Good Grief

EP. 30 “Patti Gasparello, Director of Kids Path with AuthoraCare Collective”

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:37:58 -0500

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, we speak with Patti Gasparello. Patti is the Director of Kids Path with AuthoraCare where she deals with the areas of bereavement and counseling relating to children.

EP. 29 ”Risa Hanau, Director of Education for AuthoraCare Collective”

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:37:39 -0500

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, we speak with Risa Hanau, Director of Education for AuthoraCare Collective. We learn about palliative care and hospice care, and when and why these services are utilized.

EP. 28 “Kristie Yeatts, Bereavement Counselor for Trellis Supportive Care”

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:37:21 -0500

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, we speak with Kristie Yeatts, Bereavement Counselor for Trellis Supportive Care. We will be discussing resources in our community to help with pet loss for children, adults and seniors.

EP. 24 “Jim Albright ,Guilford County EMS Director”

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:27:08 -0400

Guilford County EMS Director Jim Albright joins Jeff in this episode to talk about how first responders deal with end of life issues. We learn about the importance of the MOST document (link), the relationship between EMS and the police, who gets an autopsy, and more in this episode of “Good Grief.” For answers to some frequently asked questions about the MOST form, read this document.

EP. 27 ”Jorge Ortega, Director of Guilford County Animal Services”

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:27:03 -0400

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff Thigpen and Carly Malcolm talk to Jorge Ortega, the Animal Services Director for the Guilford County Animal Services Department. They talk about pet loss and resources available to the Guilford County community to help in dealing with pet loss.

EP. 26 ”Michael Moye, the Cemetery Superintendent for the City of Greensboro”

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:26:56 -0400

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff Thigpen and Carly Malcolm talk to Michael Moye, the Cemetery Superintendent for the City of Greensboro. They discuss city funeral options in Greensboro, cost of cremation, exhumation, and disinterment.

EP. 25. ”Robert Shelly, Guilford County Veterans Services”

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:26:47 -0400

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff Thigpen and Carly Malcolm talk to Robert Shelly, Director of Guilford Counties Veteran's Services. They talk about services the county offers to veterans and especially the assistance to their loved ones after their passing.

EP. 23 “The Book Three Seventeen: A Suicide Loss Survivor‘s Story. Interview with local author Darren Shell.”

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:18:55 -0400

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff Thigpen and Carly Malcolm talk to Darren Shell, a suicide loss survivor and the author of 317: a Suicide Loss Survivor Story. He is also an integrated facilities designer for Cone Health and part of the development team for the peer-to-peer suicide prevention app, We Care. They talk about death by suicide, dealing with grief, and the stigma of suicide loss.

[03:08] Why Darren settled on 317 as the Title of His Book

[05:05] Understanding that Grief and Loss is Personal

[06:58] Darren's Reaction When He learned of His Friend's Death

[11:15] Pastor Wallace, Baby Jesus, and The Fire Truck

[15:26] How to Communicate News of a Death By Suicide

[17:30] Suicide Loss Survivors and the Stigma of Suicide Loss

[20:02] God Does Not Give People More Than They Can Handle

[24:17] The Kenny, Paul, and Darren Dynamic

[25:40] Darren Narrates the Worst Day of His Life

[31:41] Coping with Emotions After a Loved One's Death by Suicide

[36:13] Connecting with Veterans and Launching a Suicide Prevention App

[43:01] The Out of Darkness Community Walks

Ep. 22 “Opioid pandemic in Guilford County, the syringe exchange program, and the effects of stigma in drug and substance rehabilitation.”

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:16:46 -0400

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff Thigpen and Carly Malcolm talk to Chase Holleman, the program director for the Guilford County Solution to the Opioid Problem, GS STOP. They talk about the opioid pandemic in Guilford County, the syringe exchange program, and the effects of stigma in drug and substance rehabilitation.

[02:54] Terminal Illness and End of Life Issues

[06:27] Chase's Opioid Use and Dealing with Undiagnosed Mental Health Issues

[08:27] Why Stigma is More Dangerous Than Drug Use

[10:05] Chase's Journey Into The World of Treatment and Rehabilitation

[11:10] Guilford County Solution to the Opioid Problem

[16:55] The Safety and Success of Syringe Exchange Programs

[22:21]Impact of the Pandemic on Drug Abuse and Treatment

[25:05] Tackling Drug Abuse as a Community

[29:51] Chase Describes His Experience as a College Professor

Ep. 21 “Death Cafes, the Funeral Consumers Alliance, and the legal process behind burying a loved one in your backyard.”

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:15:30 -0400

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff Thigpen and Carly Malcolm talk to Sarah Williams, the North Carolina Funeral Consumers Alliance president. They talk about Death Cafes, the Funeral Consumers Alliance, and the legal process behind burying a loved one in your backyard.

[02:43] Sarah's Interest and Passion for Death

[04:05] The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA)and Why It's Important

[07:44] The Merger of FCAs Across Several States

[09:09] What is a Death Cafe?

11:24] Why Sarah Describes Herself as Woman Obsessed With Death

[13:44] Is it Legal to Bury Your Loved One at Home?

[14:31] The Surprising Satisfactions of a Home Funeral

[16:32] The Impact of the Pandemic on Issues of Death and Dying

[18:35] Sarah's Positive Contribution to Society

Ep. 20 “Return to the Earth”

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:13:16 -0400

Jeff and Carly talk to Rev. Randall Keeney of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church about the concept of natural burials and the All Souls Natural Burial Association. This alternative to embalming and cremation is more affordable and a more environmentally friendly way to “return to the Earth.” Rev. Keeney also discusses his faith and the Christian belief that death is a part of eternal life. You can learn more about this eco-friendly alternative at https://www.allsoulsnaturalburial.org/.

Ep. 19 “Elon’s Silent Teachers”

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:13:06 -0400

Dianne Person, the founding director of Elon University’s Anatomical Gift Program, joins Jeff and Carly in this episode about giving one’s body to science. Anatomic donors or “silent teachers” continue to make a positive impact on the world after their death by enabling undergraduate students to learn invaluable lessons that prepare them to be better healthcare providers. To learn more about this program, please visit https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/health-sciences/anatomical-gift/.

Ep. 18 “Funeral Home Family”

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:12:37 -0400

Funeral director Al Lineberry of Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home talks in this episode about his experience going into the family business. Al’s family has provided funeral, cemetery, and cremation services for Greensboro and the surrounding area since 1919. His love for the community and his own experience with loss inform the way he helps families say goodbye to their loved ones. For more information about the stages of grief mentioned in this episode, you can visit https://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/.

Ep. 17“Hallelujah Anyhow”

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:02:58 -0400

In this episode, Jeff and Carly welcome Rev. Bradley Hunt, a local community activist and assistant pastor at New Light Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Hunt discusses what drew him to the ministry, his love and appreciation for the Black Church, and his experience working in a funeral home and going through the funeral directors program. We also scratch the surface in talking about institutional racism and structural barriers to health equity, and how these issues impact the death and dying process in the Black community.

Ep. 16 “The Greatest Mitzvah”

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:02:18 -0400

Jeff is joined by Betsy Gamburg, director of Jewish Family Services in Greensboro, to discuss Jewish traditions around death and the services offered by JFS. Betsy gives us some great insight into these traditions and explains “the greatest mitzvah,” caring for and preparing the body after someone has died. For more information on Jewish Family Services, visit http://www.jfsgreensboro.org/.

Ep. 15 “Chaplain of the C-word Ward”

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:01:26 -0400

Jeff and Carly welcome Lisa Lundeen, lead chaplain at Moses Cone Cancer Center in Greensboro, to talk about her work supporting patients through their journey with cancer. She also explains the importance of cultural competency in end-of-life care and discusses the support resources available to patients, loved ones, and staff.

Ep. 14 “Hey, Preacher!”

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:00:55 -0400

Rev. Brooks Johnson joins Jeff and Carly to talk about his role as a Clinical Chaplain at High Point Medical Center. Father Brooks works directly with patients, families, and healthcare workers at some of their most difficult moments. We discuss what a chaplain is, Father Brooks’ holistic approach to spiritual care, and crises of faith and other challenges at the end of life.

Ep. 13 “Caring for the Caregivers”

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 08:45:00 -0400

Jeff and Carly welcome Jodi Kolada of Well Spring Solutions on this episode of the Good Grief Podcast. Jodi works as the Director of Business and Caregiver Outreach at Well Spring Solutions and frequently works to support caregivers of older adults with dementia. To access caregiver resources from Well Spring Solutions and to watch video interviews about local community-based services, visit www.well-springsolutions.org/caregiver-resources/.

Ep. 12 “The Season of Caregiving”

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 08:43:39 -0400

Pam Strader joins the Good Grief Podcast in this episode to talk about the challenges and joys of being a caregiver for her father. Pam has served as a minister at West Market Street United Methodist Church and her faith plays an important role in her outlook in life. She finds comfort in the knowledge that this is a season of their lives in which she and her family can learn and grow, even in the face of isolation and the loss of control they are experiencing.

Ep. 11 “It’s My Turn Now”

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 08:42:25 -0400

Rev. Odell Cleveland’s latest book “It’s My Turn Now: Caregiving 101” is the topic of this episode. Odell joins Jeff and Carly to share stories of his journey as a caregiver-- from his upbringing in Charleston, SC, to later navigating the challenges of caring for his aging mother with his siblings, and all of the lessons he’s learned along the way. Purchase your copy here.

Ep.10: “Elder Care and Estate Planning”

Tue, 04 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Today on the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff and Carly talk about Elder Care and Estate Planning with Dennis Toman, a certified Elder Law Attorney at the Elderlaw Firm in Greensboro, NC. Dennis answers questions on proper estate planning, the concept of guardianship, and why you need a lawyer when writing a will and planning your estate. For more information about the Elderlaw Firm, visit https://www.elderlawfirm.com or call (336) 443-8730.

Ep. 9: “¿Qué es el hospicio?”

Tue, 04 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Carly y Robert hablan sobre Trellis Supportive Care y los servicios del hospicio y cuidado paliativo, esta vez en español. Robert conoce mucho sobre las preocupaciones y preguntas de las familias sobre el hospicio. Para aprender más sobre la directriz avanzada y los talleres disponibles, visite a http://gotplans123.org/.

Ep. 8: “Wish We Called Sooner”

Tue, 04 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Jeff and Carly are joined by Robert Garcia, an Account Executive at Trellis Supportive Care, to cover topics of hospice care, and of life decision-making, and important legal documents. From his experience meeting with patients and their families and teaching workshops, Robert is familiar with the questions and concerns that folks have about hospice care, and he debunks some common misconceptions. To learn more about advance care planning, access the forms, or to register for a workshop, visit http://gotplans123.org/.

Ep.7: “Art’s Dead”

Tue, 04 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Wendee Cutler, executive director of the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors, joins Jeff and Carly to talk about caring for the aged, death in the Jewish tradition, talking to loved ones about end of life wishes, and her brother-in-law Art’s final gift to his son. Wendee also discusses the mission of the CFJS, her work with the NCIOM Task Force on Serious Illness Care, and her experience in consultative care and case management.

[02:33] How Wendee developed a passion for seniors

[04:20] The goals of the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors

[07:12] Wendee’s role in the serious illness taskforce

[10:00] Challenges and issues facing senior care

[13:30] Why passwords are huge during death and dying

[19:25] How the pandemic has affected senior care

Ep. 6: “Mind My Health”

Tue, 04 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Jeff and Carly are joined by power couple Catherine and David Sevier in this episode to talk about Mind My Health, a platform which enables North Carolinians to conveniently store and share their advance care plans online, allowing more personal control over medical care decisions. The Seviers also speak about the NC Institute of Medicine’s Task Force on Serious Illness Care and the NC Serious Illness Coalition, of the work that they do and the recommendations they have given to the NC General Assembly. Check out https://www.mindmyhealth.org/ for more information. You can also read the NCIOM report “Improving Serious Illness Care in North Carolina” here.

[02:36] Getting to Know David and Catherine Sevier

[05:01] State of Advanced Care Planning Countrywide

[09:21] The Serious Illness Taskforce

[17:55] Nursing Homes During the Pandemic

[20:33] Analyzing the Health Information Exchange

[31:19] Talking About Death and Dying Online

[37:08] Communication During Serious Illness and Advanced Care Planning

Ep. 5: “Death and Taxes”

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Today on the Good Grief Podcast, we welcome Ben Chavis, the Guilford County Tax Director, to talk with us about two certainties in life: death and taxes. Ben is also a pastor at the Freedom Life Church in Asheboro and the 2018 winner of The Tax Collector of the Year Award. We discuss how the tax department handles death, local property tax relief available to senior citizens, and Ben’s thoughts on death and dying.

[02:05] Ben’s journey to becoming Guilford County Tax director

[06:58] How the Guilford County tax department receives death and inheritance information

[09:13] Local property tax relief for senior citizens

[14:00] How Ben Balances Religion and Taxes

[17:52] Ben’s thoughts on death and dying

[23:30] Preparing for Death

[24:55] What Ben too from his mother’s death

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Good Grief podcast.

We want your feedback!!

You can visit our website at www.guilforddeeds.com.

You can also email us at endoflife@guilfordcountync.gov, or find us on Twitter with the handle @guilford_rod.

Ep. 4: “Los certificados de defunción”

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0400

En este episodio de Good Grief, Carly habla con Felipe Allende, un invitado de nuestra propia oficina Registros Públicos del Condado de Guilford. Felipe es un analista de sistemas y tiene mucha información para compartir sobre el papel de la oficina relacionado con los certificados de defunción.

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Good Grief podcast.

We want your feedback!!

You can visit our website at www.guilforddeeds.com.

You can also email us at endoflife@guilfordcountync.gov, or find us on Twitter with the handle @guilford_rod.

Ep. 3: “Going to Court”

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Jeff and Carly are joined on this episode of Good Grief by Lisa Johnson-Tonkins, the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court. Lisa is also a former District Attorney and serves as an adjunct professor at the Guilford Technical Community College. We talk about the differences between the Register of Deeds and Clerk of Court, and why the two are often confused. We also cover how the Clerk of Court’s office deals with end of life issues, the handling of wills and estates, and the process of debt repayment.

[03:45] Lisa’s main priorities as clerk

[04:53] How the clerk of court office deals with end of life issues

[07:38] What happens when someone dies without living a will

[08:03] Meaning of estate and probate

[08:34] Estate handling process

[0912] How to file paperwork when a person dies

[13:06] Wills and debts

[15:29] Defining real property

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Good Grief podcast.

We want your feedback!!

You can visit our website at www.guilforddeeds.com.

You can also email us at endoflife@guilfordcountync.gov, or find us on Twitter with the handle @guilford_rod.

Ep. 2: “Death Certificates”

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0400

On this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, we host two experts from the Guilford County Register of Deeds office: Andrew Adkins, the Assistant Register of Deeds and current manager of the Vital Records area, and Elaine Inman, the former manager and assistant Register of Deeds at Guilford county. We talk about the process of obtaining death certificates, why death certificates are essential, and how to move a body across state lines.

[02:20] The death certificate acquisition process

[03:14] The role of the Register of Deeds

[03:39] How long it takes to get a death certificate

[04:05] The importance of having a death certificate

[05:14] The relationship between a marriage license and the death certificate

05:40] How to move a body across state lines

[06:02] How to fix mistakes in a death certificate

[06:47] COVID-19 protocols at the Register of Deeds office

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Good Grief podcast.

We want your feedback!!

You can visit our website at www.guilforddeeds.com.

You can also email us at endoflife@guilfordcountync.gov, or find us on Twitter with the handle @guilford_rod.

Ep. 1: “Pilot”: Let’s talk!!

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:06:31 -0400

Jeff and Carly introduce listeners to the Good Grief Podcast! Jeff takes the hot seat and talks about his mission to educate people about death and dying, explains the end of life innovation project, and previews some of his favorite upcoming episodes.

[01:28] The main idea behind the End of Life initiative
[04:18] Why Jeff decided to focus on matters of death and dying
[09:38] Goals of the End of Life initiative
[10:50] The main purpose for launching the Good Grief Podcast
[14:03] Main talking points from the project and the podcast series

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Good Grief podcast.

We want your feedback!!

You can visit our website at www.guilforddeeds.com.

You can also email us at endoflife@guilfordcountync.gov, or find us on Twitter with the handle @guilford_rod.