Key Workds: grief, child loss, healing, support, community, acceptance, love, mental health, parenting, resilience

In this episode of Over My Dead Podcast, hosts Erin Cox and Kelly Karavousanos engage in a heartfelt conversation with Carrie Schmitt, who shares her profound journey of grief following the loss of her son, Jackson. The discussion delves into the complexities of child loss, the importance of community support, and the ways in which Carrie has found joy amidst her pain. Through her story, Carrie emphasizes the significance of language in discussing death, the challenges of navigating grief, and the legacy of hope she aims to create through her foundation, Love Like Jackson.takeaways

• Grief is a complex and individual journey.
• Finding joy amidst grief is possible and important.
• Community support plays a crucial role in healing.
• Language matters when discussing death and loss.
• It's okay to not know what to say or do.
• Acceptance does not mean being okay with the loss.
• Coping mechanisms can vary and evolve over time.
• The first year of grief is often the hardest.
• Creating a legacy can help honor lost loved ones.
• It's essential to allow oneself to feel and express emotions.

keywords grief, loss, traumatic grief, anticipatory grief, pet loss, illness, connection, self-compassion, humor in grief, types of grief takeaways

• Grief can be layered and complex, especially with traumatic events.
• Anticipatory grief occurs when we know a loss is coming.
• Loss can come in many forms, not just death.
• Connections with friends and family are crucial during times of grief.
• It's okay to feel relief in certain losses, even if they are painful.
• Disenfranchised grief is often overlooked by society.
• Pets are family, and their loss can be deeply felt.
• Humor can be a healthy way to cope with grief.
• Open communication about grief is important for healing.
• Self-compassion is essential when dealing with loss.

In this episode, Erin and Kelly explore the multifaceted nature of grief and loss, discussing various types of grief, including traumatic and anticipatory grief. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the complexities of loss, whether it be through the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, or significant life changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of connection, self-compassion, and even humor in the grieving process, while also acknowledging the unique challenges that come with different types of loss.

Summary:

In this episode, Erin and Kelly discuss the impact of heat on death and the various choices people make regarding their bodies after death. They explore cultural perspectives on burial and cremation, share interesting facts about celebrity bodies, and delve into innovative burial practices. The conversation also touches on the emotional connections people have with their deceased loved ones and the complexities of grieving without a body. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of respecting individual preferences in death and the diverse ways people choose to honor their loved ones.

Takeaways:

Heat can affect the decomposition of bodies.

Cremation and burial are personal choices influenced by individual preferences.

Cultural practices around death vary widely across the globe.

Celebrity bodies often have unique and interesting final resting places.

Innovative burial practices, like mushroom suits, are gaining popularity.

The science of decomposition is studied in body farms to understand the process better.

Emotional connections to the body can impact the grieving process.

Grieving without a body can complicate the acceptance of loss.

Respecting individual wishes in death is crucial for families.

Diverse perspectives on death should be embraced and understood.

Keywords:

death, cremation, burial, grieving, body disposal, cultural practices, decomposition, personal preferences, celebrity bodies, innovative burials

Summary:

In this episode, Erin and Kelly explore the concept of 'lasts' in life, discussing the significance of last words, meals, and moments. They delve into the humor found in last words, the importance of communication, and the regrets people often have when reflecting on their lives. The conversation also touches on bucket lists, creative ways to say goodbye, and the impact of living with an awareness of mortality. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of making meaningful connections and leaving a positive legacy.

Takeaways:

• We often don't realize when we experience our last moments with loved ones.
• Lasts can be both humorous and profound, reflecting the complexity of life.
• Living with an awareness of mortality can lead to more meaningful interactions.
• Communication is key; expressing feelings can prevent regrets later on.
• Many people regret not spending enough time with loved ones before it's too late.
• Bucket lists can empower individuals to live fully, but they can also shift in meaning over time.
• Last meals can evoke memories and connections to loved ones.
• Creative farewells can celebrate life in unique ways, making lasting memories.
• It's okay to feel relief after a difficult relationship ends with death.
• Leaving the world better than you found it is a valuable life lesson.
• 
  

Keywords:

last words, grief, life lessons, communication, regrets, bucket list, last meals, creative funerals, living in the moment, awareness of death

Summary:

In this episode, Erin and Kelly discuss the complexities of grief and the importance of supporting those who are grieving. They share personal stories and insights on how to navigate conversations around grief, the role of supporters, and the significance of being present and listening. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and the dangers of forced positivity and comparison in grief. They highlight the importance of showing up for those in pain and the unique experiences of grief that individuals face.

Takeaways:

• Everyone reacts differently to grief and loss.
• Supporters often struggle to know how to help.
• It's important to acknowledge the feelings of the grieving.
• Sharing stories about the deceased can be comforting.
• Showing up for someone in grief is crucial.
• Grief is a complex and individual process.
• Forced positivity can be harmful to those grieving.
• Listening without judgment is essential.
• Comparing grief experiences can diminish individual pain.
• Trusting that people know what they need is important.

Keywords:

grief, support, cancer, empathy, communication, loss, healing, mindfulness, relationships, understanding

Summary:

In this episode, Erin and Kelly explore the multifaceted nature of grief, discussing its various forms beyond death, the importance of ceremonies, and the cultural shifts in how we mourn. They emphasize the need for connection, self-care, and acceptance during the grieving process, while also addressing the complexities of emotions that arise. The conversation highlights the significance of recognizing disenfranchised grief and the importance of finding balance in how we navigate our feelings of loss.

