Why is death such a taboo subject, and how can we teach about it in ways that foster acceptance, understanding, and personal growth? What role do grief and loss play in shaping our values and connections?

Today’s guest is Dr. Kenneth Doka, a Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of the College of New Rochelle and Senior Vice President for Grief Programs at the Hospice Foundation of America. A prolific author, Dr. Doka has written books such as When We Die: Extraordinary Experiences at Life’s End and Living with Grief Since COVID-19. With decades of experience, he is one of the world’s leading voices on grief, death education, and the intersection of death and societal norms.

In this episode, we explore the complexities of death, grief, and the role of death education in schools and society. Dr. Doka shares his unique journey into the field, beginning with his work with terminally ill children in the 1970s. We discuss how cultural attitudes shape our understanding of mortality and why the awareness of one’s own mortality often sparks deeper reflections on the meaning of life.

Dr. Doka offers insights into how death education can be introduced at various stages of learning, from children’s books in elementary school to reflective discussions in high school and college. He emphasizes the importance of teaching grief as part of life and creating space for conversations about loss in ways that are both age-appropriate and sensitive.

This conversation also touches on the societal differences in confronting death, the role of faith in understanding mortality, and practical advice on how to support others through grief. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or someone curious about the human experience, this episode provides profound lessons on how embracing death can deepen our appreciation for life.