DEATH AND with Victor M. Sweeney

Death And Grief Resources (with Laura Jaye Cramer)

In this episode of "Death And," mortician Victor M. Sweeney sits down with Laura Jaye Cramer, founder of Candlelight Magazine, to explore the world of grief resources and the power of connection in navigating loss. The conversation centers on Laura’s personal story of losing both her father and brother to suicide in quick succession, and how those experiences inspired her to create a grief periodical that embraces a wide range of voices and experiences. Victor and Laura candidly discuss how people struggle to say the right thing after a death, the complexity of emotions around suicide, and the often-messy realities of grieving, the importance of community, and the resources viable to those experiencing the grief of a loved one. 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: Call or text 988 NATIONAL SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 1-800-622-HELP TREVOR PROJECT ONLINE (dedicated to LGBTQ+): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678 BOYS TOWN NATIONAL HOTLINE: Text “Voice” to 20121 CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text “Heal” to 741-741 TEEN LINE: Call 800-852-8336 or text “Teen” to 839-863 YOUR LIFE YOUR VOICE: Call 800-448-3000 YOU ARE NOT ALONE NETWORK: Call 1-877-209-1266 https://waitingroompublishing.com http://deathandpodcast.com http://youtube.com/@victormsweeney http://instagram.com/victor.m.sweeney http://tiktok.com/@victormsweeney http://x.com/victormsweeney http://simonandschuster.com/books/Now-Departing/Victor-M-Sweeney/9781668062111 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Death And Cryonics (with James Arrowood)

In this episode of "Death And," mortician and funeral director Victor M. Sweeney sits down with James Arrowood, CEO of Alcor Life Extension Foundation, to explore what cryonics actually is—preserving the viability of cells after death for possible future resuscitation—while busting myths about “raising the dead.” James explains how Alcor operates as a nonprofit dedicated more to scientific progress than sci-fi dreams, and shares personal stories, including the recent cryopreservation of a beloved staff member. Victor and James reflect on the emotional, ethical, and even spiritual sides of this process, drawing surprising parallels between funeral service and cryonics. https://www.alcor.org https://www.instagram.com/alcorcryonics https://www.facebook.com/alcor.life.extension.foundation/ http://deathandpodcast.com http://youtube.com/@victormsweeney http://instagram.com/victor.m.sweeney http://tiktok.com/@victormsweeney http://x.com/victormsweeney http://simonandschuster.com/books/Now-Departing/Victor-M-Sweeney/9781668062111 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Death And Birding (with Nick Lund)

In this episode of "Death And," mortician and funeral director Victor M. Sweeney welcomes birder and conservationist Nick Lund for an engaging exploration of the intersection between death and birdwatching. The conversation takes flight with observations about vultures—often unfairly maligned for their association with death—and the crucial role they play in the ecosystem. Victor and Nick swap stories about birding in cemeteries, the surprising beauty of carrion birds, and the way cemeteries serve as vital green spaces for both grieving families and bird enthusiasts. Along the way, they discuss the movement to rename birds previously named after problematic historical figures and dive into how both birding and death remind us of our place in the natural world. http://www.nicholaslund.com http://www.thebirdist.com http://instagram.com/maineaudubon https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/nick-lund/world-without-birds/9781523518029/?lens=workman-kids https://scottandnix.com/products/copy-of-american-birding-association-field-guide-to-birds-of-maine?srsltid=AfmBOoqNBlLFDljfEZsNW3yOjTYX4P8RaYh-3ByaITQWQ0QJ1bdEfXfp http://deathandpodcast.com http://youtube.com/@victormsweeney http://instagram.com/victor.m.sweeney http://tiktok.com/@victormsweeney http://x.com/victormsweeney http://simonandschuster.com/books/Now-Departing/Victor-M-Sweeney/9781668062111 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Death And Psychedelics (with Dr. Manish Agrawal)

In this episode of "Death And," mortician Victor M. Sweeney sits down with Manish Agrawal, MD, an oncologist and CEO of Sunstone Therapies, to explore the intersection of death and psychedelics. Their conversation goes far beyond the mechanics of psychedelic drugs, delving into how psychedelic-assisted therapy helps people find meaning in the face of terminal illness and existential anxiety. Dr. Agrawal shares stories from his work with cancer patients, highlighting how these therapies can help people process suffering, reevaluate relationships, and approach the end of life with a sense of peace and connection. Victor reflects on his own experiences as an undertaker, drawing parallels between his work and Dr. Agrawal’s, as both professions invite people to confront death in ways that can transform how they live. http://sunstonetherapies.com http://deathandpodcast.com http://youtube.com/@victormsweeney http://instagram.com/victor.m.sweeney http://tiktok.com/@victormsweeney http://x.com/victormsweeney http://simonandschuster.com/books/Now-Departing/Victor-M-Sweeney/9781668062111 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Death And Funeral Etiquette

In this episode of "Death And," undertaker Victor M. Sweeney unpacks the intricacies of funeral etiquette and why our presence at funerals matters. He educates on topics like • Should you attend a funeral for someone you weren’t particularly close to? • Is it appropriate to bring kids to a funeral or visiting hours? • Should you send flowers or make a donation? • What is appropriate funeral attire (and what isn’t?) • How should you comfort those who are grieving? • And more http://deathandpodcast.com http://youtube.com/@victormsweeney http://instagram.com/victor.m.sweeney http://tiktok.com/@victormsweeney http://x.com/victormsweeney http://simonandschuster.com/books/Now-Departing/Victor-M-Sweeney/9781668062111 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]