Seeing Death Clearly

Jill McClennen

Seeing Death Clearly is a show that challenges you to think about your beliefs about death, dying, grief, and living life. I am your host, Jill McClennen, a death doula and end-of-life coach. As a death doula, I found through first-hand experience that the more I came to terms with my thoughts and feelings about death and dying, the more present I became in my everyday life and I hope to share that with you too, how you can live a better life by having a healthier relationship with death and dying. Each episode features a guest who shares their beliefs and stories about death and dying. These are honest conversations about a topic most of us avoided talking about our entire lives. I am on a mission to change that, one conversation at a time.

  1. Innovations in End-of-Life Care with Funeral Director Ken Biery

    2 DAYS AGO

    Innovations in End-of-Life Care with Funeral Director Ken Biery

    Send us a text In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, is joined by Ken Biery, a seasoned funeral director and founder of the Funeral Service Collective. Ken shares his journey from military service into the funeral profession and the experiences that shaped his commitment to innovation and family-centered care. Together, they explore how the funeral industry is evolving, including emerging ideas such as sustainable memorials, underwater cemeteries, and the growing role of live-streamed services. The conversation also highlights how younger generations’ desire for meaningful, personalized experiences is reshaping traditional funeral practices. A central focus of the episode is the potential for collaboration between funeral directors and death doulas. Ken and Jill discuss how these roles can complement one another by offering emotional, spiritual, and educational support to families, and they outline practical ways death doulas can begin building relationships with funeral homes. This episode offers thoughtful insight into how collaboration can strengthen end-of-life care and better serve communities. 00:00 Introduction to Compassionate End-of-Life Care 00:39 Meet Ken Beery: A Journey from Military to Funeral Service 00:55 Innovations in the Funeral Industry 03:08 The Role of Death Doulas in Funeral Services 08:47 Challenges and Opportunities for Collaboration 17:59 The Importance of Personalized Memorials 24:02 Collaborating with Funeral Homes 25:02 Building Referral Partnerships 26:48 Addressing Certification Concerns 32:18 The Importance of Teamwork 35:25 Generational Differences in the Industry 38:14 The Role of Technology 43:24 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information https://thefunsc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/funeralservicecollective https://www.facebook.com/funeralservicecollective Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    45 min
  2. Living with Memory Disability, Overcoming Challenges, and Finding Purpose with Thomas Dixon

    25 JAN

    Living with Memory Disability, Overcoming Challenges, and Finding Purpose with Thomas Dixon

    Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas Dixon, a Philadelphia native with a powerful and deeply personal story. Thomas shares his journey from working in psychiatry research to teaching middle school in South Korea, and the life-altering shift that followed a near-fatal accident in 2010. After being hit by a car, Thomas developed epilepsy and a permanent episodic memory disability that reshaped his daily life—and his sense of purpose. Living with memory loss led Thomas to write his memoir, I'm Sorry, That's Awesome, and to develop ME.mory, a digital memory system designed to help people record, organize, and recall their life experiences. In our conversation, we talk about what it’s like to live with an invisible disability, how memory loss impacts identity and independence, and why memory is something all of us, regardless of diagnosis, are slowly losing over time. Thomas is currently raising funds to support the continued development and public relaunch of ME.mory. You’ll find links in the show notes if you’d like to learn more or support his work. This is a thoughtful, eye-opening conversation about memory, meaning, and what it means to adapt when life changes everything. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Acceptance 00:25 Welcome to Seeing Death Podcast 00:47 Guest Introduction: Thomas Dixon's Journey 02:32 Life After the Accident 04:11 Understanding Memory Loss 07:15 Career Transition and Acceptance 09:09 Building a New Life and Relationships 11:32 Creating Memory: The Digital System 14:01 Writing the Memoir: 'I'm Sorry, That's Awesome' 18:36 Discussing Death and Cultural Perspectives 20:18 Reflecting on Family Losses 21:48 Impact of Injury on Life Perspective 22:43 Living with Memory Disability 25:03 Navigating Social Interactions 32:25 Traveling with Memory Challenges 37:36 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts https://biausa.org/brain-injury/community/speakers-bureau/thomas-dixon I'm Sorry... That's Awesome!: Inventing a Solution for Memory Loss on Amazon https://a.co/d/1GXfKOZ GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-combat-memory-loss-together Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    41 min
  3. Grieving and Healing: Spirit Communication with Christian Millward

