Dying to Tell You
Palliative Care Chaplain Cody Hufstedler knows how difficult it can be for us all to acknowledge—much less talk about—the fact that we’re all born with an expiration date. That we are, in fact, one day going to die. Through his career in healthcare, he has helped countless terminally ill patients and their loved ones work through this most challenging of life’s realities.
What he’s discovered over the years is the understanding, comfort, even joy that can come through intentionally facing our finish line. Not just for those who are fast approaching it, but for everyone young or old, sick or healthy.
Cody began this podcast as a way to share these endearing and lovely stories of life, death, and dying. Far from morbid, these episodes are deeply alive explorations of life’s greatest mysteries and windows into the wonderful, human richness of living.
All music licensed through Artlist.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 39 minutes
- Episodes
- 70
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
The Loss and Awareness of ALS: A Reflection
Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Rachel. ALS (aka Lou…
Rachel: Changing Your Perspective as ALS Changes You
Rachel has ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Recently, she sat down to talk with Cody about her personal journey, what she's learned about valuing what we have now in life, and a ton of he…
The Inspiring Call To Care For Others: A Reflection
Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on his conversation with Dr. Bob and the idea of fait…
Bob: Caring For Each Other Throughout Life...and Death
Bob is a retired pediatrician with prostate cancer who has seen diagnosis and treatment procedures change dramatically over the decades. His devotion to his family and his deep understanding of the m…
The Simple Things We Turn To In Loss: A Reflection
Between each episode, Cody offers a brief reflection on the themes he discussed with his guest the week before.
In this reflection, Cody reflects on his conversation with last week's guest, Denise, a…
Denise: Courage, Cancer, and Simply Being
Denise says she doesn't see herself as brave. In her eyes, she's simply facing her cancer diagnosis directly and doing what she has to do.
It's a special kind of courage, accepting the difficult thin…
Do We Need to be Remembered? : A Reflection
Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Sandra and an idea from Thich Nhat Hanh called Interbeing.
This week we're also starting our Remembrances, in which we read remembrances from listeners …
Sandra: Silver Linings in the Face of Terminal Illness
Life Happens For Me, Not To Me: A Reflection
Cody reflects on his conversation with last week's guest, Riyaz, and the meaning of the words "life happens for me, not to me."
Riyaz: Cancer Has Been My Greatest Teacher
As a therapist, spiritual teacher, and member of a deeply supportive community of friends, Riyaz might seem well-equipped to handle a terminal diagnosis. And in so many ways, he is.
He's also just li…
The Dance Of Ever-Changing Plans: A Reflection
Cody reflects on his conversation with Aimee and on the dance of ever-changing plans.
Aimee: Facing the Realities and Absurdities of End of Life
For Season Two, we begin with an ending. Cody sits down with Aimee, the daughter of Linda from Season One, and her family to hear the story of Linda's final days this past April.
It is both touching …
Hospice Nurse Julie
We are between seasons here at Dying To Tell You (Season 2 is coming this summer so subscribe to get notified!), but that isn't stopping us from talking to amazing people.
This episode is very specia…
Season One Finale
Cody and Chris listen back to memorable moments from Season One and reflect on what they've learned from six guests, multiple episodes, and so many great conversations.
Reflections on Cia
Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Cia and the difference between pain and suffering.
Cia F
When Cia beat breast cancer 12 years ago, she had no idea it could come back, this time in the form of angiosarcoma. Cia is equally fierce in her love and in her determination to do whatever she can …
Reflections on Jessica
Cody reflects on last week's conversation with Jessica Guthrie, and on how a terminal diagnosis can be something more than an ending.
Jessica
When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Jessica became her full-time caregiver and advocate. For the past nine years, Jessica has cared for her and documented their journey through Ca…
Reflections on Linda
In this reflection on his conversation with Linda, Cody shares how Linda's motto of "Let That Sh*t Go" helped him through his own deeply personal loss this week.
Linda
Cody talks with Linda about her recent diagnosis with cancer, living a life of service, and letting sh*t go.