Live Like You’re Dying: A Hospice Chaplain on Death and the Meaning of Life

Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, Adam Tomlin sits down with Lee Atherton, a hospice chaplain and end-of-life grief coach, for a deeply meaningful and eye-opening conversation about death, dying, and what it truly means to live a complete life. What begins as a discussion about Lee’s unique career quickly evolves into a powerful exploration of grief, spirituality, and the human experience at life’s most vulnerable moments.Lee shares how she unexpectedly found her calling in hospice care and what it’s like to walk alongside people as they live the final chapter of their lives. From supporting families through grief to helping individuals find peace, forgiveness, and connection before they pass, she offers insight into the emotional, spiritual, and psychological realities of end-of-life care. Adam and Lee also dive into the common fears people face around death, the importance of saying goodbye, and how unresolved relationships can impact both the dying process and the grieving process.Throughout the conversation, Lee breaks down what grief actually looks like—why it doesn’t follow a linear path, how it can resurface years later, and why it’s different for everyone. Adam shares personal stories of loss, adding a raw and relatable layer to the discussion, while Lee offers perspective on how to navigate grief in a healthy, supported way. They also explore powerful moments from Lee’s career, including helping reconnect families, fulfilling final wishes, and witnessing the unexplainable experiences that often happen at the end of life.If you’ve ever wondered what happens at the end of life, how to cope with grief, or what truly matters when everything else fades away, this episode offers a perspective that is both grounding and deeply impactful.Learn more about Lee Atherton: https://www.coachrev.com/Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions.Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dcOther ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast:Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcastCredits:Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce