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In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jill McClennen discusses the complex emotions of gratitude and grief that many people experience during the holidays. Early in the morning, Jill felt a mix of thankfulness and sadness and realized that she was not alone in these feelings. Holidays often amplify what we're already feeling, creating a paradox of joy and sorrow, especially when dealing with the loss of loved ones, relationship issues, or even societal pressures. 

Jill emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief instead of suppressing it. She recounts her personal experiences, including the loss of her grandmother and the challenges of maintaining holiday cheer amidst grief. Jill advises on setting boundaries, creating new rituals, and finding personal ways to cope, such as art and movement. 

She reminds listeners that it's okay to feel both gratitude and grief, and encourages them to reach out for support and to honor their complex feelings during the holiday season.

00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections

00:50 Navigating Complex Emotions During Holidays

01:44 Societal Pressures and Isolation

02:24 Grief and Loss in Relationships

03:22 Anticipatory Grief and Global Concerns

04:16 Historical Context of Thanksgiving

05:43 Environmental Grief and Hope for the Future

06:49 The Empowered Grief Journey

08:29 Creating New Rituals and Setting Boundaries

13:37 Art as a Coping Mechanism

16:53 Final Thoughts and Support

18:09 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, Jill McClennen sits down with Tolley Casparis, a death doula from Southern California, to explore the realities of supporting people at the end of life. They discuss the emotional challenges of caregiving, the importance of community, and how conscious preparation can create healing for both the dying and their loved ones. This conversation offers insight into the compassionate, yet often misunderstood, work of death doulas.

Tolley shares what it truly means to guide someone through their final days, addressing emotions that often go unnamed, such as anger, fear, and frustration. She emphasizes the power of holding space consistently and quietly, and how these small acts can profoundly impact both the person dying and their families. The discussion also covers the accessibility of quality end-of-life care, navigating medical aid in dying, and the delicate balance between volunteer and paid work in the field.

They explore the challenges around certification, the influence of social media on death doula work, and why ongoing learning and genuine community are essential for anyone supporting the dying. This episode provides an honest, grounded look at death doula work, conscious living, and supporting others with compassion and clarity.

https://deathprofesh.com/

Insta @tolleycasparis and @yourdeathprofessional

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:10 Welcome to Seeing Death

00:35 Guest Introduction: Tolley Casparis

01:01 The Realities of Death Doula Work

01:12 Challenges and Certifications

01:47 Personal Background of Tali Caspar

03:19 Balancing Paid and Volunteer Work

03:21 End of Life Care Plans

03:43 Dealing with Difficult Conversations

07:44 The Concept of a Good Death

17:47 Art and Grief

21:13 Certification Debate

24:19 The Challenge of Gaining Experience as a Death Doula

26:09 Heart-Centered Qualifications and Volunteering

26:56 The Debate on Charging for Services

29:08 Certification and Training Controversies

32:57 Marketing and Personal Branding

39:59 Navigating Client Relationships and Boundaries

44:46 Building Community and Setting Industry Standards

45:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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Jonathan Foster joins the conversation to share the story behind Indigo, his book about the life and death of his daughter, Quincy. This episode explores how a parent’s grief can reshape faith, deepen compassion, and reveal new ways to heal and live consciously. It offers an honest look at love, loss, and the courage it takes to rebuild meaning after tragedy.

He explains how losing her forced him to rethink long-held beliefs about God, certainty, and what it means to love without conditions. Jonathan describes how this heartbreak challenged his theology but also opened space for a more expansive, healing understanding of love that is not limited by religious rules. He shares how nature, community, and honest conversations about death and dying helped him stay connected to his daughter’s legacy while learning to live with deep sorrow. Together, they reflect on the “sin of certainty,” the power of curiosity, and the importance of end-of-life awareness in shaping a more compassionate world.

