Everyone Dies (Every1Dies)
A thoughtful exploration of everything about life-limiting illness, dying, and death. Everyone Dies is a nonprofit organization with the goal to educate the public about the processes associated with dying and death, empower regarding options and evidence-based information to help them guide their care, normalize dying, and reinforce that even though everyone dies, first we live, and that every day we are alive is a gift.
How Ikigai and Flow Can Help You Rebuild Purpose After Loss
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When someone you love dies, you lose far more than their presence—you often lose your routines, roles, identity, and your very reason to get out of bed in the morning. How do you begin rebuilding life when the world you knew no longer exists?
In this episode, Marianne and Charlie explore how the Japanese concept of ikigai (your reason for living) and the psychological state of flow (deep absorption in meaningful tasks) can help navigate bereavement without forcing you to "move on." https://bit.ly/47yk6d1<...
"I Don't Need to Be Fixed" — The Grief App and Navigating Grief Fog
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When books are too long for a grief-fogged brain, therapists lack specialized experience, and traditional support groups fail, how do you process profound loss? Discover how Saundra Neperud built The Grief App and why affinity death cafes are transforming community bereavement care. https://bit.ly/4yMpTrg
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Navigating "Grief Fog": Why traditional long-form reading fails during acute loss and how accessible tools provide relief. Cultural Safety in Mourning: How specialized Death Salons address historical mistrust, green burials, and community ca...Living Without Interruption: Safeguarding Your Health, Your Time, and Your Community with Vaccines — Learn the Protective Ripple Effect of Immunizations to Preserve Our Freedoms
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Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but declining rates have brought it back into headlines. Staying up to date on vaccines isn't about medical lectures—it's about preserving your independence, avoiding illness-related restrictions, and protecting the community you love. Join Marianne and Charlie as they explore how preventive health keeps your world open and uninterrupted. https://bit.ly/3WjCofq
Timestamps
00:00 - The Freedom to Choose: Why Staying Up to Date Matters02:00 - New York Encounters: Ethel Merman, Al Pacino, and Life in NYC04:54...Danger, Will Robinson: The Limits of AI, Health Care Ethics, and Human Wisdom
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"Danger, Will Robinson!" sounded like science fiction in 1965. Today, the warning behind that iconic catchphrase is dangerously relevant.
Artificial intelligence can answer questions, imitate voices, persuade voters, and automate complex tasks. But as AI enters healthcare—predicting treatment success, hospitalization risks, and life expectancy—a critical question emerges: How much authority should we give machines over decisions that shape human lives?
In this episode of Everyone Dies, Dr. Marianne Matzo and Charlie Navarrette explore what 270+ AI researchers say about artificial intelligence safety, why a medical prediction is not...
Do Pets Grieve? How to Help Dogs and Cats After a Loss
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Learn how dogs and cats grieve after losing a loved one, signs of pet grief to watch for, and when behavioral changes mean it’s time to call your vet. https://bit.ly/4hMfqpI
In this Episode:
00:00 – Intro: Do Dogs and Cats Grieve? Helping Pets Through Loss01:44 – Personal Stories: Navigating Loss and Animal Companions06:05 – Recipe of the Week: Ultimate Olympic Sausage Balls06:37 – Brain Scans & Dog Emotions: What Research Shows12:25 – What Pet Grief Looks Like (And the Grief vs. Illness Red Flags)18...Life After Lymphoma: R-CHOP, Remission and Survivorship
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A diagnosis of cancer changes how people think about their health, their future, and their everyday lives. For people diagnosed with blood cancers such as Waldenström macroglobulinemia or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the path from diagnosis through treatment and remission can bring both relief and ongoing uncertainty.
In this episode of the Everyone Dies podcast, we talk with Karen Wolfe, a nurse practitioner about what it means to live after a lymphoma diagnosis, including the experience of receiving treatment with R-CHOP chemotherapy and t...
25 Years After 9/11: The Rising Death Toll & Hidden Toxic Legacy
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Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, the true scale of loss is still being measured. While 2,977 lives were lost on that morning, more than 4,343 first responders and survivors have since died from toxic exposures at Ground Zero—a secondary wave of loss that continues to rise.
In this episode, Charlie reflects on walking through the dust in Manhattan just three blocks from the towers, and Marianne shares her experience preparing to speak at a grief conference as news broke. We honor the breathtaking composure of flight attendant Betty Ong on Flight 11. We dive int...
