In this week’s episode, Jared and Janna explore why the passing of celebrities can stir such deep emotions in all of us. From childhood idols to cultural icons, these losses often feel strangely personal. We talk about how shared grief connects us, why media coverage amplifies our feelings, and what it reveals about our own lives and memories.

In a world where our phones know more about us than our closest friends, what does privacy even mean anymore? In this episode, we explore the fine line between personal freedom and public exposure. From smart devices to surveillance capitalism, we unpack how much privacy we’ve traded for convenience—and whether we can ever get it back.

We talk rights, risks, and real-life consequences—comparing the constant scrutiny faced by celebrities with the quiet, invisible tracking of ordinary people. Spoiler alert: nobody’s off the radar.

Whether you’re worried about your camera being hacked, your data being sold, or just tired of targeted ads that feel too personal, this one’s for you.

🎧 Episode: Inside the WVFDCOA – Advocating for Funeral Professionals
In this episode of Matters of Life and Death, we take a closer look at the West Virginia Funeral Directors and Crematory Operators Association, what it is, why it matters, and how it supports those who serve families at life’s most meaningful moments. We’ll explore the Association’s role in advocacy, continuing education, and community within the funeral profession.

Whether you’re in the industry or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode sheds light on the people working to uplift and protect the dignity of funeral service in West Virginia.

What were Oscar Wilde’s last words? Something about the wallpaper.

What will yours be? Hopefully not:‘Wait... is that supposed to be smoking?’

On this Episode of Matters of Life and Death, we’re talking last words, awkward exits, and how to leave life—or a party—with style.

It’s heartfelt. It’s hilarious. And you’ll definitely want to stick around to the very end. You know… just in case.

Janna and Jared catch up in Episode 1 of Season 3. It's all about themes.Themes help us make sense of the story we’re living. They help us remember and be remembered. Whether it’s a melody that echoes through the years, or a thread of love that runs through generations, your life has a theme… and it’s worth noticing.

Jared and Janna reflect on a wide variety of topics, including the 2024 election, local drought conditions, the 23rd anniversary of September 11, apple butter, and the importance of "being where your feet are."

Janna and Jared get candid about their summer and look forward to Labor Day. They discuss back-to-school, pumpkin spice, The Nutcracker, and education. We celebrate the laborers who run the country and those who support them. Happy Labor Day!

A perfect follow-up to "Wait Are You Waiting For?" this episode discusses what NOT to wait for. Jared and Janna share a clip from a viral pep talk by coach Kara Lawson where she encourages her team, and now millions of listeners, "Don't wait for easy. It doesn't get easier; you just become someone who handles hard stuff better."

We spend so much time waiting...waiting for the weekend, waiting for vacation...waiting to make the just the right strategic move...the list goes on and on. Jared and Janna pose the question, "What is it that you are truly waiting for?" while sharing their own perspectives about taking chances, procrastination, fear of failure, and more.

Jared and Janna share a brief, informal catch-up about what has taken place since their last episode. They casually converse about the summer of life skills and adopting the phrase, "Well, it's not good, but it's better than it was" in relation to a home improvement project and the podcast of summer 2023 vs summer 2024.