Double Header: First up--All the things happening with BMNJ this month!

We'll be releasing a new episode later today, but wanted to share a bunch of other exciting news before that release!

We’re excited to be back after a bit of an impromptu summer break. While we paused on new episodes, there are a lot of things moving behind the scenes at Bury Me that we’d like to fill you in on!

Up until now, the podcast has been our main focus of this project, but we’ve always known we wanted to expand beyond that. When we started the show in 2020, it was in response to a world that demanded new ways of connecting across distance and isolation.

A lot has changed in the past 5 years, and while the podcast remains a powerful way to reach people, we’re also eager to re-engage with the physical world. As a writer and editor who’s worked on a number of publications, I’ve always found joy in creating tangible things.

Which is why we’re so excited to announce the launch of our debut issue of our brand-new lit mag, Mourning Papers, arriving September 22. This first issue features raw reflections, personal stories of loss, incredible visual art, and important calls to action. This collected body of work feels like a testament to the spirit of this region: a gift for a weary, brokenhearted world that honors what has been and imagines what might still be possible. Pre-orders are up & running now, where you can also choose to purchase a “pay it forward” copy in addition to one for yourself, which will allow us to offer the magazine for free in community spaces.

We’ll also be tabling our new offering at The Waterford Township Public Library’s Local Author Day on Saturday, September 27th from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This free event will feature a meet-and-greet with local authors, opportunities to purchase and have books signed, and presentations on topics like self-publishing (which includes our very own Katel LeDu!). If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you there!

Releasing this mag is just the beginning of the publication work we’re hoping to do. Some of you might have found us thanks to our mini zines that pair with past episodes, which is something we’re hoping to continue creating. In addition to those, we look forward to digging deeper into themes we’ve started to explore on the podcast: grief, joy, resistance, and of course, New Jersey with more upcoming projects.

While I’ll be focusing more on the publishing side of Bury Me, the podcast isn’t going anywhere. In fact, I’m thrilled to announce that a new host will be joining us after this month.

If you’ve listened before, you’ve heard us shout out Head Mensch

Bradley Nussbaum

in the credits. Bradley has been a key part of our team—helping shape our direction, reviewing posts, and giving episodes their final polish. As a hospice social worker, he brings deep compassion and insight to tough conversations around grief. And as a lifelong drummer and musician, he understands how art—and especially music—can hold the emotions we struggle to express.

In his time as host, Bradley will explore how grief shows up in music, art, and collective action—and how creativity helps us process loss, build connection, and imagine a future where collective liberation is possible. He’ll be speaking with artists and musicians about the grief behind their work, and how they turn that grief into healing, remembrance, and change.

I’ve got a few more episodes coming your way this month, but starting in October, you’ll be hearing from Bradley and his incredible lineup of guests.

Last, but certainly not least–we’re just a few short days away from our upcoming in-person writing workshop in South Jersey!

If you’re someone who’s been questioning the power of your voice, your ability to create meaningful work, or just needing to jumpstart being creative at during a time that feels so heavy with grief and noise, we invite you to a space that honors that feeling, and gently makes room for something new.

Join us for a one-day creative retreat in South Jersey, led by our beloved Operations Chief, Katel LeDu, founder of the creative consulting practice Liminal Bloom. We’ll gather this Saturday, September 13th, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, for a day rooted in meditation, writing practice, and community care.

Morning refreshments and lunch are included, and we’re offering sliding scale tickets to help make this space accessible for all who need it. If our sliding scale range doesn’t work for your budget but this event is calling to you, please reach out. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

We have just a few spots left for this awesome event—so sign up before they're gone!