Peaceful End-of-Life Choices with Lowrey Brown and Brian Ruder from Final Exit Network

Seeing Death Clearly

#Fitness #Society #Podcasting Education #Mental Health #Jill McClennen

42:14

Episode Description: Jessica B. Harris may have been born and raised in New York City, but she has Tennessee roots through her father and has spent much of her life split between homes in the Northeast and the South – specifically New Orleans. For more than fifty years, she has been a college professor, a writer, and a lecturer, and her many books have earned her a reputation as an authority on food of the African Diaspora, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the James Beard Foundation. A few years back, Netflix adapted her book, High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America , into a 4 part docuseries. And I’m very proud to say that she’s a longtime contributor to Southern Living with a regular column called The Welcome Table. This episode was recorded in the Southern Living Birmingham studios, and Sid and Jessica talked about her mother’s signature mac and cheese, the cast-iron skillet she’d be sure to save if ever her house were on fire, and her dear friend, the late New Orleans chef Leah Chase. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by : Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer Jeremiah McVay - Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 45:23

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

In this episode, I talk with Lowrey Brown and Brian Ruder from the Final Exit Network, a nonprofit organization that supports people who want more control over their end-of-life choices. Lowrey, the Exit Guide Program Director, grew up in a family where open conversations about death and the importance of quality of life were normal. She signed her first advance directive at 16 and has spent her life exploring how people can shape their own dying process, especially after seeing loved ones experience long, painful declines due to dementia.

Brian, president of the Board and a former exit guide, shares his personal story as someone who values independence and doesn’t want to suffer unnecessarily. Inspired by his mother’s end-of-life choices, Brian became involved in Final Exit to help others have more options outside the traditional medical system.

The conversation explores how Final Exit Network helps people who don’t qualify for medical aid in dying, including those with early-stage dementia or serious neurological conditions. Unlike medical systems that require a six-month terminal diagnosis, Final Exit provides education and guidance for those who want peaceful options on their own terms, legally, safely, and outside of state restrictions.

They also talk about the challenges of preparing families for this path, how social norms often don’t align with self-directed dying, and the emotional weight placed on caregivers. Final Exit exit guides support clients through every step—planning, preparation, timing, and after-death logistics—similar to what a death doula provides.

The episode ends with an honest look at legal issues, including how laws often treat all self-chosen deaths the same, regardless of context, and how Final Exit protects its work through the First Amendment by offering information, not physical help.

www.finalexitnetwork.org

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support
Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.
I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast.
Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.
Website www.endoflifeclarity.com
Instagram
Facebook
Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle
LinkedIn
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117 episodes

Peaceful End-of-Life Choices with Lowrey Brown and Brian Ruder from Final Exit Network

Seeing Death Clearly

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

www.finalexitnetwork.org

Support the show

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.
Website www.endoflifeclarity.com
Instagram
Facebook
Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle
LinkedIn
TikTok

117 episodes

#Fitness #Society #Podcasting Education #Mental Health #Jill McClennen

All episodes

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Death Doula and Funeral Celebrant Stories with Caroline Fenelius-Carpenter 42:55

2 days ago42:55

42:55

Send us a text For over 25 years, Caroline has walked beside the dying and their families, offering support, stories, and sacred presence. Her work as a death doula and funeral celebrant has brought her into homes, long-term care facilities, and sacred circles, where she’s helped others navigate grief and end-of-life transitions with honesty, humanity, and compassion. Caroline’s journey began as a volunteer, eventually leading her into long-term care where she found her calling—sitting with people at the end of their lives and learning from their stories. She described the deep spiritual moments that arise when sitting quietly with someone near death, where small miracles and lessons in compassion reveal themselves. Over the years, she’s supported grieving families, helped children understand death, and made space for people to feel and express the messy emotions that loss brings. She shared that many people today don’t follow one faith but instead build a patchwork of beliefs. However, when death nears, fear often rises because the topic hasn’t been discussed. Caroline believes these conversations matter. She even normalized them in her own family by talking openly about funerals during car rides and creating playlists with her children for their future services. In her work, Caroline has learned to hold space for both deep sadness and lightness. Sometimes, her goal during a funeral is simply to get someone to laugh. She’s also created rituals like “ice catchers,” made from frozen petals, seeds, and fruit, which families hang on trails as an act of remembrance and quiet healing. Whether she's singing hymns or playing rap music requested by the deceased, she meets each moment with authenticity and reverence. Caroline’s work reminds us that grief is muddy but not hopeless, and that legacy, love, and laughter can walk beside sorrow. https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-fenelius-carpenter-2001464a/ https://www.facebook.com/share/19EwSjU2xT/ www.samla.ca Caroline@samla.ca Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Legacy and the Hidden World of Archives with Emily Cabaniss 44:11

