The Life and Death Podcast
The Life and Death Podcast

The Life and Death Podcast

Ashgate Hospice

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Episodes

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Honest conversations about life, death and so much more. Your host, Stephen Rumford, talks to people who have experiences of death and dying to get a deeper understanding of what life and death means to them. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up with us on our socials. Twitter: @Ashgate_Hospice Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AshgateHospiceInstagram: @ashgate_hospice The Life and Death Podcast is brought to you by Ashgate Hospice and produced by Reform Radio.

Recent Episodes

S5 Ep6: Life lessons from the dying with Josefine Speyer
JUL 15, 2024
S5 Ep6: Life lessons from the dying with Josefine Speyer
<div>Joining the final episode of the series is Josefine Speyer, a German psychotherapist based in London who has dedicated much of her life to changing the way we approach death and dying. Josefine co-founded the Natural Death Centre in 1991 with her late husband, Nicholas Albery. This educational charity has been a beacon of support, offering free and impartial advice on all aspects of dying, bereavement, and consumer rights, including assistance with burials and funerals.<br> <br> Josefine shares her captivating journey, from her unconventional start in Frestonia to her profound spiritual experiences following her husband's tragic death. We delve into her artistic nature, her move to the UK, and her deep-seated belief in the power of natural burials and non-traditional funerals.<br> <br> Josefine's insights are not only enlightening but also deeply moving, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom on the often-taboo subject of death. Join us as we explore her thoughts on making our final journeys meaningful and personal, and learn from her unique perspective on life, death, and everything in between.<br> <br> Tune in to this poignant episode of The Life and Death Podcast with Josefine Speyer, and be prepared to see death in a new light.</div> <br> <div>Find out more about The Natural Death Centre <a href="http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk/">http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk/</a> </div> <br> <div>Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice</div> <br> <div>Support resources: <a href="https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/">https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/</a> </div> <br> <div>This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.</div>
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33 MIN
S5 Ep5: Coping with pet loss with Dr. Katie Lawlor
JUL 1, 2024
S5 Ep5: Coping with pet loss with Dr. Katie Lawlor
<div>We explore a topic often overlooked—coping with pet loss. Our guest, Dr. Katie Lawlor, a psychologist based in San Francisco, shares her personal and professional experiences with the profound grief that comes with the death of a beloved animal companion.<br> <br> Dr. Lawlor discusses how her journey through the loss of her rabbit, Gem, during the pandemic led her to create her Instagram page, petlossdoctor. She opens up about the challenges of discussing her pet's death with colleagues and how this inspired her to support others facing similar experiences.</div> <br> <div>Growing up as the introverted middle sister, Dr. Lawlor found solace in the company of animals. Her summers in Ireland, surrounded by animals, shaped her understanding of the unique bond between humans and their pets. She highlights the lack of specialised services for pet loss and stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing this grief.</div> <br> <div>Throughout the episode, Dr. Lawlor addresses common questions about pet loss, such as coping with guilt and regret, and offers insights on navigating this difficult time. She emphasises that grief is a natural response to losing someone you love, whether they are human or animal.</div> <br> <div>Tune in to hear Dr. Lawlor's heartfelt stories and valuable advice on coping with pet loss. Learn how her work is providing comfort and support to others experiencing grief. This episode is essential listening for anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet.</div> <br> <div>You can follow Dr. Katie Lawlor on her<a href="https://www.instagram.com/petlossdoctor/"> Instagram page.</a> </div> <br> <div>Find out more about her book; <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tribute-My-Beloved-Animal-Journal/dp/B0CV89F7RR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=180A0BMHC8YBJ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y8_p8YBPxJwUSruolgzLwr867KD3H6BkkpVGWm459QIIOpb-lCAI2wjB1oJ4F3fs5BiVYeeUGN_KABKfHDqGDSSkxkO7K2RgT54thMVi-3e2TI_T_S8piXRjasR8Q5rECqX1DI28UnZuYkJafHGtO5woW2y64FRGFTsaOmTG-qb2jzsQceGE48IXinC657gh.MLxUzda39CuovPTIVmF4BDwFbV7umURFfjChSla_1fw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=katie+lawlor+pet+loss&amp;qid=1719235080&amp;sprefix=katie+lawlor+pet+loss%2Caps%2C83&amp;sr=8-1">A Tribute to My Beloved Animal: A Journal to Process Grief &amp; Loss.</a> </div> <br> <div>Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice</div> <br> <div>Support resources: <a href="https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/">https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/</a> </div> <br> <div>This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.</div>
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27 MIN
S5 Ep4: A philosopher’s guide to death with Simon Critchley
