What makes a meaningful funeral or memorial service, and why are more families choosing celebrants to help tell their loved one's story?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with funeral celebrant, retreat facilitator, and spiritual counselor Rev. DiAnna Ritola to explore the deeply personal work of guiding people through grief, remembrance, and healing. DiAnna shares how growing up around funeral homes shaped her relationship with death, how she found her calling as a celebrant, and why honoring every part of a person's story matters more than creating a "perfect" service.

Jennifer and DiAnna discuss why vulnerability is essential during grief, the unique challenges celebrants face, and how collaboration helps families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with compassion and authenticity.



Key Topics:

-Why personalized funerals create more meaningful goodbyes

-The importance of pre-planning your final wishes

-How funeral celebrants help families heal through storytelling

-Psychedelic therapy and its role in end-of-life care

-The legacy we leave through the stories people tell about us





Quotes from the episode:

"If you know your time is limited, you get the chance to prepare to meet the unknown."

— DiAnna Ritola



"Why then do you leave your final chapter to be written by somebody else?"

— Jennifer Muldowney



Timestamps:

[01:43] DiAnna introduces her work as a funeral celebrant, retreat host, spiritual counselor, and psychedelic therapist, sharing how each role supports people through life's biggest transitions.



[04:58] DiAnna discusses her training as an end-of-life doula and why psychedelic-assisted therapy is emerging as a powerful tool for people facing terminal illness.



[06:27] Jennifer shares the excitement around her upcoming Ireland retreat while discussing the growing interest in healing-focused retreat experiences.



[09:17] DiAnna shares how becoming an interfaith minister unexpectedly led her into officiating weddings, funerals, and celebrations of life.



[14:16] DiAnna explains how allowing families to be vulnerable during funeral services creates opportunities for healing and genuine support.



[17:18] Jennifer discusses the importance of pre-planning to ensure people are remembered according to their identity, wishes, and authentic life.



[20:27] Jennifer shares real examples of why documenting your wishes can prevent unnecessary conflict and ensure your voice is honored after death.



[21:02] DiAnna explains how seasonal gatherings, rituals, and community create space for women to reconnect, heal, and support one another.



[23:25] DiAnna shares how she works alongside individuals to design meaningful ceremonies tailored to their unique life challenges and healing journeys.



[26:12] Jennifer and DiAnna reflect on why supporting families through life's most emotional moments remains one of the most meaningful careers they could imagine





Connect with Rev. DiAnna Ritola at:

Websites - Diannaritola.com
Email: Revdianna@diannaritola.com





Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:
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What Will They Say About You When You're Gone?

What does a death doula actually do, and why are more families turning to them during some of life’s most difficult moments?



In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with death doula Nicole to explore the growing role of death doulas in end-of-life care. Nicole shares her journey from a career in human resources to supporting individuals and families through the dying process after experiencing the loss of her mother and aunt. She explains what a death doula does, how the role differs from medical professionals, and why emotional support can be just as important as physical care.



The conversation dives into legacy work, difficult family conversations, caregiving, hospice support, and the challenges families often face when navigating death. Nicole also opens up about her earliest experiences around death, how those moments shaped her calling, and why helping people find comfort, connection, and peace at the end of life has become her life's work.



Jennifer and Nicole also discuss the evolving place of death doulas within the funeral industry, the growing need for end-of-life support as populations age, and the importance of creating space for every professional involved in helping families through loss. 



Key Topics:

-What a death doula actually does and how they support families

-Why Nicole left corporate HR to follow a calling in end-of-life care

-The importance of legacy work and preserving family stories

-Why end-of-life caregiving takes a village of support

-How unresolved relationships can affect the dying process

-The growing role of death doulas in modern funeral care





Quotes from the episode:



“If you’ve never been with a dying or deceased person, how can you call yourself a death doula?”

— Jennifer Muldowney



“It takes a village to raise a child. The same could be said for taking care of a dying loved one.”

— Nicole Hoover





Timestamps:

[01:08] From HR to Death Doula

Nicole shares how losing her mother and aunt pushed her to leave corporate life and follow a calling she never expected.



