The mainstream media confirms the Death Cafe movement is exploding around the world. Recent stories in The New York Times, USA Today, NPR, MSN.com, and other news outlets confirm these events are bringing conversations about mortality out of the closet.
At Death Cafes, people come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death, drink tea and eat delicious cake. The objective of each Death Cafe is “To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.”
Jon Underwood, founder of the Death Cafe concept in the U.K., and Lizzy Miles, a hospice worker who brought the first Death Cafe to the U.S., are the special guests on A Good Goodbye Radio Wednesday, June 26. Listen to the podcast:
Jon Underwood modeled the Death Cafe based on the work of Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who offered ‘Cafe Mortels’ in Switzerland and France. Death Cafe is part of a set of projects by Underwood about death and dying called Impermanence.
Jon Underwood held the first Death Cafe event in London September 2011. Lizzy Miles brought the first Death Cafe to Columbus, Ohio in July 2012. Gail Rubin hosted the second in the U.S. and the first west of the Mississippi in September 2012.
Some of the issues about the Death Cafe discussed include:
- Who holds and who attends Death Cafe events;
- What topics of discussion are common in Death Cafe events;
- Why people attend these events;
- How to hold a Death Cafe;
- Where Death Cafe events have been held and are scheduled.
A Good Goodbye is an entertaining and educational online radio show on “everything you need to know before you go” and covering a wide range of critical information most people don’t consider until there’s a death in the family. Topics to be discussed on upcoming programs include: Certified Funeral Celebrants (July 3), personalization of funerals (July 10), the purposes and practices of death rituals (July 17) and life planning and estate issues (July 24).
By planning ahead and having a conversation, families can reduce stress at a time of grief, minimize family conflict, save money and create a meaningful, memorable “good goodbye.” Host Gail Rubin brings a light touch to a serious subject and presents expert interviews on funeral planning issues with practical insights into the party no one wants to plan.
Sign up for a free planning form and get more information at www.AGoodGoodbye.com.
