From Fear to Comfort: Redefining End-of-Life Care with Mike Reagan

02/19/25 • 45 min

In this episode of The Matcha Guardians Podcast, we dive into an intimate conversation with Mike Reagan, an end-of-life doula and CEO of The Natural Funeral. Building on the previous week's discussion with Seth Viddal, this episode explores the often-overlooked role of end-of-life doulas and the compassionate care they provide during the final stages of life.

Mike Reagan begins by debunking the common misconception that end-of-life doulas always know the right things to say. He emphasizes the importance of presence and listening over having a set of prepared responses. Drawing from his extensive experience, he shares that being fully present allows the natural flow of meaningful and comforting words, fostering a peaceful environment for those nearing the end of their lives.

Reagan explains the role of an end-of-life doula as one that complements hospice care by providing additional support to both patients and their families. Unlike hospice teams constrained by limited visit durations, end-of-life doulas offer continuous, holistic care, helping families navigate the emotional and practical aspects of death. This includes everything from planning the vigil to ensuring that the dying person's wishes are respected and honored.

A significant part of the conversation addresses the broader societal discomfort with discussing death. Reagan advocates for normalizing these conversations, suggesting that it can lead to a more fulfilling life and a more peaceful death. He shares moving anecdotes from his experiences, such as a patient named Danny who found comfort and wisdom in his final days and another patient whose fear transformed into peace through compassionate care.

The discussion also touches on the benefits of incorporating rituals and personal preferences into the dying process. Whether it's choosing the room for the final moments or deciding on the presence of certain scents and sounds, these personal touches can make the end-of-life experience deeply meaningful for both the patient and their loved ones.

The conversation naturally extends to the controversial topic of medical aid in dying. Reagan shares his insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of giving terminally ill patients the autonomy to choose their end-of-life path. His advocacy for reducing the waiting period for medical aid in dying prescriptions underscores the need for compassionate policies that respect patients' wishes. This led to the passage of Colorado's Medical Aid in Dying Law, which should not be confused with assisted suicide.

Throughout the episode, Reagan's dedication to serving with love and presence is evident. He emphasizes that the ability to provide comfort and peace at the end of life is available to everyone, not just professionals. By quieting our minds and opening our hearts, we can all offer meaningful support to those nearing the end of their lives.

In conclusion, Mike Reagan's insights shed light on the transformative role of end-of-life doulas and the profound impact of compassionate care. By fostering open conversations about death and embracing the natural process of dying, we can create a more supportive and loving environment for those we love and ourselves.

Relevant Links:

The Natural Funeral: thenaturalfuneral.com
Peaceful Presence: peacefulpresence.org

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

Relevant Links:

The Natural Funeral: thenaturalfuneral.com
Peaceful Presence: peacefulpresence.org

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

Previous Episode

Transforming Funeral Services: Green Burials and Water Cremation Explained with Seth Viddal

In this week's episode of The Matcha Guardians, we dive into a profound discussion on end-of-life care with Seth Viddal, co-founder of The Natural Funeral in Lafayette, Colorado. Seth shares his personal journey into the funeral service industry, which began through his own experience of losing close family members and the realization that the conventional funeral services did not adequately serve his family's diverse needs. This realization spurred him to create a funeral home that offers personalized and meaningful services that actively involve families in the process.

Seth's approach to funeral service is unique and deeply compassionate, focusing on family empowerment and ecological responsibility. He emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in the care of deceased loved ones, offering options that allow families to be directly involved in the preparation and memorialization of the body. This can include activities such as bathing and dressing the deceased, which can be therapeutic and meaningful for grieving families.

One of the standout offerings of The Natural Funeral is water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. This environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation uses a small amount of water and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body to its basic elements. This process consumes less energy and results in a liquid essence that can be returned to the earth as a bio-stimulant, enriching the soil without causing pollution.

Seth also introduces us to the concept of natural organic reduction, also known as terramation or body composting, which is another eco-friendly option offered by The Natural Funeral. In this process, the body is placed in a chrysalis vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa, and inoculated with beneficial bacteria and fungi to accelerate decomposition. Over a few months, the body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used to nourish plants and return life to the earth.

Throughout the episode, Seth explains the ecological impacts of traditional burial and cremation practices, highlighting the environmental benefits of the alternatives they offer. He also touches on the legal aspects and growing acceptance of these practices across the United States.

Seth's dedication to providing meaningful, eco-conscious end-of-life services is truly inspiring. He and his team at The Natural Funeral are paving the way for a more personalized and environmentally responsible approach to funeral care, resonating with families who seek to honor their loved ones in a way that aligns with their values.

The Natural Funeral: thenaturalfuneral.com

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

Next Episode

A Candid Talk About Fatherhood With Our Husbands

In this episode of Matcha Guardians, we dive into the raw and unfiltered realities of parenthood with our husbands, Peter and Harley. From the very start, we throw them into the deep end, asking them to describe their experiences as new fathers in just one word. Peter emphasizes the immense responsibility that comes with fatherhood, noting how it has sharpened his focus and ability to manage work-life balance. Harley, on the other hand, highlights the sheer cuteness of his baby, which helps him endure the inevitable diaper changes and late-night duties.

As the conversation progresses, we explore the changes in relationship dynamics post-baby. Both men acknowledge the significant patience required, particularly towards their partners, who are often exhausted and overstimulated from the demands of breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. We discuss the emotional toll that this new phase of life can take, with Elara sharing how her initial anxieties often manifested as anger directed at Peter. Despite these challenges, Peter and Harley maintain that the joys of parenthood far outweigh the difficulties, especially as their babies start to smile and engage more with the world around them.

We also touch on the pressures and expectations around parenting, such as the concept of "good" and "bad" babies and the guilt associated with wanting personal time away from the baby. Harley and Peter discuss how important it is to take care of oneself, both physically and mentally, in order to be the best parent possible. They also share their thoughts on co-sleeping, a practice common in many cultures but often viewed with caution in the West. Both couples have experimented with co-sleeping and found that their babies tend to sleep better when close to them, though it does come with its own set of challenges.

Intimacy after childbirth is another candid topic we explore. Diana and Elara open up about the fears and discomfort associated with resuming sexual activity after a major medical procedure like a C-section. Both couples emphasize the importance of communication and patience as they navigate this new aspect of their relationship.

The episode concludes with some heartfelt reflections from Peter and Harley on the life lessons they've learned the hard way, as well as the mantras they rely on to stay grounded and motivated as new dads. Despite the challenges, they both agree that the experience of fatherhood, with all its ups and downs, is incredibly rewarding.

Connect with the Matcha Guardians!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!