Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

Traci Arieli

Join host Traci Arieli for "Comforting Closure," a podcast where the often silent topics of aging, death, and grieving are explored with compassion and clarity. Each episode features guests who share practical advice, emotional insights, and spiritual perspectives to illuminate these natural yet seldom discussed aspects of life. Dive into tender conversations designed to demystify and destigmatize these experiences, offering solace and understanding to those navigating life's final chapters. Grab a warm drink and find a moment of peace amidst profound transitions with "Comforting Closure."

  1. 1D AGO

    How Kicking the Bucket Helps Us Talk About Dying

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with multidisciplinary artist and podcast creator Andee Kinzy to explore how fiction, humor, and storytelling can make end of life conversations feel more approachable.  Andee is the creator of the audio fiction series “Kicking the Bucket,” a thoughtful and often funny story about an aging couple facing terminal illness, autonomy, and the emotional realities of planning for the end of life. Through the characters of Dolores and Howard, Andee helps listeners reflect on real decisions families face every day and why talking about dying can ultimately help us live with more clarity and intention.  Together, Traci and Andee discuss medical aid in dying, dementia and cognition in decision-making, the role of humor in navigating heavy topics, intergenerational communication challenges, and how listening clubs are helping communities practice these conversations in a supportive way. Whether you are a caregiver, an adult child, a healthcare professional, or simply someone curious about death and dying, this episode encourages thoughtful dialogue, planning ahead, and embracing honest conversations while we still have the chance.  Links/Resources Guest: Kicking the Bucket website:  https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast Use code: KTBPODCC for early access  Host: Comforting Closure with Traci Arieli: https://www.comfortingclosure.com  Referenced Resources in Conversation: The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org Information on Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD): https://compassionandchoices.org    Please like, share, and subscribe to support these conversations and help others find the show. Leave a comment and tell us what part of this episode resonated with you or how you plan to start conversations in your own life.

    46 min

  2. JAN 29

    How to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Advance Directive

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with family physician Dr. Eleanor Tanno to talk about one of the most overlooked steps in end-of-life planning: discussing your advance directive with your doctor. Together, they discuss why the form itself is not enough, what to do before the appointment, and how to approach this conversation so your care truly reflects your values.  You will learn how to prepare, what to bring, and which questions lead to more meaningful medical guidance. Dr. Tanno offers a compassionate doctor’s-eye view of what makes these conversations effective and why having them before a crisis protects both patients and families. This episode is valuable for anyone who wants to avoid confusion and ensure their wishes are understood when it matters most.  Links / Resources  Guest: Dr. Eleanor Tanno  Website: https://advancedirectivemd.com Course: https://advancedirectivemd.com/purchase Step-by-step guide: https://advancedirectivemd.com/step-by-step-overview-how-to-create-an-advance-directive Host: Traci Arieli  Website: https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources to Get Started  The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ConversationStarterGuide.pdf Cedars-Sinai Advance Directive Guide: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/content/dam/cedars-sinai/patients/resources-and-patients/documents/advance-directive-step-by-step-guide-2021.pdf The Death Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com MyDirectives: https://www.mydirectives.com     If you find this conversation helpful, please like, share, and subscribe so more people can learn how to prepare before a crisis. Your support helps normalize these conversations and brings practical, compassionate guidance to more families.

    58 min

  3. JAN 22

    Choosing When to Die: A Conversation on Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with Crystal Flores, an end-of-life doula and owner of The Grateful Death® to discuss Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) as a compassionate and empowering end-of-life option. Together, they discuss what VSED really looks like, from the moment a person chooses it, to the emotional and practical support that follows.  Crystal shares her personal and professional experiences, including walking alongside a beloved family member during their VSED process. With gentleness and clarity, she talks about what this choice entails and how it can offer peace and autonomy at the end of life.  Key takeaways include:  What VSED is and what it is not How to emotionally and practically support someone through it The importance of honest conversations and choosing your own path The role of doulas, caregivers, and community in planning a peaceful death Links/Resources  Guest: Crystal Flores - https://www.thegratefuldeath.org Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com   Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes!

    52 min

  4. JAN 15

    Beyond Borders: Seeking Medical Aid in Dying Abroad with Bryan Rigg

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli speaks with Bryan Rigg, founder of Axios Consulting, about what happens when Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) isn’t available where you live.  After helping a close family member access MAiD through Dignitas in Switzerland, Bryan created a consulting practice that now supports others in navigating the emotional, legal, and logistical journey of seeking MAiD abroad. Together, they disucss what it takes to prepare for this path, how laws limit access, and what it means to say goodbye with intention.  Key takeaways include:  Why current MAiD laws exclude people with conditions like ALS, dementia, and heart failure What families face when traveling internationally for end-of-life care The role of legacy interviews and memory-making before death How Axios supports clients with care, clarity, and compassion Whether you’re a caregiver, a professional, or someone wondering what your own options might look like, this episode offers practical information on MAiD.  Links/Resources  Guest: Bryan Rigg, Axios Consulting - https://www.axiosconsulting.org Host: Traci Arieli’s Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources:  Dignitas - http://www.dignitas.ch Bryan’s book: Hitler’s Jewish Soldiers   If this episode moved you, please like, share, and subscribe. Your support helps normalize conversations around aging, dying, and grief and makes it easier for others to find this resource.

