Before You Go

For the final episode of the season, host Natalie Buster sits down with the visionaries behind Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying: co-founders Edwin and Patsy Sasek.Edwin and Patsy share the journey of creating Abode, a space that many guests, staff, and volunteers describe not just as a facility, but as "coming home". They detail how their vision transcended mere caregiving, instead weaving their profound love of art, nature, and spirituality into the very foundation of the building.Learn about the spiritual significance of the property's design, including the over 20 oak trees whose roots symbolize communication and support for the home's mission. Most movingly, Edwin shares the special story of how prayers and scriptures from various world traditions (Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Native American) were physically written on note cards and placed inside the walls and on the beams during construction, ensuring the house itself is a constant source of blessing and grounding.[00:00:00] Host's First Impression: Natalie describes her first visit to Abode, feeling that it was a special, peaceful place, like "coming home" and a "safe nest."[00:01:05] Introducing the Visionaries: The host introduces co-founders Edwin and Patsy Sasek.[00:01:15] The Integration of Art and Spirituality: The Saseks discuss how they wove their love of art and spirituality into the atmosphere of Abode, making it a sacred, social, and spiritual place.[00:03:06] The Foundational Philosophy: Edwin and Patsy explain the goal of designing Abode to feel like a beautiful, welcoming home grounded in compassion and warmth.[00:04:24] The Art of Nature: The founders discuss their intentional search for a property with abundant nature, finding over 20 oak trees whose presence instantly told them, "this is it."[00:05:54] The Metaphor of the Roots: Patsy explains that the roots of the trees are a powerful metaphor, communicating and providing support that nourishes Abode’s mission and community.[00:08:16] Prayers in the Beams: Edwin shares the story of how they added prayers and scriptures from various world traditions to the interior walls and beams of the house during construction.[00:14:19] Imagination and the Language of Dying: Natalie discusses the importance of being open to the imagination, dreams, and the unique language a person experiences at the end of life.[00:15:36] The Full Sensory Experience: Patsy discusses how art, music, yoga, and other sensory experiences act together to provide peace in a guest's last days.[00:17:10] The Story of the Repurposed Doors: Edwin tells a story about turning "trash" into treasure by repurposing old doors from a hotel for use at Abode.[00:21:14] Guest Story: Carolyn and Watercolors: A story is shared about a guest named Carolyn who rallied for months and found emotional release through painting with watercolors, which were later used in a Christmas appeal.[00:25:14] Guest Story: Ceramics for Catharsis: Edwin tells a story of another guest who made beehive-like ceramic vessels to express and release anger and grief.[00:26:34] Art as an Antidote to Fear: Edwin discusses how art is the antidote to fear, bringing people into a "liminal space of awe."[00:33:31] Mindfulness in Everyday Life: Discussion on integrating mindfulness into simple actions, like washing dishes, to foster awareness and gratitude.[00:36:23] Being Engaged vs. Doing: Edwin reflects on the importance of appreciating "being engaged with" life rather than focusing on "doing."

Natalie Buster welcomes Kristin Bunyard, an artist and author who is not afraid of the podcast's core philosophy: "We're all going to die."Kristin works with death every day, first as an ossuary jeweler, which is Latin for "house of bones." Kristin shares how she ethically sources materials, transforming bones from roadkill and farm animals into stunning, contemplative art and jewelry. She also explains her philosophy on pet memorial pieces, often encouraging sculptural work so that beloved animals can still be "seen every day" in the home.The conversation then turns to her end-of-life workbook, aptly titled We're All Going to Die. Kristin reveals how a personal experience planning her grandmother's funeral—and the realization that her family lacked critical details—prompted her to create a straightforward guide for planning your final days.Guest: Kristin Bunyard, Ossuary Jeweler and AuthorHost: Natalie Buster (affiliated with Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying in San Antonio, Texas)Book Mentioned: We’re All Going to Die (End-of-Life Workbook)[00:00:00] The Core Philosophy: The host introduces the empowering idea that the sentence "We're all going to die" should empower, not frighten, us.[00:00:23] Introducing Kristin Bunyard: The host introduces Kristin, an ossuary jeweler and author of the end-of-life workbook We’re All Going to Die.[00:01:44] Defining "Ossuary Jeweler": Kristin explains the origin of the term, noting that "ossuary" is the Latin word for "house of bones".[00:02:30] Sourcing the Materials: Kristin discusses her dedication to ethical sourcing, obtaining materials from roadkill, farm deaths, and occasionally for pet memorial pieces.[00:03:07] Pet Memorial Philosophy: Kristin shares why she often encourages clients seeking a pet memorial to choose sculptural work rather than jewelry, emphasizing the importance of still seeing their loved one in their home every day.[00:03:58] The Host's "Original Death Doula": Natalie shares a fun anecdote about her Mexican hairless dog, Audrey, and the Aztec/Pixar Coco mythology of the Xoloitzcuintli dog as a psychopomp, guiding souls to the afterlife.[00:04:57] The Origin of Ossuary Art: Kristin recounts the "happy accident" that led to her career: finding a snake's spine on a ranch outside Junction, Texas, and being fascinated by the process of cleaning and turning it into a beautiful necklace.[00:07:26] The Inspiration for the Book: Kristin explains that the book We're All Going to Die was an "accidental project" prompted by the experience of planning her grandmother's funeral.[00:07:52] The Missing Details: She realized that despite knowing her grandmother's big-picture wishes, her family lacked the critical small details (like desired flowers or guest list) necessary for planning the service.

