Early Career
After completing her degree in history from the University of Chicago, Doughty pursued a career in mortuary science at UCLA. During her studies, she interned at several funeral homes, gaining hands-on experience in the industry. These experiences revealed the often outdated practices and stigmas surrounding death and burial, prompting her to seek change.
Mortuary Work
Doughty worked as a licensed mortician in California, where she encountered various challenges and revelations about how death is managed in modern society. Her experiences fueled her desire to advocate for more compassionate and transparent funeral practices. She became increasingly aware of the emotional and financial burdens placed on grieving families by traditional funeral practices, which often prioritize profit over care.
The Order of the Good Death
In 2011, Doughty founded The Order of the Good Death, an organization aimed at educating the public about death and advocating for reform within the funeral industry. The initiative encourages people to consider their own mortality and engage in conversations about death, promoting a culture of death acceptance. The Order also supports various projects related to death and dying, including educational events, workshops, and collaborations with artists and academics.
Writing and Publications
Doughty is a prolific writer, and her first book, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory (2014), blends memoir with insights into the funeral industry. The book received critical acclaim and helped to popularize her voice in the conversation about death. In 2017, she released her second book, From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death, where she explores different cultural practices surrounding death worldwide.
Doughty launched her YouTube channel, Ask a Mortician, where she answers questions about death and discusses various topics related to mortality in a relatable and often humorous way. The channel has gained millions of views and followers, helping to demystify death for a broad audience. Her engaging style and willingness to tackle taboo subjects have made her a prominent figure in online discussions about death.
Advocacy and Public Speaking
Caitlin Doughty is an active advocate for funeral reform, including promoting practices like home funerals and green burials. She speaks at conferences, participates in panels, and engages with audiences through workshops and public lectures. Her advocacy work aims to empower individuals to make informed choices about death and funerals, encouraging a more personalized and meaningful approach to end-of-life care.
Current Projects
Doughty continues to write, create content for her YouTube channel, and speak publicly about her experiences and the importance of changing how society views death. She has also been involved in various media projects, including podcasts and television appearances, further expanding her reach and influence in the field.