The Final Say

Flamenco guitarist Ben Phipps explains how he finds meaning, purpose and joy in his life; the support of his family and friends and why he chose not to have chemo for his brain cancer.

Debra was rattled at the unexpected death of her last guest. In this episode, she talks about why. 

Even people who work in the field of dying and death have a hard time talking about their own deaths. But Dr. Mark Goulston has found talking about it and being emotionally vulnerable has set him free. 

What to say and how to keep meaning and purpose in your life? Here's what matters: Just show up.  Bill Gardner has some wise thoughts on those challenges. 

Juliana Fodera has died twenty-one times. She tells us how she navigated those trips and we might experience. Her biggest piece of advice? "Stay curious!"

Cheryl Hauser watched her brother struggle with Alzheimer's. When she was diagnosed herself, she made the decision to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED) when she no longer could enjoy life. 

Even though he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 76, Don Mallet felt that he was lucky and grateful to have made it to old age. Glass half empty or half full? Feed the Good Wolf or the Evil Wolf? Don tells us how he does it. 

Harlan was shocked to discover that his life-threatening illness brought him more joy than he could have imagined. Here's how he found it. 

Diane struggled with MSA for four years until she used the Death with Dignity law. She was excited about her "Lift Off" and was well-prepared for soaring out of her body. 

Bill Bailey tells a story of misunderstood last words; being scared to death and being scared by death. Also, how we can almost guarantee that will people speak kindly about us after we die.