Seeing Death Clearly

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In this episode, George Ackerman, also known as “Sharon's son George”, shares his deeply personal journey of caring for his mother, who battled Parkinson's disease.

He lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson's Disease. To honor his mother and continue helping in the Parkinson's awareness cause, George started TogetherForSharon® as a family initiative to keep Sharon Riff Ackerman's memory alive and to spread the message of Parkinson's Awareness and hope for a cure. Today, https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands across the country for PD Awareness. 

George discussed the importance of early diagnosis, noting the Michael J. Fox Foundation's progress in identifying a biomarker for Parkinson's. He hopes this research will lead to a simple blood test for early detection, which could significantly impact treatment and quality of life.

The conversation also touched on the emotional toll of caregiving and advocacy. George shared how his mother's hallucinations and delusions added to the difficulty of her care, ultimately leading to heartbreaking moments. Despite the challenges, he continues to fight in her memory, advocating for better support and awareness for those affected by Parkinson's.

He highlighted the importance of self-care for caregivers, acknowledging his own struggles with balancing advocacy and personal well-being. George's story underscores the necessity of community support and the power of collective voices in the fight against Parkinson's.


George remains dedicated to his mission, driven by his mother's memory and the desire to prevent others from feeling alone in their journey. His advocacy extends to supporting the National Plan to End Parkinson's Disease, urging listeners to reach out to their senators for support.

George is on a mission, and nothing will stop him until there is a cure. Join him and share in the mission toward a cure at https://www.togetherforsharon.com

Author of "A Son’s Journey from Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver to Advocate." To order your copy, click https://a.co/d/aWk7A3K. Available in Kindle/eBook and Hardcover at https://www.togetherforsharon.com/my-book/.

Social media links are available at https://linktr.ee/togetherforsharon.

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Dr. Marie Gasper Hulvat, hailing from Canton, Ohio, originally grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a human design specialist, an intuitive EFT practitioner, and a trained Reiki master teacher in the Tibetan Usui tradition. Her journey began with Reiki, where during her Reiki One training, she encountered disembodied souls for the first time, an intense and sometimes painful experience.

Throughout her practice, Dr. Hulvat has encountered various souls, from children afraid of going to hell to a school shooter worried about the children he harmed. Her approach involves acknowledging their existence, expressing universal love, and helping them realize their fundamental essence as love. This realization often facilitates their transition into the light.

Dr. Hulvat's experiences have transformed her attitude toward death. Once terrified, she now sees death as a natural and peaceful transition, akin to life continuing in a different form. Her work has clarified her understanding of concepts like hell and purgatory, viewing them as states of being stuck rather than places of eternal torment.

She recommends reading "Under the Whispering Door" by T.J. Klune, a story about a man who helps souls transition, which closely mirrors her own experiences. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53205888-under-the-whispering-door

In conclusion, Dr. Hulvat's journey with Reiki and tapping has profoundly shaped her understanding of life, death, and the energetic connections between them. Her compassionate and intuitive approach continues to help many souls find peace and transition smoothly into the light.

https://www.soulstarattunement.com 

Intuitive EFT Group Coaching:

https://zzdflzz.xperiencify.io/intuitive-eft/order/

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Sean Lynch has been writing his whole life. His first poetry book was published over a decade ago in 2013; since then, he's released four more. His latest book, “Halo Nest: poems on grief” is a deeply personal collection about grief, began nearly seven years ago after his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. Sean's mother battled the disease for about a year before passing away at 59. 

The new poetry book is intimately tied to places, Sean often visited his mother at Our Lady of Lourdes, the grief he felt during these times heightened his awareness of his surroundings, connecting him deeply to the spaces he frequented.

His mother passed away quickly, despite initial expectations. Sean vividly remembers being at his parents' place in Wildwood when she was brought home for hospice care. The emotional experience of seeing his family gather and the strange coincidences of numbers around her death stuck with him, influencing his poetry.

Writing this book was a cathartic process for Sean. Initially, he didn't intend to write about his mother's illness, but being a prolific writer at the time, he naturally recorded his experiences. One poignant poem, "The Day After," captures his raw emotions following his mother's death.

