What do the dying know that the rest of us have forgotten?

After more than 25 years accompanying people at the end of life, I’ve been with over 1,000 people as they approached death. Again and again, I heard remarkably similar insights about love, connection, forgiveness, and what matters most.

In June, I shared some of those teachings in my course The Wisdom of the Dying. The conversations were life-changing, and the responses reminded me how deeply people are longing for a place to explore these questions. One student shared:

“Suzanne’s emphasis that dying patients say there is no death ~ has changed my entire life.”

That is why I’m beginning Death as a Spiritual Experience: a new series on Ask a Death Doula, with more to explore through blogs and conversations in our Life Café community. This first episode is an invitation to listen to the wisdom of those crossing the veil—and consider how it might change the way we live now.

• There is no death: How my experiences at the bedside have shaped this belief, and how it may help us live with less fear and greater presence.
• We are all connected: What people at the end of life have shared about our connection to one another, animals, the planet, and the cosmos.
• There is no judgment: How compassion can soften our inner critic and change the way we see each other.
• Forgiveness is transformational: What it can mean to release pain and make room for peace.
• Life is a place of learning: How we might find meaning and growth, even while honoring the reality of painful experiences.
• We are human beings, not only human doings: Why tending to our nervous systems can help us find calm amid personal and collective challenges.
• We each have gifts to share: What it might mean to live with greater intention, purpose, and connection to the universe.

In future conversations, we’ll also make room for end-of-life experiences, grief, sudden and traumatic death, and the death of children. We’ll approach these tender subjects with care and an open heart, and the truth of them as shared by the dying.

You don’t need to have all the answers to join me. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your willingness to listen. Perhaps one idea will plant a seed. Perhaps one story will heal a wound. Perhaps the wisdom of the dying will change your perspective and help you live more fully today.

Join the LIFE CAFE Community here: Here

Download your {ULM} Universal Life Mastery Guide here: Here

Follow Ask a Death Doula for the series, share this episode with someone who may need it, and join us in Life Café to continue the conversation.

YOU ARE LOVED!!

Xo Suzanne

For the last hundred years, we have slowly moved away from one of our most important human responsibilities: community taking care of community.

Today, millions of family caregivers are expected to carry an enormous responsibility almost entirely alone. They are overwhelmed, overburdened, exhausted, lonely, and scared. Many are forced to put their own health, relationships, careers, and basic needs aside while caring for someone they love.

This cannot—and should not—be done by one person.

In this deeply heartfelt episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne shares a new way forward for supporting family caregivers, inspired by Dolly Parton’s honesty about caring for her beloved husband and allowing her own health needs to go unattended.

Suzanne hears this same story from caregivers every day:

“I don’t have time to go to my own doctor.”

“I can’t leave my loved one alone.”

“I haven’t slept through the night in months.”

“No one understands how hard this is.”

Caregiving has become a silent crisis—but it does not have to remain this way.

For generations, caregiving was shared. Families, friends, neighbors, and communities understood that everyone had a role to play.

It is time to return to that understanding.

Through Doulagivers Communities for Aging and End of Life, certified Doulagivers are creating local hubs where caregivers and families can come to:

• Be seen, heard, and supported
• Connect with others who understand
• Find trusted aging, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life resources
• Learn practical skills for caring for someone they love
• Receive tools for protecting their own health and well-being
• Remember that they were never meant to do this alone

These community hubs represent a new—and deeply familiar—way forward: people caring for one another at the local level.

Do not wait for the caregiver to ask for help. Most caregivers are too overwhelmed to identify what they need, coordinate assistance, or reach out.

Simply show up.

You can:

• Bring them a meal
• Drop off groceries
• Bring flowers or a cup of coffee
• Sit with their loved one while they rest
• Drive them to an appointment
• Walk the dog
• Help with laundry or household tasks
• Make a phone call on their behalf
• Check in and truly listen
• Offer one specific thing you can do consistently

Small acts become powerful when they are shared across a community.

Download and print the Doulagivers Support System Scheduler linked below. Invite family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and members of your faith or community groups to each choose one way they can help.

When many people do a little, no one person has to carry everything.

Dolly has given so much love, joy, and generosity to the world. By courageously sharing the reality of caregiving—and the ways caregivers can neglect their own needs—she has helped shine a light on a crisis that has remained invisible for far too long.

Thank you, Dolly, for raising awareness.

Let this be another beautiful gift: a reminder that caregivers need care, too.

Let’s honor Dolly by changing how we support the caregivers in our own lives. Let’s see them. Let’s hear them. Let’s show up for them.

Let’s bring back community taking care of community.

And let’s do it for Dolly.

• Download the Doulagivers Support System Scheduler: https://doulagivers.com/support-system-scheduler/
• Find or start a Doulagivers Community for Aging and End of Life: https://doulagivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Creating-Doulagiver-Communities.pdf
• Take the free Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f...
• Share this episode with a caregiver—and with everyone who can help support one

Caregiving should never be carried by one person alone.

Supporting caregivers is not merely a kind gesture. It is our shared human responsibility.

​​​In This Free Training, You’ll Learn:

1) The 3 Phases of End of Life How to recognize the Shock, Stabilization, and Transition phases and what each one needs.

2) What Families Can Expect Common physical, emotional, and spiritual changes as someone approaches death.

3) How to Provide Real Comfort & Support Simple, non‑medical comfort measures and how to be a steady, calm presence.

What would you want if, one day, dementia took away your ability to recognize your loved ones, communicate your wishes or make your own healthcare decisions?

It is a painful question—but avoiding it does not protect us or our families.

In this deeply important episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, welcomes back Lisa Pahl, LCSW, creator of The Dementia Deck, for an honest and compassionate conversation about dementia, caregiving and the importance of planning ahead.

Dementia is not one specific disease. It is an umbrella term describing symptoms that affect memory, thinking, behavior and a person’s ability to manage everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

The number of people affected is growing rapidly as our population ages. In 2026, an estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Nearly 13 million family members and friends are providing unpaid dementia care.

That care can be relentless—physically, emotionally, psychologically and financially. It may eventually require supervision 24 hours a day and can continue for many years. Although someone with Alzheimer’s lives an average of four to eight years following diagnosis, some people live as long as 20 years.

Suzanne and Lisa explore the two urgent challenges before us.

When a family is already living through dementia, we must show up.

One person cannot—and should not—be expected to carry this responsibility alone. Families need to “share the care” by bringing together relatives, friends, neighbors, community organizations and professional resources.

Support may include:

• Creating a care team and using a support-system scheduler.
• Assigning specific, manageable responsibilities to different people.
• Arranging regular respite so the primary caregiver can rest.
• Helping with meals, transportation, appointments and household tasks.
• Providing companionship for the person living with dementia.
• Offering emotional support without judgment.
• Connecting the family with local dementia, hospice and caregiver resources.

We often tell caregivers to ask for help. But overwhelmed caregivers may not have the energy to identify what they need, organize everyone or repeatedly make requests. Sometimes the most compassionate response is to offer something specific:

“I can stay with your mother on Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 so you can rest. Would that help?”

Caregiving cannot be sustained by one exhausted person. It requires a community.

The second challenge is more sensitive—but equally important:

What have we learned from today’s dementia experiences about the choices we would want for ourselves?

Dementia can eventually take away the cognitive capacity required to make and communicate healthcare decisions. By the time a crisis occurs, it may be too late for the person to explain what quality of life means to them or which interventions they would—or would not—want.

That is why these decisions should be considered while we are healthy and able to make informed choices.

Questions to consider include:

• What does an acceptable quality of life mean to me?
• Under what circumstances would I no longer want life-prolonging treatment?
• Would I want CPR, hospitalization, a ventilator or a feeding tube?
• How do I feel about antibiotics and other treatments during advanced dementia?
• What would I want if I could no longer recognize my family, communicate or care for myself?
• Who do I trust to speak for me?
• How much flexibility do I want my healthcare representative to have?
• What are my wishes concerning assisted oral feeding and hydration?
• What do I understand about voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, or VSED?

There is no single answer that is right for everyone. The right decision is the one that reflects your own informed values, beliefs and definition of quality of life.

VSED stands for voluntarily stopping eating and drinking. It is a decision by a person with decision-making capacity to stop taking food and fluids with the understanding that this will hasten death.

Because it must be voluntary, a person considering VSED generally needs to have the capacity to understand and make the decision at the time it begins. Requests concerning assisted feeding after capacity has been lost are more legally and ethically complex and may be treated differently depending on state law, the wording of the directive and the policies of the care facility.

This is why anyone considering these choices should speak with their healthcare provider, chosen healthcare representative and an elder-law or healthcare attorney familiar with the laws in their state.

A revealing study surveyed long-term-care practitioners, primarily medical directors and clinicians. Among the 69 respondents who answered questions about their own future care, 81.16% said they would be somewhat or very willing to consider VSED for themselves in the event of late-stage dementia. However, the same study found less support for honoring this choice for patients—demonstrating a meaningful gap between what some practitioners might consider for themselves and what systems may be prepared to support.

A standard advance directive may not address the complicated realities of dementia.

A dementia-specific directive allows you to describe your wishes in much greater detail, including your personal quality-of-life thresholds, preferences for medical treatment and thoughts regarding assisted eating and drinking.

But completing a form is only the beginning.

Your wishes should be:

• Written clearly.
• Discussed openly with your family.
• Shared with your healthcare representative.
• Reviewed with your medical providers.
• Evaluated with appropriate legal counsel.
• Revisited regularly as your health, values or circumstances change.
• Available where your family and medical team can find them.

A video explaining your wishes, in your own words, may provide additional clarity for your family—but it should supplement, not replace, properly completed legal documents.

Lisa’s Dementia Deck offers a compassionate way to begin these conversations. Its questions help individuals and families explore the values, fears, preferences and practical decisions that can otherwise feel too difficult to discuss.

Suzanne and Lisa both share that they have made their wishes known: if they were ever living with advanced dementia and had reached their personally defined threshold of no acceptable quality of life, they would not want unwanted medical interventions to prolong that state.

This is not a judgment about the worth of anyone living with dementia. Every person remains worthy of dignity, comfort, connection and compassionate care.

It is a statement about personal autonomy—and the right of every informed person to decide what quality of life means to them.

Planning ahead is one of the most loving gifts we can give ourselves and our families. When we document our wishes and explain the values behind them, we reduce the possibility that the people we love will someday be forced to guess.

The conversation is difficult.

The consequences of never having it can be far more difficult.

• The Dementia Deck and The Death Deck
• Compassion & Choices Dementia Values & Priorities Tool
• Doulagivers Institute Guode Information About VSED
• Doulagivers Institute Support System Scheduler 
• End of Life Choices New York Dementia Advance Directive
• Advance Directive for VSED—Northwest Justice Project
• Study: Long-Term-Care Practitioners’ Views on VSED Directives

This episode is intended for education and conversation. It is not individual medical or legal advice. Laws and facility policies concerning advance directives, assisted feeding and VSED vary. Please consult qualified medical and legal professionals in your state.

Sadly, that is not how home hospice usually works.

The word care means providing what someone needs for their health, comfort, safety, and well-being. It sounds like someone will be there doing the caregiving.

The word consulting means giving expert advice, teaching, guidance, and support.

That is much closer to how routine home hospice works.

The hospice team checks on the patient, manages symptoms, orders equipment and medications, answers questions, and teaches the family what to do. But in most cases, the family provides the daily care between hospice visits.

In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, shares what she learned while caring for more than 1,000 patients at the end of life.

As a former hospice nurse, Suzanne often had about one hour in a patient’s home. During that visit, she had to assess the patient, review medications, manage symptoms, teach the family, answer questions, calm fears, and explain what might happen next.

Then she had to leave.

The family stayed—and they were often frightened, overwhelmed, and unprepared for the care they were expected to provide.

This is not a criticism of the caring nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and other professionals working in hospice. They are doing important and sacred work. This is about a healthcare model that families often do not understand until they are already in a crisis.

• What the word care leads families to expect
• Why consulting may be a clearer description of home hospice
• What hospice provides—and what it usually does not provide
• Why families often enter hospice without enough time to prepare
• What Suzanne experienced during her years as a hospice nurse
• Why family caregivers need education before a crisis
• How learning the three phases of end of life can reduce fear
• Why caregiving should never fall on one exhausted person
• How we can return end-of-life care to families and communities

A person can qualify for Medicare hospice when a doctor believes they may have six months or less to live if the illness follows its normal path.

Yet the median hospice stay was only 19 days in 2024. This means half of hospice patients received hospice services for 19 days or fewer.

In 2024, hospice patients received an average of 3.9 in-person visits per week. Those visits totaled about 3½ hours of hospice staff time each week.

There are 168 hours in a week.

Who is present during the remaining hours?

Usually, it is the family caregiver.

Hospice is a vital part of the care team—but hospice alone is not a complete caregiving plan.

One hundred years ago, caring for someone at the end of life was a skill passed down from grandmother to grandchild.

Families understood how the body changed. They knew how to provide comfort, gather support, sit with someone who was dying, and create meaningful rituals.

Death was not carried by one person. It was held by the family and the community.

We have not lost our ability to care. We have lost the education and community support that once showed us how.

Doulagivers Institute was created to fill this education gap.

The free Level 1 Family Caregiver Training teaches the three phases of end of life in clear, simple language. It helps families understand:

• What changes they may see
• Why those changes are happening
• What they can do to provide comfort
• When they should call for help
• How they can create a peaceful and sacred space

This education can reduce fear, build confidence, support healthier grief, and help families understand that the natural dying process is not a medical failure.

The training is free and available in 15 languages because every family deserves access to this knowledge.

Do not wait until someone you love is actively dying. Learn these skills now—and share them with your family and community.

Every one of us will someday be called to show up for someone we love. Knowing what to do changes everything.

Take the Free Level 1 Family Caregiver Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register

Register for the Next Live Training:

October 23, 2026

7:00 PM ET

https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register

Get The Doulagivers Institute Support System Scheduler 

Learn More About Doulagivers Institute: https://doulagivers.com

Get The Good Death by Suzanne B. O’Brien: https://thegooddeathbook.com 

MedPAC: March 2026 Report to Congress—Hospice Services

Medicare: Hospice Care Coverage

There is a better way. We can learn before a crisis, support one another, and return the end of life to the sacred.

In this inspiring episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O’Brien welcomes visionary community builder, regenerative placemaker, and author Tony Cho for a powerful conversation about the growing movement to restore balance between people, community, and the planet.

Tony’s book, Generation Regeneration: Codesigning the Future of Cities Through Regenerative Placemaking, invites us to rethink how we live, build, and belong. Regeneration asks us to move beyond simply sustaining systems that are no longer working and begin creating communities that actively restore life, deepen human connection, honor nature, and help both people and the planet flourish.

Suzanne and Tony explore the profound connection between regeneration and what Suzanne calls the Great Remembering: our return to the timeless understanding that we belong to one another, that community is essential to our well-being, and that caring for people and caring for the Earth cannot be separated.

For generations, communities knew how to care for their elders, support their caregivers, honor the dying, protect the land, and gather around those experiencing life’s greatest transitions. Much of that wisdom has been forgotten—but it has not been lost.

This conversation is an invitation to remember.

It is also a hopeful reminder that regeneration does not begin somewhere far away or require us to wait for someone else to lead it. It begins locally—with the places we create, the choices we make, the relationships we nurture, and our willingness to become active participants in the healing of our communities.

• What regeneration truly means—and why sustainability alone is no longer enough
• The relationship between people, place, nature, culture, and community
• How our physical environments can either encourage belonging or deepen separation
• Why community must once again become part of our essential infrastructure
• The importance of creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and care for one another
• Moving from systems of extraction toward systems that restore and give back
• The loneliness and disconnection affecting modern society
• The wisdom we can recover from traditional and community-centered ways of living
• Suzanne’s vision of the Great Remembering and returning aging, caregiving, dying, and grieving to the sacred
• Why communities taking care of communities may be one of the most important movements of our time
• How each of us can participate in creating a more connected, compassionate, and life-affirming future

Tony Cho is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, author, visionary community builder, and leading voice in regenerative placemaking. He is the founder of Future of Cities and the author of Generation Regeneration: Codesigning the Future of Cities Through Regenerative Placemaking. Through his work, Tony is helping communities reimagine the built environment so that people, culture, nature, and purpose can flourish together.

Part manifesto and part field guide, Generation Regeneration presents a hopeful new vision for our cities and communities—one rooted in balance, belonging, ecological restoration, and shared well-being.

The book invites policymakers, developers, cultural leaders, and everyday citizens to become co-creators of communities that do more than survive. It asks us to create places that actively heal, nourish, connect, and regenerate life for generations to come.

We do not have to invent an entirely new way forward.

In many ways, we are being asked to remember what humanity has always known: that we need one another, that nature is not separate from us, and that healthy communities are built through relationship, reciprocity, service, and care.

Regeneration begins when we stop asking, “What can I take from this place?” and begin asking, “What can I restore, contribute, and leave better for those who come after me?”

This is the Great Remembering.

This is community taking care of community again.

And every one of us has a role to play.

• Learn more about Tony Cho and his work: Here
• Discover the work of Future of Cities
• Read Generation Regeneration: Codesigning the Future of Cities Through Regenerative Placemaking Here
• Learn more about Suzanne B. O’Brien and Doulagivers Institute: Here
• Access the free Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training and help bring essential end-of-life education back into your community Here

If this conversation inspires you, please share the episode with someone who believes it is possible to create a more compassionate, connected, and regenerative world.

https://www.deathdoulabootcamp.com

What if the greatest solution to our aging and end-of-life crisis isn't building another system—but remembering what we've forgotten?

For generations, communities naturally cared for one another through illness, caregiving, dying, and grief. Today, many families face these experiences feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unprepared. But it doesn't have to be this way.

In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O'Brien shares a simple yet powerful framework for rebuilding compassionate communities—one neighborhood, one conversation, and one person at a time.

Together, we'll explore the three pillars that can help transform fear into confidence, isolation into connection, and communities into places where people once again know how to care for one another.

• Why we've experienced the "great forgetting" around caregiving, aging, and end-of-life care.
• How remembering our shared humanity is the first step toward meaningful change.
• Why every community needs a compassionate leader willing to simply show up.
• How a monthly community gathering can become a safe place for education, connection, and support.
• The importance of identifying and supporting our most vulnerable neighbors, including solo agers and family caregivers.
• Practical ways to spread this movement through libraries, faith communities, senior centers, neighborhood groups, and local organizations.
• Why creating compassionate communities doesn't just change the end of life—it transforms how we live together every day.

1. Remember Remember what we've forgotten. Community once cared for community. Those skills can be remembered, reclaimed, and passed on once again.
2. Show Up Choose to become the person who brings people together. You don't need all the answers—you simply need the willingness to create a space where learning, support, and connection can happen.
3. Share It Invite others. Build awareness. Create momentum. Every conversation creates another ripple, and every ripple helps build a culture of compassion.

This is how movements begin.

Not with thousands of people.

With one person deciding to care.

Doulagivers offers free education, caregiver resources, checklists, conversation guides, and community tools designed to help individuals and communities feel confident supporting one another through aging and end of life.

Together, we can return community to community again.

If today's episode inspired you and you've ever felt called to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, I invite you to join us for our live Death Doula Business Bootcamp, happening August 27–29. Claim your space here

Over three transformational days, you'll discover what it truly takes to become a successful death doula—how to serve with confidence, build trust in your community, create a sustainable and fulfilling career, and become part of the growing movement to bring compassionate end-of-life care back where it belongs.

Not quite ready yet?

Join my free Death Doula Secrets Webinar LIVE on August 13th at 7pm EST,  where I'll share the three secrets to becoming a successful death doula with both impact and income. It's the perfect place to explore whether this calling is right for you and learn how this work can transform not only the lives of others—but your own. https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/18n4napz?webinar_id=38

Thank you for being part of this movement to return the sacredness to aging, dying, grieving, and living.

Together, we are creating compassionate communities—one conversation, one family, and one community at a time.

https://www.deathdoulabootcamp.com

What if the work you're meant to do has been quietly calling you all along?

Across the world, families are caring for loved ones through aging, serious illness, and the end of life with very little preparation or support. Most people don't realize that family caregivers provide the vast majority of end-of-life care, yet few have ever been taught the practical skills or emotional support needed for one of life's most sacred experiences.

This isn't just a healthcare issue.

It's an education issue.

In this episode, Suzanne O'Brien, RN, Founder and CEO of Doulagivers Institute, shares why the Death Doula Business Bootcamp was created—and why this moment in history is calling for a new generation of compassionate community leaders.

This isn't another certification program or a weekend filled with information.

It's a three-day live implementation experience where you'll learn exactly how to build a meaningful, sustainable death doula practice rooted in service, education, and community impact.

Whether you're simply exploring this path or ready to begin building your practice, this episode will help you discover if this work is calling you.

• Why Suzanne believes we don't have an end-of-life crisis—we have an end-of-life education crisis.
• The biggest misconceptions about becoming a death doula.
• How the Doulagivers community education model has grown into a global movement.
• Why service—not selling—is the foundation of a thriving death doula practice.
• The "Full Spectrum Doulagiver" approach and how supporting people throughout aging, caregiving, planning, grief, and end-of-life creates both greater impact and a sustainable business.
• What you'll actually build during the three-day Death Doula Business Bootcamp.

You've been researching, reading books, watching videos, or exploring different training programs and wondering:

"Could I really do this?"

In this Bootcamp, you'll receive a realistic roadmap for what it takes to build a meaningful and sustainable practice so you can confidently decide whether this calling is right for you.

You have the heart.

You have the education.

