What if a tattoo could carry more than a memory — what if it held a piece of someone you loved? In this episode, we sit down with artist Kerri Parnell, who’s redefining the meaning of memorial art through her deeply personal cremation tattoos.

These aren’t your average tattoos. Kerri blends a trace of a loved one’s ashes into the ink — creating designs that are both beautiful and intimate. But how did she start doing this? What does it mean for those who choose to carry their loved one in this way? And what are the emotions, ethics, and stories behind this growing practice?

Join us as we explore the art, the science, and the soul of remembrance through ink — and discover why people around the world are turning to Kerri to help them keep their connections alive, one tattoo at a time.

You can find more information about Kerri Parnell's work below:

@kerriparnell.art

@cremation_tattoos

Website: www.cremationtattoos.com

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: whatnow@hospicepeterborough.org

Red and Julie are delighted to welcome colleagues and friends (and past What now? guests) Dr. John Beamish and Dr. Kaetlen Wilson. The foursome gathered for a robust conversation about some of the unique aspects of grief with a MAiD (medical assistance in dying) death. They discuss how MAiD can be disenfranchised grief: grief that is not recognized or supported in a culturally normative manner.

They also delve into how family dynamics, secrecy, contrasting emotional responses, and the actual provision of MAiD can manifest distinct grief experiences. The group brings their many years of experience supporting families through MAiD, both prior to death and during the grieving journey. As MAiD becomes more commonplace in our Canadian context, this episode will be enlightening and supportive for all.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: whatnow@hospicepeterborough.org

This episode was sparked by an email from a listener who had been the primary care provider to a person who was not family, but over the course of many years became a dear friend, leaving them to feel as if their grief was unrecognized or disenfranchised after the friend's passing.

It caused us to stop and take a moment to consider situations and relationships when particular losses are not acknowledged or supported by our cultural norms and standards and how these circumstances impact the caregiving and grief journey.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: whatnow@hospicepeterborough.org