Dying for a Cuppa - The Podcast

Katie Costello - End of Life Support Services

⭐️ NEW EPISODES COMING 20TH JULY 2026 ⭐️ Dying for a CuppaⓇ The Podcast is where we get real about death, dying and everything in between. Each episode brings expert guests, real-life stories, and honest conversations from my world of end-of-life care and funerals. Together we explore experiences of death and dying, alongside practical insight, support and compassion. Whether you’re curious, grieving, caring, or reflecting on your own mortality, this is a space for open, human conversations; no fluff, no jargon, just real, unscripted, conversations from the heart.

  1. 6d ago

    Dying for a Cuppa with Emma Higham

    Some conversations feel less like an interview and more like sitting alongside a friend. This is one of them. In this deeply personal episode, I’m joined by Emma Higham, someone whose journey has become closely intertwined with my own. I first met Emma when I had the privilege of supporting her husband, Rich, as his Soul Midwife, and later had the honour of leading both of his farewell services as their celebrant. Together, we reflect on the connection that has grown between us over the past few years, and the experiences that have shaped it and come from it. Emma speaks with incredible honesty about Rich, his approach to dying, the peace and spirituality that supported him at the end of his life, and the legacy of love he left behind. She also shares, with remarkable openness, what it has been like navigating life after his death while raising their two young daughters, and how her own connection with Rich has continued to guide and support her. This series is all about spirituality and connection, and this conversation captures both in the most human way. It isn’t about having the answers. It’s about love, grief, hope, resilience and the invisible threads that continue to connect us, even after someone has died. I’m so incredibly grateful to Emma for trusting me, and all of you, with such a personal part of her story. I hope you’ll listen with an open heart. As always, I’d love to hear what resonates with you after listening. Please do leave a review, share the episode with someone who may need it, and let us know your thoughts. © 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

    Dying for a Cuppa with Emma Higham
  2. Aug 10

    Dying for a Cuppa with Hannah Macintyre

    This episode takes us into what I lovingly call the “woo-woo.” I’m joined by world-renowned evidential medium Hannah McIntyre for a fascinating conversation about spirituality, connection and the idea that love continues beyond physical death. I know this is a subject that often divides opinion. Many people have strong beliefs one way or the other, and that’s absolutely okay. My invitation isn’t that you have to agree with everything that’s shared, but simply that you listen with curiosity and an open mind. This series is all about exploring the many ways people experience connection, meaning and spirituality. Mediumship is one perspective, one belief system and one way that some people make sense of life, death and the relationships that continue after someone has died. Whether you are deeply spiritual, quietly sceptical or somewhere in between, I hope this conversation gives you something to think about. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts after listening. This is one of those episodes that will no doubt spark conversation, and that’s exactly what Dying for a Cuppa is all about. Hannah Macintyre is an international evidential medium and host of the acclaimed Mediumship Matters podcast with a global fan base. Hannah’s unique journey into spirit connection brings a fresh, positive perspective on life beyond the physical. With over a decade's experience, her modern, down-to-earth style in mediumship and teaching has gained followers worldwide. Known for her humour and honesty, Hannah captivates audiences as an accomplished platform medium, providing evidence & messages from the world beyond our physical senses. www.hannahmedium.co.uk © 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

    Dying for a Cuppa with Hannah Macintyre
  3. Aug 3

    Dying for a Cuppa with Maxine Edgar

    Today I’m joined by Maxine Edgar, owner of Bronze Ash Funeral Directors in Romford, for a powerful, honest and thought-provoking conversation that covers far more than funerals alone. Together we explore race, sexism, representation, spirituality, culture and what it really means to care for families with compassion and understanding. Maxine speaks openly about her own experiences as a Black woman working in the funeral profession, sharing the prejudice she has encountered along the way, alongside the strength, resilience and determination. We also delve into the rich traditions, spirituality and sense of community that are often at the heart of African and Caribbean funerals. Maxine offers a fascinating insight into the families she serves and why understanding different cultures is so important if we’re to provide truly person-centred care at the end of life. Like me, Maxine is passionate about opening up conversations around death, dying and funerals. She believes that knowledge gives us choice, that representation matters, and that talking openly helps us better understand both one another and ourselves. There are so many things I admire about Maxine, but perhaps most of all it’s her honesty. Some of the experiences she shares are difficult to hear. I found parts of this conversation almost unbelievable, yet sadly not surprising. They remind us that, while progress has been made, there is still work to do if we want to create a more equal, compassionate and inclusive world. Above all, this is a conversation about humanity. About listening. About understanding experiences beyond our own. And about meeting every family, regardless of their background, with dignity, respect and kindness. I’d love to hear what resonates with you after listening. Please leave a review, share the episode with someone who would value this conversation, and let us know your thoughts. https://www.bronzeashfunerals.co.uk/ © 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

