What if the moment that shaped your life happened when you were only twelve years old?

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Tanya Scotece shares her journey from the medical world to becoming a funeral director and embalmer, and now a professor leading the mortuary program at Miami Dade College. She opens up about how a single childhood experience at a wake sparked a fire that stayed with her for life, and how every step along the way became a lesson in courage and growth.

Tanya talks about wearing sparkles as a reminder of her why, the reality of serving families in a profession that offers no second chances, and the importance of inspiring students who will become the funeral directors of tomorrow. 

This is more than a career story. It is about following a calling, finding light in unexpected places, and reminding us that it is never too late to learn and begin again.

Key Topics:

-Finding purpose from a childhood experience that shaped a lifelong calling

-Transitioning from the medical world to mortuary service with courage and faith

-The meaning behind sparkles and how small symbols can carry deep purpose

-Teaching and guiding students to serve families with compassion and integrity

-Standing for dignity and truth through expert witness work in funeral law

Quotes from the episode:

“This isn’t a do-over profession. You only have one chance to make a funeral right.”

-Tanya Scotece

“These are the funeral directors of tomorrow, and the more resources they have, the better.”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:41] Dr. T opens up about her journey from a long career in medicine to discovering her true calling in funeral service. She shares how pursuing advanced education led her to become a professor and program coordinator for mortuary science at Miami Dade College, where she now guides future leaders in the profession.

[13:34] Beyond the classroom, Dr. T has become a trusted expert witness in funeral law, standing beside families in times of grief and ensuring justice when wrongful practices occur. She reminds Jennifer that in this field ethics and integrity are everything because in death care there are no second chances.

[21:03] Reflecting on her shift from industry to academia, Dr. T speaks about the diverse students who choose mortuary school, the many paths available in funeral service, and the joy she finds in inspiring others to keep learning and proving it is never too late to chase new dreams.

[29:18] The conversation closes on a warm note as Tanya and Jennifer celebrate their bond. Together they share exciting opportunities for students such as celebrant training, memorial planning, and pet loss education while highlighting the power of collaboration, support, and nurturing the next generation of funeral directors

[35:49] Outro

Connect with Tanya Scotece:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tanya-scotece-ph-d-lfd-cfsp-🪄✨”dr-t”-a85a6226

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

What if we stopped judging grief and started honoring it instead?

In this powerful episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, we sit down with Michaelene Dowers, a licensed funeral director, thanatologist, and founder of Pollen Care—a one-of-a-kind resource for children facing grief, from the loss of a parent to the pain of divorce or even the death of a pet. We open up about the hard conversations many avoid—how children process loss, why every type of grief matters, and the emotional cost of showing up for others in dark moments.

We also explore why some families avoid holding services, how judgment sneaks into our grief culture, and the deeply personal ways loss can show up. From a missing stuffed goat to a life lost too soon. Michaellean shares how she curates books and tools to help kids and parents cope when words fall short, and why no loss, no matter how “small”—should ever be dismissed.

Tune in to feel seen, understood, and reminded that no one’s grief should be compared, measured, or ignored. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone who's simply loved and lost—this one will stay with you.

Key Topics:

-Children deserve honest tools to process grief

-No loss is too small to be acknowledged

-Judgment has no place in someone’s mourning

-Grief after tragedy needs care for all involved

-Healing begins with presence, not pressure

Quotes from the episode:

“The grief is as real for a child as it is for an adult—it just looks different.”

-Michaelene Dowers

“I don’t understand this hierarchy of grief—why does it matter whose pain is worse?”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:20] Michaelene Dowers, a funeral director and thanatologist, shares how she helps grieving families by carefully choosing books and resources for children based on their age, background, and the kind of loss they’re facing. 

[09:40] Michaelene and Jennifer talk about how grief often shows up in quiet, unexpected ways. They reflect on how parents make tough choices during painful times and how even small moments, like missing a funeral or losing a pet, can leave lasting marks on a child’s heart.

[16:09] The conversation opens up to the deeper truth that every kind of grief matters. Whether someone is grieving a person, a relationship, or even a cherished item, what they feel is real.

[22:40] As they wrap up, they speak honestly about the emotional weight carried by those who work with grief every day. From tragic events like school shootings to heartbreaking family situations, Michaelene continues to offer comfort and hope through her work with Pollen Care, making sure no family feels alone.

