I have to say, this episode is probably one of my absolute favourites. In this conversation on Dying for a Cuppa, I’m joined by Evie King, author of the incredible book Ashes to Admin. Evie speaks so honestly and openly about her work as a council funeral support person, and honestly… it’s fascinating.

We cover a lot of ground — so many scenarios, so many parts of death, dying, and funerals that people either don’t realise exist, don’t want to think about, or only come to know because they’re right in the middle of it. I learned so much from this chat, and Evie shares with such clarity, insight, and compassion.

Whether this is a world you know nothing about, one you’re deeply involved in, or one you know you’re likely to face, I truly believe there is something in this conversation that everyone should hear. Evie’s work in this field is phenomenal, her book is invaluable, and she also has another one on the way.

Huge gratitude to Evie for her time, her openness, and the work she does. This one really is for everyone.

https://amzn.eu/d/gSaw5lO

https://locate.international/

Evie King does not exist, but the person who plays her is a council worker and writer. A former stand-up comedian, she has always written short-form pieces in the margins of her various day jobs, contributing to New Humanist, Guardian Comment Is Free, BBC Comedy and Viz. After moving to the seaside and going part-time she had more time for writing and in 2023 completed her first book, Ashes to Admin, about her job arranging council funerals. It sold over 10,000 copies, was selected by Stewart Lee for the London Review of Books one hundred books for the next twenty years collection and won the 2025 ASDS (Association for the Study of Death & Society) Award for outstanding and original books in the field of death studies. Her second book Get Ahead of Being Dead is out in June 2026. She also contributed to the book Words to Live and Die By, a series of death haikus compiled by the acute palliative care team at Warwick Hospital. She is an ambassador for missing persons and cold-case charity Locate International and heads the UK training programme for council funeral workers.

© 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I get to sit down with not just a friend and colleague, but a fellow soul midwife, the wonderful Mandy Preece.

Mandy has written a truly beautiful and powerful book about the art — and skill — of listening. It’s something we all think we do, but this conversation really opens up how much deeper listening can go, especially when supporting people who are dying. We explore what it really means to listen, why it matters so much, and how improving our own self-awareness can completely change the way we show up for others.

Mandy brings a wealth of experience, wisdom, and calm insight, and I honestly can’t recommend her book Being Rock highly enough. It’s available on Amazon, and it’s something I regularly reference within my own CPD Dying for a Cuppa Masterclass death education programme.

This conversation was an absolute joy — thoughtful, grounding, and deeply human. Mandy is an incredible woman, and I know this episode will land gently and powerfully for so many of you.

Mandy  Preece is a communications trainer, motivational speaker and author. Mandy initiated a volunteer bedside companion scheme at a NHS palliative care unit in Dorset in 2013 and has helped other hospices and hospitals set up similar schemes.

What she learnt from the bedside transformed her understanding of what it means to listen. Her unique experiential communications training received the Princess Royal Training Award in 2017 and she is an Alumni member.

In 2019 Mandy was NHS Unsung Hero Volunteer of the Year. Her joy of receiving the Award was matched by being asked to be part of an NHS/Helpforce Steering Group on volunteering within the NHS and deliver a keynote at Expo 2019.

She now delivers inspiring talks and training to a huge variety of organisations: from the business sector to the NHS and national charities. Her pro bono work supports many smaller charities. Her book, Being Rock (which redefines listening), was published in 2020:

http://viewbook.at/BeingRock

© 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

I'm really excited to share this week's episode of Dying for a Cuppa with the lovely an glamorous Debbie Homewood — someone I've actually shared space with before!

Debbie and I previously took part in a roundtable conversation on the worldwide platform LADbible (if you enjoyed that, there are more conversations coming with others from that episode too!) This time though, it's just us, having a really gentle, heartfelt chat.

Debbie speaks openly and from the heart about her work as a mortician and why it matters so deeply to her. Not every funeral director has a mortician, and not everyone will need this kind of care — but for those who do, especially those in Debbie's hands, it's incredibly reassuring to hear just how much love, respect, and intention she brings to her work.

A gentle heads-up: we do talk honestly about aftercare and the care of the body after death, from Debbie's perspective. Please go at your own pace with this one.

