Seeing Death Clearly

Jill McClennen

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. A Palliative Doctor on Dying, End-of-Life Planning, and Living Well with David Casarett

    -18 H

    A Palliative Doctor on Dying, End-of-Life Planning, and Living Well with David Casarett

    Send a text In this episode, a palliative care physician explains how early support and thoughtful end-of-life planning can reduce fear, ease suffering, and improve quality of life for patients and families. Dr. David Casarett, chief of Palliative Care at Duke Health, describes palliative care as whole-person support that relieves symptoms and helps people make difficult medical decisions, even while receiving aggressive treatment. He contrasts this with hospice, which focuses on comfort for those expected to have six months or less to live.  00:17 Welcome to Seeing Death + Meet Dr. David Casarett 01:49 What Palliative Care Really Is (and What It Isn’t) 03:50 Palliative Care vs. Hospice: The Key Differences 04:39 How to Access Palliative Care Outside the Hospital 08:42 Misconceptions & Resistance: Why Palliative Care Gets Misread 10:38 Making Hard Choices: Ventilators, Odds, and Patient Goals 14:08 Age Isn’t the Whole Story: Function, Resilience, and Will to Live 16:15 Inside the Interdisciplinary Team: Social Work, Chaplaincy, Nursing & More 19:23 The Undiscovered Country: A Doctor’s Travel Guide to the End of Life 20:21 What People Fear About Dying (and What It Often Looks Like) 21:34 How Death Happens: The Body’s Timing, Physiology, and a Peaceful End 25:04 The Moment of Death: Quieter Than the Movies 25:57 What Comes After? Making Peace With the Unknown 26:34 Can People Sense Their Death? Monks, Intuition, and Timing 27:59 A Patient Who ‘Needed to Go Home’: The Botswana Story 31:43 Patterns Across Cultures: Visions and ‘People in the Room’ 32:57 Terminal Delirium vs. End-of-Life Visions (and When to Treat) 35:47 Why Education Matters: Preparing Families for What’s Normal 36:36 Media Myths, Hospice Misconceptions, and Getting Support Sooner 41:45 Changing Care Earlier: Goals-of-Care Conversations + AI ‘Goal Coach’ 45:23 Where to Find the Book + Final Thanks and Listener Support Website: www.casarett.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-casarett David’s TED Talk: A Doctor's Case for Medical Marijuana David’s TEDxTalk: Gods, Munchkins & The Science Of Reviving The Dead 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

    47 min
  2. From Prison to Peace: Rah Rah’s Story of Survival, Loss, and Healing

    15 FÉVR.

    From Prison to Peace: Rah Rah’s Story of Survival, Loss, and Healing

    Send a text In this episode, for Black History Month, Jill interviews her longtime friend Rashine Curry (Rah Rah), a mother of six from Atlantic City. Rah Rah describes how poverty, racism, and systemic bias shaped her life, including incarceration, untreated mental illness, and medical neglect in prison. She shares major losses: her daughter’s father was murdered when the baby was six months old, her longtime partner and father of her other children was murdered, and she was not allowed to attend his funeral while incarcerated. She also recounts her brother’s murder, being raped in prison, and witnessing incarcerated people die after requests for medical help were ignored.  Rah Rah talks about how she welcomed a woman, who once sheltered Rah Rah and her children during homelessness, into her home for hospice. Rah Rah provided hands-on care, kept family visitors close, used music meant for hospice patients, and says Ms. Denise died peacefully on December 20. Rah Rah also speaks about her father’s ongoing incarceration: he received a 65-years-to-life sentence for snatching a bag of money from UPS, has been imprisoned about 35 years, is now 75, blind, and showing signs of dementia and being denied clemency despite petitions.  00:00 From Prison to Peace: Rah’s New Life 00:15 Meet the Host + Black History Month Episode Setup 01:21 How Cathedral Kitchen Opened Jill’s Eyes to Systemic Bias 03:03 Rah Introduces Herself: Atlantic City, Motherhood, and Reentry 06:16 Grief Piled on Grief: Murders, Separation, and Mental Health 11:38 Survival, Crime, and the Inhumanity of Prison 14:29 Paying It Forward: Bringing Her Benefactor Home for Hospice 19:43 The Final Days: Love, Exhaustion, and Letting Her Rest 23:04 After Death: Signs, Spirits, and What Still Lingers at Home 24:01 Spirits at Home: Feeling Ms. Denise Still Around 25:12 Signs & Comfort: When the Spirit Tries to Calm You 26:10 Remembering Ms. Denise: The Life of a Beloved Friend 27:54 Show Up Before It’s Too Late: Visiting Loved Ones at End of Life 31:31 Her Father’s Prison Story: A Final Visit in Handcuffs 34:34 Aging, Dementia & Prison Reform: Why Keep Him Locked Up? 35:52 Clemency Denied & Life Inside Blind: The System’s Failures 39:51 Coping With Grief: Music, Grandkids, and Staying Busy 41:36 Cathedral Kitchen Changed My Life: Certificates, Community, and Purp 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
  3. True Love and Healing After Loss: Marcy Shrewsbury Lopez's Journey

