About this episode

Rosie Moss and funeral director Poppy Mardell discuss the complexities and realities of funerals, exploring common misconceptions and the emotional challenges faced by grieving families.

Most of us don’t think about funerals until we’re forced to. And by then we’re expected to make some of the biggest decisions of our lives whilst barely able to think straight. This week Rosie is joined by funeral director Poppy Mardell , founder of Poppy’s Funerals, for one of the most practical, eye-opening conversations we’ve ever had on Widowed AF. Together they dismantle the myths surrounding death, funerals and grief, exploring why so many of us feel rushed, overwhelmed and completely unprepared when someone dies. They discuss why the funeral industry remains unregulated, why there often isn’t the urgency we’re led to believe, and how reclaiming time and choice can make an enormous difference to grieving families. Rosie and Poppy also talk about seeing the person who has died, whether children should attend funerals, the importance of ritual (whether you’re religious or not), and why wakes might be one of the most important parts of saying goodbye. They also look to the future of funerals, from direct cremation and natural burials to water cremation, human composting and what really happens to thousands of unclaimed ashes. Whether you’re recently bereaved, supporting…

People in this episode

Host: Rosie Moss

Guest: Poppy Mardell

Topics covered

• funerals
• grief
• death
• funeral industry
• rituals
• bereavement

Keywords

• funeral planning
• death
• grief support
• funeral director
• natural burials
• cremation
• wakes
• bereavement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Poppy’s Funerals, Sotheby’s

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