But no one taught you how to build a successful practice.

Suzanne shares the exact community education model that has helped Doulagivers grow into a global institute—without expensive marketing, complicated funnels, or high-pressure sales tactics.

Perhaps you've cared for a parent, spouse, sibling, child, or close friend and experienced firsthand the enormous gaps in caregiving support.

That experience changed you.

Now you're wondering how to transform your own journey into meaningful service for others.

This work offers a pathway to turn pain into purpose while ensuring other families feel more prepared, supported, and empowered.

You've built the career.

You've achieved the success.

You've checked all the boxes.

Yet something inside keeps asking,

"Is this really what I'm here to do?"

If you're longing for work filled with purpose, connection, and lasting impact, this episode may be exactly the invitation you've been waiting for.

Perhaps you're a nurse, social worker, therapist, physician, chaplain, or another healthcare professional who entered healthcare to make a difference.

Instead, you've found yourself working within a system that often feels fragmented, rushed, and disconnected from the very reason you entered the profession.

This work offers the opportunity to return to what matters most: spending meaningful time with patients and families, providing holistic support, and rediscovering the fulfillment that first inspired you to serve.

During this live three-day experience, you'll learn how to:

• Apply the Doulagivers 3×3 Non-Medical Framework with confidence.
• Build a Full Spectrum Doulagiver practice that creates both impact and sustainability.
• Create your own community education strategy using the proven Doulagivers model.
• Build your business through service rather than selling.
• Plan your very first community education event—including your topic, venue, presentation outline, invitation strategy, and promotion plan—before the weekend is over.

You'll leave with far more than inspiration.

You'll leave with clarity.

A roadmap.

A completed outreach plan.

The confidence to begin serving your community immediately.

Suzanne's vision extends far beyond training death doulas.

Her mission is to help create compassionate communities for aging and end-of-life care by empowering local educators who bring practical skills, confidence, and hope back into neighborhoods around the world.

Imagine every family caregiver having access to the education they need before they ever need it.

Imagine every community having a trusted guide to help families navigate aging, caregiving, grief, and the end of life with compassion instead of fear.

That's the movement.

And perhaps it's your invitation to become part of it.

🎓 Join the Death Doula Business Bootcamp and spend three transformational days building your roadmap for impact, purpose, and a sustainable practice.

☀️Join Me For The DEATH DOULA BOOTCAMP August 27th-29th

https://www.deathdoulabootcamp.com

Or...

💻 Attend Suzanne's next Death Doula Secrets Webinar on August 5 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, where she'll share the three biggest secrets to building a meaningful, service-based death doula practice and help you determine whether this calling is the right next step for you.

https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/q0y3ya6y?webinar_id=37

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who feels called to make a difference in the lives of others.

Together, we can return the sacredness to aging, caregiving, dying, grieving—and ultimately, to living.

"How do I become a death doula?"

At the very beginning,  my answer was straightforward: become certified.

Today, my answer is different.

In this episode, I share why the future of this movement is no longer about earning another certificate—it's about becoming a full spectrum educator who brings compassionate community care back where it belongs.

After serving more than 1,000 people at the bedside, training hundreds of thousands of caregivers around the world, and witnessing the enormous gaps in our healthcare system, one thing has become crystal clear:

The healing in the world isn’t going to happen with just more certified death doulas.

It needs compassionate educators.

It needs community leaders.

It needs people who know how to teach families, support caregivers, normalize conversations about aging, grief, and end-of-life, and create compassionate communities where no one has to face these experiences alone.

In this conversation, I explain why I've evolved beyond selling a traditional death doula certification and why Doulagivers Institute is leading the next evolution in support of this movement.

• Why certification alone doesn't create enough impact
• The biggest misconception about becoming a death doula
• What families are actually missing—and why education is the answer
• Why waiting for bedside clients is not the best path to building a meaningful practice
• How community education creates greater service, greater sustainability, and greater impact
• Why compassionate communities are becoming the future of aging and end-of-life care
• The evolution from "death doula" to community educator, guide, advocate, and leader
• How purpose, service, and meaningful work is true success

This isn't about abandoning the work of the death doula.

It's about expanding it.

The bedside will always matter.

But if we truly want to change the experience of aging, caregiving, dying, and grief, we must reach people long before a medical crisis occurs.

Education changes everything.

When communities understand how to care for one another, fear decreases, confidence grows, and people experience greater peace throughout life's most important transitions.

That is the future.

That is a return to the sacred.

And that's the movement we're building together.

If you've ever felt called to this work—or if you've wondered whether you're meant to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others—I'd love to invite you to take the next step.

Join my free Death Doula Secrets Webinar, where I'll share the three biggest secrets behind creating meaningful impact while building a sustainable path in this work. https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/o3ynytw7?webinar_id=35

And if you're ready to move from inspiration to implementation, join us for the Death Doula Bootcamp—a transformational three-day experience where you'll leave with your first community education event planned and ready to launch, along with the complete Community Educator Playbook. https://www.deathdoulabootcamp.com/

The world doesn't just need more certified doulas.

It needs compassionate educators

Maybe you're one of them.

Are people choosing Medical Aid in Dying because they truly want to die—or because they're afraid of how they believe they will die?

In this thought-provoking episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN, Founder of Doulagivers Institute and former hospice nurse with more than two decades of end-of-life experience, explores one of the most important conversations of our time.

Drawing from caring for more than 1,000 people at the end of life, Suzanne shares what she has witnessed firsthand: that the greatest suffering is often not physical pain—but fear, isolation, lack of education, and the absence of compassionate support.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why fear—not death itself—may be driving many requests for Medical Aid in Dying.
• The biggest misconceptions people have about the dying process.
• The four primary fears people express at the end of life—and how each can be addressed with education and support.
• How modern society has become disconnected from the natural process of dying.
• Why community education is one of the greatest public health needs of our time.
• How end-of-life doulas and compassionate communities are changing the future of aging, caregiving, grief, and dying.
• What every family should know before making life-changing end-of-life decisions.

This episode is not about taking sides in the MAID debate.

It is about asking whether people are being given every opportunity to understand their options, receive compassionate support, and experience a death that is informed, supported, and free from unnecessary fear.

When we replace fear with education, isolation with community, and uncertainty with understanding, people are empowered to make decisions from a place of peace rather than panic.

If we truly want choice at the end of life, we must first ensure people have knowledge.

• What Medical Aid in Dying is—and what it isn't.
• Why education changes everything.
• The role of hospice, end-of-life doulas, and family caregivers.
• How fear can influence major life decisions.
• Why restoring the sacredness of dying benefits every one of us.

If this conversation resonates with you and you've ever felt called to make a greater difference in the lives of others, join Suzanne for her free Death Doula Secrets Webinar.

In this special training, you'll discover the three biggest secrets successful death doulas understand—how they create profound impact in their communities while building meaningful, purpose-driven work.

Whether you're simply curious, considering becoming a death doula, or know you're being called to serve during one of life's most sacred transitions, this webinar will show you what's possible.

Your calling may be greater than you ever imagined.

Reserve your free seat today and take the first step toward becoming part of the movement to bring compassionate community care back to the world.

https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/o3ynytw7?webinar_id=35

From the time we're young, we're taught that success looks like achievement, titles, promotions, money, recognition, and checking all the boxes. But what happens when you finally arrive... and something still feels missing?

In this powerful episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O'Brien sits down with Kerrie Lee Brown, award-winning journalist, Chief Content Officer and Editor-in-Chief of SUCCESS® Magazine, to explore a conversation that is transforming millions of lives:

What is the true definition of success?

After interviewing thousands of the world's most accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and changemakers, Kerrie has witnessed a remarkable pattern. The people who appear the most successful on paper are often asking the same deeper question:

"Is this really why I'm here?"

As a heart attack survivor at just 39 years old, Kerrie shares how a life-changing experience shifted her own understanding of success—from achievement to alignment, from external validation to inner fulfillment, and from chasing more to becoming more.

Suzanne brings the wisdom of more than two decades as a hospice nurse, sharing what thousands of people at the end of life have taught her about the difference between accomplishment and a life truly lived.

Together they explore why service, purpose, connection, and authenticity may be the missing pieces in the conversation about success.

• Why traditional definitions of success often leave people feeling empty
• The difference between achievement and true fulfillment
• What people at the end of life consistently say matters most
• How major life challenges can become invitations to rediscover your purpose
• Why your "next chapter" may be your most meaningful one yet
• How service creates a deeper and more sustainable form of success
• Practical ways to reconnect with what your heart has always known

Success isn't about becoming someone else. It's about remembering who you truly are.

When we stop measuring our lives by titles, income, or accomplishments alone and begin measuring them by love, contribution, growth, and authenticity, everything changes.

Perhaps the question isn't:

"How successful am I?"

Perhaps the better question is:

"Am I living the life I came here to live?"

Kerrie Lee Brown is an award-winning media executive, international journalist, speaker, and transformational leader with more than 30 years of experience shaping some of the world's most influential media brands.

As former Chief Content Officer and Editor-in-Chief of SUCCESS® Magazine, she interviewed thousands of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and innovators, gaining extraordinary insight into leadership, resilience, reinvention, and what creates a truly meaningful life.

Following a heart attack at age 39, Kerrie experienced a profound personal transformation that inspired her to redefine success through the lens of wellbeing, purpose, and authentic leadership.

Today she is the founder of RedLily® Media and co-founder of Lioness Global Initiatives™, helping amplify meaningful stories and empowering women around the world to embrace courageous reinvention.

Learn more at: https://kerrieleebrown.com/

Learn More About Lioness Global here: https://www.thelionessglobal.com

If this conversation resonated with you, you'll love Suzanne's mission to help people live fully by understanding what matters most before the end of life.

Through the Doulagivers Institute, Suzanne is leading a global movement to restore the sacred understanding of aging, dying, grief, and living—empowering communities to care for one another with knowledge, compassion, and confidence.

Subscribe, share this episode with someone who may be redefining success in their own life, and join the movement toward a more meaningful future.

Because in the end...

The greatest success isn't what you accumulated.

It's who you became, how deeply you loved, and how fully you lived.

SAVE YOUR SEAT: Death Doula Secrets Webinar here: July 18th https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/0ov7va8z?webinar_id=34

In this powerful episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN, shares why the global death doula movement has reached a pivotal moment—and why it's time for its next evolution.

Drawing from more than 20 years as a hospice and oncology nurse and over 1,000 bedside experiences, Suzanne reveals the critical gaps she sees in today's end-of-life landscape, why so many aspiring death doulas struggle to build meaningful, sustainable practices, and what it will truly take to create a cultural shift around aging, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life.

This episode also marks the exciting announcement of the very first Death Doula Bootcamp—a transformational three-day live virtual experience designed to help compassionate people become confident community educators and leaders.

This isn't about collecting another certification.

It's about becoming part of a movement.