9 days ago44:11

44:11

Send us a text When we think about end-of-life, we rarely think about archivists, but maybe we should. Emily Cabaniss, a Seattle-based archivist, shares how her work preserving the personal records of the deceased offers profound insight into grief, legacy, and dying. Her reflections reveal how archivists often act as invisible companions to the dead, holding space for stories left behind. As an archivist in the Pacific Northwest, Emily works with unique historical records, from personal letters to business documents, textiles, and audio recordings. Her job involves preserving these items and making them accessible, ensuring the legacies of individuals and communities are not lost to time. She explains that an archive is not just a storage room but a program focused on the care, description, and access of primary sources. Emily shares how deeply relational this work can be, especially since most of the people she interacts with through the records are deceased. She reflects on the emotional and ethical complexities of handling someone’s personal materials after they’ve died. From diary entries to correspondence, archivists like Emily witness the private lives of people who will never know they’re being seen. This creates a unique form of grief, parasocial connections to those long gone, where the archivist feels close to a person whose descendants will never know them. Her experiences working with homicide files also highlighted the troubling ways society views death, particularly the objectification of victims. It made her more aware of how records contribute to someone’s legacy and how archivists play a crucial role in shaping how that legacy is remembered. Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that healing, grief, and conscious living extend far beyond immediate end-of-life care. The work of archivists intersects with death care in unexpected ways, holding sacred space for memory, identity, and humanity. To be part of Emily’s end-of-life project, reach out to her ecabaniss@winthropgroup.com Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
From Older to Elder: Dr. Marc Cooper on Wisdom, Legacy & Facing Death Fully 40:55

16 days ago40:55

40:55

Send us a text Dr. Marc Cooper is the founder of The Contemporary Elder Institute and author of the book Older to Elder: The Thinking and Being of a Contemporary Elder In this episode, he shares how embracing growing older can lead to wisdom, freedom, and profound healing. In this powerful conversation, he explains the difference between simply aging and stepping into elderhood, a role that brings meaning, spiritual growth, and legacy. At nearly 80 years old, Dr. Cooper calls himself an “Elder for Our Times.” He believes that talking openly about death helps people live more fully. From his viewpoint as an elder, he sees a growing shift in awareness about dying, grief, and end-of-life planning. Instead of fearing aging or death, he encourages others to use these natural processes to deepen their understanding of life. He reflects on how growing older gives people the chance to let go of the past, make new choices, and develop a new sense of purpose. Unlike being “older,” which society often sees as useless or in decline, being an “elder” means offering wisdom, holding space for others, and guiding with compassion. Elders, he says, have earned the right to speak freely, think deeply, and live authentically, without worrying what others think. In cultures that honor their elders, aging is viewed as a valuable asset. But in today’s society, aging is often hidden or feared. Dr. Cooper explains that this fear comes from a culture focused on staying young and making money. He challenges that mindset, teaching that death is not the enemy, it’s a powerful teacher. When we face death, we become more alive. We learn to let go, love more deeply, and focus on what really matters. He ends with a reflection on legacy. He invites others to imagine what they would write on their tombstone and live today with that in mind. Dr. Cooper now teaches others how to become elders, helping them use death and aging as tools for conscious living and healing. Engage with Marc on Substack: https://drmarcbcooper.substack.com/ Learn more about Older to Elder: https://www.requestingwisdom.com/ Learn more about Marc, the Author: https://www.drmarcbcooper.com/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Crime Scenes to Compassion: Diane Cordell’s Path Through Law Enforcement 48:28

