Why are we so uncomfortable talking about death, and what is that avoidance costing us?

In this episode, Kara Duffy sits down with grief educator and thanatologist Korie Leigh to unpack how Western culture became disconnected from death, ritual, and communal grieving. From childhood development and emotional regulation to collective trauma and meaning-making, this conversation offers practical tools for navigating grief at every age.

Korie shares insights from her work with children and families, explains why euphemisms around death can create confusion for kids, and opens up about the personal loss that reshaped her understanding of grief, resilience, and community care.

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

INSTA: @drkorieleigh

WEBSITE: korieleighphd.com

TIK TOK: @drkorieleigh

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korie-leigh-phd-ccls-ft-99a5073a/

00:00 Introduction to Korie Leigh & Thanatology

02:20 What Thanatology Actually Means

03:30 Western Culture’s Fear of Death & Grief

05:10 The History of Rituals, Wakes & Collective Mourning

07:30 Why Millennials Are More Disconnected From Death

08:15 The Tasks of Grief & Accepting Loss

10:05 How Children Understand Death at Different Ages

13:10 Magical Thinking, Child Development & Emotional Language

16:00 Why Euphemisms Around Death Confuse Kids

17:40 Writing Books About Childhood Grief & Bereavement

21:00 Supporting Tweens & Teens Through Grief

22:20 Talking to Kids About Heaven, Souls & Death

24:10 Continuing Bonds Theory & Staying Connected After Loss

27:10 Parenting, Identity & Grief After Pregnancy Loss

31:00 A Full-Circle Moment With a Bereaved Mother

33:00 What Puffy Paints Taught Korie About Emotional Expression

35:00 Emotional Literacy, Parenting & Honest Communication

37:00 Inside Out, Core Memories & Emotional Development

39:00 The Grief-Tastic Book Fair & Humor in Grief Work

41:20 Music, Joy, Play & Staying Present

42:15 Rituals, Meaning-Making & Collective Healing

45:20 Becoming a Parent & Designing Intentional Family Rituals

48:00 Trying New Things, Playfulness & Identity Evolution

49:20 Community Care, Politics & Showing Up For Others

51:30 Collective Grief, Stability & Rebuilding Community

53:45 Where to Find Korie Leigh & Her Work

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