Natalie Buster welcomes a cherished, long-time friend and "kindred spirit," Shavonne Conroy. Shavonne is a professional actor, a gifted singer, and the former Interim CEO of Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying.Shavonne shares her incredible, unconventional journey that seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in theater and television (including roles on Late Night with David Letterman and Law & Order) to her current passion for end-of-life care. She discusses the profound spiritual significance of dedicating her rich alto voice to comforting the dying and grieving, often singing at the bedside or at funerals.The two friends explore the compassionate philosophy that drives Abode's work: the giving, loving spirit required to simply meet people where they are without judgment. They discuss the deep satisfaction that comes from recognizing and filling in the "missing pieces" of a dying person's day, whether that's a gentle touch or reading a favorite book. You'll also meet the unforgettable Mikey, Shavonnee’s 155-pound Great Pyrenees, affectionately called the "doggy death doula," who provides loving, quiet comfort to the guests at Abode.[00:00:18] The Kindred Connection: Natalie introduces Shavonne and describes their long-standing connection, which began in the San Antonio and New York professional theater scenes.[00:00:37] Planting the Seed: Shavonne first introduced the host to the nonprofit Abode years before the host became affiliated with the organization.[00:01:28] From Theater to CEO: How Shavonne stepped in as interim CEO of Abode, reuniting the friends to discuss everything from Broadway musicals to end-of-life care.[00:01:57] A Performer's Life: Shavonne's background as a professional actor and singer, including appearances on shows like Late Night with David Letterman and Law & Order.[00:02:21] Earning Her Wings: The spiritual significance of Shavonne lending her alto voice to sing at funerals and the bedside of people at the end of life.[00:03:41] Meet the Doggy Death Doula: Shavonne introduces Mikey, her 155-pound Great Pyrenees, who gets into bed with guests at Abode to provide "doggy comfort" and emotional support.[00:07:09] The Philosophy of Care: Discussion on the Abode philosophy of meeting people where they are, focusing on connection, and filling in the "missing pieces" of their day, such as a hand on a hand or reading a favorite book.[00:08:12] How Shavonne Found Abode: Siobhan shares the story of how singing at a particular funeral led her to her first encounter with Abode.

In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator Vive Griffith to explore the often-overlooked emotional landscape of caregiving. Drawing from her own experience caring for her mother through terminal illness, Vive shares how storytelling, poetry, and reflection can help caregivers reconnect with themselves, find community, and feel seen.Through the lens of narrative medicine, Vive offers a powerful reframe: that caregiving is not just a task, but a deeply human act worthy of attention, artistry, and healing. Whether you're a caregiver now, have been one, or will be one someday, this conversation is a balm.Topics Covered:The four kinds of people in the world, according to Rosalynn CarterWhat is narrative medicine, and how does it support caregivers?Vive’s personal caregiving journey with her motherHow art, poetry, and storytelling create space for healingThe emotional toll of caregiving—and how to replenishBuilding community through shared reflection and writingResources Mentioned:Narrative Medicine Program at Columbia UniversityThe Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer (used in a workshop)Vive’s workshops for caregivers and cliniciansIf you’re a caregiver—or know someone who is—consider exploring narrative medicine circles or expressive arts workshops. You are not alone, and your story matters.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Opening Quote Rosalynn Carter’s powerful words on caregiving01:00 – The Invisible Weight of Caregiving Natalie reflects on the emotional and physical toll caregivers carry02:00 – Meet Vive Griffith Poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator04:00 – What Is Narrative Medicine? Vive explains the field and its roots at Columbia University07:00 – The Practice in Action How narrative medicine workshops use art, writing, and reflection10:00 – Vive’s Caregiving Story Walking with her mother through cancer and end-of-life care13:00 – The Power of Being Heard Why sharing stories in community is essential for healing16:00 – The Lacemaker Workshop Using a Vermeer painting to unlock caregiver reflections19:00 – Universal Threads of Care How narrative medicine connects us to something bigger