Cancer Emergencies: Spinal Cord Compression & Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
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Most people associate cancer with ongoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, but the illness itself can trigger sudden, life-threatening oncologic emergencies. In part two of our cancer emergency series, Dr. Marianne Matzo breaks down metastatic spinal cord compression—a critical condition affecting up to 10% of cancer patients that can cause rapid paralysis or permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
Learn the major red flag symptoms, including sudden severe back pain, loss of bowel or bladder control, and leg weakness, alongside key diagnostic steps and immediate treatments.
Ch...
"What Y’all Gon’ Do With Me?" Bridging Culture, Faith, and Advance Care Planning
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Dr. Gloria Thomas Anderson joins us to discuss advance care planning, addressing healthcare bias, and empowering diverse communities: https://bit.ly/4cfiCqN
"What Y’all Gon’ Do With Me?" It’s a bold question, but one that opens the door to essential conversations about our final wishes.
In this episode of Everyone Dies, Marianne and Charlie welcome interdisciplinary scholar and licensed master social worker Dr. Gloria Thomas Anderson. Dr. Gloria shares insights from her pioneering work and book, The African-American Spiritual and Ethical Guide to End-of-Life Care, addressi...
Parenting Adult Children: Why They May Be "Just Not Into You"
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Parenting doesn't end when children grow up. In this episode, we explore why relationships with adult children can become more complicated over time, what research reveals about family tensions, and how parents can maintain connection while respecting independence. Listen: https://bit.ly/45Gynn4
Timestamps:
01:27 - Netflix's "Je m'appelle Agneta" - A Reflection on Life Choices and Adult Child Estrangement04:56 - In Remembrance: Happy the Elephant (1971-2026)08:59 - The Evolution of Parenting: From Caregiver to Adult Ties12:04 - A New Lens on "The Giving Tree" - Seeing the Asymmetric...Make Gratitude Your Practice Every Day, with Tabitha Burrill
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Can gratitude improve your health?
Research suggests it can. Daily gratitude has been associated with:
Better emotional well-being Less stress and anxiety Greater life satisfaction Improved physical healthIn this episode, explore the science behind gratitude and simple habits you can start today.
Gratitude isn't about ignoring life's challenges. It's about noticing the good that exists alongside them.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro: Why You Should Practice Gratitude Every Day01:31 - What Are You Grateful For? Charlie and Marianne Answer04:45 - Gra...What Vanitas Art Knows About Death - and Living Fully
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What can a 1600s Dutch painting featuring a skull, a fading flower, and a ticking clock teach us about our daily choices? In this episode we explore the art genre of vanitas and the powerful concept of memento mori—the intentional reminder that our time on earth is finite.
We break down the meaning behind these symbols and why they still matter today. Rather than inspiring fear, these classical masterpieces were designed to offer clarity. By placing beauty, wealth, and pleasure directly alongside mo...
Don't Let Burnout Become Godzilla: Caring for an Elderly Partner Alone
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Caring for an aging partner alone takes a physical, emotional, and financial toll. Learn how to recognize early burnout and find local caregiving resources. https://bit.ly/4hIV9Sg
What happens when the person you love also becomes the person you provide 24/7 physical care for? In this episode of Everyone Dies, Marianne and Charlie examine the rapidly growing reality of elder spousal caregiving as lifespans lengthen and family sizes shrink. We discuss:
The "Godzilla Principle" of Caregiving: Why addressing small burnout signals early prevents total breakdown.<...How to Supercharge Your Microbiome with Fiber & Starch
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Take care of your microbiome, and it will take care of you
Did you know that every meal feeds not only you, but also the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive tract? Research continues to suggest that the foods we eat directly influence our gut microbiome, which plays an essential role in digestion, metabolism, immune function, inflammation, and inter-organ communication throughout the body.
In this quickie episode of the Everyone Dies podcast, we dive into how fiber-rich foods and resistant starch nourish beneficial gut bacteria—and why...
Beyond a Side Effect: When Mucositis Becomes an Oncology Emergency
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Most people undergoing cancer treatments know to watch out for fatigue or hair loss, but far fewer expect the severe impact of oral mucositis. While it often begins as a painful side effect of chemotherapy or radiation, severe cases can rapidly cross the line into a critical oncology emergency.
