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In this conversation, Corinne Auman discusses her journey in reshaping perceptions of aging through her work with Choice Care Navigators and her book, KEENAGERS. She shares personal experiences with death and caregiving, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, the desire for independence among older adults, and the need for open conversations about end-of-life planning. Corinne highlights the challenges families face in navigating elder care and the role of professionals in providing support. The discussion also touches on the financial aspects of elder care and the significance of quality of life over mere longevity. Ultimately, the conversation aims to empower individuals to embrace aging positively and take control of their aging process.


Aging Life Care Resource Website

Corinne’s Organization - Choice Care Navigators Website

Keenagers: Telling a New Story About Aging - her book

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In this episode, Mark Ireland shares his profound journey through grief and the exploration of life after death following the loss of his son, Brandon. He discusses the impact of his father's legacy as a psychic medium and the founding of Helping Parents Heal, an organization dedicated to supporting grieving parents. Mark delves into his experiences with mediumship, the evidence he has encountered, and the importance of community in healing. He also reflects on the intersection of science and spirituality, emphasizing the need for open-mindedness in understanding consciousness and existence beyond the physical realm.

Mark Ireland is the author of Soul Shift: Finding Where the Dead Go and The Persistence of the Soul, moving accounts of his personal quest for answers about life after death, following the passing of his youngest son. Mark is also the son of renowned mid-twentieth-century psychic-medium Richard Ireland, and co-founder of Helping Parents Heal--an organization with more than 31,000 members that assists grieving parents. Additionally, Mark has participated in mediumship research studies conducted by the University of Arizona and the University of Virginia.

His website (with links to his books, organizations, and resources).

Link to song, ‘What You Can’t See’ (lyrics were read at the end of the podcast)

Link to his Album

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In this episode, Rev Wakil David and Annalouiza engage with Sarah Ecklein, a fiduciary and end-of-life advocate, discussing the importance of legacy planning and the emotional aspects surrounding death. Sarah shares her personal experiences with death, the role of a fiduciary, and the challenges families face in estate planning. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive planning, the significance of difficult conversations, and the emotional connections that underpin legacy work. Sarah also highlights the importance of creating meaningful connections and leaving behind a legacy rooted in love and intention.

Website: trustandhonor.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein/

Free Workbook: www.trustandhonor.co/workbook

Legacy of Love Podcast

Book - What to do when I'm Gone. A Mother's Wisdom to her daughter

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].

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In this conversation, Dr. Mekel Harris shares her profound insights on grief and loss, drawing on both her personal experiences and professional expertise. She discusses the impact of her mother's death on her life, the importance of journaling as a tool for processing grief, and the non-linear nature of the grieving process. The conversation highlights the importance of witnessing grief and the cultural barriers that often hinder open discussions about loss. Dr. Harris encourages embracing softness in grief and highlights the importance of connection and support during challenging times. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of compassion, grief, and the significance of emotional expression. They discuss how innate human compassion can be cultivated and the importance of creating safe spaces in the workplace for individuals who are grieving. The conversation emphasizes the significance of expressing feelings and the restorative power of connection and prayer. Ultimately, they reflect on the beauty of love that exists even in the face of grief.

Bloomwell Partners: www.growwithbloomwell.com
Instagram handle: @drmekel   
Write Where You Are: Mindful Journaling for Grief Guide - click here
A Gentle Guide for Grieving Hearts - click here
Purchase My Memoir, Relaxing Into the Pain - click here

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].

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In this conversation, Rabbi Rami Shapiro shares his insights on death, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of life. He reflects on his early awareness of death, the impact of losing loved ones, and the profound lessons learned from witnessing the dying process. Rabbi Rami emphasizes the importance of letting go of the egoic self and living by the golden rule, drawing from his experiences and teachings in both Judaism and other spiritual traditions. We explore the profound experiences of contemplative practices, the power of chanting, and the interconnectedness of all beings. We discuss the nature of sacredness, grounding practices amidst chaos, and the understanding that everything is a manifestation of the divine. The dialogue culminates in a reading meant for those transitioning from life, emphasizing love, compassion, and the eternal presence of the divine.

Links

One River Foundation (oneriverfoundation.org)

Rabbi Rami serves as a contributing editor for Spirituality and Health magazine (spiritualityhealth.com)

He writes the bi-weekly Substack Ask Rabbi Rami (rabbirami.substack.com). 

Matthew Ricard Book  - Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World - https://g.co/kgs/j8UW2ru

Thomas Keating - https://g.co/kgs/qw5cyhw

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].

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In this conversation, Liz Dunnebacke shares her journey from the entertainment industry to founding Wake, a nonprofit focused on affordable and environmentally sustainable death care. She discusses her personal experiences with death, the challenges of navigating the death care system, and the emotional impact of choices surrounding death. Liz highlights the crisis of unclaimed bodies, the legal complexities of death care decisions, and the need for greater access and affordability in this essential service. We delve into the complexities of death care, exploring personal values, financial barriers, and the emotional toll of losing loved ones. We emphasize the relational nature of life and death, advocating for community support and awareness in navigating these difficult topics.

Liz Dunnebacke (she/they) is the founder and executive director of Wake, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and resources that support meaningful, affordable, and environmentally friendly end-of-life care. Liz comes to end-of-life work following a career in the entertainment industry. 

