Seeing Death Clearly

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In this end-of-year episode of Seeing Death Clearly, host Jill McClennen sits down with her husband Steven to reflect on three years of podcasting. As the year 2025 closes, they discuss personal and professional highlights, stoicism, aging, and emotional experiences with death and grief. They delve into broader societal issues like elder care in the United States and the balance of everyday life. Jill also shares plans for future episodes, re-inviting past guests to explore their evolving perspectives. This candid conversation touches on navigating uncertainty, staying connected, and living intentionally.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:36 Reflecting on the Past Year

02:14 Guest Highlights and Future Plans

03:13 Navigating a Chaotic Year

06:47 Thoughts on Aging and Society

16:35 End of Life Conversations

21:33 Home Funerals and Personal Rituals

23:41 The Importance of Pre-Planning

24:22 Challenges in Discussing Mortality

28:18 Caregiving and Government Support

33:24 Reflections on Life and Death

41:08 Looking Forward to the Future

43:22 Podcast Appreciation and Future Plans

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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. 

[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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In this episode, I welcome back Barbara Karnes to discuss the journey of transitioning from 'we' to 'me' after her husband Jack's death. 

Barbara shares heartfelt stories about her early days in hospice care, highlighting the value of understanding daily responsibilities and her experiences with end-of-life preparations, emphasizing the importance of discussing finances and duties early. 

We also discuss how death doulas play a role in modern hospice care, her thoughts on medical aid in dying, the creation of her widely beneficial booklets like 'Gone From My Sight,' and offers perspectives on educating families about the natural process of dying. 

This episode aims to open minds and demystify death, dying, and grief, encouraging listeners to prepare and embrace end-of-life conversations.

00:00 Introduction to End of Life Education

00:45 Guest Introduction: Barbara Carnes

01:35 Adjusting to Life After Loss

02:56 The Importance of Being Prepared

04:18 Challenges of Living Independently

07:10 Support Systems and Grief Counseling

08:54 End of Life Doulas and Hospice Care

13:31 Medical Aid in Dying: Perspectives and Ethics

00:00 Comparing Birth and Death

25:39 Contemplating Mortality and Legacy

27:12 Current Projects and Writing

28:07 The Importance of Food at End of Life

30:28 The Family Support Bundle

33:11 The Origin of 'Gone From My Sight'

36:11 Personal Stories and Impact

40:04 The Shift Back to Home Deaths

43:48 Resources and Contact Information

46:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell

https://bkbooks.com/products/approaching-death-support-kit

https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about

https://www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrn/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarakarnesrn/

Support the show

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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In this episode of 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, welcomes Marni Blank, a former attorney turned entrepreneur and end-of-life doula. They discuss the emotional and logistical challenges families face regarding end-of-life planning. Marni shares her personal journey, including her mother's serious accident, which highlighted the importance of having essential paperwork in order. 

The conversation focuses on the significance of open discussions about end-of-life wishes, the role of a death doula, and practical advice for organizing important documents. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right people for roles like healthcare proxies and how preparation can provide peace of mind. Jill and Marni also address the common barriers and emotional reactions people have when discussing these topics and offer insights into facilitating these important conversations.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:43 Meet Marni Blank: From Attorney to End-of-Life Doula

00:55 The Importance of End-of-Life Planning

02:44 Challenges and Realizations in End-of-Life Conversations

03:50 The Role and Impact of a Death Doula

04:25 Personal Stories and Experiences

08:09 Navigating Family Dynamics and Responsibilities

10:09 The Emotional and Practical Aspects of End-of-Life Decisions

37:21 The Role of Medical Professionals in End-of-Life Care

41:05 Marni's Business and Resources for End-of-Life Planning

44:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

Website: https://beginwiththeend.co/

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

Book a Free Call: https://calendly.com/marni-blank/marni-blank-initial-consultation

Plan Well Organizer: https://beginwiththeend.co/plan-well-organizer

Support the show

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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In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, Dave Roberts talks about his journey navigating grief after the death of his daughter, Janine. Roberts, an addictions counselor and psychology professor, shares his perspectives on spirituality, the afterlife, and the different ways he and his wife coped with their loss while supporting each other. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining bonds with loved ones, embracing varying beliefs, and the role of community in healing. Roberts discusses how his experience has transformed his approach to living genuinely and offers tips for those dealing with loss. This insightful conversation sheds light on the intersection of grief, end-of-life planning, and the potential for spiritual growth through challenging experiences.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts

00:11 Welcome to Seeing Death Clearly

00:36 Guest Introduction: Dave Roberts

01:38 Dave's Background and Career

04:06 The Tragic Story of Janine

08:10 Coping with Grief and Loss

17:24 Supporting Each Other Through Grief

20:56 Living with the End in Mind

24:41 Choosing Our Path: Embracing Challenges and Legacy

25:33 Teaching About Death: Finding Joy and Responsibility

27:29 Death, Dying, and Bereavement

28:56 Integrating Science and Spirituality

31:15 Personal Transformations and Beliefs

41:03 Encouraging Critical Thinking and Respect

45:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

My episode on Dave's podcast https://youtu.be/_2cYKpY88bQ?si=LUDW677SjaEN82kc

Personal Website: http://davidrobertsmsw.com/

When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister on Amazon : https://a.co/d/bWzOO3n

The Teaching Journeys Podcast :  https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys https://www.youtube.com/@daveroberts301

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.j.roberts1/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-56690513/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daver3103/

Support the show

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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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

Support the show

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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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

Support the show

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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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

Support the show

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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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 https://www.instagram.com/completeeldersolutions/

Support the show

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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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/

Support the show

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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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. 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.

www.endoflifeclarity.com
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Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle
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