Good Grief

Ep. 20 “Return to the Earth”

Jeff and Carly talk to Rev. Randall Keeney of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church about the concept of natural burials and the All Souls Natural Burial Association. This alternative to embalming and cremation is more affordable and a more environmentally friendly way to “return to the Earth.” Rev. Keeney also discusses his faith and the Christian belief that death is a part of eternal life. You can learn more about this eco-friendly alternative at https://www.allsoulsnaturalburial.org/.

Ep. 19 “Elon’s Silent Teachers”

Dianne Person, the founding director of Elon University’s Anatomical Gift Program, joins Jeff and Carly in this episode about giving one’s body to science. Anatomic donors or “silent teachers” continue to make a positive impact on the world after their death by enabling undergraduate students to learn invaluable lessons that prepare them to be better healthcare providers. To learn more about this program, please visit https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/health-sciences/anatomical-gift/.

Ep. 18 “Funeral Home Family”

Funeral director Al Lineberry of Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home talks in this episode about his experience going into the family business. Al’s family has provided funeral, cemetery, and cremation services for Greensboro and the surrounding area since 1919. His love for the community and his own experience with loss inform the way he helps families say goodbye to their loved ones. For more information about the stages of grief mentioned in this episode, you can visit https://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/.

Ep. 17“Hallelujah Anyhow”

In this episode, Jeff and Carly welcome Rev. Bradley Hunt, a local community activist and assistant pastor at New Light Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Hunt discusses what drew him to the ministry, his love and appreciation for the Black Church, and his experience working in a funeral home and going through the funeral directors program. We also scratch the surface in talking about institutional racism and structural barriers to health equity, and how these issues impact the death and dying process in the Black community.

Ep. 16 “The Greatest Mitzvah”

Jeff is joined by Betsy Gamburg, director of Jewish Family Services in Greensboro, to discuss Jewish traditions around death and the services offered by JFS. Betsy gives us some great insight into these traditions and explains “the greatest mitzvah,” caring for and preparing the body after someone has died. For more information on Jewish Family Services, visit http://www.jfsgreensboro.org/.

Ep. 15 “Chaplain of the C-word Ward”

Jeff and Carly welcome Lisa Lundeen, lead chaplain at Moses Cone Cancer Center in Greensboro, to talk about her work supporting patients through their journey with cancer. She also explains the importance of cultural competency in end-of-life care and discusses the support resources available to patients, loved ones, and staff.

Ep. 14 “Hey, Preacher!”

Rev. Brooks Johnson joins Jeff and Carly to talk about his role as a Clinical Chaplain at High Point Medical Center. Father Brooks works directly with patients, families, and healthcare workers at some of their most difficult moments. We discuss what a chaplain is, Father Brooks’ holistic approach to spiritual care, and crises of faith and other challenges at the end of life. 

Ep. 13 “Caring for the Caregivers”

Jeff and Carly welcome Jodi Kolada of Well Spring Solutions on this episode of the Good Grief Podcast. Jodi works as the Director of Business and Caregiver Outreach at Well Spring Solutions and frequently works to support caregivers of older adults with dementia. To access caregiver resources from Well Spring Solutions and to watch video interviews about local community-based services, visit www.well-springsolutions.org/caregiver-resources/.

Ep. 12 “The Season of Caregiving”

Pam Strader joins the Good Grief Podcast in this episode to talk about the challenges and joys of being a caregiver for her father. Pam has served as a minister at West Market Street United Methodist Church and her faith plays an important role in her outlook in life. She finds comfort in the knowledge that this is a season of their lives in which she and her family can learn and grow, even in the face of isolation and the loss of control they are experiencing.

Ep. 11 “It’s My Turn Now”

Rev. Odell Cleveland’s latest book “It’s My Turn Now: Caregiving 101” is the topic of this episode. Odell joins Jeff and Carly to share stories of his journey as a caregiver-- from his upbringing in Charleston, SC, to later navigating the challenges of caring for his aging mother with his siblings, and all of the lessons he’s learned along the way. Purchase your copy here.