At a Loss

Writer, poet, and filmmaker Kevin Toolis explores a way of understanding death that feels both ancient and immediate. Raised on a remote Irish island, he reflects on a culture where the dead are not hidden away, but kept close - Seen, touched, and shared in the company of the living. Woven through are later experiences reporting from warzones, where death takes on a different kind of presence. At the centre is the Irish wake, offered not just as tradition, but as a guide. A way of meeting loss without distance. What emerges moves between the philosophical and the practical, holding space for a quieter question: what changes when death is no longer something to turn away from, but something to be faced together.

How to die naturally. Carol McAllum is the doctor you meet when recovery isn’t possible. She shares thoughts, wisdom and wonder in all she has learnt about life and death. Death can be messy, but it can also be natural, here’s how.

Would you live in a graveyard?Sheree Stout does. Her family home sits inside Auckland’s largest cemetery, where she leads a small team caring for thousands. Between running a busy crematorium, three funeral chapels, and a vast public park, Sheree is relentlessly practical, and deeply devoted to the place she lives and works in. She doesn’t see a graveyard as a place to fear, but one to understand, respect, and even love.

Treza Gallogly is an End-of-life Doula with host Timothy Giles she shares her insights from helping people to die well. Navigate fear and emotions, to celebrate life while preparing for death. Treza offers advice on having important conversations, with people you care about, when facing end of life, care plans as death nears and growing your courage and compassion. This episode is all about transforming anxiety into acceptance and empathy. Treza shares how supporting your loved ones in their final journey brings meaning and healing and guides along the way. Find more at ataloss.nz

Welcome to "At A Loss," a podcast series hosted by Timothy Giles, a funeral celebrant dedicated to exploring the profound and often challenging journey of living fully with grief. In this episode, Timothy engages in a heartfelt conversation with Maria Miller, a bereavement support worker, about the complexities of grief and the importance of acknowledging and understanding it. Maria shares her insights from her work at the Grief Centre, where she supports individuals dealing with loss. She emphasizes the significance of making emotional space for grief and maintaining connections with loved ones who have passed. The episode delves into the unpredictable nature of grief, debunking the myth of a linear process and instead describing it as an ocean with waves that come and go. Listeners will find valuable advice on how to support themselves and others through the grieving process. Maria highlights the importance of asking, "What do you need?" as a guiding question for both those grieving and those offering support. This episode offers a compassionate and insightful perspective on navigating grief and finding ways to live an enriched life despite the presence of loss.

Therapist Jill Goldson of Family Matters has in an earlier episode, coached us through coping with the losses that come with Covid. Today, she shares more personal and profound struggles. Since the death of her husband Malcolm, have Jill's professional skills as a counsellor, researcher and academic eased her grief? Host TImothy Giles is surprised by the answer.

Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua has 30 years ministry serving generations in life, and loss. Host and funeral Celebrant Timothy Giles seeks tips from Rev Mua on surviving and thriving. Sharing more than his ministry, as a poet, parent and activist the Rev has stories to share. Emotions arise, anger and tears, ending in a moment of magic.

Brotherhood is a bond for life. Last episode Aston Wells told of the hurt, harm and how he found health again after the death of his best mate and younger brother Sean. Host and funeral celebrant Timothy Giles knew both boys from childhood to their adult adventures and business success. Aston in telling his story last episode, called out Timothy on his loss of his loved big brother Paul. Challenged our host to be the one in the hot seat, sharing grief and how it feels to be at a loss on the death of someone so close. An intimate chat from season one.

Romance, commitment. marriage, children and a life together. As the traditional vows say, "to have and to hold, till death do us part." Trish followed this path happily, but the parting came far too soon. This conversation from season one, was one of the first with host and funeral celebrant Timothy Giles. Here Trish describes widowhood and tells Timothy how she navigates life and loss.

Refreshing Season 1 listen again to our very first ep with counsellor and grief specialist. Maria Millar. Maria is an experienced counsellor, sharing insights from her time working for The Grief Centre. Great advice for people supporting those in grief as well as people experiencing grief, fresh or enduring. She has warmth and humour as well as wisdom, with some great self-care insights too. If you have a podcast suggestion or feedback, email our host Funeral Celebrant Timothy Giles listengiles@gmail.com