• Why Suzanne believes this is one of the most important moments in history for the death doula movement.
• The powerful story that inspired the creation of the Death Doula Bootcamp.
• The hidden reason so many healthcare professionals feel burned out, disconnected, and trapped.
• Why death is not primarily a medical event—but a deeply human and sacred experience.
• The three biggest challenges facing today's death doulas—and how to overcome them.
• Why bedside work alone is not the path to building a sustainable death doula practice.
• How the most successful death doulas create both impact and income by serving communities long before a health crisis occurs.
• The importance of advance care planning, caregiver education, aging support, grief care, and compassionate community leadership.
• How free education can become the catalyst for lasting cultural change.
• Suzanne's vision for returning end-of-life care to families, neighborhoods, and communities around the world.

Changing the culture around death will not happen one family at a time.

It happens when compassionate people step forward as educators, leaders, and advocates—bringing knowledge, confidence, and sacred support back into their communities.

The future of end-of-life care isn't simply about serving people who are dying.

It's about helping people live well, prepare well, care well, and love well—long before the final chapter arrives.

If you've ever felt called to this work...

If you're already a death doula but aren't sure how to build a thriving practice...

If you're a caregiver, nurse, social worker, therapist, chaplain, or simply someone who knows there has to be a better way...

This Bootcamp was created for you.

During this live three-day experience (August 27–29), you'll learn Suzanne's proven community educator model—the same framework that helped grow Doulagivers into a global movement serving hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

By the end of the Bootcamp, you'll leave with:

• Your own community education event fully planned
• A proven outreach strategy
• A clear roadmap for serving your community
• Greater confidence in your role as an end-of-life educator
• The tools to create meaningful impact while building a sustainable practice

This is not just information.

It's implementation.

It's transformation.

And it's an invitation to become part of one of the most important cultural movements of our time.

Join us for the first-ever Death Doula Bootcamp and become part of the movement to create Compassionate Communities for Aging and End of Life.

Learn more and register at: www.DeathDoulaBootcamp.com

Please subscribe to Ask a Death Doula, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who feels called to bring more compassion, education, and sacred care into the world.

Together, we can return end-of-life care to where it has always belonged—in the hearts, hands, and communities of everyday people.

In this inspiring episode, Suzanne B. O'Brien sits down with Doulagivers graduate Killy Sanchez from Guatemala to explore a remarkable journey that began with caring for her mother and grew into a calling that is now touching lives around the world.

Like so many people, Killy first entered the world of caregiving through personal experience. What she discovered along the way was something much bigger than she ever imagined—a deeper understanding of life, love, service, and the sacred nature of the human experience.

Following her heart led Killy to become a Certified Doulagiver®, but it didn't stop there.

Today, Killy is helping Spanish-speaking communities around the world access life-changing end-of-life education and support. She is a vital part of the growing Doulagivers Institute Español initiative, helping expand free resources, including the award-winning Level 1 Family Caregiver Training, to Spanish-speaking families globally.

Killy also facilitates The Good Death Book Club in Spanish, creating a beautiful space where people from many countries can come together to explore meaningful conversations about life, death, grief, caregiving, forgiveness, and what truly matters.

One of the most moving moments in this conversation is Killy's story of caring for her cousin at the end of life.

When her cousin needed support, Killy opened her home and her heart. Using the skills, compassion, and wisdom she learned through her Doulagivers training, she helped bring family members together, bridged difficult relationships, created opportunities for forgiveness, and fostered meaningful conversations that may never have happened otherwise.

What unfolded was a powerful example of what becomes possible when a family is supported through the end-of-life journey with love, understanding, and intention.

Through Killy's guidance, her cousin's final chapter became one filled with connection, acceptance, peace, storytelling, healing, and love.

This episode reminds us that ordinary people have the extraordinary ability to change lives.

When we follow our hearts, answer the call to serve, and show up for one another, we create ripple effects that extend far beyond what we can see. Families heal. Communities strengthen. Fear transforms into understanding. Love becomes the guiding force.

This is how we change the world.

One person. One family. One act of compassion at a time.

• How Killy's caregiving journey began with her mother

• What inspired her to become a Certified Doulagiver®

• The profound impact end-of-life education had on her own life

• How she supported her cousin and family through a sacred end-of-life journey

• The role forgiveness, communication, and connection play in healing

• Why following your heart can transform not only your life but the lives of others

• The growth of Doulagivers Institute Español and its global impact

• How Spanish-speaking communities can access free caregiving resources today

• Information about joining The Good Death Book Club in Spanish

• Resources Mentioned The Good Death Book Club (Spanish Edition)
• Free Level 1 Family Caregiver Training in Spanish: https://doulagivers.com/level-1-optin...
• Doulagivers Institute Español: https://doulagivers.com/spanish-resou...
• The Good Death by Suzanne B. O'Brien https://thegooddeathbook.com
• Free Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f...

If this conversation inspired you, we invite you to take the next step.

Join The Good Death Book Club in Spanish and become part of a global community exploring what it means to live fully, care deeply, and embrace the sacredness of life, death, and grief.

You can also access free Spanish-language caregiving resources, including the award-winning Level 1 Family Caregiver Training, designed to help families feel more prepared, supported, and empowered during life's most important transitions.

Together, we are bringing compassionate care, education, and community back where it belongs—into the hearts and homes of people everywhere.

Because when one person follows their heart, the world changes.

What is really driving the conversation?

In this episode, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN, Founder and CEO of Doulagivers Institute and author of The Good Death, explores the growing movement around Medical Aid in Dying and asks us to look beneath the headlines, politics, and debates to uncover what many people are truly seeking.

Suzanne recently appeared on the nationally acclaimed Freakonomics Radio podcast alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who discussed her decision to sign Medical Aid in Dying into law in New York State. While opinions on MAID vary widely, Suzanne believes there is one important truth that deserves more attention:

The desire for Medical Aid in Dying is often rooted in fear.

Fear of pain.

Fear of prolonged suffering.

Fear of loss of dignity.

Fear of losing autonomy.

Fear of becoming a burden to loved ones.

But what if, instead of debating only the final decision, we focused on addressing the fears that lead people there?

Drawing on more than 20 years as a hospice and oncology nurse and the bedside wisdom of over 1,000 dying patients, Suzanne shares how education, preparation, community support, and compassionate end-of-life care can transform fear into peace.

This episode opens an important conversation about what it means to die well—and ultimately, what it means to live well.

• Why Medical Aid in Dying has become such an important public conversation
• The fears that most commonly arise at the end of life
• What thousands of patients have taught Suzanne about suffering, peace, and quality of life
• How lack of education around dying creates unnecessary fear
• The difference between a medical event and a human experience
• Why end-of-life planning can dramatically reduce suffering
• How communities can reclaim the sacred role of caring for one another
• The critical gaps in our healthcare system around aging, caregiving, and end-of-life support
• What families can do now to prepare with greater confidence and peace of mind

If people are choosing Medical Aid in Dying because they fear pain, suffering, loss of dignity, or becoming a burden...

Shouldn't we first make sure they have access to the education, support, resources, and care that can address those fears?

That is the conversation Suzanne believes is the invitation of this moment: Returning Death Back to Sacred Experience it was meant to be.  

Death Doula Secrets Webinar: https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/zmyryix0?

Freakonomics: Who Gets to Choose a Good Death: 678. Who Gets to Choose a “Good Death”?

Learn the foundational skills every family should know for caregiving and end-of-life support.

Suzanne B. O'Brien's bestselling book on what the dying teach us about living fully, loving deeply, and facing death without fear.

Providing free education, resources, and professional certification programs to help return the sacredness of aging, caregiving, end-of-life, grief, and community support.

Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN is a former hospice and oncology nurse, international bestselling author, and founder of Doulagivers Institute. She has trained hundreds of thousands of people worldwide in end-of-life care and is dedicated to ensuring that every family has access to the knowledge and support needed to navigate aging, caregiving, and dying with dignity and peace.

Please subscribe, share it with someone you love, and help us continue the movement of bringing death, caregiving, and community back into the conversation.

Because when we learn how to support a good death, we learn how to create a better life.

What if true success was measured by fulfillment, purpose, compassion, presence, and the impact we leave on others?

In this special Doulagivers Graduate Spotlight episode, we are honored to introduce Yasmeen Fatima—author, Certified Doulagiver, and a beautiful example of what becomes possible when we follow the quiet calling of the heart.

Yasmeen completed her Doulagivers training in 2020 and has since dedicated her work to one of the most tender and sacred spaces imaginable: supporting children and families facing grief, loss, and end-of-life experiences.

Suzanne recently had the opportunity to meet Yasmin in person while speaking at a conference in Guatemala, and the connection was a powerful reminder that this work transcends borders, languages, and cultures. It is a universal calling to show up for one another in our most vulnerable moments.

In this heartfelt conversation, Yasmeen shares how the Doulagivers training transformed not only her professional path, but her life itself. She speaks about the courage it takes to follow your purpose, the unexpected gifts that emerge when you do, and why supporting children through grief is some of the most meaningful work she has ever known.

As an author, Yasmeen has also created beautiful resources to support families navigating loss, including her book Heaven Starts Here: A Children's Guide to Grief—a compassionate and much-needed guide that helps children understand, process, and move through grief with love and support.

This episode is part of our ongoing Doulagivers Graduate Spotlight Series, where we celebrate graduates who are bringing the teachings of compassion, community care, sacred dying, sacred grieving, and sacred living into the world in unique and powerful ways.

Because success today is being redefined.

Success is living in alignment with your values.

Success is sharing your gifts.

Success is answering the call to serve.

Success is leaving the world a little better than you found it.

And Yasmeen Fatima is doing exactly that.

• Yasmeen's journey into the Doulagivers training in 2020
• How following her heart changed the direction of her life
• The sacred work of supporting children and families through grief
• Why pediatric grief support is so deeply needed today
• The impact of compassionate end-of-life and grief education
• Yasmeen's books and resources for children experiencing loss
• What true success means in a world hungry for purpose and connection
• How one person's calling can create a ripple effect of healing for countless others

Yasmeen Fatima is a Certified Doulagiver, author, and compassionate advocate for children and families navigating grief and loss. Her work focuses on supporting young people through some of life's most challenging transitions with honesty, love, understanding, and hope. Through her books, education, and service, she is helping create a world where children and families have the support they need to navigate grief with greater understanding and connection.

Explore Yasmeen's work and discover her children's grief resources, including Heaven Starts Here: A Children's Guide to Grief.

Yasmeen’s website: https://yasmeenfatimah.com/

Thank you for joining us as we continue to celebrate the extraordinary graduates of Doulagivers Institute who are helping return the sacred to dying, grieving, and living—one family, one community, and one heart at a time.

The award-winning training that has helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world feel more prepared for caregiving, end-of-life, and grief.

Save your seat here: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register

Join us for this transformational 12-month journey into death literacy, end-of-life planning, and sacred living.

https://thegooddeathbook.com/the-good-death-seminar-series/

Website: https://www.suzannebobrien.com

Doulagivers Institute: https://www.doulagivers.com

Get the Book: The Good Death Here

"Bringing back the sacredness of death brings back the sacredness of life."- and THIS is how we change the world! Xo Suzanne 

What do those nearing the end of life teach us about how to live?

