Death Demystified with Dr. Deerheart

What if death wasn't something we feared alone? What if dying, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life planning were supported by an entire community of compassionate professionals, educators, artists, clergy, caregivers, and advocates?   In this powerful episode of  Death Demystified , Dr. Deerheart welcomes Barbara McMurray, co-founder of the Orange County Deathworkers Alliance (OCDWA), a growing col...

What if talking about death could help you live more honestly, love more deeply, and fear less? In this intimate solo episode of Death Demystified, Dr. Deerheart opens her heart and shares the story behind nearly four decades of walking beside the dying. From a frightened child hiding under the covers from the “boogeyman” to becoming an end-of-life practitioner, educator, and founder of The HeartW...

In this profoundly moving episode of Death Demystified , Dr. Andrea Deerheart is joined by Nikki Brake, Executive Director of The HeartWay, whose life story is a testament to resilience, trauma recovery, transformation, and the power of the human spirit. At just 16 years old, Nikki survived a devastating car accident that left her fighting for her life.  Facing multiple surgeries, months of rehabi...

In this deeply moving episode of Death Demystified with Dr. Deerheart, psychotherapist and neurodiversity advocate Sari Solden, MS, joins Andrea to explore an often-overlooked frontier in end-of-life care — how we can honor, comfort, and support neurodiverse individuals as they approach the final chapter of life. Together, they dive into what neurodiversity truly means — the unique ways brains and...

In this deeply tender episode of Death Demystified , Dr. Deerheart is joined by Patricia Danaher, founder of The Jizo Foundation, to explore how ritual, community, and ancient wisdom can help heal one of the most silenced forms of grief—infant loss. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of Jizo, the beloved protector of children and guardian of souls, Patricia shares how creating public memorial spac...

Death touches every life, yet many of us navigate end-of-life decisions feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. On a recent episode of Death Demystified, Dr. Dearhart shared crucial insights that could transform how families approach this sacred transition, answering the questions she hears most often as a death doula.

In this deeply intimate episode of Death Demystified , Dr. Deerheart is joined by Mary Franz—retired marriage and family therapist, longtime educator, widow, and HeartWay client—for a courageous and tender conversation about love, loss, and resilience. As the one-year anniversary of her husband’s death approaches, Mary reflects on what it was like to walk beside him at the end of life—participatin...

The holidays can be tender, complicated, and unexpectedly raw when grief is present. In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Deerheart sits down with grief companion and spiritual mentor Crystal Potter to explore how love and loss intertwine during the holiday season. Together they offer gentle practices, meaningful rituals, boundary-setting wisdom, and compassionate ways to honor those who are no longer p...

In this deeply human episode of Death Demystified , Dr. Andrea Deerheart welcomes Becky Lomaka , grief educator and Director of Community and Grief Resources at O’Connor Mortuary . Together, they explore how modern deathcare can be infused with compassion, choice, and heart — helping families move through loss with dignity and grace. Becky shares how O’Connor’s unique approach blends education, ri...

In this episode, Dr. Deerheart sits down with the luminous Fiona “Fi” Hancock—multi-sensory medium, healer, and founder of Earthmonk. Together, they explore how Spirit walks with us through life, death, and everything in between. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, this conversation reminds us that death isn’t an ending but part of a much greater journey of connection, healing, and love.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Deerheart sits down with Joél Simone Maldonado, affectionately known as The Grave Woman, to explore how race, culture, and ritual shape the way we experience death and dying. Together, they unmask the hidden biases and barriers in deathcare, while highlighting the sacred traditions that bring healing, belonging, and dignity to every community. This episode challe...

Today, I’m flying solo to share deeply from my own heart and experience as an end-of-life doula, educator, yogi, and companion at the threshold. Together, let’s soften the fear, lift the veil, and allow grace to guide us toward a more sacred, peaceful death. In my work, I’ve sat beside hundreds of people as they’ve taken their final breaths. I’ve held hands, wiped tears, laughed, prayed, and simpl...

In this deeply moving episode of Death Demystified, Dr. Deerheart sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Maree McRae as she faces her own end-of-life journey with vulnerability, courage, and grace. Diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and considering Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), Maree shares the profound loss of her daughter Stella, who died by MAID in Colorado, and how grief, legacy,...

Are you curious about what really happens at the end of life? Wondering how to support a loved one or find peace in your own final chapter? In this eye-opening episode of Death Demystified, Dr. Deerheart pulls back the curtain on the top five questions she’s asked as a death doula—questions that have transformed fear into understanding and grief into connection. With powerful stories, candid insig...

In this powerful episode of Death Demystified, Dr. Andrea Deerheart is joined by special guest Dr. Sanjivan Kohli to explore Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD)—a deeply compassionate, controversial, and often misunderstood end-of-life option. Together, they discuss who MAiD serves, how the process works in California, the ethical complexities, and what it means for patients, families, and care providers....

In this episode of Death Demystified, we explore Terramation, a groundbreaking, eco-friendly alternative to burial and cremation. Host Dr Deerheart welcomes Brie Smith from Return Home to discuss how Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) transforms the human body into nutrient-rich soil, offering a sustainable, meaningful way to return to the earth. Discover the science, process, and emotional impact of...

In this episode of Death Demystified , we explore the vital role of End-of-Life Practitioners in supporting individuals and families through life’s final transition. Host Dr Deerheart, ELP is joined by Rickie Redman, ELP Aging in Place Director at Laguna Beach Senior Services, to discuss how EOL doulas provide emotional, spiritual, and practical guidance, bridging the gaps in traditional death car...

Can psychedelics help ease the fear of dying? In this thought-provoking episode of Death Demystified , Dr. Andrea Deerheart explores the growing use of plant medicine and psychedelics—like psilocybin—in end-of-life care. Joined by experts Justine Amadeo and Suzanne DeCarion, we dive into the science behind these therapies, their ability to reduce suffering, and the deeply personal transformations...

In this inspiring episode of  Death Demystified , Dr. Deerheart welcomes Dr. Tom Daniel to discuss the profound journey of life’s transitions. Together, they explore how to navigate endings and embrace new beginnings with grace, courage, and even a touch of humor. Drawing from his experience as an end-of-life practitioner and mind-body-medicine practitioner, Dr. Daniel offers insights on letting g...

in this heartfelt episode of  Death Demystified , Dr. Deerheart is joined by Kay Wenger, LMFT, LPCC, and Melissa Boswell to explore how we can navigate the complexities of love, grief, and loss during the holiday season. Together, they share insights and tools for honoring emotions, creating space for self-care, and finding balance amidst the joy and challenges of this time of year. Tune in for a...

Explore the rich traditions and profound meanings behind Dia de los Muertos, celebrating life, legacy, and the enduring connection to loved ones who have passed. Through heartfelt conversation and stories with Alejandro Preciado, this hour-long show invites listeners to honor the sacred beauty of remembrance while embracing the vibrant spirit of this timeless tradition.

Welcome to  Death Demystified, an hour long talk show, where we dive into the mysteries of life’s final chapter. We will explore the truths about death, challenge the fears, and have open conversations that matter. Our main intention is to explore and demystify the topic of death through discussions, musings, practical processes, expert guests, and most importantly your inquiries. Together, we’ll...