Jonathan’s background spans decades of ministry, writing, and advocacy. He is a father of three, a former church planter, and a partner of one, with a doctorate in theology from Northwind Seminary. His work, including his leadership with lovehaiti.org and the co-founding of OpenTable.network, centers on love-driven community, inclusion, and human connection. His book Indigo: The Color of Grief has been praised by progressive Christian thinkers for its honest exploration of death, mourning, and healing. This conversation offers comfort, clarity, and a reminder that even in loss, beauty and meaning can still be found.

jonathanfosteronline.com 

00:00 Introduction: Exploring Life and Death

00:16 Meet the Host: Jill McClennan

00:41 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Foster

01:34 A Mother's Grief and Appreciation

03:03 The Meaning Behind 'Indigo'

05:06 Faith, Loss, and Transformation

09:57 Navigating Grief and Relationships

17:11 The Divine and Gender Perspectives

20:33 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

22:51 Questioning Good and Bad

24:17 The Absurdity of Defining Good and Bad

26:39 Leaving Religion and Asking Questions

30:48 The Sin of Certainty

34:34 Understanding Sin and Love

37:15 Unconditional Love and Compassion

41:40 The Complexity of Love and Forgiveness

43:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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In this episode, our guest is Princella Seymour, a social worker with decades of experience in geriatrics and dementia care. Princella shares how she was called into elder care work, why early planning is essential, and what families often struggle with when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. 

Together, they explore the emotional, financial, and logistical realities of caregiving, along with the federal and state resources that many people don’t know are available. Princella highlights the importance of honest conversations, clear planning, and making decisions before a crisis hits so families can focus on connection rather than chaos.

 Her new book, Everything You Need to Know About Me, inspired by the countless families she’s supported through painful, confusing decisions, is now available on Amazon.

As CEO of Complete Elder Solutions, she has guided thousands of families through the complexities of aging. 

00:00 Introduction to Seeing Death Clearly

00:43 Meet Prince Seymour: A Journey in Geriatric Social Work

02:07 Navigating Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

06:12 The Role of a Care Coach

08:01 Financial and Legal Planning for Elder Care

16:17 The Importance of Pre-Planning

19:21 Encouraging Conversations About End-of-Life Care

24:05 Navigating Family Conversations About End-of-Life Planning

24:51 The Importance of Written Wishes

25:17 Family Dynamics and Funeral Experiences

25:46 The Challenges of Caregiving

26:10 Making Tough Decisions in Crisis Situations

27:29 The Cost of Care and Financial Strain

28:13 Balancing Caregiving with Personal Responsibilities

29:33 Support Programs for Caregivers

31:18 The Value of Professional Guidance

40:35 Revisiting End-of-Life Plans Over Time

43:15 Conclusion and Resources

URL https://www.completeeldersolutions.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/complete-elder-solutions/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CompleteElderSolutions#

Instagram

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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In this episodeI talk with Kimberley Mead, a grief therapist who transitioned from a career in the arts at age 40. Kimberley  shares her journey into grief therapy and the development of her game, Morbid Curiosity, which has sparked transformative conversations about death. She discusses the importance of storytelling in grief therapy and how her game fosters deeper connections and meaningful conversations about mortality. 

The episode also highlights the profound impact of discussing death on personal relationships and societal attitudes towards grief. Jill and Kimberley  delve into the nuances of grief, the power of storytelling, and how addressing these themes can enrich our lives. 

The episode promises an insightful conversation that navigates grief with compassion and curiosity, encouraging listeners to explore conscious living and end-of-life planning. Tune in for a heartwarming and thought-provoking discussion about death, dying, and the legacy we leave behind.