[28:09] Outro

Connect with Michaelene Dowers:

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mdowers

Websites - Pollen.Care (Company)

Quietusbee.com (Company)

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

What if grief had no rules and love had no limits?

In this deeply moving episode, We sit down with Lauren Seeley, a death educator and community death doula, to talk about the raw, real, and often misunderstood world of grief, loss, and end-of-life care. We talk about what it means to support people through the death of a beloved pet, how intuitive moments show up in the funeral space, and why honoring our own unique grieving process matters.

Lauren opens up about her own funeral plans, the emotional work behind death care, and how spiritual connection can guide us through the hardest goodbyes. This isn’t just about funerals—it’s about love, presence, and the quiet power of being seen when it matters most.

If you’ve ever loved and lost a human or animal, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.

Tune in to hear stories, insights, and truths we often keep hidden and feel less alone in the process.

Key Topics:

-The emotional weight of pet loss

-Why grief has no hierarchy

-What a modern death doula really does

-Intuition in the death care space

-Pre-planning your own goodbye

Quotes from the episode:

“Sometimes having somebody step in, validate their feelings, help them make those decisions, can make a world of difference”

-Lauren Seeley

“We’re all working in the space for one common goal and that is to help the bereaved to grieve and grieve well, and help the dead have a good death”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:55] Lauren shares how she supports people through grief and end-of-life care for both humans and pets—guiding in-home euthanasia, planning ceremonies, and building deep, lasting relationships with grieving families.

[08:38] She and Jen talk about the evolving role of death doulas, the emotional weight of the work, and the importance of blending holistic and traditional care as society becomes more open to conversations about grief and death.

[16:37] Lauren opens up about her own funeral wishes, her work as a death educator, and how her intuitive gifts have grown through this work—something she now teaches others to recognize and trust.

[21:11] She shares personal stories of spiritual signals during funerals and emphasizes how honoring intuition can bring comfort and deeper connection when supporting grieving families.

[26:08] Outro

Connect with Lauren Seeley:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauren-seeley-19531a179

Instagram - @ahhsweetdeath

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

What Really Happens Behind the Scenes in the Funeral Industry?

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work in death care? In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, I take you inside the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida Convention where I met the changemakers shaping the future of funerals.

From AI-powered tribute videos to autopsy cases that reveal shocking truths, this episode is filled with raw and heartfelt stories. I spoke with funeral tech innovators, long-time directors, a scholarship-winning student, and a forensic pathologist whose second autopsies are changing lives.

We dive into grief, regulation, compassion, second chances, and the deep humanity behind every service. This is not just about funerals. It is about people, purpose, and the power of doing meaningful work.

Tune in to hear what no one tells you about the funeral world and why it matters more than ever.

Key Topics:

-The human side of funeral innovation

-Serving families with compassion and clarity

-Regulation, second chances, and doing the right thing

-Finding purpose through grief and service

-Stories that reveal the heart behind every farewell

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:32] We had a chat with Zach from Tukios to hear how his team evolved from creating tribute videos to building modern websites for funeral homes. He opens up about how they now use AI to restore photos, protect families from harmful content, and even support writing obituaries with care.

[05:50] We talk with Earline Blumhagen, a licensed funeral director and print coordination specialist, who reflects on her 28-year journey in the funeral profession. Her dedication and wisdom shine through as she shares the heart behind her work.

[11:44] We meet Darrell, a future funeral director whose passion for serving his community led him to this path. He opens up about how a professor’s encouragement and a scholarship changed his life and deepened his calling.

[12:48] We speak with Tyler from Repose, a platform that helps families plan funerals with ease and clarity. Tyler shares how Repose empowers families to compare options and connect with funeral homes that meet their needs.

[15:34] We have a meaningful conversation with Crystal from Florida’s funeral regulation board. She offers insight into how licensing decisions are made with both compassion and fairness and why standards matter so deeply in this work.

[21:24] We chat with Heather, executive director of IFDF, who shares how she reimagined the annual convention into something truly special. She talks about creating a space where professionals feel seen, supported, and part of a caring community.

[26:26] We close with Dr. Daniel, a forensic pathologist whose stories stay with you long after they’re told. He shares moments from second autopsies that changed lives and one unforgettable case involving handwritten notes hidden inside a man’s body—offering a glimpse into the powerful intersection of grief, truth, and healing

[41:08] Outro

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper®️ AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh

What If We’ve Been Grieving All Wrong?

How do we truly honor the people we love after they’re gone?

In this deeply moving episode, Jen sits down with Lauren from La Mort to talk about what most people don’t know about death, grief, and connection. From the lost art of caring for our loved ones' bodies to the power of pen pals and handwritten letters, this conversation is full of stories that will make you reflect, feel, and maybe even rethink how we say goodbye.

They open up about the emotional toll of modern funerals, the frustration of navigating corporate death care, and the healing that comes from choice, education, and community. Whether you've lost someone, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to understand grief on a deeper level, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

Key Topics:

-Reclaiming sacred death rituals

-The emotional impact of COVID on connection

-The power of tangible, embodied grief practices

-The importance of informed choice in death care

-Advocating for change and education in the funeral industry

Quotes from the episode:

"Taking care of our loved ones is not an easy task — death is a tangible thing."

-Lauren Carroll

“It’s the bad eggs that don’t want to innovate who give the whole industry a bad reputation.”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:02] Lauren shares how she moved from co-founding Deathwives to creating La Mort, a heartfelt collective that weaves together grief, art, and joy.

[08:16] Lauren and Jen laugh about their shared clumsiness and reflect on how the pandemic changed human connection. Lauren talks about the importance of simple, tangible rituals like writing letters, being together in person, and caring for a loved one’s body. 

[18:38] The conversation turns to the power of giving families real choices around death care. Lauren and Jen explore how informed decisions can bring comfort and clarity in times of loss.

[25:32] Together, they call for more education and open-mindedness in the funeral world. They highlight how listening to families and embracing innovation can transform the way we honor life 

and death.

[39:25] Outro

Connect with Lauren Carroll:

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/lauren-carroll-deathwives

Website - https://www.lamort.org/

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

What If Talking About Death Could Actually Bring Us Closer to Life?

In this powerful and unexpectedly uplifting episode, we sit down with Gabrielle Gatto—death doula, cemetery educator, and creator of Grim Reaper Gossip—to talk about what it really means to face mortality with heart, humor, and humanity.

Gabrielle opens up about working at Greenwood Cemetery during the pandemic, how she turned personal purpose into public healing, and why she believes we need to bring death back into everyday conversation. We talk about grief in all its forms—from the loss of a loved one to pet loss and unspoken sorrow—and how judgment has no place in healing. You’ll hear stories of family, culture, legacy, and the small things—like a chocolate-scented lip balm or a keychain—that can make a lasting difference.

Whether you’re in the field of end-of-life care or simply human (yep, that’s all of us), this conversation is a warm invitation to reimagine death as a natural, even beautiful, part of life.

Tune in to hear why grief needs more compassion, why death work is a team effort, and how honest conversations—however awkward—can open the door to deeper love, purpose, and peace.

Key Topics:

-Working Through Grief at Greenwood

-Finding Purpose Through Death Care

-Normalizing Grief in All Its Forms

-Community Over Competition in Death Work

-Making Death Conversations Less Scary

Quotes from the episode:

“Death work is ancient work… we've been living as long as we've been dying.”

-Gabrielle Gatto

“I may not be a licensed therapist, but I can still sit with someone in grief and be a vessel for them to pour into.”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:57] Gabrielle opens up about what it was like to work at Greenwood Cemetery during the height of the pandemic, sharing the emotional moments that shaped her and deepened her connection to the work.

[09:28] She talks about how her love for family, culture, and meaningful connection led her to create Grim Reaper Gossip—a heartfelt, creative way to help people feel less afraid to talk about death.

[19:12] Gabrielle and Jennifer dive into the many faces of grief, including pet loss and overlooked pain, and why it’s so important to hold space for all of it without judgment—especially through honest, gentle conversations.

[27:16] Together, they reflect on how everyone in death care—whether a doula, director, nurse, or friend—has a unique role to play, and how working together with respect and heart can truly support the people we serve.

[37:14] Outro

Connect with Gabrielle Gatto:

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-gatto-391677113

Instagram - @gabriellegatteaux

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

What if the most powerful way to process grief... wasn't with words, but with music?

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, Jennifer sits down with violinist and music-for-healing expert Concetta, who shares her journey from wedding performer to creating personalized music ceremonies for funerals, memorials, and even hospice homes. From honoring lost loved ones to comforting families during their hardest moments, Concetta reveals how music becomes a voice when words fall short.