Takeaways

• Grief can stem from various types of loss, not just death.
• Ceremonies and funerals play a crucial role in the grieving process.
• Cultural shifts have changed how we view and conduct mourning.
• Connection with others is vital during grief.
• Self-care is essential, even in times of grief.
• Acceptance of feelings is a key part of healing.
• Disenfranchised grief is often overlooked but is still valid.
• Finding balance in grief is important for emotional health.
• Crying is a natural and strong response to grief.
• You will survive your grief, even if it feels overwhelming.




keywords:

grief, mourning, loss, funerals, self-care, acceptance, connection, emotional health, healing, support

Summary:

In this episode, Erin and Kelly share their experiences and insights on cultural etiquette, particularly in relation to funerals. They discuss their recent trip to Italy, the lessons learned about social customs, and how these experiences relate to the importance of understanding funeral etiquette. The conversation explores the significance of funerals for the living, creative alternatives to traditional services, and the importance of showing up to support those grieving. They also touch on the humor that can be found in grief and the importance of being present for loved ones during difficult times.

Takeaways:

• Cultural etiquette varies greatly and can lead to misunderstandings.
• Funerals serve as a way to honor the deceased and support the living.
• It's important to show up for funerals, even if you didn't know the deceased well.
• Creative alternatives to traditional funerals can be meaningful and personal.
• Funeral etiquette includes dressing appropriately and being respectful during the service.
• Children should be included in the grieving process but monitored during the service.
• People often judge others at funerals, but it's important to focus on supporting the grieving.
• Humor can be a healthy part of the grieving process.
• Planning a funeral can be a rushed process, leading to potential mishaps.
• Being present for someone in grief is more important than finding the right words.

Keywords:

funeral etiquette, cultural lessons, grief support, personal stories, humor in grief, funeral planning, attending funerals, creative memorials, understanding loss, navigating grief

In this episode of Over My Dead Podcast, Erin Cox and Kelly Karavousanos engage in a heartfelt conversation about death, dying, and the importance of hospice care. They share personal experiences, discuss the emotional journey of losing loved ones, and emphasize the need for proactive planning and open conversations about end-of-life care. Bobbie Semkin, a hospice nurse, provides insights into the services offered by hospice, the process of dying, and the significance of symptom control and emotional support. The discussion highlights the fears surrounding death, the importance of patient advocacy, and the comfort that can be found in understanding the dying process.

Takeaways:

• Planning for death involves both big and small details.
• Hospice care is not just for the last days of life.
• Education about hospice can alleviate fears surrounding death.
• Patients can 'graduate' off hospice care if their condition improves.
• Palliative care can provide symptom relief before hospice is needed.
• The emotional journey of dying is unique for each individual.
• Families should advocate for their loved ones' end-of-life care.
• It's important to have open conversations about death and dying.
• The process of dying can involve unexpected bursts of energy.
• There is comfort in the belief of an afterlife or transition.

Keywords: hospice, end of life, death, palliative care, grief, planning, personal stories, healthcare, patient advocacy, emotional support

Keywords:

grief, death, unanswered questions, suicide, relationships, autopsy, privacy, emotions, legacy

Summary:

In this conversation, Erin Cox and Kelly Karavousanos explore the complexities of grief, particularly in the context of unexpected deaths and the ethical dilemmas surrounding posthumous discoveries. They discuss the impact of unanswered questions, the stigma of suicide, and the duality of emotions experienced during the grieving process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, the right to privacy after death, and the ongoing journey of grief as a part of personal growth.

Takeaways:

Unanswered questions can complicate the grieving process.

Digging into a deceased person's life can lead to unexpected truths.

Grief can be complicated by the nature of the relationship with the deceased.

Autopsies may not always provide the closure we seek.

Morbid curiosity often drives our desire to know how others died.

The stigma surrounding suicide affects how families grieve.

Grieving someone with a troubled past can evoke mixed emotions.

Relief can coexist with sadness in the grieving process.

Communication about feelings and experiences is crucial in grief.

Keywords: myths, funeral homes, death, embalming, autopsy, grief, funeral planning, misconceptions, education, life celebration

Summary: This conversation explores common myths surrounding death and funeral practices, the journey of a body after death, the role of funeral directors, and the importance of having open conversations about death. Colby, a funeral director, shares insights into the embalming process, the significance of funerals, and how families can navigate their grief. The discussion emphasizes the need for education and understanding in dealing with death, as well as the importance of celebrating life in a way that honors the deceased.

Takeaways

• There are many myths about what happens after death.
• Education about the funeral process can alleviate fear.
• Families often find comfort in participating in the care of their loved ones after death.
• Embalming is a process that helps preserve the body for viewing.
• Funeral directors play a crucial role in guiding families through grief.
• Conversations about death should happen before a loss occurs.
• Funerals can be personalized to reflect the deceased's life and values.
• It's important to address family dynamics when making funeral arrangements.
• The grieving process can be supported by understanding what happens after death.
• Celebrating life can occur in many forms, regardless of religious beliefs.