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 sits down with Jim Van Buskirk, a Final Exit Network volunteer and the editor of "There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network." They read a few stories from the anthology, discussing themes of autonomy, dignity, and the profound choices we face at the end of life. Jim shares his personal journey, insights on the critical role of volunteers, and the emotional and ethical challenges involved in this important work. Key takeaways include the importance of having control over one's end-of-life decisions and the impact of compassionate support during these final moments. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Final Exit Network - https://www.finalexitnetwork.org 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Book: "There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network" - Available on the Final Exit Network website 

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#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #FinalExitNetwork #AutonomyAndDignity #SelfDeliverance 

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In this episode, we explore how Titan Casket is transforming the funeral industry by making high-quality caskets more accessible, customizable, and affordable by selling directly to consumers. Josh and Scott share their personal journeys that led to the creation of Titan Casket and explain how their mission is to help families manage the financial burden of funerals. 

We also touch on the issue of funeral debt and explore the importance of planning ahead. Josh and Scott provide advice on how families can ease both financial and emotional burdens while honoring their loved ones. 

This conversation aims to normalize end-of-life arrangements, encouraging open and proactive discussions. Whether you're an industry professional or someone unfamiliar with aging, death, and grief, there’s something valuable in this episode for you. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Titan Casket's Website - https://titancasket.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Financial figures in this episode of sourced from: 

• National Funeral Directors Association article on funeral costs - https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral 
• Article on funeral costs: https://choicemutual.com/blog/burial-plot-cost/ 

#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #FuneralPlanning #TitanCasket #EcoFriendlyFunerals 

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In this episode, Traci Arieli speaks with Charles Tigard, the director of Stanford's Office of Decedent Affairs. They discuss the reasons behind the creation of this office, the family experiences, and the larger impact of their work. Key takeaways include insights into how the office supports grieving families and the unique services they offer. This episode aims to provide a compassionate look at end-of-life care and normalize conversations around these important topics. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Stanford's Office of Decedent Affairs - https://stanfordhealthcare.org/for-patients-visitors/spiritual-care-service/what-we-provide/decedentcare.html 
• Host’s Website – www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Donor Network West: donornetworkwest.org 

#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #StanfordHospital #FamilySupport #MedicalExcellence 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli discusses a unique memorialization option with Jason Leach from And Vinyly. This innovative service transforms a person’s ashes into vinyl records, creating a beautiful blend of legacy, memory, and sound. Jason shares the fascinating process behind this service and how it can provide comfort during the grieving process. Key takeaways include the emotional impact of hearing a loved one's voice on vinyl and how this unique tribute can help maintain a connection to those we've lost. This episode aims to normalize conversations around death and provide new perspectives on memorialization. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: And Vinyly's Website - http://www.andvinyly.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

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#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #Memorialization #Legacy #GriefSupport #VinylRecords 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the unique challenges that police officers and first responders face when it comes to grieving. Joined by Nicole Junkerman, a retired police officer and founder of Positive Passing, LLC, they explore the emotional toll these high-stress professions can take and the complexities of grief for those in law enforcement. Nicole shares her personal experiences from her time in law enforcement and how they have shaped her approach as a death doula. 

Key takeaways include the importance of creating supportive environments for officers to express their grief, understanding the societal and institutional barriers they face, and practical advice on how to support first responders dealing with loss. 

This episode aims to demystify and de-stigmatize the natural yet often unspoken aspects of grief in high-stress professions, offering support to both industry professionals and those unfamiliar with the subject. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Nicole Junkerman’s Website - https://positive-passing-9s5o5.zensmb.com/#dm 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: 

• Nicole Junkerman’s book, "Daddy’s Home," available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

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#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #GriefSupport #FirstResponders #PoliceGrief #ComfortingClosure #PositivePassing 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the critical importance of advanced directives and planning for a good quality of life as we age. Joined by Sam Madison, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Thanacare, they explore how to ensure that doctors and medical staff follow your wishes and the best ways to communicate those wishes to your loved ones.  

