44| Jane Callahan

44| Jane Callahan

From WeCroak by WeCroak

May 30, 2026

About this episode

Jane Callahan discusses her journey to becoming a death doula and the importance of preparing for a meaningful end of life.

Season 7, Episode 5: Jane Callahan on a Meaningful End Jane Callahan is an end-of-life doula and the author of A Death Doula’s Guide to a Meaningful End. In this conversation, Jane shares how the painful, medicalized death of her estranged mother set her on the path to becoming a death doula, and why most Americans are completely unprepared for one of the most universal human experiences. We talk about what it means to design your own death, the economics of dying with dignity, advance directives, the difference between fearing death and fearing dying, and what a “vigil” actually looks like when done right. More on Jane Callahan: https://www.janekcallahan.com/ Coaching with Hansa WeCroak on YouTube Download our app, as featured in 10% Happier, Atlantic Magazine and The New York Times, at  WeCroak.com Support WeCroak on  Patreon Ask Death Advice Column Sounds by  James Mercer

People in this episode

Host: WeCroak

Guest: Jane Callahan

Topics covered

  • end-of-life care
  • death doula
  • meaningful death
  • advance directives
  • dying with dignity

Keywords

  • death doula
  • meaningful end
  • dying
  • advance directives
  • vigil

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WeCroak, 10% Happier, Atlantic Magazine, The New York Times

Books & works: A Death Doula’s Guide to a Meaningful End

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