Talk Deathy to Me
Birthed from the loss of a loved one and feeling a lack of honest, easy-to-digest, and accessible resources for people living with grief, “Talk Deathy to Me” aims to give listeners a place to be real and curious about grief, death, and dying that encourages people to not fear death, dying, and those harder conversations by bringing them to your ears with authenticity and even humor. Join Host Death Doula Sheila Burke with Co-Hosts Kelsey Jae and Kaylee Green every week as they break the stigmas associated with decidedly darker topics by bringing light to these moments.
Episodes
Episode 83 — What Was Your First Big Loss Like?
Most of us remember our first big loss — the moment grief became personal and permanent. In this episode, Kaylee and Sheila reflect on first losses and how they shape the way we experience grief moving forward. They talk about how early encounters with death or loss quietly influence our expectations, coping, and understanding of mortality for the rest of our lives.Please consider leaving us a rev
Episode 82 — Returning to Work After Loss
Returning to work after a loss can feel disorienting and surreal. In this episode, Kaylee and Sheila talk about the shock of stepping back into routines, expectations, and productivity while grief is still raw. They explore the pressure to perform, the quiet ways grief shows up at work, and why it’s okay if loss changes how you move through your professional life.Please consider leaving us a revie
Episode 81 — The Surprisingly Petty, Random, and Completely Human Things People Worry About at the End
At the end of life, people don’t only wrestle with big existential questions. They worry about unfinished chores, awkward conversations, pets, plants, and small loose ends that still matter deeply. In this episode, Kaylee and Sheila explore the everyday concerns that show up near death, and why paying attention to these “small” worries can be one of the most meaningful ways to care for someone at
Episode 80 — What Does Dying Actually Feel Like?
What does dying really feel like in the body? In this episode, Kaylee and Sheila talk about the physical and emotional changes that often happen near the end of life — the slowing down, the turning inward, the gradual letting go. Drawing from lived experience and end-of-life work, they explore how death is often gentler than we’re taught to expect, and why it can be harder on the people watching t
Episode 79 — Before the Choice is Made For You
This episode is for the adult kids quietly worrying — and the aging parents who still feel capable, even as living alone gets more complicated. Kaylee, Sheila, and Kelsey talk about the moment families realize home may no longer be the safest option, and why waiting for a crisis takes choice away from everyone. Drawing from Kaylee’s experience in nursing homes, they share real tools, honest storie
Episode 78 — Grief & Gray Areas: AITA Listener Stories
Today, Kaylee, Sheila, and Kelsey dive into listener-submitted stories about grief, loss, and the complicated emotions that follow. Together, they unpack real situations where mourning intersects with messy human behavior — and help determine whether the storyteller is the a**hole. Our hosts offer gentle guidance, tough love when needed, and a safe space for listeners to reflect on their own grief
Episode 77 — Dating Again: Yes, No, or Hell No
Dating after loss is… complicated. Some people feel ready. Some people swear they’ll never date again. And some of us are just trying to figure out why the apps look like a yard sale of red flags.In Dating Again: Yes, No, or Hell No, Sheila opens up the real conversation about what it means to tiptoe, leap, or run-screaming back into the world of dating after losing a spouse. With humor, honesty,
Episode 76 — Opening the Door for Grief
In Opening the Door for Grief, we explore how to gently help others open up about their pain. This episode offers simple, compassionate ways to create space for honest conversation—because sometimes, being present and willing to listen is the most healing thing we can do.If you've enjoyed this episode please leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify. And if you think someone you know will enjoy it, p
Episode 75 — Echoes of the Asylum: The Dark Legacy of Cleveland State and Hawthornden Hospitals
Once meant to heal, these asylums became places of silence, suffering and forgotten souls. From unmarked graves that still rest beneath the earth to echoes of voices unheard. We explore the tragic history and talk about the emotional imprint these hospitals left behind.If you enjoyed this episode, we would LOVE for you to leave a review! Thank you. And if you have any stories (or topics for us to
Episode 74 — Gratitude Beneath Your Loss
The girls talk about a different kind of gratitude today—the kind that grows roots in your grief. Gratitude isn't always about being thankful for the easy things... Sometimes it's about being open to the hard things too.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend.Please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, too.
Episode 73 — When the Season Isn't Merry
The holidays are supposed to be merry and bright, but what happens when they're not? In this episode Sheila and Kaylee talk about the quiet ache that comes with grief during the holidays season. From empty chairs to traditions that feel different now, they offer comfort, perspective, and gentle ways to honor both love and loss. This isn't about pretending to be okay, it's about finding small momen
Episode 72 — The Sacred Language of Silence
In a world that never stops talking, what can silence teach us? Kaylee and Sheila explore how quiet moments can become spaces for healing, reflection, and reconnection—with ourselves and others. When was the last time you truly listened to the silence?Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talkdeathytomeEmail your stories,
Episode 71 — The Lives We Didn't Live
Kaylee brings forward an idea — grieving the other versions of ourselves. The lives we might’ve lived if we’d made different choices, taken other jobs, stayed, left, or said yes instead of no. It sparks an open conversation about how we all carry those “what ifs.” Kaylee and Kelsey realize just how differently they each think about paths not taken, while Sheila reflects on raising three children w
Episode 70 — Autumn as a Teacher
What can autumn teach us about grief, change, and letting go? The Talk Deathy to Me team reflects on the season’s lessons — release, rest, and renewal.As the leaves begin to fall, nature reminds us that letting go can be its own kind of grace. In this episode, Sheila helps us explore autumn as a quiet teacher — one that shows us how to release, rest, and find beauty in transition. From the gentle
Episode 69 — The Void That Is Disenfranchised Grief
Trigger Warning: This episode includes sensitive themes related to grief, loss, and emotional well-being.Not all grief is seen. Some losses are deeply felt but quietly dismissed — relationships that didn’t have a title, people we weren’t “supposed” to love, lives that ended before they began, or even the versions of ourselves we’ve had to leave behind.In this episode, we explore disenfranchised gr
Episode 68 — Guardians of the... Lake?
What if a lake monster wasn’t something to fear—but something that watches over the dead? In this episode, Talk Deathy To Me looks at Champ, the legendary creature said to inhabit Lake Champlain, through the lens of death, memory, and protection.Creature or legend, Champ has been part of regional folklore for centuries. But unlike typical monster stories, some traditions—especially Indigenous Aben
Episode 67 — Animal Instincts: Can Our Pets Predict Death?
In this episode, we dive into the real-life accounts of animals who seemed to sense death coming long before any human could. There’s Oscar the Cat, who curled up beside nursing home patients in Rhode Island—and was almost never wrong about who was about to die. Dogs who jolted their owners awake moments before fatal heart attacks. Pets who discovered hidden cancers, years before doctors could. An
Episode 66 — Marry Your Dead
Inspired by a listener’s comment, we dive into the strange world of posthumous marriage—when “I do” happens after death. Sheila explores the tragedy of loved ones lost too soon, the cultural roots of this practice in China, Sudan, France, India, and even America, and why these unions exist at all. Kaylee reminds us to not judge with the “don’t yuck someone’s yum” approach, while Kelsey can’t help
Episode 65 — Facing the Diagnosis: When Cancer Enters the Room
The process of diagnosing cancer is never straightforward—it’s a mix of medical steps, emotional weight, and the unknown. Sheila outlines how it unfolded when her husband was diagnosed, giving listeners an intimate view of the waiting, testing, and results. Kaylee grounds the conversation with clear explanations of the medical reality, walking through symptoms, scans, and what patients and familie
Episode 64 — The Weight of Five Years
They say you die when your body dies, then again when the last person speaks your name. It is the five year anniversary of Shane’s death, and this week’s episode is full of memories, laughter, a few tears, and of course, moments of “I wonder what he’d say”. We’d love to share YOUR stories about your loved ones, let us speak their names and stories for you.Please consider leaving us a review on iTu
Episode 63 — The Spirits of Pain and Sorrow
We're back from our summer break! Dive into the world of the Algea with us—the spirits of pain, grief, and sorrow in Greek mythology. Born from Night itself, the Algea walked among the grieving and the wounded, reminding the ancient Greeks that suffering was as natural and inevitable as the dark.Kelsey shares their mythological origins, how the Greeks understood and lived with sorrow, and even wha
Episode 62 — Guided Grief: Journal Prompts
If you're needing to "let it all out on paper" but don't know where to start, start here! This episode gives questions for journal prompts to get the grief moving.Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This ep
Episode 61 — The Last Call: Feeling Death Before It Comes
