In this episode, I reconnect with someone I’ve known and admired for over two decades, the ever-evolving Dion Chang. You might know Dion as a fashion icon, trend analyst, and founder of Flux Trends. But what you probably don’t know is that Dion is now a certified end-of-life companion, yes, a death doula. This conversation left me both grounded and inspired. We talk about identity, reinvention, what it means to say goodbye, and how ritual can anchor us when life is shifting beneath our feet. Dion’s journey from studying in Paris to midlife cliff-diving (his words) to pet funerals and corporate retirement is a testament to living truthfully, even when the path is unmarked. If you’re in the midst of change, or sense it’s coming, this one is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – A 26-Year Friendship & Fashion Flashbacks Dion and I share how we met (in a feathered bolero, no less) and what it means to know someone across so many versions of themselves. 03:15 – What Is a Death Doula, Really? Dion explains his calling to become an end-of-life companion and how this work is about more than mortal death — it's about transitions, beginnings, and endings of all kinds. 07:00 – From Couture to Consulting: The Birth of Flux Trends Leaving fashion behind, building a new identity, and riding the early wave of social change and trend analysis. 12:10 – Shedding Labels & Personal Rebranding How Dion fought the persona of “fashion guy” to become someone new — and why that was so much harder than it sounds. 16:30 – Midlife Metaphors & The Fog We revisit a conversation from 15 years ago that shaped the name of this podcast — including cliffs, clearings, and hacking your way through. 20:50 – Business Needs a Doula Too How Dion is applying his doula training to help companies grieve, transition, and adapt with empathy. 25:40 – Extreme Pet Parenting & Pet Bereavement You won't believe the stats from South Korea and China — or how Dion is pioneering the world of pet doulas (and writing a book about it). 30:05 – Ritual, Loss & Meaning-Making From Buddhist chanting to memory stones, we talk about the power of ritual in human and corporate life — and why we need it now more than ever. 35:20 – Saying No, Growing Up & Purpose After 60 Dion shares how he filters every decision through one question: “What do I want?” And why that gets more vital with age. 39:45 – Resources & Ways to Connect We wrap with gratitude and links to explore Dion’s evolving world. 🔗 Follow Dion: https://fluxtrends.com https://www.dionthedoula.com/ https://instagram.com/@dion_chang https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion-chang-a8b5379/ 🎧 Subscribe to Through the Fog and leave us a review if this episode moved you, it helps more fog-walkers find their way.