EPISODE · Feb 28, 2026 · 1H 8M
What Really Happens During Embalming? + Aquamation & Human Composting - Dealing with Grief, Dying, and Death
from End of Life Conversations: Normalizing Talk About Death, Dying, and Grief · host Rev Annalouiza Armendariz & Rev Wakil David Matthews & Ray Chel
Send us Fan MailEmbalming is often treated as a default. But how much do we actually understand about it?In this episode, we speak with Ray Chel, creator of the online zine The Lil’ Undertaker’s Embalming Guide. Using a fictional mortician narrator, Ray created an accessible and creative way to explain the embalming process while also introducing alternatives such as aquamation and natural organic reduction, commonly known as human composting.Rather than teaching the technical steps, this conversation explores:Why embalming is so rarely discussed openlyHow families end up choosing itWhat alternatives to embalming are gaining tractionThe rise of green funeral optionsHow creative media can reshape death literacyWhether you work in the death space or are simply trying to make informed decisions before a crisis, this episode offers insight into how funeral practices are evolving.Instagram: @chelsartistry TikTok: @chelsartistry and @villagevultures https://chelsartistry.etsy.com/Season 3 Episode 6 - Compassionate End-of-Life Care for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community with Tianna DargentSeason 1 Episode 18 - Providing Resources and Support for the LGBTQ+ Community - with Grief Specialist Gary SturgisSeason 3 Episode 5 - Culturally Sensitive Training with Joe'l the Grave WomanSupport the showWe very much want to hear your thoughts. Please join us on Substack for our community chat.This podcast helps anyone dealing with loss. It can guide you with end-of-life planning and death-positive resources. Check out our introductory episode to learn more about Annalouiza, Wakil, and our vision/mission to normalize and destigmatize conversations about death, dying, grief, and loss.You can find us on SubStack, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one-on-one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at [email protected] want to be transparent that we use AI tools to help us with titles, show notes, editing, and introductions....
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Send us Fan Mail Embalming is often treated as a default. But how much do we actually understand about it? In this episode, we speak with Ray Chel, creator of the online zine The Lil’ Undertaker’s Embalming Guide. Using a fictional mortician narrator, Ray created an accessible and creative way to explain the embalming process while also introducing alternatives such as aquamation and natural organic reduction, commonly known as human composting. Rather than teaching the technical steps, this ...
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What Really Happens During Embalming? + Aquamation & Human Composting - Dealing with Grief, Dying, and Death
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