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Having difficult conversations about death

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Making plans about death can be a difficult topic to navigate. This episode explores ways to handle those tough conversations.

Death is an inevitable part of life. It's not something most of us like to think about, but putting some plans in place before you need them can make the end of life far more peaceful for you and your loved ones.

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, experts discuss the stigma around death and offer advice on how to prepare for the inevitable.

This episode was originally produced August 15, 2023.

Guests:

  • Kerri Hays, death doula and death educator based in Des Moines
  • Lauren Carrolldeath educator and former funeral director
  • Dr. Bryan Struck, director of Supportive and Palliative Care Program, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
  • Denise M. Hill, associate professor of practice in public administration with Drake University
Charity Nebbe is IPR's<i> Talk of Iowa</i> host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts <i>Garden Variety</i> and <i>Unsettled</i>. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Phineas Pope served as a digital production assistant at Iowa Public Radio from 2023 - 2024.