D+D Series: The Death Cafe Movement and Finding Connections through Grief with Dan Bulf

On the Table with Ashley

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In this episode of On the Table with Ashley, we’re joined by Dan Bulf, a seasoned Death Cafe facilitator based in Evanston, IL. Dan hosted the second-ever Death Cafe workshop in 2013 and, over the years, has led countless conversations about death in hospitals, senior centers, senior living communities, and local organizations. He has also contributed to multiple studies on perceptions of death, presenting findings at conferences nationwide.

Sharing insights from his own grief, Dan reflects on his decade-long career creating spaces for open, candid conversations about life, death, and grief, and the intricacies of holding space for such vulnerable and meaningful discussions. Together, we explore how talking about death can help us connect more deeply with others, navigate grief, and remind us that we are not alone.

Grief often stifles us. With this episode, and the Death + Dying series as a whole, we aim to foster open dialogue about the often uncomfortable topics of death and grief. Our hope is that, with an open heart and curiosity, we can support important causes, learn how to show up for people in our lives who are suffering, increase our meaningful connection to one another, and hopefully find more peace. No subject is off-limits in our pursuit of meaningful connection.

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Read The Four Things that Matter Most by Ira Byock

Read Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande.

Read The Top 5 Regrets of Dying by Bronnie Ware

Learn More about Death Cafes

Visit Death Over Dinner by Michael Hebb

Learn more about ACP Planning and Person Centered Care

Watch Ask A Mortician YouTube channel by Caitlin Doughty

Watch Consider the Conversation video series by Terry Kaldhusdal and Michael Bernhagen

On the Table with Ashley is presented by Âme Atendre, a luxury home goods and tableware brand with a mission to connect people to all that matters.

If you have ideas for new episodes or guests, or just want to share feedback, email us at [e-mail].