23 days ago48:28

48:28

Send us a text This episode shares the powerful story of Diane Cordell, a woman whose entire life has been shaped by the presence of death, and her commitment to helping others understand and cope with it. From growing up in a family where death was never a taboo topic to serving in the Air Force and later becoming a trailblazing detective sergeant in the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Diane’s journey is deeply connected to grief, trauma, and healing. Diane was introduced to death early in life, her grandfather and father were both morticians, so conversations about loss were natural in her home. After serving in the Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force, she entered law enforcement, where she worked for 27 years. Her time in homicide shaped her deeply, as she handled some of the most painful aspects of death, including sudden loss, suicides, and the task of notifying families. She was one of the first women in her office and helped build systems of support and crisis management, all while staying grounded in compassion and fairness. Her stories reflect the reality of how death affects families, how closure brings healing, and how important it is to talk about death honestly. Diane’s reflections are not only a tribute to her career but also a reminder of the emotional labor behind this kind of work. Diane’s wisdom is a gift. Her story encourages listeners to embrace the truth that death is a part of life and that healing often begins with a conversation. To learn more about death doula work, grief, or end-of-life planning, visit Jill McClennen’s website or listen to more episodes of Seeing Death Clearly . Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Matt Jacobson’s Journey into Grief, Legacy, and End-of-Life Reflections 45:50

4 weeks ago45:50

45:50

Send us a text Matt Jacobson shares the story of how losing his father changed the course of his life and inspired a deeper connection to legacy, grief, and purpose. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on fatherhood, the impact of grief, and how honoring a loved one can lead to unexpected healing and direction. Matt grew up in Temecula, California, and was studying finance at San Diego State when he received the devastating call that his father had died. He left his plans behind and returned home to take over the family’s mattress store, an unexpected path that placed him squarely in his father’s shoes. As he ran the business, memories of his dad flooded back, especially their early morning conversations and the life lessons tucked into everyday moments. His dad had been a single father raising three boys, encouraging learning through reading and sparking Matt’s entrepreneurial spirit in creative ways, like hiding pizza money in exchange for reading assignments. Grief gave Matt a new lens on life. He began thinking more about legacy and how quickly someone’s story can fade unless it’s captured. His father's quiet wisdom, deep respect for education, and stoic leadership had shaped Matt's values. Though his father rarely raised his voice, his words held lasting power. Matt recalls their last hike together before studying abroad, unaware that it would be one of their final moments together. His father had hidden the return of his cancer—a selfless act so Matt wouldn’t worry. Just weeks later, Matt got the call: his father was gone. This conversation touches on grief, healing, the transition of roles after death, and how we honor those we’ve lost. It’s significant for anyone interested in death doula work, end-of-life planning, or creating legacy projects for loved ones. Learn more about Life Books at https://lifebooks.io/ https://www.instagram.com/lifebooks.io/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
What Is a Death Doula? Morgan Everitt on End-of-Life Care and Building a Business 46:35

5 weeks ago46:35

46:35

Send us a text In this episode, Jill talks with her real-life friend Morgan Everitt, a death doula based in Bucks County, PA. Morgan shares how her journey began after her mom got sick in 2015. She came home to care for her, and after her mom passed in 2016, she had a powerful moment in 2017 when she overheard someone mention the word "death doula." It felt like a lightning bolt—she knew that was her calling. She started training in 2018 and has been slowly building her private practice, Heron’s Flight, over the past few years. We talk about the important role death doulas play in end-of-life care. Morgan deeply respects hospice and palliative care and believes doulas help fill in the gaps, not compete with them. There can be tension between providers, especially in a field where most workers are women, but she emphasizes the power of collaboration. Everyone has the same goal: helping people and families have a better end-of-life experience. Morgan shares how rewarding it is to work with clients over time, building relationships and planning ahead. That long-term support makes a big difference when the time comes. She also explains that being a death doula isn’t always easy. It can take time to make a living doing this work, and it involves much more than just sitting with people—there’s also paperwork, networking, and ongoing education. We talk about the business side of this work—figuring out how to charge for our time. Both of us offer hourly rates or packages with payment plans to keep services accessible. We also discuss the struggle of getting people to value this kind of care. Many expect it to be free, especially when some offer it as volunteer work, which can make things harder for doulas trying to earn a living. Morgan reminds us that this work is valuable, and just like anyone else, we have bills to pay and families to support. https://www.heronsflightdoula.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heronsflightdeathdoula/ https://www.tiktok.com/@morningtown https://www.tiktok.com/@lamortcollective Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Love, Loss, and Living Again with Tony Stewart, author of Carrying the Tiger 45:21