Host Natalie Buster welcomes poet and restorative writing facilitator Laura Van Prooyen for a conversation about how poetry can become a lifeline in times of grief, trauma, and transition. From her work with soldiers experiencing PTSD to healthcare workers navigating burnout and loss, Laura shares how writing offers a sacred space for emotional honesty, resilience, and healing.Through personal stories—including the loss of her brother and mother—Laura reveals how poetry helped her survive, process, and transform grief into art. Whether you're intimidated by poetry or drawn to its quiet power, this episode invites you to explore how language can hold us when nothing else can.Topics Covered:Laura’s journey from academic poetry to trauma-informed writing workshopsHer transformative work with soldiers at Brooke Army Medical CenterThe evolution of grief through writing: from raw emotion to published chapbookHow poetry creates accessible, sacred space for processing lossThe role of emotional honesty in facing mortalityMission Belonging’s free weekly writing group for healthcare workersResources Mentioned:Gregory Orr’s Poetry as SurvivalMission Belonging’s Tuesday night virtual writing group (free and open to all)Laura’s upcoming chapbook (Spring release)Call to Action: Join Laura’s free Tuesday night writing group through Mission Belonging. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare worker, or someone navigating grief, this space is for you.00:00 – Opening Reflection Natalie shares her evolving relationship with poetry and how it intersects with mortality and meaning. 02:00 – Introducing Laura Van Prooyen Laura’s background in poetry, education, and trauma-informed writing.04:00 – Poetry Meets PTSD Laura’s first experience facilitating writing for soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center—and the unexpected power of six-word memoirs.07:00 – Grief as Catalyst Laura opens up about losing her brother and how poetry became a survival tool during her deepest grief.10:00 – Mission Belonging & Weekly Writing Groups Laura describes her free, virtual Tuesday night workshops for healthcare and hospice workers.13:00 – Writing Through Loss How Laura continued facilitating workshops while grieving her mother—and how the group became a lifeline.15:00 – Creating Safe, Sacred Space The trauma-informed approach Laura brings to every session, and how poetry invites emotional honesty.17:00 – Craft, Accessibility, and Prompts Laura’s method for selecting poems, crafting prompts, and guiding participants through reflection and response.19:00 – Final Reflections The healing potential of poetry, the importance of emotional honesty, and how writing helps us live fully—even as we face death.

In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster explores the power of creative arts and storytelling to normalize conversations about death and grief—a central theme of the podcast's current season.Natalie sits down with Elizabeth Coplan, founder of Grief Dialogues. Elizabeth shares her journey from a corporate career back to her roots in theater and storytelling after a year of profound loss. She explains how she founded Grief Dialogues to utilize the theatrical arts (stage and screen) as instruments to put death, dying, and grief on display. This work creates a vital space for audience members to connect with and process their own fears and losses.Tune in to learn about Elizabeth's mission to address the "death taboo" and why she calls mortality "the great equalizer". You’ll also hear about her highly-regarded work, including the short play, "Hospice: A Love Story," and her Pulitzer-nominated full-length play, "Till Death".[00:00:14] Host Introduction/The Power of Creative Arts: Natalie introduces the season's focus on using creative arts to hold space for the stories of people who have died.[00:01:11] Guest Introduction: The host introduces Elizabeth Coplan as a former actor who pivoted from a corporate career after a personal tragedy to found Grief Dialogues.[00:03:21] Elizabeth's Storytelling Journey: Elizabeth shares how her lifelong passion for theater and storytelling came into clear focus as her "dharma" or life's mission after her mother died.[00:05:41] The Inspiration for Grief Dialogues: Elizabeth realized people recoil from conversations about death after she shared details of a family member dying, calling it "the one thing we're all gonna do".[00:06:03] The "Great Equalizer": Elizabeth discusses why she refers to mortality as "the great equalizer".[00:06:57] The Cornerstone Play, "Hospice: A Love Story": Elizabeth describes turning her firsthand account of a cousin’s final days into a short play that became the foundation for Grief Dialogues.[00:08:15] The Full-Length Play, "Till Death": Elizabeth details the transition of Grief Dialogues during COVID-19 and the development of her full-length play which had an Off-Broadway debut and was nominated for a Pulitzer.

In this lively and heartfelt episode, host Natalie Buster welcomes Melissa Meadow, a funeral concierge, death doula, and social media educator, for a conversation that redefines what it means to care for the dead. From green burials and water cremation to DIY funerals and therapy dogs, Melissa shares her journey from embalmer to advocate, and how she’s helping families reclaim their final rites. Natalie and Melissa explore the artistry of after-death care, the power of nature in grief, and why funeral professionals should embrace—not fear—the rise of death doulas. Plus, meet Kermit, the grief therapy dog who’s changing lives one cuddle at a time.Guest: Melissa MeadowFounder of The Modern MorticianFuneral consumer advocate, educator, and licensed funeral directorCertified death doula and green burial expertTherapy dog handler (Kermit, the OG funeral pup)Website: TheModernMortician.comInstagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook: @TheModernMorticianHighlights:[00:02:00] Morticia Addams and the myth of the mortician[00:05:00] Green burial, water cremation, and the “three C’s” of funeral choice[00:12:00] Kermit the grief therapy dog: how he comforts families and inspires funeral homes[00:18:00] DIY funerals, shades of green, and empowering families with options[00:24:00] Death doulas and the shifting funeral industry landscape[00:30:00] Contemplative arts, nature, and the dance of after-death care[00:36:00] Melissa’s dream: a natural burial park with goats, kids, and community

In this unforgettable episode, host Natalie Buster sits down with Benjamin Kintisch, a hospice chaplain, cantor, and creator of Life Review: The Musical. Inspired by real-life stories from his time at the bedside, Benjamin transforms grief, memory, and mortality into song. Natalie and Benjamin explore the power of humor in death work, the role of spiritual questioning, and how musical theater can help us confront the hardest truths with compassion and joy. From “Everybody Dies in the End” to “Will It Still Snow?”, Benjamin’s songs offer a spoonful of sugar for the bitter pills of life—and death.Guest: Benjamin KintischHospice chaplain and Jewish cantorCreator of Life Review: The MusicalWebsite: LifeReviewMusical.comInstagram: @benjaminkintischHighlights:[00:02:00] Benjamin’s journey from cantor to hospice chaplain[00:05:00] The birth of Life Review: The Musical[00:08:00] “Everybody Dies in the End”—humor as an entry point to grief[00:14:00] Musical monologues and the influence of A Chorus Line and Fiddler on the Roof[00:20:00] The character of Rabbi David and the theological wrestling of “Send Me a Sign”[00:26:00] Mr. Leroy Washington: honoring real-life friendships in hospice

In this soul-stirring episode, host Natalie Buster welcomes Leah Gundrum, a landscape designer, death doula, and Abode volunteer, for a conversation about how sacred spaces shape our experience of dying. From the contemplative backyard at Abode to green burial parks in Sweden and Pennsylvania, Leah shares how nature, design, and ritual can soften grief and deepen our connection to life. They explore the power of labyrinths, the role of internal landscapes, and why preparing for death is one of the most life-affirming acts we can take. Whether you’re a caregiver, a mourner, or simply curious, this episode offers gentle wisdom and practical inspiration.Guest: Leah GundrumLandscape designer and end-of-life doulaVolunteer at Abode Contemplative Care for the DyingTango dancer and teacher in San AntonioPassionate about sacred space, green burial, and contemplative designHighlights:[00:02:00] What is an “internal landscape” and how does it support end-of-life care[00:06:00] The design of Abode’s backyard: live oaks, labyrinths, and prayer walls[00:14:00] Lessons from green burial parks in Pittsburgh and Sweden[00:21:00] Why grief must be witnessed, not fixed[00:26:00] Advanced directives and the case for “death paperwork parties”[00:33:00] How tango dancing cultivates presence and empathy[00:38:00] Leah’s wish “before she goes”: to live by the ocean

