Why we talk about the thing
no one talks about.
Six years ago, three of us started the Clinton Death Cafe, joining an international movement that began in the UK in 2011 to bring people together over coffee, cake, and honest conversation about death and dying. No agenda. No therapy. Just people sitting with a subject that most of us have spent a lifetime avoiding. It caught on. The Death Cafe movement has now hosted more than 20,000 gatherings in over 90 countries.
After hosting more than 60 local events, we noticed something: attendees wanted to go deeper. They had questions — both practical and philosophical — about funeral planning, burial vs. cremation, grief, legacy, the legal side of dying, what happens to the body, what people actually experience at the end, and the afterlife.
The Death Cafe model is intentionally open-ended — no set topics, ever. So we built something alongside it. Mortal Musings is where we explore those deeper questions: through guest speakers, site visits, and structured conversations that go where the curiosity leads.
We still host the Clinton Death Cafes. Free-flowing conversation matters. But now we do both.
Things people ask before they come
(and are relieved they asked)
Isn't this kind of… morbid?+
You'd think so. But here's what first-timers almost always say after: "I can't believe how much I laughed." Death is a heavy topic. Turns out, the people willing to sit with it tend to have a pretty good sense of humor about it. Come find out for yourself.
Is this a grief support group?+
No — and that's an important distinction. Grief may come up, and that's okay. But we are not a counseling service, and we don't position ourselves as one. If you're looking for grief support, we're happy to point you toward resources that can help. What we offer is community and conversation, not therapy.
Do I have to talk?+
Absolutely not. You're welcome to listen. Some of our most faithful attendees were quiet for their first several events. There's no pressure, no sharing circle, no uncomfortable spotlight. Show up as you are.
How much does it cost?+
Nothing. All Mortal Musings events are free. We accept donations gratefully, but we will never put a price on this conversation.
Whether you've been thinking about this stuff for years, or you just typed "death" into a search bar because something happened and you didn't know where else to go — you're in the right place. Pull up a chair.