Life Amongst The Departed: Growing Up in a Funeral Home|The Teaching Journeys Podcast

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kevin O'Connor, author of 'Two Floors Above Grief.' Kevin shares insights from his extensive background in genealogy, teaching, theater, and his work in HIV awareness, with a focus on his family’s history in the funeral business. He discusses how growing up in a funeral home shaped his perspectives on life, death, and grief. The episode also delves into the importance of written communication, handling grief through storytelling, and the celestial connections experienced during times of loss. Tune in to explore the intersection of personal history and professional legacy in the context of grief and community service.

0:00 Life Amongst The Departed: Growing Up in a Funeral Home
00:44 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:55 Kevin O'Connor's Background and Achievements
03:32 Early Life and Influences
05:20 Lessons from the Funeral Home
08:37 The Importance of Service and Details
12:16 Writing 'Two Floors Above Grief'
12:52 Family Dynamics and Living Arrangements
15:54 Impact of Written Communication
21:19 Community Involvement and Reputation
27:10 Discretion and Professionalism
30:34 Reflecting on a Community Home
31:29 Childhood Duties at the Funeral Home
32:27 Always Ready for the Next Funeral
34:33 The Impact of Death on Daily Life
39:45 Nostalgia and Family Stories
44:15 Celestial Interventions and Family Transitions
50:37 Final Thoughts on Grief and Individual Journeys
54:01 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Kevin's Bio And Contact Information
In addition to writing and publishing Two Floors Above Grief, Kevin O’Connor enjoys chronicling the stories of families and friends through tracing genealogical histories, writing and picture collections. His prior writing includes personal letters, articles in professional publications, dissertation, anthologies and presentations delivered at conferences, seminars and webinars. He brings people together personally and professionally. Collaborating with friends and relatives, he plans family and class reunions. He has performed in over 30 theater productions since the 1970s. He has been active with SMART Ride, a bicycling group that rode annually from Miami to Key West, raising funds for HIV awareness, treatments and education. He was an elementary teacher, principal, professor and curriculum coordinator in California, Illinois and Florida from 1973-2020. In his final educational position, he authored content and provided training in areas including support LGBTQ advocacy, and Sexual Health/Family Life. He resides in Ft. Lauderdale with his husband, Leon. Their family includes five sons and seven granddaughters. He references further connections to this book, continues his stories, and highlights perspectives about his interests at www.kevinoconnorauthor.com. and on his Instagram site @thegriefnavigator.

Additional Contact Information
E-mail: koco7351@gmail.com
Cell: 8 1 5 -5 4 6- 1 0 7 6
Social Media : In addition to Instagram, Kevin can also be found on Facebook, Linkedin and Pinterest
Consider following The Teaching Journeys Podcast @daveroberts301

Видео Life Amongst The Departed: Growing Up in a Funeral Home|The Teaching Journeys Podcast канала Dave Roberts