The D Word

When Alice’s father suffered a sudden stroke while travelling in Turkey, she and her family were thrown into a world of foreign hospitals, translation barriers and heartbreaking decisions. In this candid and compassionate conversation, Alice shares how she navigated the shock, the bureaucracy of bringing her father home, and the long, uneven road of grief that followed. Along the way, she and Rach...

Grief doesn’t end when the funeral does. In fact, for many people, that’s when it truly begins. In this episode, Rachel talks about what happens after the funeral — when the flowers are gone, the phone stops ringing, and reality begins to settle in. It’s the quiet, often overlooked chapter of loss that brings both practical challenges and emotional weight. You’ll hear about: What to expect in the...

Grief is heavy enough on its own — but when you’re also carrying the emotional weight of other people, it can feel impossible to breathe. In this episode, Rachel talks about how to protect your peace through the chaos of loss — setting boundaries, understanding why others behave in strange or overwhelming ways, and learning to hold space for yourself first. You’ll hear about: The mental, emotional...

In Part Two, we bring the day to life. We talk through the elements that shape how a funeral feels — and what happens afterwards. In this episode: Coffins, caskets & shrouds — what they are, how to choose, and what’s practical for burial vs cremation Flowers, readings, orders of service & photo tributes — the storytelling tools that make it feel like them Music & rituals — simple parti...

Where do you even begin? Part One sets the groundwork so the decisions feel calmer and more doable - without turning it into a checklist. In this episode: Burial vs cremation (with a note on aquamation ) — what this early decision shapes next No Service, No Attendance (direct cremation) — why some families choose it, and simple rituals so grief still has a place to land Service types — traditional...

“You need to engage a funeral director.” Even when you’ve tried to prepare, those words signal a shift. In this standalone episode of The D Word , I talk through the moment of making the call - why it can feel disloyal, why it isn’t, and how opening a conversation early can give Future You more space and support. I share the practical steps (what to say, what information helps, and what to do if y...

Welcome to The D Word - thoughtful conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life matters. Because living fully means facing life’s challenges, including life’s final chapter. In this first episode, host Rachel Bracken, end-of-life educator, funeral director, and celebrant, guides you through one of the biggest unknowns: what actually happens when someone dies. You’ll learn: The first steps whe...

Welcome to The D Word — thoughtful conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life matters. Hosted by Rachel Bracken, an end-of-life educator, funeral director and celebrant on the Northern Rivers of NSW. New episodes every Thursday. Links Website: rachelbracken.com/thedword Instagram: @thedword.podcast Crisis support If this episode has brought up difficult feelings, support is available. In Au...