It's a warm, comforting conversation - and a reminder that when someone like Debbie is caring for your people, they are being looked after in the most thoughtful and compassionate way

https://youtu.be/Ff5bs4D-26|?si=prYE8hR30VAkVUwM

https://www.tcribb.co.uk/

© 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I’m joined by Paul Radcliffe from Laurelo for a conversation that genuinely surprised me.

If you’d ever told me probate could be interesting — even inspiring — I’d have laughed. But this chat was honestly so enlightening. Paul takes what is usually a total minefield and explains probate with real clarity, in language that actually makes sense. We explore what probate really is (process, paperwork, or something else entirely), whether it’s something you even need, and walk through a whole range of real-life scenarios that people commonly face.

This is one of those episodes where the fog lifts. It might feel daunting if you’re navigating a loss or know probate is on the horizon, but I can truly say this is exactly the kind of conversation you want in your ears. It’s calm, clear, reassuring — and surprisingly uplifting.

So pop the kettle on, settle in with a cuppa, and prepare to feel far more informed and less overwhelmed. Huge thanks to Paul and the team at Lorello for being so open and generous with their knowledge. They’re absolutely there if you need support, and I’ll share their website below.

https://laurelo.co.uk/

© 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I’m joined by Katie Wellman, professional home organiser and declutterer, for a really honest chat about STUFF and why it’s so hard to let go of it.

We talk about the emotional weight our belongings carry, why decluttering can feel overwhelming, and the difference it makes when things are sorted before someone dies compared to after. Katie shares gentle, practical insights into why we keep what we keep, why the little things often matter the most, and how organising and decluttering can be an act of care for ourselves and for those we love.

It’s relatable, thoughtful, and quietly motivating.

So grab a cuppa, maybe a bit of cake, take a look around your own space… you might just feel inspired to make a few changes of your own.

https://makeroomtobreathe.co.uk/

© 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

This week on Dying for a Cuppa I’m joined by the glorious Lee-Anne Duncan, joining us all the way from New Zealand.

Lee-Anne is a writer and journalist, and also a bereaved child. She lost her mum at just eight years old, an experience that went on to shape her life’s work. Today, Leanne dedicates her time to exploring the long-term impact of childhood bereavement, listening deeply to others who lost one or both parents young and gathering their stories with real care and integrity.

This is a long one (two talkers, no surprises there), but it’s long for all the right reasons. We didn’t want to cut anything out because the insights shared are just too valuable. Leanne talks about her research, the interviews she’s conducted, and what those early losses can mean for behaviour, emotions, identity, and how people move through the world as adults.

We also have the huge privilege of hearing about Māori traditions around death, dying, and funerals, offering a powerful cultural perspective on grief, ritual, and community.

So yes, pop the kettle on. Maybe grab a few biscuits too. This episode is a gentle, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful listen. Please know we talk about death and dying very openly. And if this resonates with you as someone who lost a parent young, we’d really love to hear your thoughts. Lee-Annes link is below if you’d like to get in touch or explore her work further.

https://www.tooyoung.org.nz

© 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

We are back!! Series 3 kicking off with an incredible first guest!

This week on Dying for a Cuppa, I’m joined by the truly amazing Teepa Snow — world-renowned dementia care expert and all-round human legend.

https://teepasnow.com/

Teepa and I first chatted back in 2021, and it is an absolute honour to welcome her back for a cuppa and a deeply meaningful conversation. Together, we talk all things dementia and end-of-life, exploring what really matters when it comes to care, connection, and presence.

We dive into Teepa’s Positive Approach to Care and her hugely impactful GEMS® State Model — a must-know for anyone supporting, loving, or caring for someone living with dementia. We also talk honestly and openly about dementia at end of life, and how we can show up in ways that are kind, informed, and deeply human.

As always, Teepa shares her wisdom, insight, and lived experience in a way that is heartfelt, practical, and grounding. We hold the same values — person-centred, compassionate, and deeply respectful of the human behind the diagnosis.

Dementia touches so many lives. Understanding how the brain changes, how communication shifts, and how to truly be with someone living with dementia is a learning curve for us all. I’m so grateful Teepa brings her knowledge and generosity to this episode and I know it will leave you thinking, feeling, and caring a little differently.

Pop the kettle on and get comfy, this one gives you some real lightbulb moments.

Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, is one of the world’s leading advocates and educators on the topic of dementia or other forms of brain change and an Occupational Therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her experiences led her to the development of the GEMS® States of Brain Change and the Positive ApproachTM training strategies. Her company, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), provides online and in-person education and products to support those living with brain change. She also co-founded the Snow Approach Foundation, a nonprofit organisation based in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humour to audiences throughout the world.