Learn why Stage 4 mucositis becomes a medical emergency and about life-threatening complications like sepsis, severe dehydration, and treatment interruptions. Then, we share a rebroadcast of our comprehensive guide with daily steps patients can take to protect their mouths...
How to Find Your People After 50 (And Honor the Friends We’ve Lost)
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Why does making friends after 50 feel so unexpectedly difficult? In this episode of Everyone Dies, we explore the reality of our changing social circles as we age. Whether caused by retirement, caregiving, or loss, discovering that your network has shrunk can feel isolating—but you are far from alone.
We talk about the modern challenges of finding your community later in life, the measurable health risks of chronic loneliness, and how to intentionally take those small steps to build deep trust again.
Every day is a gift. Let...
Bonds That Defy Time: Letters, Legacies, and Living with "Enough"
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Can love truly survive death? In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, this episode of Everyone Dies explores the enduring power of remembrance, devotion, and profound farewells across generations. https://bit.ly/4vJJAyh
In this episode, we discuss:
The Legacy of "Enough": A touching airport goodbye between a father and daughter that reveals a beautiful, intergenerational blessing for a meaningful life. Letters from the Frontline: The deathless Civil War love letter of Major Sullivan Ballou to his wife, Sarah, written just days before the Firs...What Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Can Teach Us About Time, Family, and Living Well: Ben Sasse's Story
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What happens when a sudden diagnosis gives you only months to live? In this episode of Everyone Dies, we explore what it means to live fully on the threshold of life’s final chapters. https://bit.ly/4ezL0FC
First, we share the deeply moving, self-written obituary of Nora Patricia Keenan, who passed away from complications of colorectal cancer. With unapologetic honesty, Nora looks back at her journey through chaos, addiction, recovery, and growth, reminding us that a meaningful life isn’t about being spotless—it’s about being honest and showing u...
What Are Boundaries? (And Why Caregivers Need Them)
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What are personal boundaries, and why do we feel so guilty setting them? In this episode, we break down the different types of boundaries we all need to protect our time and emotional well-being—and why they are absolutely essential for family caregivers. Burnout, exhaustion, and resentment shouldn't be the price of supporting a loved one. Learn how setting clear limits is not about caring less, but about preventing caregiver burnout so you can actually provide better care. If you are feeling drained, overextended, or struggling to say no to family ca...
Constipation: Types, Causes, Risks, and What You Can do to Prevent It
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Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable—it can become dangerous. Especially after illness, surgery, or certain medications, what seems minor can turn into something serious.
In this episode, we explain what constipation is, why it happens, and what your body needs to function the way it should. We break down the role of hydration, movement, and fiber, and why small changes can prevent bigger problems.
We also talk about who is most at risk, including people with chronic illness, those recovering from abdominal surgery, and anyone taking medications that slow the...
Beyond the Apocalypse: What The Four Horsemen Teach Us About Living in Today's World
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The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are often treated as distant, frightening symbols of the end times. But in this episode of Everyone Dies, we take a grounded, thoughtful look at what Conquest, War, Famine, and Death represent—and why they matter right now. From global conflict and food insecurity to health crises and the absolute certainty of mortality, these ancient images continue to mirror modern life.
This isn't a conversation about fear. By naming these struggles, we strip away their power, allowing us to live with greater intention, care deeply fo...
Memento Mori: Death Changes How You Live, If You Let It
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Embrace mortality to live with intention. Explore the history of Memento Mori, the Grim Reaper, Liberace’s legacy, and why facing death changes everything. https://bit.ly/434ASy3
Memento Mori. What Does it Really Mean?
You are going to die. What if remembering that is the key to actually living well? Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about death. But when we do, something interesting happens: we start to see what matters. This week, Marianne and Charlie kick off a brand-new series exploring the human...
