The Life and Death Podcast Ashgate Hospice

Internationally recognised author and speaker, Rebecca Soffer, began her journey into grief unexpectedly in her early 30s after her mother was killed in a car crash and her father died of a heart attack. The weight of this loss at such a young age left Rebecca feeling untethered. 

Rebecca candidly shares her deeply personal story of navigating loss and finding comfort in shared understanding. From forming a monthly dinner party called WWDP (Women With Dead Parents) to co-founding the Modern Loss movement, Rebecca's journey highlights the power of community in the face of grief. 

Rebecca's experiences inspired her to create a platform dedicated to removing the stigma surrounding grief and providing support and resources for those navigating their own journey of loss. Through heartfelt conversations and genuine human connection, Rebecca offers insights into the universal nature of grief and the strength of human connection in times of loss.

Check out Modern Loss online at www.modernloss.com
The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience" is available on Amazon in the UK.
Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice 
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/ 

This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. 

Stephen chats to Mock the Week star, Ed Byrne, as he shares the deeply personal story behind his new comedy show, "Tragedy Plus Time". Ed opens up about the death of his brother Paul, and how his death became the catalyst for Ed's exploration of grief and humour.


Reflecting on the moments leading up to Paul's death and the complexities of sibling relationships, Ed and host Stephen Rumford delve into the healing power of laughter amidst sorrow.


Discover the profound impact of loss, the importance of cherishing our loved ones, and the enduring wisdom shared by Ed's late brother: "you can be as serious as you want but there always has to be a joke."


See if there’s a show near you.


Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice


Support resources.


This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.

When Amber’s mum died suddenly, shortly after her 19th birthday, she spiralled into a life of self-destruction. After several turbulent years and unable to find the support she needed, Amber started The Grief Gang podcast. This podcast became her outlet, a resource dedicated to people who were experiencing bereavement like she was. Seven years since her mum Sue’s death, Amber chats about the sudden death of her mother at such a young age and how this tragedy has inspired her to help others. 

Find out more about The Grief Gang



Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/



The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.

Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is strongly recommended. Hayley talks quite graphically about what death looks like, including what a body might look like after death. This includes discussions of infant death as she talks about her experience of seeing a baby in a mortuary.


Hayley Campbell is a journalist, writer and broadcaster whose book, All the Living and the Dead, delivers a gripping look at the professionals who have made death their lives work. She talks to embalmers, a former death row executioner, mass fatality investigators, a bereavement midwife, and many more.


Hayley spent two years immersed in a field few people know about. Amongst the many questions raised, Hayley contemplates: ‘would facing death directly make us fear it less?’


Find out more about Hayley on her website: https://www.hayleycampbell.com/



Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/



The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.

Through The Dead and Alive Project, Klaus Bo documents death rituals from across the globe. From the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, where families clean the bones of their ancestors who may have been dead for decades, to families in the Philippines who, due to poverty and overpopulation, are literally living alongside the dead in cemeteries. Klaus takes us on a trip around the world, chatting about his interest in death rituals, and how other cultures view the dead.

Check out his unique and eye-opening project - viewer discretion is advised: www.deadandaliveproject.com

Instagram @deadandaliveproject

Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/



The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.

It was the 9th September 1989 when Tim’s dad died. It was also Tim’s wedding day. Tim Sullivan is a film director, screenwriter and novelist (Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Letters to Juliet) and in this episode he opens up about the events of that day, how it has shaped his life, and how it has influenced his writing.

Tim’s website: https://timsullivan.co.uk/
Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/

The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio.