While We're Still Here

While We're Still Here

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While We're Still Here episodes

  • No Options? Think Again: Meet Ty Gipson!

    Ty Gipson describes his idea of No Options, a topic he presents to many groups all over the country. When going through tough times it may seem we have no options, but Ty tells us how he manages those tough times. 

    Facing needing organ transplantation multiple times, Ty is the picture of resilience and toughness. Not in a hard-edge way, but a toughness to push through and inspire others. He shares his story with us, describes No Options, and urges everyone to be an organ donor. 

    And...he wants me to give you all his cell phone number!!! 512-944-4780

    https://tygipson.com

    Inspiring moments: 19:53, 21:40-23:00, 32:15, 35:30

    https://www.organdonor.gov

    https://donatelife.net/donation/donor-registries/national-donate-life-registry/

    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    1 hr 12 min
  • Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust - Meet Jon Ray!

    You are in for such a treat! Grab your cuppa and get ready for Jon Ray, a former Marine pilot who found a unique way to do what he loves: flying and serving. 

    I almost don't want to tell you before you listen. You won't be disappointed.

    Jon Ray flew U.S. Presidents and staff, ran Marine missions, and commanded a fleet. That's just a taste of the life Jon has experienced. You will be intrigued by his story, and the latest chapter he's creating. 

    https://restonhigh.com

    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    56 min
  • You've Decided You Want the Help of a Doula - Now What?

    How do you choose the doula that's best for your person? You find some doulas in your area, make the connection, and begin to discover which one will fit your needs. I'll go through several questions to ask. 

    If you want a more comprehensive list, email me at [email protected] or click the Send Me a Message button

    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    26 min
  • Laughter Yoga Now as an Exercise Option!

    Created in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, Laughter Yoga uses intentional laughter and yogic breathing as an 'uplifting and powerful wellness practice". Dr. Kataria notes that aside from lifting the mood, laughter yoga also lowers blood pressure. 

    Dr. Kataria notes 5 pillars of laughter yoga: check them out here: 

    https://laughteryoga.org/about-us/what-is-laughter-yoga/


    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    8 min
  • Leaving a Legacy is So Much More Than Money

    How do you wish to be remembered? You don't have to wait until you're dead before the important people in your life hear your thoughts. I shared some of mine in this episode and, yes, there are tears. 

    Merriam Webster has the definition, but the two people I have quoted in this episode can bring the meaning of legacy to a more personal level. 

    https://thelegacytexas.com/what-is-a-legacy/

    https://www/journeybeyondwealth.com/the-true-meaning-of-legacy

    https://letsreimagine.org/

    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    29 min
  • Can Funky Shoes Change Your Mood?

    A new friend named Anneliese says "Yes!". 

    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    11 min
  • I Went to a Funeral Today

    My Scottish heritage was in full display at this funeral, complete with bagpipes and kilts. The folks I had wanted to see were there, save a couple, and the conversations were lively and fun. I also learned some things about grief, family, and active listening. 

    Amazing Grace on bagpipes:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5PZX5ZXO88


    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    15 min
  • What is Palliative Care? Meet George Taylor, M.D.!

    Dr. George J. Taylor is an expert in palliative care medicine. He has written many texts. Our discussion relates to his most recent publication, A Caregiver’s Guide to Palliative Medicine. He explains how we can use medications to achieve pain control, when to start Hospice care, the difference between dependence and addiction, and longevity vs quality of life. 

    https://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-Guide-Palliative-Medicine/dp/B0GZHX9G9S

    Notes: 

    25:00 Mobic for pain, Tylenol for pain

    34:00 Get on Hospice early.

    46:00 Aging, Nutrition, treatments to ‘make young people better’. 

    55:30: Dependence vs addiction and the Other Opioid Crisis. 

    1:00 The Five Wishes and the importance of the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.

    You can read critiques written about his book here:

    https://independentbookreview.com/2026/07/08/a-caregivers-guide-to-palliative-medicine-by-george-j-taylor-m-d/

     https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/857762


    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    1 hr 12 min
  • I'm Back: Again

    A brief update. I didn't want to start publishing episodes with no warning. I have a terrific interview to share with you coming up very soon. 

    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    4 min
  • Is This Life Support? You Decide

    Artificial External Life Support is a combination of medical interventions implemented when a person is unable to breathe on their own or when the heart cannot pump blood on its own, or organs need support to function. These interventions are referred to as Life Support and they have their place in medical care. Today I explain why it's so important that we all consider whether we would want these interventions should we find ourselves in need of them but are unable to communicate our wishes. This is a tough topic--it took me years of learning and consideration before I wrote up my Advance Directive. 

    Have questions? Send me a message!

    Listen and learn about death doula work: https://whilewerestillhere.com 
    Reach me at [email protected]

    Facebook: While We're Still Here

    Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. 
    The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Pouch - [email protected]

    10 min

About While We're Still Here

From the publisher's feed

My parents died within five months of each other. It was a blur. Several years later, to help a friend discuss her end of life, I went to a Death Cafe. That was it. No going back. Now the subject…