Key takeaways include overcoming the barriers to completing healthcare directives, the benefits of using modern tools like QR codes for accessibility, and the significance of having a healthcare power of attorney.  

This episode aims to normalize conversations around aging, death, and grief, and is intended for both professionals and those new to these topics. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Thanacare - https://www.thanacare.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

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

#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #AdvancedDirectives #Thanacare #EndOfLifePlanning 

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In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli discusses the profound impact of home funerals with Isabel Knight from the National Home Funeral Alliance. Together, they explore the practicalities, benefits, and challenges of home funerals, including navigating hospital and hospice rules, understanding legalities, and the importance of planning ahead. 

Isabel shares how cultural norms and practices intersect with the home funeral movement, addressing issues of racism and cultural sensitivity within death care. They also discuss the growing role of death doulas, the significant increase in women entering the funeral industry, and the problem of funeral debt. Key takeaways include how families can start thinking about home funerals, the support available from NHFA, and the importance of community in death care. 

This episode aims to normalize conversations around aging, death, and grief, providing information and support to listeners. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: National Home Funeral Alliance - https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/ 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• NHFA Home Funeral Guidebook (donation-based) - https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/home-funeral-guidebook.html  
• NHFA 2024 Deathcare Conference: https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/conference.html 

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#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #HomeFuneral #DeathCare #GriefSupport 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores the emotional journey of losing both parents within a short span of time. Joined by Victoria Beelik, author of "Watching My Parents Die," they discuss the challenges of navigating differing end-of-life wishes and the personal toll it takes. 

 Victoria shares her story of making difficult medical decisions, coping with the burden of family secrets, and her reasons for writing her book. This episode looks at the complexities of family dynamics, medical ethics in end-of-life care, and the importance of discussing death openly. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Victoria Beelik's Website - deathandlove.net 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: 

• "Watching My Parents Die" by Victoria Beelik (Available on major book retail platforms) 

 
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! Join us as we continue to open up crucial conversations about life, death, and everything in between. 

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Episode Description: 

In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the complex and often stigmatized topic of dementia. Joined by Kate Swaffer from Dementia Alliance International, they explore Kate's personal journey with young-onset dementia, the formation of Dementia Alliance International, and the crucial peer-to-peer support it offers. Key takeaways include the importance of demanding support to keep living, the role of grief management, and the need for systemic change in how dementia is perceived and treated.  

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Kate Swaffer's Website - http://www.kateswaffer.com
• Dementia Alliance International - www.dementiaallianceinternational.org 
• Join Dementia Alliance International - www.joindai.org 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: 

• Book: "What the Hell Happened to My Brain?" by Kate Swaffer 

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

#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #Dementia #Support #Grief #Empowerment 

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(Originally aired on September 12, 2023.)

In this thoughtful conversation, Traci Arieli, the founder of Comforting Closure, sits down with therapist and author Bradie Hansen to explore the transformative power of art in the grieving process. Bradie, a prominent voice in the therapy community and a co-author of the book "The Long Grief Journey," shares insights drawn from both personal experiences and professional observations.

Together, we dive deep into the nuances of grief, discussing its various forms and the often underestimated healing potential of art - with a special focus on fiber arts like knitting, weaving, and spinning. Bradie opens up about her personal journey of finding solace and expression through these mediums, offering a comforting perspective for those navigating their own paths of loss and healing.

Whether you are experiencing grief personally or supporting others through their journey, we invite you to join our discussion and perhaps discover new avenues for healing and connection.

 Please watch, share, and engage with this discussion as we explore 'Art as a Path to Healing.' Your likes, shares, and subscriptions help us to bring these important conversations to a wider audience. Thank you for being a part of this community.

To reach Bradie Hansen, go to https://healinghandcrafting.com/.
To reach Traci Arieli, go to https://www.comfortingclosure.com.

#Grief #ArtTherapy #ComfortingClosure #EndOfLifeDoula #DeathDoula