Death Cafe profile for Justin Magnuson
Location: United States
http://www.globalhumanproject.net/end-of-life-conversations.html
About Justin Magnuson:
Very curious.
Student of the condition.
Bad at Haiku.
What brings you to Death Cafe?
I'm endlessly fascinated with the cultural reluctance to embrace our mortality. An interview Lizzy Miles conducted on NPR in 2012 encouraged me to host my first one and I've been doing it sporadically ever sense.
I love the simplicity of the Death Cafe format and learn something every time I host one. It almost brings tears to my eyes when an attendee says something quite personal and realizes they are not alone.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I would love to create enough change around death and dying that when I die I'm part of a vibrant community that knows how to embrace the end-of-life.
Thoughts for sharing:
Fear is the mind killer. -Frank Herbert
Justin Magnuson's posts on the Death Cafe website
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EDT
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Sept. 16, 2024, 12:38 p.m.
With Justin Magnuson
Oct. 17, 2024, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
With Justin Magnuson
March 21, 2024, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EST
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Dec. 12, 2023, 10:07 a.m.
With Justin Magnuson
Jan. 18, 2024, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
With Justin Magnuson
Nov. 16, 2023, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
Death Cafe write up: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EDT
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Oct. 19, 2023, 7:10 p.m.
After ten years of hosting Death Cafes I some times ask myself why I keep doing it. Tonight was the perfect reminder! Ten people from around the world talking about different aspects of death and dying in a respectful way is so energizing.
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EDT
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Sept. 29, 2023, 1:24 p.m.
With Justin Magnuson
Oct. 19, 2023, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
With Justin Magnuson
Sept. 21, 2023, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
With Justin Magnuson
March 16, 2023, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
With Justin Magnuson
Feb. 16, 2023, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
With Justin Magnuson
Nov. 17, 2022, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EDT
Posted by Justin Magnuson on June 15, 2022, 12:49 p.m.
With Justin Magnuson
Sept. 15, 2022, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. Justin hoped COVID-19 would make ...
With Justin Magnuson
March 17, 2022, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EST
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Sept. 29, 2021, 10:06 a.m.
With Justin Magnuson
Nov. 18, 2021, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EDT
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Sept. 29, 2021, 10:05 a.m.
With Justin Magnuson
Oct. 21, 2021, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
With Justin Magnuson
May 27, 2021, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EST
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Feb. 26, 2021, 12:54 p.m.
With Justin Magnuson
March 25, 2021, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
With Justin Magnuson
Feb. 25, 2021, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Accepts donations
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
With Justin Magnuson
Jan. 28, 2021, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Free
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
With Justin Magnuson
Oct. 22, 2020, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (Eastern)
Free
There are many reasons to talk about death and different ways to do it. Justin loves the simplicity and democratization of the Death Cafe process. COVID-19 makes the reality of ...
Death Cafe write up: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EST
Posted by Justin Magnuson on July 24, 2020, 10:59 a.m.
After the last session I reflected I'm always afraid at some point I will be become bored of the topics or the conversation will be stale. This month it was the fear that a small group will run out of things to share.
Last night I was joined by three others, considerably smaller than recent Cafes. Again, my fear turned out to be unfounded, but combined with technology challenges it was a distracting way to start the session. Despite our small numbers, we still managed to talk for the entire time and in some ways this possibly increased the intimacy of the conversation.
I love that virtual ...
Death Cafe: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EST
Posted by Justin Magnuson on July 24, 2020, 10:47 a.m.
With Justin Magnuson
Aug. 27, 2020, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (EST)
Accepts donations
The virtual Death Cafe format adds an interesting twist to the conversation. Participants come from many different areas which offers an interesting flavor. We still stick to the traditional format ...
With Justin Magnuson
July 23, 2020, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (EST)
Free
The virtual Death Cafe format adds an interesting twist to the conversation. Participants come from many different areas which offers an interesting flavor. We still stick to the traditional format ...
Death Cafe write up: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville EST
Posted by Justin Magnuson on June 26, 2020, 1:47 p.m.
With each new Death Cafe, I have recently expected to finally arrive at a saturation point. That nothing new will be discussed or I will be frankly bored. Last night was a small group of regulars, bringing this sense to the surface yet again.
Instead of feeling stale or boring, I felt like the group settle into a deeper and more vulnerable space that explored familiar terrain with a more penetrating gaze. This gives me hope that not only do Death Cafes serve a purpose, but the online format is not a hinderance. I hope more people continue to join our conversations and we change the narrative around ...
With Justin Magnuson
June 25, 2020, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (EST)
Free
The virtual Death Cafe format adds an interesting twist to the conversation. Participants come from many different areas which offers an interesting flavor. We still stick to the traditional format ...
Death Cafe write up: Virtual Death Cafe Louisville
Posted by Justin Magnuson on June 4, 2020, 12:15 p.m.
Hosting virtual Death Cafes has been an interesting experience. I can say that 5 years of hosting them in-person has provided a good foundation for the transition, but there are little quirks in reading the other attendees body language, turn taking, and allowing thoughtful pauses that makes it difficult.
I have already read several articles about the phenomena. At least one published by the End of Life Studies Group seemed mildly antagonistic to the concept. My personal preference is and hopefully will always be face-to-face encounters, but I can see an argument, regarding both safety and access, to continue to offer virtual opportunities to keep Death Cafes open ...
With Justin Magnuson
May 28, 2020, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (EST)
Free
The virtual Death Cafe format adds an interesting twist to the conversation. Participants come from many different areas which offers an interesting flavor. We still stick to the traditional format ...
With Justin Magnuson
April 23, 2020, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (EST)
Free
Death Cafes are a place for people to openly discuss death and dying. There is no set agenda, topic, or designated expert, other than to share our experience, to deeply ...
