Why More Families are Turning to Death Doulas for End of Life Support

What does a death doula actually do, and why are more families turning to them during some of life’s most difficult moments?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with death doula Nicole to explore the growing role of death doulas in end-of-life care. Nicole shares her journey from a career in human resources to supporting individuals and families through the dying process after experiencing the loss of her mother and aunt. She explains what a death doula does, how the role differs from medical professionals, and why emotional support can be just as important as physical care.

The conversation dives into legacy work, difficult family conversations, caregiving, hospice support, and the challenges families often face when navigating death. Nicole also opens up about her earliest experiences around death, how those moments shaped her calling, and why helping people find comfort, connection, and peace at the end of life has become her life's work.

Jennifer and Nicole also discuss the evolving place of death doulas within the funeral industry, the growing need for end-of-life support as populations age, and the importance of creating space for every professional involved in helping families through loss. 

Key Topics:

-What a death doula actually does and how they support families

-Why Nicole left corporate HR to follow a calling in end-of-life care

-The importance of legacy work and preserving family stories

-Why end-of-life caregiving takes a village of support

-How unresolved relationships can affect the dying process

-The growing role of death doulas in modern funeral care

Quotes from the episode:

“If you’ve never been with a dying or deceased person, how can you call yourself a death doula?”

— Jennifer Muldowney

“It takes a village to raise a child. The same could be said for taking care of a dying loved one.”

— Nicole Hoover

Timestamps:

[01:08] From HR to Death Doula

Nicole shares how losing her mother and aunt pushed her to leave corporate life and follow a calling she never expected.

[06:44] The Words People Need Before Death

Nicole explains how simple words like “you’re loved and supported” can bring comfort at the end of life.

[08:44] What Do You Leave Behind When You Die?

Nicole talks about legacy work and why families should preserve stories before it’s too late.

[13:09] Can You Be a Death Doula Without Seeing Death?

Jennifer asks a bold question about experience, training, and what should really qualify someone for this work.

[14:39] Why Dying Takes a Village

Nicole explains why families need more than medical care when someone they love is near the end.

[18:43] Her First Time Around Death

Nicole shares her early experience in a nursing home and how it shaped the way she sees death today.

[23:15] How Do You Charge for Heart Work?

Jennifer and Nicole discuss the hard truth about getting paid for work that is deeply emotional and personal.

[25:01] Two Deaths That Changed Her Forever

Nicole opens up about the very different deaths of her mother and aunt, and what those experiences taught her.

Connect with Nicole Hoover at:

Websites - www.deathdoulanicole.com
Email: Nicole@deathdoulanicole.com

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram -   / @jennifermuldowney  

TikTok -   / @therealglamreaper  

YouTube -    / @theglamreapermuldowney  

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Facebook Page -   / @muldowneymemorials  

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What Psilocybin Can Teach Us About Death, Connection, and Letting Go

 What if one experience could completely change the way you see life, death, grief, and even yourself?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Lauren Carroll to explore the growing world of psilocybin and its role in healing, grief work, and end-of-life care. Lauren shares how an unexpected health diagnosis led her to try psilocybin for the first time and how that experience became a turning point in both her personal life and professional path.

Lauren opens up about the emotional journey she experienced, the fears she carried about her children and mortality, and how psilocybin helped her process grief in a completely new way. She also explains what happens during a guided retreat, why intention and integration are such important parts of the process, and what she has witnessed while supporting others through their own healing journeys.

This conversation goes beyond mushrooms and psychedelics. It explores trauma, personal transformation, spirituality, ancestral connection, and the ways people search for meaning when faced with loss, fear, and uncertainty. 

Key Topics:

-Psilocybin and its role in grief and healing

-How a health diagnosis changed Lauren’s life

-What happens during a guided psilocybin retreat

-The connection between trauma, fear, and emotional release

-Why mushrooms are gaining attention in end-of-life care

Quotes from the episode:

“Crying is a form of relief.”

— Jennifer Muldowney

“When you’re a healed person, it’s a lot harder to have somebody control you.”

— Lauren Carroll

Timestamps:

[02:18] The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: Lauren shares how an unexpected health diagnosis led her to explore psilocybin as a way to process fear, grief, and uncertainty about the future.

[03:01] The Psilocybin Experience That Transformed Her Life: After attending her first retreat, Lauren describes how six hours of emotional release completely changed her perspective on life, death, and healing.

[04:14] Bringing Psilocybin Into End of Life Care: Lauren explains why she is pursuing legal training to help people facing death, grief, and major life transitions through guided psilocybin experiences.

[07:55] What Actually Happens During a Psilocybin Retreat: Lauren walks through the retreat experience, from preparation and intention setting to emotional support and post-journey integration.

[10:47] Can Someone Leave Unchanged?: Lauren reflects on the people she has worked with and why even the most difficult journeys often lead to profound healing and personal growth.

[13:49] Why Every Psilocybin Journey Is Different: Lauren shares how the medicine seems to give each person exactly what they need, whether that means emotional release, clarity, healing, or insight.

[15:21] Facing the Fear of Leaving Her Children Behind: Lauren opens up about confronting her deepest fears and how psilocybin helped her find peace with uncertainty and mortality.

[18:49] Why Lauren Dedicated Her Life to This Work: After experiencing the impact firsthand, Lauren explains why psilocybin became a major part of her mission to support healing and grief work.

[20:29] The Unexpected Lesson From Her Ancestors: One of Lauren’s most memorable journeys delivered a surprising message about life, healing, and learning not to take everything so seriously.

[21:59] Where Psilocybin Is Legal Today: Lauren discusses the current legal landscape, ongoing research, and why many advocates believe access will continue to expand.

[22:55] Exploring Consciousness, Grief, and Healing: Jennifer and Lauren discuss why experiences like psilocybin, meditation, and sensory deprivation continue to fascinate people searching for deeper understanding.

[25:21] Why Mushrooms and Death Work Feel Connected: Lauren explains her unique perspective on mushrooms as decomposers, healers, and symbols of transformation.

[28:25] Can Microdosing Improve Daily Life?: Lauren discusses the growing interest in microdosing and why some people use small amounts of psilocybin to support emotional well-being.

[29:47] Did Psychedelics Influence Ancient Spiritual Traditions?: The conversation explores the possibility that mushrooms played a role in shaping spiritual practices and human connection throughout history.

Connect with Lauren Carroll at:

Websites - lamort.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-mort/

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram -   / @jennifermuldowney  

TikTok -   / @therealglamreaper  

YouTube -    / @theglamreapermuldowney  

LinkedIn -   / @jennifermuldowney  

Facebook Page -   / @muldowneymemorials  

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25 Years Apart: Family, Regret, and One Final Reunion

 What happens when grief comes with love, regret, and the words left unsaid?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with André Archimbaud to talk about losing both of his parents just hours apart during the early days of the pandemic. Andre shares the story of moving to Austin with the hope of caring for his mother and father, only to realize within days that their time was much shorter than anyone expected.

What followed was a painful and deeply human goodbye. André opens up about being by their side in their final hours, reconnecting with family over the phone, sorting through their home, and carrying the weight of two losses at once. He also reflects on the years of family distance, the late-night text that helped him reconnect with his father, and the love letters that helped him understand his parents in a new way.

What makes this conversation powerful is not just the story of loss. It’s the reminder that grief often comes with questions, regrets, and moments we wish we could redo. André’s story invites us to think about reconciliation, forgiveness, and whether the distance we hold onto is really worth the time we might lose.

Key Topics:

- Reconnecting with family after years of distance and unresolved conflict

- Losing both parents within hours of each other during the pandemic

- The emotional weight of regret, forgiveness, and second chances

- What grief teaches us about love, family, and reconciliation

- Finding meaning and healing through memories left behind

Quotes from the episode:

“Grief does not end. It’s a lifelong journey.”

— Jennifer Muldowney

“Grief is a moving target, and there are times when it is really on top of you.”

— André Archimbaud

Timestamps:

[02:00] Reconnecting at the End: Andre shares how he reunited with his parents after years of family distance and moved to Austin to help care for them during the pandemic.

[05:10] Realizing Time Was Running Out: Within days of arriving, Andre discovers his father's health was far worse than expected and that both parents were nearing the end of life.

[06:57] Their Wish to Leave Together: Andre recalls the conversation where his parents expressed their desire to spend their final days side by side after nearly 55 years of marriage.

[08:05] A Final Moment of Clarity: Andre reflects on his mother's remarkable lucidity during her last days despite years of serious illness.

[08:56] Being Present for Their Final Hours: Andre describes staying at his parents' bedside as hospice care began and family members gathered virtually from across the country.

[10:26] A Beautiful Goodbye Amid Tragedy: Family members share memories, stories, and support during an emotional 15-hour vigil as both parents approached death.

[11:51] Managing Two Losses at Once: Andre opens up about the reality of handling two deaths, two funeral arrangements, and the overwhelming responsibilities that followed.

[12:04] Sorting Through a Lifetime of Memories: After their passing, Andre spends months in his parents' home searching through their belongings and reflecting on the years they lost together.