    8 FÉVR.

    True Love and Healing After Loss: Marcy Shrewsbury Lopez's Journey

    Send a text In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, speaks with Marcy Shrewsbury Lopez about her extraordinary love story and journey through grief.  Marcy shares her experience being married to her husband, who was 46 years older than her, and the deep connection they shared until his death at 98 years old.  She reflects on the challenges of caregiving and her path to healing through art, teaching, and nature. Marcy also discusses her memoir, 'A Place of Promise,' which portrays their love story and her personal growth.  This conversation highlights the themes of love, aging, and the perseverance required to move forward after losing a loved one. 00:00 Finding a Place of Promise 00:21 Introduction to the Podcast 01:24 Marcy's Early Life and Background 03:40 Life in The Bahamas and Return to New Jersey 07:15 Pursuing Art and Medical Illustration 10:56 Meeting and Marrying Adrian 12:50 Caring for Adrian and Coping with Loss 16:19 Moving Forward and Embracing New Experiences 19:38 The Healing Power of Horses 21:24 A Healing Connection with Horses 22:30 Art as a Grieving Outlet 24:45 The Power of Nature in Healing 26:33 Teaching and Giving Back 29:21 Writing a Memoir: A Journey of Love and Loss 33:54 The Challenges of Publishing 41:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578733719839 https://www.marcieshrewsburylopez.com 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

    44 min
  4. Innovations in End-of-Life Care with Funeral Director Ken Biery

    1 FÉVR.

    Innovations in End-of-Life Care with Funeral Director Ken Biery

    Send a text In this episode of Seeing Death Clearly, host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, is joined by Ken Biery, a seasoned funeral director and founder of the Funeral Service Collective. Ken shares his journey from military service into the funeral profession and the experiences that shaped his commitment to innovation and family-centered care. Together, they explore how the funeral industry is evolving, including emerging ideas such as sustainable memorials, underwater cemeteries, and the growing role of live-streamed services. The conversation also highlights how younger generations’ desire for meaningful, personalized experiences is reshaping traditional funeral practices. A central focus of the episode is the potential for collaboration between funeral directors and death doulas. Ken and Jill discuss how these roles can complement one another by offering emotional, spiritual, and educational support to families, and they outline practical ways death doulas can begin building relationships with funeral homes. This episode offers thoughtful insight into how collaboration can strengthen end-of-life care and better serve communities. 00:00 Introduction to Compassionate End-of-Life Care 00:39 Meet Ken Beery: A Journey from Military to Funeral Service 00:55 Innovations in the Funeral Industry 03:08 The Role of Death Doulas in Funeral Services 08:47 Challenges and Opportunities for Collaboration 17:59 The Importance of Personalized Memorials 24:02 Collaborating with Funeral Homes 25:02 Building Referral Partnerships 26:48 Addressing Certification Concerns 32:18 The Importance of Teamwork 35:25 Generational Differences in the Industry 38:14 The Role of Technology 43:24 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information https://thefunsc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/funeralservicecollective https://www.facebook.com/funeralservicecollective 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
  5. Living with Memory Disability, Overcoming Challenges, and Finding Purpose with Thomas Dixon

    25 JANV.

    Living with Memory Disability, Overcoming Challenges, and Finding Purpose with Thomas Dixon