Sean's journey through grief was supported by antidepressants for several years, though he found the grieving process different when he stopped taking them. He talks about the balance of maintaining one's life amidst grief and the desensitization to death in public spaces.

Sean has had book readings throughout the Philadelphia region and has one coming up at the Pen and Pencil Club in Philadelphia on July 14th. His book, “Halo Nest: poems on grief” is available on Amazon and you can find it at the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Nest-poems-Sean-Lynch/dp/B0D1NXJT8L

https://linktr.ee/seanlynchpoet

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

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Shelby Forsythia helps grieving people move through the pain and overwhelm of loss to experience peace, purpose, and joy again. She believes everyone deserves a good life, even if it’s not the one they thought they’d be living. Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions.

After her mother’s death in 2013, Shelby became a “student of grief” and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. She never planned to become a grief coach, author, or speaker on grief. Like many who enter this line of work, she was profoundly changed by loss. Growing up in North Carolina, her childhood was idyllic—soccer, piano lessons, theater. Her parents stayed together, and she faced no major losses until her father lost his stable job, marking the beginning of what she calls the "four years of hell." This period included her father's brain aneurysms and surgery, her coming out as queer, and ultimately, her mother's death.

The cumulative losses were overwhelming, not just her mother's death but a loss of faith, home, and family structure. Her grief was multi-layered, a common experience shared by many she works with. Initially motivated and excited about life, she became uncertain if life could ever be good again. Almost ten years later, she finds herself in a space where life does feel good again, which sometimes feels like a miracle.

Being queer has taught her resilience and creativity, valuable in grief. Coming out prepared her to seek alternative support systems and healing methods. The intersection of queerness and grief brings a unique perspective, allowing her to reimagine life in more colorful, softer, and fluid ways. This adaptability is a blessing, offering new possibilities in loss.

Her podcast, Dear Grief Guide, is a gateway for listeners to connect with her work. It stands as a testament to her journey and the wisdom she’s gained, helping others navigate their grief with compassion and creativity.

https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Acccess Shelby's Free Workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward

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

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

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Dr. Jeffrey Sankoff, originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada moved to Denver over two decades ago, where he has been practicing as an emergency physician while raising their children. Outside of medicine, Dr. Sankoff is an avid triathlete and triathlon coach, hosting a podcast on the sport.

He shares how early-career doctors often grapple with feelings of failure when a patient dies, a process complicated by the litigious nature of the medical environment. Laws allowing physicians to apologize without admitting liability have improved communication with families, making difficult conversations slightly more manageable.

In discussing these conversations, Dr. Sankoff emphasizes the importance of being direct and compassionate. He strives to provide clarity and support to families during their most challenging moments, ensuring they leave without unanswered questions. The emotional toll of his work, especially when it involves children or unexpected violent deaths, is significant. He finds solace in physical activities like swimming, biking, and running, which help him recharge mentally.

Dr. Sankoff contrasts the healthcare systems of Canada and the United States, highlighting the benefits of Canada's single-payer system despite its flaws. He criticizes the profit-driven nature of American healthcare, arguing that it leads to worse outcomes and greater financial burdens for patients. He advocates for a system focused on patient care rather than profit, pointing out the ethical conflicts inherent in the current U.S. model.

Dr. Sankoff's philosophy on life and death extends to his approach to aging and health. He believes in staying active to maintain a high quality of life, seeing a direct correlation between how one lives and dies. He observes that those who live well tend to have better end-of-life experiences, advocating for a balanced, active lifestyle to maximize longevity and well-being.

Ultimately, Dr. Sankoff contemplates the medicalization of death and the societal fear of dying, advocating for a more accepting and prepared approach. He envisions a future where more people can die at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in the sterile environment of a hospital. This holistic view of life and death underscores his commitment to his profession and personal life, aiming to live fully and prepare for the inevitable with grace and acceptance.

www.tridoccoaching.com

www.tridocpodcast.com

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

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Lisa Pahl is a licensed clinical social worker in LA, she has extensive experience in community mental health, domestic violence, and supporting survivors of torture. 

