It's A Death Sentence

caroline smith

It’s a Death Sentence An unexpectedly deeply human podcast about life, death and everything hilarious and heartbreaking in between. Hosted by two women in their 40s: one, an APT performing daily autopsies, the other; a professional singer! Both have stared grief in the face — and somehow learned to laugh anyway. A home for anyone who has lost someone . Because grief doesn’t just touch individuals. It ripples through families, friendships and whole cultural communities. It’s a Death Sentence has lively discussions, shared stories, and interviews, were we unspoken rules, the strange rituals, and the quiet solidarity found when we are ready to mourn together .Each episode dives into the messy, taboo, and occasionally gruesome sides of being alive (and not). Expect sharp British sarcasm, uncomfortable honesty, and the kind of dark humour that makes you laugh just when you think you shouldn’t. They ask the questions we’ve all Googled in private — and answer them out loud. 🎙️ Tune in to laugh, cry, and get a little bit philosophical about what it means to live after loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 28 Aug ·  Video

    THE MUSLIM UNDERTAKER — AHMED HRAICHIE | THE AUSSIE MAMMOTH

    In this fascinating episode of It’s A Death Sentence, Carrie and Emma are joined by Ahmed Hraichie — The Muslim Undertaker, also known as the Aussie Mammoth — an Australian funeral service professional whose work and social media have reached a global audience. Ahmed takes us on a journey through his remarkable path into the death industry, from his early days working in mortuary removals and cemeteries to preparing and burying thousands of Muslim deceased according to Islamic funeral traditions. We hear about the physical, emotional and spiritual experiences that shaped his journey — and how his understanding of death has influenced the way he lives his own life. Together, we explore the fascinating differences and shared humanity between Islamic funeral traditions and Western funeral practices. We talk about: 🕌 What Islam teaches about death and burial ⚰️ Why traditional Islamic burial practices differ from many Western customs 🔬 What the Muslim faith believes about autopsy 👩‍⚕️ The role of women within Muslim funeral services 🌍 The cultural differences in how we mourn and remember our dead 💬 The importance of death education and having conversations about dying ❤️ Grief, compassion, faith and what we can learn from one another 💭 And why opening up conversations about death can actually help us live better lives There are moments of deep reflection, moments that challenge our own assumptions, and, as you'd expect from Carrie and Emma, plenty of laughter along the way. This is a conversation about difference without division — about asking questions with curiosity, listening with respect and discovering that beneath our different religious and cultural traditions, there are often more shared human experiences than we realise. Ahmed's story is one of physical strength, spiritual growth, compassion and service. His journey into the death industry is fascinating, and his perspective on mortality, faith and the responsibility we have to care for the dead is genuinely thought-provoking. Carrie and Emma thoroughly enjoyed their time with Ahmed and were honoured to have such an open and insightful conversation with him. There was also a lovely little moment after the interview when Ahmed shared a post featuring the three of us. He later chose to remove it out of respect for some of his followers and their sensitivities — something we completely understand and respect. Ahmed is currently in the UK for a series of appointments promoting his work, and we wish him every success while he's here. And if you're wondering where you can watch or listen to the FULL INTERVIEW, we've made it easy! YouTube Audible Spotify Apple Podcasts All Links can be found here : https://linktr.ee/itsadeathsentencepodcast You can also find Ahmed — very easily! — across his social platforms, and we'll be sharing his links through our own posts. And don't forget to follow It’s A Death Sentence on: 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 🎵 TikTok Death is something every one of us will encounter. The way we understand it, talk about it and prepare for it can be very different. So let's keep having the conversations. Let's keep asking the questions. And most importantly, let's keep talking about death. And that’s us for this episode of It’s A Death Sentence! If you’ve enjoyed it, found it useful, thought-provoking, or just found us thoroughly entertaining — which is entirely possible ! — please like, follow, subscribe and share. It genuinely helps us grow. You can find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and the podcast is now available on all major platforms, with the video version on YouTube and Spotify and apple podcasts. https://linktr.ee/itsadeathsentencepodcast We’re also on Patreon if you’d like to support what we do. Please share us with anyone who might need us… or anyone who just enjoys two women talking about death over a microphone. Thanks for listening — and as always, we’re dying to talk to you. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 14 Aug