[06:44] Nicole explains how simple words like “you’re loved and supported” can bring comfort at the end of life.



[08:44]Nicole talks about legacy work and why families should preserve stories before it’s too late.



[13:09] Jennifer asks a bold question about experience, training, and what should really qualify someone for this work.



[14:39] Nicole explains why families need more than medical care when someone they love is near the end.



[18:43] Nicole shares her early experience in a nursing home and how it shaped the way she sees death today.



[23:15] Jennifer and Nicole discuss the hard truth about getting paid for work that is deeply emotional and personal.



[25:01] Nicole opens up about the very different deaths of her mother and aunt, and what those experiences taught her.





Connect with Nicole Hoover at:

Websites - www.deathdoulanicole.com

Email: Nicole@deathdoulanicole.com





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Why More Families Are Turning to Death Doulas for End of Life Support

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Lauren Carroll to explore the growing world of psilocybin and its role in healing, grief work, and end-of-life care. Lauren shares how an unexpected health diagnosis led her to try psilocybin for the first time and how that experience became a turning point in both her personal life and professional path.



Lauren opens up about the emotional journey she experienced, the fears she carried about her children and mortality, and how psilocybin helped her process grief in a completely new way. 



This conversation goes beyond mushrooms and psychedelics. It explores trauma, personal transformation, spirituality, ancestral connection, and the ways people search for meaning when faced with loss, fear, and uncertainty. 





Key Topics:



-Psilocybin and its role in grief and healing

-How a health diagnosis changed Lauren’s life

-What happens during a guided psilocybin retreat

-The connection between trauma, fear, and emotional release

-Why mushrooms are gaining attention in end-of-life care





Quotes from the episode:



“Crying is a form of relief.”

— Jennifer Muldowney



“When you’re a healed person, it’s a lot harder to have somebody control you.”

— Lauren Carroll







Timestamps:



[02:18] The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: Lauren shares how a health scare led her to explore psilocybin for grief, fear, and healing.



[03:01] The Journey That Changed Her Life: Lauren describes how her first psilocybin retreat opened a new path in her work and personal life.



[04:14] Psilocybin and End of Life Care: Lauren explains how she hopes to support people facing death, grief, and major life transitions.



[07:55] What Happens During a Retreat: Lauren walks through the retreat process, including support, care, and integration.



[10:47] Can Someone Leave Unchanged?: Lauren shares why even difficult journeys can lead to deep healing.



[15:21] Facing the Fear of Leaving Her Children: Lauren opens up about the fears that surfaced during her own journey.



[18:49] Why Lauren Dedicated Her Life to This Work: She explains why psilocybin became a major part of her mission.



[21:59] Where Psilocybin Is Legal Today: Lauren discusses the current legal landscape and growing interest in this work.



[25:21] Why Mushrooms and Death Work Connect: Lauren shares how mushrooms relate to decomposition, ancestors, and transformation.



[28:25] The Power of Microdosing: Lauren explains how smaller doses may support daily emotional well-being.



Connect with Lauren Carroll at:

Websites - lamort.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-mort/





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What Psilocybin Can Teach Us About Death, Connection, and Letting Go

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with André Archimbaud to talk about losing both of his parents just hours apart during the early days of the pandemic. Andre shares the story of moving to Austin with the hope of caring for his mother and father, only to realize within days that their time was much shorter than anyone expected.

What followed was a painful and deeply human goodbye. André opens up about being by their side in their final hours, reconnecting with family over the phone, sorting through their home, and carrying the weight of two losses at once. He also reflects on the years of family distance, the late-night text that helped him reconnect with his father, and the love letters that helped him understand his parents in a new way.

André’s story invites us to think about reconciliation, forgiveness, and whether the distance we hold onto is really worth the time we might lose.



Key Topics:

-Reconnecting with family after years of distance and unresolved conflict
-Losing both parents within hours of each other during the pandemic
-The emotional weight of regret, forgiveness, and second chances
-What grief teaches us about love, family, and reconciliation
-Finding meaning and healing through memories left behind



Quotes from the episode:

“Grief does not end. It’s a lifelong journey.”
— Jennifer Muldowney



“Grief is a moving target, and there are times when it is really on top of you.”
— André Archimbaud



Timestamps:

[02:00] Reconnecting at the End: Andre shares how he reunited with his parents after years of family distance and moved to Austin to help care for them during the pandemic

[05:10] Realizing Time Was Running Out: Within days of arriving, Andre discovers his father's health was far worse than expected and that both parents were nearing the end of life.

