Episode 184: What Does It Feel Like to Die?, with Jennie Dear

My guest is Jennie Dear. Her new book is What Does It Feel Like to Die?: Inspiring New Insights into the Experience of Dying, As a long-time hospice volunteer, Jennie Dear has helped countless patients, families, and caregivers cope with the many challenges of the dying process. Inspired by her own personal journey with her mother’s long-term illness, Dear demystifies the experience of dying for everyone whose lives it touches. She spoke to doctors, nurses, and caregivers, as well as families, friends, and the patients themselves. The result is a brilliantly researched, eye-opening account that combines the latest medical findings with sensitive human insights to offer real emotional support and answers to some of the questions that affect us all. Does dying hurt? A frank discussion of whether dying has to be painful—and why it sometimes is even when treatment is readily available. Is there a better way to cope with dying? Comforting stories of people who found peace in the face of death , and some of the expert methods they used for getting there. The last few hours: What does it feel like to die? Powerful glimpses from dedicated professionals into the physical experiences of people in their final moments—plus comforting words and insights from those who are there to help. Jennie Dear is a former journalist and associate professor of English, and a long-time hospice volunteer. She received her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico, wrote articles for local newspapers, and taught for ten years at Fort Lewis College in Durango.Special Guest: Jennie Dear.