A Beautiful Goodbye: What a Veterinarian Taught Me About Being an End-of-Life Doula in San Diego
As a death doula, I often say that how we say goodbye shapes how we grieve and heal. In this conversation with Dr. Benson of Paws into Grace, I explore the parallels between her work supporting animals at the end of life and my own work with humans — how both are rooted in compassion, choice, and the belief that even in goodbye, there can be beauty.
Bridging Compassion: Featured on Tranquil Touch Pet Aquamation
I recently had the joy of being interviewed by Dr. Anna Evans, founder of Tranquil Touch Pet Aquamation, gentle, eco-friendly aftercare for pets. Our conversation centered on my work as a Death Doula, what it means to guide individuals and families through the end-of-life process, and how love and death are deeply connected parts of the same story.
Advance Healthcare Directives: A Loving Act of Planning Ahead
Creating an advance healthcare directive is a simple, loving way to make sure your wishes are honored. Learn how to start and find your state’s forms here.
What Is a Death Doula (and Why Their Support Matters)
What does a death doula actually do? As a certified death doula and end-of-life planner based in San Diego, I help individuals and families navigate the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of dying — with compassion, clarity, and care.
Discovering a Gentle Alternative: A Death Doula’s Conversation with Dr. Anna Simpson Evans on Pet Aquamation
As a death doula, I’ve long known about aquamation as an option for people, but I hadn’t realized it was available for pets too. In this conversation with Dr. Anna Simpson Evans of Tranquil Touch in Connecticut, we explore this gentle, eco-friendly process and how it’s changing what end-of-life care for animals can look like.
How to Talk to Your Parents About End-of-Life Wishes (A Guide for You… and Me)
If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your parents about end-of-life wishes without it feeling heavy or weird, you’re not alone. I’m walking through it too — and sharing a gentle framework to help make the conversation easier, more honest, and even unexpectedly meaningful.
A New Perspective on Medical Aid in Dying — Thanks to My Dog, Bella
When we said goodbye to our 14-year-old Golden Retriever, Bella, the compassion was universal. Yet when humans choose to end their own suffering, it’s still met with fear and judgment. This reflection explores why that is — and why understanding Medical Aid in Dying matters.
From Soundtracks to Sacred Space: My Journey from Music Supervision to Death Work
Before becoming a death doula, I spent nearly two decades as a music supervisor—placing songs in films, building soundtracks, and running a company with my wife. But a podcast, a family loss, and a deep pull from the universe led me into a new chapter: end-of-life work. This is the story of how I moved from scoring movies to holding space for life’s final act.
What “The Pitt” Got Right About End-of-Life
So much of what we see on TV about illness and death feels unreal— either miraculous recoveries or overly “tidy” goodbyes. The Pitt stood out because it showed end-of-life as it really is: complex, emotional, and deeply human. With guidance from Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider and the End Well Project, the Emmy-winning series brought honesty and compassion to the screen in a way that truly matters.
Palliative Care isn’t just for humans…
My 12-year-old Labrador, Snow, has lived with a heart condition for some time. But when she recently developed unexplained anemia, I found myself stepping into the world of palliative care—not just as a death doula, but as her mom. This journey has reinforced for me that palliative care isn’t about giving up, but about prioritizing comfort, dignity, and love. What I’m learning with Snow deepens how I support others and reminds me that presence is the greatest gift we can give.
insights from Dr. Sunita Puri, M.D.
When I heard Dr. Sunita Puri speak about end-of-life care, I was struck by her clarity, compassion, and honesty. As a palliative care physician, she speaks from the frontlines of life’s final chapter. In this post, I reflect on the most powerful lessons from her conversation with Dr. Lucy McBride—on truth-telling, language, and learning to let death unfold naturally.
Grief Resources
Looking for support after loss? This guide offers the best grief resources—including expert-recommended books, websites, and TED Talks—to help you understand and navigate grief. Featuring insights from Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, David Kessler, Megan Devine, and more, this curated list provides compassionate tools for emotional healing, grief education, and support for anyone experiencing bereavement.
What Is a Death Doula? A Guide to Working With a San Diego Death Doula
In this blog post, I explore the role of a death doula—a trained professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support for those nearing the end of life. As a certified death doula and end-of-life planner, I share how this holistic support can help families navigate both the dying process and the logistical challenges after death occurs. From planning ahead to easing post-death tasks, this post highlights why it’s never too early to start thinking about your end-of-life wishes and how a death doula can provide invaluable support during one of life’s most profound transitions.
Talking Death and Doulas with David Farrier on Flightless Bird
San Diego death doula Kathleen from The Ever After Collective joins David Farrier on the Flightless Bird podcast to discuss death, dying, and how end-of-life planning can bring peace and meaning.