[08:05] A Final Moment of Clarity: Andre reflects on his mother's remarkable lucidity during her last days despite years of serious illness.

[10:26] A Beautiful Goodbye Amid Tragedy: Family members share memories, stories, and support during an emotional 15-hour vigil as both parents approached death.

[17:18] Searching for the Rosetta Stone: Andre explains how he hoped to uncover the secret behind his parents' decades-long marriage despite its many challenges.

[23:50] Rebuilding a Relationship Before It Was Too Late: Andre reflects on the final months he spent reconnecting with his father and understanding his parents in a new way.

[29:35] Bringing Them Home Together: Andre shares how his family organized a joint funeral in New Jersey and fulfilled his parents' wish to be laid to rest together.

[34:15] Grief Is a Moving Target: Andre reflects on how grief changes over time, appearing in unexpected moments years after a loss.

[36:05] Reconciliation Starts Within: Andre closes by sharing how healing requires not only reconnecting with others but also confronting your own choices and regrets.





Connect with André Archimbaud at:
Websites - https://clearlynowmedia.com/
Email: aaa@clearlynowmedia.com



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25 Years Apart: Family, Regret, and One Final Reunion

What happens when losing a pet feels like losing part of yourself?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Adam Greenbaum, founder of Love Baxter, to talk about the kind of grief people often struggle to explain out loud. Adam shares the story of Baxter, the dog who stayed beside him through the hardest years of his life, from building a company to the quiet moments most people never see. When Baxter suddenly became sick, Adam and his wife spent months fighting to save him, only to lose him days after being told he had “beaten” his illness.

What makes this conversation powerful is not just the story of Baxter. It’s the reminder that pets become part of our routines, our identity, and our emotional safety. They are there through loneliness, stress, heartbreak, and joy without judgment or conditions. And when they’re gone, the silence they leave behind can change everything.



Key Topics:

-Why losing a pet can feel as painful as losing a family member

-Building emotional support systems for people grieving the loss of a pet

-The hidden reality of pet grief that most people do not talk about

-Creating better guidance and resources for families facing pet loss

-Understanding the deep emotional bond between humans and their pets



Quotes from the episode:

“There’s no funeral, there’s no blueprint, there’s no community rallying around you when your pet dies.”

— Jennifer Muldowney



I spent my whole life trying to be good enough… and in that moment, I realized I already was.

— Adam Greenbaum





Timestamps:

[02:24] Baxter’s Rescue Story: Adam shares how he found Baxter in a neglected home and brought him into his life.



[05:13] Fighting to Save Baxter: Adam opens up about Baxter’s final months, the costly treatments, and the heartbreak of losing him days after being told he was okay.



[08:04] Why Love Baxter Exists: Adam explains how he built Love Baxter to connect grieving pet owners with support, guidance, and trusted resources.



[10:23] When Pet Owners Are Left Alone: Adam talks about the gap between saying pets are family and actually supporting families after loss.



[12:03] Why Pet Grief Feels So Invisible: Jennifer and Adam discuss how pet loss often comes without leave, rituals, or community support.



[19:20] Turning Pain Into Purpose: Jennifer and Adam talk about helping grieving families because the work truly matters.



[29:13] Listening Before Selling: Adam shares why death care should start with understanding the family, not pushing services.



[34:46] Helping Children Through Pet Loss: Adam reveals that many families search for guidance on how to help kids grieve a pet.



[36:56] Honoring a Pet the Right Way: Adam ends with a reminder that saying goodbye to a beloved pet should be handled with care.



Connect with Adam Greenbaum at:

Websites - lovebaxter.com

beacons.ai





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When Losing a Pet Feels Like Losing Family

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Jill Greenbaum to explore a different approach to one of life’s hardest conversations, death, loss, and everything we struggle to put into words. Jill introduces the idea that drawing, even in its simplest form, can help people communicate what they feel when language falls short.

