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

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 Wakil and his wife's children for the wonderful song that begins our programs. And 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.

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

Hand Woven Coffins and the Importance of Death Literacy with Dr. Tamara McIntyre

February 25, 2025 • Rev Annalouiza Armendariz & Rev Wakil David Matthews & Dr. Tamara McIntyre • Season 3 • Episode 10

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In this conversation, Dr. Tamara McIntyre shares her journey and insights into death literacy, the importance of curiosity in facing mortality, and her work with hand-woven willow coffins. She discusses the challenges of engaging people in conversations about death, the cultural shifts surrounding end-of-life practices, and the need for community support in navigating these experiences. Dr. McIntyre emphasizes the significance of understanding our mortality and making informed choices about death and dying. We explore the importance of advanced care planning, compassion in healthcare, and the dynamics of end-of-life conversations. We discuss the emotional impact of medical diagnoses, the necessity of self-care for caregivers, and the significance of creating safe spaces for individuals to express their feelings and desires regarding death. The conversation also touches on the fears surrounding medical interventions, the role of mindfulness in life reflection, and the importance of family dynamics in end-of-life planning. Humor and lightness are emphasized as essential elements in discussing death, ultimately leading to a deeper appreciation for open conversations about aging and dying.

Dr. Tamara MacIntyre is an end-of-life doula, retired chiropractor, and doctor of natural medicine with over 20 years of experience in holistic healthcare. Now, as a death educator and funerary artisan, she weaves together her expertise to increase death literacy and inspire upstream conversations about aging, illness, and end-of-life planning.

As the creator of handwoven willow coffins, Tamara blends artistry and sustainability to reimagine after-death practices. Her mission is to empower individuals to approach mortality with clarity, confidence, and compassion—transforming how we live by rethinking how we prepare for death.

https://www.consciousdeath.org/

Instagram @EndofLife_Architect or Facebook @drtamaramacintyre

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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.