They talk about living funerals, pet memorials, end-of-life rituals, and how music can bring people together—even in times of pain and conflict. You'll also hear honest stories about burnout, emotional boundaries, and the quiet signs that show up when you’re truly present with grief.

Tune in to hear a powerful conversation about healing, service, and the real meaning of celebration in life and death. If you’ve ever felt the weight of loss or wondered how to support someone grieving, this episode will stay with you long after the final note.

Key Topics:

-The healing power of music in grief

-Personalizing farewells through sound

-Navigating emotional burnout as a caregiver

-Rituals for all forms of loss, not just death

-Building connection through end-of-life ceremonies

Quotes from the episode:

“Music is not simply something in the background to create a vibe. It is really there to process the feelings and the emotions”

-Concetta Abbate

“Grief and loss aren't just specific to human life loss”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:19] Concetta opens up about her lifelong relationship with the violin, how it led her into the deeply meaningful work of playing music at funerals, and the birth of her organization, Sound and Memory. She shares how music has become her way of helping people grieve together, honoring lives through heartfelt, personalized, and non-religious ceremonies.

[11:29] Concetta and Jennifer explore the emotional weight that music carries—whether played live or recorded—and how it can touch something deeper in moments of loss.

[19:52] They dive into how music softens tension, brings comfort to those facing anticipatory grief, and creates space for meaningful goodbyes—through personalized funerals, living celebrations, or even intimate hospice concerts at home.

[30:08] The conversation expands beyond death itself. Concetta and Jennifer talk about how grief shows up in many forms and why we need rituals to help us move through all types of loss. They also reflect on the often-unseen emotional cost of caregiving.

[40:21] They wrap with an honest look at the complexities of end-of-life work—from emotional burnout to the need for healthy boundaries and strong collaboration among professionals who support others through their most vulnerable times.

[54:02] Outro

Connect with Concetta Abbate:

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/concettaabbate

Instagram - @concettallegra

Website - https://www.concettaabbate.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/concetta.abbate/

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

What if one small act of kindness could save a life?

In this deeply moving episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, We sit down with Brent Pope—a former Rugby and TV pundit turned mental health advocate/super hero to many. Brent opens his heart about his own struggles with anxiety, depression, and grief, and how those battles inspired a global movement rooted in empathy. Through his “Elephant in the Room” project, he’s brought powerful symbols of hope into workplaces, schools, and communities—reminding people that it’s okay to not be okay, and even more okay to talk about it, especially coming from the world of sports.

This conversation isn’t just about mental health—it’s about being human. It’s about showing up for each other, meeting people where they are, and realizing that the most meaningful thing we can give someone is the feeling that they’re not alone.

Key Topics:

-Opening up about mental health struggles and finding healing

-The story behind the Elephant in the Room movement

-How small acts of kindness can truly make a difference

-Why time and connection matter more than anything

-Creating safe spaces for honest conversations and real care

Quotes from the episode:

“The connections that you make in your life—that's what's most important”

-Brent Pope

"Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so pick up the phone, send the damn text, live your life, take the trip—do whatever you can to make your life that marginally bit happier.”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[03:01] Brent Pope opened up about his mental health journey and deep passion for art, sharing how a powerful moment on a construction site sparked the idea for a movement.

[10:22] Reflecting on years of personal struggle and his path to becoming a psychotherapist, Brent explained how one honest conversation became the catalyst for a global effort to shift how we approach emotional support in workplaces and beyond.

[20:35] Brent highlighted that real change in mental health culture doesn’t start with policies—it starts with small, human moments of care, listening, and choosing to show up for one another.

[32:22] Speaking with raw honesty, Brent reminded us that healing begins with how we treat ourselves and the people around us—with empathy, presence, and the courage to connect.

[43:13] As the conversation came to a close, Brent urged listeners to stop waiting for “someday” and start living with intention—finding joy in the simple things and making time for what truly matters before it’s too late.

[46:52] Outro

Connect with Brent Pope:

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/brent-pope-93a0323b

Instagram -@popeapparel

X- @RealBrentPope

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer Muldowney chats with Allison Danger—a seasoned embalmer, funeral director, and now a Death Studies master’s student—about her deeply personal and evolving relationship with death care. From the front lines of embalming to the quiet pages of academic research, Allison shares how a life-changing moment pushed her to dive deeper into understanding death, not just professionally, but personally.

