20170105 - Anna Shon On Death

Anna Shon! Anna is a 57yo mother of two, a devoted Catholic, and a good friend. In this conversation, we talk about the death of her parents and how this influenced her own vision for end of life, her aversion to burials, and her optimism for the future.

I hope you enjoy!

Anna is...
a mother of two,
a wife,
a good friend,
and a good worker.

Before Anna dies, she wants...
her children to have a good family,
to be a grandmother,
and to help people that need help.

When Anna dies, she wants...
to die in sleep,
and to clean.

After Anna dies, she wants...
to be part of the earth.

In conclusion, Anna says...

"If you're still young, if you have a lot of openings in the future, study. Study hard as much as you can and achieve your goal. Do not procrastinate. 

Always be diligent. Do your job till its done. Be honest. Give a lot of love and you'll get love back."

20161222 - Keaton Fletcher On Death

Keaton Fletcher! Keaton is a doctoral candidate, a singer, and an optimist. I met Keaton while coaching and he always stood out as a beacon of positivity and good vibes. During this conversation, we talk about his near death experience, the awe of visiting Rome for the first time, the luxury of optimism, and the joy of mentoring.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Keaton is...
a doctoral candidate in industrial psychology,
and an optimist.

Before Keaton dies, he wants...
to have kids,
and to see the world.

When Keaton dies, he wants...
there to be something after,
the funeral to have choral music,
and to be the first one in his nuclear family.

After Keaton dies, he wants...
to be remembered,
and his family to heal.

In conclusion, Keaton says...

"I would start by saying, 'I love you.' I think that fits really nicely. I might not have met you yet, but I love that you are here, that you are doing something that I know has touched my life in some capacity.

Take time out of your day to think about how you love others and how you can express it because you never know when death is going to occur."

20161208 - Talha Rashid On Death

Talha Rashid! Talha is a 27yo second year medical student, a Muslim, and a pessimist. As a quiet and reserved classmate, I've been itching to sit him down for an interview and to learn about his past. In this conversation, we cover the passing of his grandmother, Oblivion, and how Pakistani corruption formed the basis of his moral code.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Talha is...
a person.

Before Talha dies, he wants...
to be happy.

When Talha dies, he wants...
to not be in pain.

After Talha dies, he wants...
nothing.

In conclusion, Talha says...

"The key thing is to have your goals and to keep working towards them. There's always going to be setbacks in life and sometimes they're really difficult, but if you keep working through them, keep your eye on the goal, then eventually you'll get there."

20161124 - Samson Lu On Death

Samson Lu! Samson is an incredibly talented and passionate musician, as well as a MD/MPH student and my doppelganger, when I had long hair. In this conversation, we discuss race, music, the art of teaching, and how to leave a legacy.

I hope you enjoy!

Samson is…
a 26-year-old male
a Chinese-American
interested in music and medicine,
and a semi-athlete.

Before Samson dies, he wants…
to do good in the world,
to leave something that will last beyond his time,
to have a family,
to be able to raise children in a safe environment,
and a house on the beach.

When Samson dies, he wants…
to fall asleep,
to have family nearby,
to say some words of wisdom,
and people to celebrate his life, rather than mourning.

After Samson dies, he wants…
to have set an example for others and his family,
and to leave a legacy that continues.

In conclusion, Samson says…
“Be yourself as much as you can. Do things that excite you and it will be hard along the way, if you have this passion that maybe is not financially rewarding. But, if that’s what you love to do, go for it, go do it, it’s a part of you, and it’s not going to leave you. If you give it your all, money will find a way.”

20161110 - Diego Gomez On Death

Diego Gomez! Diego is a Christian, a mutt, and a man of deep faith. I met Diego while coaching and his humor and personality always lit up the room. In this conversation, we talk about how he found and accepted his faith, his mixed latino heritage, and his hopes for the future.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Diego is...
a sinner saved by grace through faith,
a mutt,
and caring for people.

Before Diego dies, he wants...
to know that he brought glory to God's name,
to plant a church,
and to put his mother in a house of her own, on her own land.

When Diego dies, he wants...
his last words to be a worship of his savior,
to be in His presence,
and to know that his life was not in praise to himself.

After Diego dies, he wants...
nothing,
to leave his kids an inheritance,
to serve and love his wife well,
his imprint to be that of his faith,
and to reconcile with his father.

In conclusion, Diego says...
"There's nothing in this world that's going to fulfill what you're looking for. Nothing. The only thing or person that's going to fill that empty void in your heart is Jesus. I plead that whoever's listening to this would look into who Christ was and who He is."

20161027 - Anne Laverty On Death

Anne Laverty! Anne is a 26yo second year medical student, women's studies major, and dreamer. I truly enjoyed this opportunity to sit down with Anne and talk through the four prompts; she's a lovely human that lights up a room and has been described as an 'enthusiastic dancer'. In this conversation, we discuss being a lover, developing community-based approaches to health care, and finding comfort in failure.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Anne is...
a dreamer,
a feminist,
a Christian,
and a family member.

Before Anne dies, she wants...
to transform health care,
and to live.

When Anne dies, she wants...
to be brave.

After Anne dies, she wants...
her family and friends to celebrate and move on.

In conclusion, Anne says...

"There's this great poet, Mary Oliver, has this quote: 'What will you do with this one wondrous life?'... If I'm gonna fail, I'm gonna fail big."

20161013 - Robyn Panchard On Death

Robyn Panchard! Robyn is a 31yo first-year medical student at USF, a Bermudan, and thoughtful human. I met Robyn while presenting on mindfulness to SELECT, and she stood out because she was the only person to ask me a question! In this conversation, we talk about grieving for her lost identity as a musician, how she encounters prejudice through her interracial marriage, and writing her father's eulogy with her brother.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Robyn is...
breathing,
and a woman.

Before Robyn dies, she wants...
to have made a difference,
and to become a parent.

When Robyn dies, she wants...
to be remembered,
and people to laugh.

After Robyn dies, she wants...
her family to move on and be happy,
the world to be better than it is now,
and equality between groups of people.

In conclusion, Robyn says...

"Whatever goal you're working towards, if you don't have one, you should sit and think about what it could be, and once you do have one, work towards it until you achieve it. And don't let anyone try and dissuade you from something if you really want it. If you earn it, it's yours and no one can take it from you."

20160929 - Michael Watson On Death

Michael Watson! Michael is currently a third year medical student, a hunter, and coach. This interview's pulled from the Dirty Dozen, the gestational episodes for this podcast, almost six months ago! In this conversation, we talk about skin in the game, fear, and Michael's developed perspective on coaching.

I hope you enjoy!

Michael is…
a person,
a student,
a teacher,
anxious,
and unsure.

Before he dies, Michael wants…
to be completely self-sustaining,
to merge with the circle of life,
and to pass everything on.

When he dies, Michael wants…
to be in control of the dying process,
and to relax into death.

After he dies, Michael wants…
to know,
and to be enlightened on the great mystery.

In conclusion, Michael says…

“Dive into your answers. I’m not going to say think about your answers, because I’m sure you’ve already been thinking about them. But, analyze them and think about your death often.”

20160915 - Steven Manobianco On Death

Steven Manobianco! Steve is a second year medical student, a late bloomer, and martial artist. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of getting a punch to the face, failure as a practice for success, and the spirituality in a doctor's office.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Steve is...
persistent,
and empathetic.

Before Steve dies, he wants...
to make things better than he found them,
to push things forward,
and to change medical culture.

When Steve dies, he wants...
to be content with what he's done,
and to have as few regrets as possible.

After Steve dies, he wants...
to be remembered for more than his work.

In conclusion, Steve says...

"If you are struggling right now... these experiences are universal. Everyone doubts themselves or goes through some of hardship, or should because it defines us and makes us who we are.

So don't be afraid to talk about it. Don't be afraid to reach out and speak to someone."

20160908 - Julia Rauchfuss On Death

Julia Rauchfuss! Julia is a medical student (MS3 now, MS2 during recording in March), a sister, and a daughter. In this conversation, we cover why she's a dreamer, how she wants to reuse her organs after death, and what family means to her. 

I hope you enjoy! :)

Julia is…
a dreamer,
a friend,
a speck of life,
and a daughter.

Before Julia dies, she wants…
to pay it forward,
a family,
and to be happy.

When Julia dies, she wants…
to be surrounded by loved ones,
her loved ones to let her go,
and to lose consciousness first.

After Julia dies, she wants…
to leave a legacy of humanistic optimism,
her family to be happy and content,
and her organs to be reused.

In conclusion, Julia says…

“Be less stressed out… It’s gonna be okay. Just keep having laughs with your friends. Hang out with all your friends as much as you can. Go to the beach more… Learn how to surf.”

20160901 - Jared Roa On Death

Jared Roa! Jared is a 27yo artist, small business owner, and visionary. I met Jared through Sacred Floats & Gems and Visionary Ink, and have even been their spokesperson! In this conversation, we discuss everything from float tanks, to oil paintings, and his near death experience while surfing. His responses to the four prompts are clear, direct, and well-earned.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Jared is...
you,
and you are me.

