We are all going to die. And someone will have to handle what we leave behind. Odds are good that person will be someone who loved us, someone who will be grieving. Let’s not make it harder for them than it has to be. Let’s make some key decisions now in order to be kinder to those we’ll leave behind. What kind of decisions? Welcome to Dying Kindness, the podcast for people who are going to die someday. Host Cianna Stewart is learning about death and dying, and sharing information and tips along the way. Episodes include practical information, philosophical musings, interviews, and a dose of morbid humor. Because we’re all going die someday and we should learn how to talk about it.
Episodes
Jul 25, 2024
Jul 25, 2024
11 min
Most of us have never seen a death up close, let alone many. How, then, can we know what to do or say to support someone else who's dying? How can we know what to expect for our own deaths?
"With the End in Mind" by Kathryn Mannix is a book of stories drawn from the author's long career in palliative care. Each story gives perspective on a different aspect of the dying process, providing insight and information to help the reader be more prepared.
In this episode, I discuss the book and why I think everyone can benefit from reading it.
Jun 14, 2024
Jun 14, 2024
18 min
So it's time to write an obituary. Who should do it and how? What needs to be included? What should be left out? Where does it go? What is an obituary for, anyway?
May 30, 2024
May 30, 2024
13 min
The phrase "quality of life" comes up often, particularly when completing an Advance Directive or when dealing with the medical system. But what does it mean? And who gets to define it?
May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024
8 min
Hello! After a long while, I am restarting this podcast. Because it's my birthday and that's my present to my self (and to you).
Jun 22, 2023
Jun 22, 2023
14 min
A brief overview of the range of issues faced by LGBTQ seniors towards the end of life.
Jun 2, 2023
Jun 2, 2023
7 min
Do you have art that means a lot to you? Will others know why they mattered to you or what they're worth? Here are some quick tips to help other treasure your treasures.
May 5, 2023
May 5, 2023
5 min
I haven't posted a new episode for a couple of months. I've been grieving the death of my friend, Jen Angel.
Some good articles about Jen:
Food, Love, and Revolution: Jen Angel's Legacy by Carwil Bjork-James, Yes! Magazine
Jen Angel Wanted to Abolish Police and Prisons. She Wouldn’t Want Her Death to Be Used to Incarcerate Anyone. by Brook Anderson, In These Times
Jan 31, 2023
Jan 31, 2023
30 min
I want to do what I can to age well, including preventing getting dementia. I'm learning (and sharing) a range of steps to protect my brain. One of the big ones is deciding to reduce my alcohol intake, going alcohol free.
Interviews with Joshua James & Danny Meeks, Ocean Beach Cafe
Referenced:
Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Sanjay Gupta
Huberman Lab podcast episode, "What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain, and Health"
"Alcohol and Dementia — What's the Link? a Systematic Review"
Jan 5, 2023
Jan 5, 2023
13 min
What you can expect for Dying Kindness in 2023, including ways that the decisions we make decades before retirement impact our ability to age well, and affect others in our immediate circle, beyond those we know, and for generations to come.
Dec 23, 2022
Dec 23, 2022
24 min
Most people want to die at home, but the ability to stay home depends heavily on how well it's set up to age in place. This holiday season, take advantage of being home to look around and take notes on what might make it hard to age well at home.