© 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

And here we are… the final episode of Series 2. Episode 16 with Karen Kinsella.

I’m closing the series with a deeply moving conversation with Karen, the other half of the Room to Grieve podcast.

This is Karen’s story of her daughter Emily. Emily was diagnosed with a brain tumour at 14 and died at just 16. Karen talks about those two and a half years with such honesty, the way Emily lived, the way she faced her own death, and the impact her loss has had on Karen and the life she now carries.

Karen shares differently to Beck: her language, her mindset, her perspective, all completely her own. But the thread between them, the bond formed through losing their children, is something you can feel. Together, they’ve created a powerful, supportive space over at Room to Grieve, and I’m so grateful they’ve chosen to share their stories with us.

Please do look them up, follow, like, share, all of it, not just for this podcast, but for theirs too. Their voices reach people who truly need to know they’re not alone. As we talk about in the episode, they’re part of a very unique club, one no parent ever wants to join. The more people who know that women like Karen and Bec are out there, the better.

We’re heading into a little Christmas break now, and I’ll be back with you at the end of January.  So settle in for this final episode of the series, sit with Karen and Emily’s story, be mindful it is emotional and still with some swearing, not as much as Bec though, and I’ll see you in the new year.

https://roomtogrievepodcast.podbean.com/

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcvBSyKJT34bGf39TWr2cWS0xKsGwhNtc&si=Kum9BYKOcc-o2X1j

https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z4G5h3BavMRPCwDfAPpCJ?si=3018fa794ab34436

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/room-to-grieve-podcast/id1762303648

https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8caa09d4-5f0d-4a5d-a2f0-06b209212a0a/room-to-grieve-podcast

© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

Series 3 might have wrapped… but I’m back with two powerful bonus episodes! Episode 15 with Bec Hadman

First up is a conversation with Bec, one half of the incredible duo behind the Room to Grieve podcast. This episode is tender, raw, and honestly tough in places. Beck talks about her son Bradley, who died at 18 from a brain tumour. She shares his story openly: who he was, what he loved, his diagnosis, his courage, and the nearly year long journey that followed.

It’s emotional. There’s swearing. You’ll want a big mug of tea or coffee and a slice of cake that could double as a doorstop. Bec speaks with such honesty about her experience of supporting Bradley, it is incredibly powerful.

Every episode this season has been heartfelt, but child loss - it lands differently. So go gently with this one, and please do check out the brilliant women over at Room to Grieve on YouTube and wherever you find your podcasts.

Next week, I’ll be talking with Karen about her daughter Emily - another incredible mother, another story of love, heartbreak, and the individuality of grief. Bec and Karen’s journeys are very different, but their friendship, their honesty, and the way they hold each other through loss is something truly special.

So settle in, listen to Bec and Bradley’s story, and get ready for Karen and Emily next week.

https://roomtogrievepodcast.podbean.com/

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcvBSyKJT34bGf39TWr2cWS0xKsGwhNtc&si=Kum9BYKOcc-o2X1j

https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z4G5h3BavMRPCwDfAPpCJ?si=3018fa794ab34436

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/room-to-grieve-podcast/id1762303648

https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8caa09d4-5f0d-4a5d-a2f0-06b209212a0a/room-to-grieve-podcast

© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a funeral directors? Have you ever thought to ask what care your person receives after the funeral directors collects them? Do you understand the natural processes of the body after someone dies?

Here I discuss all that AND MUCH MORE with the brilliant Judith Dandy from Dandelion Farewells Funeral Directors in Wisborough Green, West Sussex. At the heart of their business is an unhurried approach, listening to what is important to YOU, and a willingness to openly share with you a wealth of knowledge and understanding, allowing you to make the choices that feel right to you.

A modern business, they provide a sensitive, personalised approach to funeral and after death care, mindful of the many choices that are available and guiding you through the important decisions that need to be made.

You will see and feel all this in Judith's sharing here. As always, please be mindful we talk very openly about death and in this case, physical bodies that have died. Not in a gruesome way, but in a real and supportive way to offer information and support understanding.

I think you will be surprised how you feel after listening and I would LOVE to hear your thoughts.

https://dandelionfarewells.com/

https://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/@Dandelionfarewells

© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.

This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.