Before You Go

Abode Contemplative Care For The Dying
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Welcome to BEFORE YOU GO, the official podcast of Abode Contemplative Care For The Dying. At Abode, our vision is that we live in a world where death is not feared, and we live fully until we die. Hosted by Abode's End of Life Doula and Yoga Director, Natalie Buster.

  1. 2 days ago

    Why Two Hospital Nurses Are Redefining End-of-Life Care | Ars Moriendi & The Death Doula Movement

    In nursing and medical school, providers are trained to "fix, fix, fix"—rarely pausing to ask how we care for someone when curing is no longer the goal. And what happens when a patient wants to pass away peacefully at home, but home isn't a realistic option? In this episode of Before You Go (the official podcast of ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying), host Natalie Buster welcomes Sara Milliken (ICU Nurse) and Rachel Butler (Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner). Together, they are the co-founders of Ars Moriendi, an emerging "visioning" social model hospice home (Omega Home) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Named after the 15th-century Latin text meaning "The Art of Dying," Ars Moriendi is on a mission to make compassionate end-of-life education, grief care, and community support accessible to everyone. Sara and Rachel share how a Saturday morning conversation at Panera sparked their nonprofit journey, why they shifted from a medical hospice concept to a social model home through the Omega Home Network, how they bring advance directive education to unhoused communities and halfway houses, and why death doulas are the sacred "bookend" to birth doulas. 00:00 – Sponsor: Bertsch & Boze Elder Law (San Antonio, TX) 00:45 – Welcome to Before You Go with host Natalie Buster 01:15 – Introducing Sara Milliken & Rachel Butler, Co-Founders of Ars Moriendi 02:06 – From the ICU & Palliative Care to Panera: The 3 patient struggles that sparked a movement 05:09 – Discovering the Omega Home Network & shifting from a medical to a social model 09:36 – Breaking the "fix-it" mindset in healthcare & finding kindred spirits 11:25 – Community outreach: Teaching advance directives to adults over 18, the unhoused & halfway houses 14:50 – What Ars Moriendi ("The Art of Dying") means and its 15th-century origins 17:08 – Real advice for starting a nonprofit hospice home (501(c)(3) perks, fundraising & networking) 24:23 – How to keep your cup full in end-of-life work (Hammocks, hot baths & guest bartending) 28:13 – The Sacred Bookends: How Death Doulas mirror Birth Doulas 32:17 – How to connect with Ars Moriendi & licensing ABODE's Death Doula curriculum 35:45 – "What would you like to do before you go?" Ars Moriendi (Fredericksburg, VA): https://www.amshome.org Omega Home Network: omegahomenetwork.org Follow ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying: https://abodehome.org/ Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abodecontemplativecare/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABODEcontemplativecare Find us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWnI9mG4f5rzdDT2tC2fRg Episode Sponsor: Special thanks to Bertsch & Boze Elder Law in San Antonio, Texas — Assisting seniors, helping families. https://www.assistingseniors.com/ Podcast edited by Make Your Day Richer. Disclaimer: At ABODE, we believe death is not a medical event, and we are not medical professionals. The views shared on this podcast are personal opinions and should not be taken as medical advice.

  2. 19 Oct

    Bringing "In Honor" to Military City USA: Veterans, Loss & The Day of the Dead in San Antonio

    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of death, military loss, and suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 in the US and Canada. How do we honor the stories of service members, veterans, and the families who love them—especially when military culture often teaches us to stay stoic and hide our pain? In this episode of Before You Go (the official podcast of ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying), host Natalie Buster sits down with Elizabeth Coplan (Founder of Grief Dialogues) and Dr. Qwynn Salazar (suicidologist, death doula, and veteran end-of-life care advocate). Together, they discuss uniting to bring the trauma-informed, immersive theatrical experience "In Honor" to San Antonio—Military City USA—during Muertos Fest, October 23 and 24, 2026. Elizabeth and Qwynn share how serendipity brought them together alongside Operation Solace’s Maria Gonzalez, how interactive art like the military ribbon ceremony helps survivors bear witness to their loved ones' legacies, and why talking openly about death and funeral wishes (yes, including Willie Nelson and Beyoncé playlists!) allows us to live fuller lives before we go. Join Grief Dialogues and ABODE for two unforgettable evenings of remembrance, music, personal narratives, and healing: Dates: October 23rd & 24th at 7:00 PM Location: The Radius Center, San Antonio, TX Tickets & Info: https://griefdialogues.com 00:00 – Content Warning & Sponsor: Grief Dialogues presents In Honor 01:06 – Welcome to Before You Go with host Natalie Buster 01:36 – Introducing Elizabeth Coplan & Dr S. Qwynn Salazar 02:58 – Personal ties to San Antonio ("Military City USA") & Muertos Fest 04:09 – How the stars aligned with Maria Gonzalez and Operation Solace 08:11 – The origin story of Grief Dialogues & transitioning to immersive theater 13:04 – How Qwynn manifested working in theater & processing grief through art 17:04 – Rethinking Memorial Day: Honoring all veterans, families, and caregivers 19:46 – The power of the colored military ribbons & shared vulnerability 23:18 – Why "Sorry for your loss" falls short & who In Honor is made for 26:33 – Trauma-informed theater: On-site clinicians & breaking military stoicism 31:05 – Filling our cups: Diamond art, decoupage, and advising playwrights on death 35:05 – Normalizing death talks: Funeral playlists & "Just In Case" bags 38:16 – Event shoutouts: Operation Solace, ABODE, and UTSA Arts 39:28 – "What do you want to do before you go?" Grief Dialogues: https://griefdialogues.com Watch Elizabeth Coplan’s episode from Season Three: https://youtu.be/WXy-tX-Ifns?si=RtWwEZe5h3uZi3yJ Follow ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying: https://abodehome.org/ Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abodecontemplativecare/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABODEcontemplativecare Find us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWnI9mG4f5rzdDT2tC2fRg Special Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners: Grief Dialogues, Operation Solace, ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying, and UTSA Arts Disclaimer: At ABODE, we believe death is not a medical event, and we are not medical professionals. The views shared on this podcast are personal opinions and should not be taken as medical advice. #BeforeYouGoPodcast #GriefDialogues #MilitaryGrief #Veterans #SanAntonio #MuertosFest #EndOfLifeCare #DeathDoula #ImmersiveTheater #MentalHealthAwareness