    18 JAN

    Grieving and Healing: Spirit Communication with Christian Millward

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen talks with Christian Millward, a mother of six from Idaho, about her journey with grief and spirit communication. Christian shares how the deaths of her mother and seven-week-old daughter, Indi, led her to discover her spiritual connection and create the Indie Star Cards, a tool to help people communicate with loved ones who have passed away.  They discuss emotional awareness, generational trauma, and the importance of having an exit strategy for antidepressant use during pregnancy. Kristen also emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions about death and spirit communication to facilitate the healing process. 00:00 Introduction to Spirit Communication 00:40 Meet Our Guest: Christian Millward 02:10 Kristen's Journey Through Grief 04:26 The Loss of Baby Indi 07:33 Generational Trauma and Healing 07:55 The Role of Antidepressants 11:26 Creating the Indi Star Cards 12:24 Normalizing Spirit Communication 15:05 Using the Indi Star Cards 19:43 Finding Peace Through Awareness 20:46 Sacred Tools and Their Significance 21:12 The Journey of Creating Handmade Decks 22:04 Communicating with Loved Ones Beyond 23:49 Personal Experiences with Spirit Communication 31:25 Teaching and Building a Community 34:33 Navigating Emotional Health and Medication 37:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://www.indistarcards.com/ hello@indistarcards.com https://www.instagram.com/indi.star.cards/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    39 min
  4. Memoir Writing and Legacy with Michael Williams

    11 JAN

    Memoir Writing and Legacy with Michael Williams

    Send us a text In this episode, Michael Williams, the founder of Memoir Studio, discusses his transition from end-of-life planning to helping people write their memoirs. They explore the therapeutic power of storytelling, especially for older adults, and how sharing personal stories can offer emotional and historical value. Michael emphasizes the importance of acknowledging life's ups and downs, regrets, and failures in memoir writing. Michael shares touching stories of his clients finding their voices and the profound impact of preserving legacies through narrative. 00:35 Guest Introduction: Michael Williams 00:40 Michael's Journey: From End-of-Life Planning to Memoir Writing 00:46 The Power of Storytelling 00:55 Therapeutic Benefits of Memoir Writing 01:02 Fear of Judgment and Vulnerability 01:15 Welcoming Michael to the Podcast 01:36 Michael's Background and Passion for Memoirs 01:54 End of Life Planning Facilitator 02:55 Supporting Families and Addressing Practical Aspects 04:55 Transition to Memoir Work 05:10 Discussing End of Life Plans with Clients 06:07 Reassuring Conversations About Death 08:57 Legacy Work and Finding Meaning 12:30 Recording and Transcribing Stories 13:34 Helping Clients Find Their Voice 18:12 The Importance of Preserving Stories 18:48 Personal Reflections on Family Stories 22:09 The Value of Listening to Elders 23:19 The Importance of Journaling 23:41 Family Stories and Names 25:00 Everyone's Life is Interesting 29:38 The Power of Group Writing 30:10 Therapeutic Benefits of Writing 32:38 Challenges in Writing Memoirs 34:47 Honesty and Universal Themes in Memoirs 38:59 Dealing with Regrets and Mistakes 42:54 End of Life and Legacy 43:07 Conclusion and Resources Links: My Substack page: https://memoirstudio.substack.com The Memoir Studio at https://memoirstudio.ca My personal website: https://www.michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storycatcher/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    46 min
  5. Reflecting on Life, Death, and the Journey Ahead with Stephen Wilson

    21/12/2025

    Reflecting on Life, Death, and the Journey Ahead with Stephen Wilson

    Send us a text In this end-of-year episode of Seeing Death Clearly, host Jill McClennen sits down with her husband Steven to reflect on three years of podcasting. As the year 2025 closes, they discuss personal and professional highlights, stoicism, aging, and emotional experiences with death and grief. They delve into broader societal issues like elder care in the United States and the balance of everyday life. Jill also shares plans for future episodes, re-inviting past guests to explore their evolving perspectives. This candid conversation touches on navigating uncertainty, staying connected, and living intentionally. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:36 Reflecting on the Past Year 02:14 Guest Highlights and Future Plans 03:13 Navigating a Chaotic Year 06:47 Thoughts on Aging and Society 16:35 End of Life Conversations 21:33 Home Funerals and Personal Rituals 23:41 The Importance of Pre-Planning 24:22 Challenges in Discussing Mortality 28:18 Caregiving and Government Support 33:24 Reflections on Life and Death 41:08 Looking Forward to the Future 43:22 Podcast Appreciation and Future Plans Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    45 min
  6. End-of-Life Conversation with Barbara Karnes, RN

