In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I sit down with one of my close friends, Rachel Carter. Rachel isn’t just my death bestie – she’s also a fellow end-of-life companion, and a spiritual life-and-death coach.
Rachel opens up about the loss of two significant people in her life, sharing her experiences with honesty and tenderness. It’s not always an easy listen, as we talk about the realities when things don’t go as hoped, touching on healthcare professionals, the system, and the challenges along the way.
But as often happens over a cuppa, the conversation naturally flows into deeper waters – faith, spirituality, and the way we both see the world.
This is a raw, heartfelt, and very real chat. Please go gently as you listen, and join me in being grateful for Rachel’s courage, wisdom, and openness in sharing her story.
To learn more about Rachael and her work - https://www.evaandalma.com/
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
New episode of Dying for a Cuppa OUT TODAY - Do We Choose the Moment We Die?
In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I explore one of those quietly profound questions that often comes up when sitting with the dying. Not sudden or tragic deaths, but the ones where you know it’s close — those vigil moments. The person holds on for days, then slips away the moment someone steps out of the room… or they seem to wait for a special call, a birthday, or that one person to arrive — and then they go.
Is it fate? Coincidence? Faith? Science? Energy? Maybe all of it. Maybe there’s a choice we don’t yet understand. Maybe it’s simply the body doing what it must. Or maybe it’s both.
Gentle content note: this episode talks about the moment of death and our presence and witness to it. You may have your own experiences so pease listen with care if you’re grieving or feeling tender around loss.
Have you ever witnessed what felt like “perfect timing” at the end of life? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Listen now on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts — just search “Dying for a Cuppa.”
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
This week’s episode of Dying for a Cuppa is an extra special one for me. I’m joined by my fiancé, Rick, and his best friend, Ben, as they open up about the loss of their best mate, Kris. Kris died of cancer at just 34, after only being ill for literally a matter of days, it was a complete shock.
Now, a couple of heads up before you listen: this conversation is way out of Rick and Ben’s comfort zone, we have not edited or a scripted anything, their love language is banter (and swearing!) so expect some colourful language, and we speak very openly about death, dying, and the raw grief that followed Kris death.
Alongside the pain, there’s so much love, laughter, and genuine deep bonds of friendship in this chat. Rick and Ben share what Kris meant to them, how they navigated the shock of losing him, and how they are keeping his memory alive.
Friendships, often as deep and important as our blood relatives, sometimes even more so, I feel deserve more space in the way we talk about death and grief.
So, grab yourself a cuppa, listen gently, and come with us into this tender, funny, and very real conversation about friendship, death, (with some choice language) and the love that stays.
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
Special Episode: In Honour of Baby Loss Awareness Week - 9-15th October
This week on Dying for a Cuppa – The Podcast, I’m joined by the beautiful Cathy Milburn, friend, colleague and founder of Heart in Their Hand. Cathy’s work was born from her own heartbreak — the loss of her son, Adam, who was sadly born sleeping.
In this deeply tender and honest conversation, Cathy shares her story — from her pregnancy and Adam’s birth, to the quiet, aching days that followed — and the wisdom she’s gathered along the way as a grieving mother.
Please go gently as you listen to this one. It’s an episode full of love, truth, and remembrance — honouring not only Cathy’s Adam, but all the tiny souls who couldn’t stay, and the families who carry them forever in their hearts.
https://www.heartintheirhand.com/
http://babyloss-awareness.org
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
Grief is one of the heaviest topics we could ever touch on – and truthfully, we could talk about it all day. But in this episode, I simply want to pause and share a few gentle reminders.
Grief is not about comparison or measurement. It’s personal, messy, and different for everyone. Here, I offer some intimate reflections and supportive insights for anyone grieving, or walking alongside someone who is.
Think of this as a short message just for you: whatever you’re experiencing, thinking, or feeling in your grief – it’s all okay.
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
In this latest episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I sit down with Emma Gray, from Rainbow Hunting, who speaks with raw honesty about the death of her husband, Simon. Simon was just 38 when he died, leaving behind Emma and their two young daughters, aged six and eight.
This conversation is tender and deeply emotional, especially towards the end, so please do listen gently. Emma shares Simon’s journey through chemotherapy, cancer, hospitals, and hospice, as well as the heartbreaking reality of being with him when he died. She also reflects on how their daughters were part of this story.
