Kicking the Bucket Listening Club

Let's talk about death!

Whaaaat? No. Just no.

We hear ya. Most of us don't want to. Which is why it's more fun together!

Join us this fall for the Kicking the Bucket Listening Club at Yarborough: an 8-week community experience pairing storytelling, basket weaving, and conversation about the questions we'll all face someday. (Yes. We will.)

WHAT IS IT?
A book club for your ears. Each week, we gather to listen to a chapter of Kicking the Bucket, an audio dramedy, with the option to learn basket-weaving techniques from artist Melissa Knight. Then, Occupational Therapists and end-of-life practitioners Michelle McCarty and Melissa Saffron of Reinventing Independence guide a conversation inspired by the story. We'll explore topics like caregiving, medical decision-making, memory loss, independence, legacy, and planning ahead.

WHAT HAPPENS?
5:45pm – Gather materials and settle in
6:00pm – Basket weaving with Melissa Knight (totally optional)
6:15pm – Listen to a chapter of Kicking the Bucket
6:30pm – Guided discussion and resources
7:30pm – Wrap-up

WHAT'S THE STORY ABOUT?
Dolores and Howard are an octogenarian couple with more spunk than spring chickens. Alzheimer's and cancer are their uninvited guests. Determined to take charge of their own deaths, they set out on a wildly imperfect plan to leave life on their own terms - before anyone can say "nursing home."

It's funny. It's messy. It's heartfelt. It's thought-provoking.

WHY COME?
Whether you're 25 or 85, end-of-life planning isn't really about death. It's about living according to your values, communicating your wishes, and making decisions before a crisis makes them for you. Over eight weeks, we'll explore the practical and emotional questions surrounding aging and end-of-life, and leave with resources, conversation starters, and a clearer sense of your own wishes.

Designed as a full-series experience, but drop-ins are always welcome - we'll catch you up.

Created by Andee Kinzy. This project is supported in part by an Elevate Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. ImprovEd Arts is a sponsored project of Austin Creative Alliance.

Registration encouraged.