Dying to Know More

Ashley Haugen

Let's start at the end. No one talks about death, and yet it's something we're all going to do at some point. I'm dying to know more about all facets of death , so that's why I launched the podcast. From death doulas to casket companies to grief experts to industry disruptors and so much more, we're talking about it all! And tune in for the new DTKM Minis, bite-sized episodes that dive into various related topics and give a high-level yet meaningful view in five minutes or less.

  1. Apr 25

    What the Dying Teach Us About Living

    What can people facing the end of life teach the rest of us about living right now?  In this episode of Dying to Know More,  palliative care chaplain Cody Hufstedler shares what he’s learned from hundreds of deathbed conversations as well as the intimate conversations he's had with terminal patients on his podcast, "Dying to Tell You." We also talk about grief, terminal illness, fear of death, finding meaning at the end of life, and how talking openly about death can help us live more intentionally. If you’re curious about end-of-life wisdom, hospice conversations, or living with purpose, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more honest conversations about death, grief, and what it means to truly live. Find Cody online at: dttypodcast.com Instagram: @dttypod   Youtube: @dttypod     Facebook: dttypod Tiktok: dying.to.tell.you

    38 min

  2. Apr 12

    Grief, Guilt, and Letting Go: A Raw Conversation About Suicide Loss

    What happens when grief hits all at once, and how do you survive it? In this episode of Dying to Know More, author Samantha Rose shares the raw, disorienting reality of losing her mother to suicide and the unexpected ways she found healing.An Emmy Award-winning writer and bestselling author, Samantha Rose talks about her memoir Giving Up the Ghost: A Daughter’s Memoir, a powerful exploration of loss, love and the journey to healing — all with a touch of humor.Learn how Samantha navigated a season of compounded grief, including divorce, cancer, her mother’s sudden death, and the isolation of COVID, and how those experiences reshaped her understanding of survival. She shares what it’s really like to lose someone to suicide, including the shock, guilt, anger, and unanswered questions that follow.Samantha also reflects on the tools that helped her heal, from therapy to writing, and the deeply personal and surprising ways she continued a relationship with her mother after her passing.This is a conversation about grief, but also about resilience, connection, and learning how to live again.If you’ve ever wondered how people survive the unimaginable, or you’re navigating grief yourself, this episode offers honesty, comfort, and perspective you won’t hear in everyday conversations.Purchase Giving Up the Ghost: A Daughter's Memoir at https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Up-Ghost-Daughters-Memoir-ebook/dp/B0DPN6JP58Learn more about Samantha Rose at the following: https://www.yellowskymedia.com/my-storyIG: https://www.instagram.com/samantharose_writerFB: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.rose.90813/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharoseswartz

    36 min

  3. Feb 21

    What Growing Up in a Funeral Home Taught Katie Radel About Life

    Growing up in a funeral home is more than just a "fun fact," it can provide a life-altering perspective on how to live. Growing up in her family's third-generation funeral home taught Katie Radel so many beautiful lessons about living that can only be found by witnessing death.In this episode of Dying to Know More, Ashley Haugen talks with Katie Radel about her unique upbringing and how she got involved in the world of natural burial at Larkspur Conservation in Middle Tennessee.Katie explains the radical difference between the coffee-and-lilies atmosphere of a family funeral business and the serene wildflower meadows of Larkspur Conservation — and how there's space for both. We dive deep into the emotional weight of being with a loved one during their final moments, and how witnessing hundreds of funerals can actually help you live a more authentic life. This conversation offers a refreshing, non-taboo look at the one thing we all have in common and is — as Katie says — 100% happening to all of us.Inside This Episode We Cover:• Growing up living above a funeral home• Driving a hearse at 16: Normalizing the industry• How death gave Katie the courage to change her life• The most moving "celebration of life" story Katie's experience• The Death Positivity movement • Why "fingernails" matter in funeral prep• Finding "winks" from the other sideResources & Links:Learn about Larkspur Conservation: https://larkspurconservation.org/ Watch "Bury Me at Taylor Hollow": https://www.reelsouth.org/documentaries/bury-me-taylor-hollowFollow Dying to Know More on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyingtoknowmorepodcast/Check out our previous episode with Alice Sullivan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dk3NiQD8Jk&t=1s

    32 min

  4. Feb 11

    A Guide to Caregiving, End-of-Life Planning and Navigating the "Sunset Stage" with Ebony Leary

    In this episode of Dying to Know More, we welcome Ebony Leary, founder of My Sunset Doula. As a former hospice nurse and current death doula and end-of-life planning professional, Ebony demystifies the caregiving journey. We discuss the "pink flags" of cognitive decline, how families can access Medicaid funds for caregiving, and why having an advanced directive is the best gift you can leave your family. Whether you are currently a caregiver or just starting to notice your parents aging, this episode offers the roadmap you need.

    29 min

  5. Feb 2

    Dying Authentically: How to Ensure Your True Self is Honored

    Death is universal, but the way we are treated in death isn't always equal. On this episode of Dying to Know More, death and grief doula Lauren Seeley explains death literacy, specifically for the LGBTQ+, trans, and sex worker communities, marginalized groups who often face the risk of being misgendered, deadnamed, or "erased" by estranged biological family after they pass. Lauren explains why a simple notarized paper might be the most important gift you ever give your loved ones and how we can all navigate the "bookends" of life with more compassion, creativity, and authenticity. She also explains how marginalized communities can advocate for one another and ensure their chosen family aren't pushed out of the funeral room. Connect with Lauren Seeley:Workshop: LGBTQ+, Trans, and Sex Worker End-of-Life & Death Literacy (Partnering with International Doula Life Movement) Date: February 5th, 7 p.m. Eastern (Virtual/Recorded) Tickets here: https://bit.ly/3NYZK61 Lauren's socials: IG: @ahhsweetdeath YT: ‪@Ahhsweetdeath‬​

    21 min

  6. Jan 26

    Why I Celebrated My Father's Death (And How I Survived 2025)

    "He was the meanest man on earth." Alice Sullivan doesn't hold back in this episode as she recounts the moment she found out her abusive father had passed away—and why she and her siblings toasted with margaritas.But 2025 had more in store. From navigating a $17,000 "hoarder house" cleanup to receiving news of her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis, Alice’s story is a masterclass in compartmentalization and resilience. We explore:• The reality of "No Contact" and the "Next of Kin" trap• Taking a baseball bat to the past (literally)• Why dark humor is a valid survival tool• Finding "signs" and moving forward when you're suddenly the family matriarchYou can follow Alice:On Substack: alicewritesit.substack.comOn Instagram: @alicewritesOn the web: alicesullivan.com#griefjourney #toxicparents #childhoodtraumarecovery #resilience #dyingtoknowmore

    35 min
  7. Living with Stage 4 Cancer: Melanie Ezell's Journey of Courage, Boundaries, and Presence

    12/02/2025

    Living with Stage 4 Cancer: Melanie Ezell's Journey of Courage, Boundaries, and Presence

    In this deeply moving conversation, Melanie Ezell shares her experience living with stage 4 ovarian cancer since 2022 while raising her 5-year-old son Velzy. A former yoga instructor, surfer, and athlete with the BRCA1 genetic mutation, Melanie offers profound insights on mortality, motherhood, and finding peace in uncertainty. We discuss: • Why she rejects "fighting" cancer and instead seeks acceptance • How she talks to her young son about death and dying • Her spiritual journey from evangelical Christianity to a broader faith • The importance of boundaries when facing terminal illness • Her plans for end-of-life care and what she hopes comes next • Finding beauty and sweetness in the present moment • Writing a memoir as a legacy for her son Melanie's honesty about fear, pain, and the unknown—balanced with her courage and grace—offers valuable wisdom for anyone facing serious illness or caring for someone who is. Follow Melanie's journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogasurfmel/ Visit her website: https://www.melanieezell.com/ Melanie's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mel-overcoming-cancer

    40 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    He Scatters Ashes at Sea for a Living. Here's What Happens When We Let Go.

    Captain Steve Ferdinando never imagined he'd be scattering ashes at sea for a living. But after 20 years in the fleet lease business, a simple request from a friend changed everything and led him to found Ashes2Oceans, a company helping families say goodbye on the water.In this episode, Captain Steve shares:✦ How his first sea burial went hilariously (and perfectly) wrong✦ The unexplainable moments that happen during almost every ceremony — including a dolphin that defied everything he knows about marine life✦ The legal and environmental requirements for sea burials (yes, there are rules)✦ Why more people are choosing ocean burials over traditional funerals✦ What to know if you're considering this for yourself or a loved oneWhether you're drawn to the ocean, curious about alternative funeral options, or just want to hear stories that remind you life (and death) can be beautiful, this conversation will stay with you.🌊 Learn more about Ashes to Oceans: https://ashes2oceans.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashes_2_oceans/

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Let's start at the end. No one talks about death, and yet it's something we're all going to do at some point. I'm dying to know more about all facets of death , so that's why I launched the podcast. From death doulas to casket companies to grief experts to industry disruptors and so much more, we're talking about it all! And tune in for the new DTKM Minis, bite-sized episodes that dive into various related topics and give a high-level yet meaningful view in five minutes or less.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Haugen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ashley Haugen
  • Show Website
    Dying to Know More

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