Debra Bassett a PhD research student from Warwick University, England chats about the development of social networks and websites that provide digital opportunities to remember loved ones. She is studying how these may or may not help with the process of grieving. 

"The fact that we are all going to die is an indisputable reality of the human condition. Whilst the beginning of our lives are celebrated, discussed and chronicled, death and dying have become medicalized, sanitized and whispered about in many Western cultures."

MyNews is a family sharing website creating a space where people can share the sad news of a bereavement and in time create a loving memorial to share fond memories, photos, thoughts, and remembrances. 

Born and raised in the West Midlands, Caroline grew up in the beautiful county of Shropshire and trained as a celebrant in 2012, several years after she experienced her first real grief due to the death of her Mother. 

She has journeyed and grown within her vocational profession and has gained experience of working with people from all walks of life, backgrounds and cultures. She is truly passionate about what she does and always takes something meaningful away with me from each family that she works work with. 

We chat funerals, the use of social media to connect with families and how the future is shaping for working as a funeral celebrant. 

Stories have captivated mankind since the beginning of time. The art of the story is a skill and ability needed if you are a funeral celebrant. Being able to listen well, find the story and tell it with sensitivity and relevance is what makes an effective celebrant. 

In this podcast, I chat with Linda Stuart a Life Cycle Celebrant from Ontario, Canada. We talk about how Linda's creative website has driven new business, the use of social media and red wine and chocolate! A great mix!