Before Jared dies, he wants...
to touch as many lives in a positive way as he can.

When Jared dies, he wants...
to die in a peaceful way.

After Jared dies, he wants...
to create ripples,
and to leave something behind for everybody.

In conclusion, Jared says...

"Think it, believe it, create it, give it, and then keep your arms open to receive, because does all come around."

20160825 - Ben Croll On Death

Ben Croll! Ben is a 24yo second year medical student, former EMT, and 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. In this lovely conversation, we talk about everything from Slaughterhouse Five, to what he learned from the passing of his father, and the importance of virtue versus accomplishment. Additionally, you'll hear his undergrad philosophy background in his thoughtful and intellectually clear responses to the four prompts!

I hope you enjoy :)

Ben is...
me,
a medical student,
and going to accomplish.

Before Ben dies, he wants...
to do something meaningful,
and to enjoy retirement.

When Ben dies, he wants...
a lot of subtle laughter and happiness,
and people to reflect on a life well-lived.

After Ben dies, he wants...
peace.

In conclusion, Ben says...

"So, I had a unique upbringing in that most of my town was blue-collar workers: lot of plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, and a lot of pride in what they do. And personally, for me, if I said to my parents while I was in high school, 'I want to do more vo-tech stuff and become a plumber.'
And they'd say, 'Do you want to be a good plumber?'
'Yeah, I want to be the best plumber.' 
'Good, that's what counts.'
I think there's something so underrated in doing the best that you can do."

20160818 - Usman Ahmad On Death

Usman Ahmad! Usman is a 29yo second year medical student at the University of South Florida, an advocate, and thoughtful human. In this conversation, we talk about everything from a possible Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, to firearm research, his Muslim upbringing, and everything in between. You'll hear his thoughtfulness and gratitude for life in his responses to the four prompts.

I hope you enjoy! :)
 

Usman is...
grateful.

Before Usman dies, he wants...
to feel fulfilled,
and to build something.

When Usman dies, he wants...
to have no regrets.

After Usman dies, he wants...
to not leave the world a worse place.

In conclusion, Usman says...

"To keep perspective is the most important thing you can do as an individual, especially if you're facing difficult circumstances and it really will help ground yourself to say, 'Hey i can do this. I can make it through this situation.'

Seek out resources. Rely on your friends. Rely on your family. Search out answers in your communities."

20160811 - Abigail R On Death

Abigail R! Abigail is a 22yo second year medical student, an aunt, and proud Jamaican. Mackenzi, my partner and fellow MS2, conducted research alongside Abigail over the summer and have developed a sassy and delightful friendship. In this interview, they discuss the importance of advocacy, the quiet anticipation of motherhood, and the perspective shifts from Jamaica to the States in both race and education.

Abigail is...

a woman,
an advocate,
Jamaican,
Black,
a daughter,
a sister,
and an aunt.

Before Abigail dies, she wants...
to see her parents happy, healthy, and wealthy,
to travel to other countries,
to be independent,
and to have a child.

When Abigail dies, she wants...
her body to give back to the environment,
and her soul to go from heaven back to the earth.

After Abigail dies, she wants...
to actively be a part of her loved one's lives,
to be at peace,
and her accomplishments to be remembered.

In conclusion, Abigail says...

"Just be open. Don't be too quick to judge... Just persevere. Just continue to believe in yourself. Don't let outside factors affect that."

20160804 - Ashleigh Stembridge On Death

Ashleigh Stembridge! Ashleigh is a 27-year-old artist, soon-to-be certified yoga instructor, and hopeful middle-school art teacher. I met Ashleigh through Tavia, a previous On Death interviewee, and I'm so glad I could sit down and hear her thoughtful and experienced responses to the four prompts. In this conversation, we talk about the value of getting punched in the face, the importance of strong teachers for young people, and how to overcome fear of the unknown.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Ashleigh is...
human,
loving,
knowledgeable,
caring,
and creative.

Before Ashleigh dies, she wants...
to put a stamp on her friends and family,
to be remembered,
to do something on a small scale,
to help out,
and the world and humanity to be more accepting.

When Ashleigh dies, she wants...
to have family around,
a viking funeral,
people to not be upset,
it to be a celebration,
and old.

After Ashleigh dies, she wants...
to leave small little legacies,
people to be comfortable,
and the world to be a better place.

In conclusion, Ashleigh says...

"Don't be afraid of yourself. Be open and accept and push forward into the uncomfortable situations that you're gonna learn from.

