Today Sheila & Kelsey Jae explore the myths and beliefs surrounding death across cultures. From the Egyptian Duat, to the cycles of Hindu Samsara, to the presence of Japanese Kami, and more. Each myth offers a glimpse into how humanity has grappled with the mystery of death and its place in the cycle of life, and how these stories help us to understand death and grief. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 11/17/24.
Sheila and Kelsey Jae interview Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes. The conversation delves into Jessica's journey of parenting her daughter, Dalia, who suffered from MERRF syndrome—a rare and degenerative mitochondrial disorder—and the impact of losing her to the disease in 2022. Jessica discusses how her profound experiences of grief and resilience, including the losses of her parents and two sisters, shaped her understanding of family and advocacy. Together, they explore themes of ambiguous grief, the challenges of caregiving, and finding hope amid loss. Jessica also shares insights into the support systems and relationships that sustained her during difficult times. Through these reflections, she brings forward the complex emotional journey of losing loved ones while keeping their memories alive and allowing herself to feel her humanity fully. Breath Taking is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Bookshop, and you can find it on Spotify Audiobooks and wherever you get your books. To learn more and keep in touch with Jessica, please visit www.jessicafeinstories.com and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Goodreads, and of course through her podcast “I Don’t Know How You Do It.” Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 11/3/24.
Happy Halloween!!! Sheila is joined this week by her *other* daughter, Kaylee! They discuss the mystery of the afterlife with a little familial twist. Kaylee shares her intriguing encounters with spirits, while they explore the uncanny experiences of Sheila’s five-year-old grandson, who’s been seeing ghosts and things from beyond. Alongside some spooky tales, they veer off into a mix of silly, nonsensical, and slightly terrifying topics, taking a detour to the supernatural and back. Buckle up for a blend of insight, family stories, and some off-the-rails laughter that might just give you goosebumps! Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 10/27/24.
Sheila recounts her visit to the Ohio Insane Asylum Cemetery. Dive into the history of the asylum and the untold stories of the patients buried there. Once forgotten, the cemetery is now recognized for its historical value and its place in the mental health journey of our country, a stark reminder of how far we've come and how much further there is to go. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 10/20/24.
In this chilling episode, Sheila and Kelsey Jae travel back to 1876 to uncover one of the deadliest train accidents in American history: the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster. They recount the harrowing tale of a frigid winter night when a passenger train plunged into the icy waters of Ashtabula, Ohio, after a bridge collapsed beneath it. They discuss the haunting aftermath of this tragedy that claimed nearly 100 lives and the subsequent deaths of the men responsible for building the ‘faulty’ bridge. Perfect for history buffs, spiritual seekers, and anyone intrigued by tales from the other side! Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 10/13/24.
Sheila and Kelsey Jae venture into the heart of the animal kingdom to uncover the surprising ways animals express grief. Sheila takes us through the moving displays of animal mourning and discovers the profound emotional connections that animals share. Kelsey Jae reads a story from Warren’s sister about the recent loss of her cat and how her other pets have reacted since. This episode reveals the depth of grief beyond the human experience and offers a unique perspective on the beauty of mourning in the natural world. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. Talk Deathy to Me is produced, audio-engineered, & edited by Warren Davidson. Our podcast’s original music is composed by Post Holiday.
In this "You're Dead So Now What?" Episode, Kelsey takes Sheila on a journey to Japan's sacred Okunoin Cemetery, located on the misty slopes of Mount Koya. As she tells the story of Kobo Daishi, eternal meditation, and the spiritual depth of this vast burial ground, they reflect on the quiet reverence Okunoin holds, from its towering cedar trees to the ancient lanterns that have burned for centuries, and how it blurs the lines between life and death in ways that feel both haunting and serene. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 9/19/24.
Sheila and Kelsey Jae dive into the often-overlooked practice of maintaining good spiritual hygiene. Just like we wash our bodies to stay healthy, keeping our spiritual selves clean is essential for mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. This is critical in your waking life and in preparation for your death, so why not aim to keep up with it always? This topic was so insightful it turned into a Two-Parter! Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 9/6/24.
In this episode, Sheila opens up about the deeply personal moment she was first called a "widow." Through her reflections, she shares how this unexpected label not only reshaped her identity but also taught her profound lessons about life, empathy, and the complexities of long-term grieving. Sheila delves into the emotional journey of navigating loss, the evolution of her interactions with others, and the enduring impact of grief on the human spirit. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the power of connection. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 8/16/24.
Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore the crucial role that communities play in supporting individuals and families through the grieving process. They discuss how community involvement fosters resilience and healing by offering networks of compassion and understanding, highlighting the influence of cultural and regional differences on mourning practices. This episode emphasizes the importance of personalized support during end-of-life care and after death, as well as the role of community education and awareness initiatives in reducing stigma around death and promoting open discussions. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 8/8/24.
