Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli is joined by Angela Novas, a nurse and Palliative and Hospice Care Consultant for the Hospice Foundation of America. Together, they discuss hospice care. Angela shares her journey in hospice work, common misconceptions about hospice, and its benefits, including improving quality of life and, in many cases, extending it. 

Key takeaways include: 

• What hospice care is and how it differs from other types of medical care. 
• Early enrollment in hospice can provide patients and families with invaluable support. 
• Common myths, like whether hospice means “giving up” or that it’s only for those in their final days. 
• Practical advice on how families can take full advantage of hospice services, including grief counseling and caregiver support. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Angela Novas' Website - Hospice Foundation of America - https://hospicefoundation.org 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli talks with Dr. Lula Buzz, an artist who uses clay to explore grief, memory, and healing themes. Dr. Buzz shares her journey, how clay became a sacred tool during her grief, and how she guides others in processing their loss through creative rituals and community projects. Key takeaways include the transformative power of clay, the importance of ritual in healing, and how art helps us maintain a connection with our loved ones. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Dr. Lula Buzz’s Website - https://www.claysidecallings.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Instagram: Dr. Lula Buzz @clayside_callings & @temple_of_clay

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, I’m joined by Gabrielle Gatto, manager of public programs from Green-Wood Cemetery, to discuss the transformation of cemeteries in today’s world. Gabrielle shares Green-Wood’s unique history as part of the rural cemetery movement and its modern role as a community hub. We also discuss how technology is helping families honor loved ones in meaningful ways and what the future holds for cemeteries as places of reflection, remembrance, and connection. 

Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of building death literacy, Green-Wood’s pioneering work in eco-friendly burials, and how cemeteries can be so much more than resting places for the dead—they can be spaces for life, learning, and community. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Greenwood Cemetery - www.green-wood.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Resource Mentioned: Corpse Care by Cody Sanders

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with our latest episodes. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly. 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli sits down with Mike Scoggin, senior living advisor and owner of Oasis Senior Advisors of Silicon Valley. Together, they discuss the complexities of senior living options, from independent living to memory care, and address the emotional and financial challenges families face when making these decisions. Key takeaways include navigating the decision-making process and financial aspects and dispelling common misconceptions about senior living communities. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Oasis Senior Advisors - https://www.oasissenioradvisors.com/local-advisors/silicon-valley 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: Alzheimer’s Association - https://www.alz.org

Belmont Village Memory Care - https://www.belmontvillage.com 

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! 

#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #SeniorLiving #MemoryCare #AgingWithDignity 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli is joined by Cody Sanders, author of Corpse Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead. Together, they discuss how historical events like the treatment of Indigenous Americans, the Civil War, African American slavery, major epidemics, and the rise of ecological responsibility have shaped our practices in caring for the dead, and how these practices, in turn, have shaped us. 

Key takeaways include how these pivotal moments in history have influenced our approach to deathcare and how the evolving practices continue to reflect and shape our societal values. This episode aims to normalize conversations around death and provide a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of caring for the deceased. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Cody Sanders’ Book - Corpse Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead: https://www.fortresspress.com/store/search?ss=cody+sanders 
• Contact Cody Sanders falculty page: https://www.luthersem.edu/faculty/cody-sanders 
• Host Traci Arieli's Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

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In this episode, I mentioned that the U.S. spends between $110-150 million each year to research, analyze, and recover the 81,000 MIA/POWs from every war since World War II. This information is cited from:  

"Inside the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency." Task & Purpose, https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/defense-pow-mia-accounting-agency-dpaa/. Accessed 31 July 2024. 

"POW/MIA Experience." U.S. Department of Defense, https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/POW-MIA/. Accessed 31 July 2024. 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli discusses the innovative and environmentally conscious practice of reef memorials with George Frankel, founder and CEO of Eternal Reefs. George shares the inspiration behind the company and how Eternal Reefs transforms cremated remains into artificial reefs that help rebuild marine habitats. They discuss the personal and ecological benefits of this unique memorialization process, highlighting how it allows families to actively participate in creating lasting tributes to their loved ones. 

 Key takeaways include the healing power of personalized memorials, the significant positive impact on local communities, and the deep connections families form with the marine environment.  

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Eternal Reef’s Website - www.eternalreefs.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: 

• Eternal Reefs on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eternalreefs 

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores barriers that many face when accessing hospice care. Joined by Priya Jayadev from Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC), they explore how VHOCC is making hospice care accessible and compassionate for all, regardless of financial constraints or provider availability. 

Discussion includes the operating model of VHOCC, the importance of community support in sustaining non-profit hospice care, and the role of cultural sensitivity in delivering end-of-life services. This episode aims educate on the challenges of hospice care accessibility and how community-driven efforts can bridge these gaps, normalizing conversations around death and dying. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County - www.volunteerhospice.org 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: 

• Death Cafes: https://deathcafe.com/ 
• Hospice CARE Act of 2024: https://www.nhpco.org/wp-content/uploads/HospiceCARE_Act-NAHC-NHPCO_Alliance.pdf 
• National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization: https://www.nhpco.org/resources/ 
• The Art of Dying Well: https://www.artofdyingwell.org/ 
• The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/ 
• Five Wishes: https://www.fivewishes.org/ 
• The Death Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com/ 
• GoWish: https://codaalliance.org/go-wish/ 
• Hello: https://commonpractice.com/products/hello-game 

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! 

#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #HospiceCare #AccessibilityInHealthcare #CommunitySupport 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli sits down with Toula Saratsis, a mother, advocate, and end-of-life doula who knows firsthand the heartache of losing a child. Together, they discuss the topic of pediatric palliative care. Toula shares her personal story, discussing how parents can make sure their child’s voice is heard and respected, even in the most difficult of situations. 

The conversation covers how to maintain a sense of normalcy for a child who is seriously ill, how parents can advocate for their child’s care, and the emotional support families need. This episode is not just about information; it’s about connection, understanding, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable challenges. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply want to learn more about these topics, this conversation will leave you feeling informed. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Toula Saratsis can be found on Facebook and Instagram. You can also email her at [email protected]. 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

If this episode has been helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to help us continue these important conversations. 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores the critical topic of legally protecting your advance directive wishes. Joined by Janis Landis, an end-of-life care advocate from the Final Exit Network, they discuss how to ensure your healthcare preferences are respected and followed. Key takeaways include the importance of selecting the right healthcare representative, understanding the legal aspects of advance directives, and navigating complex situations like dementia and ALS. This episode aims to normalize conversations around end-of-life planning and empower listeners with practical tips to safeguard their final wishes. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Final Exit Network - https://finalexitnetwork.org 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: AARP Advance Directive Forms - https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/ 

 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli explores the collaborative relationship between death doulas and hospice teams.  She is joined by two nurses, Dori Sappo and Denise Campbell. Both Dori and Denise bring unique perspectives as they have worked on both sides—serving as hospice nurses and end-of-life doulas. Together, they discuss how these roles complement each other, the emotional and practical support that doulas provide, and how this partnership can better serve clients and their families during the end-of-life journey.  

Key takeaways include understanding the different roles within hospice care, the value of death doulas in extending emotional and practical support, and strategies for effective collaboration between doulas and hospice teams. This episode aims to normalize conversations about death and dying while providing information for both professionals and those unfamiliar with end-of-life care. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Dori Sappo - Your Heartbridge: https://www.yourheartbridge.com 
• Guest: Denise Campbell - End of Life Midwife: https://www.endoflifemidwife.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• National End-of-Life Doula Alliance: https://www.nedalliance.org/