In this enlightening episode, Lee Webster, a leader in end-of-life care, shares her journey and insights on transforming the way we approach death and mourning. The episode delves into the history and societal changes that have distanced us from personal end-of-life rituals and how reclaiming these practices can empower individuals and families. Lee discusses the significance of home funerals and natural burials, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and environmental benefits of caring for deceased loved ones personally. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, the podcast encourages listeners to reconsider conventional funeral practices, highlighting the importance of meaningful rituals and community involvement in end-of-life care.

In this episode of the podcast, we delve into the transformative power of discussing life and mortality. Our guest, Jo, an influential figure in the arts and theater community, shares her journey of creating the ”Lifting the Lid” festival. This international event fosters dialogue on death, encouraging participants to explore end-of-life choices and reclaim their agency. The episode explores the interconnectedness of living fully and acknowledging mortality, emphasizing how health challenges can lead to personal growth and gratitude. We celebrate the festival’s inclusivity and diversity, which welcomes artists, professionals, and curious minds to participate in discussions through art and poetry. The podcast underscores the importance of having open conversations about death, offering listeners insights into making empowered end-of-life choices and understanding the sacred nature of death as a part of life’s journey. Join us to contribute to this vital dialogue and reinforce the message that life is precious, connections matter, and everyone deserves to feel loved and empowered.

What if confronting the reality of our own mortality could transform how we live today? In this episode of the Good Death Podcast, I invite you to step into the often-avoided conversation around end-of-life care and discover how facing this inevitability can deepen our appreciation for life itself. Through the raw and poignant story of a family navigating a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, we expose the turmoil that arises when preparations aren’t in place and explore what it truly means to define “quality of life” for ourselves. From the challenges of lung cancer and the weight of decisions around treatments like chemotherapy, we highlight why personal values—not fear—must guide our choices, ensuring that the time we have left is both meaningful and rooted in love. Beyond these stories lies the empowering journey of becoming an end-of-life doula, a calling that not only eases the weight of grief but also awakens a richer connection to living. Our live training initiative offers this transformative path while extending compassion beyond ourselves—each enrollment provides meals for 10 people through Feeding America. This episode is more than a conversation; it’s an invitation to embrace mortality with courage, prepare with intention, and walk life’s final chapter with wisdom and compassion. Join us for this enlightening discussion and share it with those you love, as together we reimagine the end of life as a sacred part of the human journey.   (00:02) End of Life Doula Training(07:37) Questions to Ask Before Treatment(20:39) Quality of Life Decision-Making(25:59) Top 10 Questions for Doula Training   👉 Get your list of Top Questions to Ask the MD on a Visit here    Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here  Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE  Or visit our website here!  GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here        Please Share!   Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience.    Listen & Subscribe:Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube       JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE   This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL educationJoin Here: 4491664174178077   ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily.  Click here to subscribe!   ツ  CONNECT WITH ME  ツLeave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too: Instagram Facebook TikTok Website Podcast   #deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes

After years of navigating the world of copywriting, John finally realized his dream of becoming a published author, overcoming a decade of rejection and self-doubt before achieving the triumph of being featured in The New Yorker. His story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the love of the craft itself, reminding us that true fulfillment lies in passion rather than accolades. In this reflective episode, we also explore the deep connection between living well and experiencing a “good death,” drawing wisdom from quiet moments and lessons shared by those at life’s end. Through the lens of Bud Stanley, an obituary writer who discovers life’s beauty in funerals and unexpected mentorship, the conversation invites us to embrace the present, cultivate gratitude, and live authentically.

The episode emphasizes the concept of a ”good death,” exploring both its practical and emotional components. It highlights the importance of viewing death as a sacred transition and offers guidance on planning end-of-life care to ensure it is filled with peace and love. Through compelling stories, including one about a man in the ICU who gained a new perspective on death, the episode illustrates how death can be a beautiful rite of passage. Listeners are encouraged to communicate their end-of-life wishes clearly and live a purposeful life that aligns with their true calling. The episode also features a Q&A on the film ”Saying Goodbye: Preparing For death,” providing insights on approaching death with dignity and wisdom. Ultimately, the podcast aims to inspire a more profound appreciation for both life and death as sacred journeys.

This episode invites you to explore the profound journey of end-of-life care through the lens of my 20 years as a hospice and oncology nurse, offering tools to transform fear of mortality into acceptance by viewing death as a sacred passage. We discuss the expansion of Doulagivers Institute to Boise, Idaho, as part of the Good Death Book Tour, highlighting practical strategies like the three-question technique, the value of home wakes and funerals, and the importance of planning for end-of-life phases. With events such as a Level One training and a screening of Being Mortal, we emphasize compassionate care, cultural and spiritual insights, and the need to prioritize quality of life over longevity, while recognizing the healing power of gratitude, values alignment, and community support.