Grief is an interesting beast.  It can curl up inside of you and make itself quite cozy.  It can unpack its bags, put up the do not disturb sign on the door and lock itself in.  It’s pretty much guaranteed that we will all experience grief at some point.  And we can ignore grief, befriend it, or take it out for a walk every now and then.  The relationship we have with grief is entirely up to us.  My guest today, Lisa Cooper Ellison is an author, speaker, and trauma-informed writing coach who helps people navigate, process, and maybe even befriend their grief through writing and storytelling.  She’s the host of the Writing Your Resilience podcast and works and writes at the intersection of storytelling and healing, and combines her personal experiences with suicide loss and CPTSD with her clinical training to help writers turn tough experiences into art. Her essays and stories have appeared on Risk! and in The New York Times, HuffPost, Hippocampus Literary Magazine, and Kenyon Review Online, among others. Lisa recently completed her memoir Please Stage Dive Carefully: How I Survived My Brother’s Suicide and Forgave Myself.  Learn more about Lisa here: https://lisacooperellison.com/Follow Lisa on her Substack here: https://lisacooperellison.substack.com/Listen to the Writing Your Resilience podcast here: https://writingyourresilience.com/writing-your-resilience-podcast/Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Memento Mori: remember you must die: an invitation to become aware, to bask in the wonder of being alive, to not take anything for granted, to be witness to the painful beauty of this life and all that was, is, and ever will be.  It’s these little invitations that we see around us that allow each moment to be that much sweeter.  Our guest today, Courtney Sheets, is someone who is constantly inviting people to consider and even embrace their own mortality.  She is a certified death doula, a shiatsu practitioner, an end of life navigator, and a mixed media artist who specializes in memento mori art - both as a philosophy and a medium to express herself.  Learn more about Courtney here: https://endoflifearts.com/View some of Courtney’s art here: https://courtneywynnsheets.com/Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

The month of April is a beautiful time to be in San Antonio, Texas.  It’s bluebonnet season, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.  This is a perfect time to take a field trip to LaVernia, Texas, home of a beautiful green burial site called Countryside Memorial Park, owned and operated by our guest today, Sunny Markham.  In this episode, Sunny talks about the services she provides people at Countryside Memorial Park, what she wishes more people knew about green burials, and how working in such a beautiful environment has shaped her life.Read more about Countryside Memorial Park here: https://countrysidememorialpark.com/Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Imagine a world where people were able to talk about death and dying openly and without fear.  Our guest today, Nurse Penny Hawkins Smith is doing just that.  Nurse Penny uses social media channels and her recent book, “Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living” to talk openly about death and dying without fear, thus encouraging others to do the same.  We’re excited that Nurse Penny will be our keynote speaker for our Annual Volunteer and Staff Training in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, September 20, 2025.  Send us a message at [email protected] for ticket information.Read more about Nurse Penny here: https://www.hospicenursepenny.com/Buy her book, “Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living” here: https://bookshop.org/a/103660/9781959411963Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Contemplativeness - a tricky word to say!  Yet, it’s the cornerstone of all that we do at ABODE.  it’s even a part of our name: ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying.  But what does it mean?  At ABODE, we sometimes define it as being in the present moment, being mindful, when time seems to stop.  Our guest today, Justin Burton is the embodiment of contemplativeness.  Justin serves as ABODE’s Vice Chairperson, he serves on the board of the Alamo Area Home Care Council here in San Antonio, he helps seniors navigate through the aging process by helping them find a place to spend their final hours.  And he does it all with grace and serenity.Read more about Justin’s work here: https://www.facebook.com/jmbmangementllc/Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Choosing to go on hospice is a difficult decision for most people.  We have been conditioned in our society to “not give up,” and some see hospice as a way of giving up.  Our guest today, Jen LeCavalier from Suncrest Hospice in San Antonio, sheds some light on the truth of hospice and all of the wonderful benefits that hospice can provide.  Jen has been a hospice nurse for over ten years and finds the beauty and sacredness of being bedside with people at the end of life to be incredibly enriching to her own life.Read more about Suncrest Hospice here: https://www.suncrestcare.com/location/san-antonio/Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