Because here’s the truth most people overlook. Words disappear. Conversations get forgotten. But when something is placed visually in front of you, it stays. It becomes something you can return to, reflect on, and understand more clearly. 

You don’t need to be an artist. You don’t need to get it right. You just need a way to express what matters. And in a world where people are overwhelmed, burnt out, and often disconnected from their own emotions, something as simple as drawing might be the most honest form of communication we have.



Key Topics:

-Using visual storytelling to make death, grief, and loss easier to talk about
-Turning simple drawings into a powerful tool for communication
-Creating visual obituaries to reflect on life, legacy, and meaning
-Processing grief through creativity, ritual, and personal expression
-Making end-of-life conversations more accessible and easier to understand



Quotes from the episode:

“There is music and there is art in everyone.”

— Jennifer Muldowney


“What I'm teaching people to do is not about making art, which is wonderful, but it is about communication.”

— Jill Greenbaum



Timestamps:

[01:39] From Education to Visual Storytelling: Jill shares how her background in teaching, curriculum development, and creativity led her into visual practice.

[02:11] Drawing Your Thoughts, Questions, and Plans: Jill explains how simple marks can help people express what they are thinking, even when they believe they “can’t draw.”

[03:16] Visualizing End of Life Issues: Jill shares how a group of women came together to use visual storytelling as a more accessible way to talk about dying, death, grief, and loss.

[04:10] Creating a Visual Story of Your End of Life: Jill explains the Lifting the Lid workshop, where people used prompts to imagine where they want to be, who they want with them, and what their final wishes may look like.

[07:41] It’s Not About Making Art, It’s About Communication: Jill makes a powerful point that drawing does not have to be beautiful, it just has to help people express what matters.

[14:52] When Pet Loss Opens a New Path: Jill shares how losing her dog led her toward pet loss and bereavement chaplaincy work.

[19:56] We Are the Artists of Our Lives: Jill reflects on how creativity is not limited to traditional art, but also shows up in the choices, rituals, and practices that help us heal.

[24:42] Self-Care for People Working Around Death and Grief: Jill discusses burnout in care-based fields and why self-care cannot only fall on individuals, systems also need to become more responsive.

Connect with Jill Greenbaum at:
Website: www.jillgreenbaum.com
[http://www.jillgreenbaum.com/]Email: jill@jillgreenbaum.com
Social media accounts: https://www.instagram.com/jillig/
https://www.facebook.com/jill.greenbaum
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillrgreenbaum/

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:
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Turning Grief Into Art: A Powerful Way to Understand Death and Healing

What if the healing you’ve been chasing for years… could happen in a single moment?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Dr. Irene to explore something deeply human, the need for closure, connection, and peace after loss. Irene shares her work around the psychomanteum, a quiet, sensory-deprived space designed to help people feel close to loved ones who have passed. But what unfolds in that space isn’t always what you’d expect.

What makes this conversation powerful isn’t just the idea of connecting with the afterlife. It’s the reminder that so much of what we carry, grief, anger, longing, is waiting to be released. And sometimes, all we really need is the space to face it honestly..



Key Topics:



-Processing grief and emotional pain through immersive experiences

-Letting go of the need for validation from loved ones who have passed

-Creating space to express unspoken words and unresolved feelings

-Understanding how inner healing can happen without external confirmation

-Exploring alternative ways people seek connection, closure, and peace



Quotes from the episode:

“There is no white knight on a white horse coming to rescue you, you have to rescue yourself.”

— Jennifer Muldowney



I spent my whole life trying to be good enough… and in that moment, I realized I already was.

— Irene Blinston



Timestamps:

[01:05] The Research Behind Contacting the Dead: Irene explains how her work in transpersonal psychology led her to study the psychomanteum, a sensory-deprivation chamber designed to help grieving people connect with loved ones who have passed.



[02:20] 92% of Participants Felt Their Grief Reduce: The astonishing research result behind the book, showing that most participants experienced meaningful relief, and that the change lasted over time.



[03:12] What Actually Happens Inside the Chamber: Some people felt a presence. Others saw colors, symbols, images, or even apparitions. This is where the episode moves from theory into the truly fascinating.



