How Kicking the Bucket Helps Us Talk About Dying

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with multidisciplinary artist and podcast creator Andee Kinzy to explore how fiction, humor, and storytelling can make end of life conversations feel more approachable.

Andee is the creator of the audio fiction series “Kicking the Bucket,” a thoughtful and often funny story about an aging couple facing terminal illness, autonomy, and the emotional realities of planning for the end of life. Through the characters of Dolores and Howard, Andee helps listeners reflect on real decisions families face every day and why talking about dying can ultimately help us live with more clarity and intention.

Together, Traci and Andee discuss medical aid in dying, dementia and cognition in decision-making, the role of humor in navigating heavy topics, intergenerational communication challenges, and how listening clubs are helping communities practice these conversations in a supportive way. Whether you are a caregiver, an adult child, a healthcare professional, or simply someone curious about death and dying, this episode encourages thoughtful dialogue, planning ahead, and embracing honest conversations while we still have the chance.

Links/Resources
Guest:
Kicking the Bucket website: https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast Use code: KTBPODCC for early access

Host:
Comforting Closure with Traci Arieli: https://www.comfortingclosure.com

Referenced Resources in Conversation:
The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org
Information on Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD): https://compassionandchoices.org

Please like, share, and subscribe to support these conversations and help others find the show. Leave a comment and tell us what part of this episode resonated with you or how you plan to start conversations in your own life.