Talk Deathy to Me

Trigger warning: this episode discusses infertility & loss of pregnancy. This week, Kaylee and Sheila are joined by family friend—and Kaylee’s high school bestie—Jessica. Their friendship goes all the way back to freshman year, but Jess’s journey with grief goes back just as far. From losing her mom as a teen, to navigating infertility and pregnancy loss, and most recently, losing her father w...

Grief doesn’t haunt like a ghost—it lingers like a shadow. In this episode, the girls talk about what it really means to live with loss every day. Explore the quieter moments of mourning: spotting a bird your dad always wanted to see, navigating new relationships without him, and remembering a small act of kindness in your husband’s final days. Kaylee, Kelsey, and Sheila laugh through tears as the...

In this nightmarish episode, Kelsey dives into one of folklore’s most gruesome creatures aloud to Kaylee and Sheila—the skinless, corpse-rotting terror known as the Nuckelavee. Born from the dark shores of the Orkney Islands, the Nuckelavee is part horse, part man, and all rot. But is it just a monster story… or a reflection of how we process disease, death, and decay? Together, the trio dives int...

When someone signs a Do Not Resuscitate order, it’s supposed to be the final say. But what happens when family members, doctors, or even strangers override that decision—whether out of love, fear, or control? In this episode, Kaylee walks Kelsey and Sheila through realities where DNRs were ignored, exploring the ethical, legal, and emotional fallout. From stories of unwanted revivals to the murky...

Pack your black hats and walking shoes—Sheila, Kaylee, Kelsey, and Alan hit the road for a haunted history adventure through Boston and Salem! From revolutionary gravesites and midnight ghost tours to the chilling legacy of the Salem Witch Trials, the crew explores the darker corners of America's past. Expect spooky stories, historic sites, questionable reenactments, and lots of laughs along t...

Today, Sheila, Kelsey, and Kaylee explore what it’s like when the world moves on after your loss—and you don’t. They share Lilly’s story as a way into discussing the power of celebrating a loved one’s birthday instead of their death day, how to talk to children about grief early on, and the ripple effects of loss through generations. The girls also open up about how surprisingly easy—and important...

Kaylee shares a few heartfelt listener-submitted stories—real experiences of grief, resilience, and reflection. These stories spark an honest conversation with Kelsey and Sheila about the things they wish they’d known during their own grief journeys. These are grief for things like loss of self, abusive relationships, lost loved ones, and more. From practical tools to personal insights, the trio e...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics of death, suicide, and emotional distress, which may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 , or visit ⁠ 988lifeline.org ⁠ for free, confidential support. Why have so many cultural icons died at 27? In this episode, Kelsey explores t...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics of death, suicide, and emotional distress, which may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 , or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support. Julius Caesar gasping “Et tu, Brute?” . Cleopatra clutching a venomous snake. Rasp...

In this episode, Kelsey shares a beautiful and honest email from listener Marcea, who opens up about the loss of her husband and the complicated mix of grief, guilt, relief, and healing that followed. Sheila, Kaylee, and Kelsey's conversation gets real about the unglamorous side of caregiving, those strange moments of peace after loss, and how hard it can be to restart life on your own terms....

Who owns your body once you’re gone? In this funny and surprisingly eye-opening episode, Sheila, Kaylee, and Kelsey explore the weird world of cadaver ownership, body donation, and what really happens to human remains after death. From shady body brokers to bizarre legal battles, no regulation goes unturned. Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Talk Deathy To Me” episode without a few limited series pitch...

What’s on your bucket list? In this episode Sheila, Kelsey, and Kaylee dive into the meaning behind bucket lists—why we make them, how they evolve, and what happens if we don’t complete them. From skydiving to reconnecting with loved ones, we explore how bucket lists shape our lives and legacies. Plus, we discuss how to celebrate a life well-lived, even if every dream isn’t checked off. Tune in fo...

Why do we hold our breath when driving past a cemetery? What’s with covering mirrors after a loved one passes? Kaylee, Kelsey and Sheila dive into the eerie and often curious world of death superstitions. From black cats and broken clocks to ancient rituals and ghostly warnings, they explore the origins of these beliefs and speculate on the human fears and hopes that may have shaped them. Get read...

This episode explores the complex emotions that arise when a loved one passes after a long-term illness, particularly for those who have been their primary caregiver. It examines the unexpected sense of relief that can come with the end of caregiving—an emotion that is normal and even expected. The episode highlights that this relief is not a lack of love, but rather a result of the emotional exha...

Today, Kaylee and Sheila dive into the raw, often overlooked aspects of death: the pain, mess, fear, and unspoken emotions. They discuss how embracing the uncomfortable reality of dying—rather than holding onto idealized expectations—can create a more honest and meaningful experience for both the person passing and their loved ones. By shedding these unrealistic ideas, the process becomes more man...

Kaylee's too busy for us this week, so Sheila and Kelsey Jae dive into the wild, heartfelt, and downright hilarious world of obituaries. They chat about why obits matter—how they’ve evolved from simple death notices to mini life stories full of personality. Then, they share some of the best they could find, from laugh-out-loud gems to brutally honest farewells. It's a mixed bag, proving th...

In this episode, Sheila, Kelsey Jae, and Kaylee dive into the realities of nursing homes—what to expect, how to prepare, and the financial and emotional challenges involved. Kaylee breaks down the differences between nursing homes and assisted living, the cost of care, daily life, and how families can navigate the transition. Sheila asks many thoughtful questions. Kelsey Jae brings up the movie St...

Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one to death—it’s about losing anything deeply meaningful. In this episode, Sheila, Kelsey Jae, and Kaylee share their personal experiences with grief that don’t fit the traditional mold: widowhood and identity loss, leaving an abusive relationship, and the heartbreak of a lost friendship. They explore how grief manifests emotionally, physically, and socially,...

Sheila takes Kelsey Jae on a journey through the cemeteries she encountered along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. As she visits other cemeteries along the pilgrimage route, Sheila reflects on the grave of a pilgrim who never finished their journey, medieval legends, and the enduring connections between life, death, and the spiritual path of the Camino. Please consider leaving us a review on iTune...

Today, we dive into the fascinating and eerie tradition of last meals. From extravagant feasts to humble comfort foods, Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore what these final choices reveal about the lives, personalities, and circumstances of those who selected them. They share haunting tales, surprising requests, and even a few... uh... heartwarming?... stories that remind us of the human desire for conn...

Today Sheila & Kelsey Jae explore the myths and beliefs surrounding death across cultures. From the Egyptian Duat, to the cycles of Hindu Samsara, to the presence of Japanese Kami, and more. Each myth offers a glimpse into how humanity has grappled with the mystery of death and its place in the cycle of life, and how these stories help us to understand death and grief. Please consider leaving...

Sheila and Kelsey Jae interview Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes . The conversation delves into Jessica's journey of parenting her daughter, Dalia, who suffered from MERRF syndrome—a rare and degenerative mitochondrial disorder—and the impact of losing her to the disease in 2022. Jessica discusses how her profound experiences of grief and resilien...

Happy Halloween!!! Sheila is joined this week by her *other* daughter, Kaylee! They discuss the mystery of the afterlife with a little familial twist. Kaylee shares her intriguing encounters with spirits, while they explore the uncanny experiences of Sheila’s five-year-old grandson, who’s been seeing ghosts and things from beyond. Alongside some spooky tales, they veer off into a mix of silly, non...

Sheila recounts her visit to the Ohio Insane Asylum Cemetery. Dive into the history of the asylum and the untold stories of the patients buried there. Once forgotten, the cemetery is now recognized for its historical value and its place in the mental health journey of our country, a stark reminder of how far we've come and how much further there is to go. Please consider leaving us a review on...

In this chilling episode, Sheila and Kelsey Jae travel back to 1876 to uncover one of the deadliest train accidents in American history: the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster. They recount the harrowing tale of a frigid winter night when a passenger train plunged into the icy waters of Ashtabula, Ohio, after a bridge collapsed beneath it. They discuss the haunting aftermath of this tragedy that cl...