When Someone You Love Is Dying: How to Talk, How to Listen (Part 1) episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 22, 2025 · 23 MIN

When Someone You Love Is Dying: How to Talk, How to Listen (Part 1)

from Sorry for Your Loss

In this two-part episode, we step into some of the most tender and difficult conversations of all: what to say—and how to listen—when someone you love is dying. Here in Part 1, hosts Denise Donlon and John Monahan reflect on their own experiences with family and friends in their final days, sharing the lessons, laughter, and moments of grace that came from simply being present.We also meet Dr. Nadine Persaud, a longtime palliative care social worker who has spent nearly two decades at the bedsides of people at the end of life. Nadine offers compassionate, practical guidance on how to start the conversation, what not to say, and why genuine presence matters more than perfect words.From the importance of connection and humour to the small victories that stay with grieving families, this conversation is a reminder that talking about death can bring us closer to life.Links & ResourcesVisit the Mount Pleasant Group website for more information and resources.Advice for Future Corpses (And Those Who Love Them): A Practical Perspective on Death and Dying by Sallie TisdaleCheck out Nadine Persaud on InstagramLearn more about the Kensington Hospice and the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health at Lakehead UniversityPlease note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this two-part episode, we step into some of the most tender and difficult conversations of all: what to say—and how to listen—when someone you love is dying. Here in Part 1, hosts Denise Donlon and John Monahan reflect on their own experiences with family and friends in their final days, sharing the lessons, laughter, and moments of grace that came from simply being present.We also meet Dr. Nadine Persaud, a longtime palliative care social worker who has spent nearly two decades at the bedsides of people at the end of life. Nadine offers compassionate, practical guidance on how to start the conversation, what not to say, and why genuine presence matters more than perfect words.From the importance of connection and humour to the small victories that stay with grieving families, this conversation is a reminder that talking about death can bring us closer to life.Links & ResourcesVisit the Mount Pleasant Group website for more information and resources.Advice for Future Corpses (And Those Who Love Them): A Practical Perspective on Death and Dying by Sallie TisdaleCheck out Nadine Persaud on InstagramLearn more about the Kensington Hospice and the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health at Lakehead UniversityPlease note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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When Someone You Love Is Dying: How to Talk, How to Listen (Part 1)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Sorry for Your Loss?

This episode is 23 minutes long.

When was this Sorry for Your Loss episode published?

This episode was published on October 22, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this two-part episode, we step into some of the most tender and difficult conversations of all: what to say—and how to listen—when someone you love is dying. Here in Part 1, hosts Denise Donlon and John Monahan reflect on their own experiences...

Can I download this Sorry for Your Loss episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
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