What if you knew someone was going to die — before it happened? In this episode, Kaylee and Sheila dive into an anonymous listener story that sparks a conversation about the strange pull some people feel right before a loved one passes. From the urge to call, to the sudden need to visit someone’s bedside, they explore the theory that dying people may somehow “choose” who is with them in their fina
Episode 60 – Born Remembering: Children and the Mystery of Past Lives
Some children speak of past lives with startling detail—names, places, causes of death, even people they claim to have loved before. Are they just imaginative… or is something bigger at play?In this episode, Sheila and Kaylee explore the strange and fascinating world of children who remember past lives. They talk about why these memories might surface in childhood, the common threads researchers h
Episode 59 — Walking with Death
Trigger Warning: This episode includes sensitive discussion around neglect and substance use.If you or someone you know is in need of support:National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453Kaylee and Sheila read and discuss a story from an anonymous listener in this week's episode! This listener’s experience becomes a mirror, showing how healing
Episode 58 — Jess's Story
Trigger warning: this episode discusses infertility & loss of pregnancy.This week, Kaylee and Sheila are joined by family friend—and Kaylee’s high school bestie—Jessica. Their friendship goes all the way back to freshman year, but Jess’s journey with grief goes back just as far. From losing her mom as a teen, to navigating infertility and pregnancy loss, and most recently, losing her father wh
Episode 57 — Grief Follows.
Grief doesn’t haunt like a ghost—it lingers like a shadow. In this episode, the girls talk about what it really means to live with loss every day. Explore the quieter moments of mourning: spotting a bird your dad always wanted to see, navigating new relationships without him, and remembering a small act of kindness in your husband’s final days.Kaylee, Kelsey, and Sheila laugh through tears as they
Episode 56 — Meet the Nuckelavee... The Cryptid That Eats Corpses
In this nightmarish episode, Kelsey dives into one of folklore’s most gruesome creatures aloud to Kaylee and Sheila—the skinless, corpse-rotting terror known as the Nuckelavee.Born from the dark shores of the Orkney Islands, the Nuckelavee is part horse, part man, and all rot. But is it just a monster story… or a reflection of how we process disease, death, and decay?Together, the trio dives into
Episode 55 — The Death of Consent
When someone signs a Do Not Resuscitate order, it’s supposed to be the final say. But what happens when family members, doctors, or even strangers override that decision—whether out of love, fear, or control?In this episode, Kaylee walks Kelsey and Sheila through realities where DNRs were ignored, exploring the ethical, legal, and emotional fallout. From stories of unwanted revivals to the murky s
Episode 54 — History or Hysteria?
Pack your black hats and walking shoes—Sheila, Kaylee, Kelsey, and Alan hit the road for a haunted history adventure through Boston and Salem! From revolutionary gravesites and midnight ghost tours to the chilling legacy of the Salem Witch Trials, the crew explores the darker corners of America's past. Expect spooky stories, historic sites, questionable reenactments, and lots of laughs along t
Episode 53 — Lilly's Story
Today, Sheila, Kelsey, and Kaylee explore what it’s like when the world moves on after your loss—and you don’t. They share Lilly’s story as a way into discussing the power of celebrating a loved one’s birthday instead of their death day, how to talk to children about grief early on, and the ripple effects of loss through generations. The girls also open up about how surprisingly easy—and important
Episode 52 — Grief, Actually
Kaylee shares a few heartfelt listener-submitted stories—real experiences of grief, resilience, and reflection. These stories spark an honest conversation with Kelsey and Sheila about the things they wish they’d known during their own grief journeys. These are grief for things like loss of self, abusive relationships, lost loved ones, and more. From practical tools to personal insights, the trio e
Episode 51 — Why Do We Obsess Over The 27 Club?
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics of death, suicide, and emotional distress, which may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support.Why have so many cultural icons died at 27? In this episode, Kelsey explores the l
Episode 50 — Famous Deaths: When Myth & Reality Collide
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics of death, suicide, and emotional distress, which may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support.Julius Caesar gasping “Et tu, Brute?”. Cleopatra clutching a venomous snake. Rasputi
Episode 49 — Marcea's Story
In this episode, Kelsey shares a beautiful and honest email from listener Marcea, who opens up about the loss of her husband and the complicated mix of grief, guilt, relief, and healing that followed. Sheila, Kaylee, and Kelsey's conversation gets real about the unglamorous side of caregiving, those strange moments of peace after loss, and how hard it can be to restart life on your own terms.