6 weeks ago45:21

45:21

Send us a text Tony Stewart joined the podcast to share his powerful story about love, loss, and healing after the death of his wife, Lynn. In his new book, Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving , Tony tells the story of Lynn’s sudden cancer diagnosis, their emotional journey through treatment, and the deep lessons they learned about life, love, and letting go. After Lynn’s death, Tony faced overwhelming grief, but over time, he found a way to live again and even to welcome new love into his life. He shared how their world changed overnight when Lynn was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Through clinical trials, hospital stays, and hard choices, they carved out several more meaningful years together. One of the most touching parts of Tony’s story is the two final weeks they spent together in home hospice, which he describes as some of the most sacred and beautiful days of his life. Throughout the journey, Tony kept an online journal on CaringBridge.org, writing updates for friends and family. Over time, these posts grew into deep reflections about love, grief, and resilience. After Lynn’s death, friends encouraged him to turn his writing into a book. Carrying the Tiger brings together those raw and honest stories, offering a heartfelt look at grief and the surprising truth that sorrow and joy can live side by side. Tony also spoke about his life before and after Lynn, his creative work, and how building a new relationship while grieving taught him that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. https://www.tonystewartauthor.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DX8M6L1C https://bookshop.org/p/books/carrying-the-tiger-living-with-cancer-dying-with-grace-finding-joy-while-grieving/99f820e6ae24fc58 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570889459153 https://www.facebook.com/tony.stewart.9083 https://www.instagram.com/tonystewartny/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Personal and Professional Lessons in Dementia Care with Jen Riggs 49:39

7 weeks ago49:39

49:39

Send us a text Jen Riggs shared her powerful journey of finding her true calling, supporting seniors and especially those living with dementia. After spending years as a stay-at-home mom, she pursued a career in commercial baking, only to have a major back injury end that chapter. What felt like a loss at the time became a turning point. Her cousin, a nurse at an assisted living facility, encouraged her to apply for a front desk position—and that’s where everything changed. Jen immediately fell in love with the residents, their families, and the entire community. She found herself especially drawn to those living with dementia. These moments inspired Jen to learn more. She became a Certified Dementia Practitioner, facilitated support groups, and embraced the teachings of dementia care expert Teepa Snow. Jen also opened up about her personal experience with her father, a brilliant man whose biggest fear, losing his cognitive abilities, came true. After years of estrangement, they reconnected just as he began showing signs of dementia. She described the heartbreak and challenges of navigating his care, but also the beauty and connection they found together. This experience solidified her purpose: to help families through these overwhelming experiences. Now working with Dementia Family Support, Jen offers education, family counseling, and helps facilities build supportive dementia care cultures. Her message is clear: no one should go through this alone. Dementia doesn’t just affect one person; it impacts the whole family. Jen encourages caregivers to ask for help, build a village of support, and know that it’s okay to struggle. Through her work, she helps others find strength, connection, and dignity in one of life’s hardest journeys. www.dementiafamilysupport.org Facebook Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Peaceful End-of-Life Choices with Lowrey Brown and Brian Ruder from Final Exit Network 45:23

8 weeks ago45:23

45:23

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Lowrey Brown and Brian Ruder from the Final Exit Network, a nonprofit organization that supports people who want more control over their end-of-life choices. Lowrey, the Exit Guide Program Director, grew up in a family where open conversations about death and the importance of quality of life were normal. She signed her first advance directive at 16 and has spent her life exploring how people can shape their own dying process, especially after seeing loved ones experience long, painful declines due to dementia. Brian, president of the Board and a former exit guide, shares his personal story as someone who values independence and doesn’t want to suffer unnecessarily. Inspired by his mother’s end-of-life choices, Brian became involved in Final Exit to help others have more options outside the traditional medical system. The conversation explores how Final Exit Network helps people who don’t qualify for medical aid in dying, including those with early-stage dementia or serious neurological conditions. Unlike medical systems that require a six-month terminal diagnosis, Final Exit provides education and guidance for those who want peaceful options on their own terms, legally, safely, and outside of state restrictions. They also talk about the challenges of preparing families for this path, how social norms often don’t align with self-directed dying, and the emotional weight placed on caregivers. Final Exit exit guides support clients through every step—planning, preparation, timing, and after-death logistics—similar to what a death doula provides. The episode ends with an honest look at legal issues, including how laws often treat all self-chosen deaths the same, regardless of context, and how Final Exit protects its work through the First Amendment by offering information, not physical help. www.finalexitnetwork.org Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Finding Light in the Shadows with Rosalia Quintana 43:36

