"Having conversations about those who've died, with people who knew them, storytelling, can be really helpful," says Jason Davidson, experienced social worker and host of our podcast On the Marie Curie Couch, in which he sits down with well-known people to discuss their experiences of grief and bereavement.
"Listening to podcasts is one thing that people who are bereaved might find helpful. Other things might be particular pieces of music, books, and rituals around birthdays and anniversaries. The following podcasts on the topics of death and grief have helped people start to make sense of being bereaved.
Where There's a Will, There's a Wake
In this new podcast, the indomitable Kathy Burke chats to a host of famous guests about planning for their perfect death. This expletive-laden listen isn't for everyone, but for those in the right headspace to hear celebs being funny about funerals, it's spirited, entertaining and a little dark in places.
Griefcast with Cariad Lloyd
It would be remiss to publish any end of life podcast round-up without including Griefcast. Since it began in 2016, Cariad Lloyd has hosted hundreds of comedians, actors and writers, each discussing their experiences of grief. Cariad lost her own dad at 15 and has recently written a book about her experiences.
On the Marie Curie Couch
Marie Curie's flagship podcast just celebrated its third birthday, and that means there are three years of poignant, powerful episodes to delve into. From Hugh Grant to Andi Oliver, host Jason Davidson leads his guests through thoughtful, intriguing discussions that approach mortality and bereavement with a rare mix of pragmatism and sensitivity.
The Adam Buxton Podcast
Richard E Grant has been a guest on a plethora of excellent podcasts to promote his new book, A Pocketful of Happiness. Listen now, but our pick of the crop is this charming chat with the grandaddy of British podcasting, and former On the Marie Curie Couch guest, Adam Buxton.
How Do You Cope? with Elis + John
In this podcast, comedians Elis James and John Robins talk to guests about hurdles they've faced in their lives. We love the episode with actor and writer Katy Wix, who talks candidly about the issues raised in her brilliant book, Delicacy: A Memoir About Cake and Death .
We Need to Talk About Death
In this BBC audio series, Joan Bakewell and her panel discuss death and dying, exploring the choices open to us and confronting those questions we fear most. With nine episodes spanning three series, you can deep dive into topics like digital legacy, what happens when we die and the options available when you can't afford a funeral.
Out To Lunch with Jay Rayner
Restaurant critic Jay takes celebs for lunch and listens intently as they chew over aspects of their lives. In this episode, former Communards popstar turned clergyman, the Reverend Richard Coles, discusses his recent book about grief and talks frankly about the death of his husband, David, who'd struggled with alcoholism.