Hantavirus: The Deadly Virus Hidden in Mouse Droppings
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A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has placed this rare but dangerous disease back into international headlines. In this episode of the Everyone Dies podcast, we explain what hantavirus is, how it spreads, why symptoms are often mistaken for the flu, and what people need to know to stay safe. https://bit.ly/3PyMztS
You will learn:
How hantavirus spreadsThe difference between Old World and New World hantavirusesEarly warning signs and symptomsWhy breathing problems can develop rapidlyThe incubation period after exposureSafe cleaning...The Grief Hidden Inside Hamlet
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What happens when grief is too large to stay silent? In this episode of the Everyone Dies podcast, we explore the death of a child and how profound loss reshapes the human heart. Inspired by the film Hamnet, author Neil Perry Gordon shares his journey of losing his son, Sam, and how grief often finds another form in art and creativity. This is a conversation about learning how love continues after death and why grief changes the imagination forever. https://bit.ly/4dLOCDV
We discuss:
The emotional connection between Hamnet a...Love, Dementia, and the Reality of "For Better or Worse"
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Jay Leno’s story shows that “for better or worse” isn't just a vow—it’s a reality. Explore the quiet devotion of caregiving and love in the face of dementia. https://bit.ly/4uCKH23
In this Episode:
00:00 - Intro: The Reality of "Showing Up" in Dementia Care02:21 - Denisa Lady Newborough: 14 Languages, 5 "Shareholders," and One Extraordinary Life: A look at the audacious life of a high-society rebel.02:45 - Uncle Louie’s Chicken Wings Marinara: A recipe for a crowd, straight from the Leno fam...93% Preventable: Why Native American Mothers Are Still Dying After Childbirth
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Indigenous maternal health is in a critical state, but we can change that.
Learn why 93% of pregnancy-related deaths in these communities are preventable. Explore the healthcare gaps for First Nations and how restorative midwifery is working to save lives. https://bit.ly/4uncumO
What You'll Learn:
The 93% Preventability Gap: While 87% of all U.S. maternal deaths are preventable, that number rises to 93% for Native American and Alaska Native populations, signaling a critical failure in the care pipeline.The Postpartum "Blind Spot":An App That Predicts Your Death Date: Would You Want to Know?”
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Can knowing your death date help you live longer? Explore the Death Clock app, AI longevity predictions, and how small lifestyle shifts can extend your life. https://bit.ly/4cBBrDK
A study of 60,000 people found that just a few minutes of better sleep, a little more movement, and small changes in diet could add years to your life. Not dramatic changes, small ones.
Now imagine an app that tracks those choices—and tells you, in real time, how they’re affecting the day you’re likely to die. I...
"The Pitt," The Boss, and the Bike: A Candid Look at Motorcycle Safety
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Want to Arrive? Dress for the Slide!
Motorcycle fatalities are 24x higher per mile than in autos, but you can improve your odds with full-face helmet to guard against head trauma, airbag vests to protect neck and torso, and most of all: situational awareness. https://bit.ly/4tyU033
In This Episode:
00:00 - Intro: Beyond the "Suicide Machine" – The Reality of the Ride02:34 - The Last Ride: David Ritter’s Poetic Tribute to Fallen Riders03:33 - The Risk Assessment: Dr. Robby’s Sabbatical and Survival Odds05:03 - The Ana...Still Grieving Years Later? You’re Not Doing It Wrong
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Why Grief Hits Out of Nowhere, Why it’s Normal, and What Can Help
Grief after five years isn't a sign of failure; it’s a testament to a lifelong bond. When the waves hit out of nowhere, know that your journey is uniquely yours. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3OkXRB4
Is there a Timeline for Grief?
You would think that after five years, grief should get easier. But then it hits you—out of nowher...
Why Spirituality May Be a Missing Link In Your Grieving Process
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Healing from grief isn’t just emotional—it’s spiritual. Learn how to nurture your soul while navigating the psychological journey of recovery. https://bit.ly/4md1ENF
Why Spirituality is Important
Grief affects every part of our lives — our emotions, our relationships, our bodies, and our sense of meaning. Yet one area is often overlooked in grief care: the spiritual self.
Whether or not you identify as religious, spirituality (where we connect with the earth, ourselves, and others) is the place where we ask life’s bi...
The Pitt and the Principle of Double Effect; Does Morphine Really Hasten Death?
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Why Treating Suffering is Always the Moral Choice
Does morphine hasten death at the end of life? This is one of the most common—and most distressing—questions families ask in hospice and palliative care.
“If you hold their hand and they die, did holding their hand cause the death? No, the cancer or whatever disease process is going on is the cause of death and everything we do to make their end-of-life pain free, comfortable, or offers human connection and love is the right thing to do in the...When Love Doesn't End: Richard E. Grant and Radical Honesty Grieving the Death of a Spouse
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How do you navigate a world that feels empty after a 38-year conversation ends? In this episode of Everyone Dies, we dive into the "radical honesty" of actor Richard E. Grant as he navigates the profound grief of losing his wife, Joan Washington. We explore why he rejects the idea that "time heals" and instead advocates for an unfiltered, open approach to bereavement.
We also tackle the complex realities of spousal loss through a listener's story of grieving a partner lost twice—first to addiction and finally to illness. From the un...
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Symptoms, Safety, and Recovery
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Have burning, electric shocks, tingling or numbness after chemo? Learn why and how to manage it. https://bit.ly/3Nra074
We dive into a common but often overlooked side effect of chemotherapy: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Up to 40% of cancer survivors who receive certain chemotherapy drugs experience tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in their hands and feet.
We’ll unpack which drugs are most likely to cause CIPN, why it happens, what symptoms to watch for, and how to manage or even improve function over time...
Pancreatic Cancer: From Diagnosis and the Whipple Procedure to Hospice Care
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Pancreatic cancer is often called a 'silent' disease because its early signs are so easy to miss. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the diagnosis—from the complex Whipple procedure to hospice care—to help families move from fear toward understanding. https://bit.ly/4birjzs
In this episode, you will learn:
What the pancreas actually does (enzymes, insulin, and glucagon).The difference between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. What a "pancreaticoduodenectomy" (Whipple procedure) involves and a brief history of the procedure. How hospice provides wraparound support to manage me...When Adult Children Go No Contact: From Brooklyn Beckham to Yours
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In this episode of Everyone Dies, we explore the rising "epidemic" of family estrangement. We begin with a high-profile case study: Brooklyn Beckham’s recent public declaration of "no contact" with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. Using this as a jumping-off point, we examine the modern language of therapeutic boundaries and why more adult children are choosing to walk away. https://bit.ly/3P6DlUQ
In this episode, we discuss:
(02:09) The Reality of Rupture: A first-person account of a parent "shrinking" th...The New Face of Colorectal Cancer: Celebrity Legacies, the Screening Gap and How to Advocate for Yourself
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Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in adults younger than 50. Rates have increased steadily over the past three decades, with the most dramatic rise seen in people in their 20s and 30s.
In this episode we break down what that means for you and the people you love. https://bit.ly/3OpPlk8
Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms at all, which is why screening guidelines were recently lowered to begin at age 45. When caught early, the fi...
Supporting Someone with Chronic Illness: How to Show Up Without Fixing
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When someone we care about is living with chronic illness, we often want to help, but we are often unsure of how. We may worry about saying the wrong thing, doing too much, or not doing enough. And in that uncertainty, support can sometimes turn into advice, reassurance, or attempts to fix.
Learn what it means to show up without fixing. We will explore what meaningful support can look like for people living with chronic illnesses, support rooted in listening, respect, and consistency rather than solutions. This...
When Closure Isn't Possible: How to Find a Way Forward Through Grief
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We’re often told that "closure" is the final goal of grief—the moment we finally close the door on the past. But what if that door doesn't close? What if it shouldn't?
In S6E45, we’re challenging the cultural rush to find an ending. We discuss "Ambiguous Loss" and why reframing your perspective is more healing than waiting for an answer that may never arrive.
Healing isn’t about closing the door; it’s about learning how to live with it open. https://bit.ly/3ZQBqWG
What Y...
The Winter Blues: Why You Feel Low, and How to Shine Again
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Does winter have you feeling tired or blue? You’re not alone. This episode dives into the science of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), from drop in serotonin to 10,000-lux hacks to help you find your glow. https://bit.ly/49T74ZG
In this Episode:
00:00 – Intro, and Charlie Converses with Neil deGrasse Tyson03:08 – Tips on Longevity: 100-year Old Albert, Be Honest, Be Nice, Be Kind – and Be Determined06:46 – Recipe of the Week: Polish Ham Roll-Ups07:42 – Do You Feel a Winter Slump? Learn Why08:46 – The Connection Between Light and Mood09:51 – Light Therapy for...How to Invest in Longevity: Rethinking Our Relationship with Alcohol
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We're moving past the marketing and into the facts. Beyond the glamour, there's a truth about the impact of alcohol on our bodies. This week, we explore why drinking less is the newest trend in wellness and how the $830 billion shift in the market is actually a win for public health. Be empowered so you can join the millions investing in their longevity. https://bit.ly/49YP0Mx
In this Episode:
01:17 - How to See the New York City Subway's Old City Hall Station06:36 - Alcohol and Dementia R...