Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli speaks with fraud prevention expert Doug Shadel, Managing Director of Fraud Prevention Strategies, LLC. Together, they discuss how scammers use emotion, stress, and grief to manipulate even the most careful people, and what practical steps can help protect you and your loved ones. 

Doug shares tips based on decades of experience studying fraud and interviewing individuals convicted of fraud. He explains what happens in the brain during moments of stress, why “urgency” is a scammer’s best weapon, and how to slow down and think clearly before responding. 

Key takeaways include: 
• How stress and grief can lower your defenses. 
• The emotional tactics scammers use to build trust. 
• How AI, phone, and online scams are evolving. 
• Simple steps you can take right now to reduce your risk. 
• What families and caregivers can do to help protect older adults. 

This episode helps listeners understand how emotion impacts decision-making and offers grounded, practical advice for staying safe. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Doug Shadel – Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-shadel-58260810 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Book Mentioned: Dangerous Dialers by Doug Shadel 
• AARP Fraud Watch Network – https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud 

 
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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli is joined by Ashley Mollison from the Palliative Approaches to Care in Aging and Community Health Research Program at the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health at the University of Victoria. Ashley is also a PhD candidate in the Social Dimensions of Health program at the University of Victoria, and her work centers on equity, exclusion, and structural vulnerability at the end of life. 

Ashley has spent years walking alongside people who are dying without housing, without family, and often without a place to go. Together, Traci and Ashley discuss what it really means to die with dignity in systems that weren’t built to serve everyone. 

Key takeaways include: 

• Why “You can’t die here” is more than a logistical problem 
• What happens when palliative care ignores people pushed to the margins 
• How harm reduction and outreach workers become informal end-of-life caregivers 
• The emotional toll and grief carried by peer support workers 
• Why equitable care requires rethinking who caregiving is for and who provides it 

This episode invites you to examine the hidden assumptions built into palliative care and offers a powerful reminder: dignity at the end of life is a reflection of how we show up for each other long before that moment comes. 

Links/Resources 

• Palliative Approaches: https://palliativeapproaches.uvic.ca 
• Ashley Mollison’s Profile: https://www.uvic.ca/research/groups/palliative/our-team/uvic-team/profiles/mollison-ashley.php 
• Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health: https://www.facebook.com/uvic.institute.on.aging
• Host Traci Arieli’s Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

If you’ve found this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe. Every action helps more people find and join these essential conversations about aging, dying, and care. 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli speaks with Samantha Rose, New York Times Bestselling ghostwriter, writing coach, and author of the newly released and award-winning memoir Giving Up the Ghost. Together, they explore what it means to navigate grief after suicide while still finding a continued relationship with the one who died. They discuss the silence that often surrounds suicide, how writing became a path to healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s voice after loss. 

Samantha shares how her mother died by suicide just three weeks before the 2020 lockdown, how she and her sisters each grieved differently, and why transparency with her son became a necessary part of breaking generational silence. She also reflects on the moment she realized she could no longer remain “a ghost in her own life” and how claiming authorship of her own story became an act of visibility, truth-telling, and deep personal restoration. 

This episode invites listeners to normalize open conversation around grief, writing, and emotional healing - whether you are a caregiver, grieving family member, or someone who is simply trying to understand what love looks like after loss. 

Links/Resources
Guest Website (Yellow Sky Media):https://www.yellowskymedia.com
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantharose_writer
Host Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Book Mentioned
Giving Up the Ghost - Samantha Rose
https://www.yellowskymedia.com (book available through guest’s site) 

 
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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with multidisciplinary artist and podcast creator Andee Kinzy to explore how fiction, humor, and storytelling can make end of life conversations feel more approachable. 

Andee is the creator of the audio fiction series “Kicking the Bucket,” a thoughtful and often funny story about an aging couple facing terminal illness, autonomy, and the emotional realities of planning for the end of life. Through the characters of Dolores and Howard, Andee helps listeners reflect on real decisions families face every day and why talking about dying can ultimately help us live with more clarity and intention. 

Together, Traci and Andee discuss medical aid in dying, dementia and cognition in decision-making, the role of humor in navigating heavy topics, intergenerational communication challenges, and how listening clubs are helping communities practice these conversations in a supportive way. Whether you are a caregiver, an adult child, a healthcare professional, or simply someone curious about death and dying, this episode encourages thoughtful dialogue, planning ahead, and embracing honest conversations while we still have the chance. 

Links/Resources
Guest:
Kicking the Bucket website:  https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast Use code: KTBPODCC for early access 

Host:
Comforting Closure with Traci Arieli: https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Referenced Resources in Conversation:
The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org
Information on Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD): https://compassionandchoices.org 

 
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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with family physician Dr. Eleanor Tanno to talk about one of the most overlooked steps in end-of-life planning: discussing your advance directive with your doctor. Together, they discuss why the form itself is not enough, what to do before the appointment, and how to approach this conversation so your care truly reflects your values. 

You will learn how to prepare, what to bring, and which questions lead to more meaningful medical guidance. Dr. Tanno offers a compassionate doctor’s-eye view of what makes these conversations effective and why having them before a crisis protects both patients and families. This episode is valuable for anyone who wants to avoid confusion and ensure their wishes are understood when it matters most. 

