Episode 36: Mortality + True Aliveness

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode of This Is Not What I Ordered, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ned Buskirk. Ned embodies the definition of renaissance man -- he’s an artist, writer, educator, and founder of the “You’re Going To Die” movement. He’s integrated a distinctive way of confronting loss with compassion to organize events where he invites others to share their experiences with mortality creatively and in whatever way they can. His experiences with chronic illness, grieving, and loss have shaped him into a mouthpiece for acceptance and trusting the unknown.

Ned’s dedication to speaking so candidly about death and giving a voice to the fear and anxiety that we have in our bodies and in our lives is empowering. During our chat, he discusses the different meanings behind the saying “It’s okay,” the catharsis of letting go and the relief it brings into your life, and how showing up for his mother’s passing helped him to understand the humility in death.

“Sort of why we laugh so readily at fart jokes and things like that is because it is this bag of bones and flesh and it's got hilarity to it as much as it holds our essence of existence.” — NED BUSKIRK

Highlights

I cannot thank Ned enough for opening up about the impact of his mother’s death, as well as his profound readiness to discuss his own anxiety and struggles with chronic pain and inexplicable illness. This episode was filled with inspiration and a genuine understanding of what it means to show up. A few of my favorite moments with Ned include:

How he gives a voice to the unknown
The catharsis in crying and how it can be healing

“Death can be humbling.”

The importance of facing your own mortality and fragility

Embracing “mother” energy

Why saying “It’s okay” can be dismissive in some contexts, and a gentle blessing in others

The power in shedding light on the dark days and enjoying the bittersweet moments

Ned’s introduction at the first “You’re Going To Die” event he hosted. www.yg2d.com

LINKS

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You’re going to die

www.yg2d.com
Ned’s non-profit that hosts community conversations around death and dying

NED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

YG2D Facebook: www.facebook.com/yergoingtodie

YG2D Twitter: https://twitter.com/YerGoing2Die

YG2D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yergoing2die

Personal Website: http://www.nedbuskirk.com

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully by Frank Ostaseski

Reimagining End of Life Conference

The Music of Scott Ferreter

HOST

www.laurenselfridgetherapy.com
Lauren Selfridge, Associate Marriage + Family Therapist

MUSIC EDITOR

www.lilymakessound.com
Lily Sloane, composer / audio producer / sound maker

SOUND TECHNICIAN

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transcript + SHOW NOTES WRITER

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Latasha Doyle, content + copy specialist

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