Again and again, they remind us that time is our most precious resource. They remind us not to wait to become who we came here to be. They remind us that purpose matters. Love matters. Presence matters.

Suzanne shares why she has come to view each day as its own lifetime—an opportunity to show up fully, love deeply, serve meaningfully, and not miss the gift of being alive.

She also shares her birthday wish for the coming year: to help train another 100,000 people through the free Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training so that more families around the world feel prepared, empowered, and supported through caregiving, end-of-life, and grief.

This episode also celebrates the return of the Good Death Seminar Series—a transformational 12-month educational series designed to bring death literacy, empowerment, and sacred understanding back into our communities.

Because when we bring back the sacredness of death, we bring back the sacredness of life.

• Why time is our most valuable commodity
• The powerful lessons learned from those at the end of life
• How living with purpose changes everything
• Suzanne's birthday wish for the coming year
• Why every family deserves end-of-life education
• The return of the Good Death Seminar Series
• How restoring death literacy helps restore humanity
• The movement to return to Sacred Dying, Sacred Grieving, and Sacred Living

How Did We Get Here? How did death become the number one fear in our world? Exploring what we've forgotten and how we can remember.

What Is Hospice Care and How Does It Work? Understanding hospice, the Hospice Gap, and how families can bridge it.

Advance Directives and POLST Forms What they are, how they work, and what you need to know to make your wishes legally actionable.

Choosing a Healthcare Proxy The language we often get wrong and how to select the right person.

Quality of Life Defining what quality of life means to you and why it should guide your healthcare decisions.

The 9 Essential End-of-Life Questions The conversations and decisions that create peace of mind.

Having the Family Conversation How to discuss end-of-life wishes and why this may be one of the greatest gifts you ever give your loved ones.

When Families Don't Agree Navigating conflict and differing opinions around end-of-life care.

The Three Most Common End-of-Life Phenomena What people around the world report experiencing at the end of life and what it may mean.

Home Wakes, Home Funerals, and FUNerals Exploring family-centered after-death care and celebration.

Green End-of-Life Options Natural burial, water cremation, human composting, and emerging choices.

Grief and Bereavement The truth about grief, healthy bereavement, and how to talk with children about death.

All seminars are held live on Zoom. Space is limited and registration is required for each individual session.

If this message resonates with you, please help make Suzanne's birthday wish come true.

Share the free Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training with your family, friends, healthcare professionals, faith communities, and social networks.

Education changes fear into understanding. Understanding changes experience. Experience changes lives.

Together, we can create a world where no family faces end-of-life alone.

The award-winning training that has helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world feel more prepared for caregiving, end-of-life, and grief.

Save your seat here: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register

Join us for this transformational 12-month journey into death literacy, end-of-life planning, and sacred living.

https://thegooddeathbook.com/the-good-death-seminar-series/

Website: https://www.suzannebobrien.com

Doulagivers Institute: https://www.doulagivers.com

Get the Book: The Good Death Here

"Bringing back the sacredness of death brings back the sacredness of life."- and THIS is how we change the world! Xo Suzanne 

After supporting over a thousand people at the end of life, Suzanne explains that the problem is not a lack of love — it is a lack of education, understanding, and support.

The good news? A peaceful and meaningful end of life is absolutely possible.

In this episode, Suzanne breaks down the top three reasons end of life is not going well for most families today — and what we can do to change it.

• How end-of-life care was once passed down from grandmother to grandchild
• Why these sacred caregiving skills have been lost over the last 100 years
• The emotional toll on families who are suddenly expected to become caregivers overnight
• Why this is not a failure of families — but a failure of education

• The truth about the hospice model today
• Why hospice should be understood as a “consultant model” rather than continuous care
• The reality that family caregivers provide approximately 98% of the hands-on end-of-life care, even with hospice services involved
• Why the median hospice stay of only 16–18 days creates crisis care instead of supportive care
• Suzanne’s firsthand experience as a hospice nurse trying to teach families how to care for loved ones in an impossible timeframe

• How fear delays important conversations and planning
• Why people often come onto hospice services far too late
• The impact of denial and avoidance around death in modern culture
• How fear prevents families from learning the skills they need
• Why death is not just a medical experience — it is a deeply human one

Suzanne shares how compassionate education, preparation, and support can transform the end-of-life experience for both the dying person and their loved ones.

For the past 16 years, the Doulagivers Institute https://doulagivers.com has been offering free family caregiver education to help empower people with the skills, understanding, and confidence needed to care for loved ones at the end of life.

The free Level 1 Family Caregiver Training is now available in 15 languages and includes:

• The Doulagivers 3 Phases of End of Life Framework
• A live interactive teaching experience
• A downloadable workbook
• Guidance on how to physically, emotionally, and spiritually support someone at end of life
• Practical caregiver education families can use immediately

This training is offered live and interactively — there are no replays.

Suzanne invites everyone to take this training before they need it, because one day, someone we love will need us.

“A peaceful end of life should not be a privilege. It is a human right.”

Learn more and register here: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register

“Most end-of-life experiences are not going well today — not because families don’t care, but because they were never taught how to care.”

“Hospice is incredibly valuable, but most people misunderstand what hospice actually is.”

“Families are doing approximately 98% of the hands-on end-of-life care, even with hospice services involved.”

“Death is not a medical experience. It is a human one.”

“When we teach people how to care for one another at the end of life, we don’t just change death — we change humanity.”

If this episode touched your heart, please share it with caregivers, healthcare professionals, and loved ones who may benefit from this important conversation.

Together, we can help bring compassion, education, and dignity back to end-of-life care.

As daughters, mothers, caregivers, nurses, and women in community, we are so often the ones called forward to care for those we love through aging, illness, and the final transition. Yet most families today are trying to navigate end-of-life care without the knowledge, preparation, or support that once was naturally handed down from grandmother to grandchild.

And the result is heartbreaking.

Families are overwhelmed. Terrified. Exhausted. Grieving while caregiving. Trying to do the most important work of their lives without the skills or understanding to feel grounded and empowered.

In this episode, Suzanne speaks openly about:

• The truth behind the current hospice model
• Why families provide 98% of the hands-on care, even with hospice involved
• How hospice shifted after becoming a Medicare benefit
• Why most people enter hospice very late, often already in crisis
• The devastating impact fear of death has on quality of life, caregiving, grief, and bereavement
• Why presence and time are the greatest medicines we have at the end of life
• The sacred role of “mothering our mothers” as they age and transition across the veil
• How learning end-of-life skills transforms fear into peace, empowerment, grounded presence, and love

Suzanne also shares a heartfelt call for women everywhere to rise into a new era of compassionate caregiving and conscious community support — bringing back the sacred human wisdom that once guided families through life, death, grief, and love.

Because this moment is asking us to remember: Community takes care of community.

And when we learn how to show up for one another with presence, compassion, and practical skills, everything changes.

This is the heart of Doulagivers Institute: To return end-of-life education and caregiving skills back to the hands and hearts of families.

The free Doulagivers Level 1 End-of-Life Doula Family Caregiver Training is now available globally in 15 languages and has helped transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

This free 90-minute live training includes:

• A downloadable workbook
• Practical end-of-life caregiving education
• Understanding the three phases of end of life
• Emotional, spiritual, and physical comfort measures
• Guidance for families and caregivers
• A new way of approaching life and death with peace instead of fear

And the impact has been profound.

“My sweet sister passed away last night after fighting Multiple Myeloma for almost five years. Because of your EOLD training I was able to be fully present with no fear. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” — Cathy S.

“I am a retired nurse with an extensive background in oncology, critical and palliative care. That was the BEST 90 minutes of clear comprehensive education on end-of-life care I have ever heard. Excellent!” — Jan S.

“The Doulagivers Level 1 Training was life changing for me! Had the BEST night of sleep in over 30 years!” — Ruth Moss

“I was drawn to the Doulagivers Level 1 Training in search of help with grief. I had tried grief counseling, therapists, and workshops, but nothing helped. This training changed everything for me. I can now see how deeply connected end-of-life education is to healing grief and loss. I feel very connected here.” — Kristen O.

“When my son died, I felt broken when he kept saying he wanted to go home. I replied that he was home. I get it now. He was telling his momma he was ready to go. Thank you.” — Theresa H.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I feel healed from my parents’ death issues that I have carried for over 40 years. Your compassion comes through every word.” — Viv H.

This training is more than education. It is healing. It is empowerment. It is remembering who we are for one another.

One training can truly change your life.

Grab your seat for the next free Doulagivers Level 1 End-of-Life Doula Family Caregiver Training and share it with those you love. https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register

Because this is how we change the world: One family, one community, one heart at a time.

Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is an oncology and hospice nurse, founder of Doulagivers Institute, international bestselling author of The Good Death, and a global leader in end-of-life education and conscious living. She has trained over 400,000 people worldwide in compassionate end-of-life care and believes that death is not a medical experience — it is a human one.

#EndOfLifeCare #MothersDay #Caregiving #Hospice #DeathDoula #Doulagivers #TheGoodDeath #FamilyCaregiver #ConsciousLiving #GriefSupport #AgingWell #CommunityCare #LifeAndDeath #SacredCaregiving

In this powerful episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN—founder of the Doulagivers Institute—announces a historic expansion of the Doulagivers Death Doula World Training, now available in 15 different languages.

For the first time in modern history, people around the world can access free, life-changing education that teaches them how to care for a loved one at the end of life—bringing these essential human skills back into the hands of families and communities.

This is more than a training. This is a global movement.

• Why end-of-life care is a human right, not just a medical service
• The reality that families provide 98% of hands-on care—yet most feel unprepared
• How we’ve lost these sacred caregiving skills over the past 100 years—and why it’s time to bring them back
• What a death doula is and how this role is transforming end-of-life care worldwide
• The vision behind translating this training into 15 languages—and why this matters now more than ever
• How YOU (or someone you love) can access this free training and become empowered, prepared, and at peace

Every single one of us will face end-of-life—either personally or with someone we love.

And yet, most people enter this sacred time feeling:

• Unprepared
• Fearful
• Overwhelmed

The Doulagivers mission is simple and profound: 👉 Give the skills back to the people and “fill the gap” Because death is not just a medical event— It is a deeply human, emotional, and spiritual experience.

“Death is not a medical experience—it’s a human one. And when we bring knowledge, presence, and love back into this space, everything changes.”

With this training now available in 15 languages, Doulagivers is:

• Reaching families across cultures and continents
• Empowering communities with practical, compassionate care skills
• Supporting a global shift toward more peaceful, connected, and conscious end-of-life experiences

You can join the Doulagivers Level 1 End-of-Life Doula Family Caregiver Training for free and learn how to:

• Provide comfort and care during the final stages of life
• Understand the 3 phases of end of life
• Support your loved one physically, emotionally, and spiritually
• Feel confident instead of afraid during one of life’s most important moments

👉 Register for the NEXT LIVE DEATH DOULA TRAINING here: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f... 

