EPISODE · Jul 17, 2025 · 47 MIN
Not an Ending, A Beginning
from Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell · host Susan Burrell
EP #330 - Not an Ending, A Beginning, an interview with author and spiritual practitioner, Nancy MacMillian I know I say this every time—and yes, I’m probably being redundant—but I say it because it’s true. I get to welcome and have chats with so many incredible guests. And this guest, Nancy MacMillian is no exception. She has written an amazing book, and I’m so excited to introduce her. Nancy MacMillian is a gifted storyteller and someone who guides others through one of life’s most profound transitions: Dying. I’m honored to welcome her to Empowering Chats. Nancy’s work focuses on death and dying, and her book, Call to the Far Side, explores how we can approach death with awareness and support our loved ones as they enter this unknown—and often miraculous—part of life. She speaks truths that need to be heard, especially in the Western world, where death is often handled in sterile, clinical settings like ICUs, far from family and loved ones. We talk about the use of medication in the dying process—recognizing that when there’s pain, medication is necessary—but what about when there isn’t? Nancy believes possibilities open up when we allow the body to do what it naturally knows how to do. Nancy discusses the endorphins released near death, and how we might honor the body’s own ability to bring peace and grace. We also explore what it means to die with dignity, kindness, and love. Nancy encourages open conversations about death with those closest to us. When we talk about it—ask questions, share thoughts—it can help us be better companions to those we love as they enter that journey. It help us -the care giver - be more present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. In her book, she also highlights the growing number of resources available today that didn’t exist before, such as Death Doulas, music therapy, massage, and other out-of-the-box options. Her book speaks to the cultural shift happening in how we view death in the West—and it’s a hopeful one. Call to the Far Side reintroduces the idea that death can be beautiful. It’s not something to fear or push away. As Nancy so eloquently puts it, this is about bringing death back into our hearts and homes—and remembering that our dead are not gone; they’re just in the next room. Being intentional and conscious about the dying process can be incredibly supportive—for those who are transitioning, and for those of us walking alongside them. To learn more about Nancy MacMillian visit: NancyMacMillan.com To Purchase her book, Call to the Far Side visit: NancyMacMillan.com/book To view Nancy's Substack Page visit: NancyMacMillan.substack.com To learn more about how I show up in the world visit: SusanBurrell.com
What this episode covers
EP #330 - Not an Ending, A Beginning, an interview with author and spiritual practitioner, Nancy MacMillian I know I say this every time—and yes, I’m probably being redundant—but I say it because it’s true. I get to welcome and have chats with so many incredible guests. And this guest, Nancy MacMillian is no exception. She has written an amazing book, and I’m so excited to introduce her. Nancy MacMillian is a gifted storyteller and someone who guides others through one of life’s most profound transitions: Dying. I’m honored to welcome her to Empowering Chats. Nancy’s work focuses on death and dying, and her book, Call to the Far Side, explores how we can approach death with awareness and support our loved ones as they enter this unknown—and often miraculous—part of life. She speaks truths that need to be heard, especially in the Western world, where death is often handled in sterile, clinical settings like ICUs, far from family and loved ones. We talk about the use of medication in the dying process—recognizing that when there’s pain, medication is necessary—but what about when there isn’t? Nancy believes possibilities open up when we allow the body to do what it naturally knows how to do. Nancy discusses the endorphins released near death, and how we might honor the body’s own ability to bring peace and grace. We also explore what it means to die with dignity, kindness, and love. Nancy encourages open conversations about death with those closest to us. When we talk about it—ask questions, share thoughts—it can help us be better companions to those we love as they enter that journey. It help us -the care giver - be more present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. In her book, she also highlights the growing number of resources available today that didn’t exist before, such as Death Doulas, music therapy, massage, and other out-of-the-box options. Her book speaks to the cultural shift happening in how we view death in the West—and it’s a hopeful one. Call to the Far Side reintroduces the idea that death can be beautiful. It’s not something to fear or push away. As Nancy so eloquently puts it, this is about bringing death back into our hearts and homes—and remembering that our dead are not gone; they’re just in the next room. Being intentional and conscious about the dying process can be incredibly supportive—for those who are transitioning, and for those of us walking alongside them. To learn more about Nancy MacMillian visit: NancyMacMillan.com To Purchase her book, Call to the Far Side visit: NancyMacMillan.com/book To view Nancy's Substack Page visit: NancyMacMillan.substack.com To learn more about how I show up in the world visit: SusanBurrell.com
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Not an Ending, A Beginning
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