Barbara Bowman on Grief and Funeral Etiquette

In this insightful episode of the Dead America Podcast host Ed Watters speaks with Barbara Bowman author of What Not To Do at Funerals about practical funeral etiquette and compassionate ways to support grieving families. Barbara breaks down the most common faux pas at funerals and explains how simple thoughtful actions can make a profound difference during grief. Listeners will learn concrete etiquette tips for attending memorials offering condolences and honoring the needs of those in mourning. Barbara shares stories that illustrate why presence matters more than perfect words and why listening and small acts of service build trust with grieving families. The conversation also covers how to navigate awkward moments at viewings and services how to offer meaningful support after the funeral and when to give space versus step in. This episode is a guide for friends family caregivers and professionals who want to show up well and reduce additional emotional burden for those grieving. Barbara previews her upcoming book on escaping narcissistic relationships and provides practical advice for regaining control preventing further emotional harm and rebuilding personal boundaries. Listeners receive guidance on spotting manipulative behavior understanding its impact on grief and taking safe steps toward recovery. This episode blends grief support funeral etiquette and relationship safety into a compassionate toolkit for anyone facing loss or supporting someone through it. Tune in to gain actionable etiquette strategies support ideas and resources to help grieving families with dignity and care. Subscribe to Dead America Podcast for more conversations on healing grief recovery and emotional resilience. 00:00 Understanding Narcissism: An Introduction 00:54 Meet Barbara Bowman: Author of 'What Not To Do at Funerals' 01:12 Barbara's Personal Experiences with Grief 02:48 The Importance of Funeral Etiquette 03:32 Key Takeaways from 'What Not To Do at Funerals' 05:17 Navigating Grief and Offering Support 20:28 The Role of Grief Counseling and Support Groups 36:03 Barbara's Upcoming Book on Escaping Narcissism 45:26 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Barbara Links: https://www.bowheart.com