9 weeks ago43:36

43:36

Send us a text Rosalia Quintana, a nurse practitioner, has built a career in healthcare while also running a private practice focused on breathwork, psychedelic integration, and trauma transformation. In this conversation, she opens up about her struggles, including reaching the peak of her career in 2018, only to feel an overwhelming sense of emptiness and depression. Despite having everything she thought she wanted, she found herself questioning the purpose of life. She candidly discusses experiencing suicidal thoughts and the difficulty of seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. Knowing she had to find a way forward, she began searching for deeper meaning through various healing modalities, including breathwork, somatic practices, energy work, and even exploring different spiritual traditions. The turning point came in 2022 when she had a near-death experience that completely shifted her perspective. She describes the terrifying moment of being outside her body, unable to connect with it, and the fear that overtook her. In this altered state, she was confronted with deep-seated fears, guilt, and shame, which manifested as dark, monstrous visions. She fought through these overwhelming experiences, ultimately realizing that the harshest judgment came from within herself. In her most desperate moment, she turned to prayer, calling out to God for help. What happened next changed everything. Now, she approaches life with deep gratitude, even in the face of continued challenges. She shares the tools that help her navigate difficulties, from journaling and meditation to creative expression and movement. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that healing is an ongoing journey, and the tools we gather can help us face whatever comes next. https://www.instagram.com/quantumalchemistmaster/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalia-quintana-209172272/ https://linktr.ee/Quantumalchemistmaster https://www.facebook.com/Quantumalchemistmaster Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Chris Mamone on Acceptance and Resilience 44:02

11 weeks ago44:02

44:02

Send us a text Chris Mamone is an acceptance coach who helps people heal from grief, loss, and trauma so they can find self-acceptance and step into their power. His journey began with profound personal losses that reshaped his life and perspective. In 2020, he experienced the death of his grandfather, and just two years later, after struggling with infertility for 12 years, he and his wife were thrilled to be expecting their first child. Tragically, their son was stillborn just one day before his due date. The weight of these losses was immense, and he had to make a choice—let grief consume him or find meaning and purpose in the pain. Through his journey, he discovered that grief, loss, and trauma are rarely discussed openly in society. Many people told him to “move on” or “let it go,” but he realized that grief doesn’t work that way. Instead, he learned that moving forward is the key, not forgetting or suppressing emotions, but carrying them in a way that allows growth and healing. Grief becomes a lifelong companion, and when we find the lessons and blessings within it, we evolve into better versions of ourselves. He has worked with people grieving lost children, family members, and even those struggling with traumatic, unexpected deaths. Grief often feels like slamming on the brakes while speeding down the highway—it forces a full stop, demanding us to process emotions we might otherwise ignore. Acceptance is not about liking or agreeing with a loss, but acknowledging it as reality. Once we accept what has happened, we regain personal power and can make choices about how to move forward. Through grief, he realized that much of what people stress about daily is insignificant. Major losses shift priorities, showing what truly matters. Losing his son, while incredibly painful, gave him this gift of perspective. He calls it the “gift of shitty wrapping paper”—something he would never wish for but ultimately changed his life. Every day, he continues to learn and practice acceptance, especially during difficult moments like his son’s birthday or the holidays. https://www.facebook.com/thechrismamone https://www.instagram.com/empoweredgriefjourney/ www.acceptancecoach.com www.empoweredgriefjourney.com Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Jessica Fein’s Story of Grief, Family, and Healing 35:44