This is about more than education. It’s about changing the way the world experiences death—and therefore, life.

If you’ve ever felt called to:

• Help others
• Be present in meaningful moments
• Bring more compassion into the world

This is your invitation.

• Take the free DEATH DOULA Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f... 
• Website: https://doulagivers.com
• Get The GOOD DEATH Book: https://thegooddeathbook.com/

If this episode touched you, please:

• Share it with someone you love
• Leave a review
• Help us spread this mission across the world

Because together… we can bring dignity, peace, and sacredness back to the end-of-life- AND life experience- and THIS is how we change the world!

With the rapid growth of the death doula profession, not all trainings are created equal. This episode is a call to discernment, integrity, and responsibility—because the work of supporting individuals and families at the end of life is sacred, deeply human, and requires the highest level of preparation.

Suzanne breaks down the three non-negotiables that define a legitimate, ethical, and high-quality death doula training—so you can confidently choose a path that truly prepares you to serve.

• Why the death doula profession requires high ethical standards and deep training
• The risks of choosing an underqualified or superficial program
• How to be a wise and empowered consumer in a rapidly growing field
• The 3 essential components every legitimate death doula training must include
• How proper training directly impacts the quality of care families receive

A true training goes far beyond theory. It must include:

• Real evidence based end of life care models from someone who actually worked in end of life care.
• Medical training for the Non-Medical Doula
• Physical, mental emotional, and spiritual care
• Hands-on, practical tools Doulas can actually use
• Real bedside insight—not just conceptual teaching

👉 If it doesn’t prepare you for real-life situations, it’s not enough.

This work cannot be learned in isolation.

A high-quality program includes:

• Live guidance and mentorship
• Opportunities to ask questions and process experiences
• Ongoing support as you step into practice

👉 This ensures you don’t just learn—you become confident and capable.

A legitimate training doesn’t just certify you—it prepares you to serve.

Look for:

• Guidance on how to work with families
• Ethical frameworks and scope of practice
• Has a Business Model and business building support
• Real-world application so you can step into your role immediately

👉 Because this is not just education—it’s a calling into service.

End-of-life care is not just another profession—it is a sacred human experience.

Families deserve:

• Skilled guidance
• Compassionate presence
• Knowledgeable support

And doulas deserve:

• Training that truly prepares them
• Confidence in their abilities
• The ability to make a real difference

When we raise the standard of training, we raise the standard of care.

“This work is of the highest service. We must hold the highest standards—not only for ourselves, but for the families who will trust us during the most vulnerable time of life.”

Register for the LIVE Death Doula Discovery Webinar on Wednesday, April 29th at 7pm EST HERE: https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/re...

• Learn more about becoming a trained death doula
• Understand How Death Doulas are the answer to a failing health care sysytem
• See where Death Doulas are working and how much they are making

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Through moments of connection, humility, and shared wisdom, Suzanne reflects on what it was like to teach those who have long held sacred space for the dying—and what they, in turn, taught her. The experience revealed a profound truth: this global death doula movement is not about creating something new, but remembering something ancient—compassionate, present, human care at the end of life.

This episode is a beautiful bridge between East and West, science and spirituality, and tradition and modern practice—showing us that no matter who we are or where we live, we are all connected through this sacred human experience.

• Suzanne’s journey to Thailand and the opportunity to train Buddhist monks
• The role of monks in end-of-life care within Buddhist traditions
• How Doulagivers training aligns with ancient spiritual practices
• The monks’ powerful reflection: “Same heart, different cultures”
• The universal nature of death, dying, and compassionate care
• Why end-of-life care is a human experience—not just a medical one
• How this work is part of a growing global movement to bring back sacred care

No matter where you are in the world, the essence of a “good death” is the same: presence, compassion, dignity, and love. This episode reminds us that what we are building through the death doula movement is not new—it is a return to what humanity has always known.

“This experience showed me that we are not teaching something different—we are remembering something together. Across the world, across cultures, there is one shared truth: how we care for each other at the end of life matters deeply. And it always has.”

If this episode resonates with you, you are being called into this work—whether for your own life, your family, or your community.

Join the global movement and learn how to care for someone at the end of life with presence, confidence, and love through the Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training.

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This global event is more than a training—it’s a movement.

With over 400,000 people trained in 39+ countries, Death Doula World Training Day continues to bring together individuals, caregivers, and professionals from around the world to learn how to support others through the end of life with presence, compassion, and confidence.

This year’s theme is Global Unity, and the event is dedicated to the 100th birthday of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, whose groundbreaking work helped bring awareness, dignity, and humanity back to the end-of-life experience.

• Why end-of-life education is a human right
• The inspiration behind Death Doula World Training Day
• How this global movement is helping to transform fear into empowerment
• The impact of training over 400,000 people worldwide
• The deeper meaning of Global Unity in today’s world
• How YOU can participate and be part of this historic event

We are living in a time where many people feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and unprepared for life’s most sacred transition.

Death Doula World Training Day is here to change that.

This free training teaches individuals how to:

• Support loved ones through the three phases of end of life
• Reduce fear around death and dying
• Bring love, presence, and dignity back into the experience
• Feel empowered instead of helpless during one of life’s most important moments

As Suzanne shares, “We are not here to fix death—we are here to bring love back into it.”

🗓 Date: April 22 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM ET -Location: Global Online Event -Cost: FREE

SPACE is Limited- Save your seat now! https://doulagivers.com 

• Family caregivers
• Nurses and healthcare professionals
• End-of-life doulas? Death doulas (or those curious about becoming one)
• Anyone who wants to feel more prepared, empowered, and at peace with death
• Anyone called to be part of a global movement of compassion and consciousness

This is your invitation to join a global community choosing:

• Love over fear
• Presence over avoidance
• Unity over separation

Together, we are creating a world where no one has to face the end of life alone or unprepared.

👉 Register now and share with your community 👉 Invite friends, family, and colleagues 👉 Help us reach 1 million people trained worldwide

Because when we change the way we approach death… we change the way we live.

If this message resonates, please share it with someone who needs it. Your voice helps expand this movement of compassion across the world.

Death reminds us of what matters most: Love. Presence. Connection.

Let’s bring that back—together.

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Join Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, founder of Doulagivers Institute, as she announces the 8th Annual Death Doula World Training Day, happening on April 22nd—a day dedicated to unity, education, and the sacred honor of supporting one another at the end of life.

This year’s event is especially powerful as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the pioneer who transformed how the world understands death, dying, and the human experience. Her groundbreaking work opened the door for conversations that were once feared—and today, we continue that legacy together.

This episode is both an invitation and a remembrance:  -A remembrance of the truth that death is not something to fear  -An invitation to step into service, awareness, and love  -A call to bring this essential knowledge back into our homes and communities

Whether you are a family caregiver, healthcare professional, aspiring Death Doula, or simply someone seeking peace and understanding, this episode—and this global training—are for you.

• The vision and mission behind Death Doula World Training Day
• Why end-of-life education is a human right
• The lasting impact and teachings of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
• How understanding death can actually help you live a more peaceful and purposeful life
• The role of death doulas in transforming end-of-life care globally
• How YOU can participate in this worldwide movement of compassion

Death Doula World Training Day is a global event created to bring education, awareness, and empowerment to people everywhere—so no one has to face death alone, unsupported, or unprepared.

With over 400,000 people trained in 15+ languages, this movement is helping to restore dignity, peace, and humanity to the end-of-life experience.

🗓️ Date: April 22 🕖 Time: 7 PM ET 🌍 Theme: Global Unity

SAVE YOUR SEAT HERE

At the end of life, people don’t speak about what they achieved—they speak about how they loved, how they lived, and what truly mattered.

This work is not about death. It is about life, connection, and remembering who we truly are.

Be part of something bigger. Be part of the return to love.

👉 Join us for Death Doula World Training Day 👉 Share this with someone who needs it 👉 Help bring this education into the world

JOIN Death Doula World Training Day Click Here

Learn More About the EKR Foundation Click Here

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After sitting with over a thousand people at the end of life, one truth becomes clear: we suffer not because of what happens to us, but because of what we continue to carry.

In this powerful episode, Suzanne shares one of the most life-changing lessons from those nearing death: you are not here to carry everything.

You’ll learn how to release emotional burdens, stop absorbing the weight of the world, and return to a more peaceful, grounded, and empowered way of living.

✨ In this episode: • Why holding onto pain keeps you stuck • The difference between experiencing life vs. carrying it • What forgiveness really means • How to stop absorbing fear, anxiety, and overwhelm • The power of becoming a compassionate witness

At the end of life, people don’t wish they carried more pain—they show us how to let go.

Ask yourself: What am I carrying right now that is not mine?

This episode is a reminder that you are allowed to release what was never yours.

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But what if this is actually one of the most natural and peaceful parts of the dying process?

In this episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN—who has cared for over 1,000 patients at the end of life—explains the true physiology behind why eating and drinking stop, what your loved one is actually experiencing, and how to provide the right kind of comfort in those final days.

You’ll learn why the body no longer needs food or water, what happens when the swallowing reflex turns off, and why your loved one is not feeling hunger the way you might think. We also explore what the dying process typically looks like in the final days, the most common comfort issue patients experience, and what families should—and should not—do during this phase.

This episode will help you shift from fear and confusion to understanding, allowing you to show up with more presence, peace, and confidence when it matters most.

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The Real Problem Over the past 100 years, death has become increasingly medicalized. Historically, families knew how to care for loved ones at the end of life. These sacred caregiving skills were passed down from generation to generation. But as death moved into hospitals and institutions, those skills quietly disappeared. Now hospice has brought death back into the home — but the knowledge never returned with it. As a result, families are often asked to do one of the most profound acts of care in life without ever being taught how.

The Solution The answer isn’t more medicalization. The answer is education before crisis. For the past 16 years, the Doulagivers Institute has been working to restore the lost skills of end-of-life care through education and community training. To date: 400,000 people have been trained Participants come from over 39 countries The training is offered free each month The mission is simple: End-of-life care is a human right. Every family deserves to know how to care for their loved one with confidence, dignity, and peace.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode The #1 misunderstanding about hospice care Why families often feel unprepared during the dying process The historical reason we lost end-of-life caregiving skills Why hospice alone cannot meet the needs of families The simple solution that can transform end-of-life care worldwide

About Suzanne B. O’Brien RN Suzanne B. O’Brien is a former hospice and oncology nurse who has cared for over 1,000 patients at the end of life. She is the founder of the Doulagivers Institute and author of the international bestseller The Good Death: A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of Life. Her mission is to ensure that every family in the world has access to the knowledge and tools needed to support a peaceful and sacred end-of-life experience.

