Before You Go

The Art and Soul of Sanctuary: Abode Co-Founders Edwin and Patsy Sasek on Weaving Beauty into End-of-Life Care

For the final episode of the season, host Natalie Buster sits down with the visionaries behind Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying: co-founders Edwin and Patsy Sasek. Edwin and Patsy share the journey of creating Abode, a space that many guests, staff, and volunteers describe not just as a facility, but as "coming home". They detail how their vision transcended mere caregiving, instead weaving their profound love of art, nature, and spirituality into the very foundation of the building. Learn about the spiritual significance of the property's design, including the over 20 oak trees whose roots symbolize communication and support for the home's mission. Most movingly, Edwin shares the special story of how prayers and scriptures from various world traditions (Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Native American) were physically written on note cards and placed inside the walls and on the beams during construction, ensuring the house itself is a constant source of blessing and grounding. * [00:00:00] Host's First Impression: Natalie describes her first visit to Abode, feeling that it was a special, peaceful place, like "coming home" and a "safe nest." * [00:01:05] Introducing the Visionaries: The host introduces co-founders Edwin and Patsy Sasek. * [00:01:15] The Integration of Art and Spirituality: The Saseks discuss how they wove their love of art and spirituality into the atmosphere of Abode, making it a sacred, social, and spiritual place. * [00:03:06] The Foundational Philosophy: Edwin and Patsy explain the goal of designing Abode to feel like a beautiful, welcoming home grounded in compassion and warmth. * [00:04:24] The Art of Nature: The founders discuss their intentional search for a property with abundant nature, finding over 20 oak trees whose presence instantly told them, "this is it." * [00:05:54] The Metaphor of the Roots: Patsy explains that the roots of the trees are a powerful metaphor, communicating and providing support that nourishes Abode’s mission and community. * [00:08:16] Prayers in the Beams: Edwin shares the story of how they added prayers and scriptures from various world traditions to the interior walls and beams of the house during construction. * [00:14:19] Imagination and the Language of Dying: Natalie discusses the importance of being open to the imagination, dreams, and the unique language a person experiences at the end of life. * [00:15:36] The Full Sensory Experience: Patsy discusses how art, music, yoga, and other sensory experiences act together to provide peace in a guest's last days. * [00:17:10] The Story of the Repurposed Doors: Edwin tells a story about turning "trash" into treasure by repurposing old doors from a hotel for use at Abode. * [00:21:14] Guest Story: Carolyn and Watercolors: A story is shared about a guest named Carolyn who rallied for months and found emotional release through painting with watercolors, which were later used in a Christmas appeal. * [00:25:14] Guest Story: Ceramics for Catharsis: Edwin tells a story of another guest who made beehive-like ceramic vessels to express and release anger and grief. * [00:26:34] Art as an Antidote to Fear: Edwin discusses how art is the antidote to fear, bringing people into a "liminal space of awe." * [00:33:31] Mindfulness in Everyday Life: Discussion on integrating mindfulness into simple actions, like washing dishes, to foster awareness and gratitude. * [00:36:23] Being Engaged vs. Doing: Edwin reflects on the importance of appreciating "being engaged with" life rather than focusing on "doing."

We're All Going to Die: Ossuary Jeweler Kristin Bunyard on Death, Art, and Preparation

