Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli sits down with Charles M. Chafer, CEO of Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, to explore a unique and inspiring way to honor loved ones—sending their cremated remains into space. Together, they discuss this extraordinary memorial option's history, science, and emotional significance. 

Key topics include: 

• The logistics of launching ashes into space and the destinations offered by Celestis (Earth orbit, the Moon, and deep space). 
• The emotional transformation families experience during the memorial process. 
• The future of space memorials and the impact of advancing space technologies. 

Memorialization can be as limitless as the stars, offering comfort, closure, and a deeply meaningful connection to something far greater than ourselves. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Charles M. Chafer, CEO of Celestis Memorial Spaceflights - https://www.celestis.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. Help us normalize conversations around aging, death, and grief by sharing this episode with others! 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli sits down with Gabrielle Gatto and Mary Pat Klein from The Green-Wood Cemetery to explore the healing magic of "Grieving and Weaving." This unique program invites people to use fiber arts like knitting, crochet, and weaving to process grief, connect with others, and create something meaningful. 

Gabrielle and Mary Pat talk about how art can help regulate the nervous system, foster deep emotional connections, and provide a safe space for healing. Whether you’re new to crafting or a lifelong fiber artist, this episode offers something special to inspire your own journey through grief and creativity. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How crafting supports grief and trauma processing. 
• The powerful sense of community that fiber arts create. 
• Stories of healing, connection, and transformation. 

This conversation reminds us that grief doesn’t have a set path—and sometimes, healing is found in the gentle rhythm of creating with our hands. 

Links/Resources 

• The Green-Wood Cemetery: https://www.green-wood.com 
• Grieving and Weaving Program: https://www.green-wood.com/event/grieving-weaving-matters-of-the-heart/ 
• Book: Knitting Yarns by Ann Hood 
• Book: The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood 
• Short Film: Visible Mending by Samantha Moore - https://directorsnotes.com/2024/01/26/samantha-moore-visible-mending/ 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

If you’ve found this conversation meaningful, please like, share, and subscribe to help spread the word. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire healing through art and connection. 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, I sit down with Elliott Appel, the founder of Kindness Financial Planning, to talk about how financial preparation can provide comfort and peace of mind, especially during life’s toughest transitions. 

Elliott brings a warm and empathetic approach to financial planning, helping people navigate challenges like widowhood, “widow brain,” caregiving, and the financial realities of aging. Together, we discuss practical steps you can take now to prepare for the future—whether it’s simplifying your finances, organizing essential documents, or understanding the true costs of long-term care. 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by financial decisions, this episode will leave you feeling empowered with tools and strategies to take that first step. Planning for the future isn’t just about numbers—it’s about caring for yourself and your loved ones and creating the space to focus on what matters most. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Kindness Financial Planning - https://kindnessfp.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Elliott’s Blog: https://kindnessfp.com/blog 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli sits down with Liana Lowenstein, a registered social worker and child psychotherapist specializing in helping children navigate grief through play therapy. Together, they discuss how children experience grief differently from adults, the transformative role of play therapy, and practical strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators to support grieving children. 

Key takeaways include: 

• How children process grief in "doses" and why their behavior often communicates their feelings. 
• The unique benefits of play therapy in helping children express overwhelming emotions. 
• Strategies for supporting children experiencing anticipatory grief. 
• The importance of open communication and modeling healthy expressions of grief. 

Liana also shares actionable tips and valuable resources for families and professionals, including the significance of creating "continuing bonds" with loved ones and involving children in meaningful rituals.  

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Liana Lowenstein’s Website - https://www.lianalowenstein.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• The Dougy Center - https://www.dougy.org 
• United States Association for Play Therapy (APT) - https://www.a4pt.org/ 
• Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT) - https://canadianplaytherapy.com/ 

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In this second part of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli completes creating her own advance directive with the help of end-of-life specialist Maureen Kures. Joined by her husband, Oren, Traci defines her healthcare wishes, exploring values like maintaining dignity, mental clarity, and the importance of daily comforts. 

Maureen discusses topics like pain management, hospice options, and the significance of creating a thorough, personalized document to guide loved ones during critical times. Oren and Traci’s honest discussion about their fears, beliefs, and values gives listeners an intimate look at how advance directives empower families and create a legacy of love and understanding. 

