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Tackling Life's Difficult Moments with Humor and Heart
Tackling Life's Difficult Moments with Humor and Heart
Tackling Life's Difficult Moments with Humor and Heart
Tackling Life's Difficult Moments with Humor and Heart
Tackling Life's Difficult Moments with Humor and Heart
Tackling Life's Difficult Moments with Humor and Heart
Speaking & Podcasts
HELLO THERE, I'M BARBARA
Death: we're all going to face it, but nobody wants to talk about it—until now.
I'm on a mission to demystify the "death etiquette" we all awkwardly stumble through with a fresh, fun, and surprisingly uplifting approach. Through my book and engaging presentations, I'm turning the ultimate taboo topic into conversations that actually leave people smiling and confident..
Because let's face it: we can't avoid death, but we can avoid becoming "that person" everyone remembers for all the wrong reasons.
I promise to bring a fresh, relatable take on this often-overlooked topic to your audience. Together, we can show them how to face life's toughest goodbyes with grace—and maybe even a little laughter.
I am available for interviews, podcast appearances, and speaking engagements. From my unique personal experience, I have created a blend of light-hearted sensitivity that makes for engaging, memorable conversations about topics that everyone encounters but few know how to discuss.
My Books
Finally, a death guide that won't bore you to death!
What NOT to Do at Funerals:
A Guide to Avoid Eternal Embarrassment
Written from personal experience, this guide blends lighthearted humor with heartfelt sensitivity. What Not to Do at Funerals helps you honor the lives we've lost—without the missteps that can leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.
Why This BOOK?
What Not to Do at Funerals: A Practical Guide to Avoiding Eternal Embarrassment is your no-nonsense crash course in handling funerals with dignity—without becoming that person everyone talks about for the wrong reasons.
Let’s be real: dealing with death is awkward. Do you send a card? Bring food? Avoid eye contact? Say literally anything without making it worse? You’re not alone—most people have no clue what to do. I’ve seen the best and worst reactions to grief, and trust me, good intentions don’t always translate to good behavior. That’s where this book comes in.
With humor, sharp advice, and real-world do’s and don’ts, this guide helps you support the grieving in a way that’s compassionate, considerate, and—most importantly—not cringeworthy. Grief is messy, people are unpredictable, and traditions vary. The pandemic changed the way we mourn, and cultural differences can make things even trickier. But here’s the truth: doing nothing is often worse than doing something imperfectly.
Whether it’s your first funeral or you just need a refresher, this book keeps it light, direct, and drama-free. No fluff, no preachy lectures—just a clear, practical guide to navigating these tough moments with grace (and minimal embarrassment). So read it, laugh, and most importantly—don’t screw this up.
Coming in late 2025
Getting Out! A Tactical Guide to Escaping Narcissism
Coming in late 2025, Barbara's second book explores strategies for recognizing, dealing with, and ultimately escaping relationships with narcissistic personalities. Sign up to be notified when it's available!
Why This BOOK?
You didn’t sign up for this. But here you are, deep in unfamiliar territory. The air’s thinner. The rules don’t work like they used to. You’re navigating the wilderness of a narcissist’s world—a terrain designed to trap, confuse, and drain you.
This book is your tactical guide out. I didn’t want theory. I wanted tactics. I wanted someone to hand me a machete, a compass, and a map. I wanted someone to say: “Here’s what you do. Here’s how to survive.”
This book is exactly that. A survival guide for escaping narcissistic abuse, written like you’re prepping for a wilderness mission—because honestly, that’s what it is. Inside, you’ll find strategies for navigating lawyers, protecting your assets, minimizing property loss, and rebuilding your sense of self while everything around you tries to break it.
Inside, you’ll find strategies for protecting your assets, navigating the legal system, rebuilding your confidence, and finding your tribe. I’ve woven them into a survival guide because, let’s be real: once you’ve stepped into the world of a narcissist, you’re in predator territory. But predators aren’t invincible. You can outsmart, outlast, and get free.
This book won’t just help you survive. It’s designed to help you reclaim what’s yours: your mind, your power, your future. You’re not weak for getting trapped. You’re strong for wanting out. It’s about learning to fight smart, set traps, and climb your way out. Let’s get out.
Let’s sharpen those tools. Let’s plan the escape. You’ve got options, you’ve got tools, and you’ve got a way out.
You’re stronger than they ever let you believe.
Watch & Listen
See Barbara in action! View clips from past interviews, podcast appearances, and speaking engagement
Whether you're looking for a keynote that will have your audience both reflecting and laughing, a workshop that transforms awkwardness into understanding, or a podcast guest who can make death talk genuinely engaging, I deliver death etiquette wisdom with warmth, wit, and wisdom.
I Never Knew (INK) But My Dog Did! By Lifecoach Maureen
Hi Everyone! Let's talk about the unspoken rules of saying goodbye-with a little humor and a lot of heart! In today's episode we welcome the lively and insightful Barbara Bowman, author of "What NOT To Do at Funerals". While funerals are often heavy and emotional Barbara brings a refreshing lightness to this important conversation!
To reach Barbara: bowheartpro@gmail.com
To say hello, suggest a show, request to be a guest or inquire about coaching with your host: www.lifecoachmaureen.com
Don't forget to check out the dog boutique: www.mydogiseverything.net
INsights & Straight Talk Rodd Duff
"By blending humor with practical advice, Barbara helps people navigate the complexities of funerals while honoring the dignity of the deceased and their families. Because death might be inevitable, but awkwardness doesn't have to be."
PURE WISDOM PODCAST
Barbara Bowman has experienced more funerals than anyone should, having helped plan and participate in the memorials of friends, family members, and even her own son. Through years of hearing countless stories about funeral faux pas and awkward situations, Barbara recognized a pressing need for a guide that blends humor with sensitivity.
Grief in the Modern World; Relationships, Pets & the Role of Social Media
"Barbara brought such a refreshing energy to our event. She tackled a topic most people avoid with humor, grace, and practical wisdom that had our audience fully engaged from start to finish."
Popular Discussion Topics
Funeral Etiquette & Faux Pas
Navigating Narcissistic Relationships
Navigating Narcissistic Relationships
What to say (and not say) when someone is grieving, with practical examples that blend compassion with clarity.
Navigating Narcissistic Relationships
Navigating Narcissistic Relationships
Navigating Narcissistic Relationships
What steps can be taken to regain self-esteem and the confidence that you can thrive after narcissistic relationships? And find your way to freedom with your self-esteem intact.
Finding Humor in Hard Times
Navigating Narcissistic Relationships
Finding Humor in Hard Times
How appropriate humor can be healing and why laughter shouldn't be the last thing on your mind during difficult moments.
Writing About Taboo Topics
Digital Death: Navigating Grief in the Age of Social Media
Finding Humor in Hard Times
How to address sensitive subjects with both respect and accessibility—creating content that helps rather than harms.
Digital Death: Navigating Grief in the Age of Social Media
Digital Death: Navigating Grief in the Age of Social Media
Digital Death: Navigating Grief in the Age of Social Media
Navigate the complex intersection of grief, social media, and online memorials with compassion and authenticity.
How to find the right words
Digital Death: Navigating Grief in the Age of Social Media
Digital Death: Navigating Grief in the Age of Social Media
Discover authentic ways to express sympathy when clichés fall short and silence feels awkward.
LET'S CONNECT With Barbara and BowHeart Productions
Ready to bring a surprisingly uplifting conversation about death etiquette to your audience?
Let's make it happen! BOOK BARBARA FOR YOUR EVENT
|For more information on fees and availability, send me a message. Tell me about your event, and I will get back to you soon with more information.
BowHeart Productions Email Contact
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