Learn the Skills Before You Need Them Join the free Doulagivers Level 1 End-of-Life Doula Training, attended by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.  These are the sacred caregiving skills every family deserves to know. 👉 Learn more: https://doulagivers.com

Share This Episode If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with someone you love. Because one day, someone you care about will need these skills — and the greatest gift we can give is knowing how to care for each other at the end of life.

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After caring for more than 1,000 people at the bedside, Suzanne witnessed how much fear and confusion families experience simply because they were never taught what to expect during the end-of-life process.

Just 100 years ago, families knew how to care for loved ones at the end of life. Today, much of that knowledge has been lost. This episode explores how education, compassion, and open conversations can help us bring this sacred knowledge back.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why understanding death can help us live more meaningful lives • What inspired Suzanne to write The Good Death • Lessons learned from caring for over 1,000 people at the end of life • Why end-of-life education is urgently needed today • How individuals and communities can help shift the culture around death and dying

March Madness: End-of-Life Edition Events

Goodreads Giveaway To celebrate the first anniversary of The Good Death, we are giving away 10 signed copies of the book.

Enter the giveaway here https://www.goodreads.com/

Host Your Own Good Death Book Club or Death & Dying Course

We are inviting people around the world to host their own Good Death Book Clubs or community Death & Dying courses based on Suzanne’s book.

Information Zoom March 18 7:00 PM Eastern

Save your seat here https://doulagivers.zoom.us/meeting/register/qKEjSnH0Rres4rUyyPI27A

During this session you will learn how to host a Good Death Book Club, facilitate meaningful conversations about death and dying, and bring end-of-life education to libraries, community groups, and spiritual centers.

The Good Death Review Party

March 31

Join us for a live celebration and review party to help more people discover The Good Death.

During this event we will celebrate the book’s first anniversary, write reviews together, share stories and reflections, and give away special gifts and merchandise.

Join here https://doulagivers.zoom.us/meeting/register/TK8u8DW2QzyYQ_LpwRxSQg

Why This Conversation Matters

Every single one of us will experience end-of-life, either personally or with someone we love. Yet most families enter this sacred time without guidance or education.

When we bring back the knowledge of how to care for someone at the end of life, fear decreases, connection deepens, and love leads the way.

Death returns to being the natural and sacred experience it was always meant to be.

Resources

Learn more about Doulagivers Institute https://doulagivers.com

Get The Good Death https://thegooddeathbook.com

Register for the next Free Doulagivers Family Caregiver Training https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/6rv9vhm?webinar_id=20

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After caring for more than 1,000 people at the end of life, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN discovered a profound truth: awareness of death doesn’t create fear — it creates gratitude.

Recently quoted by The New York Times on happiness, Suzanne shares how working with dying patients transformed her life. What once felt like obligation — “I have to” — became privilege — “I get to.” Even ordinary moments began to feel extraordinary.

In this episode, she explores how consciously acknowledging mortality awakens presence, clarity, gratitude, and deeper life meaning. She also reflects on research highlighted by The Washington Post showing that healthy mortality awareness can actually increase happiness and life satisfaction.

• Why death awareness increases gratitude instead of anxiety • The most common regret of the dying • How shifting from “have to” → “get to” changes everything • The science behind mortality awareness and meaning • A simple daily reframing practice to start today

After sitting bedside with thousands in their final days, Suzanne noticed a powerful pattern: No one wished they had worked more or worried more. They wished they had lived more fully, loved more openly, and been more present.

Death is not the enemy. It is the great teacher of how to live.

Because when we understand death, we finally understand life.

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In this powerful episode, Suzanne shares a pivotal moment from her early days as an oncology nurse that transformed her understanding of end-of-life care. At the heart of this story is the one question that becomes the foundation for all future medical decisions:

What does quality of life mean to you — and when would you consider it no longer acceptable?

Without this conversation, the system is designed to keep treating — even when it no longer aligns with what matters most.With it, care becomes aligned, peaceful, and intentional.

You’ll learn why most end-of-life suffering comes from lack of planning, how fear drives crisis decisions, the difference between hope and false hope, and why defining your quality-of-life benchmark is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

A good death doesn’t begin in the final days — it begins the moment you choose how you want to live.

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In this deeply moving episode from The Good Death virtual book tour, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, sits down with award-winning filmmaker and death educator Johanna J. Lunn, co-founder of The When You Die Project.

After experiencing multiple profound losses early in life, Johanna was unexpectedly guided toward a life devoted to exploring death, grief, and consciousness through film and community dialogue. What she discovered is transformative: education about death doesn’t increase fear — it dissolves it.

Together, Suzanne and Johanna explore how understanding what truly happens at the end of life can soften grief, awaken spiritual insight, and reconnect us to the essence of who we are.

In this episode, they discuss: • Why avoiding conversations about death amplifies suffering • How awareness brings peace instead of fear • Lessons from those at the end of life • The continuity of love and consciousness • Grief as a doorway to awakening

This conversation is for anyone who is grieving, fears death, or feels there is something more to this human experience.

Because when we understand death… we begin to truly understand life.

Johanna J. Lunn is an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of The When You Die Project, a Canadian initiative dedicated to fostering conversations and education about death and dying through film and community engagement. Through documentary storytelling and public dialogue, her work explores mortality, grief, meaning, and the profound spiritual dimensions of the human journey.  Website here: https://whenyoudie.org 

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 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

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Suzanne explains why 80–90% of a positive end-of-life experience comes from planning ahead and how this work can bring both purpose and fulfillment.

If you want to make a real difference while staying in integrity with your heart, this episode is for you.

 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

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Or Are We Asking Them to Carry Their Pain in Silence?

There is a quiet truth in end-of-life care that is rarely spoken about: many men—and especially veterans—carry grief, trauma, and emotional pain without support. In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne O’Brien, RN—founder of Doulagivers Institute—is joined by end-of-life doula Adam Daviau for an honest, compassionate conversation about grief, presence, and dignity at the end of life.

🔗 Connect with Adam Daviau:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulexistencedoulaservices
• Website: 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

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Or Are Families Being Asked to Do the Impossible Without Training?

There is a quiet truth in end-of-life care that many families discover too late: pain is often misunderstood, mismanaged, or missed entirely. In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne O’Brien, RN—founder of Doulagivers Institute—speaks with honesty, clarity, and deep compassion about pain management at the end of life and what family caregivers truly need to know. This is not about blame. It is about education, empowerment, and dignity.

 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

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Doulagivers Life Café is now meeting weekly, live, free, and globally. Life Café was born during the COVID pandemic as a sanctuary when fear and isolation were overwhelming. Today, it returns weekly as a space to pause, breathe, and remember our shared humanity. This is not about doing more. It’s about being. And choosing love over fear.

🌍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Why most end-of-life experiences are harder than they need to be

• How death becomes one of our greatest teachers about life

• The difference between human ego energy and being/heart energy

• How fear impacts the nervous system and keeps us disconnected

• Why Life Café was created—and why it’s now weekly

💛 The Heart of This Episode Every day, we are being asked to choose: love or fear. When we choose love, we come back into coherence—with ourselves, with others, and with life itself.

🗓️ LIFE CAFÉ (WEEKLY)

LINK HERE

Every Wednesday 12:00–1:00 PM Eastern Time

Live on Zoom | Free | Global

Life Café is a place to simply show up—in presence, compassion, and non-judgment. Each gathering closes with a global meditation and prayer, holding humanity and the Earth in love.

🧭 FREE GUIDE Universal Life Mastery (ULM) Guide What Suzanne has learned from end-of-life patients about how to live more fully.

👉 Download here: https://doulagivers.com/ulm-guide/

💬 QUESTION FOR YOU

Where in your life are you being invited to choose love over fear right now?

#AskADeathDoula #LifeCafe #Doulagivers #ChooseLove #EndOfLifeWisdom #ConsciousLiving #NervousSystem #Presence #LoveOverFear

🌍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: • Expanding End-of-Life Education Worldwide In January 2025, the Doulagivers Level 1 End-of-Life Doula Training was expanded into 15 languages and offered completely free.

To date, more than 400,000 people in 36 countries have accessed this foundational caregiver education—returning a skill once passed down through generations. With 98% of hands-on end-of-life care provided by family caregivers, this training continues to fill one of the most critical gaps in modern healthcare.

A Book That Met the World Suzanne reflects on the release of The Good Death, launched March 18, 2025. Often described as “What to Expect When You’re Expecting—for the other end of life,” the book became an instant international bestseller and was named one of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2025. Now available in Spanish and distributed across Europe, China, and India, the book is helping families approach end-of-life with peace, clarity, and empowerment.

Compassion Made Tangible in Guatemala One of the most moving moments of the year was Suzanne’s return to Guatemala to witness the completed Elizabeth Kübler-Ross Respite House, which Doulagivers Institute helped fund. The respite house now provides a safe and dignified place for families traveling from the mountains to Guatemala City for medical care—families who previously slept on the streets while their loved ones were hospitalized. This story is a powerful reminder of what happens when compassion becomes action.

🎧 Listen, Reflect & Share This episode is a celebration of impact, gratitude, and the growing global movement to restore sacredness to both life and death.

🌟 Free Live Masterclass Invitation Jan. 1st at 7pm EST : CLICK HERE: https://suzannebobrienrn.com/masterclass  Continue the journey with Suzanne in this free live online masterclass:

Suzanne highlights several recent milestones, including the successful completion of a much-needed respite house in Guatemala, which offers comfort and support to those facing end-of-life challenges. She also announces the launch of Spanish-language training programs to better serve diverse communities, and introduces the upcoming Life Café community initiative, designed to foster open conversations and support around end-of-life issues. Throughout the episode, Suzanne encourages listeners to choose love over fear, embrace conscious and intentional living, and become part of the growing movement to make compassionate, accessible end-of-life care available to all.

(00:01:20) Listening to Higher Self and Life Mastery (00:02:32) Suzanne’s Nursing Background and Disillusionment (00:03:38) Transition to Hospice and Founding Doula Givers (00:10:06) Doulagivers Thailand: The Beginning (00:12:22) Inspired Guidance and the Path to Guatemala  (00:13:58) Influence of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (00:16:43) The Vision and Creation of the Guatemala Respite House

Links mentioned in this episode:

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation

Fundación Elisabeth Kübler Ross Guatemala

Join the Life Cafe 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

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#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

Michelle Donaldson, a certified end-of-life doula from Doulagivers Institute, joins this episode of "Ask a Death Doula" to share her profound insights into hospice care. Her journey from advanced EMT and pharmacy technician to end-of-life doula reflects her deep commitment to holistic, dignified support. Inspired by her own parents’ hospice experiences, she now works with a dedicated hospice team in Las Vegas to blend non-medical guidance with traditional care, creating a more personal and transformative experience for patients and their families.

