If you are a part of the IDLM community, you’re probably the type of person who is interested in conversations about death. So you have learned by now, as so many of us have learned, that once you start talking about death, it can be difficult to stop!
There is so much to know and always more to learn. So many different aspects of the death and dying process, so many experiences and stories to share. The different ways that death is viewed and celebrated by different cultures, different options for how to commemorate a death in our own culture, new laws about options for the dying and how to care for people at end of life. This is why IDLM places such an emphasis on continuing education for all of our doulas.
The amount of information is never ending and always evolving, but sometimes it’s tough to know where to find it. When you don’t know what you don’t know, how can you even start asking the right questions?
One place to find good questions (and some answers too!) is with a pair of brothers named Benny and Nicholas Capaul. They come from a long line of funeral directors, and while Benny went into the family business, Nick became a psychologist. Together they host a podcast called Let’s Talk About Death, where they talk openly about anything and everything to do with death and dying, bringing a wealth of knowledge to every topic.
Benny and Nick Capaul are also scheduled to be guest speakers at the upcoming Tree of Life Conference in November, where they will be speaking with us on the specific topic of suicidality. From their official bio:
From a fourth-generation funeral home come the voices of youthful identical twins who fearlessly tackle a subject often considered taboo: Death. Following in his funeral director father’s footsteps, Benny Capaul brings a modern perspective to the profession, while Dr. Nick Capaul, a psychologist, offers insights into helping people cope with loss. With a shared upbringing surrounded by the funeral profession, they’ve gained extensive experience and knowledge. Their distinct perspectives and humor blend effortlessly, making discussions about funeral planning, grieving, and death truly engaging and entertaining. In their words, “If you’re not talking about death, you’re not living.”
The Capaul Brothers approach every topic with honesty, humor, and empathy. In addition to the specific information they will be sharing with us at the conference, we can learn a lot from the way they approach death without fear, are always willing to share what they know, and are always excited to learn more. We are so looking forward to having them come and share their knowledge and their good example at our Tree of Life Conference!