Alongside her personal experience, Emma, who is a probate lawyer, now supports people through the practical side of navigating life after loss —the paperwork and processes that come after a loved one dies—in many ares of her work
I am so grateful to Emma for opening up so honestly, and I know her story will resonate with many. But please do think before you delve in, first stick the kettle on, this ones emosh.
https://www.rainbowhunting.co.uk/
https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I’m joined by Antonia Rolls, an artist and fellow Soul Midwife, who speaks with incredible openness about the deaths of her two sons. Antonia lost one son to addiction and another to suicide. Antonia has also experienced many other significant losses in her life.
This is your gentle warning: the conversation is raw, very honest, and deeply emotional. Please take care of yourself as you choose whether to listen, and maybe pour yourself a strong coffee first.
Antonia shares not only the painful details of her loss, but also the profound lessons and experiences of living without her sons. Together, we talk about faith, religion, and spirituality; the different perspectives surrounding addiction and suicide; and the very real emotions felt by those struggling — and just as importantly, by those who love them.
https://antoniarollsartistextraordinaire.blogspot.com/
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal or medical advice.
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of hospices – what they are, where they came from, and why they matter. Hospices can feel daunting or even misunderstood, so my aim is to strip away the myths and share the key things you really need to know.
This isn’t just about facts and history, though. It’s about encouraging those vital conversations with the people who matter to you – the kind of conversations that help us feel more prepared and supported, long before we actually need hospice care ourselves or for someone we love.
2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, I sit down with John Adams – a well-known voice in the Funeral world, with ideas and energy that keep shaping the way forward. But at the heart of John’s drive is something deeply personal. When John was just 12 years old, he lost his mum, Maria. That loss shaped his grief, his life, and ultimately the work he’s doing today to make real changes and raise awareness about how we support bereaved children.
Please be warned, this episode includes open and honest conversations about grief, loss and children. John shares about his reality of losing his Mum and what he remembers as a young boy. Please be aware that things do get emotional at times.
Join us for an honest conversation about John’s story – from those early days of loss to the path he’s on now.
https://achangingindustry.com/
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal or medical advice.
In this raw and deeply human episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow celebrant, Jess May – a living funeral specialist who knows the realities of loss all too well. Jess shares the significant bereavements in her life, including the deaths of her parents and siblings, as well as the heartache of pet loss.
We talk openly about grief, death, and dying – in very real, human terms. Jess speaks with honesty about her own grief journey, the complex family dynamics she faced, and navigating challenges such as alcoholism.
This is a genuine human-to-human conversation – one I was honoured Jess allowed me to record. Our hope is that it helps someone out there feel a little less alone, and that it continues to bring death and dying into the light as a natural part of life.
Please note: this episode is honest, emotional, and unfiltered. Go gently as you listen.
© 2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS BEFORE YOU START…
We’re back with Series 2 of Dying for a Cuppa The Podcast!
In this short intro, we set the scene for what’s to come – honest, in-depth conversations about death, dying, and the many ways loss shows up in our lives. This isn’t a series about grief itself, but about the stories, experiences, and truths people carry.
Before you dive in, this episode offers a gentle but important heads-up: our conversations can be raw, emotional, and sometimes heavy. We touch on difficult topics, and yes – there’s the occasional splash of colourful language. But alongside the intensity, you’ll also find moments of inspiration, lightness, and even laughter.
Think of this as your guide before you journey into the rest of the series. Please listen here first so you’re ready for what lies ahead.
Dying for a Cuppa is a podcast where I sit down with real people to have real conversations about life — and about death. Each episode brings death to the forefront through honest chats and personal stories. Every story holds something unique, something different, and something truly valuable that many of us need to hear. My hope is that these conversations make what often feels abnormal seem a little more normal — and help people feel just a little less alone.
2025 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved.
This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.
In this final episode of Dying for a Cuppa before a summer break, we’re talking about the ultimate gift you can give your people – talking about death. It might feel hard, but opening up these conversations brings peace, clarity, and understanding. It’s a gift for those we love, easing their grief and giving them something solid to hold on to when everything else feels shaky.