It's okay. Everything is fine. You're gonna grow from this, from all of these things you wanna do.

And don't stifle yourself, and don't let anyone stifle you and what you wanna do."

20160728 - Haley Goetz On Death

Haley Goetz! Haley is a rising sophomore in college, almost 19 years old, and an aspiring filmmaker with dreams of changing and exploring the world. I met Haley while coaching for Great Bay Rowing Club: she stood out as a mischievous and thoughtful individual. In this conversation, we talk about the difference between paganism and animism, the beauty of questioning through science-fiction, and what she learned from the passing of her canine companion Buster.

I hope you enjoy!

Haley is...
alive,
a living body inhabiting this earth,
in possession of a mind,
and a very energetic person.

Before Haley dies, she wants...
to promote understanding between people.

When Haley dies, she wants...
to be ready for the next adventure.

After Haley dies, she wants...
to have a film or two or sixteen,
and to not focus on earth for a little bit.

In conclusion, Haley says...

"Listen, you were dead for billions of years. You have this album [Skin by Flume] to guide you along this summer, and you will be dead again, but it will be like returning home because before you were born, you were also dead."

20160721 - Ian Covell On Death

Ian Covell! Ian is an 18-year-old athlete, soon-to-be college student, and thoughtful human. In this conversation, we talk about the power of risk and jumps, the fine difference between atheism and agnosticism, and the importance of embracing your true emotions.

I know you will enjoy this lovely conversation with a profoundly interesting and unique young person!

Ian is...
Ian,
complicated,
emotional,
independent,
strong,
and weak.

Before Ian dies, he wants...
happiness,
true love,
people to remember his name,
to make a difference on the planet,
and to be himself while doing it.

When Ian dies, he wants...
people to remember him.

After Ian dies, he wants...
to remember his name,
to be buried in a cemetery next to his loved ones,
and to have children that carry on his name.

In conclusion, Ian says...

"Be genuine, be truthful to yourself and to others because that is what is going to be your most prominent trait and what is going to attract others to you."

20160714 - Stephen Grow On Death

Stephen Grow! Stephen is a father of two, a follower of Christ, and a loving husband. In this conversation, we discuss the difficulties and benefits of homeschooling, the difference between being a Christian and having a relationship with Jesus, and how a hug can change a life.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Stephen is...
a follower of Christ,
a homeschool parent,
and a crossfitter.

Before Stephen dies, he wants...
to see his daughters grow up, get married, and have kids of their own,
to figure out what God wants him to do on earth,
to see his children get to know and love Jesus,
and to be the best husband father and friend he can be.

When Stephen dies, he wants...
to see Jesus, his uncles, and his other mama.

After Stephen dies, he wants...
people to not be sad, but happy for him,
his family to be taken care of,
and people to love more, to help each other more.

In conclusion, Stephen says...

Just love. Don't judge others. Always help someone. And find in life what makes you happy. Always be positive. Be quick to listen, don't talk so much.

20160707 - Karen Holland On Death

Karen Holland! Karen is a mother of two, a teacher, and a yogi. I met her during a yoga for teens training, which she led with grace and intelligence. She currently teaches elementary and middle school aged children, and her thoughtful responses to the four prompts will leave you thinking for quite some time! We chat about her Catholic upbringing, how to raise sensitive and old-soul daughters, and what spirituality means to her.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Karen is...
loving,
impatient,
generous,
and independent

Before Karen dies, she wants...
to see her children be happy, independent, and strong.

When Karen dies, she wants...
to be free of pain and suffering,
and to be celebrated, not mourned.

After Karen dies, she wants...
people to remember her with a smile,
to poke fun at her expense,
and the examples she's lived by to be remembered and used as lessons for her kids.

In conclusion, Karen says...

"Lighten up on yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Love yourself like you would love others. Treat yourself like you would treat others."

20160630 - Kenny Henderson On Death

Kenny Henderson! Kenny is a 41yo artist living in Tampa; his canvases include the human body, murals, and clothing. He specializes in sacred geometry, but identifies first as a father. In this conversation, we discuss how to raise your child as a questioner of authority, what is the muse, and practicing death. 

I hope you enjoy! 

Kenny is...
a dad,
an "artist",
and a process. 

Before Kenny dies, he wants...
to create a legacy for his daughter, 
to maintain some type of memory after death, 
to leave the world a better place, 
and to not live with regrets. 

When Kenny dies, he wants...
it to be not painful.

After Kenny dies, he wants...
to leave things better than he found them. 

In conclusion, Kenny says...

"There's two parts to life: the life you can imagine and the life you live. So, live the life that you imagine."