Ashley Gould shares how simple, intentional gatherings around the table can ease hard conversations about illness, death, and legacy, using ethical wills and “life boxes” so families stay connected, prepared, and better able to honor end-of-life wishes.

Ashley's podcast On the Table with Ashleyhere.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Key takeaways


Face-to-face gatherings around a table foster deeper connection, understanding, and courage for conversations that rarely happen over texts or short calls.


Hosting does not require a perfect home or elaborate meal; simple food, shared contributions, and genuine presence can transform how people relate.


Talking about illness, dying, and memorial wishes while there is still time can reduce fear, increase peace, and help families honor each person’s values.


Ethical wills and “life boxes” give structure for sharing stories, values, instructions, and practical information that loved ones will depend on after a death.


Preferences around care, cremation or burial, scattering or permanent placement, and memorialization can change over time, so these conversations should be ongoing.

Ashley Gould shares how simple, intentional gatherings around the table can ease hard conversations about illness, death, and legacy, using ethical wills and &ldquo;life boxes&rdquo; so families stay connected, prepared, and better able to honor end-of-life wishes.
Ashley's podcast On the Table with Ashley <a href="https://ameatendre.com/pages/on-the-table-with-ashley">here</a>.
Plan your visit to the museum today at <a href="https://nmfh.org">nmfh.org</a> and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-final-curtain-never-closes/id1664936967">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8VZuVdq5UQtnrY2b1IJS?si=b1c6ae4a9c744e0a">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/">podcasts</a>.
Key takeaways
<ul>
<li>
Face-to-face gatherings around a table foster deeper connection, understanding, and courage for conversations that rarely happen over texts or short calls.
</li>
<li>
Hosting does not require a perfect home or elaborate meal; simple food, shared contributions, and genuine presence can transform how people relate.
</li>
<li>
Talking about illness, dying, and memorial wishes while there is still time can reduce fear, increase peace, and help families honor each person&rsquo;s values.
</li>
<li>
Ethical wills and &ldquo;life boxes&rdquo; give structure for sharing stories, values, instructions, and practical information that loved ones will depend on after a death.
</li>
<li>
Preferences around care, cremation or burial, scattering or permanent placement, and memorialization can change over time, so these conversations should be ongoing.
</li>
</ul>

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.

This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.

Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at www.nmfh.org. 

And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.
This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.
Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at <a href="http://www.nmfh.org">www.nmfh.org</a>. 
And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

The Final Curtain Never Closes

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.

This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.

Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at www.nmfh.org. 

And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.
This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.
Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at <a href="http://www.nmfh.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nmfh.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1674242839098000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1eUszxGGKNoJjKnYiXLWw6">www.nmfh.org</a>. 
And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

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