In this episode, I talk to Don Sires about living with ALS, how facing terminal illness changes your view on life, and his spiritual beliefs on what happens after we die. We discuss everything from death planning to the role of religion and science in understanding mortality.

In this episode, Zach Ancell sits down with Barbara Solomon, a former nurse turned death doula and Death Café facilitator, who brings a wealth of experience and wisdom from her years of working closely with death. Barbara shares how witnessing countless end-of-life moments shaped her understanding of loss and grief, not only in death but in the smaller losses we experience throughout life—what she calls “little deaths.”

From navigating these moments of change to uncovering what death can teach us about connection, Barbara offers a profound look at how we can reframe our understanding of both endings and new beginnings. With candor and compassion, she delves into the questions that haunt us all: What happens when we die? And how do we prepare ourselves—and those we love—for that journey?

Whether you’re curious about death doulas, Death Cafés, or simply looking for a deeper way to engage with life’s inevitable changes, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and perspectives that challenge the taboos surrounding death.

Derek Green shares his journey of living with Huntington's disease, a rare genetic neurological disorder, and how it’s shaped his understanding of life and death. In this conversation, we dive into Derek’s exploration of fear, spirituality, and the impact of accepting mortality. His story is one of resilience, introspection, and embracing the present moment. This episode offers a powerful reminder of the importance of living fully and authentically, even in the face of uncertainty.

In this voicemail episode of When We Die Talks, listener calls share personal beliefs and experiences with death. From near-death stories to reflections on faith, energy, and loss, these heartfelt messages reveal the many ways we confront mortality. This poignant exploration offers insight into the thoughts and emotions that shape our understanding of what happens when we die.

Zach Ancell speaks with Elizabeth Twardy about her profound experiences with death and loss, particularly regarding her father's battle with cancer. Elizabeth candidly shares the emotional challenges of navigating grief, the signs we look for from loved ones who have passed, and the importance of honoring their memory. This heartfelt conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with mortality and the enduring connections that shape our lives.

In this episode, Zach is joined by Ryan, a thoughtful and reflective member of the Portland Buddhist community, for an insightful conversation about life, death, and the spiritual journey in between. Ryan shares his unique perspective on mortality, drawing from his personal experience transitioning from a Christian upbringing to practicing Buddhism. Together, Zach and Ryan explore how death has become one of Ryan’s greatest teachers, the impact of meditation on understanding life’s impermanence, and the lessons we can learn from contemplating mortality. Their conversation touches on the role of mindfulness in shaping how we live, the nature of existence, and what truly matters at the end of life.

In this episode, Zach Ancell speaks with his longtime friend Annah Yevelenko about life, death, and everything in between. Annah has been a major supporter of the project since its inception and played a key role in pushing Zach to turn this idea into reality. Having known each other for over a decade through the photography industry, their friendship deepened last year when Zach launched the voicemail project, sparking more meaningful conversations about mortality. Annah’s perspective on death is shaped by her certification as a death doula, providing unique insights into the end of life. Together, they explore how death influences how we live, the importance of breaking societal stigmas around discussing mortality, and why having open conversations about death is vital.

In this introductory episode of When We Die Talks, host Zach Ancell opens up about his personal journey with death anxiety and why he created this podcast. Before diving into future interviews, Zach shares his story and what he hopes to discover by exploring life’s biggest question: what happens when we die?

In this trailer for When We Die Talks, host Zach Ancell shares his personal journey with death anxiety and how it led him to create a space for open conversations about what happens when we die. Get a glimpse of what’s to come as Zach explores beliefs, fears, and stories that help us face life’s biggest question.