Introduction
Welcome to the Wilder Possibilities Podcast, where entrepreneur Shelton Wilder delves into pivotal moments of transformation—what she calls the click. This week’s episode is a deeply moving conversation with Kelly McCall, a death doula and end-of-life midwife. Together, they uncover the profound impact of preparing for death, embracing grief, and celebrating life.

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From Sleepless in Seattle to Titanic: A Journey of Mentorship and Change
Kelly McCall’s journey began far from the realm of end-of-life care. Born in Virginia and raised in California, her professional roots were planted in the entertainment industry. From assisting on Sleepless in Seattle to working on Titanic, Kelly’s career was a whirlwind of creativity and problem-solving. Through mentorship and on-the-job training, she learned the value of compassion and adaptability—skills that would later shape her work as a death doula.

Mentorship became a recurring theme in Kelly’s life. As she reflected on her career, she acknowledged the profound impact of those who took the time to teach her, from the intricacies of post-production to the nuances of human connection.

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The Calling to Become a Death Doula
Kelly’s transition to becoming a death doula was unplanned yet inevitable. She describes early experiences of supporting friends and family through loss, where her natural ability to “produce” a peaceful, organized environment became evident. She shares how her stepfather’s passing was a turning point:

“Most people don’t know what to do when someone dies. I put together a notebook for my mom with step-by-step guidance, from ordering death certificates to managing daily tasks. It became clear to me that this kind of support was desperately needed.”

Inspired, Kelly pursued formal training, learning about rituals, legacy work, and practical preparations. She embraced her calling to guide families through the hardest moments of their lives.

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Breaking the Taboo: Talking About Death
Kelly emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations about death. She explains that our culture often avoids the topic, leaving families unprepared:

“We think we have time to make plans, but we don’t know when our last day will come. Talking about it now—what you want, where you want to be, who you want with you—makes all the difference.”

She shares touching stories of helping families prepare for death with dignity, offering practical advice like creating memory books, planning rituals, and even discussing options like green burials and human composting.

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The Gift of Legacy and Connection
Kelly highlights the power of legacy work—reflecting on your life, values, and the memories you want to leave behind. Whether it’s writing letters to loved ones or planning a celebration of life, these acts create lasting connections.

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Closing Thoughts
This episode of Wilder Possibilities reminds us of the beauty in embracing life and the inevitability of death. As Kelly puts it:

“Grief and love are twin sisters. When we allow space for sadness, we also create more room for joy.”

Let’s take a moment to reflect, connect, and cherish the time we have.