Since moving to New Orleans in 2004, Liz has served on the boards and staff of several New Orleans-based nonprofit organizations in the arts and education sectors. Since 2013, they have worked to develop national resources for sustainable and affordable end-of-life care, serving on the board of the Green Burial Council and forming the Equitable Disposition Alliance. Liz holds a BA from Brown University.

Wake Website
Equitable Disposition Alliance

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].

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In this conversation, Christine Gautreaux shares her journey of understanding death and caregiving, beginning with her early experiences of loss in her family. She discusses how these experiences shaped her career in social work and her role as a death doula. Christine emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers and the need for open conversations about death and dying. She also shares personal stories about her family and the impact of caregiving on health and well-being. She shares her experiences with art, death, and the importance of having open discussions about difficult topics. She reflects on her relationship with her Aunt Joan, who faced terminal illness with grace and clarity about her wishes. Christine emphasizes the importance of amplifying marginalized voices through her work, which includes storytelling and community engagement. The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining personal grounding amidst the emotional weight of her work and the necessity of finding joy and laughter even in the face of loss. She reflects on her father's final days, the role of a death doula, and the importance of being present in the moment. The discussion highlights the importance of communication regarding end-of-life wishes and the therapeutic benefits of nature. 

Christine is the co-author of Stillpoint: A Caregiver's Playbook to find ease and to take a deep breath and reclaim joy, and Women Connected in Wisdom stories and resources rooted in the eight dimensions of wellness, volumes I & II. She believes in the power of body wisdom and somatic play to help heal trauma and live the best life possible. Christine coaches professional caregivers, activists, and artists to maintain balance and self-care. Christine is the Co-Host of the Women Connected in Wisdom Podcast and the Co-Founder of the Women Connected in Wisdom Community. She currently serves as the Integrity and Innovation Coordinator of InterPlay.

Interplay.org

Gather the Wild & Colorado Interplay

Women Connected in Wisdom

Self-Care. Care While Giving Care YouTube

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].

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In this engaging conversation, Kilah Storm, a writer and puppeteer, shares her unique perspective on life, death, and storytelling through her art. We discuss her early encounters with death, the impact it had on her desire for honest storytelling, and her journey into puppetry using taxidermy roadkill. Kilah emphasizes the importance of honoring life and death in her performances, aiming to change perceptions of taxidermy and encourage positive conversations about mortality. Through her work, she connects with audiences, especially children, fostering a deeper understanding of life and death. In this conversation, we explore the themes of life, death, and the importance of storytelling in understanding and honoring both. We discuss the value of self-care, the cycle of life and death, and the need for community support in navigating difficult conversations about mortality. The conversation emphasizes the beauty in acknowledging death and the importance of being present in the moment, as well as the significance of solitude for personal reflection.

Kilah is a writer and puppeteer. Obsessed with nature and life’s big questions, Kilah has created a unique line of puppets made from taxidermied roadkill. These discarded critters are now characters in The World Of Fluff, a puppet theater that performs retellings of fairy tales. The World of Fluff has performed in multiple venues, including the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Planet V, and the Oddity and Bizarre Expo in Colorado Springs. Kilah is an active member of the Rocky Mountain Puppetry Guild and the Puppeteers of America.

Links:

Kilah's Website
Oddity & Bizarre Expo (Kilah's next performance)
Planet V

Support the show

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].

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You can see the video version of this episode here

In this reflective conversation, hosts Wakil David Matthews and Annalouiza Armendariz discuss the highlights of their third season, featuring a diverse array of guests who share insights on death, dying, and the various cultural and personal approaches to end-of-life care. They explore the roles of death doulas, innovative practices in body disposition, and the importance of community support in navigating grief. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and death, the need for cultural sensitivity in death care, and the evolving understanding of grief and loss.

Support the show

You can find us on SubStack, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].

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In this compelling episode, we speak with Sam Lee Zemke. Sam is part of our podcast family and does terrific work as our editor. He is a jack of many trades and interests: radical anthropologist, neo-mythologist, cooperative living counselor, mediator, artist, musician, improviser, ancestral advocate, part-time house spirit, and service magician. He is my friend on the Sufi path, and I’ve known him since he was a little rascal! Sam has been walking a lifelong journey with the trickster and has an excellent affinity for the liminal parts of life. Transformation and boundary tending have revealed themselves to be key facets of the work Sam has been called to do, and they endeavor to honor that call to the best of their ability. 

In our conversation, Sam shares his unique perspectives on death, transformation, and community living. He reflects on his early experiences with and the importance of rituals in processing loss, as well as the interconnectedness of all beings. We emphasize the significance of community and relationships in navigating life's transitions. Ultimately, our conversation underscores the importance of acknowledging and valuing the unique contributions each person brings to the collective experience of healing and support. We explore themes of transformation, community learning, and the importance of reclaiming indigenous wisdom in the face of societal collapse. 

LINKS:

His Podcast - A House of Hungry Ghosts

Sam's Instagram

Hospicing Modernity book

Robin Wall Kimmerer's 'The Serviceberry'

Support the show

You can find us on SubStack, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected].