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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this insightful episode of Flightless Bird, David Farrier sits down with death doula and end-of-life planner Kathleen Hasay, as well as her mentor Alua Arthur, the founder of Going With Grace. Together, they explore the often-overlooked aspects of death and dying, sharing their expertise on how to approach end-of-life planning with compassion and dignity. Kathleen discusses her work supporting individuals and families through the emotional and practical challenges of the dying process, while Alua offers her wisdom on the profound role of a death doula. This conversation covers the importance of preparation, legacy, and how we can create peace and intention in our final moments. Tune in for a powerful and enlightening discussion on embracing mortality and the art of dying well.