00:00 Introduction to Seeing Death

00:36 Meet Kimberley Mead: From Arts to Grief Therapy

01:42 The Power of Storytelling in Grief Therapy

02:54 Personal Journeys and Career Changes

04:01 The Game of Morbid Curiosity

06:17 Understanding Grief and Pain

09:58 The Role of Pain in Healing

12:12 Engaging Conversations Through the Game

14:54 Creating Meaningful Connections

16:33 How the Game Works

24:08 Exploring Historical Perspectives on Privacy

24:56 Deep Conversations and Meaningful Connections

26:11 Embracing Death Positivity

27:47 Navigating Personal Loss and Memories

29:46 The Importance of Deep Friendships

31:09 Creating and Sharing the Morbid Curiosity Game

39:35 The Role of a Grief Therapist

41:48 Where to Find the Game and Workshops

44:13 Supporting the Podcast

https://www.morbidcuriositygame.com

https://www.facebook.com/morbidcuriositygame

https://www.instagram.com/morbidcuriositygame/

https://kmeadcounseling.com/

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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In this episode of the podcast 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen talks to Jo Beth Polly about her experiences with infertility and the death of her husband from brain cancer. Jo Beth shares how these profound losses shaped her life and career in helping others navigate grief. 

They discuss the isolating nature of grief, the importance of genuine support, and how such intense experiences can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. Jo Beth emphasizes that while grief is incredibly challenging, there is always potential for joy and purpose to emerge from it. 

The conversation also touches on the importance of presence over busyness, particularly in parenting, and how society often misguides us. Together, they explore the idea that by acknowledging and working through grief, individuals can find a renewed sense of connection and purpose.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Perspective on Grief

01:30 Guest Introduction and Infertility Journey

02:33 Navigating Grief and Isolation

07:07 Therapy and Coping Mechanisms

10:09 Spirituality and Physical Impact of Grief

15:55 Living with Purpose and Presence

21:15 Reflecting on Life's Priorities

25:33 Discussing the Pressure of Youth Sports

26:51 Reflecting on the Impact of Over-Scheduling

28:36 COVID-19: A Forced Pause and Its Lessons

33:33 The Value of Happiness Over Achievement

38:49 Grief and Joy: Co-Authoring a Book

42:40 The Importance of Seeking Help

45:24 Closing Remarks and Support

https://nwagriefspecialists.com/

https://www.facebook.com/nwagriefspecialists

Episode with Chris Mamone our coauthor https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/episodes/16878010

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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In this podcast episode, Janet Turkula and Ryan Olivera, the founders of Give Willow, a platform designed to support families during funeral planning by allowing the community to contribute financially. Janet shares her personal story of losing her father at 21 and the struggle her family faced with unexpected funeral expenses, which inspired her to create Give Willow. 

The platform works like a wedding registry, enabling families to list specific items needed for a funeral, making it easier for friends and family to offer meaningful support. Ryan, who specializes in tech startups, discusses his initial discomfort with the topic of death but explains how working with Janet and understanding her vision changed his perspective. 

They both aim to change societal attitudes towards death, making it a more open and community-supported process. The platform also provides resources to help with the often-overwhelming administrative tasks following a death. The episode emphasizes the importance of planning for end-of-life and reducing the stigma around discussing death.

• Janet's Personal Story and Inspiration
• The Birth of Give Willow
• Ryan's Journey and Partnership
• How Give Willow Works
• Future Goals and Vision
• The Cost of Dying and Unclaimed Bodies
• Personal Reflections on Death and Grief
• The Importance of Planning for Death
• Conversations with Children About Death
• Encouraging End-of-Life Planning
• Creating a Platform for End-of-Life Planning
• Changing the Stigma Around Death
• Celebration of Life vs. Traditional Funerals

 [email protected] 

[email protected] 

Website: https://givewillow.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givewillow/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@givewillow

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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Funeral director and celebrant Allyse Worland shares how her lifelong passion for funeral service began with a personal tragedy and grew into a calling to help others through death, grief, and healing. With sixteen years of experience, she offers a unique look at what it means to care for both the living and the dead—bringing compassion, artistry, and education to end-of-life care. Her story sheds light on how funeral professionals are embracing change, from eco-friendly green burials to more meaningful, personalized celebrations of life.

