Seeing Death Clearly

Jill McClennen
  • 5.0 (13)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Seeing Death Clearly is a show that challenges you to think about your beliefs about death, dying, grief, and living life. I am your host, Jill McClennen, a death doula and end-of-life coach. As a death doula, I found through first-hand experience that the more I came to terms with my thoughts and feelings about death and dying, the more present I became in my everyday life and I hope to share that with you too, how you can live a better life by having a healthier relationship with death and dying. Each episode features a guest who shares their beliefs and stories about death and dying. These are honest conversations about a topic most of us avoided talking about our entire lives. I am on a mission to change that, one conversation at a time.

  1. Reflecting on Life, Death, and the Journey Ahead with Stephen Wilson

    2D AGO

    Reflecting on Life, Death, and the Journey Ahead with Stephen Wilson

    Send us a text In this end-of-year episode of Seeing Death Clearly, host Jill McClennen sits down with her husband Steven to reflect on three years of podcasting. As the year 2025 closes, they discuss personal and professional highlights, stoicism, aging, and emotional experiences with death and grief. They delve into broader societal issues like elder care in the United States and the balance of everyday life. Jill also shares plans for future episodes, re-inviting past guests to explore their evolving perspectives. This candid conversation touches on navigating uncertainty, staying connected, and living intentionally. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:36 Reflecting on the Past Year 02:14 Guest Highlights and Future Plans 03:13 Navigating a Chaotic Year 06:47 Thoughts on Aging and Society 16:35 End of Life Conversations 21:33 Home Funerals and Personal Rituals 23:41 The Importance of Pre-Planning 24:22 Challenges in Discussing Mortality 28:18 Caregiving and Government Support 33:24 Reflections on Life and Death 41:08 Looking Forward to the Future 43:22 Podcast Appreciation and Future Plans Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    45 min
  2. End-of-Life Conversation with Barbara Karnes, RN

    DEC 14

    End-of-Life Conversation with Barbara Karnes, RN

    Send us a text In this episode, I welcome back Barbara Karnes to discuss the journey of transitioning from 'we' to 'me' after her husband Jack's death.  Barbara shares heartfelt stories about her early days in hospice care, highlighting the value of understanding daily responsibilities and her experiences with end-of-life preparations, emphasizing the importance of discussing finances and duties early.  We also discuss how death doulas play a role in modern hospice care, her thoughts on medical aid in dying, the creation of her widely beneficial booklets like 'Gone From My Sight,' and offers perspectives on educating families about the natural process of dying.  This episode aims to open minds and demystify death, dying, and grief, encouraging listeners to prepare and embrace end-of-life conversations. 00:00 Introduction to End of Life Education 00:45 Guest Introduction: Barbara Carnes 01:35 Adjusting to Life After Loss 02:56 The Importance of Being Prepared 04:18 Challenges of Living Independently 07:10 Support Systems and Grief Counseling 08:54 End of Life Doulas and Hospice Care 13:31 Medical Aid in Dying: Perspectives and Ethics 00:00 Comparing Birth and Death 25:39 Contemplating Mortality and Legacy 27:12 Current Projects and Writing 28:07 The Importance of Food at End of Life 30:28 The Family Support Bundle 33:11 The Origin of 'Gone From My Sight' 36:11 Personal Stories and Impact 40:04 The Shift Back to Home Deaths 43:48 Resources and Contact Information 46:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell https://bkbooks.com/products/approaching-death-support-kit https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about https://www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarakarnesrn/ Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    48 min
  3. Death Doula Insights About The Importance of End-of-Life Planning

    DEC 7

    Death Doula Insights About The Importance of End-of-Life Planning

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, welcomes Marni Blank, a former attorney turned entrepreneur and end-of-life doula. They discuss the emotional and logistical challenges families face regarding end-of-life planning. Marni shares her personal journey, including her mother's serious accident, which highlighted the importance of having essential paperwork in order.  The conversation focuses on the significance of open discussions about end-of-life wishes, the role of a death doula, and practical advice for organizing important documents. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right people for roles like healthcare proxies and how preparation can provide peace of mind. Jill and Marni also address the common barriers and emotional reactions people have when discussing these topics and offer insights into facilitating these important conversations. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:43 Meet Marni Blank: From Attorney to End-of-Life Doula 00:55 The Importance of End-of-Life Planning 02:44 Challenges and Realizations in End-of-Life Conversations 03:50 The Role and Impact of a Death Doula 04:25 Personal Stories and Experiences 08:09 Navigating Family Dynamics and Responsibilities 10:09 The Emotional and Practical Aspects of End-of-Life Decisions 37:21 The Role of Medical Professionals in End-of-Life Care 41:05 Marni's Business and Resources for End-of-Life Planning 44:10 Conclusion and Call to Action Website: https://beginwiththeend.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginwith_theend/ Book a Free Call: https://calendly.com/marni-blank/marni-blank-initial-consultation Plan Well Organizer: https://beginwiththeend.co/plan-well-organizer Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    45 min
  4. Navigating Grief and Embracing Spirituality with Dave Roberts

