Episode Number: 28 Release Date: 31st August 2026 Episode Title: Death, Grief & Giving People Back Control with John Adams ⚠ Content Note: This episode contains discussions of childhood bereavement, parental death and suicide. Please take care of yourself while listening. Episode Summary: In this episode of Grief Unedited, I’m joined by John Adams, a fourth-generation Funeral Director from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, who has become a prominent voice for changing the way we talk about death, dying and bereavement. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s actually like to work at the intersection of life and death. John shares the personal experience of losing his mum, Maria, when he was just 12, the lessons his own father gave him about talking openly about death, and how those experiences shaped his approach to supporting bereaved families. We also explore his campaign to bring education around death, dying and bereavement into the English education system, the importance of involving children in conversations about loss, and why giving bereaved families information, choices and a sense of control can make such a profound difference. About John Adams: John Adams is a fourth-generation Funeral Director based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, working within his family funeral service, Perry and Phillips. His personal experience of losing his mum as a child, combined with his work supporting bereaved families, has driven his passion for changing the way society approaches death, dying and grief. John has also been involved in campaigning for death, dying and bereavement education to be included within the English education system. His petition gained 11,322 signatures and ultimately led to the issue being taken forward for parliamentary debate and consideration. In this episode, we chat about: The Reality of the Role: What it means to work as a fourth-generation Funeral Director and the experiences John has had supporting families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.The Human Element: Why giving people information, choices and control can be so important after someone dies, and the powerful moments of connection John has witnessed within bereaved families.Breaking the Stigma: John's campaign to bring death, dying and bereavement education into schools, and why he believes children shouldn't be excluded from conversations about loss simply because adults find them uncomfortable.Children & Grief: How we can talk to children about death honestly and in an age-appropriate way, why children should have their voices heard, and how involving them can help them feel connected rather than excluded.Personal Impact: How losing his mum at 12 shaped John's understanding of death, how becoming a father has changed his perspective, and how his work has brought him closer to his mum's memory.Finding the Courage to Create Change: The importance of knowing why you're doing something, staying committed despite doubt, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone to create meaningful change.Redefining the Funeral: Why a funeral doesn't have to be a single moment, and how small acts of connection and involvement can become incredibly meaningful parts of someone's goodbye.Connect with Karen: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/continuumcounsellingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/continuumcounsellingWebsite: https://www.continuumcounselling.comConnect with John Adams: Perry & Phillips: https://www.perryandphillipsfunerals.comLinkedIn: John AdamsPodcast: Death: A Changing IndustryJohn provided these as the ways listeners can connect with him at the end of the episode. Support Grief Unedited: This podcast is a passion project dedicated to keeping conversations about grief honest and "unedited." If you find value in these episodes, please consider: Subscribing: So you never miss an episode.Sharing: Send this episode to someone who might find comfort or insight in it.Buying Me a Coffee: To help keep the show running, you can support us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/griefuneditedSubscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this chat, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it’s the best way to help other people find the show.Shop the Grief Journal: Our brand new grief journal, Grief and Growth, is available here: https://amzn.eu/d/0fDaVBLj
