Niki is a death doula, writer, designer, and backpacker who came to death work following a career and existential crisis in 2019.
By day, she works in design and copywriting. By night and by passion, she helps her clients tell the stories of their and their loved ones' lives. She also helps the bereaved navigate loss through individual grief support sessions.
In her free time, she is working on a book that explores death's transformative call to live - and how that call once saved her life - all set against the story of her 900 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail.
Key takeaways
🪴Grief never just “goes away”—we grow around it, learning to hold loss over time.
👯♀️Support from others, including professionals and peer mentors, is invaluable in heavy times.
🌅There’s no set timeline for healing; everyone’s process is different and deserves respect.
🌊Expressing grief and seeking validation helps counter shame and unnecessary suffering.
🥾Embracing uncertainty and “wandering” is essential both in recovery and in everyday life.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction and Personal Reflections on Mortality
(01:10) A Journey into Death Work
(02:43) Early Life and Career Path
(04:01) The Turning Point: Discovering a New Path
(08:09) Volunteering and the Birth of a Death Doula
(11:28) Blending Passions: Graphic Design and Storytelling
(16:44) Personal Transformation and Overcoming Darkness
(19:12) The Appalachian Trail Adventure
(29:17) New Beginnings in Utah
(30:52) Transition to Death Doula Work
(31:26) Starting Grief Support
(32:55) The Power of Letting Go
(37:43) Lessons from Grief Work
(45:31) Embracing the Wandering
(53:38) The Importance of Pattern Disruption
(57:34) Concluding Thoughts on Aliveness
(01:02:29) Closing Remarks and Future Plans
Engage with Niki Visit Niki's grief support website to learn more or book sessions: numbereddays
Subscribe to Niki’s newsletter (writing + grief insights)
Connect with Niki on Instagram
What are your top 3 topics & areas of expertise?
Grief work/support/education: no, you're not "crazy" for not being "over" the death of your loved one after 2.5 months. It's neuroscience.
Legacy and storytelling: how to document and capture your stories, your loved one's stories, and why it matters.
Death's call to Live: we are impermanent. Everything and everyone we love is impermanent and will die someday. Sound morbid? It's not. It's a way to laser-focus your priorities, get clear on priorities, and enhance your relationships.
Connect with Kate Manser
Be immersed in living an alive life. Get Kate’s weekly text: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850 Thanks for being alive with me ⚡️