Good Grief

Nov 30 2023 43 ep. 29 mins 7

Good Grief Podcast artwork

Helping plan funerals with honor. O'Connell funeral homes staff, along with guests, give guidance on topics like, how to write an obituary, preplanning for your funeral, funeral arrangements, as well as how to personalize funeral services. The podcasts also include advice on how to manage grief, what you can do for loved ones who are grieving, and what additional resources are available to you, including self care. Welcome to the Good Grief Podcast.

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Death and Dying in Media: Fact-Checking the Fiction

Nov 30 2023 16 mins

Who says it’s too late to be talking about horror? In this month’s episode, Pete and Amber explore how death, dying, and funerals are depicted in the media. Amber, with her penchant for horror movies, offers a unique perspective, revealing the dual aspects of death in cinematic and television narratives—between the gruesome and the serene. As the conversation unfolds, the du

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions on Hospice Care

Oct 31 2023 13 mins

In this episode, Amber and Pete shed light on the topic of hospice care, sharing their insights and debunking common misconceptions. Amber starts by explaining how she chose this topic for the episode, drawing from her experiences with families who often express regret for not admitting their loved ones to hospice sooner. Pete raises an important question about whether patients in

Breaking Down Organ and Body Donation Misconceptions

Sep 29 2023 15 mins

In this episode, Amber and Pete dive into the topic of body and organ donation, debunking myths and addressing common concerns. They begin by highlighting the importance of discussing donation throughout the year. Pete raises the misconception about open caskets for organ donors, questioning whether they are allowed. They also tackle the myth surrounding autopsies and how funerals

Debunking Myths on Embalming & Cremation

Aug 31 2023 14 mins

In this episode, Amber and Pete delve into the world of embalming and cremation myths. They discuss the fate of jewelry, metallic teeth fillings, and implants during these processes, debunking misconceptions along the way. From how embalming doesn't grant permanence or produce odors to debunking the myth that remains are directly set on flames during cremation, the duo provides

The Price of Saying Goodbye: Insights from a Funeral Director

Aug 04 2023 16 mins

In this month's episode, Amber and Pete explore the often-misunderstood topic of funeral costs and the crucial role of funeral directors in managing the intricacies of the funeral process. They discuss the perception of families regarding the costs and how funeral directors handle this sensitive issue. Amber provides insights into the professional needs that contribute to the

Sacred Grounds: Unveiling the Significance of Cemeteries in the Grief Process

Jun 30 2023 24 mins

In this episode, Pete and Amber are joined by Mike Miller of the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson, WI. Mike shares his personal journey, recalling how his fascination with the cemetery began when he worked there as a 15-year-old summer job worker. As the discussion unfolds, Mike opens up about the challenges and rewards of meeting with grieving families, emphasizing the fulfilling r

Carrying the Load: Roles of Pallbearers

May 31 2023 13 mins

In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and Amber Miller of O’Connell Family Funeral Homes discuss the role of pallbearers in funeral services. They explain the origin of the term “pallbearer” and its evolution to refer to individuals carrying the casket during a funeral procession. The hosts explore the process of choosing casket bearers, including age and gender requirements, a

Heartwarming Ways to Honor Your Mom This Mother's Day

Apr 30 2023 15 mins

In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and O’Connell Family Funeral Homes’ Amber Miller discuss the importance of remembering and honoring moms on Mother's Day. They highlight the various ways people can pay tribute to their mothers–from setting up an altar in their homes to participating in charity works or doing acts of kindness. They also explore the role of grief and los

Dealing With Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue

Mar 30 2023 30 mins

In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and O’Connell Family Funeral Homes’ Amber Miller welcome Stress Awareness Month by discussing the different aspects of stress. From its usual symptoms to how it relates to grief and burnout, the two share their personal insights and experiences on the topic. They also delve into compassion fatigue and how one can cope with the stress brought

Local Resources to Help With the Grief Journey

Feb 27 2023 20 mins

In this episode of Good Grief, Amber Miller and Pete Waggoner discuss local resources that can help those going through a difficult period of grief. Amber shares her knowledge and expertise on various types of resources such as counseling, support groups, and online platforms that can provide comfort and understanding during a time of loss. Pete puts emphasis on the importance of b