The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery

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Get ready to confront the uncomfortable truths about death and dying in America, and discover how we can work towards a more equitable system for all. This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by Staci Savattaro and Jennifer Wright-Berryman, co-authors of the upcoming book "Equity at the End: The New American Way of Death". From eco-friendly burials to affordable body disposition, they discuss the disparities in access to resources and the biases that shape the system. Whether you're interested in public policy, social work, or simply navigating the often-confusing world of deathcare, this Ordinary Extraordinary conversation is sure to be enlightening. 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

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What happens when human remains are discovered in public spaces? Can pets be buried alongside their owners? And what's the protocol for handling human remains from space? Jennie and Dianne, along with Ryan Seidemann, tackle these tough questions and more on this week's Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, part two of Death and Dying 101.

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

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What happens when science and culture collide? Jennie and Dianne dive into the world of human remains with Ryan Seidemann in Part 1 of a new Death and Dying 101 feature. They discuss the challenges of creating inclusive public memory, the ethics of displaying mummified bodies, and the current state of body donation to science. From consent to cultural sensitivity, Ryan shares his expertise on how to approach these topics with respect and understanding. 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

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Join Jennie and Dianne on The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they welcome Amy Shea, author of the groundbreaking book 'Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins.' Amy's work sheds light on the often-hidden truths of death and dying among those experiencing chronic homelessness or who end up indigent or unclaimed at the end of life.

In this powerful conversation, Amy shares her insights on the intersection of poverty, dignity, and death, drawing on her research and personal experiences. From the importance of witnessing and activism to the need for greater awareness and advocacy, Amy's book reminds us all that "Death may be the great equalizer, but not all deaths are created equal."

'Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins' will be available for purchase nearly everywhere books are sold beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025, but you can pre-order it here: https://amysshea.com/book-ordering/

To learn more about The INN Between: End-of-Life Care for the Homeless, visit their website: https://tibhospice.org/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

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What happens when you combine travel, history, and a dash of humor? You get 'Around the World in 80 Graves: Travel, Tombstones & Transformation', the new book from Tui Snider. Join Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they chat with Tui about her adventures in cemeteries around the world. From the heart of Texas to the ancient tombs of Egypt, Tui's journeys take her to some of the world's most fascinating cemeteries, where she finds adventure and wonder, and shares how cemeteries can be gateways to new experiences and connections to life on our Ordinary Extraordinary planet Earth. Get ready for a grave adventure!

Purchase 'Around the World in 80 Graves: Travel, Tombstones & Transformation' and its companion book here: https://www.amazon.com/Around-World-Graves-Tombstones-Transformation-ebook/dp/B0FHYJRJ3J and here: https://a.co/d/8lXNyaL

For books and more by Tui Snider, visit her website: https://tuisnider.com/

To join Tui in Italy or at any of her other events, Click here: https://tuisnider.substack.com/p/2025-fall-talks-tours-and-events

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Beyond the Grave: The Phantom of the Opera! Join us for mystery and music of the night all while supporting the preservation of Colorado Springs's historic cemeteries: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-presents-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets-1598805282639?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

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Not every public park is as it seems, and not every cemetery is for that matter either! This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by fellow taphophile Randy Crane as he shares the story of the life, death and reincarnation of side-by-side (Broadway and Mount Olive) cemeteries located in Whittier, California. Randy tells how the cemeteries began as beautiful late 19th-century garden cemeteries, only to become neglected and forlorn just a few decades later. Don't miss the biggest surprise of the story when Randy reveals the unexpected twist that befell the headstones of the nearly 1300 Ordinary Extraordinary souls laid to rest beneath the foothills of this Southern California town. 

*All images provided by Randy Crane and shared with permission.

Last chance to get your tickets for the Gilpin Historical Society 36th Annual Cemetery Crawl on Saturday, August 23rd: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Beyond the Grave: The Phantom of the Opera! Join us for mystery and music of the night all while supporting the preservation of Colorado Springs's historic cemeteries: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-presents-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets-1598805282639?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

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Send us a text! We love hearing from listeners. If you'd like a response, please include your email.