“If I die young, bury me in satinLay me down on a bed of rosesSink me in the river at dawnSend me away with the words of a love song”These lyrics by The Band Perry offer a beautiful description of honoring a loved one who has passed.  Our guest today, Dawn Walsh provides such a service for the people she cares for after they pass.  Dawn is the Executive Director of The Lily House, a community home for living and dying in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.  Dawn came to ABODE to lead a workshop on after-death care and shrouding and sat down with Natalie while she was in town to talk about the work she does.Read more about The Lily House here: https://www.thelilyhouse.org/Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Our guest today, Colleen McCool-Pierce definitely turns heads and inspires conversation wherever she goes.  Whether she’s pulling up for gas in her hearse or wearing a bright and colorful clown costume, Colleen is the epitome of living life to the fullest.  It doesn’t surprise us that she embraces life so exuberantly due to her lifelong contemplation on death.  In today’s episode, Natalie chats with Colleen about her outlook on life, her son who she named Coffin, and how she inspires others to contemplate death so they can live as full of a life as she does.  She’s the friend you want to have at your dinner table, she’s the friend you want to have in your life.  She’s the ultimate death doula.Read more about Colleen here (and check out her death-friendly reading list): https://www.colleenmccool.com/Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood fame has a famous quote: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”   In today’s episode, Natalie sits down to talk with one such helper.  Jen Ferguson is a San Antonio hospice social worker - a helper for families who are facing grief and bereavement due to the terminal diagnosis of their beloved family member.  She describes what a hospice social worker does and why she feels drawn to be a helper - in so many ways in her life. Connect on Instagram with Jen at momfergof2Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep ABODE’s mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Planning your Parting with theParting PlannerWelcome to Season Two of Before You Go - the official podcast of ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying.  In this episode, Natalie sits down with Lynn Perez, founder of the Parting Planner, an organization in San Antonio, Texas designed to guide and support families who wish to create meaningful and personalized tributes for their loved ones who have passed.  We don’t always know how to act when it comes to death.  And especially end of life celebrations like funerals and wakes…what’s the proper protocol?  Can we show emotion or not?  Who orders the cake?  Lynn helps people answer those questions.Learn more about Lynn and the Parting Planner here:https://thepartingplanner.com/Learn more about ABODE here:https://abodehome.org/Learn more about Natalie here:https://www.nataliebuster.comDonate to keep ABODE’s mission going:https://abodehome.org/donate/

Eminem once said “You only get one shot,” and we at ABODE took that to heart this year.  We had such an amazing 2024 and we’re excited to share our most memorable events with you!   While we’re sad that this is our last episode of Season One, we’re so grateful for the memories and experiences we’ve explored on this podcast.  We’re also incredibly grateful to you, our listeners, for being a part of our community.  #eatthesandwich Check out ABODE Academy here: https://abodehome.org/category/education/abode-academy/ If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

In our line of work, we come across things that challenge us.  We like to call them opportunities for growth, or sticky situations.  When you work with people, you’re bound to have challenges.  Family dynamics often come into play when someone is dying.  It’s a very tender time, it’s a very emotional time.  So learning to be aware and not overreact when faced with any number of situations has been a very rewarding growth opportunity for us to take things in stride and not need to solve things right away for anyone.  In this episode, Mary and Natalie talk about some sticky situations they’ve encountered when working with people at the end of life, and their philosophies surrounding those situations. If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

Join co-host Natalie Buster as she takes us through a simple technique to create healthy boundaries while working in death care.  Learn how to “open the shop” to arrive fully present and ready to do your work, and then learn how to “close the shop” so you don’t take your work home with you.  These techniques are particularly effective for people who work in death care, but can be very valuable for people in all professions. If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “End of Life Yoga”?  In this episode, Mary and Natalie dispel the myth about yoga being only about pretzel positions and tight pants and how it’s actually about being present and connecting to the breath.  ABODE launched their End of Life Yoga Certification this year, and are offering two cohorts in 2025.  Learn how yoga can benefit people at the end of life, people whose loved ones are at the end of life, and caregivers who work in the death industry – and find out how you can bring these skills to your community. Read more about the ABODE End of Life Yoga Certification here: https://abodehome.org/yogatraining/ Check out our host studio, Pure Prana Path in San Antonio, Texas: https://www.purepranapath.com/ Natalie is forever grateful to Inner Peace Yoga Therapy and her mentor, Molly Lannon Kenny for starting her on this path.  Check them out here: https://innerpeaceyogatherapy.com/ https://www.mollylannonkenny.org/ We love this book by Pema Chodron: https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-we-live-is-how-we-die-pema-chodron/18054905?aid=103660&ean=9781611809244&listref=abode-end-of-life-yoga-training& If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about ABODE here: https://abodehome.org/ Learn more about Natalie: https://www.nataliebuster.com/Donate to keep this mission going: https://abodehome.org/donate/

