storytelling through her art. We discuss her early encounters with death, the impact it had on her desire for honest storytelling, and her journey into puppetry using taxidermy roadkill. Kilah emphasizes the importanc…

1
Season Three Review - Available as Video 35:13

1M ago35:13

35:13

Send us a text You can see the video version of this episode here In this reflective conversation, hosts Wakil David Matthews and Annalouiza Armendariz discuss the highlights of their third season, featuring a diverse array of guests who share insights on death, dying, and the various cultural and personal approaches to end-of-life care. They explo…

1
Embracing Faith and Values: Rebuilding Identity Through Grief 10:43

1M ago10:43

10:43

Welcome back to this week’s episode of Sacred Sunsets. About three weeks ago, I posted an episode on tools that can be used to rebuild identity in grief. The following week, I expounded further on one of those tools. This week and the weeks to come, I want to continue expounding on those tools one by one. This week, we will build further on how hol…

1
Steps to Recovery, Pt2 27:33

1M ago27:33

27:33

Today over two million people partake of the storytelling, the good humor, the words of wisdom and the gallons and gallons of free coffee made available to attenders of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. AA’s basic text has been translated into more than 60 languages and has sold over 35 million English copies. To see additional resources and our other…

1
Every Moment is a Death with Sam Lee Zemke 58:34

1M ago58:34

58:34

Send us a text In this compelling episode, we speak with Sam Lee Zemke. Sam is part of our podcast family and does terrific work as our editor. He is a jack of many trades and interests: radical anthropologist, neo-mythologist, cooperative living counselor, mediator, artist, musician, improviser, ancestral advocate, part-time house spirit, and serv…

1
Steps to Recovery, Pt1 27:16

1M ago27:16

27:16

90 years ago this month Alcoholics Anonymous was born when a troubled drunkard realized that connecting with fellow-sufferers creates a safe zone where they can stay sober. That insight has saved millions of lives worldwide – all at no charge. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are h…

1
Episode 47 - They'll Come Along Later: Your Vision Isn't for Everyone Right Now 26:43

1M ago26:43

26:43

Send us a text God gives visions to specific individuals for a reason, and not everyone will immediately understand or support your calling. The diffusion of innovations theory explains why some people embrace new ideas early while others need more time and evidence before coming on board. • Your vision isn't for everyone right now: It was entruste…

1
Building Resilience While Healing From Grief and Trauma with DeJoly LaBrier 46:36

2M ago46:36

46:36

Welcome back to Sacred Sunsets. We're gonna take a break from delving into a couple episodes ago and picking it apart-explaining a little bit further. Today I have the pleasure of interviewing DeJoly LaBrier. I met her in the online space. She's a coach, runs retreats, and has a history of trauma and grief in her life, and I think she'll bring a lo…

1
Our Food Footprint 29:13

2M ago29:13

29:13

A conversation with the long-time director of the UN Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, who also directs the Yale Climate and Energy Institute. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in ass…

1
Insights Into Male Emotional Responses to Loss with Seth Samuels 44:31

2M ago44:31

44:31

Send us a text In this conversation, Seth Samuels shares his journey through understanding death, grief, and emotional expression. He reflects on his early experiences with loss, particularly within his family, and how these experiences shaped his identity and spiritual journey. The discussion explores the cultural significance of grief, the role o…

1
Healing the Trauma of War, Pt2 29:20

2M ago29:20

29:20

In this documentary, we explore what it’s like to experience “moral injury”— when soldiers witness or participate in war-time acts that violate their conscience. The impact they undergo confirms an enduring truth: on the battlefield, everyone is a victim. How does one come to terms with a deeply painful incident from the past? When deep regret sink…

1
Embracing Your Feelings: The First Step Towards Healing Your Grief 11:19

2M ago11:19

11:19

Welcome back to sacred sunsets! Last week, we went into many tools and ways to process grief. I feel like there was so much packed into that episode that over the next few episodes, we’re going to break those things down into separate episodes. The first thing we talked about last week was allowing yourself to feel all the feelings that come up in …

1
Bolder Giving 29:14

2M ago29:14

29:14

Some people give no charity at all. But of Americans who do, the average family donation is 2-3% per year. This program examines how people arrive at the amount of their charitable contributions, where the money is contributed to, and what holds donors back from giving more, especially if they could afford to without hardship. To see additional res…

1
Texting With a Friend Who Has Died with Jay Deitcher 30:13

2M ago30:13

30:13

Send us a text In this conversation, Jay Deitcher shares his personal experiences with death and grief, discussing how these experiences have shaped his life and work. He reflects on the loss of friends and family, the impact of death on his children, and how writing serves as a coping mechanism. Jay also introduces the unique practice of texting d…

1
Beyond the Shell: Rebuilding Identity in Grief 22:32

2M ago22:32

22:32

Welcome back to Sacred Sunsets. Today, we delve into the profound and often isolating experience of losing a loved one. Sometimes the loss can be so deep that it leaves us feeling unanchored, like a shell of the person we once were. Imagine standing on the shore of a vast ocean, the waves of grief crashing over you, pulling you into an unfamiliar c…

1
Healing the Trauma of War, Pt1 29:22

2M ago29:22

29:22

After war, our veterans face a new battle: emotional and spiritual conflict that is normal to human beings who’ve experienced intense brutality.In the Civil War this condition was called “soldier’s heart”, in WW1 it was known as “shell shock”, and today many veterans are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To see additional resour…

