Let’s talk about death
The last conversation you want to have shouldn’t be the last one you do have. The When You Die Project is here to facilitate a cultural dialogue most often avoided — one that begins at the end.
We believe talking about death isn’t dangerous but, conversely, can nurture happier, healthier individuals and families who approach death informed, inspired and with a sense of humor. The way we live has progressed immensely since the industrial age, yet the way we die has stayed largely the same. Many of the changes that have developed — such as 80% of people dying in hospitals — seem to us to be the opposite of progress. We believe it’s time for a death revolution and that the best way to start that revolution is simply by talking.
From green burial options to the latest in science of the afterlife and death resources, we aim to keep you in the loop about all things death-related.
WhenYouDie.org curates voices from palliative care doctors, leading researchers, death doulas and the bereaved as well as poets, comedians, artists and everyday people. Plus, our team is always creating new content to keep you up-to-the minute on death news and culture.
Morbid curiosity welcome.
Our Team
James H. Hoagland
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
James has been working in the documentary form for more than 30 years as a producer, camera operator, sound recordist, editor and technical wizard, responsible for setting a new standard for restoring outdated video formats. He has also worked extensively in archival settings. In addition to numerous educational projects, his film credits include the recently remastered release of The Lion’s Roar about the life of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa; Discovering Elegance, about an environmental “dharma” art exhibit created by meditation master Chögyam Trungpa, held at the Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art; and Living Peace, about an award given to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya in Colorado featuring talks by Her Majesty Queen Noor, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Rabbi Irwin Kula. His most recent project An Uncommon King, is currently screening around the world.
Johanna J. Lunn
DIRECTOR/ PRODUCER
Award-winning producer, director, and writer, Johanna has crafted, and assisted in crafting, many compelling, entertaining, and profoundly thought-provoking programs during her 20+ years in the business. Her work has received eight Gemini (Canadian equivalent of an Emmy) nominations and taken home three awards. In addition to producing more than 150 hours of television series and one-offs as an in-house executive producer, she has made independent documentaries for her own companies, Wild East Productions and Centre East Media, and won best documentary at Hot Docs International Film Festival for her moving and timely film, Forgiveness: Stories for Our Time. She has worked as Director of Programming for Alliance Atlantis and played a key role in the launch of IFC—The Independent Film Channel Canada. Prior to that, Johanna was Head of Independent Production for CTV, Canada’s #1 network. She created View-finders, the first competitive international children’s film festival in English-speaking Canada, and was Artistic Director of the Atlantic Film Festival. Years of programming and producing have honed her storytelling talents. Johanna’s most recent documentary, An Uncommon King, is still making its way around the world through festivals and iTunes.
Terry Rudderham
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / BUSINESS MANAGER
With 35+ years in business and financial management in the private and charitable sectors, including 10 years working in location departments in the film industry, Terry is delighted to bring her vast knowledge to the When You Die team. She is excited by the challenge of getting this important and timely documentary to its audience.
Kelley Edwards
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Kelley Edwards is a freelance writer, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia . For many years she has worked as an actor, director, singer, voice over artist, broadcaster and communications professional. Kelley has a love of bad cats and good coffee and has a hard time staying out of the ocean.
Chelsea Hoagland
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / EVENT COORDINATOR
With a Master’s in Social Work and having been trained in palliative care, Chelsea brings a unique perspective to the When You Die team. She’s excited to help further the death-positive movement, and connect with like minded organizations and individuals who share the same values.
Thank you to the many donors who continue to contribute to our project. And to our fiscal sponsor From the Heart Foundation. We’d be dead with out you!
Our Partners
A project of Centre East Media
