End of Life Conversations: Normalizing Talk About Death, Dying, and Grief Podcast By Rev Annalouiza Armendariz & Rev Wakil David Matthews cover art

End of Life Conversations: Normalizing Talk About Death, Dying, and Grief

End of Life Conversations: Normalizing Talk About Death, Dying, and Grief

By: Rev Annalouiza Armendariz & Rev Wakil David Matthews
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What if we could normalize and destigmatize conversations about death and dying, grief, and the many types of loss in our lives?


In this podcast, we'll share people’s experiences with end-of-life. We have reached out to experts in the field, front-line workers, as well as friends, neighbors, and the community, to have conversations about their experiences with death, dying, grief, and loss.


Our goal is to provide you with information and resources that can help us all navigate and better understand this important subject.


Reverent Mother Annalouiza Armendariz and Reverend Wakil David Matthews have both worked for many years in hospice as chaplains and volunteers, and in funeral services and end-of-life planning and companionship. We offer classes on end-of-life planning, grief counseling, and interfaith (or no faith!) spiritual direction.

We would love to hear your feedback and stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.


Please subscribe to our Substack here: https://endoflifeconvos.substack.com

We want to thank our excellent editor, Sam Zemkee. We also acknowledge that we live and work on unceded indigenous peoples' lands. We thank them for their generations of stewardship, which continues to this day, and honor them by doing all we can to create a sustainable planet and support the flourishing of all life, both human and more-than-human.

© 2026 End of Life Conversations: Normalizing Talk About Death, Dying, and Grief Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • For Whom The Bell Tolls: Disconnection from Death, Dying, and Grief in our Communities

    For Whom The Bell Tolls: Disconnection from Death, Dying, and Grief in our Communities
    Mar 24 2026

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    Why do so many of us feel disconnected from death, dying, and grief—until we’re suddenly forced to face it?

    In this episode, we explore how modern culture has shaped our relationship with death and why grief often feels isolating, confusing, or unsupported. From the ways death has been removed from everyday life to the loss of shared mourning practices, we take a closer look at what’s changed—and what it means for individuals and communities.

    This conversation is for anyone who has experienced loss, struggled to support someone grieving, or wondered why death feels so difficult to talk about.

    We discuss:

    • Why we are disconnected from death and dying
    • How grief became isolated in modern society
    • The emotional and cultural impact of avoiding death conversations
    • How to reconnect with grief, death, and community support
    • Practical ways to create more meaningful conversations and shared experiences around loss

    Whether you’re part of the death-positive movement or simply navigating your own grief, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on rebuilding connection where it’s been lost.

    Support the show

    This podcast helps anyone dealing with loss. It can guide you with end-of-life planning and death-positive resources.

    Check out our introductory episode to learn more about Annalouiza, Wakil, and our vision/mission to normalize and destigmatize conversations about death, dying, grief, and loss.

    You can find us on SubStack, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one-on-one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

    And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.
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    30 mins
  • Advance Care Directives Explained | Choosing a Power of Attorney & Planning Your End-of-Life Wishes - Preparing for Death, Dying, and Grief

    Advance Care Directives Explained | Choosing a Power of Attorney & Planning Your End-of-Life Wishes - Preparing for Death, Dying, and Grief
    Mar 21 2026

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    Advance care directives are one of the most important tools we have for protecting our voice during serious illness or at the end of life. Yet many people avoid creating them because the process feels confusing, uncomfortable, or overwhelming.

    In this episode, we explore what an advance care directive really is, how a healthcare power of attorney works, and why these decisions are about far more than paperwork.

    We discuss how to choose the right person to make medical decisions if you cannot speak for yourself, how end-of-life preferences can include emotional and spiritual values, and why these plans should evolve as your life circumstances change.

    Whether you work in death care, support people through grief, or simply want to make sure your loved ones understand your wishes, this conversation offers a grounded and compassionate look at planning ahead.

    You’ll learn:

    • What an advance care directive actually does
    • How to choose a healthcare power of attorney you trust
    • Why end-of-life planning is an ongoing conversation
    • How to talk with family and doctors about your wishes
    • How planning ahead can reduce stress and confusion for loved ones

    End-of-life planning isn’t just about death. It’s about making sure the people who care about you understand what matters most.

    Advanced Care Directives from End of Life Washington

    Five Wishes

    Support the show

    This podcast helps anyone dealing with loss. It can guide you with end-of-life planning and death-positive resources.

    Check out our introductory episode to learn more about Annalouiza, Wakil, and our vision/mission to normalize and destigmatize conversations about death, dying, grief, and loss.

    You can find us on SubStack, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one-on-one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

    And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Grief and Dying - What If You Can’t Afford a Funeral? Affordable & Green Death Care Options | Special Podcasthon episode

    Grief and Dying - What If You Can’t Afford a Funeral? Affordable & Green Death Care Options | Special Podcasthon episode
    Mar 13 2026

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    Please enjoy this special Podcasthon episode where we highlight a favorite non-profit, WAKE founded by Liz Dunnebacke in New Orleans.

    Funerals in the United States often cost thousands of dollars, leaving many families wondering what happens if they simply can’t afford one.

    In this episode, we explore the financial realities of death care and the alternatives that many people never hear about. Our guest discusses the challenges families face when traditional funeral costs are out of reach, the importance of planning ahead, and the growing movement toward affordable and environmentally responsible death care.

    We talk about green burial options, simple funeral alternatives, legal rights around disposition decisions, and community resources that can help families navigate loss without unnecessary financial strain.

    This conversation is for anyone who has ever asked:

    • What happens if you can’t afford a funeral?
    • Are there affordable funeral options?
    • What are the alternatives to traditional funerals?
    • What are my legal rights after someone dies?
    • Are there environmentally friendly death care options?

    If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by funeral costs or uncertain about what choices actually exist, this episode offers practical insight and a grounded look at the future of death care.

    The goal isn’t to tell anyone what they should do. It’s to help people stay curious, informed, and empowered when facing one of life’s most universal experiences.

    www.wake.education

    www.equitabledisposition.org

    Support the show

    This podcast helps anyone dealing with loss. It can guide you with end-of-life planning and death-positive resources.

    Check out our introductory episode to learn more about Annalouiza, Wakil, and our vision/mission to normalize and destigmatize conversations about death, dying, grief, and loss.

    You can find us on SubStack, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one-on-one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

    And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
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