Maria Gore, Director of Operations & Program Services at the Argus Institute at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, shares her insights on compassionate support for pet owners. Discover the importance of honoring the human-animal bond, the concept of disenfranchised grief, and the innovative pet hospice program that provides comfort and care in the home. Learn valuable tips on pre-planning for end-of-life care, making humane decisions, and supporting children through the grieving process.
Jonathan Kaplan shares his personal journey through heart surgery in his 40s, multiple miscarriages, and the loss of a sibling. Discover the challenges of dealing with one's own health crises, supporting a spouse through repeated losses, and the long-lasting impact of childhood grief. Jonathan's story highlights the importance of self-compassion, the struggle with survivor’s guilt, and the resilience built over time.
From the Nation's Mosque in Washington, DC, Imam Talib Sharif joins us to explore the role of an Imam, the significance of the mosque community, and the diverse representation within the mosque. Discover the profound rituals surrounding death and remembrance in Islam, and gain insights into the compassionate practices that support grieving families. Imam Sharif shares his personal journey, including his military service and efforts to promote religious freedom.
Jennifer Byram, a trust and estate attorney, explores the complexities of estate planning and end-of-life decisions. Jennifer shares her expertise on drafting wills and trusts, administering assets, and the importance of having a plan in place. We delve into the emotional aspects of discussing one's own death, the challenges of family dynamics, and the significance of making humane decisions for loved ones. Jennifer also provides valuable advice on essential documents, guardianship for children and pets, and the differences between a trust and a will.
An intuitive and psychic with a profound spiritual journey to share, Sharon Flynn her early brush with death due to a staph infection, her transformative near-death experience during childbirth, and her spiritual encounters that followed. Sharon uses her connection to angels and guides to doing a reading for Michelle. Sharon also opens up about her psychic development, her ability to see auras, and her experiences with metaphysical churches.
Dr. Eben Alexander, a renowned neurosurgeon, dives into the mysteries of the afterlife and the profound experiences that have shaped his understanding. Dr. Alexander shares his personal journey, including his near-death experience and the insights it provided into the nature of consciousness and the afterlife. We discuss the intersection of science and spirituality, the impact of his experiences on his medical career as a neurosurgeon, and the lessons he has learned about life, death, and what lies beyond. This episode offers a unique perspective on the afterlife, the power of the human spirit, and the importance of compassionate care in the face of mortality.
Rabbi Beth Singer shares profound insights into the Jewish traditions and beliefs surrounding life, death, and the afterlife. Discover the significance of living a good life, the comforting practices of mourning and remembrance, and the evolving rituals within the Jewish community. This episode delves into the philosophy that our bodies come from the earth and the spirit lives on with God, offering a beautiful perspective on mortality.
Natalie Niksa delves into the challenges of miscarriages and the joy of motherhood. She shares her emotional story of balancing a demanding career with the desire to start a family, and the profound impact of her experiences on her life. From the initial excitement of pregnancy to the heartbreak of loss, Natalie opens up about the physical and emotional toll of miscarriages and the resilience it takes to keep trying. This episode delves into the importance of community support, the role of spirituality in healing, and the unwavering hope that led to the birth of her son, Smith.
Matteo Undici is a healer, social worker, and adjunct professor with over 30 years of experience in deep listening, empathy, and guiding individuals through life's complexities. He explores the real meaning of mindfulness beyond the buzzword, discussing its roots, the importance of being present—especially in caregiving and grief—and how technology both supports and challenges our sense of community. Mateo shares insights from working with young adults and emphasizes the value of balance, stillness, and authentic connection in a fast-paced, digital world. The discussion covers practical tips for integrating mindfulness into daily life, the impact of social conditioning, and the power of acceptance.
Former nurse and Buddhist teacher, Pat Berube shares their unique insights on the intersection of medicine, spirituality, and the philosophy of death. Discover the transformative power of compassion, the importance of living a good life, and the beauty of a peaceful transition. This episode explores the concept of impermanence, the role of a death doula, and the significance of deep listening and community support during end-of-life care.
