A Conversation with Nikki Boyer & Reverend Peggy from Near Death
By: Arielle Nissenblatt
Near Death is a new podcast created by Nikki Boyer. You’ll be introduced to Reverend Peggy, who has been present for the final moments of nearly 2,000 people. A lead chaplain at one of the world’s most renowned hospitals, Peggy shares with Nikki the most riveting end-of-life stories from her 20-year career in spiritual care, with one goal in mind: to help everyone be a little less afraid of death
I got to speak with Nikki Boyer and Reverend Peggy about the creation of this podcast!
Nikki & Peggy on the podcast Near Death
Arielle Nissenblatt: Tell us about your experience in the world of audio and storytelling.
Nikki Boyer: I have been lucky enough to tell stories in over 600 episodes of podcasting. I love connecting with people and leaning hard into uncomfortable and humorous conversations. If we aren’t laughing and connecting… then we may as well be dead!
Reverend Peggy: In grad school, I hosted a radio show that brought in people of many faiths (from Catholic Priests to WICCA Priestesses) together to speak about controversial themes in spirituality, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community to share their challenges of wanting to be part of a faith community that accepts them. It was a wonderful experience and I was even awarded a scholarship for my work on the show. Storytelling is a part of my daily occupation — I encourage patients, family, and staff to share their stories to help dig into their spiritual crises, to remind themselves of who they are and what they have experienced and conquered in the past.
AN: Describe the new show for us.
NB: If you were expecting a sad, depressing podcast about death... this isn't it! Reverend Peggy and I discuss her work in spiritual care over the past two decades — and also her personal spirituality, which even includes supernatural experiences (yes, in the hospital)! She shares stories about beautiful baby blessings, death bed weddings, and nurturing trans patients, as well as family drama and trauma cases. And we learn that spiritual care in the hospital is not just for the patients, it’s also for the staff, who deal with a lot of heavy situations during their workdays. We also talk about unique and unexpected cases… even some that may or may not require an actual exorcism!
RP: Near Death is an invitation to go on a deep dive with us into stories that just might change you — and change can be healing, even when it is scary.... so give it a try! I promise for every cry, you will also get a little laugh (or a lot of laughs!). Either way, it’s some healthy balance.
AN: How did you first approach your co-host, Peggy, with the idea for this new show about death?
RP: On one of our first girlfriend dates, we sat in my little backyard and shared a bottle of champagne and talked for seven hours! We laughed and cried and dug into each other’s hearts — it was such a wonderful, natural connection. I think shortly after that, Nikki brought up the podcast idea with me and I knew she would guide me — and make it a blast!
AN: Let's talk production. How does making this show differ from making Dying for Sex?
NB: It's a totally different animal. Dying For Sex was more of an audio documentary — six episodes centered around one riveting story. I was paired up with one of the most amazing executive producers, Stephanie Jenz from Wondery, who helped craft and organize all of the pieces I’d recorded with Molly — plus a bunch of “new” stuff — in such a beautiful way.
Near Death is an entirely different format, with new stories every week. And it’s a passion project, where a (very) small group of creative partners, (my co-founder and EP Kevin Sabbe, Producer/Writer Katie Amanda Keane, Head of Audio Tommy Fields, and of course, EP Reverend Peggy), and I are doing it all on our own. I learned how to do things I’ve never done before — story and sound editing, music selection, and all the behind the scenes engineering — all the way through the final upload! When I founded Dying For Media and took on the role of CEO, I made it a point to truly learn and understand what every person on the team does, so that when I hire someone, I have a real understanding of their skill sets and contribution.
AN: Do you think you think about death more than the average person?
RP: I actually think I think about death less than the average person — outside of work. During my shifts, I am around death and navigating it with patients, their loved ones, and the team caring for them, so it is in front of me daily. I don't tiptoe around it. I step in with both feet — and I see how temporary life is, so when I am not at work I leave work there… and live my life!
AN: How do you honor Molly's legacy in the new show (I noticed her name in the credits)?
RP: Wonderful Molly. I can see her so clearly when I remember her, and treasure our many amazing conversations I had with her. She was badass and cool and funny as hell. My kind of gal. So I thank her for this friendship with Nikki, and for welcoming me into her circle those last few months. I will always honor her. She was one of those patients who imprinted on my heart. I'll see her in the next place and give her props again.
NB: Molly is in everything I do and was my inspiration for starting this company. She gave me a new point of view and a new purpose. I love her.
AN: Who do you think needs to hear this show the most? Describe your ideal listener.
RP: Honestly, this show is for everyone. I know there are a few young students at UCLA that are listening and sharing how it is impacting them and starting some big, deep conversations. I LOVED that! Young people in their early 20s digging into existential spiritual conversations — that is fantastic. I think it’s a great show for those that are caring for someone who is terminal, terminal themselves, or anyone who is really afraid of what is next. I think people in any kind of existential wrestle should listen. Some people may just want to hear the connection between Nikki and I and how you can put your toe into these big topics and not emotionally drown — they may even find this show a buoy that floats them through some really hard times. I also am so happy to hear that people can relate to someone who really loves God, who is inclusive, flawed, and loves a good martini! I want this show to be a safe place for people to fall, wrestle, grow, and thrive. That is what I think helps make life suck less.
NB: It sounds cheesy, but I do really think there is something for everyone. Someone who has never experienced death… this is for them. To help them understand that death is a part of life. Someone who is currently going through a loss. It can be a beautiful expression of grief and I could help a listener tap into some unprocessed feelings. And for the people that have lost someone, I feel like this is a beautiful way to have a bit of a retrospective.
AN: Did you ever consider video (YouTube)?
NB: I thought about doing YouTube. I think it's a great medium and I would love to start sharing our podcast there. The level of post-production and craft we put into our final audio edits — the show is talk/interview meets premium storytelling with a lot of music — makes it a little bit more difficult to produce video that would measure up to the audio show.
RP: YouTube would be fun... that means Nikki and I would have to get out our best lipstick... we love a great lipstick!
AN: How can listeners best support you, the show, and your mission?
NB: Beautiful question. Honestly, telling people that you love the show and what you love about it and encouraging them to listen. I feel like podcasts are modern-day book clubs. Word of mouth is everything. That's how I get my information. That's how I know what to watch and listen to next… I asked my friends. So if we can create enough friends out there that listen to the show and love it, I hope we can build our audience in a beautiful, organic way. Nothing rings truer than a personal endorsement.
RP: Listeners can best support us by sharing the show. If you love it, or learned anything, share it! I love hearing feedback and suggestions or questions they may have for us to explore... I am just so dang grateful for this amazing opportunity to share precious death stories that can lead to life being a little more precious.
You can find and follow Near Death wherever you get your podcasts.