    14/12/2025

    End-of-Life Conversation with Barbara Karnes, RN

    Send us a text In this episode, I welcome back Barbara Karnes to discuss the journey of transitioning from 'we' to 'me' after her husband Jack's death.  Barbara shares heartfelt stories about her early days in hospice care, highlighting the value of understanding daily responsibilities and her experiences with end-of-life preparations, emphasizing the importance of discussing finances and duties early.  We also discuss how death doulas play a role in modern hospice care, her thoughts on medical aid in dying, the creation of her widely beneficial booklets like 'Gone From My Sight,' and offers perspectives on educating families about the natural process of dying.  This episode aims to open minds and demystify death, dying, and grief, encouraging listeners to prepare and embrace end-of-life conversations. 00:00 Introduction to End of Life Education 00:45 Guest Introduction: Barbara Carnes 01:35 Adjusting to Life After Loss 02:56 The Importance of Being Prepared 04:18 Challenges of Living Independently 07:10 Support Systems and Grief Counseling 08:54 End of Life Doulas and Hospice Care 13:31 Medical Aid in Dying: Perspectives and Ethics 00:00 Comparing Birth and Death 25:39 Contemplating Mortality and Legacy 27:12 Current Projects and Writing 28:07 The Importance of Food at End of Life 30:28 The Family Support Bundle 33:11 The Origin of 'Gone From My Sight' 36:11 Personal Stories and Impact 40:04 The Shift Back to Home Deaths 43:48 Resources and Contact Information 46:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell https://bkbooks.com/products/approaching-death-support-kit https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about https://www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarakarnesrn/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    48 min
  7. Death Doula Insights About The Importance of End-of-Life Planning

    07/12/2025

    Death Doula Insights About The Importance of End-of-Life Planning

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, welcomes Marni Blank, a former attorney turned entrepreneur and end-of-life doula. They discuss the emotional and logistical challenges families face regarding end-of-life planning. Marni shares her personal journey, including her mother's serious accident, which highlighted the importance of having essential paperwork in order.  The conversation focuses on the significance of open discussions about end-of-life wishes, the role of a death doula, and practical advice for organizing important documents. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right people for roles like healthcare proxies and how preparation can provide peace of mind. Jill and Marni also address the common barriers and emotional reactions people have when discussing these topics and offer insights into facilitating these important conversations. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:43 Meet Marni Blank: From Attorney to End-of-Life Doula 00:55 The Importance of End-of-Life Planning 02:44 Challenges and Realizations in End-of-Life Conversations 03:50 The Role and Impact of a Death Doula 04:25 Personal Stories and Experiences 08:09 Navigating Family Dynamics and Responsibilities 10:09 The Emotional and Practical Aspects of End-of-Life Decisions 37:21 The Role of Medical Professionals in End-of-Life Care 41:05 Marni's Business and Resources for End-of-Life Planning 44:10 Conclusion and Call to Action Website: https://beginwiththeend.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginwith_theend/ Book a Free Call: https://calendly.com/marni-blank/marni-blank-initial-consultation Plan Well Organizer: https://beginwiththeend.co/plan-well-organizer Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    45 min
  8. Navigating Grief and Embracing Spirituality with Dave Roberts

    30/11/2025

    Navigating Grief and Embracing Spirituality with Dave Roberts

    Send us a text In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, Dave Roberts talks about his journey navigating grief after the death of his daughter, Janine. Roberts, an addictions counselor and psychology professor, shares his perspectives on spirituality, the afterlife, and the different ways he and his wife coped with their loss while supporting each other. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining bonds with loved ones, embracing varying beliefs, and the role of community in healing. Roberts discusses how his experience has transformed his approach to living genuinely and offers tips for those dealing with loss. This insightful conversation sheds light on the intersection of grief, end-of-life planning, and the potential for spiritual growth through challenging experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 00:11 Welcome to Seeing Death Clearly 00:36 Guest Introduction: Dave Roberts 01:38 Dave's Background and Career 04:06 The Tragic Story of Janine 08:10 Coping with Grief and Loss 17:24 Supporting Each Other Through Grief 20:56 Living with the End in Mind 24:41 Choosing Our Path: Embracing Challenges and Legacy 25:33 Teaching About Death: Finding Joy and Responsibility 27:29 Death, Dying, and Bereavement 28:56 Integrating Science and Spirituality 31:15 Personal Transformations and Beliefs 41:03 Encouraging Critical Thinking and Respect 45:48 Conclusion and Contact Information My episode on Dave's podcast https://youtu.be/_2cYKpY88bQ?si=LUDW677SjaEN82kc Personal Website: http://davidrobertsmsw.com/ When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister on Amazon : https://a.co/d/bWzOO3n The Teaching Journeys Podcast :  https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys https://www.youtube.com/@daveroberts301 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.j.roberts1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-56690513/ Instagram: Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    48 min

About

Seeing Death Clearly is a show that challenges you to think about your beliefs about death, dying, grief, and living life. I am your host, Jill McClennen, a death doula and end-of-life coach. As a death doula, I found through first-hand experience that the more I came to terms with my thoughts and feelings about death and dying, the more present I became in my everyday life and I hope to share that with you too, how you can live a better life by having a healthier relationship with death and dying. Each episode features a guest who shares their beliefs and stories about death and dying. These are honest conversations about a topic most of us avoided talking about our entire lives. I am on a mission to change that, one conversation at a time.

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