12 weeks ago35:44

35:44

Send us a text Jessica Fein shares her deeply personal journey of loss, grief, and resilience. Having lost two sisters, three parents, and most recently, her teenage daughter Dahlia—who passed away one week after her 17th birthday—Jessica's life has been profoundly shaped by death. Her memoir, which explores Dahlia’s life and the journey of moving forward together, has become a key part of her work in writing about grief. Society widely acknowledges the devastation of losing a child, but the grief of siblings, who lose their lifelong companions and history keepers, is sometimes unrecognized. She discusses how children not only mourn their sibling but also experience the additional pain of witnessing their parents' grief, often feeling invisible in the process. Jessica speaks about how the trauma of a long-term illness shaped their family. Dahlia lived with a degenerative disease from age five, creating an ongoing cycle of anticipatory and ambiguous grief. She explains ambiguous grief as mourning someone who is still alive but profoundly changed—whether due to illness, addiction, or other circumstances. This concept helped her make sense of the loss she experienced over time as Dahlia lost the ability to walk, talk, and even breathe without assistance. It also highlighted the loss of normalcy and community, isolating their family in ways few can understand. She also touches on the impact of grief on relationships, acknowledging that 87% of marriages dissolve when a child has special needs, let alone a terminal illness. She and her husband grieve differently—she finds healing in open conversations, while he prefers silence. Understanding these differences has helped them navigate their loss together rather than apart. TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClaQkyLnAaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.fein.92/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feinjessica/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-fein-b643b09 Personal Website: https://www.jessicafeinstories.com Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

1
Katina Jones on Embracing Grief, Spirituality, and End-of-Life Care 40:03

13 weeks ago40:03

40:03

Send us a text Katina Jones, known as the Purple Priestess, is a reverend with a deep love for the color purple, which she sees as a symbol of spirituality and healing. Everything changed after her mother passed away from ovarian cancer in 1988. At just 22, she had no guidebook on how to navigate such a loss. This left her searching for meaning and understanding. To reconnect with her mother, she wrote a letter expressing her fear of not knowing where she had gone. That night, she had a vivid visitation dream—everything bathed in white except for the daiquiris they shared, just like on her 21st birthday. Though silent, the dream carried deep emotion, reassuring her that her mother was at peace. This experience shaped her belief in spiritual connections. Years later, while working as a journalist, she attended a psychic fair and met Reverend Patricia, a psychic medium. That encounter deepened her journey into metaphysical studies. Over time, she received more signs, including dreams urging her to be present for those at the end of life. Despite the challenge of balancing work and raising children, she eventually trained as a hospice volunteer, dedicating over 100 hours to supporting patients and their families. Last year, she launched the Purple Priestess, combining years of spiritual studies and personal experiences to help others navigate death and healing. Her mission is to be an advocate, guiding people through the process so they don’t have to face it alone. She believes everyone can honor their loved ones in their own way—whether through a dedicated space in their home, a simple remembrance rock, or personal rituals. There are no rules when it comes to grief and remembrance. https://www.thepurplepriestess.com/ Lulu.com bookstore https://www.foreverandaday.biz/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

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End-of-Life Nutrition & Hydration with Hospice Chaplain Hank Dunn 40:05

14 weeks ago40:05

40:05

Send us a text In this episode, I welcome back Hospice Chaplain Hank Dunn. We dive into a crucial yet often misunderstood topic—artificial hydration, nutrition, and voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) at the end of life. We explore how feeding tubes work, when they are beneficial, and when they may prolong suffering. Hank shares stories of patients who regained the ability to eat, those who lived independently with feeding tubes, and others in vegetative states where continued artificial nutrition raised ethical concerns. He also touches on the history of feeding tubes, advancements in medicine, and how pop culture—like Grey’s Anatomy —portrays these issues. Seeing Death Clearly Ep 60 “How to Make Hard Choices at the End of Life with Chaplain Hank Dunn https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/episodes/14879559 www.hankdunn.com “Hank’s Deep Thoughts” https://www.youtube.com/@hankdunn6304 https://www.instagram.com/hospicechaplainhank https://www.facebook.com/hank.dunn.9 hank@hankdunn.com Article on “Minimal Comfort Feeding” https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(24)01116-3/fulltext The “dementia” advance directive from End of Life Choices New York: https://endoflifechoicesny.org/directives/dementia-directive/ “VSED Resources Northwest” at this link: https://vsedresources.com/ Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking: A C Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life . You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok…

Seeing Death Clearly

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My Life at the Cemetery with Sandy Doyle 38:35

15 weeks ago38:35