Understanding the Role of Death Doulas: A Curated List of Essential Seeing Death Clearly Podcast Episodes

As I’ve received a growing number of requests for more information about the role of a death doula, I thought it would be beneficial to provide an overview of what death doulas do and share a curated list of podcast episodes from Seeing Death Clearly that highlight the work of these incredible professionals.

What is a Death Doula?

A death doula, also known as a death midwife or end-of-life doula, is a professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and their families during the end-of-life process. Unlike medical professionals, death doulas focus on the non-medical aspects of dying. Their role includes:

• Emotional Support: Offering comfort and companionship to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives, helping them navigate their emotions and fears.

• Spiritual Guidance: Assisting with spiritual or existential concerns, whether that involves specific religious practices or broader spiritual questions.

• Practical Assistance: Helping with end-of-life planning, such as preparing for the final days, arranging meaningful rituals, or supporting family members.

• Advocacy: Ensuring that the dying person's wishes are respected and facilitating open communication between the patient, family, and medical team.

Death doulas play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment that honors the dying process and helps individuals and their loved ones find peace and meaning during this profound time.

Essential Podcast Episodes Featuring Death Doulas

To deepen your understanding of the work of death doulas, I’ve compiled a list of podcast episodes from Seeing Death Clearly that feature conversations with professionals in this field. These episodes offer valuable insights into their experiences, approaches, and the impact they have on end-of-life care.

1. A Conversation with Death Doula Bonnie Silva
   In this episode, Bonnie Silva shares her journey and perspectives as a death doula, providing a glimpse into her compassionate approach to end-of-life care.

2. A Conversation with Death Doula Kelly Hayler
   Kelly Hayler discusses her role and the ways she supports individuals and families through the dying process.

3. Creating Sacred Spaces with Palliative Care Social Worker Alison Kepple
   Alison Kepple explores how creating sacred spaces can enhance end-of-life experiences, blending palliative care with spiritual support.

4. Authentic Conversations About Death with Stephen Jenkinson
   Stephen Jenkinson offers deep reflections on the nature of death and the importance of authentic, meaningful conversations.

5. A Conversation with Death Doula Emily Cross
   Emily Cross discusses her experiences and insights as a death doula, highlighting the unique aspects of her practice.

6. Embracing Shadows and Rebirth: A Grief Journey with Kristy Sue Bishop
   Kristy Sue Bishop delves into the transformative aspects of grief and how it shapes her approach to death doula work.

7. Transforming End of Life Through Yoga and Service with Jeanette Sealy
   Jeanette Sealy explores the integration of yoga and service into end-of-life care, offering a holistic perspective on the dying process.

8. Wisdom from Death Midwife Narinder Bazen
   Narinder Bazen shares her wisdom and experiences as a death midwife, providing valuable insights into the end-of-life journey.

9. End-of-Life Conversations with Elder Care Coordinator Kathleen MaGee and Death Doula Chelsea Duckers
   This episode features a discussion between Kathleen MaGee and Chelsea Duckers about coordinating end-of-life care and the role of the death doula.

10. The Evolution of End-of-Life Care with Barbara Karnes
    Barbara Karnes discusses the changing landscape of end-of-life care and her contributions to advancing this field.

11. Reimagining Death Care with Isabel Knight
    Isabel Knight offers innovative perspectives on reimagining death care and the future of this vital field.

12. Lessons Learned from a Personal Loss Part 1 and 2 with Jill McClennen / Part 2
    I share personal lessons and reflections from my own experiences with loss, providing a deeper understanding of the emotional aspects of end-of-life care.

13. Living Fully, Dying Gracefully: Insights from Ashley Oppon
    Ashley Oppon discusses living fully and approaching death with grace, offering valuable insights into embracing life and death.

I hope you find these episodes both enlightening and inspiring. I will continue to update this list as new episodes featuring death doulas are released. Thank you for your interest in exploring the profound work of death doulas through these conversations.