Episodes

In this episode of "Death And," mortician and funeral director Victor M. Sweeney unpacks the theme of "dying well" through heartfelt stories and reflections on what it means to approach death with detachment, love, and acceptance. The episode features a return visit from friend of the show, Dave Ber...

In this episode of "Death And," funeral director Victor M. Sweeney sits down with author Joseph Pearce to explore reflections on mortality, literature, and the small rituals that give our days meaning. Joseph shares insights from the great books—including Tolkien's Lord of the Rings—and how an aware...

In this episode of "Death And," Victor M. Sweeney sits down with undertaker, embalmer, and graphic artist Amanda King to dive into the challenging intersection of death and mothering. The conversation explores the realities women face in the funeral industry, from juggling demanding work schedules w...

n this monologue episode of Death And, Victor M. Sweeney takes on a listener-submitted video — a bishop's directives tightening up Catholic funeral practice — and works through it clip by clip, weighing each ruling against his own years as a funeral director. He traces the faith's three-part rhythm ...

In this episode of "Death And," licensed mortician Victor M. Sweeney sits down with funeral director and restorative artist Contessa King to explore the art and science of restoring the dead. They discuss how Contessa became fascinated with postmortem reconstruction, her use of medical prosthetics, ...

In this episode of "Death And," mortician and funeral director Victor M. Sweeney sits down with architect and craftsman Brent Hull to explore the intersection of death and architecture. Their conversation weaves through the ways our built environments, especially homes, reflect our values, philosoph...

In this episode of "Death And," licensed mortician Victor M. Sweeney sits down with retired journalist Jon Tevlin to talk about life, loss, and starting over. The conversation weaves through Jon Tevlin's decades-long career in journalism, his travels around the world, and the two very different live...

In this episode of "Death And," mortician and funeral director Victor M. Sweeney reflects on how families and friends can play a meaningful role in funerals and grief work. He tells poignant tales of families who found healing and meaning by participating in the physical acts surrounding a loved one...

In this episode of "Death And," mortician Victor M. Sweeney sits down with fellow funeral director and professor Dominick Astorino. The conversation kicks off with personal stories about what drew each of them to undertaking, touching on how reverence and the intangible pull of the profession influe...