When We Die Talks

In this deeply personal episode of When We Die Talks, Zach Ancell sits down with Zac Phillips to discuss the profound and transformative journey of grief. Zac shares his intimate experiences following the loss of his father, including the deeply hands-on process of his father’s burial, the lessons learned from his dad’s beliefs about death, and how these moments shaped Zac's own spiritual perspectives. They explore the often-taboo subject of grief, delving into how to support others through loss, the importance of holding space, and finding purpose amidst life’s upheavals. This conversation also touches on legacy, masculinity, and Zac's work with men's groups in Portland, creating a space for communal healing and growth. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that may shift how you think about death and connection.

List of Resources

Zac Phillips (Instagram)
https://www.zacphillips.com/

Zac helps men create systems in their life to focus on what’s essential and leave the rest. He’ll be running a workshop March 2, 2025 called Small Rituals, Big Changes.

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this bonus reflection episode, I revisit my conversation with Sarah Carter, exploring themes of gratitude, growth through loss, and how our experiences shape us. Sarah's openness about the profound losses in her life—losing both parents and navigating her husband's loss—offers a unique perspective on finding light even in the darkest moments.

I share my thoughts on how Sarah's story resonated with me, including the impact of "lowercase d" deaths, the concept of memories that fade with us, and how not having children changes the way we consider our legacies. Sarah's reflections challenge me to think about my own beliefs and anxieties around death and to embrace the urgency of living fully.

I also answer a listener question from Annah (Episode #2) about how these interviews have expanded my view of life and living. Through vulnerability and candid conversations, this journey continues to reshape how I approach life and this project.

Tune in to reflect with me and discover new insights into life, death, and the spaces in between.


List of Resources

After by Bruce Greyson


This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In Episode #9 of When We Die Talks, Sarah Carter joins the conversation to share her journey through profound personal loss. Sarah reflects on losing her mother to cancer at a young age and the unexpected death of her father during the COVID era. These experiences sparked a deep exploration of mortality, spirituality, and what it means to live a meaningful life.

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Zach discuss how grief changes over time, the value of spiritual curiosity, and the challenges of processing loss as an only child. Sarah also opens up about moments of connection she continues to feel with her parents and the ways these experiences have shaped her perspective on death. Whether you’re navigating your own grief or contemplating life’s bigger questions, this heartfelt discussion offers comfort, perspective, and inspiration.

List of Resources

Sarah Carter (Instagram)
The Healing Order
Center for Action and Contemplation
After by Bruce Greyson


This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this reflection episode, I revisit my conversation with Don Sires, who shared his powerful journey living with ALS and his perspective shaped by the Baha’i faith. I highlight some of the key takeaways, like Don’s analogy of life as the "womb of the spiritual world," and how his resilience in the face of immense challenges offers lessons for us all.

On a personal note, I share my recent struggles with an eye injury and how it brought up thoughts on aging and mortality. Don also posed some thought-provoking questions about life after death, the existence of God, and what evidence we look for to believe in more beyond this life.

These insights allow me to connect more deeply with this project and with all of you listening. Let me know if these episodes resonate with you. Your feedback is always appreciated.


List of Resources

“To consider that after the death of the body the spirit perishes,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said “is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed if the cage is broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage. Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird…if the cage becomes broken, the bird will continue and exist. Its feelings will be even more powerful, its perceptions greater, and its happiness increased…” (LINK)

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this episode of When We Die Talks, I have an open and honest conversation with Don Sires about his experience with terminal diagnoses, including myelodysplastic syndrome and ALS. Don reflects on the impact these diagnoses have had on his perspective of life, death, and what happens after we die.

We discuss his thoughts on how science and religion can coexist in the search for meaning, and how his spiritual beliefs from the Baha'i faith have shaped his understanding of immortality. Don also shares his practical approach to planning for death, explaining how living with an uncertain timeline has altered his relationships, his mindset, and his approach to life itself.

This episode dives into some tough subjects with a sense of humor and honesty that I think you’ll really appreciate. Whether you’re curious about the intersection of science and spirituality, or simply interested in hearing a unique perspective on mortality, this conversation is sure to leave you thinking.

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this episode, Zach Ancell sits down with Barbara Solomon, a former nurse turned death doula and Death Café facilitator, who brings a wealth of experience and wisdom from her years of working closely with death. Barbara shares how witnessing countless end-of-life moments shaped her understanding of loss and grief, as well as what death can teach us about connection and compassion.

From navigating these moments of change to uncovering what death can teach us about connection, Barbara offers a profound look at how we can reframe our understanding of both endings and new beginnings. With candor and compassion, she delves into the questions that haunt us all: What happens when we die? And how do we prepare ourselves—and those we love—for that journey?

Whether you’re curious about death doulas, Death Cafés, or simply looking for a deeper way to engage with life’s inevitable changes, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and perspectives that challenge the taboos surrounding death.

