For the final episode of the season, host Natalie Buster sits down with the visionaries behind Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying: co-founders Edwin and Patsy Sasek.

Edwin and Patsy share the journey of creating Abode, a space that many guests, staff, and volunteers describe not just as a facility, but as "coming home". They detail how their vision transcended mere caregiving, instead weaving their profound love of art, nature, and spirituality into the very foundation of the building.

Learn about the spiritual significance of the property's design, including the over 20 oak trees whose roots symbolize communication and support for the home's mission. Most movingly, Edwin shares the special story of how prayers and scriptures from various world traditions (Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Native American) were physically written on note cards and placed inside the walls and on the beams during construction, ensuring the house itself is a constant source of blessing and grounding.

Natalie Buster welcomes Kristin Bunyard, an artist and author who is not afraid of the podcast's core philosophy: "We're all going to die."

Kristin works with death every day, first as an ossuary jeweler, which is Latin for "house of bones." Kristin shares how she ethically sources materials, transforming bones from roadkill and farm animals into stunning, contemplative art and jewelry. She also explains her philosophy on pet memorial pieces, often encouraging sculptural work so that beloved animals can still be "seen every day" in the home.

The conversation then turns to her end-of-life workbook, aptly titled We're All Going to Die. Kristin reveals how a personal experience planning her grandmother's funeral—and the realization that her family lacked critical details—prompted her to create a straightforward guide for planning your final days.

• Guest: Kristin Bunyard, Ossuary Jeweler and Author

• Host: Natalie Buster (affiliated with Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying in San Antonio, Texas)

• Book Mentioned: We’re All Going to Die (End-of-Life Workbook)

• [00:00:00] The Core Philosophy: The host introduces the empowering idea that the sentence "We're all going to die" should empower, not frighten, us.

• [00:00:23] Introducing Kristin Bunyard: The host introduces Kristin, an ossuary jeweler and author of the end-of-life workbook We’re All Going to Die.

• [00:01:44] Defining "Ossuary Jeweler": Kristin explains the origin of the term, noting that "ossuary" is the Latin word for "house of bones".

• [00:02:30] Sourcing the Materials: Kristin discusses her dedication to ethical sourcing, obtaining materials from roadkill, farm deaths, and occasionally for pet memorial pieces.

• [00:03:07] Pet Memorial Philosophy: Kristin shares why she often encourages clients seeking a pet memorial to choose sculptural work rather than jewelry, emphasizing the importance of still seeing their loved one in their home every day.

• [00:03:58] The Host's "Original Death Doula": Natalie shares a fun anecdote about her Mexican hairless dog, Audrey, and the Aztec/Pixar Coco mythology of the Xoloitzcuintli dog as a psychopomp, guiding souls to the afterlife.

• [00:04:57] The Origin of Ossuary Art: Kristin recounts the "happy accident" that led to her career: finding a snake's spine on a ranch outside Junction, Texas, and being fascinated by the process of cleaning and turning it into a beautiful necklace.

• [00:07:26] The Inspiration for the Book: Kristin explains that the book We're All Going to Die was an "accidental project" prompted by the experience of planning her grandmother's funeral.

• [00:07:52] The Missing Details: She realized that despite knowing her grandmother's big-picture wishes, her family lacked the critical small details (like desired flowers or guest list) necessary for planning the service.

Natalie Buster welcomes a cherished, long-time friend and "kindred spirit," Shavonne Conroy. Shavonne is a professional actor, a gifted singer, and the former Interim CEO of Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying.

Shavonne shares her incredible, unconventional journey that seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in theater and television (including roles on Late Night with David Letterman and Law & Order) to her current passion for end-of-life care. She discusses the profound spiritual significance of dedicating her rich alto voice to comforting the dying and grieving, often singing at the bedside or at funerals.

The two friends explore the compassionate philosophy that drives Abode's work: the giving, loving spirit required to simply meet people where they are without judgment. They discuss the deep satisfaction that comes from recognizing and filling in the "missing pieces" of a dying person's day, whether that's a gentle touch or reading a favorite book. You'll also meet the unforgettable Mikey, Shavonnee’s 155-pound Great Pyrenees, affectionately called the "doggy death doula," who provides loving, quiet comfort to the guests at Abode.

