Sarah talks with multidisciplinary artist Alixa Garcia about Alixa's transformative experiences with art, her powerful personal stories of loss, and her impassioned work in social and climate justice.  Alixa reflects on the role of imagination during times of collapse and the importance of creativity, awareness, and community in fostering resilience and healing. The episode includes an intricate exploration of grief as a ceremony and the potential for art to help heal even in the darkest places.

Steven Tomlinson, Episcopal priest, playwright, and former economist, shares his personal journey through grief and healing after the sudden loss of his partner, David. Tomlinson reflects on how community, faith, and the process of writing his play Curb Appeal helped him navigate the complexities of loss. 

With wisdom drawn from his unique career in theology, theater, and business, Steven explores the raw realities of grief, the role of love in healing, and how faith has shaped his understanding of death and resurrection. His story offers deep insights into the power of presence, the mystery of life after death, and finding peace amidst the uncertainties of loss.

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

In this episode of Peaceful Exit, host Sarah Cavanaugh interviews Gabi Lowe, author of Get Me to 21: The Jenna Lowe Story. Gabi shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience. Following the devastating diagnosis and eventual loss of her daughter Jenna to a rare lung condition, Gabi discusses how writing her book became both a mission to save lives and a profound act of healing. From battling South Africa’s healthcare system to becoming an advocate for pulmonary hypertension and organ donation, Gabi’s story is one of courage, strength, and the enduring impact of love. She also opens up about her husband’s current battle with cancer and reflects on the meaning of authentic resilience, offering listeners insight into coping with unimaginable challenges.

Find more of Gabi’s work at:: https://thecoachingnest.co.za/about-gabi/

The Jenna Lowe Trust : www.jennalowe.org

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

Michelle Hord, author of 'The Other Side of Yet,’ recounts the devastating loss of her daughter, Gabrielle, who was murdered by her ex-husband. The conversation delves into how Michelle navigated her grief and transformed it into action, hope, and resilience. She reflects on her faith, the support of her community, and how starting the nonprofit Gabrielle's Wings has helped pain into action. Michelle also discusses the personal impact of other significant losses in her life and the importance of allowing oneself to feel joy again.

Find Michelle’s book at: https://michelledhord.com/the-other-side-of-yet

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

In this episode, we talk with Luke Lorentzen and Mati Engel about their intimate documentary, 'A Still, Small Voice'.  The film features Mati as a hospital chaplain during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of chaplaincy, the challenges of burnout, and the importance of human connection in end-of-life care. Luke and Mati explore themes of witnessing, trauma, and the struggle to maintain presence and empathy during a healthcare disaster.

Find a Still Small Voice: https://lukelorentzen.com/A-Still-Small-Voice

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

In this episode of Peaceful Exit, host Sarah Cavanaugh interviews Carole Fisher, who shares her deeply personal journey through experiences of grief, denial, and the healing power of community in the hit podcast The Girlfriends. 

Carole discusses how she and her friends processed the trauma of uncovering that her ex, Bob, was guilty of murder, and how denying harsh realities served as a temporary protective mechanism. Carole's story is one of strength and resilience, as she embraces her past, from dating a murderer to overcoming the stigma of her husband's suicide. She also shares her work with the organization No More, and in hospice care innovation.

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

In this episode of Peaceful Exit, host Sarah Cavanaugh interviews an anthropologist who immersed herself in the world of assisted dying in Oregon, Anita Hannig. Anita shares the methodology of participant observation, the emotional dynamics of end-of-life experiences, and the distinction between assisted dying and suicide. Her extensive research and personal reflections, highlight the differences in cultural practices and legal frameworks regarding euthanasia and assisted dying around the world. They also touch upon the death positive movement and the importance of discussing mortality openly.

You can find Anita’s book, “The Day I Die” on her website: https://anitahannig.com. You can also find her on twitter @anitahannig.

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

Brittani Ard, from the podcast "You Probably Think This Story's About You", shares her raw, unfiltered story of navigating loss and a manipulative relationship, revealing how personal tragedy became the catalyst for her opening up  and mission to help other women. She offers a unique perspective on healing, discussing the unexpected empathy she developed for her ex-partner Kanan and what it taught her about recovery. Brittani provides an honest take on therapy, detailing what worked, what didn't, and how it shaped her journey. She explores the surprising role of laughter in dealing with grief and pain, and explains how she learned to use vulnerability as a superpower, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.

You can listen to “You Probably Think This Story’s About You” wherever you get your podcasts. And follow Brittani on social media @brittani.ard.

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

Kumi Naidoo is a prominent global activist. He is the former Secretary General of Amnesty International and Executive Director of Greenpeace. Kumi shares his life story from growing up in Apartheid South Africa to becoming a global activist for social and environmental justice. He talks about how personal tragedies, especially his mother's death by suicide when he was 15, and his son's death by suicide a few years ago, have shaped his life's purpose. 

Kumi reflects on his experiences as a student activist expelled from school, his time at Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar, and his return to South Africa after Nelson Mandela's release. He emphasizes the importance of "artivism" - using arts and culture to inspire change - and shares his thoughts on climate activism and giving hope to young people.

Kumi’s book is available for purchase: https://jacana.co.za/product/letters-to-my-mother/. You can follow him on social media @kuminaidoo. To learn more about his artivism work:

https://www.instagram.com/artivismcon/

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.

Alua Arthur is an entrepreneur, death doula, and New York Times bestselling author, who recently published her book, 'Briefly Perfectly Human.' Alua shares her life story from fleeing Ghana as a child to finding her calling after an unexpected conversation on a bus. In this episode, Alua discusses the transformative nature of starting conversations about mortality, the universal wisdom found in the process of dying, and the need for cultural and racial awareness in end-of-life care.

Alua also talks about the importance of setting boundaries, the many emotions of grief, and the importance of humor and compassion in dealing with loss. 

Alua’s book, “Briefly Perfectly Human”  is available for purchase: https://www.aluaarthur.com/.  You can learn more about her work by following her on social media @alualoveslife. 

This podcast is produced by Larj Media.