A nurse and Reiki practitioner reflects on what she’s learned from being with people as they die—and the experiences that made her believe consciousness continues on. From childhood curiosity to dream visitations and energy healing, this episode explores what it means to hold space for the unknown. It’s grounded, mystical, and even a little weird—in the best way.

Our caller lost her best friend just before her birthday. In this anonymous call, we talk about grief, the stigma around suicide, and the belief that love and energy never really disappear.

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support.

This caller doesn’t know what happens when we die and he’s completely at peace with that. From grief and religion to psychedelics and a cat named Flannel, this conversation covers a lot of ground and lands in a place of calm certainty: everything will be okay.

Season 2 officially starts next week, but I wanted to take a minute to share a few thoughts before it does. In this short update, I talk about how the podcast has evolved, what’s shifting in Season 2, and what you can still expect from each episode moving forward.

If you’ve been listening, thank you for being here. And if you’re just joining, I’m glad you found the show.

Brynna Fish shares her idea of the “Worldwide Soul Web,” a belief that our souls are made of those who came before us—and continue on through others when we die. We talk about connection, loss, and the messages that find their way to us, even through dogs.

Two anonymous callers reflect on grief, identity, and belief. One finds faith through loss and a loyal dog. The other wrestles with childhood trauma and the stories we carry for decades.

Maura McInerney-Rowley talks with Zach about loss, how her relationship with death has evolved, and why she created tools like Death Archetypes to help others explore their beliefs more openly.

Two anonymous callers explore grief and what comes next—through personal loss, Buddhist ideas, and dreams. One reflects on a mysterious email from his mom sent after her death. The other, a dream therapist, shares why she believes death meets us in the language we understand.

Elizabeth Fournier—aka The Green Reaper—shares how she helps families plan natural, meaningful burials at home and in nature. We also talk about her personal beliefs on death, and what she'd want her loved ones to know if she were gone tomorrow.

Two anonymous callers reflect on death, faith, reincarnation, and how contemplating mortality reshapes the way we live.

Zach talks with pet death doula Ute Luppertz about grief, ritual, and how we can better honor the animals we love—and eventually lose.

Poet Sara Rian shares her journey through grief, exploring death anxieties, the healing power of poetry, and the importance of open conversations about loss.

This special all-voicemail episode features raw, honest reflections from listeners on what happens when we die. From reincarnation and energy to nothingness and existential questions, these voices bring the conversation to life. Listen now and call in to share your own thoughts: 971-328-0864.

Zach sits down with his father, Chris Ancell, for a deeply personal conversation about death, acceptance, and legacy. They explore how Chris's views have evolved over time, the impact of loss, and the practical yet profound ways he thinks about mortality. This episode marks a turning point for the podcast as Zach brings more of his own fears and experiences into the conversation.

In this deeply personal episode of When We Die Talks, Zach Ancell sits down with Zac Phillips to discuss the profound and transformative journey of grief. Zac shares his intimate experiences following the loss of his father, including the deeply hands-on process of his father’s burial, the lessons learned from his dad’s beliefs about death, and how these moments shaped Zac's own spiritual perspectives. They explore the often-taboo subject of grief, delving into how to support others through loss, the importance of holding space, and finding purpose amidst life’s upheavals. This conversation also touches on legacy, masculinity, and Zac's work with men's groups in Portland, creating a space for communal healing and growth. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that may shift how you think about death and connection.

In this bonus reflection episode, I revisit my conversation with Sarah Carter, exploring themes of gratitude, growth through loss, and how our experiences shape us. Sarah's openness about the profound losses in her life—losing both parents and navigating her husband's loss—offers a unique perspective on finding light even in the darkest moments.

I share my thoughts on how Sarah's story resonated with me, including the impact of "lowercase d" deaths, the concept of memories that fade with us, and how not having children changes the way we consider our legacies. Sarah's reflections challenge me to think about my own beliefs and anxieties around death and to embrace the urgency of living fully.

I also answer a listener question from Annah (Episode #2) about how these interviews have expanded my view of life and living. Through vulnerability and candid conversations, this journey continues to reshape how I approach life and this project.

Tune in to reflect with me and discover new insights into life, death, and the spaces in between.