JUN 17, 2024
S5 Ep4: A philosopher’s guide to death with Simon Critchley
<div>Simon Critchley is a renowned philosopher at the New School for Social Research in New York. Simon teaches the popular course "Critchley on Tragedy," and has been recognised as one of the top 25 most influential philosophers today.</div> <br> <div>Simon delves into his fascinating life story, including his early years in Hertfordshire, a life-changing accident, and his journey into philosophy. He shares insights from his book, The Book of Dead Philosophers, which examines how the deaths of 190 philosophers reflect their lives and ideas.</div> <br> <div>Join us as Simon recounts some intriguing tales, such as Pythagoras's peculiar death and Jeremy Bentham's posthumous display at University College London. He discusses the therapeutic side of philosophy and how confronting our mortality can lead to greater freedom, compassion, and understanding.</div> <br> <div>Tune in for an episode filled with humour, deep reflections on mortality, and the wisdom that philosophy can offer in understanding life and death.</div> <br> <div>Find out more about Simon his book here: <a href="https://www.simoncritchley.org/">https://www.simoncritchley.org/</a> </div> <br> <div>Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice</div> <br> <div>Support resources: <a href="https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/">https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/</a> </div> <br> <div>This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.</div>
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25 MIN
S5 Ep3: Why it’s normal to be afraid of death with Hospice Nurse Julie
JUN 3, 2024
S5 Ep3: Why it’s normal to be afraid of death with Hospice Nurse Julie
<div>Julie McFadden is better known by her online persona Hospice Nurse Julie. With her background as an ICU nurse, Julie developed a passion for educating people about death and dying. For the past eight years, she has been making a significant impact as a hospice nurse, helping others face end of life issues with compassion.</div> <br> <div>Julie’s journey into online education began when her young nieces introduced her to TikTok. She started sharing insights about death and dying, and soon her videos went viral, garnering a large following. Her content, ranging from biological processes at the end of life to demystifying deathbed phenomena, helps normalise conversations about death and offers comfort to many. She emphasises that understanding death can reduce fear and enhance our lives.</div> <br> <div>Julie’s new book, "Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully," is a valuable guide for anyone seeking peace in the face of mortality. It combines educational insights with personal stories, making it a comforting resource for both patients and caregivers.<br> <br> Follow Julie on:</div> <br> <div>YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie">https://www.youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie</a><br> TikTok <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@hospicenursejulie">https://www.tiktok.com/@hospicenursejulie</a><br> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie">https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie</a><br> Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Hospice-nurse-julie/100077937666311/">https://www.facebook.com/people/Hospice-nurse-julie/100077937666311/</a> </div> <br> <div>Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice</div> <br> <div>Support resources: <a href="https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/">https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/</a> </div> <br> <div>This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.</div>
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32 MIN
S5 Ep2: Becoming an orphan in your 30s with Rebecca Soffer
MAY 20, 2024
S5 Ep2: Becoming an orphan in your 30s with Rebecca Soffer
<div>Internationally recognised author and speaker, Rebecca Soffer, began her journey into grief unexpectedly in her early 30s after her mother was killed in a car crash and her father died of a heart attack. The weight of this loss at such a young age left Rebecca feeling untethered. <br> <br> Rebecca candidly shares her deeply personal story of navigating loss and finding comfort in shared understanding. From forming a monthly dinner party called WWDP (Women With Dead Parents) to co-founding the Modern Loss movement, Rebecca's journey highlights the power of community in the face of grief. <br> <br> Rebecca's experiences inspired her to create a platform dedicated to removing the stigma surrounding grief and providing support and resources for those navigating their own journey of loss. Through heartfelt conversations and genuine human connection, Rebecca offers insights into the universal nature of grief and the strength of human connection in times of loss. <br> <br> Check out Modern Loss online at <a href="https://www.modernloss.com/">www.modernloss.com</a> <br> The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience" is <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Loss-Handbook-Interactive-Resilience/dp/0762474815">available on Amazon in the UK</a>.<br> Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice <br> Support resources: <a href="https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/">https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/</a> <br> <br> This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. </div>
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32 MIN