In this heartfelt podcast episode, we delve into the emotional journey of a young filmmaker who draws inspiration from her cherished childhood friendship. The episode explores how this relationship shaped a poignant film narrative addressing themes of self-love, healing, and the impact of childhood experiences. The conversation highlights the challenges of staying true to real-life events while crafting a compelling story. The episode underscores the importance of acceptance and inclusion, aiming to educate and inspire future generations.

Discover how technology is transforming the way we preserve legacies. Darren Evans, creator of After Cloud, shares how digital storytelling bridges generations, supports families in grief, and helps us reflect on the true meaning of a “good death.” From video messages that capture priceless memories to interactive memorials that tell the stories of loved ones, After Cloud shows us new ways to honor life. This episode is a heartfelt reminder to cherish everyday moments and ensure the wisdom of those we love continues to inspire future generations.

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Karen Midlo When Karen unexpectedly lost her husband, she embarked on a journey that reshaped her understanding of life and death, moving from her demanding role as an executive director in senior living during the COVID-19 pandemic to finding her true calling as a certified death doula and grief educator. In this episode, Karen shares her transformative experiences, showing how moments of deep challenge fueled her passion to support seniors and their families. Together, we navigate the complex landscape of end-of-life choices, including Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), clarifying misconceptions and highlighting their significance. With an emphasis on clear communication and family support, we examine the impact of dementia on planning, drawing attention to valuable resources like the dementia toolkit from Compassion and Choices that help ensure informed, personalized decisions. Karen also reflects on the sacredness of end-of-life experiences, illustrating how, with the right education and support, these moments can shift from fearful to profoundly meaningful. Through her personal stories and dedication to community education, the episode underscores the importance of embracing conversations about death, concluding with gratitude for Karen’s invaluable contributions and anticipation for future discussions that will continue to illuminate the profound journey of life and its inevitable end.   (00:02) Finding Purpose in End of Life(10:08) Exploring End-of-Life Choices and Planning(18:18) Embracing Life and End-of-Life Education(28:42) Empowering End-of-Life Education and Support(38:16) End-of-Life Education and Support    Join the waitlist for our Fall Live Semester  Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE  Or visit our website here!  GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here     Meet our guest: Karen Midlo End-of-Life Doula & Certified Grief Educator Email: eoldoulakaren@gmail.com Cell Phone: 281-910-3313 Website: endoflifedoulasid.doulagiverslegacyleaders.com  Please Share!   Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience.    Listen & Subscribe:Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube       JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE   This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL educationJoin Here: 4491664174178077   ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily.  Click here to subscribe!   ツ  CONNECT WITH ME  ツLeave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too: Instagram Facebook TikTok Website Podcast ELEpisode List   #deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes

In this enlightening episode, Jennifer O’Brien, a seasoned healthcare administrator, shares her personal journey through profound loss and caregiving. Her experiences with the passing of her sibling and mother, and caring for her husband, a hospice doctor battling cancer, have deeply transformed her perspective on end-of-life care. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of being present during what she calls ”precious time” and aims to empower family caregivers through her books, ”The Hospice Doctor’s Widow” and ”Care Boss.” The episode demystifies the complexities of hospice and palliative care, clarifying common misconceptions. It highlights the crucial distinction between hospice care, meant for those with a life expectancy of six months or less, and palliative care, which can be provided alongside curative treatments. As people live longer, the need for palliative care becomes increasingly vital to ensure quality of life.

In this compelling podcast episode, listeners are introduced to Elizabeth Coplan, the creative force behind Grief Dialogues. Elizabeth shares her poignant journey from being a theater enthusiast to becoming a significant advocate for grief and death conversations. Sparked by personal loss, Elizabeth channeled her experiences into a powerful 10-minute play, demonstrating the profound impact of storytelling in creating safe spaces for discussing grief. Her work aims to dismantle societal discomfort around death, encouraging open dialogues about end-of-life experiences.

Suzanne O’Brien delves into the profound questions surrounding end-of-life care and the challenges faced by caregivers, especially those dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Inspired by her grandmother’s final journey, Suzanne emphasizes the importance of community support and highlights the Doula Givers Institute’s efforts to revive end-of-life care skills. She discusses the emotional toll on caregivers and the need for tools like the dementia advanced directive to ensure dignified care. The episode features personal stories, including Alan Shatner’s choice of Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), illustrating the power of planning in end-of-life care. Suzanne encourages listeners to engage in open conversations about quality of life and end-of-life preferences, providing a roadmap for compassionate and empowered caregiving. Join the Good Death Podcast community to transform fear into understanding and embrace life by preparing for its natural conclusion.

In this episode of the Good Death Podcast, Dr. Karen Wyatt, a leading figure in end-of-life care, shares her insights on transforming the hospice system from a profit-driven model to one that embraces compassion and presence. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by families unprepared for hospice realities and the systemic issues of fraud and abuse within the industry. Dr. Wyatt emphasizes the need for community involvement and training to bridge gaps in care, while highlighting the importance of living with awareness and gratitude. The discussion also touches on the broader healthcare landscape, advocating for empathetic practices and a holistic approach that values emotional well-being and the body’s natural healing abilities. Through powerful stories and expert insights, the episode underscores the profound impact of presence and understanding during life’s final stages, calling for a shift toward true healing that prioritizes quality of care and emotional connections.

