The Ultimate Savasana: Dying & Deathwork with Scott Kirschenbaum

There’s a transition we’ll all experience but hardly talk about: Death. Whether out of fear or taboo, so much of our culture and communities shy away from the topic. Still, it lingers in the back of our mind and flutters in our subconscious. 

Here to approach dying and death work with care is Scott Kirschenbaum. Known for his stunning films like You’re Looking At Me Like I Live Here And I Don’t, an Alzheimer’s documentary, and These Are My Hours, a birth documentary, Scott has spent hours capturing some of the most intense and raw moments of life. His work with Ethan Sisser was no different; after learning of a young man with brain cancer, Scott agreed to filming the final weeks — and moments — of his life. After spending fourteen days at his bedside, Scott’s relationship with death was transformed. 

In this interview with Scott he poses questions like, “Can we be unruly, even in our grief?” and gives listeners things to consider to prepare for their own eventual deaths. 

In this episode we discuss:

• What it means to die in community
• How reciprocity can be created in all aspects of life, including death
• What the practice of “cracking your heart open” looks like in real time
• “Slow death” and why it matters
• Reflections for planning our own final moments

“Witnessing his death makes me want to grieve more. Grieve harder. Grieve more convincingly.” – Scott Kirschenbaum

Shownotes:

• The Last Ecstatic Days Movie
• The Wailing Earth / Hurricane Helene Docuseries
• 2026 Unruly Travel Finca Ganadito Group Trip
• Upcoming Unruly Travel Group Trips
• The Center For Conscious Living & Dying

Additional Resources:

• Yes, I’m Ok After Hurricane Helene Hit North Carolina. But Not Really.
• Reflections On Love, Death, And Volcanoes From Guatemala

Tune in to the Unruly Travel & Alternative Living Podcast for epic adventures, exceptional storytelling, and practical ways to kickstart your adventures, regardless of income.

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