Good Grief

This heartfelt episode features a candid conversation between Mike and Emma O’Connell, father-daughter members of O’Connell Family Funeral Homes, as they reflect on legacy, loss, and growing up in a family funeral home.

From prom pranks to life-shaping grief experiences, they share the emotional realities and quiet joys that come with serving others in their most tender moments.

Episode Highlights (Timestamps):

• 00:01:00 – The ric...

A single sentence can haunt a family for years. “Just cremate me and throw me out back.”

It’s said casually, often meant with humility, but can create lasting pain and confusion for those left behind. 

In this heartfelt episode, funeral director Mike O’Connell opens up about why these words are his “kryptonite,” the emotional cost of skipping a ceremony, and how reframing our final wishes can become a lasting gift to our lov...

What You'll Hear in This Episode

In this episode of The Good Grief Podcast, Christa Walz from Adoray joins us to talk about the power of home health care in helping families age with support, safety, and dignity.

Here's a quick look at what we covered:

[00:00] Christa reflects on 20 years with Adoray and how she got started in home health care.

[02:00] What home health care includes—and how it’s different from hospice.

[04:00] Who qua...

When Grief Doesn’t Go Away—and That’s Okay

Grief isn’t something we get over—it’s something we learn to live with. In this episode of The Good Grief Podcast, therapist Jill Ann Anderson joins Mike O’Connell and Pete Waggoner for an honest, moving conversation about what it means to truly process grief. 

Jill shares her personal journey of loss, how it led her to become a grief therapist, and why so many people feel isolated in th...

What happens behind the scenes before a loved one’s viewing? In this eye-opening episode of The Good Grief Podcast, Michael O’Connell breaks down the details of what goes into preparing someone for a final goodbye.

From grooming and attire to the unexpected things most families never think about, this is a transparent and thoughtful look into the care and respect funeral directors provide.

Whether you're curious, apprehensive, or pr...

In this powerful episode, Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson joins Michael O’Connell for a deep and relatable conversation about how grief moves through families—and how we often carry it without even knowing.

From childhood loss and moral injury to the messy middle of healing, Pastor Jules shares stories and tools from family systems theory and pastoral work. You'll learn why grief doesn't follow a straight line, how anxiety and shame...

Episode Description:

In this heartfelt Memorial Day episode, Michael O’Connell and podcast host, Pete Waggoner,  reflect on what the holiday truly means.

They explore the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the importance of honoring fallen service members, and the meaningful traditions that surround military funerals.

You’ll also hear about local efforts to recognize veterans, how communities can support flag retireme...

Episode Description:

Pre-planning a funeral may not be the most comfortable conversation—but it just might be the most important. In this inaugural episode of The Good Grief Podcast, Michael O’Connell and Pete Waggoner unpack the reasons pre-planning makes a profound difference for grieving families.

From preventing financial strain and family conflict to offering clarity during chaos, they discuss the emotional relief that comes wit...

Who says it’s too late to be talking about horror? 

In this month’s episode, Pete and Amber explore how death, dying, and funerals are depicted in the media. Amber, with her penchant for horror movies, offers a unique perspective, revealing the dual aspects of death in cinematic and television narratives—between the gruesome and the serene. As the conversation unfolds, the duo delves deeper into the accuracy of these portrayals. Am...

In this episode, Amber and Pete shed light on the topic of hospice care, sharing their insights and debunking common misconceptions. Amber starts by explaining how she chose this topic for the episode, drawing from her experiences with families who often express regret for not admitting their loved ones to hospice sooner. Pete raises an important question about whether patients in hospice have a say in their own care. They both add...

In this episode, Amber and Pete dive into the topic of body and organ donation, debunking myths and addressing common concerns. They begin by highlighting the importance of discussing donation throughout the year. Pete raises the misconception about open caskets for organ donors, questioning whether they are allowed.

They also tackle the myth surrounding autopsies and how funerals look like when the deceased has chosen to donate t...

In this episode, Amber and Pete delve into the world of embalming and cremation myths. They discuss the fate of jewelry, metallic teeth fillings, and implants during these processes, debunking misconceptions along the way. From how embalming doesn't grant permanence or produce odors to debunking the myth that remains are directly set on flames during cremation, the duo provides insightful information on these often misunderstoo...

In this month's episode, Amber and Pete explore the often-misunderstood topic of funeral costs and the crucial role of funeral directors in managing the intricacies of the funeral process. They discuss the perception of families regarding the costs and how funeral directors handle this sensitive issue.

Amber provides insights into the professional needs that contribute to the costs, such as their time, education, and overall e...

In this episode, Pete and Amber are joined by Mike Miller of the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson, WI. Mike shares his personal journey, recalling how his fascination with the cemetery began when he worked there as a 15-year-old summer job worker. As the discussion unfolds, Mike opens up about the challenges and rewards of meeting with grieving families, emphasizing the fulfilling responsibility of assisting them through the burial ...

In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and Amber Miller of O’Connell Family Funeral Homes discuss the role of pallbearers in funeral services. They explain the origin of the term “pallbearer” and its evolution to refer to individuals carrying the casket during a funeral procession. The hosts explore the process of choosing casket bearers, including age and gender requirements, and the benefits of involving loved ones in the selection ...

In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and O’Connell Family Funeral Homes’ Amber Miller discuss the importance of remembering and honoring moms on Mother's Day. They highlight the various ways people can pay tribute to their mothers–from setting up an altar in their homes to participating in charity works or doing acts of kindness. They also explore the role of grief and loss in Mother's Day celebrations and how these can be a...

In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and O’Connell Family Funeral Homes’ Amber Miller welcome Stress Awareness Month by discussing the different aspects of stress. From its usual symptoms to how it relates to grief and burnout, the two share their personal insights and experiences on the topic. They also delve into compassion fatigue and how one can cope with the stress brought by providing care and solace to a grieving person. In t...

In this episode of Good Grief, Amber Miller and Pete Waggoner discuss local resources that can help those going through a difficult period of grief. Amber shares her knowledge and expertise on various types of resources such as counseling, support groups, and online platforms that can provide comfort and understanding during a time of loss.

Pete puts emphasis on the importance of breathing exercises and caring for one's mind as a t...

In this episode of the Good Grief podcast, Amber Miller sits with host Pete Waggoner to discuss the topic of funeral personalization and how it can help people grieve. They explore why personalizing a funeral—from the flowers and decorations to the food after church service—can help the bereaved be reminded of their connection to their loved one, and how it can memorialize the legacies of those who have passed away. They discuss th...