Zach sits down with his father, Chris Ancell, for a deeply personal conversation about death, acceptance, and legacy. They explore how Chris's views have evolved over time, the impact of loss, and the practical yet profound ways he thinks about mortality. This episode marks a turning point for the podcast as Zach brings more of his own fears and experiences into the conversation.

In this deeply personal episode of When We Die Talks, Zach Ancell sits down with Zac Phillips to discuss the profound and transformative journey of grief. Zac shares his intimate experiences following the loss of his father, including the deeply hands-on process of his father’s burial, the lessons learned from his dad’s beliefs about death, and how these moments shaped Zac's own spiritual perspectives. They explore the often-taboo subject of grief, delving into how to support others through loss, the importance of holding space, and finding purpose amidst life’s upheavals. This conversation also touches on legacy, masculinity, and Zac's work with men's groups in Portland, creating a space for communal healing and growth. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that may shift how you think about death and connection.

In this bonus reflection episode, I revisit my conversation with Sarah Carter, exploring themes of gratitude, growth through loss, and how our experiences shape us. Sarah's openness about the profound losses in her life—losing both parents and navigating her husband's loss—offers a unique perspective on finding light even in the darkest moments.

I share my thoughts on how Sarah's story resonated with me, including the impact of "lowercase d" deaths, the concept of memories that fade with us, and how not having children changes the way we consider our legacies. Sarah's reflections challenge me to think about my own beliefs and anxieties around death and to embrace the urgency of living fully.

I also answer a listener question from Annah (Episode #2) about how these interviews have expanded my view of life and living. Through vulnerability and candid conversations, this journey continues to reshape how I approach life and this project.

Tune in to reflect with me and discover new insights into life, death, and the spaces in between.

In Episode #9 of When We Die Talks, Sarah Carter joins the conversation to share her journey through profound personal loss. Sarah reflects on losing her mother to cancer at a young age and the unexpected death of her father during the COVID era. These experiences sparked a deep exploration of mortality, spirituality, and what it means to live a meaningful life.

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Zach discuss how grief changes over time, the value of spiritual curiosity, and the challenges of processing loss as an only child. Sarah also opens up about moments of connection she continues to feel with her parents and the ways these experiences have shaped her perspective on death. Whether you’re navigating your own grief or contemplating life’s bigger questions, this heartfelt discussion offers comfort, perspective, and inspiration.

In this reflection episode, I revisit my conversation with Don Sires, who shared his powerful journey living with ALS and his perspective shaped by the Baha’i faith. I reflect on some of the key takeaways, like Don’s analogy of life as the "womb of the spiritual world," and how his resilience in the face of immense challenges offers lessons for us all.

On a personal note, I share my recent struggles with an eye injury and how it brought up reflections on aging and mortality. Don also posed some thought-provoking questions about life after death, the existence of God, and what evidence we look for to believe in more beyond this life.

These reflections allow me to connect more deeply with this project and with all of you listening. Let me know if these episodes resonate with you. Your feedback is always appreciated.

In this episode, I talk to Don Sires about living with ALS, how facing terminal illness changes your view on life, and his spiritual beliefs on what happens after we die. We discuss everything from death planning to the role of religion and science in understanding mortality.

In this episode, Zach Ancell sits down with Barbara Solomon, a former nurse turned death doula and Death Café facilitator, who brings a wealth of experience and wisdom from her years of working closely with death. Barbara shares how witnessing countless end-of-life moments shaped her understanding of loss and grief, not only in death but in the smaller losses we experience throughout life—what she calls “little deaths.”

From navigating these moments of change to uncovering what death can teach us about connection, Barbara offers a profound look at how we can reframe our understanding of both endings and new beginnings. With candor and compassion, she delves into the questions that haunt us all: What happens when we die? And how do we prepare ourselves—and those we love—for that journey?

Whether you’re curious about death doulas, Death Cafés, or simply looking for a deeper way to engage with life’s inevitable changes, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and perspectives that challenge the taboos surrounding death.

Derek Green shares his journey of living with Huntington's disease, a rare genetic neurological disorder, and how it’s shaped his understanding of life and death. In this conversation, we dive into Derek’s exploration of fear, spirituality, and the impact of accepting mortality. His story is one of resilience, introspection, and embracing the present moment. This episode offers a powerful reminder of the importance of living fully and authentically, even in the face of uncertainty.

In this voicemail episode of When We Die Talks, listener calls share personal beliefs and experiences with death. From near-death stories to reflections on faith, energy, and loss, these heartfelt messages reveal the many ways we confront mortality. This poignant exploration offers insight into the thoughts and emotions that shape our understanding of what happens when we die.

Zach Ancell speaks with Elizabeth Twardy about her profound experiences with death and loss, particularly regarding her father's battle with cancer. Elizabeth candidly shares the emotional challenges of navigating grief, the signs we look for from loved ones who have passed, and the importance of honoring their memory. This heartfelt conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with mortality and the enduring connections that shape our lives.

In this episode, Zach is joined by Ryan, a thoughtful and reflective member of the Portland Buddhist community, for an insightful conversation about life, death, and the spiritual journey in between. Ryan shares his unique perspective on mortality, drawing from his personal experience transitioning from a Christian upbringing to practicing Buddhism. Together, Zach and Ryan explore how death has become one of Ryan’s greatest teachers, the impact of meditation on understanding life’s impermanence, and the lessons we can learn from contemplating mortality. Their conversation touches on the role of mindfulness in shaping how we live, the nature of existence, and what truly matters at the end of life.

In this episode, Zach Ancell speaks with his longtime friend Annah Yevelenko about life, death, and everything in between. Annah has been a major supporter of the project since its inception and played a key role in pushing Zach to turn this idea into reality. Having known each other for over a decade through the photography industry, their friendship deepened last year when Zach launched the voicemail project, sparking more meaningful conversations about mortality. Annah’s perspective on death is shaped by her certification as a death doula, providing unique insights into the end of life. Together, they explore how death influences how we live, the importance of breaking societal stigmas around discussing mortality, and why having open conversations about death is vital.

In this introductory episode of When We Die Talks, host Zach Ancell opens up about his personal journey with death anxiety and why he created this podcast. Before diving into future interviews, Zach shares his story and what he hopes to discover by exploring life’s biggest question: what happens when we die?

In this trailer for When We Die Talks, host Zach Ancell shares his personal journey with death anxiety and how it led him to create a space for open conversations about what happens when we die. Get a glimpse of what’s to come as Zach explores beliefs, fears, and stories that help us face life’s biggest question.