Barbara BowmanEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

This episode is for anyone who's ever stood awkwardly at a funeral wondering what to say, anyone supporting a grieving friend, or anyone who wants to show up better for the people they care about when life gets hard. More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/barbara-bowman Barbara Bowman has lived through more loss than most people can imagine. Through those experiences she's witnessed both the beautiful and the cringe-worthy ways people respond to death and grief. Her book "What Not To Do At Funerals: A Newbie's Guide To Death" tackles the awkwardness head-on with humor and practical advice. Working in a med spa gave Barbara a front-row seat to grief complaints. After hearing countless stories about funeral mishaps and people not knowing what to do, she realized there was a gap. Nothing out there offered quick, punchy guidance for navigating these situations. So she wrote a 60-page guide you could literally download on your way to a funeral. The biggest takeaway? Grief is unique to each person and each relationship. Losing a grandparent as a kid is vastly different from losing a spouse or child as an adult. The depth of grief correlates with the hopes and dreams wrapped up in that relationship. When someone tells you they understand your pain because their grandmother died, they might not realize they're minimizing something much heavier. Barbara emphasizes that funerals aren't about you. They're about honoring the deceased and supporting the grievers. Show up. Don't be late. Dress like you're going to a job interview. No selfies. No asking how they died. And for the love of everything, don't compare your grief to theirs or tell them they should have gone to your doctor. The conversation highlighted how COVID changed everything. For several years people couldn't gather for funerals and that created a new normal where not showing up became acceptable. But people remember who shows up and they definitely remember who doesn't. One of the most powerful points: never be afraid to say the name of someone who died. Grieving people want to talk about their loved ones. If mentioning someone's name makes them cry it's because they loved that person and they'll appreciate those tears. Barbara stresses that showing up is just the beginning. The real impact happens after the funeral when everyone else has moved on. Offer to drive someone to the airport at 3am. Bring food. Check in weeks later when the shock has worn off and the emotional tidal wave hits. Small gestures create lasting bonds. As for what to say? Keep it simple. Share a memory. Tell them you're thinking of them. Admit you don't know what to do but you want to help. That honesty beats awkward silence every time. The discussion also touched on balance and self-care. Barbara celebrates small progress instead of waiting for big milestones. Wrote one page instead of three? Celebrate it. Set everything up to write but didn't actually write? That's still progress. Her teaching background shines through in her approach. She wants to give people tools and confidence to handle these situations without the sweaty palms and stress. Death is universal. We're all going to experience it. Having a quick reference guide removes the guesswork and helps people show up as their best selves when life hands us one of its hardest goodbyes. Because at the end of the day grief is about connection and so is supporting someone through it.

💬 message Denise https://ignite2026.lovable.app/ Join this IGNITE: The Inner Uprising ™ waitlist here - excited to see you in real life 😍❤️ Barbara Bowman - author, speaker, and real-life grief whisperer - is turning some of the most awkward, heart-wrenching moments around death into opportunities for connection, compassion, and deep humanity. She has lived through unimaginable loss, and instead of hardening...she softened. She stayed open. She paid attention. And she turned all of it into wisdom you can actually use - especially in those moments when you're fumbling for the right words, trying to show up for someone, or wondering if it’s better to just stay away. This conversation is equal parts hilarious (yes, we talk about the woman who wore a trampy dress to a funeral) and deeply healing. We get into the real stuff - like what not to say when someone’s grieving, how to avoid those well-meaning-but-damaging platitudes, and why “I know how you feel” is probably the worst thing you can say. Barbara shares so many lightbulb moments around how we show up for each other during life’s hardest times. This episode should honestly be required listening for all humans. Her heart, humor, and honesty are such a gift. You’ll hear us riff on: Why comparison is the quickest way to make someone feel unseen in their grief The silent damage of “doing nothing” How to repair relationships when you feel like you messed it up Why your awkwardness isn’t the problem - disappearing is And how you can be the person who shows up with compassion, presence, and love… even when you don’t have the perfect words Barbara’s guide What Not to Do at Funerals is a must-have. It’s short, punchy, and packed with grace (and a few spicy anecdotes). If you’ve ever wondered what to say, how to help, or how to not be remembered for the wrong reasons - get this book, like....yesterday. Listen in, take notes, and share this one with someone you care about. We all need this kind of wisdom in our back pocket. 🎧 Barbara's book What Not to Do at Funerals is available on Amazon. ✨ To learn more or connect with Barbara, visit www.bowheart.com Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. November 12 & 13, 2026, I will be hosting a live, in-person experience called IGNITE: The Inner Uprising™ at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver Hotel, BC, Canada! It is a two-day immersive gathering for women in midlife — women who feel the quiet pull toward something more truthful, more embodied, more fully their own. IGNITE is an extension of these conversations. It’s where reflection becomes embodiment. Where insight becomes integration. Where women who have held so much for others gather to stand fully in their own sovereignty. If something in today’s conversation stirred you — if your body leaned in — that is NOT accidental. The ticket sales will be coming soon, so get your name on the waitlist, and never miss an update and special price breaks that will exist for early registrants. https://ignite2026.lovable.app There is a place for us to gather. If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at <a href='https://denised

Hi Everyone! Let's talk about the unspoken rules of saying goodbye-with a little humor and a lot of heart! In today's episode we welcome the lively and insightful Barbara Bowman, author of "What NOT To Do at Funerals". While funerals are often heavy and emotional Barbara brings a refreshing lightness to this important conversation! To reach Barbara: bowheartpro@gmail.com To say hello, suggest a show, request to be a guest or inquire about coaching with your host: www.lifecoachmaureen.com Don't forget to check out the dog boutique: www.mydogiseverything.net #griefsupport #funeraletiquette #lifelessons #respectand honor #ineverknewbutmydogdidpodcast #inspiringpodcasts #humorarounddeath #personalgrowth #dogwisdom #lifecoachmaureen #barbarabowman #whatnottodoatafuneral Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-never-knew-ink-but-my-dog-did-by-lifecoach-maureen--5602763/support .

Barbara Bowman has experienced more funerals than anyone should, having helped plan and participate in the memorials of friends, family members, and even her own son. Through years of hearing countless stories about funeral faux pas and awkward situations, Barbara recognized a pressing need for a guide that blends humor with sensitivity. Cody's content: https://linktr.ee/cjones803 #podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Join me and Barbara Bowman, Dream Activator at Heartfelt Wisdom, as we discuss broccoli sprouts and BS, how to tell the difference between the voice of our ego and the voice of our soul, and the importance of taking a pause when we're trying to figure out what our soul really wants. bio Most of Barbara's career was spent in local public health running smoking cessation programs, health risk reduction assessments, and managing a blood pressure control program. A few years ago, a simple change of diet caused symptoms she’d had for more that 30 years to disappear—along with 25 unhealthy pounds. she decided she needed to learn more about this remarkable transformation, so she took the course to become a Functional Nutritionist. This was great information—but she noticed many of her clients struggled with beliefs that prevented them from reaping the rewards of what they learned. It reminded her of her own struggles with beliefs that lead to an eating disorder decades prior. So she went back to school again to become an Inner Alignment Coach. This gave her the skills to help transform and tune up the BS (Belief Systems) that get in the way of our heart's desires. resources Visit Barbara's website for more information on the Heart's Desire Project (and to take the BS quiz!) Psych-K Enlighten with Kim Apply for the EAT™ | Your way to health program Give the gift of health coaching Ann Arbor Wellness Coalition Foundations of Wellness for Women