Growing up in a funeral home is more than just a "fun fact," it can provide a life-altering perspective on how to live. Growing up in her family's third-generation funeral home taught Katie Radel so many beautiful lessons about living that can only be found by witnessing death.

In this episode of Dying to Know More, host Ashley Haugen talks with Katie Radel about her unique upbringing and how she got involved in the world of natural burial at Larkspur Conservation in Middle Tennessee.

Katie explains the radical difference between the coffee-and-lilies atmosphere of a family funeral business and the serene wildflower meadows of Larkspur Conservation — and how there's space for both. We dive deep into the emotional weight of being with a loved one during their final moments, and how witnessing hundreds of funerals can actually help you live a more authentic life. This conversation offers a refreshing, non-taboo look at the one thing we all have in common and is — as Katie says — 100% happening to all of us.

Inside This Episode We Cover:
• Growing up living above a funeral home
• Driving a hearse at 16: Normalizing the industry
• How death gave Katie the courage to change her life
• The most moving "celebration of life" story Katie's experience
• The Death Positivity movement
• Why "fingernails" matter in funeral prep
• Finding "winks" from the other side

Resources & Links:
Learn about Larkspur Conservation: https://larkspurconservation.org/

Watch "Bury Me at Taylor Hollow": https://www.reelsouth.org/documentaries/bury-me-taylor-hollow

Follow Dying to Know More on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyingtoknowmorepodcast/

Check out our previous episode with Alice Sullivan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dk3NiQD8Jk&t=1s

Mandy Benoualid, founder of Keeper and Talk Death, shares what led her to reimagine and modernize the memorial space. She also shares the most popular article on Talk Death for 11 years running, her most profound experiences in this space and more. Enjoy this enlightening episode of Dying to Know More.

SHOW NOTES:
Learn more about Mandy's work at the following:
TalkDeath.com
FB: talkdeathdaily
IG: talkdeathdaily
YT: @TalkDeathDaily

MyKeeper.com
FB: keepermemorials
IG: keepermemorials
YT: @keepermemorials1124

In this episode of Dying to Know More, we welcome Ebony Leary, founder of My Sunset Doula. As a former hospice nurse and current death doula and end-of-life planning professional, Ebony demystifies the caregiving journey. We discuss the "pink flags" of cognitive decline, how families can access Medicaid funds for caregiving, and why having an advanced directive is the best gift you can leave your family. Whether you are currently a caregiver or just starting to notice your parents aging, this episode offers the roadmap you need.