Kelli Dunham

Kelli Dunham is a nonbinary nurse, ex-nun, comedian, storyteller, and host of the award-winning NPR/Good Get podcast Cared For. They also write the Substack Hoping Intentionally, where they explore grief, caregiving, queer community, and the occasionally ridiculous work of staying human.

Kelli has appeared on The Moth Mainstage, Showtime, BBC Radio 4's Sunday program, and the Discovery Channel, and is the author of seven nonfiction books on subjects including puberty, nursing, grief, and death. Their solo show Second Helping: Two Dead Lovers, Dead Funny was called "a love letter to queer community" by The Bechdel Theatre and "drop dead hilarious" by GO Magazine.

As New York begins offering medical aid in dying, Kelli is bringing Second Helping and related conversations to audiences across the state—including LGBTQ+ communities, healthcare professionals, nursing schools, and faith communities—creating space for compassionate, practical conversations about grief, caregiving, end-of-life choices, and what it means to accompany one another well.

Kelli has a diagrammed sentence tattoo on their left forearm and is not afraid to use it.