Key Topics + Chapter Markers

What is your relationship with death? [0:00]
What do you think happens when we die? [0:00]
What would you want your family/friends to know if you died tomorrow? [0:00]

List of Resources

https://www.finalchapterchats.com/

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this episode, Derek Green opens up about his personal journey with death, loss, and his search for meaning. Derek and many members of his family have been affected by Huntington's disease, a rare genetic neurological disorder that has profoundly shaped his understanding of mortality.

We discuss how this diagnosis has influenced his perspective on life, as well as his exploration of fear, spirituality, and the concept of acceptance. Derek takes us through his experiences with different belief systems, including Buddhism, and how his quest for understanding has led him to live more fully in the present. His story is one of resilience, introspection, and finding peace despite the uncertainty of life.

This conversation explores how facing death head-on can lead to a deeper appreciation for the time we have and the choices we make.

Key Topics + Chapter Markers

What is your relationship with death? [2:48]
What do you think happens when we die? [22:41]
What would you want your family/friends to know if you died tomorrow? [29:01]

List of Resources

derek_greenii (Instagram)

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this unique episode of When We Die Talks, a compilation of listener voicemails explores deeply personal and thought-provoking perspectives on what happens when we die. From near-death experiences and the role of faith in facing mortality to reflections on love, energy, and the profound impact of loss, this collection offers a window into the diverse ways people grapple with the mystery of death. The voicemails feature a range of voices—those who have faced death up close, those who work with the dying, and those simply contemplating their own beliefs. Each story weaves together themes of fear, peace, connection, and hope, painting a collective picture of our shared humanity in the face of the unknown. Tune in to hear these intimate messages and discover how they might resonate with your own journey.

Key Topics + Chapter Markers

Caller #1 [2:19]
Caller #2 [2:50]
Caller #3 [5:28]
Caller #4 [10:47]
Caller #5 [12:51]
Caller #6 [16:35]
Caller #7 [22:01]

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this episode, Zach Ancell sits down with Elizabeth Twardy, who shares her heartfelt experiences with death and loss, particularly in relation to her father's battle with cancer. Elizabeth recounts the profound moments leading up to his passing, discussing the complexities of grief and the emotional challenges of navigating life after loss.

Together, they explore the signs we seek from our loved ones who have passed and the importance of honoring their memory. Elizabeth offers raw and honest reflections on how grief has shaped her understanding of life and relationships, emphasizing the enduring connections we maintain with those we've lost.

This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with death, the impact it has on our lives, and the resilience we can find in the face of loss.

Key Topics + Chapter Markers

What is your relationship with death? [2:34]
What do you think happens when we die? [21:39]
What would you want your family/friends to know if you died tomorrow? [27:13]

List of Resources

Peyote Sunday (Instagram)

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

Have any thoughts about the show? Anything we could be doing better? Send us a text

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.

In this episode, Zach Ancell is joined by Ryan, a thoughtful and reflective member of the local Buddhist community, for an insightful conversation about life, death, and the spiritual journey in between. Ryan shares his unique perspective on mortality, drawing from his personal experience transitioning from a Christian upbringing to practicing Buddhism. Together, Zach and Ryan explore how death has become one of Ryan’s greatest teachers, the impact of meditation on understanding life’s impermanence, and the lessons we can learn from contemplating mortality. Their conversation touches on the role of mindfulness in shaping how we live, the nature of existence, and what truly matters at the end of life.

Make sure to stay tuned for a special bonus at the end of the episode, where Ryan reads a moving passage from one of his favorite books.

Key Topics + Chapter Markers

What is your relationship with death? [8:43]
What do you think happens when we die? [17:23]
What would you want your family/friends to know if you died tomorrow? [34:20]

List of Resources

Path for the Heart (Instagram) - https://bit.ly/3NqPu39
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran - https://bit.ly/488t7ce
The Four Noble Truths - https://bit.ly/4haHT66
The Five Remembrances - https://bit.ly/4hc2tmX
Consolations by David Whyte - https://bit.ly/488esha

This episode sponsored by The Deadbook: The Deadbook provides your loved ones with a framework, giving them space to grieve once that day comes. Visit thedeadbook.co and get started today. And just for listening, use the code ‘WWDT’ at checkout for 15% off. 

About When We Die Talks: When We Die Talks is a podcast built around anonymous conversations about death, loss, and how contemplating mortality shapes the way we live. If you’re new here, start with the Episode Guide. It’s designed to help you find conversations that match where you’re at—curiosity, grief, hesitation, or openness.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: whenwedietalks.com
📰 Substack: When We Die Talks
📸 Instagram: @whenwedietalks
▶️ YouTube: When We Die Talks
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Want to share your thoughts? Leave a voicemail at 971-328-0864 and share what you believe happens when we die. Messages may be featured in a future episode. If you’d like to have a full conversation, you can apply to be an anonymous caller at whenwedietalks.com.