    52 min

  5. JAN 8

    How to Avoid Probate and Protect Your Family

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli speaks with estate planning attorney Jeannette Marsala about probate, why it is so common, and how families can best avoid it with thoughtful planning.  Together, they discuss what probate is, how people often end up in court even when they believe they planned ahead, and why a will alone is often not enough. Jeannette explains how living trusts work, the small details that frequently cause estate plans to fail, and the practical steps families can take to keep their loved ones out of probate court.  The conversation also addresses the emotional side of estate planning. Traci and Jeannette talk openly about the fear that keeps many people from starting, the stress families face after a death, and how planning ahead can reduce confusion and conflict during grief.  Topics covered include:  What probate is and why it can take months or longer The difference between a will and a trust How living trusts help families avoid probate Common mistakes that send families to court What to look for when choosing an estate attorney Why planning early matters, especially before illness or loss of capacity This episode is intended for both professionals and everyday listeners. It normalizes conversations about aging, death, and planning, while offering clear and compassionate guidance that families can use in real life.  Links and Resources Guest: Jeannette Marsala, Estate Planning Attorney - https://sanjoselivingtrust.com  Host: Traci Arieli - https://www.comfortingclosure.com    If this episode was helpful, please like, share, and subscribe. Doing so helps more people find these conversations and start planning with care.

    50 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Parenting Through Grief: What No One Prepares You For, Part 2

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli continues her conversation with returning guests Ashley Meyveci, Co-founder and President of Luke’s Purpose, and Danielle Cristofano-Schwartz, Founder of Love From Lydia. Together, they explore the long road of parenting after child loss: the complex emotions, evolving identities, and how grief shows up every day.  Ashley shares how her daughter continues to grieve her younger brother, Luke, and how moments of joy are often mixed with guilt. Danielle reflects on parenting after the birth of her second child and the challenges of keeping Lydia’s memory present while still moving forward. The episode touches on co-parenting dynamics, milestones, and what grieving parents need most, not just in the early days, but over time.  This is part 2 of a 2-part series focused on parenting through grief.  Links/Resources  Guest: Ashley Meyveci – https://www.lukespurpose.org Guest: Danielle Cristofano-Schwartz – https://www.lovefromlydia.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website – https://www.comfortingclosure.com    Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes!

    35 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    Parenting Through Grief: What No One Prepares You For, Part 1

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli speaks with returning guests Ashley Meyveci, Co-founder and President of Luke’s Purpose, and Danielle Cristefano-Schwartz, Founder of Love From Lydia, about what it means to keep parenting after the unimaginable: the death of a child.  Ashley shares how life shifted after the loss of her son Luke, and what it was like to continue raising his older sister amid deep grief. Danielle reflects on how her identity as a parent changed after the death of her daughter Lydia, especially as she navigated pregnancy again and the awkwardness of being asked, “Is this your first?” Together, they talk about parenting through emotional exhaustion, how grief affects couples differently, and what helps them stay connected to the children they’ve lost and the ones still here.  This is part 1 of a 2-part series that honors the strength and honesty it takes to keep showing up as a parent after loss.    Links/Resources  Guest: Ashley Meyveci – https://www.lukespurpose.org Guest: Danielle Cristefano-Schwartz – https://www.lovefromlydia.comHost: Traci Arieli – https://www.comfortingclosure.com    Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes. If this conversation touched you or you know someone who might need to hear it, please pass it along.

    57 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    When the Law Blocks a Peaceful Death: The Fight to Expand Medical Aid in Dying Access

    I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message. In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli sits down with Marica Hofer, President of A Better Exit, to talk about a devastating and often overlooked fact: many people with diseases like ALS and dementia are locked out of Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD).  Together, they discuss what’s broken in the law, what it means for people who are suffering, and why the ability to plan your own death is a form of dignity.  Marica shares her own story, the experiences of the families she’s supported, and the painful choices some are forced to make too early, just to retain autonomy. She offers advice on how advance directives work (and where they fall short), what families can do early in the diagnosis process, and how legislation needs to change to honor people’s wishes.  This episode aims to challenge assumptions, advocate for expanded access, and spark necessary conversations about equity and ethics in end-of-life care.    Links/Resources  Guest: Marica Hofer, President of A Better Exit – https://abetterexit.org Host: Traci Arieli – https://www.comfortingclosure.com A Better Exit Advance Planning Resources – https://abetterexit.org/resources End-of-life planning toolkit – https://compassionandchoices.org    Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes. These conversations matter and your support helps others find them too.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join host Traci Arieli for "Comforting Closure," a podcast where the often silent topics of aging, death, and grieving are explored with compassion and clarity. Each episode features guests who share practical advice, emotional insights, and spiritual perspectives to illuminate these natural yet seldom discussed aspects of life. Dive into tender conversations designed to demystify and destigmatize these experiences, offering solace and understanding to those navigating life's final chapters. Grab a warm drink and find a moment of peace amidst profound transitions with "Comforting Closure."

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