I know many don’t want to talk, but this only makes things worse, trust me. Even a few things written down on a post it nite is better than nothing.
Thank you for being here with me – I’ll be back in September with fresh episodes and some exciting new things to share. Until then, keep talking, keep sharing, and keep showing up for the stuff that matters 🙏🏼
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
This week on Dying for a Cuppa, we’re diving into the world of personal care. The practical, intimate, human stuff. We talk about the importance of knowing what might need to be done, what you might need and the emotional weight it can carry for both the person giving and receiving support. We need to know this may fall on us.
It’s about dignity, respect and understanding. It’s ok if it easy for you, it is ok that it is not.
It’s a hard task but one we must understand and talk about.
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
Anticipatory Grief & Secondary Losses
In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa, we’re talking about the grief that shows up before someone dies — anticipatory grief — and the ripple effects of secondary losses that follow. Whether it’s the loss of future plans, roles, routines, or identity, these hidden layers of grief often go unspoken. Let’s name them, explore them, and make space for them over a cuppa.
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
I thought I’d cover something lighter this week and just chat with you all about, what I lovingly refer to as, the ‘Woo Woo’. Come chat with me and hear all about the spiritual side of me and some of my thoughts and feelings about the said woo woo. This is very much a ‘me waffling on’ kind of episode, easy on the ears, and heart, with a little insight into my home (literally)
Also the day this is released will be the day after my birthday, just saying!
My faith helps me do what I do, it’s not what I project on others, I support all faiths and none.
What are your thoughts on the Woo?
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
Assisted dying is a hot topic in at this precise moment in our time. The bill is currently going through parliament and looks set to go to the next steps. We are still a few years off it being legally available here in the UK but we need to use this time to get better educated, become more well informed and gain deeper insight and perspective about what all this really means. We need to talk a lot more about assisted dying and all its implications.
Here I shared my own thoughts and feelings which are non judgmental, not specifically for or against the option, but all about the bigger picture, and comes from the heart. I also share this as someone who has witnessed hundreds of people die in a multitude of different scenarios and situations.
I’d love to know what you think in the comments.
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
The term ‘Direct Cremation’ is becoming more widely used - but do we really understand what this means? Do we have enough information about this process, what it entails and what it means for us mourners? There is so much more to this than we realise and here I hope to share a little insight to really make you think. We need to talk more about this if we think this might be a path for us, it goes deeper than you may be aware of and there may be things you need to consider. We must be clear in our choices.
The legal bit of disposing of our physical bodies is one thing, but honouring and celebrating our person is another.
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
Do you know if your person dies at home, you do not need to rush to send them into the care of a funeral director? Did you know you can keep them at home with you for a few hours or even days if you wish? Now this idea certainly won’t be for everyone, but it will be absolutely right for a few.
I shared a post on Facebook about exactly this recently that got A LOT of attention, with some interesting perspectives and quite a lot of criticism (if your interested do have a nosey, it caused quite the stir!) so I wanted to talk about it openly here too. There are many factors to consider of course, but my main point is that people need to know this is an option, and legal. You do still have choices even after someone has died and can spend more time with them if that is right for you.
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
I have a FREE download available on my website called ‘Me, My Care and I’ - this is a spiritual and holistic care document available to everyone and anyone, at any stage of life. It is a place to document and explore your wants and wishes, your fears and concerns, and share all about who you are as a person. It is all relevant to our personalised and heart led end of life care and helps encourage and facilitate tough conversations.
In this episode I explain what it’s all about, why it’s so important and go through each and every section to help you understand how it can be of use and its priceless value.
The download can be found here - https://www.katiecsoulmidwife.com/product-page/me-my-care-and-i
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
Talking to children about tricky subjects can be exactly that, tricky. When it comes to death, we often feel we need to protect children, keep them away from the challenging stuff and hide them away from seeing someone die. The trouble with this well meaning approach h is that we can cause more harm than good, and here I explain why.
Children need to know that as hard as it is, death and grief are a natural part of life and love.
For more info about me and what this is all about, have a look at my website www.katiecsoulmidwife.com and my Facebook and Instagram pages. Also on LinkedIn. Wherever you are, look for Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant - End of life Support Services.
Dying for a Cuppa ® is a registered trademark.
