Glynis German on Death, Grief and End-of-Life Planning in Mallorca

This week on the Majorca Mallorca podcast, Vicki sits down with Glynis German for a conversation about one of life’s few certainties, death.It may sound like a heavy topic, but this episode is full of warmth, honesty, humour and practical advice. Glynis shares how her background, family life and years in Mallorca led her to become an end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant and host of Death Cafés.They talk about why death is still such a difficult subject for many people, how grief needs space rather than silence, and why planning ahead can make an enormous difference for families. The conversation also explores what happens when someone dies in Mallorca, why funerals happen so quickly here, what repatriation involves, and why understanding the system matters whether you live on the island or are simply visiting.Glynis also explains the role of a death doula, the purpose of Death Cafés, and why asking “what matters to you?” can be far more helpful than asking “what’s the matter with you?”This is a compassionate, fascinating and very human episode about grief, ceremony, community and making peace with difficult conversations.What we cover in this episodeGlynis German’s journey from Jamaica and Wales to MallorcaWhy Mallorca reminds her of WalesHer work as a celebrant, funeral celebrant and end-of-life doulaWhat a death doula actually doesWhy funerals matter in the grieving processHow families are becoming more involved in eulogiesThe cultural differences around death in MallorcaWhy funerals happen so quickly on the islandThe importance of funeral planning, paperwork and insuranceRepatriation and what happens if someone dies abroadWhat a Death Café is, and what it is notWhy talking openly about death can be a reliefSupport options in Mallorca for grief, illness and end-of-life careChapter markers00:00 Introduction00:20 Meet Glynis German01:09 Growing up Jamaican and Welsh03:11 How Glynis ended up in Mallorca05:33 Why Mallorca reminds her of Wales08:03 Life and work on the island10:53 Becoming an end-of-life doula and celebrant13:39 Holding space for weddings, funerals and families16:29 Asking not “what’s the matter?” but “what matters?”19:41 Why funerals are such an important part of grief22:01 Memorials, rituals and saying goodbye in different ways24:45 What happens when someone dies in Mallorca26:53 Funeral costs, planning and practical realities32:45 Repatriation, travel insurance and preparing ahead38:05 Why Glynis was drawn to working with death and dying42:18 Death Cafés in Mallorca and how they help47:31 Why these conversations matter for grief and loss51:01 What a death doula actually does53:16 An old role returning in a modern form56:56 Spirituality, grief and finding peace01:02:21 Advice for anyone feeling anxious about death01:05:18 How to contact Glynis and find support01:07:58 OutroYou can get in touch with Glynis here https://glynisgermanfunerals.com/Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.esPlease follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media:FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.esFACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorcaINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/