Landscapes of Loss: Designing Sacred Space with Death Doula Leah Gundrum

In this soul-stirring episode, host Natalie Buster welcomes Leah Gundrum, a landscape designer, death doula, and Abode volunteer, for a conversation about how sacred spaces shape our experience of dying. From the contemplative backyard at Abode to green burial parks in Sweden and Pennsylvania, Leah shares how nature, design, and ritual can soften grief and deepen our connection to life. They explore the power of labyrinths, the role of internal landscapes, and why preparing for death is one of the most life-affirming acts we can take. Whether you’re a caregiver, a mourner, or simply curious, this episode offers gentle wisdom and practical inspiration.

Guest: Leah Gundrum

• Landscape designer and end-of-life doula

• Volunteer at Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying

• Tango dancer and teacher in San Antonio

• Passionate about sacred space, green burial, and contemplative design

Highlights:

• [00:02:00] What is an “internal landscape” and how does it support end-of-life care

• [00:06:00] The design of Abode’s backyard: live oaks, labyrinths, and prayer walls

• [00:14:00] Lessons from green burial parks in Pittsburgh and Sweden

• [00:21:00] Why grief must be witnessed, not fixed

• [00:26:00] Advanced directives and the case for “death paperwork parties”

• [00:33:00] How tango dancing cultivates presence and empathy

• [00:38:00] Leah’s wish “before she goes”: to live by the ocean