What happens when we don't share our stories before we become inmates of the cemetery?? This week, The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast explores the importance of recording our histories with special guest Stephanie Ford. As a caregiver, Stephanie's heard countless tales of love, loss, and life from those who've lived through it all. She emphasizes the importance of learning from our elders, whose Ordinary Extraordinary life experiences hold valuable lessons. Join Jennie and Dianne as they discuss the power of storytelling, because, as Stephanie says, "Our stories matter." Be sure to tune in!

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tyFhW9LRb7M

Visit Stephanie on her website: https://lifestorieswithsteph.com/ and be sure to follow her on Instagram @lifestorieswithsteph

Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

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Send us a text! We love hearing from listeners. If you'd like a response, please include your email.

Get ready for a chilling conversation! Join Jennie and Dianne as they chat with author Sharon Pajka, PhD, about her new book "Haunted Virginia Cemeteries". As we creep into spooky season, Sharon guides us through the Old Dominion's most haunted burial grounds, from Arlington Cemetery's eerie atmosphere to the ghostly apparitions at Monticello. But don't let the paranormal tales fool you - this book is also a deep dive into Virginia's rich history, and Sharon shares her expertise on the historical research that brings these haunted places to life. Tune in for a conversation that's equal parts spooky and scholarly!

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i-6NvYigZBw

Purchase Haunted Virginia Cemeteries (The History Press: Haunted America) Here: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/9781467157209/                    Use Code: SHARON9 for 15% off your entire order!

Keep up with Sharon's events and tours by visiting her website: https://www.sharonpajka.com/ 

or visit her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/PajkaWrites/ & https://www.facebook.com/RiverCityCemetarians/

Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Send us a text! We love hearing from listeners. If you'd like a response, please include your email.

On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, uncover the mystery behind Dr. Samuel Bean's cryptic monument in Wellesley, Ontario, where two of his wives, Henrietta and Susanna, rest in peace. Jennie and Dianne explore the Ordinary Extraordinary life of Samuel, a Civil War veteran and puzzle enthusiast, and the intricate cryptogram headstone that kept visitors guessing for 80 years. What secrets did Samuel hide in the stone, and what message did he want the world to know?

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xW15IiUlEUg?si=UOzm0omaHFywSlrv

Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include: 

, BirdDog1959. "Cryptic Headstone Puzzles Visitors ." https://ancestrybirddog.wordpress.com/. 12 July 2001. ancestrybirddog.wordpress.com/2021/07/12/cryptic-headstone-puzzles-visitors/. Accessed 20 July 2025.

, Wellesley Township Heritage & Historical Society . "https://www.wellesleyhistory.org/settlement-patterns-of-wellesley-townshiip.html." https://www.wellesleyhistory.org/. www.wellesleyhistory.org/settlement-patterns-of-wellesley-townshiip.html. Accessed 20 July 2025.

Hayden, Martha. "A Grave With A Secret Code." https://www.restless-viking.com/. 30 Jan. 2024. www.restless-viking.com/2024/01/30/a-grave-with-a-secret-code/. Accessed 20 July 2025.

Campbell , Tim. "Henrietta Furry Bean ." https://www.findagrave.com/. 15 May 2010. www.findagrave.com/memorial/52428366/henrietta-bean. Accessed 20 July 2025.

Barwick, Susan. "Rev Samuel G “Sam” Bean ." https://www.findagrave.com/. 27 Feb. 2013. www.findagrave.com/memorial/105902136/samuel_g-bean. Accessed 20 July 2025.

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Join the dynamic trio—Jennie, Dianne, and Ryan Seidemann—for the third chapter of the “Death and Dying 101” series! This episode dives into global memorials, uncovering cultural quirks and mysteries. Are catacombs serene sanctuaries or lively public spaces? Unravel the Victorian dread of premature burial and the coffin bells that chimed in the night. Explore the collision of burial and cremation in our global village. Delve into the Ordinary Extraordinary Tibetan tradition of letting nature reclaim the body. Learn how enslavement shaped African burial customs across the Americas. All this and more on this latest episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast. 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FoBaByzbkCY

To learn more about the 19 who were returned to be honored by their descendants, check out the following links: 

1. https://www.dillard.edu/about/honoring-the-nineteen/

2. https://vimeo.com/event/5154230 

 Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show