Library of Conversations
“…we have lost the familiarity we once had with that process, and we have lost the vocabulary and etiquette that served us so well in past times, when death was acknowledged to be inevitable.”
— Katherine Mannix
Behind the scenes of a funeral home
That we will all die is an unavoidable fact. Yet what happens to the body after death is still one of the most popular search terms. Part of Life went behind the scenes of Family Tree Funerals to discover more about the after death process. From funeral options to preparing the body, the role of children and the importance of ceremony, these two films sensitively explore what happens to a body after death and the importance of making plans whilst we’re still alive.
Interview with @hospicenursejulie
Ahead of the launch of her debut book, Part of Life interviewed TikTok sensation @hospicenursejulie about the myths, misconceptions and the beauty of death. From what death looks like to the Oregon model of assisted suicide, this interview is a must watch.
The life of Dr Rachel Clarke
In this Radio 4 episode of Doctor Doctor, Dr Phil Hammond explores the life of palliative care specialist Dr Rachel Clarke. She discusses the importance of compassion at the end of life in an NHS overwhelmed, the lack of funding for palliative care and the lessons the pandemic should teach us about the importance of end of life planning.
Interview with James Norris
We all have a digital footprint. Be it on social media, via music downloads, gaming avatars, voicemails, photos or email. But what happens to all of these digital touchpoints when someone dies? We interviewed James Norris, founder of the Digital Legacy Association to help answer some of the most important questions about how to manage our digital legacies.
Interview with Dr Hilda Hayo
In this fascinating, passionate and wide-ranging interview, Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO of Dementia UK, outlines her top five myths about Dementia and reveals the tragic lack of support for Early Onset Dementia.
Interview with Dr Bernie Marden
From his vision for end of life care at Somerset ICB, to the impact of his Catholic upbringing on his own preparations for death, Dr Bernie Marden shares his personal and professional views on how death is, and should be accepted as a part of life.
Interview with Dr Mark Luciani
With GPs in short supply and an NHS overrun, many advanced care planning conversations aren’t happening early enough, leading to a perfect storm of poor end of life outcomes for patients. Dr Mark Luciani describes how he suffered burnout and moral injury but has returned with an innovative solution.
Compassion and dementia
In his second interview with Part of Life, ex-President of the BMA, Sir Al Aynsley Green shares his wife’s journey through dementia and calls for compassion to be at the heart of end of life care planning.
Interview with Su Squire
We speak to Su Squire, a storyteller, writer, performer and facilitator who creates work that seeks to explore the light and shadow of what it is to be human and triggers conversations about death and dying.
Interview with Kate Bond
Award winning biophilic designer and artist, Kate Bond, has been commissioned to bring nature into some of the largest hospices and hospitals in England and Wales. In this interview she shares her views on the power of nature in healthcare settings. Watch the video.
Interview with Kathryn Mannix
Wayne de Leeuw, ex-palliative care nurse and CEO of Dorothy House Hospice interviews writer and palliative care specialist Kathryn Mannix about societal taboos, hidden mourners, NHS palliative care integration and the potential for adopting the wisdom and death literacy of diverse communities.
Interview with Jess Sheridan
19 year-old Jess’s Mum died in May 2021. In this honest and disarming interview Jess shares her experience of death, grief and bereavement and its catastrophic impact on her academic career and personal life.
Interview with Vicky Krieps
Ahead of the UK premiere of More than Ever, we caught up with Cannes award winner, Vicky Krieps to discuss death literacy in Hollywood and the power of film to change our perceptions of death and dying.
Interview with Sir Al Aynsley-Green
From losing his father aged ten, to his time as England’s first Children’s Commissioner, the plight of hidden mourners and the role religions could play in destigmatising death - Sir Al Aynsley Green makes a passionate plea for change.
Interview with Gill May
Gill May, Chief Nurse BSW ICB shares her childhood experience of caring and how it fuels her passion for integrated end-of-life services.
Interview with Beth Nielsen Chapman
A candid interview with Beth Nielsen Chapman on her personal journey through loss, grief and illness and the power of music to heal.