    NOV 30

    Navigating Grief and Embracing Spirituality with Dave Roberts

    Send us a text In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, Dave Roberts talks about his journey navigating grief after the death of his daughter, Janine. Roberts, an addictions counselor and psychology professor, shares his perspectives on spirituality, the afterlife, and the different ways he and his wife coped with their loss while supporting each other. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining bonds with loved ones, embracing varying beliefs, and the role of community in healing. Roberts discusses how his experience has transformed his approach to living genuinely and offers tips for those dealing with loss. This insightful conversation sheds light on the intersection of grief, end-of-life planning, and the potential for spiritual growth through challenging experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 00:11 Welcome to Seeing Death Clearly 00:36 Guest Introduction: Dave Roberts 01:38 Dave's Background and Career 04:06 The Tragic Story of Janine 08:10 Coping with Grief and Loss 17:24 Supporting Each Other Through Grief 20:56 Living with the End in Mind 24:41 Choosing Our Path: Embracing Challenges and Legacy 25:33 Teaching About Death: Finding Joy and Responsibility 27:29 Death, Dying, and Bereavement 28:56 Integrating Science and Spirituality 31:15 Personal Transformations and Beliefs 41:03 Encouraging Critical Thinking and Respect 45:48 Conclusion and Contact Information My episode on Dave's podcast https://youtu.be/_2cYKpY88bQ?si=LUDW677SjaEN82kc Personal Website: http://davidrobertsmsw.com/ When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister on Amazon : https://a.co/d/bWzOO3n The Teaching Journeys Podcast :  https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys https://www.youtube.com/@daveroberts301 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.j.roberts1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-56690513/ Instagram: Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    48 min

  5. NOV 27

    Navigating Grief and Gratitude During the Holidays

    Send us a text In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jill McClennen discusses the complex emotions of gratitude and grief that many people experience during the holidays. Early in the morning, Jill felt a mix of thankfulness and sadness and realized that she was not alone in these feelings. Holidays often amplify what we're already feeling, creating a paradox of joy and sorrow, especially when dealing with the loss of loved ones, relationship issues, or even societal pressures.  Jill emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief instead of suppressing it. She recounts her personal experiences, including the loss of her grandmother and the challenges of maintaining holiday cheer amidst grief. Jill advises on setting boundaries, creating new rituals, and finding personal ways to cope, such as art and movement.  She reminds listeners that it's okay to feel both gratitude and grief, and encourages them to reach out for support and to honor their complex feelings during the holiday season. 00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections 00:50 Navigating Complex Emotions During Holidays 01:44 Societal Pressures and Isolation 02:24 Grief and Loss in Relationships 03:22 Anticipatory Grief and Global Concerns 04:16 Historical Context of Thanksgiving 05:43 Environmental Grief and Hope for the Future 06:49 The Empowered Grief Journey 08:29 Creating New Rituals and Setting Boundaries 13:37 Art as a Coping Mechanism 16:53 Final Thoughts and Support 18:09 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    19 min
  6. Understanding Death Doula Work: Compassion, Grief, and End-of-Life Support with Tolley Casper's

    NOV 23

    Understanding Death Doula Work: Compassion, Grief, and End-of-Life Support with Tolley Casper's

    Send us a text In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, Jill McClennen sits down with Tolley Casparis, a death doula from Southern California, to explore the realities of supporting people at the end of life. They discuss the emotional challenges of caregiving, the importance of community, and how conscious preparation can create healing for both the dying and their loved ones. This conversation offers insight into the compassionate, yet often misunderstood, work of death doulas. Tolley shares what it truly means to guide someone through their final days, addressing emotions that often go unnamed, such as anger, fear, and frustration. She emphasizes the power of holding space consistently and quietly, and how these small acts can profoundly impact both the person dying and their families. The discussion also covers the accessibility of quality end-of-life care, navigating medical aid in dying, and the delicate balance between volunteer and paid work in the field. They explore the challenges around certification, the influence of social media on death doula work, and why ongoing learning and genuine community are essential for anyone supporting the dying. This episode provides an honest, grounded look at death doula work, conscious living, and supporting others with compassion and clarity. https://deathprofesh.com/ Insta @tolleycasparis and @yourdeathprofessional 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:10 Welcome to Seeing Death 00:35 Guest Introduction: Tolley Casparis 01:01 The Realities of Death Doula Work 01:12 Challenges and Certifications 01:47 Personal Background of Tali Caspar 03:19 Balancing Paid and Volunteer Work 03:21 End of Life Care Plans 03:43 Dealing with Difficult Conversations 07:44 The Concept of a Good Death 17:47 Art and Grief 21:13 Certification Debate 24:19 The Challenge of Gaining Experience as a Death Doula 26:09 Heart-Centered Qualifications and Volunteering 26:56 The Debate on Charging for Services 29:08 Certification and Training Controversies 32:57 Marketing and Personal Branding 39:59 Navigating Client Relationships and Boundaries 44:46 Building Community and Setting Industry Standards 45:28 Conclusion and Call to Action Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    46 min
  7. Jonathan Foster on Grief, Love, and Reimagining Faith After Loss

