DEATH: How Do We Want to Live? w/ Mara June

I've deferred The Hanged One episode briefly (it would normally appear here), because this conversation on the Death card unexpectedly took on much bigger dimensions in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated huge areas of Western North Carolina less than two weeks ago.

My guest for this episode is Mara June — death doula, grief alchemist, and community herbalist who lives in Asheville, NC. Mara experienced the storm firsthand. In the aftermath they're connecting with and helping neighbors as, together, they navigate loss, try to meet basic needs, tend to their hearts, and cultivate moments of joy and sweetness.

In this phone call recorded days after the hurricane, Mara shares about their experience during and after, and how people are resourcing themselves in this time of crisis. Mara talks about community as human nature, something our life force naturally wants to lean toward. We talk about how plants and animals assist us in our grief, and what it means (and looks like) to relate to Death — and life — with purpose, love, and curiosity.

Follow Mara's work on Instagram, via their website, or Substack newsletter: Grief Spells.

Make donations to support people recovering from Hurricane Helene: @Mara-Pfeffer on Venmo, Beloved Asheville, Appalachian Voices, New Disabled South. And to share mutual aid with people recovering in Florida after Hurricane Milton:

Add more climate news to your Instagram feed by following: @postclimate (Washington Post's climate coverage), @sunrisemvmt, @so.informed, @earthlyeducation, @earthjustice, @itsthegarbagequeen, @sea.trees, @theclimatevote, @gogreensavegreen, @earthrise.studio, @greenpeaceafrica, centerforbiologicaldiversity

For structured guidance around climate action, check out Climate Changemakers.

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