  3. 12 Oct

    A Sanctuary in the Finger Lakes: Community, Care, and Legacy at Vincent House with Jackie Council

    In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with Jackie Council, Executive Director of Vincent House—a two-bedroom Omega home situated in the rural farm country of Wayland, New York. Serving upstate New York's Finger Lakes region since 2000, Vincent House provides compassionate, cost-free comfort care for individuals with a prognosis of three months or less. Jackie shares the home’s unique origins—from community members purchasing a vacant Catholic convent for just one dollar to becoming an essential refuge in a rural resource drought. She discusses how a deeply committed, intergenerational volunteer base powers their daily resident care, the creative and intuitive therapies they incorporate, and why honoring each person’s unique life story transforms end-of-life care into a celebration of humanity. From Convent to Comfort Care: How a local doctor, church members, and neighbors transformed an empty convent into a peaceful, two-bedroom home for the dying. Bridging the Rural Gap: Overcoming transportation barriers and limited in-home services across multiple rural counties to offer a safe alternative to hospitals. The Intergenerational Volunteer Family: How over 100 volunteers ranging from age 16 to 92 run resident care shifts, design gardens, bake treats, and build community connections. Holistic & Intuitive Care: Enhancing traditional comfort care with Reiki, massage therapy, an emotional support dog named Marvin, creative art grief circles, and community drum sharing. Honoring Life Stories: Writing personal guest bios, celebrating milestones, conducting pinning ceremonies for military veterans and nurses, and creating space for families to stay together. Learn more & connect: Vincent House: https://vincenthouseny.org/ Omega Home Network: omegahomenetwork.org Follow ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying: https://abodehome.org/ Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abodecontemplativecare/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABODEcontemplativecare Find us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWnI9mG4f5rzdDT2tC2fRg

  4. 5 Oct

    Bringing Humanity to the Bedside: Inside Inhora with Miles Gloetzner

    In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with Miles Gloetzner, founder and executive director of Inhora—an Omega home providing compassionate end-of-life care in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Miles shares his journey from an 11-year nursing career in the VA system to opening a non-medical, community-supported home for the dying. He discusses the story of Inora’s very first guest, Gerald, the Latin roots behind the name "Inhora" (meaning "at the hour"), and how shifting from an anarchist punk rocker to an executive leader has deepened his belief in human goodness and servant leadership. Key Topics Covered: The Origin of Inora: How a late-night journal idea grew into an Omega home welcoming those who slip through institutional cracks. Gerald's Story: Welcoming an unhoused brother and sister from along the Rio Grande and transforming an isolated passing into a communal experience of love and reconnection. The Heart of Volunteers: How community members—from local business owners and teenagers to a neighborhood meteorologist—bring life, presence, and dignity to the bedside. The Role of End-of-Life Doulas: Why Inhora piloted an end-of-life doula program, the unique space doulas hold, and how they bring ritual, presence, and grief support without duplicating medical or chaplaincy roles. Beauty as Care: Centering the end-of-life experience around art, music, kitchen scents, and the human senses. Learn more & connect: Inhora: Website: inhora.org Omega Home Network: omegahomenetwork.org Follow ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying: https://abodehome.org/ Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abodecontemplativecare/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABODEcontemplativecare Find us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWnI9mG4f5rzdDT2tC2fRg

