Can Home Wakes Be The Answer To Traumatic Grief with Guest Lee Webster —Former President of the NHFA episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 3, 2025 · 56 MIN

Can Home Wakes Be The Answer To Traumatic Grief with Guest Lee Webster —Former President of the NHFA

from Ask a Death Doula · host Suzanne B. O’Brien RN

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Lee Webster. Have you ever considered the lost art of caring for our deceased loved ones personally? Lee Webster, a pioneer in end-of-life care, shares her profound insights into how society has shifted away from hands-on death care, and what we can do to reclaim these sacred practices. With her journey from a hospice volunteer to a leader in national end-of-life organizations, Lee unravels the layers of fear and distance created by modern funeral industry practices and public health concerns, encouraging us to rediscover the empowering aspects of home funerals and personalized rituals. Journey with us as we explore the historical transformation of our approach to death and mourning, and how societal norms have distanced us from the deceased. Lee Webster argues that by reclaiming intimate acts, such as bathing our deceased, we not only honor them but also provide ourselves with an essential, cathartic outlet for grief. Discover how slowing down and creating meaningful rituals can lead to healthier mourning, turning a potentially traumatic period into one of emotional and spiritual reflection. As we wrap up our conversation with Lee, the focus turns to the financial and environmental implications of modern funeral practices. By highlighting the benefits of natural burials, Lee emphasizes the importance of making informed, cost-effective choices that honor our loved ones while considering the planet's well-being. Through personal anecdotes and insights, we explore how families can create lasting memories with small, meaningful gestures, transforming the end-of-life process into an authentic, healing experience.   (00:02) Empowering Choices in End-of-Life Care (07:41) The Sacred Practice of Caring (12:39) Creating Meaningful End-of-Life Rituals (21:43) Practical Aspects of End-of-Life Care (27:56) Reclaiming Authentic End-of-Life Practices (37:40) Revolutionizing End-of-Life Choices   ⚡ Lifting The Lid Festival of Death and Dying (November 14-16, 2025) — Grab your tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/liftingthelid/1853754    Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here  Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE  Or visit our website here!  GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here     Links mentioned in this episode: National Home Funeral Alliance End of Life Doula Alliance Green Burial Council Conservation Burial Alliance Funeral Consumers Alliance    Please Share!   Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker? Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience.    Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube       JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE   This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education Join Here: 4491664174178077   ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑ If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily.  Click here to subscribe!   ツ  CONNECT WITH ME  ツ Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too: Instagram Facebook TikTok Website Podcast   #deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Nov 3, 2025

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In this enlightening episode, Lee Webster, a leader in end-of-life care, shares her journey and insights on transforming the way we approach death and mourning. The episode delves into the history and societal changes that have distanced us from personal end-of-life rituals and how reclaiming these practices can empower individuals and families. Lee discusses the significance of home funerals and natural burials, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and environmental benefits of caring for deceased loved ones personally. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, the podcast encourages listeners to reconsider conventional funeral practices, highlighting the importance of meaningful rituals and community involvement in end-of-life care.

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Can Home Wakes Be The Answer To Traumatic Grief with Guest Lee Webster —Former President of the NHFA

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