    The Interviews - Primrose Hospice: Pete and Steve on Finding Joy in the Present

    What if the very place we fear most at the end of life is actually where we find the most joy, connection, and purpose? In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we sit down with Stephen and Pete, two men who share their deeply moving experiences at the Primrose Hospice. Far from the sombre, quiet place they initially feared, they discovered a vibrant community filled with laughter, dominoes, and unconditional support. What You’ll Discover - Breaking the Hospice Stigma: Why hospices are not just places to die, but sanctuaries for living fully, finding purpose, and sharing a laugh with people who truly understand. - The Power of Shared Experience: How connecting with others facing similar health battles provides a unique, unspoken comfort that family and friends cannot always offer. - Finding Joy in the Present: The importance of having a routine, a community to wake up for, and how simple activities like art and dominoes can quiet an anxious mind. Whether you are facing a difficult diagnosis or simply need a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, this conversation is a beautiful testament to finding light in the darkest of times. It's A Death Sentence shares real stories of life after loss and is produced by Urban Podcasts. Listener discretion is always advised. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 7 Aug

    The Interviews - Primrose Hospice: Sarah McDowell on The Reality of Hospice Care

    When you hear the word "hospice," what is the first thing that comes to mind? In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we sit down with Sarah McDowell from Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre to dismantle the common misconception that hospices are simply places where people go to die. Sarah shares her personal journey into the charity sector, inspired by her mother's 16-year career as a hospice nurse, and opens up about the vibrant, life-affirming reality of modern hospice care. What You’ll Discover - Redefining Hospice Care: Why places like Primrose are focused on living well, offering day services, physiotherapy, and complementary therapies rather than just end-of-life beds. - Supporting the Whole Family: How dedicated family support teams provide vital bereavement counselling and tailored group activities for children and teenagers navigating loss. - The Power of Community: A behind-the-scenes look at the massive fundraising efforts and the army of 400 volunteers required to keep these essential, free services running. If you have ever felt apprehensive about what goes on behind hospice doors, this conversation is an uplifting reminder that these spaces are often filled with warmth, laughter, and above all, life. It's A Death Sentence shares real stories of life after loss and is produced by Urban Podcasts. Listener discretion is always advised. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Interviews - Primrose Hospice: Sarah McDowell on The Reality of Hospice Care
  4. 24 Jul

    The Interviews - Primrose Hospice: Rachel Watts on Finding Light in the Dark

    How do you find the light in the darkest of times? In this episode of It’s a Death Sentence, we sit down with Rachel Watts, a social worker, trustee, and dedicated supporter of Primrose Hospice. Rachel shares her deeply personal journey following her sister Liz’s terminal cancer diagnosis, and how the hospice became a lifeline for her entire family. We explore the vital role of peer support for grieving teenagers, the importance of normalising conversations around death, and how Liz’s legacy continues to shape Rachel's life today. What You’ll Discover - Breaking the Hospice Stigma: Why hospices are far from the doom-and-gloom environments many expect, and how they provide a space for both serious support and light-hearted humour. - Supporting Grieving Teenagers: The vital role of peer groups in helping young people navigate loss, and why using clear, honest language about death is essential for their understanding. - Planning for the End: How taking the time to organise your own "death book" and final wishes can be one of the kindest, most compassionate gifts you leave behind for your loved ones. Whether you are navigating your own grief, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand how to talk more openly about mortality, this episode is a beautiful reminder that even in our final chapters, there is still so much life to be lived. It's A Death Sentence shares real stories of life after loss and is produced by Urban Podcasts. Listener discretion is always advised. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Interviews - Primrose Hospice: Rachel Watts on Finding Light in the Dark
  5. 17 Jul

    The Interviews - Primrose Hospice: Kim Chandler on Finding Humour and Humanity in a Terminal Diagnosis

    What if the secret to truly living lies in accepting our own mortality? In this episode of It’s a Death Sentence, we sit down with the incredible Kim Chandler at the Primrose Hospice. Kim shares her journey of living with a terminal secondary breast cancer diagnosis, far outliving her original prognosis, and how she chooses to embrace every single day with humour, honesty, and a refreshing lack of filter. What You’ll Discover - Redefining the Hospice: Why places like the Primrose Hospice aren't just about dying, but are vibrant community hubs focused on living life to the fullest. - Finding Freedom in Finality: How accepting a terminal diagnosis can shift your perspective from anger to gratitude, and why we all need to just "look up" more often. - Breaking the Taboo: The importance of normalising conversations around death, from planning direct cremations and living funerals to talking openly with children about loss. Kim’s story is a powerful reminder that talking about death doesn't have to be morbid. By stripping away the fear and societal awkwardness, we can focus on what really matters: making memories, supporting our loved ones, and finding joy in the everyday. It's A Death Sentence shares real stories of life after loss and is produced by Urban Podcasts. Listener discretion is always advised. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Interviews - Primrose Hospice: Kim Chandler on Finding Humour and Humanity in a Terminal Diagnosis
  6. 19 Jun