In this insightful podcast episode, listeners are introduced to Reena, co-founder of Willow. This platform is dedicated to changing cultural perceptions of death through community education. The episode explores Reena’s transformative journey following a near-death experience at 16, which led her to focus on end-of-life education and intentional living. Reena advocates for the greening of death and empower individuals with a unique pay-what-you-feel approach to workshops on end-of-life planning. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical benefits of downsizing and organizing personal affairs, providing peace of mind for individuals and their loved ones. Reena also shares her profound experiences in Israel and Palestine, where she learned about the power of compassion and understanding through direct interactions. The episode underscores the importance of confronting mortality to live a fuller, more purposeful life and highlights the ongoing success of the Willow EOL Educator Program in Canada. Through stories of love, loss, and connection, this episode encourages listeners to embrace life with awareness and gratitude, urging them to ”wake up before your time’s up.”

The podcast episode delves into the compassionate and transformative journey of Qwynn Galloway-Salazar, a death doula dedicated to supporting veterans at the end of life. Inspired by her military background and personal experiences, Qwynn has partnered with Suzanne O’Brien to address the unique challenges veterans face during their transition from military to civilian life, particularly those with invisible wounds like PTSD. The episode highlights the power of presence, compassion, and forgiveness in end-of-life care, emphasizing how these elements can help veterans find peace and healing. Through personal stories and reflections, the podcast explores how communities can actively engage with veterans, providing support and understanding to facilitate their reintegration into society. The discussion also underscores the importance of communities reimagining services to meet the diverse needs of veterans with love and empathy, aiming to elevate end-of-life care for this deserving population.

Krista Montague, a specialist in dementia care and founder of Dementia Success Path, shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in managing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s. The episode explores the broad spectrum of dementia, distinguishing between general cognitive decline and specific conditions like Alzheimer’s. Krista provides valuable guidance on recognizing early signs of dementia, emphasizing the influence of genetic and lifestyle factors, and offers strategies for prevention and management through lifestyle changes. The discussion delves into the importance of legal and financial planning post-diagnosis, highlighting the necessity of establishing documents like a power of attorney and living trust to safeguard loved ones and assets. Krista advocates for a compassionate approach in handling challenging behaviors associated with dementia, favoring non-pharmacological strategies and deep empathy. Effective communication techniques for caregivers are explored, stressing the need for community support and understanding. Throughout the episode, Krista underscores the significance of community and shared experiences for caregivers, offering resources and insights available through Dementia Success Path. This episode aims to equip caregivers with the tools and support necessary to navigate the complexities of dementia care, reassuring them that they are not alone in this journey.

In this enlightening podcast episode, Melissa Meadow, the Modern Mortician, shares her transformative journey in the funeral industry, emphasizing eco-friendly and personalized end-of-life options. With nearly three decades of experience, Melissa discusses the historical evolution of embalming, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the importance of transparency and ethics in death care. She uses social media as a platform to educate and empower consumers, advocating for sustainable practices like natural burials, water cremation, and human composting. The episode explores the rise of alternative roles such as death doulas and funeral concierges, highlighting the need for informed decision-making and the benefits of hands-on involvement in funeral rituals. Melissa’s passion for advocacy and education shines through, inspiring listeners to reconsider traditional practices and embrace a more compassionate and sustainable approach to honoring life and death.

The podcast explores the growing demographic shifts with an aging population, the strain on healthcare systems, and actionable steps for planning ahead. Suzanne introduces the concept of Living Well Aging Plans— Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C—to guide families through an aging journey with clarity and dignity.

In the podcast episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN, a former hospice and oncology nurse, delves into the critical and often misunderstood topic of Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). With her extensive experience in end-of-life care, Suzanne offers a compassionate and informative discussion aimed at empowering individuals to make informed end-of-life decisions. The episode explores the distinctions between MAID and euthanasia, the strict eligibility criteria for MAID, and alternative end-of-life options like palliative sedation and voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). Through personal stories and professional insights, Suzanne emphasizes the importance of education, emotional support, and the role of death doulas in ensuring a dignified and peaceful end-of-life experience. This episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand their end-of-life options and make decisions free from fear and external pressures.

In this episode, Christine Caldwell, the founder of End of Life Psychedelic Care, explores the transformative potential of psychedelics in easing end-of-life anxiety and depression. Driven by her experiences in home health care and a fascination with quantum mechanics, Christine delves into how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA can act as portals into consciousness, providing relief and peace for those facing terminal illnesses. The episode discusses pioneering research from institutions such as UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and NYU, showcasing significant improvements in depression and anxiety among cancer patients treated with psychedelics. Christine emphasizes the importance of collaboration among end-of-life doulas, hospice professionals, and palliative care physicians in offering holistic support. Through heartwarming stories and insights, the podcast celebrates the compassionate connections formed in this space and the ongoing advancements in psychedelic therapy to provide meaningful end-of-life care.