Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli is joined by Ryan Kolstad, founder of Preplanning.me. Together, they discuss the importance of funeral preplanning and why making arrangements ahead of time can be one of the most loving gifts you give to your family. Key topics include the emoti...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula , host Traci Arieli sits down with Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking , to discuss her family's profound journey caring for her daughter Dalia, who was diagnosed with the rare disease MERRF syndrome (Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers). Jessica shares the e...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. **This episode discusses suicide and its impact on those left behind. If you find this topic distressing, please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or step away at any time. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.**  In this episode of Comforting Closu...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula , host Traci Arieli is joined by Angela Novas, a nurse and Palliative and Hospice Care Consultant for the Hospice Foundation of America. Together, they discuss hospice care. Angela shares her journey in hospice work, common misconceptions about hospice, and its benefits,...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula , Traci Arieli talks with Dr. Lula Buzz, an artist who uses clay to explore grief, memory, and healing themes. Dr. Buzz shares her journey, how clay became a sacred tool during her grief, and how she guides others in processing their loss through creative rituals and comm...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula , I’m joined by Gabrielle Gatto, manager of public programs from Green-Wood Cemetery, to discuss the transformation of cemeteries in today’s world. Gabrielle shares Green-Wood’s unique history as part of the rural cemetery movement and its modern role as a community hub....

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli sits down with Mike Scoggin, senior living advisor and owner of Oasis Senior Advisors of Silicon Valley. Together, they discuss the complexities of senior living options, from independent living to memory care, and address the emotional and finan...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli is joined by Cody Sanders, author of Corpse Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead . Together, they discuss how historical events like the treatment of Indigenous Americans, the Civil War, African American slavery, major epidemics, and the rise of eco...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli discusses the innovative and environmentally conscious practice of reef memorials with George Frankel, founder and CEO of Eternal Reefs. George shares the inspiration behind the company and how Eternal Reefs transforms cremated remains into artif...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores barriers that many face when accessing hospice care. Joined by Priya Jayadev from Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC), they explore how VHOCC is making hospice care accessible and compassionate for all, regardless of financi...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli sits down with Toula Saratsis, a mother, advocate, and end-of-life doula who knows firsthand the heartache of losing a child. Together, they discuss the topic of pediatric palliative care. Toula shares her personal story, discussing how pare...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores the critical topic of legally protecting your advance directive wishes. Joined by Janis Landis, an end-of-life care advocate from the Final Exit Network, they discuss how to ensure your healthcare preferences are respected and follo...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli explores the collaborative relationship between death doulas and hospice teams.  She is joined by two nurses, Dori Sappo and Denise Campbell. Both Dori and Denise bring unique perspectives as they have worked on both sides—serving as hospice nurs...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli sits down with Jim Van Buskirk, a Final Exit Network volunteer and the editor of "There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network." They read a few stories from the anthology, discussing themes of autonomy, dignity, and the profou...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode, we explore how Titan Casket is transforming the funeral industry by making high-quality caskets more accessible, customizable, and affordable by selling directly to consumers. Josh and Scott share their personal journeys that led to the creation of Titan Casket and explain how their mission is to help families manage the finan...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode, Traci Arieli speaks with Charles Tigard, the director of Stanford's Office of Decedent Affairs. They discuss the reasons behind the creation of this office, the family experiences, and the larger impact of their work. Key takeaways include insights into how the office supports grieving families and the unique services the...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula , Traci Arieli discusses a unique memorialization option with Jason Leach from And Vinyly. This innovative service transforms a person’s ashes into vinyl records, creating a beautiful blend of legacy, memory, and sound. Jason shares the fascinating process behind this ser...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the unique challenges that police officers and first responders face when it comes to grieving. Joined by Nicole Junkerman, a retired police officer and founder of Positive Passing, LLC, they explore the emotional toll these high-s...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the critical importance of advanced directives and planning for a good quality of life as we age. Joined by Sam Madison, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Thanacare, they explore how to ensure that doctors and medical staff...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli discusses the profound impact of home funerals with Isabel Knight from the National Home Funeral Alliance. Together, they explore the practicalities, benefits, and challenges of home funerals, including navigating hospital and hospice rules,...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores the emotional journey of losing both parents within a short span of time. Joined by Victoria Beelik, author of "Watching My Parents Die," they discuss the challenges of navigating differing end-of-life wishes and the perso...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. Episode Description:   In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the complex and often stigmatized topic of dementia. Joined by Kate Swaffer from Dementia Alliance International, they explore Kate's personal journey with young-onset dementia, the formation of Dementia...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. (Originally aired on September 12, 2023.) In this thoughtful conversation, Traci Arieli, the founder of Comforting Closure, sits down with therapist and author Bradie Hansen to explore the transformative power of art in the grieving process. Bradie, a prominent voice in the therapy community and a co-author of the book "The Long Grief Jou...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses end-of-life choices and self-deliverance, which might be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Please ensure you're in a space that feels safe and consider what's best for you as you listen.   In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci...

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli discusses the profound impact of providing end-of-life care within the prison system. Joined by Laura Musselman, Outreach & Events Manager, and Fernando Murillo, Program Manager of the Humane Prison Hospice Project, they explore how the proje...