It's A Death Sentence: An Unexpectedly Funny, Deeply Human Podcast About Death & Life

What happens when grief becomes the starting point for real human connection rather than something to hide away from? In this episode, we sit down with Ben, co-founder of The New Normal, a charity providing free, non-judgmental peer-to-peer support for people navigating grief and mental health. What began with one conversation between two young men - bonded by the loss of their fathers - has grown...

How do you grieve a parent you’ve already been saying goodbye to for years? In this episode of It’s a Death Sentence, Emma shares the story of her dad, Peter Skipp - a kind, intelligent man who lived a vibrant life before Alzheimer’s slowly altered the rhythm of their family’s world. Emma reflects on the long arc of her father’s illness, from the first signs of dementia to the moments before his d...

How do you grieve a sibling when the world forgets you’re grieving too? In this episode, Carrie shares the recent loss of her brother, who died of cancer at just 45 years old. She opens up about the raw reality of sibling grief—the kind that often goes unseen as attention is directed toward parents, partners, and children. From the humour and mischief her brother brought to life, to the anger and...

What if funerals weren't a production line-but a chance to truly reflect a life? In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we're joined by Fran Glover and Carrie Weeks, co-founders of A Natural Undertaking, the Birmingham-based funeral directors transforming the way we say goodbye. From personal loss and unanswered questions to creating a business that empowers families, Fran and Carrie share thei...

What if the spirit world was closer-and more real-than we dare to believe? In this episode, we sit down with psychic medium Helen Millward, founder of Helen's Angels of Tranquillity. From childhood visions and family roots in Irish Traveller traditions, to decades of readings, stage demonstrations, and encounters with both light and dark presences, Helen shares her extraordinary journey of living...

What if a brush with death could spark a bold new outlook on life? In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we sit down with Jo Arnold, a 43-year-old who survived a harrowing case of pneumococcal meningitis. Jo shares how a sudden fever turned into a fight for her life and how it fuelled her resilience and zest for living. What You'll Discover - Spotting the Signs: Recognise early meningitis symp...

What if knowing your exact ‘end date’ could empower your life's journey? In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we welcome Davina Barua, who shares her heartfelt story of growing up with an older, unwell father. From family caregiving challenges to embracing grief and reflections on death, Davina offers raw insights into resilience, love, and finding peace amid loss. What You'll Learn - Caregiv...

In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we unravel the evolution of death rituals, spotlighting how the Black Death reshaped mourning practices centuries ago. From Tibetan sky burials to Irish wakes, Maori tangihanga, Jewish Shiva, and Viking send-offs, we explore how diverse cultures honour the departed and how these traditions adapt today. What You'll Learn -   Plague’s Lasting...

What if poetry could transform personal grief into shared healing? In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we welcome Maggie Parsons, who founded Poetree in 2021 after her brother John's tragic death from COVID at age 53. Maggie shares her experience of discovering his passing during lockdown and how it inspired her to display poems on a tree outside her house, fostering community connection and...

What if your final send-off could be as quirky as cryogenic freezing or as serene as a sea burial? In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we explore the fascinating world of burials. From prehistoric interments to modern options like natural sites and home burials, we share insights on history, costs, and personal choices.  What You’ll Learn    - Burial Basics: Understand the rea...

Why do we shy away from talking about what happens to a body after death? In this episode of It’s a Death Sentence, we dive into autopsies with humour and curiosity. We explore the process of organ evisceration, debunk myths like popcorn-filled cremations, and touch on the history of grave-robbing for science. We cover Julius Caesar’s fatal wounds to modern challenges with bariatric bodies, unpack...

Nick opens up about his wife Nicki’s fight with motor neurone disease, a journey that started with a misdiagnosis and led them through a maze of a broken healthcare system. Nicki’s spirit never wavered - she planned her own funeral and dreamed up MND warrior t-shirts, her way of staying fierce and independent even as her body failed her. We talk about the weight of ca...