1
The Art of Grieving with Dr. Sheila K. Collins 43:27

2M ago43:27

43:27

Send us a text In this conversation, Dr. Sheila K. Collins shares her profound experiences with grief, having lost both a son and a daughter. She discusses the importance of community support, the role of art in healing, and the misconceptions surrounding the grieving process. Through her personal stories and professional insights, she emphasizes t…

1
Episode 46: How Faith-Based Leaders Can Support Mental Health Without Replacing Professional Support Services 25:44

2M ago25:44

25:44

Send us a text List of national mental health resources with contact information descriptions of when to use each one: 1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline •Phone: Call or Text 988 •Website: 988lifeline.org •When to use: If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. Also for general mental health crises. Available 24/7 …

1
What Death Teaches Us About Life 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

Welcome back to the show. Today's episode may not be comforting to the newly grieving, but in our death and grief illiterate culture, I feel that this topic needs to be ignited within each of our lives. I hope that through the things shared today, you'll be able to feel and understand the vision I have and the importance of exploring what death tea…

1
Playwrights Becoming Free 29:11

2M ago29:11

29:11

Chicago dramatist Meade Palidofsky uses theater as a therapeutic tool in her work with juvenile offenders who write and perform plays while incarcerated — and in the process see their lives through a new lens. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-station…

1
The Audire Program - Grief Training for Spiritual Directors with Timothy Arsenault 36:44

2M ago36:44

36:44

Send us a text In this conversation, Tim Arsenault shares his profound experiences with death and grief, exploring how these experiences shaped his journey into spiritual direction. He discusses the concept of spiritual bypassing, the impact of his early losses, and how he found purpose in helping others navigate their spiritual journeys. Tim also …

1
Finding Hope, Healing, and Meaning on Mother's Day in the Midst of Grief 14:33

3M ago14:33

14:33

With Mother's Day approaching, many are struggling with not having their mom here on Earth anymore. It's a bittersweet reminder of the mom that once was, and for some more bitter than sweet, a reminder of the mom they wish they had, but they didn't. My wish for this episode is to bring hope, encouragement, and some actionable steps that you can tak…

1
Chaplains 29:26

3M ago29:26

29:26

Facing a personal crisis, hospital patients and their loved ones often receive needed emotional support from a quiet army of chaplains, who are skilled at empathetic listening to people gripped by difficult and confusing emotions. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR a…

1
Two Envelopes - Give Your Beloveds the Gift of Knowing Your End of Life Wishes with Rusty Rosman 32:24

3M ago32:24

32:24

Send us a text In this conversation, Rusty Rosman shares her experiences with caregiving and the importance of pre-planning for death through her book, 'Two Envelopes.' She discusses families' emotional challenges during end-of-life decisions and emphasizes the need for clear communication and documentation of final wishes. Rusty introduces the con…

1
Episode 41 - Mental Health and Ministry: Caring for Yourself to Lead Others 24:13

3M ago24:13

24:13

Send us a text Drawing from a 2023 study by Mental Health America, Dr. A uncovers the staggering prevalence of mental illness, substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts in communities of faith. Pastors, often the pillars of support, face unique challenges like burnout and the difficult decision of stepping away from their calling. Prioritizing…

1
How Can Nature Assist With Healing Grief? (Interview with Magda Kasprzyk) 57:07

3M ago57:07

57:07

I'm super excited for this episode I got to interview my friend, Ms. Magda, who I met at a podcasting summit with Cathy Heller in Hollywood last May. Magda came from Poland for this event. It was her first trip to the United States. I'm sure it was exciting and scary and fun all at the same time. We didn't get a great chance to know each other at t…

1
Peace-building with Louise Diamond 29:09

3M ago29:09

29:09

A veteran negotiator in world hot-spots including the Middle East, Louise Diamond practices a citizens-based diplomacy that sometimes finds cooperation at the grass roots level, even when governments are hostile. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stat…

1
Addressing the Gaps in End of Life Care with Marci Donaldson 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

Send us a text In this conversation, Marci Donaldson shares her journey from a small town in Wyoming to becoming a passionate advocate for end-of-life care. She discusses her early experiences with death, the impact of her mother's strength, and how these experiences shaped her career in hospice and nursing. Marci highlights the gaps in care for th…

1
Announcing Child Loss Virtual Support Group with Phoenix Destiny and Karen Carlissi 21:26

3M ago21:26

21:26

Send us a text In this episode, Karen Carlissi discusses her work as a death doula and the collaborative event she is hosting with Phoenix Destiny, focusing on supporting individuals who have experienced child loss. We explore the concept of disenfranchised grief, the format of their workshops, and the importance of ongoing support for participants…

1
Mourn With Those Who Mourn: But How? (What To...And Not To Say And Do) 19:25

3M ago19:25

19:25

Welcome back to Sacred Sunsets. I'm getting really excited for this podcast and for my upcoming grief coaching program. The more I get into this topic, the more I learn and understand, the more I look forward to sharing it with people I serve. With the mortality rate in life being a hundred percent, it's guaranteed that each of us will die and we e…

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Spiritual Care At The End Of Life Podcasts

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