Join the ladies as they dive into the strangest and most unusual historic deaths from around the globe. In this quirky episode, Sheila and Kelsey Jae recount the bizarre demise of famous figures, from the tragic irony of Franz Reichelt's parachute jump off the Eiffel Tower to the peculiar end of Greek philosopher Chrysippus, who reportedly died from laughing at his own joke. Prepare to be amazed, amused, and astounded as they share stories that prove truth is often stranger than fiction. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 7/30/24.
Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, OH. In this episode, they uncover fascinating stories of notable figures like John D. Rockefeller and President James A. Garfield. Discover the cemetery's beautiful monuments, rich history, and the art and symbolism that bring its legacy to life. Tune in for a captivating journey through one of Cleveland's most iconic landmarks. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 7/19/24.
In Episode 24 of 'Talk Deathy To Me', we delve into the concept of "La Petite Mort" — the small deaths that occur throughout life after losing a loved one. Join Sheila and Kelsey Jae as they explore the unexpected moments when grief resurfaces, from a familiar scent to a fleeting memory, and how these experiences shape our ongoing relationship with loss. Through personal stories and expert insights, they navigate the complexities of mourning over time and across various life milestones. Tune in as they discuss the profound impact of these 'little deaths' and explore strategies for navigating grief in everyday life. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 7/10/24.
Join us on a haunting journey through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the past whispers through weathered tombstones and crumbling mausoleums. In this episode of 'Talk Deathy To Me', we explore the tales of those laid to rest within this atmospheric cemetery. From notable figures of Edinburgh's past to ordinary lives, discover how their stories illuminate our understanding of life, death, and the enduring legacy of memory. Tune in as we uncover the hidden narratives of Greyfriars Kirkyard and ponder the age-old question: what happens after we're gone? Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 7/9/24.
In part two, Sheila and Kelsey Jae explore daily rituals and techniques like grounding, energy protection, and meditation that can help clear negative energies and strengthen your spiritual boundaries. Plus, general boundaries! Whether you are new to the idea or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical tips to help you stay energetically aligned in an increasingly chaotic world. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. Talk Deathy to Me is produced, audio-engineered, & edited by Warren Davidson. Our podcast’s original music is composed by Post Holiday.
Sheila takes Kelsey Jae and Warren on a journey through the cemeteries she encountered along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. As she visits other cemeteries along the pilgrimage route, Sheila reflects on the grave of a pilgrim who never finished their journey, medieval legends, and the enduring connections between life, death, and the spiritual path of the Camino. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on https://www.instagram.com/talkdeathytome! Email your stories, questions, and musings to mailto:talkdeathytome@gmail.com. Talk Deathy to Me is produced, audio-engineered, & edited byhttps://www.instagram.com/warrenisbusy/. Our podcast’s original music is composed by http://instagram.com/postholiday.wav.
Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one to death—it’s about losing anything deeply meaningful. In this episode, Sheila, Kelsey Jae, and Kaylee share their personal experiences with grief that don’t fit the traditional mold: widowhood and identity loss, leaving an abusive relationship, and the heartbreak of a lost friendship.They explore how grief manifests emotionally, physically, and socially, why non-death grief is often overlooked, and how to navigate the healing process. Whether you’re grieving a person, a place, a dream, or a version of yourself, your grief is real—and you are not alone.Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. Our podcast is produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Kelsey Jae.
Hello dear listeners, this week we’ve decided to share an episode on a topic in which we’ve heard a number of questions about how to talk about grief, death, and loss with children. Kelsey Jae has stepped aside for this episode to let her sister Kaylee, who joined us earlier in this season, come on to speak about this topic with Sheila. Kaylee is the mother of a five year old. Enjoy this generational clashing of the minds! Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 7/1/24.
This episode focuses on the importance of touch when ushering a loved one to the next plane during your hospice journey (or really any point!). Sheila provides personal examples from a widow's perspective and advice from the perspective of a Death Doula for how touch in the end of life is a critical form of communication and connection. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 6/24/24.
Sheila and Kelsey Jae cover a variety of funeral and celebration of life customs in today’s episode. They talk about their favorites, discuss spirituality, and theorize the origins of some of these customs and the ways these customs may come to life. They discuss a suggested location from listener Charlotte about Venzone, Italy where people live with their mummified bodies of their ancestors and how this was discovered widely in 1950 and soon published in Life Magazine. Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and Spotify and following us on Instagram! Email your stories, questions, and musings to talkdeathytome@gmail.com. This episode was produced, audio-engineered, and edited by Chris DiCola. The original version of this episode was posted on 6/17/24.