    The Interviews - Dr Emma Johnson: The Fear of Death

    This is one of those topics that we just don't talk about enough in our daily lives, mostly because we get so caught up in the busyness of simply getting by. In this episode of It's a Death Sentence, we sit down once again with Emma Johnson. She shares a deeply personal account of what it was like to care for her father at the end of his life. We explore the complexities of navigating a difficult parent-child relationship, the profound reality of end-of-life care during the pandemic, and the existential terror that can accompany our thoughts on mortality. What You’ll Discover - The Complexity of End-of-Life Care: How caring for a parent with whom you have a complicated history can shift the balance of your relationship and offer a unique path to healing. - The Reality of Existential Terror: A deep dive into death anxiety, what truly triggers it, and how it manifests differently for everyone. - The Need for Open Conversations: Why we as a society tend to sleepwalk through life avoiding the topic of death, and why bringing it into the light is so vital. We have these cinematic ideas of peaceful goodbyes, but the reality is often much more visceral, complicated, and deeply human. Emma’s honesty about her own anxiety surrounding the infinite unknown and how she sought therapy to navigate it is a breath of fresh air in a world that largely prefers to look away. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at night wondering what it all means, this episode is worth a listen. It might just change how you think about the time we have left. It's A Death Sentence shares real stories of life after loss and is produced by Urban Podcasts. Listener discretion is always advised. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Interviews - Dr Emma Johnson: The Fear of Death
  7. 29 May

    Kids Talk Death: The Deadly Curious Q&A

    This episode felt different because we handed the big questions over to the children. In this special episode of It’s a Death Sentence, we run a kids’ workshop and ask young people what they think about death, grief, the afterlife, funerals, and how they’d support a friend who is sad. What You’ll Discover - Honest Answers from Children: What they believe happens when we die, whether they think there’s a heaven or hell, and how they’d comfort someone who is grieving. - The Curious Questions Kids Ask: Their raw, thoughtful, and often surprisingly funny takes on death and what comes after. - The Kids Turn the Tables: The curious and brilliant questions the children asked us in return. Their answers are honest, sometimes humorous, and often wiser than we expect. It’s a gentle reminder that death doesn’t have to be a scary or forbidden topic - it can be discussed with care, curiosity, and even hope. This episode was recorded as part of a school pilot on death education, showing how naturally young people engage when given a safe space to talk. It's A Death Sentence shares real stories of life after loss and is produced by Urban Podcasts. Listener discretion is always advised. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 15 May

    The Interviews - John Kammer: AI and Grief

    This episode goes right to the heart of one of the most tender, complicated spaces we’ve ever explored. In this episode, we sit down with John Kramer, founder of Guardian Angels, to talk openly about using AI as a tool in grief. John shares his own journey through loss, the accidental beginnings of the platform, and how it evolved from an experiment into a structured, therapist-guided journaling experience designed to help people process pain rather than replace human connection. What You’ll Discover - From Digital Séance to Structured Healing: How Guardian Angels moved from conversational AI to reflective journaling rooted in evidence-based grief tasks. - Why Men Often Connect With This Tool: The safe, risk-free space it creates for those who struggle to talk about feelings or show vulnerability. - Guardrails, Ethics & The Path Forward: How the platform is built to support real healing, with clear boundaries, therapist input, crisis resources, and an intentional focus on integration rather than dependence. John’s clear that this isn’t about speaking to the dead or replacing therapy. It’s about giving people (especially those who find it hard to open up) a private outlet to name their feelings, process pain, and slowly integrate their loss into life moving forward. The pushback he’s received has actually helped shape something more responsible and human-centred. It's A Death Sentence shares real stories of life after loss and is produced by Urban Podcasts. Listener discretion is always advised. Thank you for listening - find us on socials @itsadeathsentencepodcast follow and like us for more episodes. Find contact info on our web page www.its-a-death-sentence.com here you can contact us, buy our merch and send us your stories. www.its-a-death-sentence.com YouTube- @itsadeathsentencepodcast Get in touch - we are Dying to talk to you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Interviews - John Kammer: AI and Grief

About

It’s a Death Sentence An unexpectedly deeply human podcast about life, death and everything hilarious and heartbreaking in between. Hosted by two women in their 40s: one, an APT performing daily autopsies, the other; a professional singer! Both have stared grief in the face — and somehow learned to laugh anyway. A home for anyone who has lost someone . Because grief doesn’t just touch individuals. It ripples through families, friendships and whole cultural communities. It’s a Death Sentence has lively discussions, shared stories, and interviews, were we unspoken rules, the strange rituals, and the quiet solidarity found when we are ready to mourn together .Each episode dives into the messy, taboo, and occasionally gruesome sides of being alive (and not). Expect sharp British sarcasm, uncomfortable honesty, and the kind of dark humour that makes you laugh just when you think you shouldn’t. They ask the questions we’ve all Googled in private — and answer them out loud. 🎙️ Tune in to laugh, cry, and get a little bit philosophical about what it means to live after loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.