The Pure Podcast

How changing attitudes are reshaping funerals

Funerals are changing. For some families, the traditional service remains an important moment of witness and togetherness. For others, the cremation happens quietly, with a gathering held later — or in a different way entirely. In this episode of The Pure Podcast, our content lead Sabine Groven speaks with Prof Kate Woodthorpe, sociologist and co-director of the Centre for Death and Society at the University of Bath, about how our attitudes towards death and funerals are evolving. Drawing on more than two decades of research, Kate reflects on how conversations around death have shifted from something once seen as niche or uncomfortable to a subject people are increasingly willing to approach openly. They discuss the rise of direct cremation, the growing influence of digital memorials, and the reality that today’s families are more used to questioning tradition and making choices that reflect their own values. In the interview, Kate mentions two research papers: ‘My Memories of the Time We Had Together Are More Important’: Direct Cremation and the Privatisation of UK Funerals [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00380385211036350]: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00380385211036350  Bodies and ceremonies: is the UK funeral industry still fit for purpose? [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13576275.2016.1205574?casa_token=4yR8RBtSo5QAAAAA%3AKZ9aWY-en4UinZbZfRsICzjMWBkYea5hXqrUX_emJH5uiwwxSJWvobGF-d3pPQweDtzGrCOQbEU]: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13576275.2016.1205574?casa_token=4yR8RBtSo5QAAAAA%3AKZ9aWY-en4UinZbZfRsICzjMWBkYea5hXqrUX_emJH5uiwwxSJWvobGF-d3pPQweDtzGrCOQbEU

How to write and give a eulogy

In the third episode of The Pure Podcast, our content lead Sabine speaks with celebrant Miranda Ash about one of the hardest tasks many of us face: finding the words to honour someone we love. Miranda has years of experience writing and delivering eulogies and supporting families through the practical and emotional work of saying goodbye. She brings advice and creative ideas that make the task feel less impossible – whether you’re writing at short notice, worried about becoming overwhelmed, or simply unsure where to start.

Do I need a Will?

In the second instalment of The Pure Podcast, Pure Cremation's Content Lead Sabine Groven sits down with Veronica Mullins, Partner and Head of the Private Wealth and Succession Team at Ramsdens Solicitors, to talk about something many of us tend to put off – making a Will. With more than 20 years’ experience helping people navigate life’s legal milestones, Veronica brings clarity, compassion and practical advice to a subject that can feel daunting. Because even though most of us know we should write a Will, more than half of UK adults still haven’t, meaning many of us could be leaving some of life’s most important decisions to chance. In this conversation, Veronica explains what a Will really is, how to make sure yours is legally valid, the common pitfalls to avoid, and why it’s never too early, or too late, to get started.

What happens to us when we’re grieving?

What happens to our brains and bodies when we’re grieving? Why is it so hard to truly understand that our loved ones are gone, even when we know it with our minds? How does grief change our relationships, our health, and even the way we experience the world?  In the first-ever episode of The Pure Podcast, our Content Lead Sabine Groven speaks with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, grief expert, psychologist, neuroscientist, professor and author of The Grieving Brain and The Grieving Body, to explore these questions and more. In the episode, we mention progressive muscle relaxation. If you want to try it, you can use this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=912eRrbes2g