What if your obituary helped people truly understand how you lived your life?
In May 2020, we partnered with Campowerment to facilitate a live workshop called "Reconstructing the Obituary Template." At a time when mortality felt more present than ever, we weren’t trying to say the traditional obituary format was wrong. Instead, we aimed to reimagine it—to help it better reflect how a person lived.
This is the heart of Episode 4 of Grand Exit: Rewriting the Obituary Template — live NOW wherever you get your podcasts! 🎉
What’s This Episode About?
In this episode, we invite you to:
🟣 Explore: A case of mistaken obituaries that may have inspired the Nobel Peace Prize (a story of death positivity, to the Nth degree!)
🟣 Reflect: On the transformative value of writing your own obituary (we'll hit on death awareness that actively leads to life and legacy planning; and as such, living with purpose!)
🟣 Engage: In a guided exercise that helps you think—and possibly write—about who you really are and how you want to be remembered (yes: life and legacy planning; all inter-connectedly)
Why It Matters
This episode dives into the deeper "why" behind legacy writing: creating space to reflect on how we’re living while we’re still alive. As we like to say, “You’re alive—go do the things that matter now!”
Why Should You Try This Exercise @ Home?
Writing or thinking about your own obituary might feel unconventional, but it’s a powerful way to:
Preserve Your Story: Take control of how your life is remembered.
Ease the Burden on Loved Ones: Relieve the time-sensitive pressure of crafting your obituary.
Edit Your Life in Real Time: Reflect on your legacy now, while you’re alive, and make changes to live the life that matters most to you.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who prefers reflection over pen to paper, this episode meets you where you are. Permission granted for it to be messy—or even stay a thinking exercise.
Special Thanks
We want to give a big shout-out to:
Megan Weissman: Thank you for helping us curate the highlights for this episode to share on Instagram.
Anne “Sussy” Sussman: For introducing us to the Alfred Nobel story featured in this episode.
Legacy Organizations We Mentioned:
Epic Obituaries: Uncle Bunky’s Obituary and Joan "Grandy" Leader’s Obituary—examples of how to truly paint the picture of a life.
What’s Next?
We’ll be back on January 26 with Episode 5, featuring our next guest, Court Fuller.
In the meantime, grab that pen and reflect. Your story is worth telling.
'Til Then, Stay Connected
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Follow Us on Instagram: Catch clips and highlights from each episode at @grand.exit.
🙏
Tamatha & Chelsea