Episodes

  • The Rise of Natural Burials and Eco-Friendly Farewells
    Nov 27 2024

    Discover the growing movement that's revolutionizing how we think about our final farewell. In this episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, funeral celebrant and green burial advocate Carin Bonifacino reveals how modern burial practices are returning to their natural roots—where bodies can nurture the earth rather than be sealed away from it. Learn why the 'six feet under' rule is a myth, how traditional Jewish and Muslim communities have maintained natural burial practices, and why some cemeteries are transforming into nature preserves. Carin breaks down the surprisingly affordable options for those seeking a gentler environmental impact in death. She also exposes common industry misconceptions and 'greenwashing' practices to watch out for, while explaining why GPS coordinates might become the new headstones. Whether you're pre-planning or simply curious about sustainable alternatives to traditional burial, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about death care.

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    41 mins
  • Divorce and Death: Planning for Life’s Toughest Transitions
    Nov 20 2024

    What do divorce and death have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of "Death, Dying & The Digital Age," I was joined by Catherine and Karen from My Divorce Solution to explore the unexpected intersections between end-of-life planning and navigating divorce in our digital era. From cryptocurrency and intellectual property to forgotten beneficiaries and complex retirement accounts, discover why preparation is crucial in both life transitions. Learn why "for better or worse" doesn't mean accepting purposeful neglect, and hear thought-provoking insights about how older adults are redefining relationships in their golden years. Whether you're married, divorced, or single, this conversation reveals essential strategies for protecting your digital legacy and financial future, proving that knowledge truly is power when it comes to life's most challenging transitions.

    Find Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew at mydivorcesolution.com and on LinkedIn

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    40 mins
  • The Unique Gift of the Memoir
    Nov 13 2024

    What stories do you have to leave behind? In this episode, Jennifer Crosswhite, author and CEO of Tandem Services Inc., shares insights about the profound importance of documenting your life for future generations.

    After losing both her grandmother and father, Jennifer discovered firsthand how precious written memories become – and how devastating it is when stories are lost forever.

    Whether you're tech-savvy and comfortable with digital platforms or prefer traditional writing methods, Jennifer breaks down the intimidating process of legacy writing into manageable steps. Most importantly, she emphasizes that you don't need to be a professional writer or create something valuable for your family – your authentic stories, no matter how simple, are the greatest gift you can leave behind.

    Learn how to start capturing your memories today, because you can’t take them with you when you pass on.

    Services from Jennifer Crosswhite can be found at TandemServicesInk.com and linkedin.com/in/jennifercrosswhite/

    Here is a link to a free resource with a free 30-minute discovery call: https://c7a4-jennifer.systeme.io/45c6cf65-7ed7f432

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    42 mins
  • End-of-Life Investigations with Michael Zwick, The Probate P.I.
    Nov 6 2024

    Ever wondered what happens when someone dies without clear heirs or their assets seem to vanish into thin air? Meet Michael, a private investigator and probate specialist who uncovers hidden fortunes and long-lost relatives for a living. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on the world of probate investigation, sharing stories of unclaimed inheritances, family secrets, and "laughing heirs" who receive unexpected windfalls from relatives they never knew. From explaining why you can't actually leave your fortune to your beloved pet to revealing how he convinces skeptical potential heirs that his "you've inherited money" calls aren't scams, Michael offers a unique glimpse into a unique profession most people don't even know exists. He also opens up about protecting your own assets and warns about red flags that signal probate investigation scams. If you’re curious about what happens to money after death, this episode is packed with surprising insights about the complex world of inheritance.

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    31 mins
  • Death and Business Continuity
    Oct 16 2024

    When tragedy strikes at work, are you prepared for the aftermath? In this episode, Bill Prehl shares his experience of losing a crucial team member and the chaos that ensued. Discover how the unexpected death of a colleague exposed critical vulnerabilities in their company's infrastructure, leaving them scrambling for two years to recover. Bill's story reminds us of the importance of succession planning and risk management in the digital age. Learn why documenting processes and sharing access is not just good practice, but essential for business continuity. This episode will make you rethink your own workplace preparedness and personal legacy planning

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    23 mins
  • Retaining Digital Assets After Death
    Oct 16 2024

    In this episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki Weiss delves into the often-overlooked world of digital legacies with tech expert Jacki Roach. Discover why your online presence doesn't vanish when you do and how the rise of AI and digital avatars could keep you "alive" long after you're gone. We dive into the truth about "ghost accounts" and the "zombie web," exposing the vulnerabilities in our digital footprints. Learn essential strategies to protect your online assets and maintain control over your digital afterlife. From cutting-edge blockchain technology to simple, old-school methods, this episode offers practical advice for securing your legacy. Don't miss this conversation that will change the way you think about your online presence and empower you to take charge of your digital assets.

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    26 mins
  • Beyond the Coffin
    Oct 16 2024

    Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a modern funeral home? Join host Niki Weiss as she explores the evolving world of end-of-life planning with funeral director Matthew J. Grieco. Discover how technology is transforming farewells, from webcasting services to interactive memory displays. Learn about innovative options like solidified remains and biodegradable urns revolutionizing the industry. Gain insights into pre-planning and creating personalized, meaningful goodbyes. This eye-opening episode demystifies the funeral process, offering a fresh perspective that will forever change how you view life's final chapter.

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    46 mins
  • How to Tell an 
End-of-Life Story
    Oct 9 2024

    Welcome to the first episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age! This week, I am joined by Bradley Berman and his experience making a film about his good friend’s life and the legacy that his friend left behind. With our world becoming evermore immersed in cyberspace, there is no guarantee that our assets, resources, and important documents will be preserved and stored properly at the end of life. Join us as we tackle passing on and leaving a legacy that is still tangible to those you love after you pass.

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    39 mins