[17:18] Searching for the Rosetta Stone: Andre explains how he hoped to uncover the secret behind his parents' decades-long marriage despite its many challenges.

[18:28] When Love Survives the Hard Years: Andre shares how discovering old love letters revealed a deeper and more sincere bond between his parents than he had ever realized.

[19:25] The Text Message That Changed Everything: Andre recounts sending a late-night text to his father after 11 years of silence and beginning the process of reconciliation.

[23:50] Rebuilding a Relationship Before It Was Too Late: Andre reflects on the final months he spent reconnecting with his father and understanding his parents in a new way.

[26:42] Planning a Joint Farewell: Jennifer and Andre discuss the unique challenges and emotions involved in arranging a funeral that honored both parents equally.

[29:35] Bringing Them Home Together: Andre shares how his family organized a joint funeral in New Jersey and fulfilled his parents' wish to be laid to rest together.

[32:01] Living with Regret After Loss: Andre speaks candidly about the lingering questions and regrets that often follow the death of loved ones.

[34:15] Grief Is a Moving Target: Andre reflects on how grief changes over time, appearing in unexpected moments years after a loss.

[35:18] Is This the Hill You Want to Die On?: Jennifer encourages listeners to reconsider estranged relationships before time runs out.

[36:05] Reconciliation Starts Within: Andre closes by sharing how healing requires not only reconnecting with others but also confronting your own choices and regrets.

Connect with André Archimbaud at:

Websites - https://clearlynowmedia.com/
Email: aaa@clearlynowmedia.com

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram -   / @jennifermuldowney  

TikTok -   / @therealglamreaper  

YouTube -    / @theglamreapermuldowney  

LinkedIn -   / @jennifermuldowney  

Facebook Page -   / @muldowneymemorials  

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

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When Losing a Pet Feels Like Losing Family

 

What happens when losing a pet feels like losing part of yourself?

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Adam Greenbaum, founder of Love Baxter, to talk about the kind of grief people often struggle to explain out loud. Adam shares the story of Baxter, the dog who stayed beside him through the hardest years of his life, from building a company to the quiet moments most people never see. When Baxter suddenly became sick, Adam and his wife spent months fighting to save him, only to lose him days after being told he had “beaten” his illness.

What followed was something Adam never expected. He searched everywhere for support, answers, and guidance around pet loss, only to realize how invisible this kind of grief still is. No roadmap. No real support system. No place for people carrying heartbreak that feels just as real as losing a family member.

What makes this conversation powerful is not just the story of Baxter. It’s the reminder that pets become part of our routines, our identity, and our emotional safety. They are there through loneliness, stress, heartbreak, and joy without judgment or conditions. And when they’re gone, the silence they leave behind can change everything.

Key Topics:

- Why losing a pet can feel as painful as losing a family member

- Building emotional support systems for people grieving the loss of a pet

- The hidden reality of pet grief that most people do not talk about

- Creating better guidance and resources for families facing pet loss

- Understanding the deep emotional bond between humans and their pets

Quotes from the episode:

“There’s no funeral, there’s no blueprint, there’s no community rallying around you when your pet dies.”

— Jennifer Muldowney

I spent my whole life trying to be good enough… and in that moment, I realized I already was.

— Adam Greenbaum

Timestamps:

[02:24] Baxter’s Rescue Story: Adam shares how he found Baxter in a neglected home and brought him into his life.

[04:28] The Dog Who Stayed Beside Him: Adam reflects on how Baxter was there through long workdays, stress, and quiet moments.

[05:13] Fighting to Save Baxter: Adam opens up about Baxter’s final months, the costly treatments, and the heartbreak of losing him days after being told he was okay.

[07:08] Finding No Support After Loss: After Baxter died, Adam searched for pet grief resources and found almost nothing.

[08:04] Why Love Baxter Exists: Adam explains how he built Love Baxter to connect grieving pet owners with support, guidance, and trusted resources.

[08:48] Searching for Comfort After Death: Adam shares how grief led him to look for anything that could help him feel closer to Baxter.

[10:23] When Pet Owners Are Left Alone: Adam talks about the gap between saying pets are family and actually supporting families after loss.

[12:03] Why Pet Grief Feels So Invisible: Jennifer and Adam discuss how pet loss often comes without leave, rituals, or community support.

[16:08] Love Without Baggage: Adam explains why pets leave such a deep mark, they love fully and become part of everyday life.

[19:20] Turning Pain Into Purpose: Jennifer and Adam talk about helping grieving families because the work truly matters.

