press
articles
happy links
Cape Talk: Interview with John Maytham
Afternoon Drive with John Maytham, Cape Talk (audio 09:44), 5 July 2022.
Radio 702: Interview with Aubrey Masango
Weird and Wonderful with Aubrey Masango, Radio 702 (audio 45:38), 30 June 2022.
‘Local podcast teaches listeners how to live’
News24, 28 June 2022 (audio option too)
Cape Talk: Interview with Sara-Jayne Makana King
Talking Point - Weekend Breakfast, Cape Talk (audio 25:18), 10 July 2022.
Death Doulahs - Your Guide to the Afterlife [AFRIKAANS]
In-depth article for Media24, looking at the history and function of death doulahs, with local examples and interviews.
Marguerite Van Wyk, Beeld, 26 March 2022
‘To allay fears of death we need to bring it back to life’
Fantastic article about the Lancet Report on the Value of Death.
Claire Keeton, Senior Features Writer, Sunday Times, 7 February 2022
Dealing with Dying
Claire Keeton, Senior Features Writer, Sunday Times, 14 February 2021
On Talking about Death as an Appreciation for Life
Tevya Turok Shapiro, Daily Maverick, 2 April 2021
Press
How to Die in the papers and online:
Articles
Perspectives from your mortal host…
Finding Peace in Death
My experience as an end-of-life carer and the consolations of knowing one’s final resting place.
Sean O’Connor, Sunday Times, 1 September 2024
The Language of Grief: What to Say When Someone Dies
A short and imperfect exploration of grief and how to to say sorry for your loss. With comments!
Sean O’Connor, Daily Maverick, 12 October 2023
Lancet Commission on the Value of Death
A review of this seminal report which urges a radical revaluing of death. Peppered with wisdom, insight, profound examples and a way for us all to build ‘death literacy.’
Sean O’Connor, Daily Maverick, 4 February 2022
On the ‘Art’ of Dying
Is dying really an art? What is a ‘good death’, and why is this idea both very necessary and fatally flawed?
Sean O’Connor, Daily Maverick, 8 May 2021
A Box to Die For: On Coffins and Caskets
What’s the difference? Are there green options? Flatpacks? DIY? How much do they cost?
Sean O’Connor, Daily Maverick, 30 May 2021
Cremation: A Brief History
Purifying flames or hellish torment for your soul? Why is cremation favoured in some places and taboo in others?
Sean O’Connor, Daily Maverick, 30 June 2021
Digital Demise
What happens to your online self when you die? What happens to your online assets when your personal power button is switched off?
Sean O’Connor, Daily Maverick, 7 August 2021
Happy Links
Websites, films, resources…
Soul Carer’s Network
End-of-life carers and companions across South Africa and internationally, providing psycho-spiritual, palliative and grief support.
Death Cafe
Go on, get some people together and host one! A great resource helping people discuss their mortality: download the guide here.
The Conversation Project
Helps you talk with your loved ones about their wishes for what type of care they want through the end of life.
Exit International
Information and guidance on assisted suicide and end of life matters.
Death Penalty Information Centre
State of the art resource with up-to-date data, fantastic research, podcasts and more.
The Order of the Good Death
Death-positive morticians, artists and others share an impressive array of media, guides, resources, films etc.
Dignity South Africa
Activating for the right of the individual to self-autonomy in end-of-life decisions.
The Art of Dying Well
Lovely and comprehensive resource with practical and spiritual support for those faced with the prospect of death and dying.
Return Home
World’s only human composting (terramation) facility that encourages participation in the process. Just lovely people.
Coffin Clubs
New Zealand’s makers of fine underground furniture inspire a sensible community project.
Ecologico
South Africa’s own affordable recycled flat-pack coffin resource.