Food For Thought: The Joys And Benefits Of Living Vegan

The concept of memento mori—remembering that we are mortal—is often viewed as morbid or macabre. But for those who embrace it, acknowledging the brevity of life isn’t about dwelling on the end; it’s about celebrating every single moment we have.In this episode, I share a very personal journey that has been years in the making: the process of choosing a final resting place and designing a gravestone for my mother, my husband David, and myself. From the historic hills of Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery to the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, this story is about more than just logistics—it’s about values, intentionality, and the peace that comes with being prepared.Whether it’s establishing a plan for companion animals or choosing local, sustainable materials for a memorial, we explore how end-of-life decisions are ultimately for the living. It is a gift of clarity for those we leave behind and a final opportunity to express the passions—from wildlife gardening to music—that define our “one wild and preciou