Join co-host Natalie Buster as she takes us through a Metta (lovingkindness) meditation.   If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

Rosalind Carter once said “There are only four kinds of people in this world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”  We couldn’t agree more.  Caregiving is a challenging and often unpaid job.  In this episode Mary and Natalie talk about the different shadow archetypes caregivers can fall into, and what to do if you see yourself reflected in some of these archetypes. ABODE has a Caregiver Support Group.  Send us an email for more information: abodehome.org If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about⁠ ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

“Don’t be a role, be a soul.”  These wise words by Frank Ostaseski guide our work with people at End of Life.  In this episode Mary and Natalie talk about some of the Guests who have left imprints on our hearts and how we partner with hospice organizations in San Antonio to provide a dignified end of life experience for the people we serve.  Hospice is not a place, it’s a service.  So we at ABODE provide the home and the love, while our beautiful hospice partners provide the medical care.  We also talk about our ABODE at Home Doula Dispatch Service and how it’s allowed us to bring our contemplative care to people who wish to die in their own homes. We love this book by Frank Ostaseski ABODE is a part of the Omega Home Network.  Find out if there is a home similar to ABODE near you If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

I’m sorry.  Please forgive me.  Thank you.  I love you.  These four powerful phrases are part of the Hawaiian prayer called Ho’oponopono.  In this episode, Mary and Natalie talk about the concept of a good death and how we can prepare now for a good death by making sure our wishes are written down and communicated to our loved ones.  You know who can help with this?  End of Life Doulas!  It’s never too early to get started. We love this book by Pema Chodron The Five Wishes document is a great way to record your end of life wishes If you’re in the San Antonio area, please come by for a tour of ABODE! Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

ABODE’s vision is “We live in a world where death is not feared, and we live fully until we die.”  During this episode, Mary and Natalie go through the Nine Contemplations on Death.  If you’re new to giving death a lot of thought, or the idea of death still frightens you, these contemplations are a good place to start.  Natalie talks about her breast cancer journey and Mary introduces us to her “Bless and Release” method. If you haven’t listened to Episode Three, you may want to start here: (link to episode three) We love the Death Deck!  Read more about the Nine Contemplations on Death in Being with Dying by Joan Halifax 101-year-old says she’s living the best years of her life: Cancer Support Community in northern California Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

Facing our Fears About Death Thanatophobia is an intense fear of death or the dying process, or anxiety around death.  In this episode, Mary and Natalie talk about the many reasons people fear death and what they can do about it.  Hint, hint, it may involve hiring an End of Life Doula to help assuage your fears! Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie: Donate to keep this mission going

What’s a Death Doula? During this episode, Mary and Natalie talk about the role death doulas (or End of Life Doulas, as they’re called at ABODE) can play at the end of life.  They’ll walk you through the award-winning End of Life Doula Training and the ABODE at Home Doula Dispatch Service. Read about ABODE’s Award-Winning End of Life Doula Training program Read more about the ABODE at Home Doula Dispatch Service Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie Donate to keep this mission going

Welcome Home to ABODE Welcome to our first episode of Before You Go, the official podcast of ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying.  In this episode you’ll meet your hosts Mary Thorsby and Natalie Buster, discover what brought them to the world of death care, and learn about ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying, a beautiful home in San Antonio, Texas offering contemplative care for those in the last three months, weeks or days of life.  ABODE is a 501(c)3 and provides these services at no cost and runs completely on grants and donations. Learn more about ABODE Learn more about Natalie: Donate to keep this mission going We love Alua Arthur!  Buy her book And register to hear her speak at ABODE’s 10 year anniversary (Saturday, September 21 at 5 PM)