While We're Still Here

In this episode I am back in my studio, but without a cute puppy sleeping at my feet.  We will explore in this episode how pastors and theologians who earn an advanced degree with certification in Thanatology use their education and experience in the fields of chaplaincy, clergy, lay clergy, and funeral directorship, while working in Hospice, palliative care, and alongside first responders. Listen...

Hello, and thanks for listening! This is the next installment of my series looking at Thanatology, or the study of dying and death. In this episode you'll hear how musician practitioners can bring about serenity, peace, and opportunity to express final thoughts or share precious moments between a dying person and the family members present.     mtai.org  accordaschool.org    If you are enjoyi...

This episode could have been titled Kathy Unplugged, since my particular location included pretty much me and my computer and a set of ear buds. I couldn't wait to bring you today's episode. I didn't want to forget the nuggets that I learned because I felt they were compelling enough to share with you all.  A puppy being a mirror? What?? Take a listen and see if you can picture it--...

We will continue our series with Psychology, and a little story. It's a personal experience that proved to me how valuable our psychological professions are at the end of life or after a terminal diagnosis is given.  grimtea.com kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're S...

I planned to talk about ethics this episode, and I went off track - a tangent - so I made an Ethics Preview to keep in line with the brief descriptions of each area of Thanatology we will explore together. Once I recorded the episode and realized what I had done, while it has great content I definitely plan to share, I decided will hold onto it for now. Ethics and morals guide decision making for...

In the past couple of weeks death has hit many people I care about, and I could not move forward with my plan since Death has its own plan. Instead, I have shared some thoughts about how life is interrupted by death, how we try to comfort others, and how we might learn how to be present with our loved ones.  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whil...

Today we are starting to put the pieces together--the subspecialties that make up Thanatology. Our overview last week was a great start, but let's dig deeper. What professions study biological/physical thanatology? Let's learn together.  grimtea.com kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Fa...

In this episode I will define and start you on a journey of exploration into the field of thanatology. We will discover that the study of dying and death can provide medical answers, sort out emotions and behaviors at the end of life, and bring awareness to societal and cultural practices at the end of life and at the time of death.  It's a big term that covers a broad range of study. Let&apo...

Today I will be telling a sweet story about a kitten who impacted my life briefly but left a lasting impression. He showed me whimsy and tears, joy and sadness at the same time.  Also, I experienced a Steel Magnolias moment while I was with Tux that brings the idea of joy in sadness to life.  Steel Magnolias is a film released in 1989, directed by Herbert Ross.  Thanks for listening! If you have c...

You've heard me talk, now learn about what brought me to become so passionate about the death conversation.  I describe my experience as a Death Cafe host. If you're looking to join in a Death Cafe in your area, check out deathcafe.com. Thanks for listening! Visit my website and leave a comment, suggest future topics, or subscribe you'll always be among the first to listen to the la...

I'm so glad you're listening today. You get to hear about the mistake that started me on this path of discussing dying and death. I'd like to say I learned the lesson right away but that was not the case. Today's message inspired me to coin the phrase "whimsy and tears". It sums up how I see the death conversation. Both elements of the phrase, whimsy and tears, have b...

Welcome! You know, we all will do it, so why don't we talk about it? There are so many reasons that I have come across over the years about why I don't talk about dying and death, and now I'd like to open a conversation with my listeners, to talk about hard things; to say what needs to be said to whom we need to say it, before we die. It doesn't have to be scary. It's a co...