Death Cafe: A Conversation About Life, Death, and Everything In Between

Imagine this: a group of strangers gathered in a cozy space, sipping tea, nibbling on cakes or pastries, and talking about... death. Yes, death—the one subject that most people avoid in daily conversation. But at a Death Cafe, that’s exactly what happens. And despite what you might expect, these conversations are far from morbid or dreary. Instead, they’re filled with authentic reflections, a mix of curiosity, and sometimes even humor. Whether you’ve faced death personally or are simply curious about your own mortality, you’ll find authentic, lively discussions with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

So, what exactly is a Death Cafe? Why would anyone want to attend one? Let’s explore the idea behind this unique social movement, what to expect if you go, and why it might just be the most life-affirming conversation you’ve ever had.

What is a Death Cafe?

At its core, a Death Cafe is a simple concept: people—often strangers—come together in a comfortable setting to have open, informal conversations about death. There’s tea, there are treats, and there’s no set agenda or expert panel guiding the discussion. The goal? To encourage greater awareness of death, which in turn can help us live more fully in the time we have.

The Death Network Death Cafe

Based in San Diego, The Death Network hosts monthly Death Cafe gatherings at Bravo Family Mortuary in Mission Valley. Visit our event page for more info about Death Cafe and other events.

The Death Cafe movement was founded in 2011 by Jon Underwood, based on the ideas of Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz. Crettaz believed that discussing death could break the taboo surrounding it, and Underwood’s initiative took that concept and made it accessible to everyone. Since then, thousands of Death Cafes have been held around the world, in coffee shops, homes, and community centers, offering people a safe and welcoming space to talk about a subject that unites us all.

A Space for Everyone

One of the most beautiful things about a Death Cafe is its inclusivity. People from all walks of life attend, bringing with them different perspectives, experiences, and questions about mortality. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, are facing a terminal illness, or are simply curious about what it means to live knowing that death is inevitable, you’ll find a welcoming space where your thoughts and feelings are honored.

There’s no need to feel pressured to share if you’re not comfortable doing so. many who come to Death Cafe prefer just to listen and that’s OK! But many attendees find that the environment is so warm and inviting that they naturally feel more at ease opening up. The discussions are lively and collaborative, often shifting between personal reflections, philosophical musings, and even light-hearted exchanges.

Not a Support Group—But Still Supportive

It’s important to note that a Death Cafe is not a therapy or support group. This distinction is key because it emphasizes that these gatherings aren’t about offering professional advice or counseling. Instead, they’re about community and connection. Death Cafe is hosted by volunteer facilitators whose main job is to keep the discussion flowing and ensure that everyone feels respected and heard.

That being said, many people do find the experience to be supportive in its own right. Talking about death in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting can help release some of the fears or anxieties we carry around about it. By sharing stories and listening to others, we realize that we’re not alone in our curiosity, our grief, or our uncertainty. The simple act of being in a room full of people who are willing to engage with such a sensitive topic can feel like a relief.

Connecting with Others

Some Death Cafes are hosted by death-caregivers such as end-of-life doulas and hospice volunteers which can be a helpful resource for individual end-of-life questions.

Pictured here are some of the hosts from the San Diego Death Cafe gatherings. Left to Right: Kara @cogita_mori Penny @thedeathnetwork and Tara @tara.endoflifedoula

Lifting the Taboo

Why is death such a difficult subject for so many of us to talk about? In Western cultures, particularly, death is often seen as something to avoid, ignore, or even fear. We use euphemisms like “passed away” or “gone to a better place” to soften the harsh reality of death, and we typically only encounter it in moments of loss or tragedy. Especially when we are talking with children, saying that the deceased is ‘sleeping peacefully forever’ may cause confusion and could create fear about going to sleep at night.

But as the Death Cafe movement shows, death doesn’t have to be a scary or uncomfortable subject. In fact, openly discussing it can be a way to normalize something that is, after all, a natural part of life. Just as we talk about births, weddings, and other life events, why not death too? By bringing the conversation into the light, we can dismantle the stigma around it, making it easier to talk about end-of-life decisions, our fears, and even the practical aspects of death.

One of the surprising things about Death Cafes is how often laughter is part of the experience. It’s not that people are making light of death itself, but rather that in sharing stories and exploring this often-taboo subject, moments of joy and humor naturally arise. In a way, these moments remind us that even in the face of death, there is room for levity and connection.

Photo from Death Cafe hosted by The Death Network in San Diego -

A Life-Affirming Conversation

While the topic is death, the conversations that happen at Death Cafes are often very much about life. How do we want to live? What gives our lives meaning? How do we make the most of the time we have? These are questions that arise when we confront our mortality, and in discussing them with others, we can gain new insights into our own lives.

For many people, attending a Death Cafe is an opportunity to reflect on their personal experiences with death. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a brush with mortality, or simply the knowledge that we are all temporary beings, these conversations can help us process and make sense of our feelings.

At the same time, Death Cafes often spark broader philosophical discussions about the nature of life and death. People ponder questions like: What happens when we die? How can we make peace with the fact that life is finite? What does it mean to live a “good” life? While no one leaves with definitive answers, the process of exploring these questions can be incredibly enriching.

The Role of Facilitators

One of the unique aspects of a Death Cafe is that it’s led by volunteer facilitators, rather than experts or professionals. The role of the facilitator is not to guide the conversation in a particular direction but to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and participating. They might prompt the group with an open-ended question or gently steer the discussion if it veers off course, but for the most part, the conversation is shaped by the participants themselves.

This lack of structure can feel liberating. Without a rigid agenda, there’s room for spontaneity, and the discussions often flow organically from one topic to another. You might start by talking about a personal experience with death and end up discussing how different cultures approach funerals, or the ethics of assisted dying.

Every Death Cafe is different, and each one reflects the unique perspectives and interests of the group..

Creating Meaningful Connections

One of the unexpected joys of attending a Death Cafe is the sense of connection that comes from talking about such an intimate and universal topic. In our daily lives, it’s rare that we have the opportunity to speak so openly and honestly about death, especially with strangers. But at a Death Cafe, there’s an unspoken understanding that everyone is there because they want to engage in this conversation, whether they’re grappling with their own mortality or simply curious.

This shared curiosity can lead to deep and meaningful connections. People often leave Death Cafes feeling that they’ve made new friends or that they’ve gained a fresh perspective on their own life. It’s not uncommon for participants to continue the conversation long after the event has ended, exchanging contact information or making plans to meet up again.

Why You Should Consider Attending a Death Cafe

If you’re still wondering why anyone would want to spend an afternoon talking about death, consider this: confronting our mortality can be a powerful way to reconnect with what matters most in life. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with distractions, taking the time to reflect on death can remind us of the importance of living fully and intentionally.

At a Death Cafe, you’ll find a supportive community of people who are all on the same journey of exploration. Whether you’re dealing with grief, contemplating your own mortality, or simply curious about what others think, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. There’s no judgment, no right or wrong way to feel, and no pressure to share if you don’t want to.

And who knows? You might leave the event feeling lighter, more connected, and with a new perspective on life and death.

In Conclusion

A Death Cafe is more than just a conversation about death—it’s a chance to engage with life in a deeper, more meaningful way. By breaking down the taboo surrounding death, we can approach it with curiosity and openness, and in doing so, we can better appreciate the time we have.

So, next time you see an invitation to a Death Cafe, don’t hesitate. Grab a cup of tea, join the conversation, and see where it takes you. You might just find that talking about death is one of the most life-affirming things you can do.

The Death Network Death Cafe San Diego April 2024