In this episode, we sit down with Irish funeral director and author, David McGowan, as he sheds light on the often-taboo subject of death and the profound role funeral directors play in supporting those who grieve. David shares heartfelt stories from his career, from unexplained events hinting at a spiritual presence to heartwarming moments of animals sensing loss, such as a dog’s farewell to its owner.

He emphasizes how pets can provide unmatched solace to those experiencing grief and the importance of including all family members in funeral arrangements to honor the deceased fully.

David discusses the qualities essential to being a compassionate funeral director, including empathy, common sense, honesty, and confidentiality. Reflecting on his own mortality, he finds comfort in his belief in the afterlife, inspiring listeners to embrace gratitude and peace in life.

Tune in for a powerful discussion on breaking the silence around death, the significance of animals in the grieving process, and a look into David’s book, *A Life Among the Dead*, where he offers deeper insights into his journey in the funeral industry and his mission to bring dignity to those who have passed.

The Natter Podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation.

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In this heartwarming episode, Natter hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with the beloved author Roisin Meaney, who has written over 20 novels and is known for her captivating storytelling. Roisin shares her deep love for both reading and writing, offering a glimpse into her current reading list and exciting plans for future books.

Listeners will be inspired by her journey from teaching in Dublin to becoming an internationally published author.

Roisin reflects on her time as a teacher and how it has shaped her storytelling. She highlights the power of kindness and the joy that can be found in life’s simple pleasures—recurring themes in her novels.

Aspiring writers will especially appreciate her thoughtful advice and the two opening sentences from novels she admires.

Tune in to hear Roisin’s inspiring story, her passion for writing, and her reflections on a career that has spanned continents, languages, and audiences around the world.

This podcast is brought to you in association with Bookstation Ireland!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging episode, hosts Kate and Michelle sit down with bestselling writer Sam Blake to dive deep into her world of storytelling, mentorship, and literary success.

They kick things off by swapping book recommendations and discussing what’s currently on their reading lists.

Sam opens up about her role as a mentor to aspiring authors, her involvement in the popular writing resource Writing.ie, and how she balances writing, mentoring, and her duties as the chair of the Society of Authors—advocating for fair pay and support for writers everywhere.

The conversation takes a thrilling turn as Sam shares eerie experiences from staying in a haunted hotel and the exciting details of her young adult novels. Fans of crime fiction won’t want to miss Sam’s sneak peek into her upcoming adult novel.

Finally, they discuss the highly anticipated Murder One Crime Writing Festival and the path to achieving success in the literary world, where Sam emphasises the importance of seizing opportunities and creating them when necessary.

Tune in for a fascinating episode packed with bookish insights, practical writing tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of crime writing!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.