Curious minds welcome
These video sessions are for anyone drawn to the questions we often avoid—what it means to die, and how we honor those we care for. Whether you're a celebrant, death care professional, educator, or simply curious about life’s end, you'll find clear, thoughtful insights into what death means culturally, environmentally, and personally.
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Each session is created and led by me. I’ve spent nearly a decade working with grieving families as a funeral celebrant, and the past five years training others to design and deliver nonreligious ceremonies with care and meaning. I’m also the author of a benchmark book on creating funeral ceremonies—the first of its kind in more than thirty years. These sessions distill key ideas from my longer professional training course into an accessible, engaging format for anyone wondering how we say goodbye—and why it matters.
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On-demand learning about how we die and how we say goodbye
New!
The Purpose of Funerals
Insights into the powerful role of funerals in grief, family dynamics, and community healing. Explore the historical and cultural significance of funerals in our lives.
$59
You will learn:
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A shared understanding of ceremony, its major components, and its purpose in our lives
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How we know funerals are important across humanity
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What funerals are not meant to accomplish
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The purpose of funerals for primary mourners
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A humanist perspective on religion’s role in funerals
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The purpose of funerals for community
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When it makes sense to postpone or forego a funeral​
​Details: 50 minutes. Includes reflection workbook and supplementary educational workbook.
New!
Returning the Body to the Elements
Explore the evolving landscape of end-of-life options. This module delves into the history, ethics, and impact of various disposition methods, including traditional burial, cremation, human composting, and more.
$49
You will learn:
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A common vocabulary for understanding dispositions
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Ancient and historical methods of disposition that still influence choices today​
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​A deep look at the two most common types of disposition in the United States: burial and cremation
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Other less common ways bodies are returned via earth, fire, air, and water to their final resting places
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New types of dispositions such as natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis
​Details: 35 minutes.
An Environmentally Sensitive End of Life
Beyond the grave – a guide to eco-friendly end-of-life practices. This module examines the environmental impact of traditional burial and cremation, and explores sustainable alternatives. Learn how to minimize your carbon footprint and choose an end-of-life option that aligns with your values and respects the planet.
$49
You will learn:
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The impact death and funeral practices have on the environment
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Why reducing the environmental impact makes sense​
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The various terms used to talk about sustainable practices​
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Trends in sustainable death and funeral practices - what works, what's hype
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Thorough descriptions, pros, cons, laws, and costs of the most effective and available sustainable practices
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Consumer and industry steps to take
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Suggestions on how to choose the death practice that's truly sustainable for your local environment
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Coming Soon
The Art of Farewell
Discover the incredible variety of end-of-life ceremonies offered today. Understand options from traditional funerals to celebrations of life and online services. (TBD minutes)
Coming Soon
The American Funeral
​What is an American funeral? Is there even such a thing? American end-of-life rituals are influenced by cultural diversity, geographic location, family heritage, and evolving societal values. Learn about the practices, customs, and logistics that shape funerals across the United States.
