About Death

The story of four friends: chatting about death over dinner


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Would you host a dinner party (with prosecco!) to talk about death? Well, Anne would - and did, bringing three of her friends together to talk about death over dinner. Listen to how the four fabulous friends - Anne, Lindsay, Maxine and Wendy - talk about how they think, feel and talk about death. With friendships that span decades of joy and heartache, these women have grown babies and families, carers and lives together. And now, they’re sharing their experiences, beliefs and fears about death.

Welcome the Fab Four's story.

Hosted by: Sam Meikle

Produced by: Spark the Difference


Show notes

Here’s what the Fab Four share in this conversation: 

00:09  These conversations are all real and can sometimes be a bit raw. You can always pause and take a break for a bit.

03:00  Meet the Fab Four: Lindsay, Anne, Maxine and Wendy

09:51  Different experiences of death growing up: a father dying when you're 13; feeling a void as you never had grandparents; and never really being up close and personal with death

23:16  Being a young Mum: how fear of not being there for her children meant one friend didn’t go to two funerals

27:37  Funerals can feel horrible: why would you want to go and upset a whole lot people?

29:10  How do you start talking to your parents about planning their funerals when they’re from a generation where they don’t talk about it?

33:54  Music at your funeral: what would you pick?

34:43  The Order of Service Scrapbook

36:39  When famous people die, are they “real” people? Where were you when Princess Diana died?

42:21  Thinking about your lifespan as a ruler

49:21  Remembering the first time the friends did Last Offices

54:18  Walking in front of a hearse: it's so important to know that actually other people give a damn and will act in a way that is respectful

56:12  Would you be buried or cremated?

59:46  What are you like when you go through a graveyard?

1:03:51  Final thoughts: this has been a very comforting and important conversation.


A note on looking after ourselves: these conversations are all real and can feel a little raw. If you’re struggling with the content that we’re talking about, please seek support. This might be from a trusted family member or friend. The Samaritans Team are always available to talk and you can contact them on 116 123. 

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About DeathBy Sam Meikle

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