Season 4 of What Now? On the Threshold of Life, Death and Grief comes to a close. The three co-hosts take time to reflect on the conversations, insights, and moments that stayed with them throughout the season.

The hosts look back on the wisdom shared by a remarkable group of guests and discuss what they learned, what surprised them, and how these conversations continue to shape their own perspectives.

This episode is also an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude—to our guests for sharing their expertise and stories, to our listeners for joining us on this journey, and to the people behind the scenes whose support makes the podcast possible.

Thank you for being part of the What Now? community. We are grateful you're here, and we look forward to continuing these conversations with you in Season 5!

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: whatnow@hospicepeterborough.org

What happens when the ordinary objects of a life become extraordinary after loss? In this episode the co-hosts sit down with acclaimed playwrights and actors Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus to discuss their deeply relatable play: Big Stuff.

We explore how grief can surface in unexpected places—through the belongings we inherit, the stories attached to them, and the emotional weight they carry. With warmth, (lots of) humour, and honesty, Matt and Naomi reflect on the inspiration behind the play, the universal experience of sorting through a loved one’s possessions, and the ways theatre can help us make meaning in the aftermath of loss.

This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of attachment and the sometimes surprising intersections of grief, love, and laughter.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: whatnow@hospicepeterborough.org

What happens when grief meets artificial intelligence? In this thought-provoking episode, the co-hosts welcome Steve Joordens, professor at the University of Toronto and a leading voice on the use of AI in education and beyond.

Together, they explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the world of grief and bereavement. From practical applications to emerging ethical questions, the conversation examines how AI is already shaping the ways we learn, connect, remember, and mourn. They also delve into the fascinating and sometimes unsettling phenomenon of "grief bots"— AI tools designed to simulate communication with someone who has died — and consider what these technologies might mean for the future of grieving.

Whether you're entirely new to AI or already familiar with its possibilities, this lively and accessible discussion offers valuable insights into one of the most intriguing intersections of technology and humanity. Thoughtful, engaging, and deeply relevant, this episode invites us to consider how innovation may transform our experiences of loss, memory, and connection.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: whatnow@hospicepeterborough.org