    Send a text In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas Dixon, a Philadelphia native with a powerful and deeply personal story. Thomas shares his journey from working in psychiatry research to teaching middle school in South Korea, and the life-altering shift that followed a near-fatal accident in 2010. After being hit by a car, Thomas developed epilepsy and a permanent episodic memory disability that reshaped his daily life—and his sense of purpose. Living with memory loss led Thomas to write his memoir, I'm Sorry, That's Awesome, and to develop ME.mory, a digital memory system designed to help people record, organize, and recall their life experiences. In our conversation, we talk about what it’s like to live with an invisible disability, how memory loss impacts identity and independence, and why memory is something all of us, regardless of diagnosis, are slowly losing over time. Thomas is currently raising funds to support the continued development and public relaunch of ME.mory. You’ll find links in the show notes if you’d like to learn more or support his work. This is a thoughtful, eye-opening conversation about memory, meaning, and what it means to adapt when life changes everything. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Acceptance 00:25 Welcome to Seeing Death Podcast 00:47 Guest Introduction: Thomas Dixon's Journey 02:32 Life After the Accident 04:11 Understanding Memory Loss 07:15 Career Transition and Acceptance 09:09 Building a New Life and Relationships 11:32 Creating Memory: The Digital System 14:01 Writing the Memoir: 'I'm Sorry, That's Awesome' 18:36 Discussing Death and Cultural Perspectives 20:18 Reflecting on Family Losses 21:48 Impact of Injury on Life Perspective 22:43 Living with Memory Disability 25:03 Navigating Social Interactions 32:25 Traveling with Memory Challenges 37:36 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts https://biausa.org/brain-injury/community/speakers-bureau/thomas-dixon I'm Sorry... That's Awesome!: Inventing a Solution for Memory Loss on Amazon https://a.co/d/1GXfKOZ GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-combat-memory-loss-together 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

    41 min
  6. Grieving and Healing: Spirit Communication with Christian Millward

    18 JANV.

    Grieving and Healing: Spirit Communication with Christian Millward

    Send a text In this episode of 'Seeing Death Clearly,' host Jill McClennen talks with Christian Millward, a mother of six from Idaho, about her journey with grief and spirit communication. Christian shares how the deaths of her mother and seven-week-old daughter, Indi, led her to discover her spiritual connection and create the Indie Star Cards, a tool to help people communicate with loved ones who have passed away.  They discuss emotional awareness, generational trauma, and the importance of having an exit strategy for antidepressant use during pregnancy. Kristen also emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions about death and spirit communication to facilitate the healing process. 00:00 Introduction to Spirit Communication 00:40 Meet Our Guest: Christian Millward 02:10 Kristen's Journey Through Grief 04:26 The Loss of Baby Indi 07:33 Generational Trauma and Healing 07:55 The Role of Antidepressants 11:26 Creating the Indi Star Cards 12:24 Normalizing Spirit Communication 15:05 Using the Indi Star Cards 19:43 Finding Peace Through Awareness 20:46 Sacred Tools and Their Significance 21:12 The Journey of Creating Handmade Decks 22:04 Communicating with Loved Ones Beyond 23:49 Personal Experiences with Spirit Communication 31:25 Teaching and Building a Community 34:33 Navigating Emotional Health and Medication 37:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://www.indistarcards.com/ hello@indistarcards.com https://www.instagram.com/indi.star.cards/ 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

    39 min
  7. Memoir Writing and Legacy with Michael Williams

    11 JANV.

    Memoir Writing and Legacy with Michael Williams

    Send a text In this episode, Michael Williams, the founder of Memoir Studio, discusses his transition from end-of-life planning to helping people write their memoirs. They explore the therapeutic power of storytelling, especially for older adults, and how sharing personal stories can offer emotional and historical value. Michael emphasizes the importance of acknowledging life's ups and downs, regrets, and failures in memoir writing. Michael shares touching stories of his clients finding their voices and the profound impact of preserving legacies through narrative. 00:35 Guest Introduction: Michael Williams 00:40 Michael's Journey: From End-of-Life Planning to Memoir Writing 00:46 The Power of Storytelling 00:55 Therapeutic Benefits of Memoir Writing 01:02 Fear of Judgment and Vulnerability 01:15 Welcoming Michael to the Podcast 01:36 Michael's Background and Passion for Memoirs 01:54 End of Life Planning Facilitator 02:55 Supporting Families and Addressing Practical Aspects 04:55 Transition to Memoir Work 05:10 Discussing End of Life Plans with Clients 06:07 Reassuring Conversations About Death 08:57 Legacy Work and Finding Meaning 12:30 Recording and Transcribing Stories 13:34 Helping Clients Find Their Voice 18:12 The Importance of Preserving Stories 18:48 Personal Reflections on Family Stories 22:09 The Value of Listening to Elders 23:19 The Importance of Journaling 23:41 Family Stories and Names 25:00 Everyone's Life is Interesting 29:38 The Power of Group Writing 30:10 Therapeutic Benefits of Writing 32:38 Challenges in Writing Memoirs 34:47 Honesty and Universal Themes in Memoirs 38:59 Dealing with Regrets and Mistakes 42:54 End of Life and Legacy 43:07 Conclusion and Resources Links: My Substack page: https://memoirstudio.substack.com The Memoir Studio at https://memoirstudio.ca My personal website: https://www.michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storycatcher/ 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
  8. Reflecting on Life, Death, and the Journey Ahead with Stephen Wilson

    21/12/2025

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

    Send 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
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13 notes

À propos

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.