Key takeaways from this episode include understanding the nuances of advance directive forms, choosing the right healthcare proxy, and making thoughtful decisions about quality of life.Links/Resources 

• Guest: Maureen Kures - Radiant Morning – https://www.radiantmorning.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Resource: Gentle Passage Doula Collective – https://www.gentlepassagedoulacollective.com 

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In this very personal episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, join me as I work with Maureen Kures, founder of A Radiant Mourning and my husband, Oren, to create my own advance directive. Maureen leads us in exploring what it really means to document our wishes—from reflecting on our personal values to choosing the right person to speak on my behalf. Together, we’re opening up about the emotions, questions, and even moments of humor that come with this planning process. 

In this episode, you'll learn about: 

• Personal Reflections on Advance Directives: Discover how values, humor, and family connections can transform the process. 
• Choosing Your Advocate Wisely: Learn about the qualities that make a great healthcare decision-maker and why it’s so important. 
• Practical Steps to Crafting an Advance Directive: See firsthand the thoughtful approach that makes this process an act of love. 

Whether you’re just starting to think about end-of-life planning or revisiting it, this episode offers both comfort and guidance. 

 Links/Resources 

• Guest: Maureen Kures, A Radiant Mourning - www.radiantmorning.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Mentioned Resource: Gentle Passage Doula Collective - www.gentlepassagedoulacollective.com 

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Episode Description: 

In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli welcomes Angela Hey from SpiritCare Ministry to discuss the impact of music in aging care. We discuss Angela’s journey into music and bedside ministry, SpiritCare’s mission to enrich the lives of older adults, and how music can alleviate pain, reduce agitation, and bring joy to those in long-term care and memory care facilities. 

Key takeaways include: 

• How music supports emotional and spiritual well-being in aging and end-of-life settings. 
• The healing power of familiar hymns for memory care residents. 
• Volunteer opportunities, including music, crafts, and holiday gifting initiatives. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: SpiritCare Ministry - spiritcareministry.org 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Hymnary.org for exploring hymn selections. 

#DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #MusicTherapy #HospiceCare #AgingGracefully 

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In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli is joined by Ryan Kolstad, founder of Preplanning.me. Together, they discuss the importance of funeral preplanning and why making arrangements ahead of time can be one of the most loving gifts you give to your family. Key topics include the emotional and financial benefits of preplanning, how to avoid funeral debt, and ways to make end-of-life decisions easier. Ryan talks about common misconceptions, pre-need policies, and the cultural differences surrounding preplanning 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Ryan Kolstad’s Website - https://preplanning.me 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

Resources: 

• Mentioned Funeral Planning Booklet (available through Ryan Kolstad at Preplanning.me) 

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking, to discuss her family's profound journey caring for her daughter Dalia, who was diagnosed with the rare disease MERRF syndrome (Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers). Jessica shares the emotional challenges of becoming her daughter's advocate, the process of navigating a complex medical system, and the lessons she learned about staying present. 

Together, they talk about how to find moments of peace, joy, and vulnerability even during life’s most overwhelming challenges. This episode provides a look at how we can balance grief and joy, and how we are capable of more than we ever imagined. 

Links/Resources: 

• Jessica Fein’s Website: https://www.jessicafeinstories.com 
• Breath Taking by Jessica Fein: Available wherever books are sold 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 

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**This episode discusses suicide and its impact on those left behind. If you find this topic distressing, please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or step away at any time. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.** 

In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli speaks with Joanne L. Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD, President of Coping After Suicide. After losing her brother Stephen to suicide in 1993, Joanne has dedicated her life to supporting others through their own grief journeys. Together, they discuss the unique challenges of suicide loss.  

Key takeaways include: 

• How suicide grief differs from other types of loss 
• Support strategies for suicide loss survivors and those grieving 
• The importance of creating space for conversations about suicide 

This episode offers comfort, understanding, and practical tools for both those directly affected by suicide loss and those looking to support them. 

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Joanne Harpel’s Website – https://www.copingaftersuicide.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• When It Is Darkest: Why People Die By Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It by Rory O’Connor 
•  Speaking of Suicide: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com 
• National Suicide Hotline: Call or Text 988 

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