[00:00:18] The Kindred Connection: Natalie introduces Shavonne and describes their long-standing connection, which began in the San Antonio and New York professional theater scenes.

[00:00:37] Planting the Seed: Shavonne first introduced the host to the nonprofit Abode years before the host became affiliated with the organization.

[00:01:28] From Theater to CEO: How Shavonne stepped in as interim CEO of Abode, reuniting the friends to discuss everything from Broadway musicals to end-of-life care.

[00:01:57] A Performer's Life: Shavonne's background as a professional actor and singer, including appearances on shows like Late Night with David Letterman and Law & Order.

[00:02:21] Earning Her Wings: The spiritual significance of Shavonne lending her alto voice to sing at funerals and the bedside of people at the end of life.

[00:03:41] Meet the Doggy Death Doula: Shavonne introduces Mikey, her 155-pound Great Pyrenees, who gets into bed with guests at Abode to provide "doggy comfort" and emotional support.

[00:07:09] The Philosophy of Care: Discussion on the Abode philosophy of meeting people where they are, focusing on connection, and filling in the "missing pieces" of their day, such as a hand on a hand or reading a favorite book.

[00:08:12] How Shavonne Found Abode: Siobhan shares the story of how singing at a particular funeral led her to her first encounter with Abode.

In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator Vive Griffith to explore the often-overlooked emotional landscape of caregiving. Drawing from her own experience caring for her mother through terminal illness, Vive shares how storytelling, poetry, and reflection can help caregivers reconnect with themselves, find community, and feel seen.

Through the lens of narrative medicine, Vive offers a powerful reframe: that caregiving is not just a task, but a deeply human act worthy of attention, artistry, and healing. Whether you're a caregiver now, have been one, or will be one someday, this conversation is a balm.

Topics Covered:

• The four kinds of people in the world, according to Rosalynn Carter

• What is narrative medicine, and how does it support caregivers?

• Vive’s personal caregiving journey with her mother

• How art, poetry, and storytelling create space for healing

• The emotional toll of caregiving—and how to replenish

• Building community through shared reflection and writing

Resources Mentioned:

• Narrative Medicine Program at Columbia University

• The Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer (used in a workshop)

• Vive’s workshops for caregivers and clinicians

If you’re a caregiver—or know someone who is—consider exploring narrative medicine circles or expressive arts workshops. You are not alone, and your story matters.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening Quote Rosalynn Carter’s powerful words on caregiving

• 01:00 – The Invisible Weight of Caregiving Natalie reflects on the emotional and physical toll caregivers carry

• 02:00 – Meet Vive Griffith Poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator

• 04:00 – What Is Narrative Medicine? Vive explains the field and its roots at Columbia University

• 07:00 – The Practice in Action How narrative medicine workshops use art, writing, and reflection

• 10:00 – Vive’s Caregiving Story Walking with her mother through cancer and end-of-life care

• 13:00 – The Power of Being Heard Why sharing stories in community is essential for healing

• 16:00 – The Lacemaker Workshop Using a Vermeer painting to unlock caregiver reflections

19:00 – Universal Threads of Care How narrative medicine connects us to something bigger

Host Natalie Buster welcomes poet and restorative writing facilitator Laura Van Prooyen for a conversation about how poetry can become a lifeline in times of grief, trauma, and transition. From her work with soldiers experiencing PTSD to healthcare workers navigating burnout and loss, Laura shares how writing offers a sacred space for emotional honesty, resilience, and healing.

Through personal stories—including the loss of her brother and mother—Laura reveals how poetry helped her survive, process, and transform grief into art. Whether you're intimidated by poetry or drawn to its quiet power, this episode invites you to explore how language can hold us when nothing else can.

Topics Covered:

• Laura’s journey from academic poetry to trauma-informed writing workshops

• Her transformative work with soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center

• The evolution of grief through writing: from raw emotion to published chapbook

• How poetry creates accessible, sacred space for processing loss

• The role of emotional honesty in facing mortality

• Mission Belonging’s free weekly writing group for healthcare workers

Resources Mentioned:

• Gregory Orr’s Poetry as Survival

• Mission Belonging’s Tuesday night virtual writing group (free and open to all)

• Laura’s upcoming chapbook (Spring release)

Call to Action: Join Laura’s free Tuesday night writing group through Mission Belonging. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare worker, or someone navigating grief, this space is for you.