[09:08] The Father Wound That Healed in One Session: Irene shares the deeply personal moment that changed her life, releasing a lifelong need for her father’s approval and replacing it with something far more powerful.



[13:11] No One Is Coming to Rescue You: A moving reflection on self-worth, healing, and the hard truth that real peace begins when you stop waiting for validation from other people.



[14:10] Who This Experience Is Not For: An important and grounded discussion on safety, mental health screening, and why this kind of work must be handled with great care.



[19:06] Becoming Your Own Medium: Irene explains what makes this work so different, and why having the experience yourself can be more powerful than hearing messages through someone else.



[21:05] Can This Become a Real Healing Practice?: Irene shares her vision for rebuilding, training facilitators, and turning this rare work into something more available for people who are grieving.





Connect with Irene Blinston at:

Websites -support@portaltohealinggrief.com



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Finding Peace in the Afterlife How Grief Can Transform Into Healing

What happens when the people who stand beside grief every day are expected to carry it quietly?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Dwight, a former funeral director turned therapist, for a deeply honest conversation about the emotional toll of working in death care. Having lived both roles, Dwight speaks with real understanding about what funeral professionals hold day after day, the sorrow they witness, the stories they carry, and the parts of themselves they often have to set aside just to keep going.

Together, they talk about how little support exists for the mental health of people in funeral service, and how often their pain goes unseen. They explore the silence, the stigma, and the weight of doing work that asks so much from the heart while giving so little room to process it. This episode also shines a light on the importance of community, shared understanding, and spaces like Funeral Professional Peer Support where people can finally feel less alone.

Tune in for a moving conversation about grief, compassion, and what it means to care for others when no one has taught you how to care for yourself.

Key Topics:

-The hidden mental health toll of funeral work
-Why funeral professionals often suffer in silence
-The lack of real support for people in death care
-How stigma keeps funeral directors in the shadows
-The need for research, resources, and peer support in funeral service

Quotes from the episode:

“If we would just face the fact that we are dying, we live better and we love more.”
— Jennifer Muldowney

“No one in these mental health spaces are talking about funeral directors. And that to me is alarming."
— Dwight Thompson

Timestamps:

[01:43] Funeral Professionals Are Human Too
[03:18] Dwight’s Journey from Funeral Work to Therapy
[06:49] Seeking Help and Not Being Understood
[08:37] The Gap in Mental Health Training
[09:36] Why Funeral Directors Are Not First Responders
[14:31] The Overlooked Reality of Funeral Service
[17:58] Stigma Around Death Care Work
[21:20] The Power of Peer Support
[33:02] Why the System Needs Outside Help
[36:26] What Comes Next for the Industry

Connect with Dwight Thompson at:
Websites - https://www.funeralpeersupport.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-thompson-msw-rsw-rmft-s-31160621a/
Email: dwight@ottawapsychotherapyservices.ca

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:
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Behind the Profession The Mental Health Toll of Funeral Work

In this season six premiere, Jennifer Muldowney welcomes viral sensation and dear friend Vivienne Sayers for a St. Patrick’s Day conversation that goes beyond surface-level celebration. Together, they explore the bittersweet soul of Ireland, from red carpets like the Oscars to the sacred traditions of the Irish wake. They unpack why Irish culture has long been a masterclass in holding both joy and deep, generational grief at the same time.

They dive into the power of visceral storytelling through films like Hamnet, share the hilarious realities of being Irish in New York, including a mortifying run-in with Ed Sheeran, and reflect on how Irish identity is evolving. The conversation highlights how the traditional Irish funeral is entering a “chrysalis stage,” shifting alongside changing beliefs and modern perspectives. They also challenge the drinking stereotypes tied to St. Patrick’s Day, encouraging a return to deeper roots like language, community, and the ancient practice of keening. 

Tune in for a celebration of the “Yin and Yang” of the Emerald Isle: the heart that smiles, the soul that cries, and the community that holds it all together.



