Dear Psychopomp: Let's Talk About Death

death, death doula, funerary practices, history of death care, doula bag essentials, coaching for caregivers, end of life care, rituals, grief support, palliative care

In this episode of Dear Psychopomp, Anne-Marie delves into the history and evolution of death care, exploring the role of death doulas and the essential items they carry in their doula bags. 

The conversation highlights the significance of rituals and ceremonies in dea...

death doula, grief, self-inquiry, emotional resilience, training, certification, community, resources, end of life, personal reflection

takeaways

• Start volunteering to explore your interest in death work.
• Self-inquiry is essential before becoming a death doula.
• Understanding your own relationship with death is crucial.
• Grief needs tending; don't rush into this work if you're grieving.
• Emotional resilience is key when s...

death, compassion, empathy, healing, online cruelty, mental health, Charlie Kirk, tragedy, humanity, respect


In this episode, we reflect on the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, emphasizing a need for compassion and empathy in the face of loss. The conversation critiques the online culture of cruelty and desensitization surrounding tragedies, urging listeners to recognize the human impact of such events. 

This is...

death doula, end of life, emotional support, spiritual support, pre-planning, grief, legacy work, acceptance, mental resilience, funeral poverty

In this episode, I express my never-ending gratitude for the podcast's growth and introduce the concept of Death Doulas. We discuss roles, emotional support, and the importance of pre-planning. The conversation delves into various scenarios that doulas may encounter, emphasizing the ne...

death, death doula, grief, end of life, psychopomp, emotional support, volunteering, mental health, caregiving, life transition

In this episode, Anne-Marie, the host of Dear Psychopomp, welcomes listeners to the second season of the podcast, where she explores the topic of death with humor and compassion. She introduces the role of a death doula, explaining its significance and the emotional complexities involved. The episode emphas...

grief, healing, loss, connection, resilience, emotional pain, shared sorrow, death doula, mental health, self-care

In this heartfelt conversation, Dear Psychopomp explores the complexities of grief, emphasizing that while loss is a universal experience, healing occurs through connection and shared sorrow. The speaker reflects on personal experiences of grief, the importance of acknowledging pain, and the resilience that emerges...

grief, loss, friend loss, writing, creativity, friendship, support, mental health, storytelling, healing, community

In this episode, Hannah Rumsey shares her journey of grief following the sudden loss of her friend Lauren. Through storytelling, writing, and humor, she explores the complexities of navigating grief, the importance of witnessing pain, and the healing power of creativity. The conversation delves into the societal challe...

The Death Deck, death, dying, hospice, grief, acceptance, end-of-life, conversations, regrets, humor, planning

In this conversation, Lisa Pahl, CEO of Death Deck LLC, shares her insights on death, dying, and the importance of having open conversations about these topics. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional background in hospice care, she discusses the significance of showing up for loved ones, common questions fac...

In this engaging conversation, Mr. B, the Gentleman Rhymer, shares his reflections on loss, humor, and the complexities of family relationships. The discussion delves into personal stories about their fathers, the impact of grief, and the role of music in coping with loss. The conversation also explores the lighter side of death and the afterlife, blending humor with poignant insights. 

In this engaging conversation, Mr. B The Gentl...

chronic illness, healthcare, diagnosis, mental health, patient experience, waiting, illness, support, resilience, advocacy

summary

In this episode, Dear Psychopomp shares a deeply personal narrative about living with chronic illness, exploring the emotional and psychological toll of waiting for diagnoses, the impact on relationships, and the challenges faced within the healthcare system. The conversation emphasizes the importance of ...

death, grief, stillness, emotions, self-love, meditation, presence, healing, mental health

In this episode of Dear Psychopomp, host Anne-Marie explores the themes of grief, stillness, and self-love. She reflects on her own experiences with existential crises and the importance of sitting with emotions rather than distracting oneself. The conversation emphasizes the need for presence and the beauty of engaging with grief as a means o...

Akashic Records, healing, soul contracts, grief, intuition, self-love, meditation, spiritual growth, holistic therapies, energy

summary

In this episode, Becca Shaw from Ember Healing discusses the transformative power of Akashic Records and holistic therapies. She explains how these records serve as an energetic library for individuals, providing insights into their past, present, and future. The conversation delves into th...

In this conversation, Dr. Robb Kelly shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the role of childhood trauma in shaping behaviors and mental health. He discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction rather than just the symptoms, and how nutrition and self-talk play crucial roles in recovery. 

The conversation also delves into the complexities of grief and its impact on the brain, highlighting th...

Pope Francis, death, rituals, funerals, grief, healing, traditions, memorialization, transitions, ceremonies

In this conversation, Anne-Marie discusses the significance of rituals and ceremonies in marking transitions, particularly in the context of death and funerals. She emphasizes that funerals serve the living, providing a space for communal grieving and honoring the deceased. The discussion also explores modern methods of dispo...

guided meditation, impermanence, self-discovery, mindfulness, breathing techniques, relaxation, mental health, spirituality, personal growth, meditation

In this episode, Anne-Marie leads a guided meditation focused on embracing the present moment and reflecting on the impermanence of life. Through a series of breathing exercises and visualizations, listeners are encouraged to connect with their bodies, acknowledge their mortality, a...

Becky Robison (she/her) is a writer living in Louisville, Kentucky. A graduate of UNLV’s Creative Writing MFA program, her work has appeared in Salon, Slate, Business Insider, and elsewhere. She’s also the mind behind My Parents Are Dead: What Now?—a project that aims to help people navigate the dizzying labyrinth of post-death bureaucracy based on her own experience. Her book My Parents Are Dead: What Now? A Practical Guide to You...

In this episode, I have the opportunity to sit down with Joél Simone Maldonado and squee in her presence.  We talk about her career, her story, her opinions, and so much more.  

Joél Simone Maldonado, affectionately known as The Grave Woman, brings over a decade of groundbreaking expertise and innovation to the fields of end-of-life, death and grief care. As a sacred grief care practitioner, licensed funeral director and embalmer, a...