What if you could carry your loved one’s memory — quite literally — close to your heart? 💫 In this deeply moving episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss speaks with David Trump and Sébastien Roy, co-founders of Nia Emberley, a memorial jewelry company transforming cremated ashes into handcrafted ceramic art. What began as one man’s search to stay connected to his beloved dog has evolved into an inspiring fusion of art, science, and remembrance. Together, they explore how technology, craftsmanship, and grief intersect — and how memorial jewelry is changing the way we honor life after loss. From bone china traditions to cutting-edge cremation science, David and Sébastien share how each piece they create helps families keep love in motion rather than left on a shelf. In this episode, we cover: -The heartfelt origin story behind Nia Emberley -How cremated remains can be transformed into wearable works of art -The science and symbolism behind bone china and ceramic memorials -The emotional power of carrying your loved one’s memory with you -Why planning ahead — even for ashes — matters more than we realize This episode is a reminder that memory isn’t meant to sit still. Whether honoring a pet, a parent, or a partner, there are new, meaningful ways to keep their spirit close and their story alive.

What if the future of work wasn’t just about efficiency — but empathy? In this inspiring episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss speaks with Mercedes Sullivan — End-of-Life Doula, Cultural Strategist, and HR Leader — about reimagining Human Resources as a force for healing, not just hiring.

What happens when you look at death, dying, and legacy the same way you would approach a major project? In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss sits down with fellow project manager Mark Rozner to explore how project management principles can transform end-of-life planning from overwhelming chaos into a clear, compassionate process.

What does compassionate, culturally aware death care look like in a digital world? In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss talks with Joe’l Simone Anthony (known globally as The Grave Woman) — licensed funeral director, embalmer, and founder of the Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy.

Making that first call to a funeral director can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, Niki Weiss speaks with Matthew Grieco — Progressive Funeral Director & Certified Celebrant — about how Ai technology is reshaping funeral services and grief support.

What if your digital self could outlive your physical body? In this mind-opening episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki Weiss talks with Joshua Orsak—AI developer, spiritual thinker, and grief survivor—about the intersection of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and end-of-life legacy.

If the thought of estate planning, digital security, or talking with aging parents makes you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In this insightful episode, host Niki Weiss sits down with private wealth manager Kurt Baker to gently walk us through how to protect what matters most: our loved ones, our legacy, and our peace of mind.

In this heartfelt episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki Weiss speaks with Greg Barnsdale: author, funeral director, and financial insider. The two explore the emotional and practical realities of preparing for end-of-life. Greg shares his deeply personal story, from decades working with grieving families to his own health crisis and viral video after a brain tumor diagnosis.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss sits down with death tech innovator Symon Braun Freck to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, grief, and digital deathcare. From her early experience volunteering in hospice to building the Ai Death Doula, Symon shares how her journey shaped a groundbreaking app designed to support people at the end of life.

What if your final act could give life back to the earth? In this enlightening episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss speaks with Brienna “Brie” Smith, licensed funeral director and social media educator at Return Home, about the revolutionary process of terramation—also known as human composting. Brienna explains how this sustainable, nature-based alternative to cremation and traditional burial gently transforms the human body into nutrient-rich soil. From navigating state laws to understanding the chemistry behind composting remains, Brienna dives deep into the science, process, and legality of natural organic reduction. She also compares terramation with green burials, shares insights on regulatory challenges, and reveals how Return Home built public trust via TikTok education. Whether you're an eco-conscious planner, funeral professional, or simply death-curious, this episode is packed with information about sustainable death care, digital funeral trends, and how terramation is reshaping end-of-life options across the U.S. and globally. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on death, technology, and legacy. 🌱 Learn more at ReturnHome.com or follow @ReturnHomeNW on TikTok.