Early in her career, she worked at the Florida Center for Survivors of Torture, and after moving to LA, she worked in community mental health for several years. She then switched to working in hospice care, where she found her true calling.

In 2018, she co-created The Death Deck with her business partner, Lori. The idea stemmed from Lori's experience with her husband Joe's terminal illness, where Lori felt unprepared for making critical decisions. The Death Deck was designed to help people have meaningful conversations about death and end-of-life preferences before a crisis occurs. The deck includes 112 cards, many of which are multiple-choice to make the conversation easier and even inject humor to lighten the mood.

She shares her experiences hosting events like Death Over Drafts, where people gather in breweries to discuss death in a relaxed setting. These events foster a sense of community and help normalize conversations about death and dying. She highlights the importance of having these conversations to prepare for the inevitable and reduce the emotional burden on families.

For those interested in learning more, The Death Deck is available on their website and she welcomes connections and questions from anyone looking to engage further in these vital conversations.

https://thedeathdeck.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thedeathdeck/

https://www.instagram.com/thedeathdeck/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-pahl-lcsw-89669070/

https://www.deathoverdrafts.com/

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[email protected] 

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In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, I spoke with my friend Ashley Holmes, a Holistic Fertility Coach dedicated to supporting women struggling with infertility by bringing mind, body, and spirit into balance. Her journey began from personal experience, facing her own fertility challenges, which inspired her to help others. Ashley noticed the widespread, unspoken grief and suffering that comes with infertility and miscarriage. To provide a supportive community, she created a Facebook group for individuals worldwide to share their experiences and find hope.

Ashley discussed the profound grief associated with infertility and miscarriage, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and honoring this grief rather than suppressing it. She emphasized that moving forward requires addressing these emotions instead of simply trying again without processing the pain.


Ashley's background is rooted in a small town in Manitoba, Canada. At 18, she moved to New Zealand, married a Kiwi, and eventually returned to Canada with her three children. Her life was marked by significant losses, including the death of her brother at 11 and her stepbrother later in life. These experiences shaped her compassionate nature and her understanding of grief's impact on the nervous system. Yoga played a transformative role in Ashley's healing journey. Initially drawn to the physical practice, she discovered the deeper benefits of yoga, particularly the yin and restorative practices that help release stored emotions and stress. 

Ashley works one-on-one with clients, offering personalized and customized programs that include yoga, yoga nidra meditations, chakra balancing, reiki, and Ayurveda. She believes in a holistic approach to fertility, emphasizing the need to address emotional healing before moving forward.


https://www.instagram.com/ashley_holmes3202/

https://www.facebook.com/ashley.holmes.3979

Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/271957647919481/?ref=share_group_link

Website (with Links to Books):

https://holisticfertilitycoachinc.my.canva.site/

Free Gift  Healing Hearts Meditation 

subscribepage.io/C2MZms

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[email protected] 

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My guest in this episode is Stephanie Jones. One significant childhood memory involves the first time she remembers discussing death. This incident led to a brief conversation about death, spurred by her grandmother's passing soon after. Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness, death was framed within the context of resurrection and an afterlife, which provided some comfort but also left her with many unanswered questions.

Leaving the Jehovah's Witness faith at 22 was a pivotal moment. She found the religion's misogynistic views stifling and couldn't reconcile her own life choices with its teachings. Married at 18 and a mother by 19, she struggled within a community that didn't support her personal growth. Her breaking point came when religious elders blamed her for her husband's irresponsible behavior, prompting her to leave the church. This departure allowed her to explore her identity, eventually coming out as a lesbian, which led to her being disassociated from the church and estranged from her family and community.

Her mother's death marked another turning point. Her mother died unexpectedly after a battle with cancer, which she had kept secret. The emotional distance and lack of communication left her with a mix of anger and grief, especially as she learned more about her mother's difficult life after her passing. Open and honest conversations with her kids transformed their relationship, fostering understanding and closeness that had previously been missing.