• 00:00 – Opening Reflection Natalie shares her evolving relationship with poetry and how it intersects with mortality and meaning. 

• 02:00 – Introducing Laura Van Prooyen Laura’s background in poetry, education, and trauma-informed writing.

• 04:00 – Poetry Meets PTSD Laura’s first experience facilitating writing for soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center—and the unexpected power of six-word memoirs.

• 07:00 – Grief as Catalyst Laura opens up about losing her brother and how poetry became a survival tool during her deepest grief.

• 10:00 – Mission Belonging & Weekly Writing Groups Laura describes her free, virtual Tuesday night workshops for healthcare and hospice workers.

• 13:00 – Writing Through Loss How Laura continued facilitating workshops while grieving her mother—and how the group became a lifeline.

• 15:00 – Creating Safe, Sacred Space The trauma-informed approach Laura brings to every session, and how poetry invites emotional honesty.

• 17:00 – Craft, Accessibility, and Prompts Laura’s method for selecting poems, crafting prompts, and guiding participants through reflection and response.

• 19:00 – Final Reflections The healing potential of poetry, the importance of emotional honesty, and how writing helps us live fully—even as we face death.

In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster explores the power of creative arts and storytelling to normalize conversations about death and grief—a central theme of the podcast's current season.

Natalie sits down with Elizabeth Coplan, founder of Grief Dialogues. Elizabeth shares her journey from a corporate career back to her roots in theater and storytelling after a year of profound loss. She explains how she founded Grief Dialogues to utilize the theatrical arts (stage and screen) as instruments to put death, dying, and grief on display. This work creates a vital space for audience members to connect with and process their own fears and losses.

Tune in to learn about Elizabeth's mission to address the "death taboo" and why she calls mortality "the great equalizer". You’ll also hear about her highly-regarded work, including the short play, "Hospice: A Love Story," and her Pulitzer-nominated full-length play, "Till Death".

[00:00:14] Host Introduction/The Power of Creative Arts: Natalie introduces the season's focus on using creative arts to hold space for the stories of people who have died.

[00:01:11] Guest Introduction: The host introduces Elizabeth Coplan as a former actor who pivoted from a corporate career after a personal tragedy to found Grief Dialogues.

[00:03:21] Elizabeth's Storytelling Journey: Elizabeth shares how her lifelong passion for theater and storytelling came into clear focus as her "dharma" or life's mission after her mother died.

[00:05:41] The Inspiration for Grief Dialogues: Elizabeth realized people recoil from conversations about death after she shared details of a family member dying, calling it "the one thing we're all gonna do".

[00:06:03] The "Great Equalizer": Elizabeth discusses why she refers to mortality as "the great equalizer".

[00:06:57] The Cornerstone Play, "Hospice: A Love Story": Elizabeth describes turning her firsthand account of a cousin’s final days into a short play that became the foundation for Grief Dialogues.

[00:08:15] The Full-Length Play, "Till Death": Elizabeth details the transition of Grief Dialogues during COVID-19 and the development of her full-length play which had an Off-Broadway debut and was nominated for a Pulitzer.

In this lively and heartfelt episode, host Natalie Buster welcomes Melissa Meadow, a funeral concierge, death doula, and social media educator, for a conversation that redefines what it means to care for the dead. From green burials and water cremation to DIY funerals and therapy dogs, Melissa shares her journey from embalmer to advocate, and how she’s helping families reclaim their final rites. Natalie and Melissa explore the artistry of after-death care, the power of nature in grief, and why funeral professionals should embrace—not fear—the rise of death doulas. Plus, meet Kermit, the grief therapy dog who’s changing lives one cuddle at a time.

