On Death

Reunion w/Matthew and Tom

Matthew and Tom play heart catch up where they talk about their dramatic world changes; life coming in and life moving out. Tom talks about the intensity of child birth while Matthew shares some of his final moments with his beloved dog Dracula. Then they give three tips on how to be with someone and their grief. Very tender personal episode, listen with a warm cup of tea.

Alin Gragossian - A Change of Heart

Join us with ER Doctor Alin Gragossian as she talks with us about someone who not only sees death all of the time, but then experienced death herself. Within moments, Alin, just 30, was dead in the hospital from a failing heart. After her revival and an immediate need for a heart replace, she was on the receiving end of organ donation from Lucy. Tune in to hear all about Alin’s unique experience with her new heart from Lucy and how she creates meaning with a focus on advocacy for transplantation.

You can follow Alin's work at: https://www.achangeofhe.art

This episode was recorded in August 2021.

Ethan Lipsitz - Love Extremist

When life hands you brain cancer, you love extreme. Well, that’s what Ethan Lipsitz has done anyways. What started as a simple heart symbol in 2015, Love Extremist has transmuted into an offering of creative expression in all forms that aims to inspire love as our greatest human power. Ethan has become a symbol himself of love to the maximum, taking charge of his diagnosis by bringing his story of healing into the world through art, podcasts, and projects like Camp Death. This episode isn’t for those who want to hang in the shallow end. Ethan and Love Exremist dares you to jump into the deep end of life. Are you coming or what?

See Ethan's work at https://www.extremist.love

Find him on Instagram @ethanlipsitz

Allie Olson - Welcome to Allieville

Here we come! Season 2 kicks off in the world of Allieville, a colorful expressive fully immersive kids show set by the magical visionary Allie Olson, who recently was diagnosed with a rare aggressive form of breast cancer. Allie has transformed her entire apartment into a work of art and her joyous expression surrounders her throughout her healing journey. Her positive outlook is contagious as she openly confronts her cancer. Smile big with us as we get swept up into the very real world of Allie Olson. See how we can still be ourselves even during times of pain and sickness. You want to be there, in Allieville.

To visit Allieville https://www.allieville.com
To Support Allie’s Gofundme https://gofund.me/43562b4f

Season 1 Recap

In this episode Matthew and Tom give some updates on previous guests, including a beautiful story of Matthew visiting Ethan in Hospice care. They also share stories of how the show has impacted them and what other offerings are happening outside of the podcast. Tune in for an intimate session with our hosts.

You can find more work from Matthew at: https://www.madhumatt.com

And Tom's work at: https://returntopneuma.com

 

 

Paul Kuhn - Death/Life: The Cycle of Fatherhood

Imagine what it’s like to be with you father as he transitions into the unknown mystery of the beyond while preparing to welcome into this world a new baby. Paul talks about being comfortable sitting in the uncomfortable. Life is painful, and yet joyous. Tune in to hear Paul’s beautiful story with the sounds of the birds as he waits to greet his baby boy. Sweet vibes inside.

You can find more of Paul's work at https://www.soundandself.com where he works one on one with folks to unlock various aspects of themselves using a plethora of tools including breath and sound.

And you can find his work with his partner Erica Matluck at https://www.experiencesevensenses.com where they offer group retreats and online transformational modalities for personal growth.

Andrew Thomas - A Daily Dose of Terror with OCD

Did I lock the door? Maybe. I’ll check, just in case. Great, locked. Am I sure? Check again. Right, locked. Wait, what if it’s now unlocked. I’ll check again, and again, and again…
Andrew has been living most of his entire life with undiagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It wasn’t until his OCD around COVID pushed him to the edge, left him completely alone, and utterly afraid. The exhaustion dragged him to rock bottom. In the darkness, Andrew had come to a profound realization, reached out for help and has built up an incredible knowledge of OCD and tools to help empower him to take back his life. This episode is jam packed with info. Don’t miss the end where we shared a beautiful practice for everyone. If you or anyone you know might be struggling to find some help around Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and what it looks like, you’ve got to listen to this.

Alex Saidac - Ride or Die

Alex had not one, but two near death experiences coming from doing what she loves most, being with her horses. That has shaped her life in living a path of service with her animals as outward, vibrant, and joyous as possible. This conversation is deep, yet filled with laughter and fun. Let us take you on a ride where Alexandra stakes claim in her ancestry through healing with horses. Feel her passion for these beautiful majestic animals as she lives every day with the possibility of it being her last. Saddle up friends.

Baraka Blue - COVID Brings Death Practice to Life

Can the poems of the Sufis speak directly to the heart and comfort us as we face death? In this episode we explore death through words, poems and embodied experience. When COVID first came to the US, Baraka was among the first infected. With very little information on the virus at that time and with Blue’s breath increasingly shrinking, he contemplated death and found peace watching birds. After his recovery came a newfound appreciation for life. Baraka is the founder of the Rumi Center for Spirituality and the Arts and currently hosting a cohort of 100 plus people as they work through Steven Levine’s book, A Year to Live. Listen with us as Baraka shares his dance with death and teachings from the Islamic and Sufi mystics.

Imam Sohaib Sultan - Dying with Grace

How do you die with graciousness in the face of pain? Join us as we speak with Iman Sohiab Sultan, a bright light and fixture in Muslim comminuty in Princton, NJ. Hear how Iman, a husband, father, and hospital chaplin, reacted to the news of terminal cancer. You’ll be blown away by his honesty and raw emotion. Listen to the poetic words and powerful lessons he shares for his daughter (and you) on God, religion, and living a truly graceful life.