Key Topics:

The Dual Soul: Navigating the “tear and the smile” in Irish culture

Keening and The Craic: The role of professional mourners and the social nature of Irish wakes

The Modern Irish Identity: Moving beyond stereotypes and reclaiming language and heritage

Generational Trauma vs Wealth: How history shapes emotional expression and resilience

Wake 2.0: Why funerals and life itself require community, connection, and presence





Quotes from the episode:

"There’s room for everyone at the table, no matter what industry... even if you're bloody identical twins, they still create their own corners of the world for themselves."

— Jennifer Muldowney

"America has generational wealth; Ireland has generational trauma. And we totally laugh about it, but... we are looking to broaden the Irish narrative of who we are as people."

— Vivienne Sayers



Timestamps:

[02:16] Irish Excellence: Discussing the Oscars, the Rugby Triple Crown, and Jessie Buckley’s visceral performance in Hamnet.

[05:57] The "So Irish" Airport Encounter: A red carpet for celebrities, but no one to help with the heavy lifting.

[07:54] The Ed Sheeran Incident: A hilarious story of mortification and mocking a global superstar to his face in Williamsburg.

[10:33] The Irish in NYC: Why Irish people message you after they see you in a bar rather than approaching directly.

[14:09] The Social Event of the Season: Why the rural Irish funeral is a communal milestone worth preserving.

[16:13] The Chrysalis Stage: How declining church influence is changing funeral experiences for younger generations.

[19:06] Beyond the Green Beer: A call to support Irish culture, language, and businesses.

[25:32] Corned Beef vs Boiled Ham: The contrast between Irish-American traditions and growing up in Ireland.

[29:26] The Art of Keening: Exploring the history of the Bean Chaointe and the lasting impact of ritual mourning.



Connect with Vivienne Sayers at:

Websites - https://viviennesayers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivienne_in_nyc/



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - / jennifermuldowney

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The Keening and the Craic: Why Irish Hearts Are Always Full of Both

What if talking about death openly is what actually helps people feel less afraid?



In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Eileen Hollis to explore how conversations, community, and education are reshaping death care. Eileen shares her journey from working quietly behind the scenes to becoming a trusted voice online, helping people understand what happens after death and how families can feel more prepared when loss arrives.



They talk about the rise of death education on social media, the responsibility that comes with visibility, and how Eileen navigates misinformation by only sharing what she would say to a family sitting across from her. The conversation also looks at why funeral traditions are changing, how personalization matters more than formality, and what it really means to meet families where they are.



Tune in to hear why opening up about death may be one of the most meaningful ways to support the living.



Key Topics:



-Learning to face death with openness and less fear

-Offering families clarity, honesty, and reassurance

-Bringing humanity back into funeral care

-Honoring personal wishes and lived stories

-Finding connection and comfort through community









Quotes from the episode:



“Talking about death doesn’t make it happen, but avoiding it doesn’t stop it either.”



-Eileen Hollis







“There are bad people in every industry, and that doesn’t define everyone.”





-Jennifer Muldowney









Timestamp:



[00:00] Podcast Intro



[00:25] Eileen Hollis reflected on attending her first national funeral conference, describing how industry connections and emerging innovations inspired her, while also recognizing the time, cost, and staffing challenges for small funeral homes.



[08:49] Eileen shared how she uses social media to foster community in death care, navigate a crowded digital space, address misinformation thoughtfully, and communicate with care and integrity.



[17:09] Eileen explained her approach to social media as an optional educational resource that normalizes conversations around death, planning, and grief while meeting families with openness and respect.



[22:38] Eileen discussed the importance of personalization in funerals, emphasizing comfort, authenticity, trust, and meaningful human connection over rigid traditions or sales-driven practices.



[39:01] Outro





Connect with Eileen Hollis:

Email: HollisFunHome@gmail.com

Website: HollisFunsralHome.com

TikTok: @hollisfuneralhome

Instagram: @hollisfuneralhome



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Making Death Care Human Again: Inside Hollis Funeral Home’s Approach

The Glam Reaper podcast is about telling human stories of life, love and loss through the lens of the funeral world. Without death we never lived. The existence of grief proves love also existed and through life and love we experience loss. We want to tell YOUR story. Reach out to us: www.theglamreaperpodcast.com