Links / Resources 

Guest: Dr. Eleanor Tanno 

• Website: https://advancedirectivemd.com 
• Course: https://advancedirectivemd.com/purchase 
• Step-by-step guide: https://advancedirectivemd.com/step-by-step-overview-how-to-create-an-advance-directive 

Host: Traci Arieli 

• Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources to Get Started 

• The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ConversationStarterGuide.pdf 
• Cedars-Sinai Advance Directive Guide: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/content/dam/cedars-sinai/patients/resources-and-patients/documents/advance-directive-step-by-step-guide-2021.pdf 
• The Death Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com 
• MyDirectives: https://www.mydirectives.com 

 
If you find this conversation helpful, please like, share, and subscribe so more people can learn how to prepare before a crisis. Your support helps normalize these conversations and brings practical, compassionate guidance to more families. 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with Crystal Flores, an end-of-life doula and owner of The Grateful Death® to discuss Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) as a compassionate and empowering end-of-life option. Together, they discuss what VSED really looks like, from the moment a person chooses it, to the emotional and practical support that follows. 

Crystal shares her personal and professional experiences, including walking alongside a beloved family member during their VSED process. With gentleness and clarity, she talks about what this choice entails and how it can offer peace and autonomy at the end of life. 

Key takeaways include: 

• What VSED is and what it is not 
• How to emotionally and practically support someone through it 
• The importance of honest conversations and choosing your own path 
• The role of doulas, caregivers, and community in planning a peaceful death 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Crystal Flores - https://www.thegratefuldeath.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 speaks with Bryan Rigg, founder of Axios Consulting, about what happens when Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) isn’t available where you live. 

After helping a close family member access MAiD through Dignitas in Switzerland, Bryan created a consulting practice that now supports others in navigating the emotional, legal, and logistical journey of seeking MAiD abroad. Together, they disucss what it takes to prepare for this path, how laws limit access, and what it means to say goodbye with intention. 

Key takeaways include: 

• Why current MAiD laws exclude people with conditions like ALS, dementia, and heart failure 
• What families face when traveling internationally for end-of-life care 
• The role of legacy interviews and memory-making before death 
• How Axios supports clients with care, clarity, and compassion 

Whether you’re a caregiver, a professional, or someone wondering what your own options might look like, this episode offers practical information on MAiD. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Bryan Rigg, Axios Consulting - https://www.axiosconsulting.org 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: 

• Dignitas - http://www.dignitas.ch 
• Bryan’s book: Hitler’s Jewish Soldiers 

 
If this episode moved you, please like, share, and subscribe. Your support helps normalize conversations around aging, dying, and grief and makes it easier for others to find this resource. 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli speaks with estate planning attorney Jeannette Marsala about probate, why it is so common, and how families can best avoid it with thoughtful planning. 

Together, they discuss what probate is, how people often end up in court even when they believe they planned ahead, and why a will alone is often not enough. Jeannette explains how living trusts work, the small details that frequently cause estate plans to fail, and the practical steps families can take to keep their loved ones out of probate court. 

The conversation also addresses the emotional side of estate planning. Traci and Jeannette talk openly about the fear that keeps many people from starting, the stress families face after a death, and how planning ahead can reduce confusion and conflict during grief. 

Topics covered include: 

• What probate is and why it can take months or longer 
• The difference between a will and a trust 
• How living trusts help families avoid probate 
• Common mistakes that send families to court 
• What to look for when choosing an estate attorney 
• Why planning early matters, especially before illness or loss of capacity 

This episode is intended for both professionals and everyday listeners. It normalizes conversations about aging, death, and planning, while offering clear and compassionate guidance that families can use in real life. 

Links and Resources
Guest: Jeannette Marsala, Estate Planning Attorney - https://sanjoselivingtrust.com 

Host: Traci Arieli - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

 
If this episode was helpful, please like, share, and subscribe. Doing so helps more people find these conversations and start planning with care. 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli continues her conversation with returning guests Ashley Meyveci, Co-founder and President of Luke’s Purpose, and Danielle Cristofano-Schwartz, Founder of Love From Lydia. Together, they explore the long road of parenting after child loss: the complex emotions, evolving identities, and how grief shows up every day. 

Ashley shares how her daughter continues to grieve her younger brother, Luke, and how moments of joy are often mixed with guilt. Danielle reflects on parenting after the birth of her second child and the challenges of keeping Lydia’s memory present while still moving forward. The episode touches on co-parenting dynamics, milestones, and what grieving parents need most, not just in the early days, but over time. 

This is part 2 of a 2-part series focused on parenting through grief. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Ashley Meyveci – https://www.lukespurpose.org 
• Guest: Danielle Cristofano-Schwartz – https://www.lovefromlydia.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! 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli speaks with returning guests Ashley Meyveci, Co-founder and President of Luke’s Purpose, and Danielle Cristefano-Schwartz, Founder of Love From Lydia, about what it means to keep parenting after the unimaginable: the death of a child. 

Ashley shares how life shifted after the loss of her son Luke, and what it was like to continue raising his older sister amid deep grief. Danielle reflects on how her identity as a parent changed after the death of her daughter Lydia, especially as she navigated pregnancy again and the awkwardness of being asked, “Is this your first?” Together, they talk about parenting through emotional exhaustion, how grief affects couples differently, and what helps them stay connected to the children they’ve lost and the ones still here. 

This is part 1 of a 2-part series that honors the strength and honesty it takes to keep showing up as a parent after loss. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Ashley Meyveci – https://www.lukespurpose.org 
• Guest: Danielle Cristefano-Schwartz – https://www.lovefromlydia.com
• Host: Traci Arieli – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

 
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