A New Path: Grief and Aftercare Mentor, Author, Speaker - Megan Malick

A New Path: Grief and Aftercare Mentor, Author, Speaker - Megan Malick

What happens after the funeral—when the grief is heavy and the paperwork starts? Grief educator, coach, author, and former chaplain Megan Malik joins Death Chat to talk about the overlooked reality of grief and aftercare. Megan shares how she became an "Accidental Matriarch" after losing both of her parents. We discuss grief waves and the "grieving brain," managing an estate, decision fatigue, and why ritual matters. This conversation offers a healthy perspective of death and how funerals can reflect someone’s life. Megan’s workbook + planner designed to help families navigate the first year after a death—one step at a time. If you’re navigating loss, supporting a grieving family, or thinking about planning ahead, this episode offers a grounded look at what comes next after death—and how community and ritual can help us carry it. Meet Megan- visit her website at https://a-new-path.com/ Order her book: A New Path available on Amazon Connect with us: deathchatpod@gmail.com

A Veteran’s Call to Hospice: Service, Grief, and End-of-Life Care | Tom Barry

Tom Berry, a retired Army officer and hospice volunteer, joins Death Chat to share his journey from military service to supporting veterans and families at the end of life through Homeland Hospice. In this conversation, Tom discusses visiting veterans in care facilities, volunteering in hospice, grieving the loss of his wife of 51 years, and how faith and human connection shape the way we face death. A powerful reflection on service beyond the uniform, hospice care, and preparing for life’s final chapter.

Death Doula Beth

What does death actually look like—and why are so many people afraid to talk about it? In this episode of Death Chat, we sit down with Beth, a death doula, to explore her journey into end-of-life care, what being a death doula really means, and why open conversations about death can bring clarity, peace, and connection. Beth shares what she witnesses at the end of life, how supporting the dying and their families became her calling, and how personal loss—including the death of her beloved pet—shaped her work. This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human—offering insight for anyone curious about death, end-of-life planning, grief, or how to approach these conversations with less fear and more intention. If this episode resonated with you, you are not alone. Connect with Beth : deathdoulabeth.com or contact her directly at beth@deathdoulabeth.com [beth@thebutterflybeth.com?subject=Hey!%20Contacting%20you%20from%20your%20site...] Offer feedback or join the conversation by emailing deathchatpod@gmail.com Follow us @DeathChatPod

Losing a Child, Living with Grace

In this deeply honest episode of Death Chat, host Julia sits down with Susan Miduri to explore a lifetime shaped by loss, love, and resilience. From early exposure to death, to the sudden loss of a mentor, to the unimaginable grief of losing her son, Susie shares what grief has taught her about grace, community, and living fully. Susie also reflects on a peaceful, planned goodbye with her mother-in-law — a powerful contrast to losses without ceremony — reinforcing why end-of-life planning isn’t about death, but about love. This episode is a reminder that grief looks different for everyone, there are no perfect words, and planning ahead can be one of the greatest acts of care we leave behind. If this conversation resonates with you, you are not alone. Follow Death Chat on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @DeathChatPod

Supporting Grieving Children & Young Adults | Alexa Livelsberger

In this episode of Death Chat, host Julia sits down with Alexa Livelsberger, Outreach and Education Coordinator at Highmark Caring Place, to talk about how peer support helps grieving children, families, and young adults navigate loss. Lexi shares how her personal experiences with grief led her into the field, why young adults are one of the most underserved grieving populations, and how loss impacts far more than emotions — including identity, safety, relationships, and financial stability through what’s known as secondary loss. This conversation offers compassionate insight for anyone navigating loss — personally or professionally — and highlights why no one should have to grieve alone. Interested in connecting with us? Email deathchatpod@gmail.com Keep in touch on Instagram and YouTube : Death Chat pod Contact the Caring Place [https://www.highmarkcaringplace.com/cp2/contact.shtml] directly at (866) 613-4673 or email Lexi at alexa.livelsberger@highmark.com