Episode 48 — Let's Talk About Your Dead Body (Seriously)
Who owns your body once you’re gone? In this funny and surprisingly eye-opening episode, Sheila, Kaylee, and Kelsey explore the weird world of cadaver ownership, body donation, and what really happens to human remains after death. From shady body brokers to bizarre legal battles, no regulation goes unturned. Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Talk Deathy To Me” episode without a few limited series pitch
Episode 47 — Bucket Lists... Living a Legacy
What’s on your bucket list? In this episode Sheila, Kelsey, and Kaylee dive into the meaning behind bucket lists—why we make them, how they evolve, and what happens if we don’t complete them. From skydiving to reconnecting with loved ones, we explore how bucket lists shape our lives and legacies. Plus, we discuss how to celebrate a life well-lived, even if every dream isn’t checked off. Tune in fo
Episode 46 – Weird Ways We Try to Cheat Death
Why do we hold our breath when driving past a cemetery? What’s with covering mirrors after a loved one passes? Kaylee, Kelsey and Sheila dive into the eerie and often curious world of death superstitions. From black cats and broken clocks to ancient rituals and ghostly warnings, they explore the origins of these beliefs and speculate on the human fears and hopes that may have shaped them. Get read
Episode 45 – When Loss Brings Relief
This episode explores the complex emotions that arise when a loved one passes after a long-term illness, particularly for those who have been their primary caregiver. It examines the unexpected sense of relief that can come with the end of caregiving—an emotion that is normal and even expected. The episode highlights that this relief is not a lack of love, but rather a result of the emotional exha
Episode 44 – The Ugly Side of Dying
Today, Kaylee and Sheila dive into the raw, often overlooked aspects of death: the pain, mess, fear, and unspoken emotions. They discuss how embracing the uncomfortable reality of dying—rather than holding onto idealized expectations—can create a more honest and meaningful experience for both the person passing and their loved ones. By shedding these unrealistic ideas, the process becomes more man
Episode 43 – The Final Word
Kaylee's too busy for us this week, so Sheila and Kelsey Jae dive into the wild, heartfelt, and downright hilarious world of obituaries. They chat about why obits matter—how they’ve evolved from simple death notices to mini life stories full of personality. Then, they share some of the best they could find, from laugh-out-loud gems to brutally honest farewells. It's a mixed bag, proving th
Episode 42 — Hard Choices, Clear Signs: When You Need A Higher Level of Care
In this episode, Sheila, Kelsey Jae, and Kaylee dive into the realities of nursing homes—what to expect, how to prepare, and the financial and emotional challenges involved. Kaylee breaks down the differences between nursing homes and assisted living, the cost of care, daily life, and how families can navigate the transition. Sheila asks many thoughtful questions. Kelsey Jae brings up the movie St
Episode 41 – The Many Faces of Grief
Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one to death—it’s about losing anything deeply meaningful. In this episode, Sheila, Kelsey Jae, and Kaylee share their personal experiences with grief that don’t fit the traditional mold: widowhood and identity loss, leaving an abusive relationship, and the heartbreak of a lost friendship.They explore how grief manifests emotionally, physically, and socially,
Episode 40 – You're Dead... So Now What? Cemeteries Along the Camino in Spain
Sheila takes Kelsey Jae on a journey through the cemeteries she encountered along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. As she visits other cemeteries along the pilgrimage route, Sheila reflects on the grave of a pilgrim who never finished their journey, medieval legends, and the enduring connections between life, death, and the spiritual path of the Camino.
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Episode 39 – A Taste of Eternity: The Stories Behind Last Meals
Today, we dive into the fascinating and eerie tradition of last meals. From extravagant feasts to humble comfort foods, Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore what these final choices reveal about the lives, personalities, and circumstances of those who selected them. They share haunting tales, surprising requests, and even a few... uh... heartwarming?... stories that remind us of the human desire for conn
Episode 38 – Mythology of Death
Today Sheila & Kelsey Jae explore the myths and beliefs surrounding death across cultures. From the Egyptian Duat, to the cycles of Hindu Samsara, to the presence of Japanese Kami, and more. Each myth offers a glimpse into how humanity has grappled with the mystery of death and its place in the cycle of life, and how these stories help us to understand death and grief.
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Episode 37 – A Conversation with Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking
Sheila and Kelsey Jae interview Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes. The conversation delves into Jessica's journey of parenting her daughter, Dalia, who suffered from MERRF syndrome—a rare and degenerative mitochondrial disorder—and the impact of losing her to the disease in 2022. Jessica discusses how her profound experiences of grief and resilienc
Episode 36 – Tales from the Crib
Happy Halloween!!!
Sheila is joined this week by her *other* daughter, Kaylee! They discuss the mystery of the afterlife with a little familial twist. Kaylee shares her intriguing encounters with spirits, while they explore the uncanny experiences of Sheila’s five-year-old grandson, who’s been seeing ghosts and things from beyond. Alongside some spooky tales, they veer off into a mix of silly, non
Episode 35 – You're Dead, So Now What? Echoes of the Asylum
Sheila recounts her visit to the Ohio Insane Asylum Cemetery. Dive into the history of the asylum and the untold stories of the patients buried there. Once forgotten, the cemetery is now recognized for its historical value and its place in the mental health journey of our country, a stark reminder of how far we've come and how much further there is to go.
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Episode 34 – Tragedy on the Tracks
In this chilling episode, Sheila and Kelsey Jae travel back to 1876 to uncover one of the deadliest train accidents in American history: the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster. They recount the harrowing tale of a frigid winter night when a passenger train plunged into the icy waters of Ashtabula, Ohio, after a bridge collapsed beneath it. They discuss the haunting aftermath of this tragedy that cl
Episode 33 – Understanding Animal Mourning
Sheila and Kelsey Jae venture into the heart of the animal kingdom to uncover the surprising ways animals express grief.
Sheila takes us through the moving displays of animal mourning and discovers the profound emotional connections that animals share.
Kelsey Jae reads a story from Warren’s sister about the recent loss of her cat and how her other pets have reacted since. This episode reveals th
Episode 32 – Guess Who’s Back… Back From Spain!
Sheila found her way back somehow from her ‘Camino de Santiago’ walk in Spain, so… Bonus Episode AGAIN! Sheila explains what this Pilgrimage is all about, shares stories from her time there, reflects on grief and travel, shares a TSA horror story, & finally, Kelsey Jae reads Sheila an email she got from someone Sheila MET on this walk IN SPAIN!
We hope you enjoy this special episode.
Please
Episode 31 – You're Dead, So Now What? Okunoin Cemetery, Mount Koya in Japan
In this "You're Dead So Now What?" Episode, Kelsey takes Sheila on a journey to Japan's sacred Okunoin Cemetery, located on the misty slopes of Mount Koya. As she tells the story of Kobo Daishi, eternal meditation, and the spiritual depth of this vast burial ground, they reflect on the quiet reverence Okunoin holds, from its towering cedar trees to the ancient lanterns that have burned for centuri
Episode 29 & 30 – Good Grief: Good Spiritual Hygiene
Sheila and Kelsey Jae dive into the often-overlooked practice of maintaining good spiritual hygiene. Just like we wash our bodies to stay healthy, keeping our spiritual selves clean is essential for mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. This is critical in your waking life and in preparation for your death, so why not aim to keep up with it always? This topic was so insightful
Episode 28 – The First Time I Was Called 'Widow'
In this episode, Sheila opens up about the deeply personal moment she was first called a "widow." Through her reflections, she shares how this unexpected label not only reshaped her identity but also taught her profound lessons about life, empathy, and the complexities of long-term grieving. Sheila delves into the emotional journey of navigating loss, the evolution of her interactions wi
Episode 27 – Community in Compassion: Navigating Grief Together
Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore the crucial role that communities play in supporting individuals and families through the grieving process. They discuss how community involvement fosters resilience and healing by offering networks of compassion and understanding, highlighting the influence of cultural and regional differences on mourning practices. This episode emphasizes the importance of personali
Episode 26 – Gallows Humor: Some of the Weirdest Historic Deaths from Around the World
Join the ladies as they dive into the strangest and most unusual historic deaths from around the globe. In this quirky episode, Sheila and Kelsey Jae recount the bizarre demise of famous figures, from the tragic irony of Franz Reichelt's parachute jump off the Eiffel Tower to the peculiar end of Greek philosopher Chrysippus, who reportedly died from laughing at his own joke. Prepare to be amaz
Episode 25 – You're Dead... So Now What? Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland, OH
Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, OH. In this episode, they uncover fascinating stories of notable figures like John D. Rockefeller and President James A. Garfield. Discover the cemetery's beautiful monuments, rich history, and the art and symbolism that bring its legacy to life. Tune in for a captivating journey through one of Cleveland's most iconic landmarks.
