The Life and Death Podcast

Joining the final episode of the series is Josefine Speyer, a German psychotherapist based in London who has dedicated much of her life to changing the way we approach death and dying. Josefine co-founded the Natural Death Centre in 1991 with her late husband, Nicholas Albery. This educational charity has been a beacon of support, offering free and impartial advice on all aspects of dying, bereavement, and consumer rights, including assistance with burials and funerals.

Josefine shares her captivating journey, from her unconventional start in Frestonia to her profound spiritual experiences following her husband's tragic death. We delve into her artistic nature, her move to the UK, and her deep-seated belief in the power of natural burials and non-traditional funerals.

Josefine's insights are not only enlightening but also deeply moving, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom on the often-taboo subject of death. Join us as we explore her thoughts on making our final journeys meaningful and personal, and learn from her unique perspective on life, death, and everything in between.

Tune in to this poignant episode of The Life and Death Podcast with Josefine Speyer, and be prepared to see death in a new light.

Find out more about The Natural Death Centre http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk/

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Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/

This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.

We explore a topic often overlooked—coping with pet loss. Our guest, Dr. Katie Lawlor, a psychologist based in San Francisco, shares her personal and professional experiences with the profound grief that comes with the death of a beloved animal companion.

Dr. Lawlor discusses how her journey through the loss of her rabbit, Gem, during the pandemic led her to create her Instagram page, petlossdoctor. She opens up about the challenges of discussing her pet's death with colleagues and how this inspired her to support others facing similar experiences.

Growing up as the introverted middle sister, Dr. Lawlor found solace in the company of animals. Her summers in Ireland, surrounded by animals, shaped her understanding of the unique bond between humans and their pets. She highlights the lack of specialised services for pet loss and stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing this grief.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Lawlor addresses common questions about pet loss, such as coping with guilt and regret, and offers insights on navigating this difficult time. She emphasises that grief is a natural response to losing someone you love, whether they are human or animal.

Tune in to hear Dr. Lawlor's heartfelt stories and valuable advice on coping with pet loss. Learn how her work is providing comfort and support to others experiencing grief. This episode is essential listening for anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet.

You can follow Dr. Katie Lawlor on her Instagram page.

Find out more about her book; A Tribute to My Beloved Animal: A Journal to Process Grief & Loss.

Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice

Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/

This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.

Simon Critchley is a renowned philosopher at the New School for Social Research in New York. Simon teaches the popular course "Critchley on Tragedy," and has been recognised as one of the top 25 most influential philosophers today.

Simon delves into his fascinating life story, including his early years in Hertfordshire, a life-changing accident, and his journey into philosophy. He shares insights from his book, The Book of Dead Philosophers, which examines how the deaths of 190 philosophers reflect their lives and ideas.

Join us as Simon recounts some intriguing tales, such as Pythagoras's peculiar death and Jeremy Bentham's posthumous display at University College London. He discusses the therapeutic side of philosophy and how confronting our mortality can lead to greater freedom, compassion, and understanding.

Tune in for an episode filled with humour, deep reflections on mortality, and the wisdom that philosophy can offer in understanding life and death.

Find out more about Simon his book here: https://www.simoncritchley.org/

Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice

Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/

This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.

Julie McFadden is better known by her online persona Hospice Nurse Julie. With her background as an ICU nurse, Julie developed a passion for educating people about death and dying. For the past eight years, she has been making a significant impact as a hospice nurse, helping others face end of life issues with compassion.

Julie’s journey into online education began when her young nieces introduced her to TikTok. She started sharing insights about death and dying, and soon her videos went viral, garnering a large following. Her content, ranging from biological processes at the end of life to demystifying deathbed phenomena, helps normalise conversations about death and offers comfort to many. She emphasises that understanding death can reduce fear and enhance our lives.

Julie’s new book, "Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully," is a valuable guide for anyone seeking peace in the face of mortality. It combines educational insights with personal stories, making it a comforting resource for both patients and caregivers.

Follow Julie on:

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@hospicenursejulie

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

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Hospice-nurse-julie/100077937666311/

Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice

Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/

This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.

Internationally recognised author and speaker, Rebecca Soffer, began her journey into grief unexpectedly in her early 30s after her mother was killed in a car crash and her father died of a heart attack. The weight of this loss at such a young age left Rebecca feeling untethered. 

Rebecca candidly shares her deeply personal story of navigating loss and finding comfort in shared understanding. From forming a monthly dinner party called WWDP (Women With Dead Parents) to co-founding the Modern Loss movement, Rebecca's journey highlights the power of community in the face of grief. 

Rebecca's experiences inspired her to create a platform dedicated to removing the stigma surrounding grief and providing support and resources for those navigating their own journey of loss. Through heartfelt conversations and genuine human connection, Rebecca offers insights into the universal nature of grief and the strength of human connection in times of loss.

Check out Modern Loss online at www.modernloss.com

The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience" is available on Amazon in the UK.

Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice 

Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/ 

This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. 

Stephen chats to Mock the Week star, Ed Byrne, as he shares the deeply personal story behind his new comedy show, "Tragedy Plus Time". Ed opens up about the death of his brother Paul, and how his death became the catalyst for Ed's exploration of grief and humour.

Reflecting on the moments leading up to Paul's death and the complexities of sibling relationships, Ed and host Stephen Rumford delve into the healing power of laughter amidst sorrow.

Discover the profound impact of loss, the importance of cherishing our loved ones, and the enduring wisdom shared by Ed's late brother: "you can be as serious as you want but there always has to be a joke."

See if there’s a show near you.

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Support resources.

This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.

When Amber’s mum died suddenly, shortly after her 19th birthday, she spiralled into a life of self-destruction. After several turbulent years and unable to find the support she needed, Amber started The Grief Gang podcast. This podcast became her outlet, a resource dedicated to people who were experiencing bereavement like she was. Seven years since her mum Sue’s death, Amber chats about the sudden death of her mother at such a young age and how this tragedy has inspired her to help others. 

Find out more about The Grief Gang

Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice

Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/

The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.

Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is strongly recommended. Hayley talks quite graphically about what death looks like, including what a body might look like after death. This includes discussions of infant death as she talks about her experience of seeing a baby in a mortuary.

Hayley Campbell is a journalist, writer and broadcaster whose book, All the Living and the Dead, delivers a gripping look at the professionals who have made death their lives work. She talks to embalmers, a former death row executioner, mass fatality investigators, a bereavement midwife, and many more.

Hayley spent two years immersed in a field few people know about. Amongst the many questions raised, Hayley contemplates: ‘would facing death directly make us fear it less?’

Find out more about Hayley on her website: https://www.hayleycampbell.com/

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Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/

The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.

Through The Dead and Alive Project, Klaus Bo documents death rituals from across the globe. From the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, where families clean the bones of their ancestors who may have been dead for decades, to families in the Philippines who, due to poverty and overpopulation, are literally living alongside the dead in cemeteries. Klaus takes us on a trip around the world, chatting about his interest in death rituals, and how other cultures view the dead.

Check out his unique and eye-opening project - viewer discretion is advised: www.deadandaliveproject.com

Instagram @deadandaliveproject

Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice

Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/

The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.

It was the 9th September 1989 when Tim’s dad died. It was also Tim’s wedding day. Tim Sullivan is a film director, screenwriter and novelist (Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Letters to Juliet) and in this episode he opens up about the events of that day, how it has shaped his life, and how it has influenced his writing.

Tim’s website: https://timsullivan.co.uk/

Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice

Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/

The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.