Death: A Changing Industry achangingindustry.com

In this profoundly moving episode of Death: A Changing Industry, Megan McClay shares her personal odyssey facing terminal ocular melanoma with an unyielding spirit and an open heart.



From her involvement in the impactful "What Matters Most" project to navigating the complexities of end-of-life care, Megan's story is one of courage, advocacy, and the quest for meaning amidst life's most challenging moments.



She delves into the emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis, the power of community in facing adversity, and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we love.



Megan's reflections on life, death, and the in-between offer a powerful perspective on what it means to truly live.



Her journey not only highlights the need for open conversations about end-of-life care but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for many facing similar battles.



Through her eyes, we are reminded of the beauty in being present.



Learn more about the 'What Matters Most?' project here:

https://www.samebutdifferentcic.org.uk/whatmattersmost


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In this episode, Daniel Devall offers a candid glimpse into the life and challenges of a Funeral Director deeply rooted in family tradition.

From his unexpected journey into the funeral industry to confronting the complexities of leading a family business through personal and professional upheavals, Daniel shares his unique perspective.

He discusses the evolution of funeral practices, the increasing role of digital platforms in the industry, and the importance of adaptability and personal growth.

Through stories of personal loss, navigating his parents' separation while at the helm of the family business, and the constant balancing act between tradition and innovation, Daniel's narrative is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to serve in this intimate profession.

His reflections not only shed light on the often-hidden emotional labour of funeral directors but also on the transformative potential of facing life's challenges with courage and an open heart.


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RoadPeace members Lucy Harrison and Mandy Oliver chat with John to share the special work that the charity carries out, the support they received during their darkest moments of loss and finding the family they never wanted but now couldn’t be without.

www.roadpeace.org


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Katie Costello shares her journey from working in retail to becoming a soul midwife, funeral celebrant, and an accredited death educator through her Dying for a Cuppa Masterclass.

Katie's story is a testament
to finding one's calling and of the profound impact of embracing death as a part of life can have. Death is a very natural and human experience.

Here she delves into the importance of honest conversations about death, the power of presence in the dying process, and how education can empower both the dying and the people around them.

Katie shows us how talking about death, and facing your fears, can inspire and empower you as well as allowing you to live a richer, fuller life.


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We are honoured to welcome Deborah Leek Bailey OBE, a distinguished figure in the realm of education and grief support. Deborah is a leadership consultant (DLB Leadership) and also Director of Schools for the Education Development Trust.

With a rich background as a teacher, headteacher, government advisor, and education advisor for Child Bereavement UK, Deborah brings a wealth of experience and compassion to our discussion on the critical intersection of grief, education, and societal support at a critical time.

Throughout the episode, Deborah shares her journey from witnessing the profound impact of death and bereavement on children within educational settings to her pivotal roles in shaping policies and support systems that address these challenges head-on.

Her insights into the necessity of proactive versus reactive conversations about death, the development of bereavement policies in schools, and the importance of embedding death education into the national curriculum are both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Deborah's stories and reflections underscore the profound need for a societal shift towards greater openness, understanding, and support for those navigating the complex journey of grief.

From the tragic loss of a child on a school trip to the nuanced emotions surrounding difficult familial relationships, Deborah highlights the diverse experiences of grief and the critical role educators play in providing a compassionate and informed response.

As we delve into the potential for policy changes and the importance of age-appropriate grief education, this episode serves as a powerful call to action for more compassionate, informed, and inclusive approaches to death and bereavement support within our schools and communities – which we hope to soon achieve.

Join us as we explore how, through collective effort and shared understanding, we can foster a society better equipped to support each other in times of loss and grief.


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In this episode, Jenna Maudlin shares the transformative work of the Firefly Project in addressing the often overlooked aspects of grief and bereavement.



Through innovative workshops aimed at young people and educators, Jenna reveals how creative engagement and empathy-building exercises can significantly alter the grief experience, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.



Her personal journey of loss and healing inspires a compelling narrative about the power of education in transforming our approach to death and bereavement.



Jenna's dedication to breaking down the barriers of grief literacy highlights the urgent need for these conversations in our schools and communities, promising a future where support and understanding are readily accessible to all navigating the complexities of loss.


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