Episode 24 – La Petite Mort (And Not The Fun Ones!)
In Episode 24 of 'Talk Deathy To Me', we delve into the concept of "La Petite Mort" — the small deaths that occur throughout life after losing a loved one. Join Sheila and Kelsey Jae as they explore the unexpected moments when grief resurfaces, from a familiar scent to a fleeting memory, and how these experiences shape our ongoing relationship with loss. Through personal stories
Episode 23 – You're Dead... So Now What? Greyfriars Kirkyard
Join us on a haunting journey through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the past whispers through weathered tombstones and crumbling mausoleums. In this episode of 'Talk Deathy To Me', we explore the tales of those laid to rest within this atmospheric cemetery. From notable figures of Edinburgh's past to ordinary lives, discover how their stories illuminate
Episode 22 – Good Grief: Talking Grief with Children
Hello dear listeners, this week we’ve decided to share an episode on a topic in which we’ve heard a number of questions about how to talk about grief, death, and loss with children. Kelsey Jae has stepped aside for this episode to let her sister Kaylee, who joined us earlier in this season, come on to speak about this topic with Sheila. Kaylee is the mother of a five year old. Enjoy this generatio
Episode 21 – Hospice Realities: The Importance of Touch
This episode focuses on the importance of touch when ushering a loved one to the next plane during your hospice journey (or really any point!). Sheila provides personal examples from a widow's perspective and advice from the perspective of a Death Doula for how touch in the end of life is a critical form of communication and connection.
Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotif
Episode 20 – Traditional Funeral Customs: From the (Perceived) Whacky to the Wonderful
Sheila and Kelsey Jae cover a variety of funeral and celebration of life customs in today’s episode. They talk about their favorites, discuss spirituality, and theorize the origins of some of these customs and the ways these customs may come to life. They discuss a suggested location from listener Charlotte about Venzone, Italy where people live with their mummified bodies of their ancestors and h
Episode 19 – Good Grief: Traveling While Grieving
After the array of traveling Sheila’s been doing, Kelsey Jae thought it was time we talked about travel and grieving on the podcast. In a candid and impromptu episode, the girls talk about how traveling changes when you’re grieving and people’s un
fair perceptions of people who lose a loved one and take a trip. They discuss how travel provides a reprieve from grief, no matter how far removed we a
Episode 18 – Hospice Realities: All Things Advance Directives
Sheila once again explains something Kelsey Jae (and maybe you) knew nothing about… Advance Directives! The girls talk further about a living will, as well as all the different types of wills and documentations you should work out, so your loved ones aren’t wondering once you’re gone! Sheila explains that Advance Directives are ONLY used if you cannot communicate your own wishes, and they’re legal
Episode 17 – It's Not that Deep, Unless You Want it to Be
Today’s episode aims to focus on ways society talks about death, dying, illnesses, and loss, in a framework of failure vs. successes and how these ways of thinking are harmful… and ways around it. The girls talk about moments of fear or stark realizations they had during their own journeys, and how those feelings became woven into the fabric of their new daily lives then and now. Importantly, this
Episode 16 – Hospice Realities: Practical Ways to Prepare for Hospice
In this Hospice realities episode, Sheila and Kelsey Jae tackle a big topic: what do you actually need to do to prepare for hospice, beyond the emotional stuff? After we accept what we’re facing, or even while we wrestle with it… what ARE the practical, baseline things we need to think about? Sheila talks through this, and shares a resource she created that you can use as a starting point.
If you
Episode 15 – Good Grief: So someone you love is dying? Part 2
Sheila and Kelsey Jae complete the second part of this Good Grief episode, and talk candidly through ways to care for ourselves when we learn someone we know is dying.
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? Email them to us at talkdeathytome@gmail.com.
If you are enjoying our show, please consider leaving us a glowing review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Inst
Episode 14 – Hospice Realities: Visitors & Setting Boundaries
In this Hospice Realities episode, Sheila breaks down a topic that many experience anxiety or discomfort around maintaining during the hospice period: setting boundaries for visitors. Sheila provides a suggestion around appointing a “gatekeeper” during visiting hours and the girls reminisce on how they handled this with their loss.