  5. 28 Sept

    DIGNITY, LOVE, AND HARBOR: Inside Solace Friends with Kendra Deja

    In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster talks with Kendra Deja, Executive Director of Solace Friends in Madison, Wisconsin. Solace Friends is an Omega home uniquely dedicated to providing compassionate, dignified end-of-life care exclusively to individuals experiencing housing insecurity and terminal illness. Kendra shares the decade-long journey of bringing Solace Friends to life—from its founding inspiration by palliative care physician Dr. Ann Catlett to opening its doors as a licensed adult family home. She discusses the nuances of operating under state regulations, meeting residents without judgment through harm reduction principles, and the profound gift of holding space during the sacred transition between living and dying. The Mission & Model: Why Solace Friends focuses specifically on unsheltered individuals facing terminal diagnoses, and what it means to be licensed as an adult family home in Wisconsin. Origin Story: How hospital discharge realities prompted Dr. Anne Catlett to co-found Madison Street Medicine and pursue a dedicated home for vulnerable community members. Radical Acceptance & Harm Reduction: Welcoming residents with severe mental illness, substance dependencies, or justice involvement when other facilities say no. Unforgettable Moments: Heartfelt resident stories, including two sisters reunited after 50 years and a peaceful final chapter with young daughters. Sustaining the Caregiver: Kendra’s 30-year journey in end-of-life care and the philosophy of mutual support that keeps her cup full. Learn more & connect: Solace Friends: https://www.solacefriends.org/ Omega Home Network: omegahomenetwork.org Follow ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying: https://abodehome.org/ Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abodecontemplativecare/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABODEcontemplativecare Find us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWnI9mG4f5rzdDT2tC2fRg

  6. 21 Sept

    Finding Peace in the Caregiver Crisis: Inside Clarehouse with Kelley Scott

    What happens when families face the physical, emotional, and financial exhaustion of round-the-clock end-of-life care? In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with Kelley Scott—Founder and Executive Director of Clarehouse, an Omega Home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Emeritus Executive Director of the Omega Home Network. Kelley delves into the modern caregiver crisis and discusses her co-authored research published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, which explores how care settings directly shape the quality of death and life for patients and their loved ones. From the origin story of Clarehouse in a modest Tulsa apartment to the expansive, community-funded 10-bedroom sanctuary it is today, Kelley shares how social model hospice homes relieve the heavy logistics of caregiving so families can return to simply being family. In this episode, we discuss: A reminder to support ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying during San Antonio’s “The Big Give” annual fundraising event The misconceptions around medical hospice coverage and the hidden social burdens of dying at home Key findings from research comparing end-of-life care in private homes, nursing facilities, and social model homes How practical caregiver education and goals-of-care conversations empower families to make informed, regret-free decisions Memorable stories of celebrating life, milestones, and joy at Clarehouse Daily mindfulness, sustainable self-care, and the "householder model" of spirituality Kelley’s personal answer to the question: What do you want to do before you go? Learn more & connect: Clarehouse: clarehouse.org Read Kelley’s article in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10499091261452647?download=true Omega Home Network: omegahomenetwork.org Follow ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying: https://abodehome.org/ Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abodecontemplativecare/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABODEcontemplativecare Find us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWnI9mG4f5rzdDT2tC2fRg

  7. 14 Sept

    Finding Joy, Community, and Care at the End of Life with Beth Hoey

    What does it mean to truly live fully until we die? In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with Beth Hoey, newly elected Board President of the Omega Home Network and long-time champion of Francis House, an Omega Home in Syracuse, New York. Together, Natalie and Beth explore the vital role of social model hospice homes—compassionate, community-supported residential homes that provide 24/7 care to individuals in their final days at little to no charge. Beth shares the origin story of the Omega Home Network, the growing need for home-like end-of-life care amid the nationwide caregiver crisis, and how volunteers bring presence, dignity, and unexpected moments of deep joy to residents and their families. Plus, hear about upcoming community events at ABODE, reflections on the sacred gift of slowing down at the bedside, and even a preview of a brand-new Omega Home Network theme song! In this episode, we discuss: Details on ABODE’s upcoming Open House and Fall Friend-raiser leading into San Antonio's The Big Give day of fundraising What a social model hospice home is and how it bridges the gap alongside hospice agencies The history, mission, and membership tiers of the Omega Home Network Addressing the societal taboo around talking about death, dying, and grief Finding balance, processing grief, and replenishing your cup as a caregiver Beth's answer to the core question: What do you want to do before you go? Learn more & connect: Omega Home Network: omegahomenetwork.org Follow ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying: https://abodehome.org/ Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abodecontemplativecare/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABODEcontemplativecare Find us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWnI9mG4f5rzdDT2tC2fRg

  8. Season 4 Trailer

    Season 4 of BEFORE YOU GO Premieres September 14th!

    We're back and this season we're introducing you some of our friends in the Omega Home Network!

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Trailer

About

Welcome to BEFORE YOU GO, the official podcast of Abode Contemplative Care For The Dying. At Abode, our vision is that we live in a world where death is not feared, and we live fully until we die. Hosted by Abode's End of Life Doula and Yoga Director, Natalie Buster.

Information

  • Creator
    Abode Contemplative Care For The Dying
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Abode Contemplative Care For The Dying
  • Show Website
    Before You Go

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