Get ready for a lively spin through some of history’s strangest send-offs! Did cherries and iced milk really take out a president? Or a wrestler meet his end mid-match? In this episode, Carrie and I dig into the 19th and 20th centuries’ wildest deaths. With quirky tales like hair-eating disasters, a mouse-swallowing mishap and a jockey’s eerie victory lap, we blend dark humour with a fast trip thr...

Dr Emma Johnson talks to the podcast about her wonderfully interesting life, from working as a prison officer to her journey into clinical psychology. Dr Johnson gives us her unique perspective on death and talks about her own experiences of life, education and working in acute mental health services.

Today the podcast interviews the wonderful Tom woods, a teacher ,creator, musician ,old soul and all round legend. Tom pays tribute to his brother Alex and talks about his view on life, loss and what happens after death.  we discuss everything from most haunted to to soul familys an intresting and enlightening interview.#Dreadboistudios #soulcluster #karate #dreds #kindredspirits #derekacorah...

Today it's a death sentence welcomes the multi platinum award winning producer and 2 time producer & studio of the year, Mr Gavin Monaghan.  Gav talks to us about life, death, music and the magic of living life to the full. We had a wonderful time talking to gav and his insights on death and the afterlife are truly fascinating. Listen now on all major platforms, and available to watch on...

The its a death sentence podcast welcomes the lovely Sophie Skipp to the studio, Sophie is a very special guest as she not only brings her expertise as a grief counsellor and her own experiences of loss, she is the very own sister of one of the podcast hosts. A funny and frank interview with Sophie about the loss of her mother as a young adult and how she deals with grief both personally and profe...

This week its a death sentence welcomes Louise Goode No ordinary celebrant to the podcast.  We have a frank discussion about life and death and Louise's experience working as a celebrant and helping people to celebrate the lives they once lived. A heartwarming account of  life as a celebrant, The joy of living funerals with emphasis on fun and wanting to live 5 more lifetimes. A joy to m...

In this episode Carrie & Emma discuss suicide, the global concern and one of the biggest causes of death for men under 50 years of age. The ladies discuss their own views on suicide and talk from their own experience around the subject. Some sensitive information and not suitable for younger listeners.

Its a death sentence podcast welcomes Sophie Kirkwood who works for Childhood Bereavement Charity Winston's Wish. Sophie discusses how Winston's Wish are leading the way in digital support for young adults and children in the UK. A fascinating insight into whats available in terms of support for our young people who have lost someone and are dealing with grief, Sophie discusses her own view on dea...

The podcast gives a warm welcome to Revered Chris Kennedy today, we were lucky enough for Chris to join us and get involved in those difficult conversations we are trying to encourage. Reverend Kennedy was open, honest and interesting, as a man of god its important to get his perspective on death and what happens when we die! An absolute pleasure.

The podcast discusses the Assisted Dying Bill and debates if we should be allowed the right to choose to end our own lives should we be diagnosed with a terminal illness?  What do you think? We would love to talk to you about this hot topic!!! Please get in touch at . Please note these are the hosts own opinions and not to be confused for facts - we respect all points of view and encourage op...

This week the podcast talks to Sean, a young man who has had a world of experience when it comes to loss. Sean discusses with us death and what he thinks happens when we die!  We talk about his plans for the future , An authentic and heartwarming interview, Sean really was a pleasure to talk and a joy to listen to.

We Welcomed primrose hospice to the podcast for a fascinating discussion on death and dying. The ladies from primrose hospice were thoughtful, funny and insightful about death and dealing with people who are facing a death sentence.  It was so interesting  to get the perspective of those who are faced with the very realness of death on a daily basis.  Some bad language and strong co...

In this episode we meet Laura, a young beauty business owner who talks about the loss of her mother and moving on with life after loss at a young age. Laura discusses her spirituality and  the answer to that age old question what happens when we die?? Some bad langauge from the outset, not suitable for younger listeners.