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? Emai
Episode 13 – Good Grief: So someone you love is dying? Part 1
Sheila and Kelsey Jae push through the discomfort of one of the most daunting topics: what to do (and how to treat) someone who you love when you find out they’re dying. This is a two-part episode, this part focuses on how we can hold space for the dying and next week’s release focuses on the ways we can care for ourselves when someone we know is dying.
Have stories of your own or maybe even quest
Episode 12 – Hospice Realities: Fears, Desires, Dreams, and Frustrations of the Dying
Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore the topic of frustrations that the dying might experience during their end of life journey, including living our dreams and our purpose. Furthermore, they spend some time discussing topics ranging from showing people your appreciation during their life and not just in their dying-days to higher-level topics such as how they view the Universe, God, or Source.
Have stor
Episode 11 – Good Grief: How to Express Sympathy
Sheila and Kelsey Jae discuss ways they suggest you do (and don’t) express sympathy to loved ones who are going through a loss, including the nuance to phrases such as “I’m sorry.” Kelsey Jae talks about her own experience with friends who expressed sympathy in her own journey of loss, as well as two anonymous listener stories!
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? Email the
Episode 10 – Hospice Realities: Morphine and Starving Won’t Kill You
Sheila and Kelsey Jae discuss appetite and medications during hospice and end-of-life care, and as always include personal experiences that help illustrate. Sheila gives detail around the reality of these difficult-to-watch events such as medications needed to ease the pain of the disease process or how the body begins to need food less and less as it knows it’s leaving this life.
Have stories of
Episode 9 – End Of Life Caregivers: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
In this vulnerable episode, Sheila and Kelsey Jae think back on their experience as caregivers with Sheila’s husband and Kelsey Jae’s dad, Shane, during this Hospice journey and connect this in ways listeners may relate to. The girls show how grief shows up authentically over time, and provide moments of truth, humor, pain, and shame.
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? E
Episode 8 – Conversations with Death, ft Doctor of Physical Therapy, Kaylee Green
In today’s “Conversations with Death” episode, we have our FIRST EVER GUEST! Welcome to Kaylee Green, Doctor of Physical Therapy, to Talk Deathy To Me. Sheila and Kaylee discuss physical therapy at the end of life, how Kaylee got into PT, Kaylee’s journey with caregiving and how this comes up in her everyday life as a professional caregiver, and more. Kelsey Jae pushes Kaylee to share her more sil
Episode 7 – Misconceptions About Death and Dying
Today, Sheila and Kelsey Jae talk MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS about hospice, death, dying, and grief. Especially the things they wish they’d known before their Home-Hospice experience with Sheila's husband. Kelsey Jae shares a few listener stories, as well, inclusive of comforting signs from loved ones.
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? Email them to us at talkdeathytome@
Episode 6 – Hospice Realities: "I See Dead People”
In today’s Hospice Realities episode, we explore the phenomenon of what is called Shared Death or Near-Deaths, where the dying begin to see lost loved ones. This lowering of the veil seems to be experienced by folks regardless of their beliefs or religions. It is believed that this happens as a way for their lost loved ones to guide them to the next phase of their dying journey.
Kelsey Jae reads a
Episode 5 – The Space Between: Not to Scare You, But...
A fun episode! Yay! Did you know that 75% of deaths are caused by 12 things? Kelsey Jae then reads historic, true tales of death that tickled our fancy.
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? Email them to us at talkdeathytome@gmail.com.
If you are enjoying our show, please consider leaving us a glowing review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram!
Our po
Episode 4 – Hospice Realities: "The Rally" Moment
Sheila sheds light on terminal lucidity (aka “the rally” moment). This is when individuals near death suddenly regain mental clarity and coherence. While this is a mysterious phenomenon, it often provides profound emotional experiences and opportunities for closure for loved ones and the dying during the end-of-life process.
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? Email them t
Episode 3 – Hospice Realities: Palliative vs. Hospice Care
In the first episode of our "Hospice Realities" series, Sheila explains the different between Palliative and Hospice care, as well as providing the benefits to both. Kelsey Jae reads listener stories, including one where a listener’s lost loved one sends messages in the trees.
Have stories of your own or maybe even questions for Sheila? Email them to us at talkdeathytome@gmail.com.
If you are e
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