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THE DEATH TALK

A virtual presentation exploring death, dying & grief

Buy The Death Talk

Purchase The Death Talk Recording

On September 28th, we hosted The Death Talk to a live, sold-out audience in West Vancouver, BC. On October 13th, we presented The Death Talk ~ Virtual to a sold-out audience online, with guests joining from around the world.

For $15 CAD, you can now purchase the 2 hour edited version, complete with four powerful presentations, a thought-provoking roundtable discussions, and a Q/A with Sheryl MacKay. Upon purchase, you will be sent a link to our pre-recorded presentation to watch on your own time.

The Death Talk is one of the most moving, informative, and inspiring sessions that I have ever attended. I would sincerely say that it was life enhancing!
Rick
The Death Talk was an incredible evening. I didn't really know what to expect. Every speaker brought her own stories, passion and purpose to the stage. All were exceptionally good speakers. I thought I knew a lot but I learned so much that I was bursting by the end of the evening. I wish they were in my living room so we could have talked for hours.
Connie JorsvikPatient Pathways
This was an excellent, honest, warm, humorous and informative. I was touched and impressed by each one of these four excellent presenters. I highly recommended this session if you are interested in having an authentic conversation around matters attached to death and dying.
Lorraine AshdownReverend
In a lighthearted, nonthreatening way, the 'Death Talk' presenters took us through the various aspects of our final journey, our rights, responsibilities and possibilities. I think everyone left with new understanding about life AND death and the natural continuum! The presenters discussed topics and aspects of our final journey, helping us to know our rights in the death process.
The Death Talk was so informative and empowering. Few people talk about death and end of life planning. It was wonderful to hear from 4 intelligent, passionate, warm and funny women share their expertise and experience to empower us to know more and to not fear the conversation.
Wendy
I am a 61 year old man who never dealt properly with grief regarding the passing of my parents. Now, my wife is battling cancer and her father suddenly passed last week. These discussions are very important, not only for me personally but for all of us . I am grateful to all of you for taking the time to bring this most important aspect of life forward out of the shadows!
The Death Talk sessions cover an essential topic, death. It is something we all face, and though we may not know wihen, we know we will die, we know we will, and making the preparation ahead of time is a gift to those we love and who will grieve for us.
It was a pleasure to receive education from a complimentary group of knowledgable professionals and advocates in the end of life space. The expertise of the group provided a well rounded discussion for the public and health care professionals alike. I highly recommend it!
Carly HickeyACE Planning Company
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Who We Are

We are a collective of end-of-life care providers who are working together to 'do death differently'. We are passionate about shifting the narratives surrounding death, dying and grief, and we are driven by a desire to better support our community.

We’re part of a global deathcare movement that is inspiring millions of people to ask the question: how can we better support ourselves and each other at the end of life?

What This Is

The Death Talk was inspired by conversations we have with people around the world every single day. We want to share our experiences, dispel some myths, and answer any questions you might have about death and dying.

The event consists of four powerful presentations, a round table discussion, and a question and answer period. We cover a wide-range of topics and share personal stories along the way.

Why We're Doing It

This is 'the talk' you likely never had growing up. We live in a death-denying society that doesn't always know what to do or say when it comes to end-of-life. We want to normalize talking about death, dying and grief.

We believe it’s never too early to talk about death, and the more we talk about it, the better off we will be. We also want to make these conversations light and easy, offering you a place to start.
Purchase The Death Talk Recording

Talking about death won't kill you ~ in fact, studies have shown that it's better for our overall health & wellness to talk about death and dying well before we need to.

The Speakers

Christa Ovenell

Christa is a licensed funeral director & embalmer, end-of-life doula and founder of Death's Apprentice Education & Planning, a company specializing in holistic advance care planning for individuals and groups. She's also a WillowEOL educator.
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Emily Bootle

Emily is a licensed funeral director, end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, and death educator. She started DeathcareBC, a community education platform aimed at bridging the gap between healthcare and after-death care.
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Christina Andreola

Christina runs New Narrative Events, an event planning company specializing in celebrations of life and hybrid events, combining the in-person experience with virtual attendees from around the world.
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Megan Sheldon

Megan is the co-founder of Be Ceremonial, a guided ritual App focused on ceremonies across the life cycle. She is a Cultural Mythologist, Funeral Celebrant, and End of Life Doula with a passion for creating secular ceremonies and grief rituals.
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Moderated by Sheryl MacKay

Sheryl MacKay is a radio and television broadcaster with more than four decades of experience. She was host and producer of CBC's North by Northwest and she recently launched: Listen With Sheryl Mackay. She is a newly trained End of Life Doula and is wanting to shine a light on conversations that surround death, dying and grief.

Topics Include:

  • Holistic advance care planning
  • Navigating healthcare and deathcare
  • End of life decisions and options, including MAiD
  • Green burial, direct cremation, aquamation
  • Living funerals, celebrations of life, and ceremony ideas
  • Talking to kids about death and dying
  • Grief rituals and death anniversaries
Purchase The Death Talk Recording

Interested in learning more?

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