With Justin Magnuson
March 26, 2020, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (EST)
Free
Death Cafes are a place for people to openly discuss death and dying. There is no set agenda, topic, or designated expert, other than to share our experience, to deeply ...
With Justin Magnuson and Jen Weidner
June 25, 2018, 6.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Eastern Standard)
Free
Death Cafes are an opportunity for people to people to gather, eat snacks, and talk about death. These not-for-profit events are not intended "to lead people to any conclusion other ...
Death Cafe: Death Cafe Louisville (Southern Indiana)
Posted by Justin Magnuson on May 8, 2017, 10:20 p.m.
With Justin Magnuson
June 12, 2017, 6.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Eastern Standard)
Free
Justin is excited to partner with the Mid-America College of Funeral Service to host a Death Cafe. This will be a straight forward cafe, no agenda or speaker. Expect a ...
Death Cafe: Death Cafe Louisville (Southern Indiana)
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Feb. 12, 2017, 7:50 p.m.
With Justin Magnuson
March 27, 2017, 6.00 p.m. - 7.15 p.m. (Eastern Standard)
Free
Justin is excited to partner with the Mid-America College of Funeral Service to host a Death Cafe. This will be a straight forward cafe, no agenda or speaker. Expect a ...
With Justin Magnuson
April 20, 2016, 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. (EST)
Donations accepted to cover the cost of refreshments and to support The Loft.
No agenda. No speaker. Expect a lively discussion and cake.
With Justin Magnuson
June 16, 2015, 7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. (EST)
Donations are accepted to cover the costs of refreshments.
The typical format will be quick introducitons of why the participants are there and then let it go from there. Plus there's cake and tea.
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Louisville
Posted by Justin Magnuson on March 1, 2015, 4:31 p.m.
This was the first cafe of the year, each cafe I learn a little more about being a host for Death Cafe Louisville. This cafe was the first one not promoted by Rainbow Blossom, the location we are currently using, so this is a piece of the puzzle that provided a little challenge.
We had four participants plus two hosts, which provided plenty of opportunity for participation. We discussed many aspects of death, but the main threads revolved around "knowing" when to transition from curative treatment to palliative care and creating community to care for each other as we age.
Another memorable part of the conversation was being ...
With Justin Magnuson and Karen Hamilton
Feb. 27, 2015, 7.00 p.m. - 8.15 p.m. (Eastern)
Donations accepted for refreshments and supplies
Death Cafes are an opportunity for people to gather, eat cake, and talk about death. Donations are accepted to cover refreshments and supplies.
With Justin Magnuson and Karen Hamilton
Dec. 15, 2014, 7.00 p.m. - 8.15 p.m. (EST)
Donations cover costs of refreshments
Death Cafes at Rainbow Blossom have been very eclectic. The conversations have covered almost every topic imaginable related to death and dying, this is one of things that keep Justin ...
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Louisville
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Aug. 17, 2014, 3:45 p.m.
Death Cafe Louisville hosted its third cafe in the community room of Rainbow Blossom. Like the previous cafes there was a large mix of ages, interests, and attendance was between 15-20.
We split into two groups and it seems each group had completely different conversations. The group I facilitated talked about everything from books, to cultural expectations, a group members recent bereavement, and a young man who is a pallbearer at the local potter's field.
The other group talked about personal loss as well, but also spirits and they seemed to laugh more than my group. We are realizing the acoustics of the room make it difficult ...
With Justin Magnuson and Karen Hamilton
Aug. 8, 2014, 7.00 p.m. - 8.15 p.m. (EST)
Donations will cover the cost of refreshments.
Death Cafes are an opportunity for people to gather, eat cake, and talk about death. These not-for-profit events are not intended "to lead people to any conclusion other than to ...
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Louisville
Posted by Justin Magnuson on July 7, 2014, 12:47 p.m.
This was the second death cafe hosted at Rainbow Blossom and it's so surprising how different the conversation was from the first one. There were 15 people in attendance, so we split into two groups, I thought the arrangement worked well, but the accoustics of the room were challenging with two groups.
The group I facilitated talked about everything from being with the actively dying, grief, laughing at funerals, to what we would want our funeral to be like. The other group was facilitated by a participant of the last cafe, Karen. She reported a positive experience and a lively discussion as well.
One of the participants ...
With Justin Magnuson and Karen Hamilton
June 13, 2014, 7.00 p.m. - 8.15 p.m. (EST)
Donations will cover the cost of refreshments.
Death Cafes are an opportunity for people to gather, eat cake, and talk about death. These not-for-profit events are not intended "to lead people to any conclusion other than to ...
With Justin Magnuson
April 18, 2014, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Eastern)
Refreshments
Justin first heard an interview with Lizzy Miles on NPR and knew he wanted to get involved with Death Cafe. After hosting the first Death Cafe in a small invitation ...
Death Cafe write up: Louisville's 1st Death Cafe
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Feb. 20, 2014, 8:17 p.m.
Louisville's first Death Cafe went off without a hitch! It was a small, invitation only, group, but the conversation moved easily over a myriad of topics in the 90 minute session.
Although much of the discussion revolved around the perception that the medical field has played a large role in our cultural disconnect from death there was still several personal themes and stories that emerged. I had some trepidation about moderating potential conflict or establishing boundaries, but overall the time passed very quickly and everyone in attendance participated.
When it was time to close several people stayed and talked, closing ideas and offering topics for "next time ...
With Justin Magnuson and Stephanie Barnett
Feb. 12, 2014, 7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. (Eastern)
free
Justin knew he wanted to host a Death Cafe after hearing Lizzy give an interview on NPR. A month later he was involved in a conversation about hospice care with ...