Allyse has worked in funeral service since she was fifteen, growing up in a small town in Indiana where community and ritual shaped her values. Today, she is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, restorative artist, and educator who trains others in ethics, compliance, and compassion. She also serves as a funeral celebrant, helping families create personalized ceremonies that honor their loved ones without relying solely on traditional religion.

Her interest in restorative art began when, at nine years old, she saw a family member who had died by suicide and felt deep sadness at how unnatural he looked. That moment inspired her to learn the science and art of restoration, helping families remember their loved ones with dignity.

Allyse also advocates for green burial options and helps families explore “shades of green”—from natural cemeteries and biodegradable caskets to eco-friendly embalming fluids approved by the Green Burial Council. She believes education empowers families to make conscious, sustainable choices about death care.

As a mentor, Allyse encourages new funeral professionals to adapt to changing values around death, dying, and legacy. She teaches that understanding grief, reducing stigma around death by suicide, and celebrating life are essential to modern death care.

After years of nonstop dedication, Allyse now embraces self-care and balance, recognizing that caring for others begins with caring for herself. Her story reflects a powerful truth at the heart of death work: by facing death with love, we learn how to live more consciously.

https://www.rememberingalife.com NFDA's Remembering A Life Website

Have License Will Travel | Continuing Education 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyse-worland-cfsp-818109326/

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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Funerals in the United States have become unaffordable for many families, often forcing them into debt, fundraising, or unwanted cremations. This episode features Cheri Wallace, who shares a powerful grassroots solution: cemetery societies. By returning to community-based traditions of shared land and collective care, she believes people can reclaim death care in a way that is affordable, sustainable, and rooted in dignity. The conversation highlights how death doulas, grief awareness, and green burial practices are reshaping how we plan for the end of life.

Cheri explains how personal loss and her sister’s struggles inspired her mission. After seeing her sister forced to turn to GoFundMe for burial expenses, Cheri began searching for a solution. Through prayer and research, she realized that communities once managed death care by pooling small contributions to purchase land and create burial grounds. Today, she is reviving this model through nonprofit cemetery societies. These groups form boards, adopt bylaws, and provide affordable burial options without the financial burden of traditional funeral homes.

Her work emphasizes conscious living and dying, as well as legacy planning. Each member can join with as little as $100, ensuring that no one is excluded from having a burial. The societies also embrace ecological responsibility by avoiding embalming, concrete vaults, and costly caskets. Families may choose self-directed funerals or bring in professionals, giving them freedom and flexibility.

Education plays a key role in Cheri’s vision. With support from the Green Burial Council and guidance from death doulas, societies learn how to operate responsibly and sustainably. Grants and petitions are helping expand the effort nationwide, to create 100 cemetery societies in 100 counties led by trained doulas.

This vision challenges the current funeral industry, which often prioritizes profit over people. By encouraging community, creativity, and healing, Cheri offers a way to honor loved ones while reducing financial strain. Instead of debt and stress, families can invest in meaningful memorials, gardens, or community spaces. It is a return to simple, compassionate death care that empowers individuals to reclaim their right to die with dignity.

https://letsbetrees.org

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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In this special episode of Seeing Death Clearly, Jill reflects on three years of deep conversations about death, dying, grief, and living fully. As the podcast enters its fourth year, Jill shares what she’s learned from her incredible guests — from Holocaust survivors to hospice workers, death doulas, authors, and more.

She talks about how the podcast has evolved, the lessons it’s taught her, and the moments that have touched her deeply. Jill shares stories that moved her, guests who changed her perspective, and the surprising ways this work has impacted her life.

This episode is a heartfelt thank-you to listeners and guests, and an invitation to be part of the journey ahead. Jill also shares ways you can support the podcast and invites you to connect, share ideas, and even suggest guests you’d love to hear again.

Whether you’ve been with the podcast since the beginning or are just discovering it now, this episode is a celebration of connection, curiosity, and courage.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: End of Life Clarity

Join the End of Life Clarity Circle Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16utkrMass/

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

[email protected]

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Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle
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