[22:21] Valuing Grief Work: Adam explains why people who support families through loss deserve to be paid fairly.

[29:13] Listening Before Selling: Adam shares why death care should start with understanding the family, not pushing services.

[34:46] Helping Children Through Pet Loss: Adam reveals that many families search for guidance on how to help kids grieve a pet.

[36:56] Honoring a Pet the Right Way: Adam ends with a reminder that saying goodbye to a beloved pet should be handled with care.

Connect with Adam Greenbaum at:

Websites - lovebaxter.com
beacons.ai

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram -   / @jennifermuldowney  

TikTok -   / @therealglamreaper  

YouTube -    / @theglamreapermuldowney  

LinkedIn -   / @jennifermuldowney  

Facebook Page -   / @muldowneymemorials  

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

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Turning Grief Into Art: A Powerful Way to Understand Death & Healing

In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Jill Greenbaum to explore a different approach to one of life’s hardest conversations, death, loss, and everything we struggle to put into words. Jill introduces the idea that drawing, even in its simplest form, can help people communicate what they feel when language falls short.

Because here’s the truth most people overlook. Words disappear. Conversations get forgotten. But when something is placed visually in front of you, it stays. It becomes something you can return to, reflect on, and understand more clearly. Whether it’s imagining your end of life, mapping out your wishes, or simply processing grief, visuals create space for honesty in a way that talking sometimes can’t.

What makes this conversation powerful isn’t just creativity. It’s the shift in perspective. You don’t need to be an artist. You don’t need to get it right. You just need a way to express what matters. And in a world where people are overwhelmed, burnt out, and often disconnected from their own emotions, something as simple as drawing might be the most honest form of communication we have.

Key Topics:

-Using visual storytelling to make death, grief, and loss easier to talk about

-Turning simple drawings into a powerful tool for communication

-Creating visual obituaries to reflect on life, legacy, and meaning

-Processing grief through creativity, ritual, and personal expression

-Making end-of-life conversations more accessible and easier to understand

Quotes from the episode:

“There is music and there is art in everyone.”

— Jennifer Muldowney

“What I'm teaching people to do is not about making art, which is wonderful, but it is about communication.”

— Jill Greenbaum

Timestamps:

[01:39] From Education to Visual Storytelling: Jill shares how her background in teaching, curriculum development, and creativity led her into visual practice.

[02:11] Drawing Your Thoughts, Questions, and Plans: Jill explains how simple marks can help people express what they are thinking, even when they believe they “can’t draw.”

[03:16] Visualizing End of Life Issues: Jill shares how a group of women came together to use visual storytelling as a more accessible way to talk about dying, death, grief, and loss.

[04:10] Creating a Visual Story of Your End of Life: Jill explains the Lifting the Lid workshop, where people used prompts to imagine where they want to be, who they want with them, and what their final wishes may look like.

[07:41] It’s Not About Making Art, It’s About Communication: Jill makes a powerful point that drawing does not have to be beautiful, it just has to help people express what matters.

[09:49] How Visuals Help Funeral Professionals and Families: Jill explains how funeral directors, death doulas, and families can use drawings to make end-of-life wishes clearer and easier to remember.

[12:19] Creating Your Visual Obituary: Jill talks about helping people draw the highlights, challenges, and meaningful parts of their lives through visual obituaries.

[13:17] Impermanent Earth Art and Morning Altars: Jill shares how nature, grief, and creativity can come together through temporary art that reflects the shortness of life.

[14:52] When Pet Loss Opens a New Path: Jill shares how losing her dog led her toward pet loss and bereavement chaplaincy work.

[19:56] We Are the Artists of Our Lives: Jill reflects on how creativity is not limited to traditional art, but also shows up in the choices, rituals, and practices that help us heal.

[21:56] Why People Need to Know Their End-of-Life Options: Jill talks about the importance of education, informed choices, medical aid in dying, and newer options like human composting.

[24:42] Self-Care for People Working Around Death and Grief: Jill discusses burnout in care-based fields and why self-care cannot only fall on individuals, systems also need to become more responsive.

Connect with Jill Greenbaum at:

Website: www.jillgreenbaum.com
Email: jill@jillgreenbaum.com

Social media accounts: https://www.instagram.com/jillig/

https://www.facebook.com/jill.greenbaum

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillrgreenbaum/

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram -   / @jennifermuldowney  

TikTok -   / @therealglamreaper  

YouTube -    / @theglamreapermuldowney  

LinkedIn -   / @jennifermuldowney  

Facebook Page -   / @muldowneymemorials  

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

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