    NOV 16

    Jonathan Foster on Grief, Love, and Reimagining Faith After Loss

    Send us a text Jonathan Foster joins the conversation to share the story behind Indigo, his book about the life and death of his daughter, Quincy. This episode explores how a parent’s grief can reshape faith, deepen compassion, and reveal new ways to heal and live consciously. It offers an honest look at love, loss, and the courage it takes to rebuild meaning after tragedy. He explains how losing her forced him to rethink long-held beliefs about God, certainty, and what it means to love without conditions. Jonathan describes how this heartbreak challenged his theology but also opened space for a more expansive, healing understanding of love that is not limited by religious rules. He shares how nature, community, and honest conversations about death and dying helped him stay connected to his daughter’s legacy while learning to live with deep sorrow. Together, they reflect on the “sin of certainty,” the power of curiosity, and the importance of end-of-life awareness in shaping a more compassionate world. Jonathan’s background spans decades of ministry, writing, and advocacy. He is a father of three, a former church planter, and a partner of one, with a doctorate in theology from Northwind Seminary. His work, including his leadership with lovehaiti.org and the co-founding of OpenTable.network, centers on love-driven community, inclusion, and human connection. His book Indigo: The Color of Grief has been praised by progressive Christian thinkers for its honest exploration of death, mourning, and healing. This conversation offers comfort, clarity, and a reminder that even in loss, beauty and meaning can still be found. jonathanfosteronline.com  00:00 Introduction: Exploring Life and Death 00:16 Meet the Host: Jill McClennan 00:41 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Foster 01:34 A Mother's Grief and Appreciation 03:03 The Meaning Behind 'Indigo' 05:06 Faith, Loss, and Transformation 09:57 Navigating Grief and Relationships 17:11 The Divine and Gender Perspectives 20:33 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies 22:51 Questioning Good and Bad 24:17 The Absurdity of Defining Good and Bad 26:39 Leaving Religion and Asking Questions 30:48 The Sin of Certainty 34:34 Understanding Sin and Love 37:15 Unconditional Love and Compassion 41:40 The Complexity of Love and Forgiveness 43:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    45 min
  8. Navigating End-of-Life Care with Princella Seymour

    NOV 9

    Navigating End-of-Life Care with Princella Seymour

    Send us a text In this episode, our guest is Princella Seymour, a social worker with decades of experience in geriatrics and dementia care. Princella shares how she was called into elder care work, why early planning is essential, and what families often struggle with when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  Together, they explore the emotional, financial, and logistical realities of caregiving, along with the federal and state resources that many people don’t know are available. Princella highlights the importance of honest conversations, clear planning, and making decisions before a crisis hits so families can focus on connection rather than chaos.  Her new book, Everything You Need to Know About Me, inspired by the countless families she’s supported through painful, confusing decisions, is now available on Amazon. As CEO of Complete Elder Solutions, she has guided thousands of families through the complexities of aging.  00:00 Introduction to Seeing Death Clearly 00:43 Meet Prince Seymour: A Journey in Geriatric Social Work 02:07 Navigating Alzheimer's and Dementia Care 06:12 The Role of a Care Coach 08:01 Financial and Legal Planning for Elder Care 16:17 The Importance of Pre-Planning 19:21 Encouraging Conversations About End-of-Life Care 24:05 Navigating Family Conversations About End-of-Life Planning 24:51 The Importance of Written Wishes 25:17 Family Dynamics and Funeral Experiences 25:46 The Challenges of Caregiving 26:10 Making Tough Decisions in Crisis Situations 27:29 The Cost of Care and Financial Strain 28:13 Balancing Caregiving with Personal Responsibilities 29:33 Support Programs for Caregivers 31:18 The Value of Professional Guidance 40:35 Revisiting End-of-Life Plans Over Time 43:15 Conclusion and Resources URL https://www.completeeldersolutions.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/complete-elder-solutions/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CompleteElderSolutions# Instagram Support the show Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. I appreciate the support, and it helps get the word out to more people who could benefit from hearing the podcast. Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms. jill@endoflifeclarity.com Website www.endoflifeclarity.com Instagram Facebook Facebook group End of Life Clarity Circle LinkedIn TikTok

    46 min
See All (145)

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Seeing Death Clearly is a show that challenges you to think about your beliefs about death, dying, grief, and living life. I am your host, Jill McClennen, a death doula and end-of-life coach. As a death doula, I found through first-hand experience that the more I came to terms with my thoughts and feelings about death and dying, the more present I became in my everyday life and I hope to share that with you too, how you can live a better life by having a healthier relationship with death and dying. Each episode features a guest who shares their beliefs and stories about death and dying. These are honest conversations about a topic most of us avoided talking about our entire lives. I am on a mission to change that, one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Jill McClennen
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Seeing Death Clearly
  • Show Website
    Seeing Death Clearly

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