Caroline Ridgway dives into the complexity of grief while sharing her deeply personal experience of losing her brother to suicide. She opens up about the challenges of coping with the sudden loss, the impact of mental illness on her family, and the enduring struggle to find peace and understanding. This episode delves into the importance of mental health support and the role of community in healing. Listeners will gain insights into the emotional toll of depression, the significance of early intervention, and the power of resilience.
Erika Ruiz is the Public Outreach Manager at Compassion and Choices, the oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving end-of-life care and advocate for medical aid in dying. She discusses the empowering options available for terminally ill patients delving into the California End of Life Option Act, its history, and the safeguards in place to ensure patients' autonomy and dignity. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of advanced care planning, the role of hospice, and the emotional and spiritual support available to patients and their families.
Hospice bereavement coordinator, Janeen Fabulae discusses coping with grief during the holidays and shares valuable insights on how to navigate the emotional challenges that come with the festive season after losing a loved one. Learn practical strategies for setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and honoring your loved one's memory in meaningful ways. This episode delves into the importance of giving yourself permission to grieve, creating new traditions, and finding comfort in small gestures.
Jana DeCristofaro is the Community Response Program Coordinator at the Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, the first program in the world to offer peer support groups for grieving children and teens. Jana discusses the importance of honest communication with children about death, the different ways kids grieve, and the role of community support in the healing process. This episode offers valuable insights for parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in understanding childhood grief.
CEO of Paltown and Mayor of Colontown, Erica Brown shares her personal story of being diagnosed with colon cancer, the challenges she faced, and how she became her own patient leader and advocate. Discover how Erica founded Colontown, a supportive community for colorectal cancer patients, and the importance of taking control and patient leadership in navigating the medical arena. This episode amplifies the significance of building a network, seeking second opinions, and the power of community support.
Reverend Melissa Wilcox dives deep into the challenges of coping with grief, the impact of social media on spirituality, and the importance of being present for loved ones during difficult times. Melissa offers insights into the changing landscape of religiosity, the significance of planning end-of-life services, and the comforting belief in the afterlife. This episode provides valuable perspectives on how to navigate grief, support others, and find meaning in suffering. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance or looking for ways to cope with loss, this episode offers heartfelt stories and practical advice.
Funeral director Jessamyn Putnam shares her unique journey from working at the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer to becoming a funeral director, emphasizing the importance of pre-planning end-of-life wishes. She discusses the emotional and logistical challenges families face during times of loss, the significance of having a detailed end-of-life plan, and the various legal aspects involved in burial and cremation. Jessamyn also discusses the financial considerations of funeral planning. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to understand the complexities of funeral planning and the importance of making informed decisions.
Hospice program director, Jorie Jacobs’, passion for care was inspired by her personal experience with her father's Alzheimer's journey. This conversation delves into the topics no one thinks they need to know until they’re in the middle of the confusion of it all. Jorie talks about the differences between hospice and palliative care, the importance of advanced directives, and the emotional and logistical challenges families face during end-of-life planning. Jorie emphasizes the significance of early hospice involvement, the comprehensive support it offers, and the peace it brings to patients and their families. Whether you're seeking to understand hospice care or looking for ways to support loved ones, this episode offers valuable perspectives and heartfelt stories that resonate with listeners of all backgrounds.
The Written on Water Podcast delves into the profound topics of life, death, and the myriad experiences that connect them. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how embracing the concept of death (and the needs before and after it) can lead to a more fulfilling and compassionate life.
Michelle Mathai invites experts, spiritual leaders, and individuals with unique life experiences to share their stories and insights. From discussions on the hospice phase of terminal illness to the spiritual transformations witnessed during end-of-life care, our conversations are both enlightening and heartwarming. Listeners receive comfort and connection through loss, grief, resilience and the journey towards acceptance and healing.
Whether you're seeking comfort, knowledge, or a new perspective on life's most profound moments, Written on Water Podcast offers a safe space for reflection and growth.