Natalie Buster welcomes Kristin Bunyard, an artist and author who is not afraid of the podcast's core philosophy: "We're all going to die." Kristin works with death every day, first as an ossuary jeweler, which is Latin for "house of bones." Kristin shares how she ethically sources materials, transforming bones from roadkill and farm animals into stunning, contemplative art and jewelry. She also explains her philosophy on pet memorial pieces, often encouraging sculptural work so that beloved animals can still be "seen every day" in the home. The conversation then turns to her end-of-life workbook, aptly titled We're All Going to Die. Kristin reveals how a personal experience planning her grandmother's funeral—and the realization that her family lacked critical details—prompted her to create a straightforward guide for planning your final days. * Guest: Kristin Bunyard, Ossuary Jeweler and Author * Host: Natalie Buster (affiliated with Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying in San Antonio, Texas) * Book Mentioned: We’re All Going to Die (End-of-Life Workbook) * [00:00:00] The Core Philosophy: The host introduces the empowering idea that the sentence "We're all going to die" should empower, not frighten, us. * [00:00:23] Introducing Kristin Bunyard: The host introduces Kristin, an ossuary jeweler and author of the end-of-life workbook We’re All Going to Die. * [00:01:44] Defining "Ossuary Jeweler": Kristin explains the origin of the term, noting that "ossuary" is the Latin word for "house of bones". * [00:02:30] Sourcing the Materials: Kristin discusses her dedication to ethical sourcing, obtaining materials from roadkill, farm deaths, and occasionally for pet memorial pieces. * [00:03:07] Pet Memorial Philosophy: Kristin shares why she often encourages clients seeking a pet memorial to choose sculptural work rather than jewelry, emphasizing the importance of still seeing their loved one in their home every day. * [00:03:58] The Host's "Original Death Doula": Natalie shares a fun anecdote about her Mexican hairless dog, Audrey, and the Aztec/Pixar Coco mythology of the Xoloitzcuintli dog as a psychopomp, guiding souls to the afterlife. * [00:04:57] The Origin of Ossuary Art: Kristin recounts the "happy accident" that led to her career: finding a snake's spine on a ranch outside Junction, Texas, and being fascinated by the process of cleaning and turning it into a beautiful necklace. * [00:07:26] The Inspiration for the Book: Kristin explains that the book We're All Going to Die was an "accidental project" prompted by the experience of planning her grandmother's funeral. * [00:07:52] The Missing Details: She realized that despite knowing her grandmother's big-picture wishes, her family lacked the critical small details (like desired flowers or guest list) necessary for planning the service.

Kindred Spirits: From Broadway to Bedside Care with Shavonne Conroy

Natalie Buster welcomes a cherished, long-time friend and "kindred spirit," Shavonne Conroy. Shavonne is a professional actor, a gifted singer, and the former Interim CEO of Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying. Shavonne shares her incredible, unconventional journey that seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in theater and television (including roles on Late Night with David Letterman and Law & Order) to her current passion for end-of-life care. She discusses the profound spiritual significance of dedicating her rich alto voice to comforting the dying and grieving, often singing at the bedside or at funerals. The two friends explore the compassionate philosophy that drives Abode's work: the giving, loving spirit required to simply meet people where they are without judgment. They discuss the deep satisfaction that comes from recognizing and filling in the "missing pieces" of a dying person's day, whether that's a gentle touch or reading a favorite book. You'll also meet the unforgettable Mikey, Shavonnee’s 155-pound Great Pyrenees, affectionately called the "doggy death doula," who provides loving, quiet comfort to the guests at Abode. [00:00:18] The Kindred Connection: Natalie introduces Shavonne and describes their long-standing connection, which began in the San Antonio and New York professional theater scenes. [00:00:37] Planting the Seed: Shavonne first introduced the host to the nonprofit Abode years before the host became affiliated with the organization. [00:01:28] From Theater to CEO: How Shavonne stepped in as interim CEO of Abode, reuniting the friends to discuss everything from Broadway musicals to end-of-life care. [00:01:57] A Performer's Life: Shavonne's background as a professional actor and singer, including appearances on shows like Late Night with David Letterman and Law & Order. [00:02:21] Earning Her Wings: The spiritual significance of Shavonne lending her alto voice to sing at funerals and the bedside of people at the end of life. [00:03:41] Meet the Doggy Death Doula: Shavonne introduces Mikey, her 155-pound Great Pyrenees, who gets into bed with guests at Abode to provide "doggy comfort" and emotional support. [00:07:09] The Philosophy of Care: Discussion on the Abode philosophy of meeting people where they are, focusing on connection, and filling in the "missing pieces" of their day, such as a hand on a hand or reading a favorite book. [00:08:12] How Shavonne Found Abode: Siobhan shares the story of how singing at a particular funeral led her to her first encounter with Abode.

