What Will They Say About You When You're Gone?

What makes a meaningful funeral or memorial service, and why are more families choosing celebrants to help tell their loved one's story?In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with funeral celebrant, retreat facilitator, and spiritual counselor Rev. DiAnna Ritola to explore the deeply personal work of guiding people through grief, remembrance, and healing. DiAnna shares how growing up around funeral homes shaped her relationship with death, how she found her calling as a celebrant, and why honoring every part of a person's story matters more than creating a "perfect" service.Jennifer and DiAnna discuss why vulnerability is essential during grief, the unique challenges celebrants face, and how collaboration helps families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with compassion and authenticity.Key Topics:-Why personalized funerals create more meaningful goodbyes-The importance of pre-planning your final wishes-How funeral celebrants help families heal through storytelling-Psychedelic therapy and its role in end-of-life care-The legacy we leave through the stories people tell about usQuotes from the episode:"If you know your time is limited, you get the chance to prepare to meet the unknown."— DiAnna Ritola"Why then do you leave your final chapter to be written by somebody else?"— Jennifer MuldowneyTimestamps:[01:43] DiAnna introduces her work as a funeral celebrant, retreat host, spiritual counselor, and psychedelic therapist, sharing how each role supports people through life's biggest transitions.[04:58] DiAnna discusses her training as an end-of-life doula and why psychedelic-assisted therapy is emerging as a powerful tool for people facing terminal illness.[06:27] Jennifer shares the excitement around her upcoming Ireland retreat while discussing the growing interest in healing-focused retreat experiences.[09:17] DiAnna shares how becoming an interfaith minister unexpectedly led her into officiating weddings, funerals, and celebrations of life.[14:16] DiAnna explains how allowing families to be vulnerable during funeral services creates opportunities for healing and genuine support.[17:18] Jennifer discusses the importance of pre-planning to ensure people are remembered according to their identity, wishes, and authentic life.[20:27] Jennifer shares real examples of why documenting your wishes can prevent unnecessary conflict and ensure your voice is honored after death.[21:02] DiAnna explains how seasonal gatherings, rituals, and community create space for women to reconnect, heal, and support one another.[23:25] DiAnna shares how she works alongside individuals to design meaningful ceremonies tailored to their unique life challenges and healing journeys.[26:12] Jennifer and DiAnna reflect on why supporting families through life's most emotional moments remains one of the most meaningful careers they could imagineConnect with Rev. DiAnna Ritola at:Websites - Diannaritola.comEmail: [email protected] with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:Instagram -   / jennifermuldowney  TikTok -   / therealglamreaper  YouTube -    / @theglamreapermuldowney  LinkedIn -   / jennifermuldowney  Facebook Page -   / muldowneymemorials  Email us - [email protected] Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh