In this episode of The Death Doula Duo, Sara and Jennifer sit down with Marla Mercer Cole, MS, LPC, former President of Mercer-Adams Funeral Service in Bethany, Oklahoma, to talk about death, grief, bereavement, and what it really means to support people after a loss.

Marla worked with Mercer-Adams since 1998 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief. She is also certified in thanatology and became the first person in Oklahoma to earn Fellow in Thanatology credentials through the Association for Death Education and Counseling.

Drawing from decades of experience in funeral service, counseling, education, and grief support, Marla discusses the many ways grief can show up, why connection with others who have experienced loss can matter so much, and what she has learned from walking alongside grieving families.

We also talk about grief support groups, the powerful story behind the Common Threads widows group, death education, Death Cafés, and why creating spaces where people can openly talk about death and loss is so important.

This is a conversation about what happens after the funeral—when everyone else goes home, but grief remains.

Listen with us as we have a conversation with John Ireland of John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home and Chapel, a third-generation funeral director serving the Moore community. In this episode John talks about the history of his family’s funeral home, approaches to compassionate service, community engagement, and practical insights into planning meaningful end-of-life celebrations. You can find John and his staff at John M. Ireland and Son Funeral Home and Chapel at 120 S Broadway Ave, Moore, OK 73160, and can be reached at (405) 799-1200

Grief doesn't follow a timeline. In this episode, Alison Behrens Braly opens up about life after losing her husband four years ago- how her grief has changed over time, the unexpected challenges along the way, and the ways she has found meaning and strength in the years since. Whether you've experienced loss yourself or are supporting someone who has, this conversation offers perspective, comfort, and hope.

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Alison for sharing her story with all of us.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Deborah Atella, host of the podcast :I Freaking Knew It" and author of "Is This Job My Jam?". Deborah shares the profound story of her near-death experience and the life-changing insights it brought her.

We explore how this experience shaped her perspective on life, healing, and intuition, and how it influences her work as a coach and Reiki practitioner. Deborah’s story is one of transformation and empowerment, offering wisdom and hope to anyone seeking deeper meaning in their journey.

Connect with Deborah and learn more about her podcast, book, and services at https://www.deborahatella.com

Don’t miss this incredible conversation about life, death, and the spaces in between!

In this episode we are joined by Stephanie Aycock, Speaker, Creator, and Transformational Coach as well as Dr. Brandt Wiskur, Ph.D. in Neuroscience and MSW, who have each transformed their personal experiences with suicide into impactful works of art and healing. Through a deeply intimate discussion, we explore how they've used their talents - writing a book and creating a screenplay- to turn pain into purpose, providing both insights and resources along the way.

Here is the link for Stephanie's film Bloom:

http://thefilmbloom.com/

Stephanie's Instagram link:

https://www.instagram.com/thejourneyofbloom/profilecard/?igsh=MWdzaTNiaHQ4eDQwYg==

Here are links for the songs Stephanie mentions:

https://open.spotify.com/track/7nlFApzGqy0RWybsEznVlZ?si=0c5bc9qnRK2FrMivw4n8Rg

https://youtu.be/E7pagLfV91E

Stephanie's MENTAL System:

M - mediate/make bed

E - exercise/ express

N - nature/nutrition

T - togetherness (community)

A - ask for help

L - laughter

A link for Dr. Brant Wiskur's Book

The Battle Within: Knocking Out Self-Deleting Thoughts

https://a.co/d/bBH28oY

Please call 988 if you or anyone you know needs the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

In this unexpected episode of Death Doula Duo, the tables are turned when our scheduled guest didn't make it. Join us for an impromptu and candid conversation as we explore our own beliefs, views, and experiences as death doulas. Get to know us on a deeper level as we answer fun and thought-provoking questions that reveal our personal journeys, philosophies, and the heart behind the work we do. It's a unique, unscripted peek into the minds of two passionate death doulas.

In this episode, Jen and Sara have an honest conversation with Alanna and Bo Ireland, a ministerial couple dedicated to guiding others through life's challenges, including death and grief. With unique roles and experiences in ministry, Alanna an Bo share how they bring peace, compassion, and acceptance to those inside and outside the church. They discuss their approach to helping people prepare and cope with loss, offering a fresh perspective on bridging the gap between the church and the broader community. No matter one's religious or cultural background, they emphasize that love and acceptance are universal needs during times of pain and grief.

Join us with Trey Gee and Bridgette (filling in for Sara) in this episode where we delve into the inspiring journey of a disabled combat veteran who faced harrowing shadows of trauma and emerged into a life illuminated by spirituality and fulfillment. Trey is down to earth as he shares about his transformation and how practical disciplines including meditation and spirituality helped him to reclaim his own sense of purpose and peace, and ultimately find fulfillment in helping others on their own journeys.

We are ecstatic to have former Attorney General Drew Edmondson on the show as we continue to delve into the profound and often challenging topics of death and end-of-life issues. Drew shares personal stories, expert insights, and stories that explore the legal, ethical, and emotional aspects of end-of-life planning. A key focus of our conversations is the importance of getting your advance directive in place, ensuring your wishes are honored when it matters most. Whether facing these issues yourself, or supporting a loved one, this podcast provides the information and support to help navigate these moments with dignity and understanding.

The Death Doula Duo also invites you to our upcoming workshop on Advance Care Planning July 27th at 1pm at Possibilities. Our hope is to help everyone that comes gain understanding and confidence with their end-of-life choices. Please contact us with questions or comments at [email protected] or thedeathdouladuo on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode we sit down for an insightful interview with a professional embalmer. Join us as we delve into what you always wanted to know but didn't have the opportunity to ask. Learn about the vital role embalmers play in honoring the deceased and providing comfort to grieving families. Whether you're curious about the technical aspects or the emotional impact of this profession, this conversation offers a unique glimpse into a world few truly understand.