Guest Podcasts

Death isn't often a comfortable coffee table discussion, but it is as natural as life itself. In an honest and eye-opening conversation with Jill McClennen, a seasoned death Doula, we traverse the delicate terrain of end-of-life planning and the profound services provided by those who guide us through our final days.

Jill enlightens us on the parallels between preparing for life's milestones and the equally significant act of preparing for its conclusion. With her guidance, we learn to navigate the necessary practicalities, like legal documentation and understand the emotional and spiritual support that can transform this period into one of meaning, connection, and even unexpected joy.

As the discussion unfolds, we find solace in the stories shared, which reveal the sheer scope of emotions that accompany the end-of-life journey.

Jill's personal anecdotes and the experiences of those she's assisted serve to dissolve the fears shrouding death, offering a lens of clarity and peace.

Listening to her talk, it's evident that there is great value in being present for those nearing the end, and in fostering an environment where families can address their myriad questions and feelings. This dialogue is a gentle reminder that amidst the sorrow, there can be profound moments of gratitude and love.

The only thing we know for certain in life is... that we die. So why are we so afraid of it and talking about it?!

In Episode 93 we dive into the taboo topic of death with Death Doula and End of Life Coach, Jill McClennen. Jill shares how we can stop fearing death and start embracing mortality to live with courage, openness, and authenticity.

This episode is not just a conversation about death; it's a guide to living a fuller, richer life.

Death Doula Jill McClennen helps clients transform their fear of death and dying while they work to live life fully, eventually dying with a feeling of closure.

Whether it’s advance care plan conversations or supporting family members when a loved one is actively dying, death doulas provide expert guidance.

Jill McClennen is a certified death doula, a non-medical professional specially trained to provide holistic care for individuals in their final stages of life. She offers comprehensive support, preparation, and deep soul healing to her clients and their families, whether in person or through virtual sessions, as she works as a death doula and end-of-life coach.

I was so grateful to have the opportunity to talk to Jill.

Hearing how her life pivots brought her to a career as a death doula, helping people through their fears of dying and losing people they love.

I think we can all benefit from hearing from Jill!

Jill shares her remarkable journey, from leaving home at 18 to owning a bakery and becoming a death doula.

Together, we delve into important conversations about death, its fear, and the power of embracing our mortality to live a more authentic life.

Join us as we explore Jill's story and learn valuable lessons on finding purpose, facing adversity, and living on our terms.

In this week’s Soul Health Mentor Podcast, I introduce you to the wonderful Jill McClennen and her sacred work as a death doula.

We talk about how death holds a sacred medicine when we allow ourselves to talk about grieving and dying.

We also speak about how holding space for death and being present to it, can hold tremendous healing capacities.

“Grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning. Their kinship reminds us that there is no love that does not contain loss and no loss that is not a reminder of the love we carry for what we once held close.” ~ Francis Weller

In this episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, we are chatting about what death can teach you about living.

She emphasized that by addressing fears and anxieties surrounding these topics, individuals can experience a more meaningful and beautiful connection with their loved ones during the end-of-life journey.

Jill also highlighted the significance of forgiveness, self-care, and the potential for personal growth through this emotional work, underlining the transformative impact it can have on one's overall quality of life.

Death is an inevitability for all of us...but there is a certain repression that is around it.

We can see this when people avoid those that are grieving or genuinely don't know how to support them. We can see it in conversations with family members that brush off your questions or make jokes when you ask about their wishes, because they are so uncomfortable.

We even see it in the restraint that is present as we grieve together at funerals or memorials.

I wanted to move past all of that today, to talk with someone who is supporting others in finding peace with dying. In today's episode, I'm talking to Jill McClennen of End of Life Clarity – who is a Death Doula.

Honestly, it is so refreshing to have someone who doesn't shy away from talking about death and grief. I know if we can see death as a sacred rite of passage and a transition, rather than something to fear – we can grieve better and love more.

We talked about all kinds of things from –

* What is a Death Doula

* Ways to support those who are dying,

* How to support yourself and process your grief when someone you love is transitioning

*Family dynamics and healing during loss

* When to call in Hospice,

* Why you shouldn't wait until the end to have important conversations

* The glimpses of the other side that happens as someone begins transitioning,

* How to find peace when someone has crossed over unexpectedly and you didn't have time to prepare,

* How death makes life even sweeter.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to BE with death?

If you are someone who has struggled with the concept of loss, grief, and dying, this conversation with death doula Jill McClennen will likely bring up some uncomfortable feelings, but may also bring some answers and different ways of seeing death, dying, and being left behind.

Jill McClennen is a Death Doula and if you're familiar with hospice care, you'll understand the importance of having guides like Jill in your space as your loved ones are transitioning.

In this episode, we focus on the importance of keeping the end in mind so that we can have the freedom to enjoy the our lives.

Whether it's your journey or understanding the end of life for someone close to you, it's important to get clear on the details of the final wishes.

Jill McClennen joins us to talk about how caring for her grandmather led to her work as a death doula and what she has learned about living well.

Jill McClennen joins us to talk about how caring for her grandmother led to her work as a death doula and what she has learned about living well.

During the episode, Jill and I discussed various aspects related to her work and experiences as a death doula. Some of the key points covered in our conversation include:

Jill's unexpected journey into becoming her grandmother's death doula (3:05)

How she provided support and guidance to her grandmother during her transition from life to death (12:35)

The importance of creating death rituals in collaboration with families (25:25)

Insights into the payment and energy exchange dynamics in the field of death doulas (31:10)

Guidance on how to find a death doula for those seeking their services (35:30)

The steps and considerations involved in becoming a death doula (38:15)

Jill's perspective on what self-love means for her (45:20)

The episode delves into these topics and offers valuable insights into the role of death doulas, their impact on individuals and families, and the personal journey of someone dedicated to this unique form of caregiving.

On today’s episode, we cover a big topic and it’s one that most of us shy away from - today we are talking about death!

We all want to think that we will live forever - the idea that we won't always be conscious human beings on this earth can be a very uncomfortable thought.

And we try to do everything we can to distract ourselves from that thought - But what if we embraced death - what if we looked at it as something to give ourselves to wholeheartedly so that we chose to die a little every day?

How would life be different?

Are you ready to talk about DEATH? Well I hope so... because this week's guest, Jill McClennen from 'End of Life Clarity' helps us get everything in check for one of our only certainties in life... That we all die! So you know my motto! We only get ONE life! Let's LIVE IT!! Enjoy this week's episode :)

Death Doula Jill McClennen (End of Life Clarity) shares an important life lesson and describes how she helps people and their families prepare for death.