Reflecting on her mother's life and their strained relationship, she now feels empathy rather than resentment. Learning about her mother's hardships helped her understand the woman behind the struggles, providing a sense of closure and forgiveness. This perspective has informed her current work, where she empowers busy moms to manage their time effectively, helping them focus on health and relationships. Through VIP sessions, she guides them in automating their homes, organizing their schedules, and finding balance, aiming to prevent stress and burnout and enhance their quality of life.

https://astounding-founder-9607.ck.page/ac48824d00

https://www.instagram.com/steph_theboundariesbabe/

https://www.facebook.com/StephtheBoundariesBabe

https://www.tiktok.com/@theboundariesbabe

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[email protected] 

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In this episode, my guest is Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski, an educator, researcher, and speaker focused on the social-emotional development and well-being of boys and men. Brendan, who earned his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Edinburgh in 2023, conducted an in-depth study on the emotions, masculinities, and schooling experiences of teenage boys. His interdisciplinary research merges psychology, sociology, and education to humanize and empower participants by giving voice to their lived experiences.

Brendan's work explores why some boys are highly emotionally expressive while others are not, and how these differences shape their beliefs about masculinity. He teaches at a local university, training future teachers, and works directly with boys and men to help them connect with their emotions in healthy ways.

A key theme discussed is the concept of restrictive masculinity, which includes the harmful messages boys receive about suppressing emotions, needing to be self-reliant, and feeling the pressure to dominate. These beliefs can lead to emotional disconnection from a young age, often around age five and during early adolescence (13-15 years). This disconnection is reinforced through societal norms and personal experiences, such as funerals, where boys learn to suppress sadness because they see men around them doing the same.

Brendan emphasizes that expressing emotions is crucial but warns that doing so in unsafe environments can be detrimental. He notes that suppressed emotions can resurface in harmful ways, such as anger or violence, often displaced onto others. This is evident in scenarios like domestic violence spikes following sports events.

Brendan highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression. Teenage boys often restrict their emotions due to fear of judgment, not wanting to burden others and the fear of being hurt by emotional closeness. He encourages honest conversations and support among boys and men to break these patterns of emotional suppression.

In the broader context, Brendan points out that while both socialization and biology play roles in shaping behaviors, socialization significantly impacts emotional expression. He also touches on the importance of understanding grief as a complex emotional experience, often involving a mix of sadness, anger, and even humor, which can be overwhelming without proper support.

https://remasculine.com/

https://ifs-institute.com/

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In this episode, my guest is Ashley Oppon, host of "Dine with the Divine." Ashley, a registered nurse from New Jersey, describes her nursing job as her "muggle job," revealing her love for theology and religion. Growing up Catholic, Ashley's curiosity led her to explore various faiths, finding something meaningful in each. This exploration shaped her understanding of human belief systems and the cultural significance of faith worldwide.

Ashley's professional journey in oncology for the past seven years brought her face-to-face with death regularly. Her multicultural background, with roots in West Africa, exposed her to vibrant funeral traditions, contrasting with the more reserved American approach to death. These experiences sparked her interest in understanding and supporting others through the grieving process.

Working as a nurse, Ashley witnessed diverse reactions to death, from acceptance to fear. Her exposure to hospice care deepened her conviction that death should be approached with acceptance and understanding, rather than fear. This led her to explore the role of death doulas, eventually inspiring her to provide support for those facing end-of-life decisions.

Ashley emphasizes the importance of living without regrets and embracing life fully. She encourages people to address unresolved issues and live authentically, drawing from her belief that acknowledging death's inevitability can lead to a more fulfilling life.

In a society focused on prolonging life, Ashley advocates for acknowledging death as a natural part of existence. She believes that accepting death's reality can alleviate the fear surrounding it and facilitate healthier grieving processes. By embracing the transient nature of life, Ashley hopes to empower individuals to live with purpose and find peace in the face of mortality.

https://www.instagram.com/dinewiththedivine

https://www.sankofahealingsanctuary.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sankofahs/

https://good-grief.org/

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Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

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

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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