What happens to your Social Security when life takes an unexpected turn? In this eye-opening episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss welcomes financial planner Bob Goldberg, CFP to demystify Social Security and survivor benefits in the context of end-of-life and legacy planning. Bob breaks down key Social Security strategies, including when to start collecting benefits, how spousal and survivor benefits work, and why delaying might offer the highest long-term value. Learn the differences between early retirement at age 62, full retirement at 67, and maximizing your payout by waiting until 70. This episode also explores benefits for divorced spouses, minor children, and widows—crucial knowledge for families navigating loss. With real-life case studies and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone planning for retirement, currently caregiving, or facing unexpected loss. You'll gain insight into how financial planning intersects with digital legacy, long-term care, and protecting loved ones after death. 🔔 Subscribe for biweekly episodes on death, technology, and financial planning. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. 📘 Learn more at digitallegacypodcast.com

In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss welcomes Michelle Desmond, MBA, MS. A former corporate executive turned thanatologist, she and Niki explore death, grief, and the digital age. Michelle shares her deeply personal journey—losing her father, husband, close friend, and mother—leading to her career shift into grief and death studies. Discover how she transitioned from business to earning a Master’s in Thanatology and how she now educates others on navigating end-of-life care, hospice, and grief literacy. Together, Niki and Michelle discuss the role of end-of-life doulas, the history and resurgence of death awareness, and the impact of digital legacies on modern mourning. They unpack cultural stigmas around death, the importance of documenting final wishes, and how family dynamics shape end-of-life decisions. Whether you're curious about the psychology of grief, the role of death tech, or how to talk about mortality, this episode offers heartfelt insight, practical tools, and empowering knowledge. Don’t miss this essential conversation on embracing death to better live life. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on digital death care, grief support, and legacy planning. 📘 Get Michelle's book Death and Other Stories on Kindle.

In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki welcomes Su Park, founder of Amori, a groundbreaking emotional legacy app helping parents preserve heartfelt messages for their children. Su shares the deeply personal story of losing her mother to cancer and how that grief inspired her mission to redefine how we approach end-of-life communication in the digital age. Discover how tools like Amori empower families to record timeless memories, emotional reflections, and personal wisdom that can be accessed at key life stages—even long after a loved one is gone. From culturally nuanced grief to the psychology of digital time capsules, this conversation explores the intersection of death tech, emotional well-being, and legacy planning. Whether you’re a parent, adult child, hospice worker, or curious about the future of digital memory keeping, this episode offers meaningful insights into embracing mortality and living with intention. 🌐 Learn more at Amori Live 🔔 Subscribe for more on digital legacies, grief tech, and dying well

In this must-listen episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki chats with estate planning attorney and viral TikTok educator Michelangelo Mortellaro about the urgent need for proactive end-of-life planning. With over $2 million in revenue generated through educational content, Michelangelo shares why digital platforms like TikTok are revolutionizing how families approach topics like wills, power of attorney, long-term care planning, and Medicaid spend-down. Discover the most common myths that stop people from taking action, including the belief that "there's always more time." Learn the powerful benefits—and potential risks—of Lady Bird Deeds (enhanced life estate deeds), how to avoid probate, and why a trust may offer more protection than a simple beneficiary designation. Whether you're planning for aging parents, adult children, or your own digital legacy, this episode offers critical insights, real-life scenarios, and actionable steps to protect your assets and your family’s future. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert interviews on estate planning, digital legacy, and risk management.

In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Dr. Michael Madison, a neurointerventional surgeon and founder of Thanacare, to explore the urgent need for advanced care planning in today’s medical landscape. Dr. Madison shares moving insights from his work treating stroke and aneurysm patients, where families often face emotional and ethical dilemmas due to the lack of end-of-life planning. Together, they dive into the importance of medical directives, DNR/DNI orders, and designating healthcare proxies, especially for aging populations and solo agers. Learn how Dr. Madison's digital platform is revolutionizing death tech, making advanced care planning accessible through secure document storage, video directives, and QR code-enabled access. Join in as they unpack the emotional toll of unprepared families, the financial implications of aggressive care, and how digital tools and AI may shape future ICU protocols. Whether you're caring for aging parents, navigating chronic illness, or planning your own legacy, this conversation is a must-listen. ✅ Subscribe now for expert advice on dying with dignity and ensuring your wishes are honored. 🔗 Visit Thanacare.com to start your plan today.