    Dying for a Cuppa with Maxine Edgar
  4. Jul 27

    Dying for a Cuppa with Tom Fitzsimons

    In this deeply honest and moving episode, I’m joined by Tom Fitzsimons. Author, inspirational speaker and a man whose life has been transformed through recovery, resilience and human connection. Tom shares the story of losing his dad when he was just 13 years old, and how that loss shaped the years that followed. He speaks with incredible openness about his struggles with alcohol addiction, the impact it had on his life, and the long road towards sobriety. Now many years sober, Tom dedicates his life to helping others, using his own experiences to inspire hope and show that change is always possible. We also explore the healing power of movement and connection. Tom talks about discovering running, the profound effect it had on his mental health, and the extraordinary endurance challenges he has gone on to complete. His story is one of courage, determination and the reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a path forwards. I was deeply moved by Tom’s honesty throughout this conversation, but it’s what he shares in the closing moments that truly stayed with me. It reduced me to tears, and I hope you’ll stay with us until the very end, you’ll understand why. This episode contains open conversations about grief, bereavement, alcohol addiction, recovery, death and dying. If these topics feel tender for you right now, please listen gently and take care of yourself. I’d love to hear what resonates with you after listening. Please do leave a review, share the episode with someone who might need it, and let us know your thoughts. You’ll find Tom’s links below. Please do give him a follow, explore his work, and if his story connects with you, I’d highly recommend reading his book. Tom Fitzsimons | LinkedInInstagram https://www.tiktok.com/@thesoberbard?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc © 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

    Dying for a Cuppa with Tom Fitzsimons
  5. Jul 20

    Dying for a Cuppa with Lisa Rainier

    In this episode of Dying for a Cuppa®, I’m joined by Lisa Rainier, a healthcare chaplain with over 15 years’ experience supporting people at the bedside through some of life’s most profound moments. Lisa and I first met at the hospice where I used to work, and she now continues her incredible work as a chaplain within a leading cancer hospital. This is a conversation full of warmth, honesty and compassion. Together we explore what chaplaincy really is, the role it plays at the end of life, and why conversations around faith matter so much. We also unpack the important differences between faith, religion and spirituality, and how these can each offer comfort, meaning and connection in very different ways. What I admire most about Lisa is her ability to meet people exactly where they are. Whatever someone’s beliefs, or none at all, she creates a space where they feel seen, heard and supported without judgement. I’m so grateful to Lisa for sharing her own experiences, reflections and beliefs with such openness. It’s exactly what this series is all about: creating honest conversations that help us better understand ourselves, each other, and what it means to be human. © 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