Guest: Melissa Meadow

• Founder of The Modern Mortician

• Funeral consumer advocate, educator, and licensed funeral director

• Certified death doula and green burial expert

• Therapy dog handler (Kermit, the OG funeral pup)

• Website: TheModernMortician.com

• Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook: @TheModernMortician

Highlights:

• [00:02:00] Morticia Addams and the myth of the mortician

• [00:05:00] Green burial, water cremation, and the “three C’s” of funeral choice

• [00:12:00] Kermit the grief therapy dog: how he comforts families and inspires funeral homes

• [00:18:00] DIY funerals, shades of green, and empowering families with options

• [00:24:00] Death doulas and the shifting funeral industry landscape

• [00:30:00] Contemplative arts, nature, and the dance of after-death care

• [00:36:00] Melissa’s dream: a natural burial park with goats, kids, and community

In this unforgettable episode, host Natalie Buster sits down with Benjamin Kintisch, a hospice chaplain, cantor, and creator of Life Review: The Musical. Inspired by real-life stories from his time at the bedside, Benjamin transforms grief, memory, and mortality into song. Natalie and Benjamin explore the power of humor in death work, the role of spiritual questioning, and how musical theater can help us confront the hardest truths with compassion and joy. From “Everybody Dies in the End” to “Will It Still Snow?”, Benjamin’s songs offer a spoonful of sugar for the bitter pills of life—and death.

Guest: Benjamin Kintisch

• Hospice chaplain and Jewish cantor

• Creator of Life Review: The Musical

• Website: LifeReviewMusical.com

• Instagram: @benjaminkintisch

Highlights:

• [00:02:00] Benjamin’s journey from cantor to hospice chaplain

• [00:05:00] The birth of Life Review: The Musical

• [00:08:00] “Everybody Dies in the End”—humor as an entry point to grief

• [00:14:00] Musical monologues and the influence of A Chorus Line and Fiddler on the Roof

• [00:20:00] The character of Rabbi David and the theological wrestling of “Send Me a Sign”

• [00:26:00] Mr. Leroy Washington: honoring real-life friendships in hospice

In this soul-stirring episode, host Natalie Buster welcomes Leah Gundrum, a landscape designer, death doula, and Abode volunteer, for a conversation about how sacred spaces shape our experience of dying. From the contemplative backyard at Abode to green burial parks in Sweden and Pennsylvania, Leah shares how nature, design, and ritual can soften grief and deepen our connection to life. They explore the power of labyrinths, the role of internal landscapes, and why preparing for death is one of the most life-affirming acts we can take. Whether you’re a caregiver, a mourner, or simply curious, this episode offers gentle wisdom and practical inspiration.

Guest: Leah Gundrum

• Landscape designer and end-of-life doula

• Volunteer at Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying

• Tango dancer and teacher in San Antonio

• Passionate about sacred space, green burial, and contemplative design

Highlights:

• [00:02:00] What is an “internal landscape” and how does it support end-of-life care

• [00:06:00] The design of Abode’s backyard: live oaks, labyrinths, and prayer walls

• [00:14:00] Lessons from green burial parks in Pittsburgh and Sweden

• [00:21:00] Why grief must be witnessed, not fixed

• [00:26:00] Advanced directives and the case for “death paperwork parties”

• [00:33:00] How tango dancing cultivates presence and empathy

• [00:38:00] Leah’s wish “before she goes”: to live by the ocean

Natalie Buster welcomes Nurse Penny—hospice nurse, author, and social media influencer—for a deep dive into what it means to die with dignity. From gallows humor to grief rituals, Penny shares stories from her 20+ years in hospice care, her personal journey with sobriety, and her mission to normalize death through education and compassion. Whether you’re curious about MAID (Medical Aid in Dying), hospice misconceptions, or how to live fully before you go, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and a few unexpected laughs.

Guest: Nurse Penny

• Certified hospice and palliative care nurse

• Author of Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living

• Social media educator on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook (@HospiceNursePenny)

• Co-host of Death Happens: An Insider’s Guide to Dying

Highlights:

• [00:03:00] Penny’s upcoming keynote at ABODE’s annual training

• [00:07:00] How social media became a platform for death education

• [00:14:00] Sobriety, storytelling, and accountability

• [00:22:00] MAID (Medical Aid in Dying): What it is, where it’s legal, and why language matters

• [00:28:00] Hospice myths debunked: timing, eligibility, and emotional care

• [00:36:00] Bucket lists, boundaries, and the sacred joy of hospice work

• [00:44:00] Penny’s reflections on legacy, laughter, and living well