They talk about what it’s like juggling work, motherhood, and studies, and how Allison still finds time for creativity—whether it’s writing graphic novels, podcasting, or exploring big questions around humanity and grief through storytelling. Her passion for education shines through as she shares why she believes death needs to be part of everyday conversations, especially for younger generations.

The two also dig into the digital future of memorialization, including AI and legacy tech, and the emotional weight that comes with preserving memories in such new ways. It’s a thoughtful, raw, and inspiring conversation that reminds us how death can be a space for growth, connection, and even creativity.

Key Topics:

-From funeral work to deeper understanding of death

-Turning personal loss into purpose

-Balancing life with compassion and growth

-Bringing honest talks about death to light

-How tech shapes grief and connection

Quotes from the episode:

“We’re really under-serving ourselves by not talking about death.”

-Allison Danger

“I've realized that I'm less about the academic side of things than I am about the practicality of it.”

-Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:46] Allison Danger opened up about her evolution from years in embalming to pursuing a master’s in Death Studies.

[08:41] With honesty and curiosity, Allison shared how her fascination with biology and her desire for meaning steered her away from traditional medicine and toward a calling that blends science, care, and research in death care.

[15:27] She spoke candidly about the need to reclaim creativity just for joy, how the things we love can so easily become just another task if we don’t protect them.

[17:22] In a powerful reflection, Allison reminded us that healing and purpose often show up in unexpected places. And that even in grief and loss, there’s room for connection and hope.

[18:11] Through her work in graphic novels, Allison uses storytelling to explore profound questions about identity and existence, bringing depth and emotion to complex themes like transhumanism and digital legacies.

[22:39] Allison raised powerful questions about the rise of AI in memorialization, reflecting on what it really means to preserve someone’s digital self—and whether, in doing so, we might be avoiding the very grief that helps us heal.

[25:30] Outro

Connect with Allison Danger:

Website- allisondanger.com

Instagram - @allisondangerous

X- @allydangerous

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - [email protected]

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

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In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Laura Musselman of the Humane Prison Hospice Project to explore the often unseen world of end-of-life care behind bars. Through a powerful and deeply personal conversation, Laura shares how her journey through loss and grief led her to support incarcerated caregivers offering dignity to fellow inmates in their final days.

The episode uncovers the human side of prison life that many overlook, where empathy, purpose, and community still thrive in the harshest environments. Laura and Jennifer reflect on the complexities of compassion, the weight of judgment, and why every person, regardless of their past, deserves to be seen and cared for.

See also Jennifer’s previous blog on the topic here https://www.theglamreaper.com/2025/03/a-life-sentence-is-death-sentencejust.html

This conversation is a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, people are capable of profound kindness, and when given the chance, community gathers and they will rise to care for one another.

Key Topics:

-Finding purpose through grief and personal loss
-The power of compassion behind prison walls
-Honoring dignity and care at the end of life
-Seeing the human beyond the sentence
-How healing begins when we choose to care


Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:46] Laura shared with Jen how personal loss and a calling to support life transitions drew her from teaching into end-of-life care in prisons, where she now works to restore dignity for aging and terminally ill inmates often forgotten by society.

[07:09] She challenged the idea that care must be earned, telling Jen that compassion isn’t a prize, it’s a reflection of our shared humanity and the kind of society we want to be.

[11:25] Laura emphasized that every person, even those behind bars, carries a story shaped by life experience, not just a sentence, and that offering care shouldn't depend on someone’s perceived worth.

[17:22] She reflected on witnessing deep empathy in the most unlikely places, reminding Jen that healing and purpose can thrive even in the darkest corners, if we allow space for it.

[25:30] Laura explained how her team listens to each prison specific needs, training incarcerated peers with trauma-informed skills to provide compassionate care for fellow inmates facing aging, dementia, or death.

[32:05] She described the trust-based, peer-led programs that bring meaning, responsibility, and connection to both caregivers and those nearing life’s end, proof that humanity doesn’t stop at prison walls.

[38:59] Outro

Check out a blog post on this also: https://www.theglamreaper.com/2025/03/a-life-sentence-is-death-sentencejust.html

Connect with Laura Musselman:
LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/laura-musselman-3aa42174
Website - humaneprisonhospiceproject.org

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Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145
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