The Stories Caregivers Carry: Narrative Medicine with Vive Griffith

In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator Vive Griffith [https://www.vivegriffith.com/] to explore the often-overlooked emotional landscape of caregiving. Drawing from her own experience caring for her mother through terminal illness, Vive shares how storytelling, poetry, and reflection can help caregivers reconnect with themselves, find community, and feel seen. Through the lens of narrative medicine, Vive offers a powerful reframe: that caregiving is not just a task, but a deeply human act worthy of attention, artistry, and healing. Whether you're a caregiver now, have been one, or will be one someday, this conversation is a balm. Topics Covered: * The four kinds of people in the world, according to Rosalynn Carter * What is narrative medicine, and how does it support caregivers? * Vive’s personal caregiving journey with her mother * How art, poetry, and storytelling create space for healing * The emotional toll of caregiving—and how to replenish * Building community through shared reflection and writing Resources Mentioned: * Narrative Medicine Program at Columbia University * The Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer (used in a workshop) * Vive’s workshops for caregivers and clinicians If you’re a caregiver—or know someone who is—consider exploring narrative medicine circles or expressive arts workshops. You are not alone, and your story matters. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps * 00:00 – Opening Quote Rosalynn Carter’s powerful words on caregiving * 01:00 – The Invisible Weight of Caregiving Natalie reflects on the emotional and physical toll caregivers carry * 02:00 – Meet Vive Griffith Poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator * 04:00 – What Is Narrative Medicine? Vive explains the field and its roots at Columbia University * 07:00 – The Practice in Action How narrative medicine workshops use art, writing, and reflection * 10:00 – Vive’s Caregiving Story Walking with her mother through cancer and end-of-life care * 13:00 – The Power of Being Heard Why sharing stories in community is essential for healing * 16:00 – The Lacemaker Workshop Using a Vermeer painting to unlock caregiver reflections 19:00 – Universal Threads of Care How narrative medicine connects us to something bigger

Poetry as Survival: Laura Van Prooyen on Grief, Healing, and the Power of Words

Host Natalie Buster welcomes poet and restorative writing facilitator Laura Van Prooyen for a conversation about how poetry can become a lifeline in times of grief, trauma, and transition. From her work with soldiers experiencing PTSD to healthcare workers navigating burnout and loss, Laura shares how writing offers a sacred space for emotional honesty, resilience, and healing. Through personal stories—including the loss of her brother and mother—Laura reveals how poetry helped her survive, process, and transform grief into art. Whether you're intimidated by poetry or drawn to its quiet power, this episode invites you to explore how language can hold us when nothing else can. Topics Covered: * Laura’s journey from academic poetry to trauma-informed writing workshops * Her transformative work with soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center * The evolution of grief through writing: from raw emotion to published chapbook * How poetry creates accessible, sacred space for processing loss * The role of emotional honesty in facing mortality * Mission Belonging’s free weekly writing group for healthcare workers Resources Mentioned: * Gregory Orr’s Poetry as Survival * Mission Belonging’s Tuesday night virtual writing group (free and open to all) * Laura’s upcoming chapbook (Spring release) Call to Action: Join Laura’s free Tuesday night writing group through Mission Belonging. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare worker, or someone navigating grief, this space is for you. * 00:00 – Opening Reflection Natalie shares her evolving relationship with poetry and how it intersects with mortality and meaning.  * 02:00 – Introducing Laura Van Prooyen Laura’s background in poetry, education, and trauma-informed writing. * 04:00 – Poetry Meets PTSD Laura’s first experience facilitating writing for soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center—and the unexpected power of six-word memoirs. * 07:00 – Grief as Catalyst Laura opens up about losing her brother and how poetry became a survival tool during her deepest grief. * 10:00 – Mission Belonging & Weekly Writing Groups Laura describes her free, virtual Tuesday night workshops for healthcare and hospice workers. * 13:00 – Writing Through Loss How Laura continued facilitating workshops while grieving her mother—and how the group became a lifeline. * 15:00 – Creating Safe, Sacred Space The trauma-informed approach Laura brings to every session, and how poetry invites emotional honesty. * 17:00 – Craft, Accessibility, and Prompts Laura’s method for selecting poems, crafting prompts, and guiding participants through reflection and response. * 19:00 – Final Reflections The healing potential of poetry, the importance of emotional honesty, and how writing helps us live fully—even as we face death.