In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki talks with Cody Barbo, CEO and founder of Trust & Will , the nation’s leading online estate planning platform. Together, they explore how digital innovation is revolutionizing the way everyday families approach wills, trusts, probate, and end-of-life planning. Cody shares his personal story of why he created Trust & Will, tackling common barriers like cost, complexity, and emotional resistance. They dive into probate nightmares, digital estate planning, and how AI is shaping the future of legacy planning. Whether you're starting a will for the first time, navigating grief, or updating a decades-old estate plan, this episode offers actionable insights and compassionate guidance. Learn how services like Trust & Will makes estate planning accessible, affordable, and empowering—with tools to avoid probate, choose guardians, and securely manage your documents online. If you're a parent, caregiver, or part of the sandwich generation caring for aging parents, this episode is essential listening.

In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki chats with expert estate appraiser Ray Nugent from Value Pros about the critical importance of estate planning, downsizing, and asset valuation. Whether you're an executor managing a loved one’s estate or looking to future-proof your legacy, this conversation dives deep into the realities of estate settlements, personal property valuation, and market trends that impact financial decisions. Ray explains the key differences between real estate and personal property appraisals, why market demand determines true value, and how to avoid predatory liquidation sales. Learn why proactive estate planning can help families avoid financial loss, legal disputes, and emotional turmoil. Plus, Ray shares real-life insights on appraising collectibles, fine art, jewelry, and family heirlooms, ensuring a smooth transition for future generations. Learn about: 🔹 Why planning ahead prevents financial losses 🔹 How to fairly distribute assets among heirs 🔹 Avoiding estate liquidation traps 🔹 What IRS and legal systems require for valuations Don’t let your legacy become a burden! Tune in now and take control of your estate planning journey. 📌 Subscribe & listen now! 🎧

In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Crista Hermance, Esq, widely known as the Estate Planning Mom (www.estateplanningmom.com), to discuss the critical importance of estate planning—especially for young families. From wills vs. trusts to the hidden dangers of probate, Crista shares expert insights on protecting your children, assets, and future. Learn why every parent needs a plan, how to navigate guardianship decisions, and what happens when someone dies without a will. They also cover estate planning for the sandwich generation, ensuring elderly parents and young children are cared for. Discover why turning 18 is a legal milestone requiring essential documents like power of attorney and healthcare directives—a must for college-bound kids. 💡 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Wills vs. Trusts: Which one do you need? ✔️ How to Avoid Probate & Save Your Family Thousands ✔️ Guardianship & Custody: What Happens to Your Kids? ✔️ Protecting Assets from Creditors & Family Disputes ✔️ The Cost of Waiting: Real-Life Estate Planning Horror Stories 🔔 Don’t wait for a crisis—start planning now! Subscribe for more expert insights on digital legacies, estate law, and financial planning.

In this powerful episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki welcomes Dr. Faith Banks, DVM, CHPV, a hospice veterinarian from Toronto, to discuss the emotional and practical aspects of end-of-life care for pets. With over a decade of experience in pet hospice and euthanasia, Dr. Banks shares her journey into this specialized field, the importance of quality of life assessments, and how families can make compassionate decisions for their beloved animals. From discussing the challenges veterinarians face in euthanasia training to the heartfelt stories of families saying goodbye, this episode provides valuable insights for pet owners preparing for their pet’s final journey. When is the right time? How can you create a peaceful transition? Dr. Banks shares expert advice, including pet memorialization options and the impact of grief and bereavement. If you’ve ever struggled with losing a pet or wondered about hospice care for animals, this conversation is a must-listen. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on death, dying, and digital legacies. 📌 Follow Dr. Faith Banks on TikTok for more pet hospice insights.

In this powerful episode of Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Dr. Marianne Matzo, FAAN—palliative care expert, nurse, and host of Everyone Dies Podcast—to explore the complexities of death, hospice, and end-of-life decision-making in the digital era. Dr. Matzo shares her 46 years of experience in palliative care, shedding light on the evolution of hospice, the critical role of palliative care in improving quality of life, and the barriers that prevent families from discussing death openly. They discuss the differences between hospice and palliative care, the importance of advance directives, and why many people delay crucial conversations about end-of-life wishes until it's too late. Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to plan for the future, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on ensuring a dignified and peaceful passing. 🔗 Listen now! Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. 🌐 Visit: EveryoneDies.org 📖 Get Dr. Matzo’s book Everyone Dies on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.