    Dying for a Cuppa with Lisa Rainier
  6. May 11

    Dying for a Cuppa with Mathew Crawley - ICCM

    This is the episode we didn’t know we needed… but I’m so glad we’ve got it. This is a great way to end this series. Let me introduce you to Mathew Crawley, Chief Executive of the ICCM (Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management), a role that carries huge responsibility across the UK, and one Mat brings to life with real depth, honesty and character. This conversation goes far beyond what I expected We explore everything from talking about death and dying, bereavement leave, and the realities of working in this world, to the wider impact these conversations have on all of us as humans. There are moments in this chat I didn’t see coming, topics I didn’t plan for, and reflections that genuinely stayed with me. It’s open, it’s real, and it’s incredibly thought-provoking. I’m also deeply grateful to Mat for sharing his own personal experience following the death of his father last year, bringing a level of honesty and humanity that makes this episode something really special. If you’ve been following Series 3, this is a powerful note to end on. https://www.iccm-uk.com/iccm/ Mat has spent more than three decades working in bereavement services, dedicating his career to supporting people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives. He began his journey as a funeral director, gaining first-hand experience of the care and empathy required to guide families through loss. Over the years, Mathew has worked across many areas of service provision, developing a deep understanding of the sector and the people it serves.   In 2025, Mathew became Chief Executive of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), where he now leads the organisation with the same commitment and energy that has shaped his career. His work is driven by a genuine passion to improve the services that bereaved people rely on, always seeking ways to ensure they are delivered with compassion and are truly individual to those accessing them.   Mathew describes his career as colourful, shaped by a wide range of experiences and the many remarkable people he has encountered along the way. Throughout it all, he has held firmly to a belief that humour, compassion and honesty are powerful vehicles for better developing our understanding of grief and those navigating their own bereavement path. These values continue to guide his leadership and inspire his work to strengthen and advance bereavement services for the future. © 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

    Dying for a Cuppa with Mathew Crawley - ICCM
  7. May 4

    Dying for a Cuppa with Mohamed Omer MBE

    Mohamed Omer MBE joins us for the last episode of the series and what a way to finish! Dying for a Cuppa series 3 has been such a joy and a privilege. This episode is quite frankly AMAZING. Mohamed shares insights into his faith and the Muslim rituals and reasons around death and funeral practices, he speaks with heart about humanity, community and spirituality and I could listen to him all day. Not only will you learn but you will feel uplifted, inspired and full of hope. This is not just about faith, it is about education, connecting and all doing better, collectively, as a human race when it comes to death, dying and end of life support. This feels like a perfect message to end on for the world and I hope it fills you with as much love as it did us in this moment. Mohamed is an absolute LEGEND in this end of life world and I love him both personally and professionally. He is currently involved with various organisations, including being the governments go to when it comes to supporting the Muslim faith and end of life services as well as... Chair – National Burial Council (an umbrella body for the Muslim Community dealing with burials and Deaths) Board member – External Affairs, Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery, based in Hainault Essex. This is the largest dedicated Muslim Cemetery in the United Kingdom. Director of Muslim Bereavement Support Service Member of the Burial Cremation Advisory Group at the Ministry of Justice representing the Muslim Community Board Member of ICCM (Institute of Cemetery and Crematoria Managers) He is a trustee of The Big Issue Invest – an organisation funding Social Enterprises that are not able to obtain funding from banks.   Mohamed has been actively involved with community work in East London for the last 15 years.  He has been the governor of Oaks Park High School in Ilford for the last 25 years and a chair for the last 4 years. Oaks Park is a community school and the only PFI school in the borough of Redbridge. Appointed as a trustee of Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford inAugust 2016. Chair of the Redbridge Faith Forum Thank you so much for all the support, the messages, the shares, the quiet listens, and the brave conversations that have come from this series. It honestly means more than you know. If these episodes have resonated with you, please do keep sharing, liking, reviewing and telling people about the podcast. That’s how these conversations grow. That’s how we keep normalising talking about death, dying and grief. And if you’d like to go a little deeper, my book 'A Gift' is available now on Amazon — part funeral plan, part life story, part love letter. It’s there to help you reflect, record and share what matters most. https://amzn.eu/d/01SSVq84 Thank you for being here. Truly. © 2026 Katie Costello. Dying for a Cuppa® is a registered trademark of Katie Costello. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content, including audio recordings, descriptions, and associated materials, are protected by copyright. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organisations. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, legal, or medical advice.

    Dying for a Cuppa with Mohamed Omer MBE

About

⭐️ NEW EPISODES COMING 20TH JULY 2026 ⭐️ Dying for a CuppaⓇ The Podcast is where we get real about death, dying and everything in between. Each episode brings expert guests, real-life stories, and honest conversations from my world of end-of-life care and funerals. Together we explore experiences of death and dying, alongside practical insight, support and compassion. Whether you’re curious, grieving, caring, or reflecting on your own mortality, this is a space for open, human conversations; no fluff, no jargon, just real, unscripted, conversations from the heart.

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