Education and empathy shine throughout our conversation as Michelle highlights the gaps families often face within the hospice system. She emphasizes the importance of preparing and supporting family caregivers—those who carry much of the emotional and physical load. Through her compassionate training, real-life stories, and collaboration with the hospice team, Michelle helps families navigate end-of-life challenges with confidence, connection, and cultural sensitivity. Her work shows the invaluable impact doulas can have in turning overwhelming moments into peaceful, meaningful memories—and she invites anyone drawn to this mission to join the growing movement of compassionate end-of-life support.

(00:02) The Role of End-of-Life Doulas (05:20) Improving End-of-Life Care Through Education (13:48) Making an Impact in End-of-Life Care (20:11) Navigating End-of-Life Care Conversations (24:07) Transforming End-of-Life Care Together (37:00) Join the Death Doula Movement

 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

Meet our guest: Michelle Donaldson

Website: Open Arms Doula

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(00:02) Redefining Success Through Heart Alignment (16:07) Legacy Through Love and Service

 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

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Our exploration continues with the vibrant and complex tapestry of life, as illustrated by the bustling backdrop of New York City. Discover how intentional living and choosing compassion over judgment can unlock entirely different realities based on our choices and awareness. We discuss the collective consciousness shift towards higher dimensions of understanding and connectivity, not only with humanity but with our planet and beyond. This episode delves into the essence of life as a frequency of love and service for all, and how practicing beingfulness allows us to respond to life's challenges with grace, fostering a community focused on collective well-being.

(00:02) Living in the Present Moment (15:14) Awakening to a New Earth (26:54) Awakening Universal Life Mastery Community

 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

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Have you ever considered the lost art of caring for our deceased loved ones personally? Lee Webster, a pioneer in end-of-life care, shares her profound insights into how society has shifted away from hands-on death care, and what we can do to reclaim these sacred practices. With her journey from a hospice volunteer to a leader in national end-of-life organizations, Lee unravels the layers of fear and distance created by modern funeral industry practices and public health concerns, encouraging us to rediscover the empowering aspects of home funerals and personalized rituals.

Journey with us as we explore the historical transformation of our approach to death and mourning, and how societal norms have distanced us from the deceased. Lee Webster argues that by reclaiming intimate acts, such as bathing our deceased, we not only honor them but also provide ourselves with an essential, cathartic outlet for grief. Discover how slowing down and creating meaningful rituals can lead to healthier mourning, turning a potentially traumatic period into one of emotional and spiritual reflection.

As we wrap up our conversation with Lee, the focus turns to the financial and environmental implications of modern funeral practices. By highlighting the benefits of natural burials, Lee emphasizes the importance of making informed, cost-effective choices that honor our loved ones while considering the planet's well-being. Through personal anecdotes and insights, we explore how families can create lasting memories with small, meaningful gestures, transforming the end-of-life process into an authentic, healing experience.

(00:02) Empowering Choices in End-of-Life Care (07:41) The Sacred Practice of Caring (12:39) Creating Meaningful End-of-Life Rituals (21:43) Practical Aspects of End-of-Life Care (27:56) Reclaiming Authentic End-of-Life Practices (37:40) Revolutionizing End-of-Life Choices

⚡ Lifting The Lid Festival of Death and Dying (November 14-16, 2025) — Grab your tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/liftingthelid/1853754

 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

Links mentioned in this episode:

National Home Funeral Alliance

End of Life Doula Alliance

Green Burial Council

Conservation Burial Alliance

Funeral Consumers Alliance

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How often do we pause to consider the profound connection between life and death? Our latest episode invites you to join us on a journey with Jo, a visionary in the arts and theater, who has transformed her encounters with grief into a global dialogue through the Lifting the Lid festival. Scheduled from November 14th to 16th, this festival has become an international beacon for open conversations about mortality, blending community engagement and digital innovation. Jo’s collaboration with funeral director Victoria Keen exemplifies a refreshing approach to death discussions, making them accessible and meaningful worldwide. As we navigate the delicate intersection of life and mortality, the episode reveals how embracing our finite existence can redirect our path toward growth, gratitude, and purpose.

The Lifting the Lid festival strives to restore death to its natural, sacred place in our lives, offering space to explore end-of-life choices through art, poetry, and dialogue. Its evolution into an inclusive event unites professionals, artists, and curious minds, moving away from traditional symbols to a more welcoming experience. With natural burials and home funerals gaining interest, the festival promotes compassionate choices that honor life’s fragility and wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to engage in these vital conversations, reclaim agency over how we live, die, and are remembered, and embrace the truth that every moment is precious.

⚡ Lifting The Lid Festival of Death and Dying (November 14-16, 2025) — Grab your tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/liftingthelid/1853754

(00:02) Lifting the Lid Festival on Death (08:06) Embracing Life (13:14) Celebrating Diversity and Open Conversations (20:26) Exploring End of Life Conversations (33:08) Self-Care and End of Life Conversations (37:28) Celebrating Life and Connection

 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

Meet our guest: 

Jo Dagless

Executive Producer and Co-founder of Lifting the Lid International Festival of Death and Dying

LinkedIn: Jo Dagless

Instagram

FB Group: Lifting The Lid Festival of Death and Dying

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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

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What if embracing your vulnerabilities could be the key to unlocking your dreams? Join us as we welcome John, an inspiring writer whose remarkable journey from a copywriter to a published author in The New Yorker is a testament to the power of persistence and passion. John opens up about facing years of rejection and self-doubt before finding success, and how taking risks, like moving to France, transformed his path. His story is a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from the joy of pursuing what you love, not just from accolades.

We also explore life's deeper connections, revealing how understanding our mortality can enrich our appreciation for the present. Through heartfelt discussions about friendships, love, and the beauty of everyday moments, we consider the essence of living fully. This episode also introduces Bud Stanley, an obituary writer whose journey through attending strangers’ funerals offers profound insights into self-discovery and gratitude. Filled with thought-provoking reflections, this episode encourages listeners to embrace life's transitions and find peace in the simplicity of each moment.

(00:02) Journey to Becoming a Writer (12:50) Reflections on Life and Death (22:57) Exploring Life and Death Through Stories

 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

Meet our guest: John Kenney

New York Times Best-selling Author, longtime contributor to The New Yorker Magazine - Shouts & Murmurs

Instagram: @johnkenneywriter

Get a copy of his latest book here > I See You've Called in Dead: A Novel 

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In a world where death is often viewed with trepidation, we propose a paradigm shift—seeing it as a sacred transition rather than a final bow. Hear the moving story of a man in the ICU whose perspective was transformed by a compassionate nurse, illustrating how death can be a beautiful rite of passage. This episode also shines a light on living a life aligned with your true calling, enriching both your journey and the world around you. We invite you to engage with the "When You Die Project" and the film "Saying Goodbye: Preparing for Death," exploring how to approach death with dignity and wisdom. Embrace this sacred journey with us, remembering that each life is an exquisite gift meant to be lived fully and meaningfully.

(00:02) Good Death Concept (08:45) Embracing Death as a Sacred Experience (23:23) Living a Fulfilling, Purposeful Life

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Embrace a shift in societal attitudes towards death, recognizing it as a release from pain and an opportunity for healing. This episode highlights the upcoming Pacific Northwest and Boise events, including a Level One training session and a film screening of "Being Mortal," that underscore the necessity for compassionate care. We challenge conventional perceptions by drawing on insights from diverse cultures and religions, encouraging a life filled with gratitude and values alignment. Join us in this thought-provoking discussion, where we advocate for quality of life over mere longevity and highlight the profound impact of community support in the journey toward a good death.

(00:02) Expanding Doulagiver's Institute in Boise (10:56) Shifting Perception on End of Life (16:28) Launch and Events for Good Death

LIVE BOISE EVENTS:  

OCTOBER 15th BOISE: Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training  & Book Signing of THE GOOD DEATH  October 15th Save Your Seat Here

OCTOBER 16th BEING MORTAL FILM SCREENING 4:00pm. Reserve your seat here

OCTOBER 18th THE GOOD DEATH BOISE BOOK SIGNING & Honoring Humanity Presentation with Suzanne B. O'Brien RN at Barnes & Noble Oct. 18th at 11am. Get tickets here

Join our next FREE Death Doula Discovery Webinar:

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How can a childhood friendship ignite a transformative cinematic journey? Join us as we sit down with a young filmmaker and her father to unpack the inspiring story behind their heartfelt film, shaped by the powerful bond with her friend. Through their intimate narrative, we promise you'll gain insight into how personal experiences are woven into storytelling, exploring themes of self-love, healing, and the profound impact of early connections. Discover the emotional depth of transforming real-life events into art, and learn how this journey of creation offers a medium for healing from the deep pains of loss and bullying.

In our conversation, we navigate the sensitive terrain of grief and storytelling's healing embrace, discussing how the film bravely addresses bullying and the silence surrounding it. This episode offers more than just a glimpse into the filmmaking process; it’s a call to action for compassion and inclusion, highlighting the importance of presence and understanding in life’s fragile moments. By sharing this young filmmaker's journey, we hope to inspire listeners to support a film that not only educates but also fosters a more caring and inclusive future generation

(00:02) Young Filmmaker Reflects on Friendship (14:10) Healing Through Loss and Reflection (20:03) Empowering Message

💜Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here

Meet our guest:

Nya Chambless

Actress, Writer, & Director

Website: Nya Chambless

Facebook: My Guardian Angel Film

Instagram: @nyachambless_

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What if technology could help us preserve the true essence of a life well-lived? In this episode, Darren Evans, creator of After Cloud, shares how his digital platform captures personal histories and legacies, especially in end-of-life care. Through powerful stories, like a hospice patient leaving video messages, Darren shows how digital storytelling bridges generations, deepens compassion, and empowers families to carry forward wisdom and traditions.

We also explore After Cloud’s unique approach to transforming memorial spaces into interactive experiences, allowing visitors to engage with the rich narratives of the deceased. From glow-in-the-dark QR codes on headstones to memorial benches that speak of lives once lived. Darren illustrates how technology can aid in grief transition and preserve legacies. This conversation invites us to reflect on what it means to have a “good death,” reminding us of the importance of cherishing everyday moments, being prepared, and leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

(00:04) Digital Life Storytelling for End-of-Life Care (14:08) Connecting Generations Through Digital Storytelling (21:35) The Future of Legacy Storytelling (27:49) Exploring a Good Death Through Legacy

 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

Meet our guest:

Darren Evans

CEO & Founder, After Cloud

LinkedIn: Darren Evans

Website: www.aftercloud.co.uk

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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

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

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

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Discover the powerful journey of caregiving with Jennifer, a seasoned healthcare administrator with nearly 40 years of experience, whose personal losses and the tender care of her late husband, a hospice doctor battling cancer, shaped her profound perspective on end-of-life care. In this heartfelt conversation, Jennifer shares the wisdom behind her books The Hospice Doctor’s Widow and Care Boss, offering invaluable insights into the true meaning of presence during life’s most precious moments. Together, we explore the misunderstood nuances of hospice and palliative care, the importance of advanced care planning, and the moral challenges faced by healthcare professionals. This episode invites us to reframe death not as an adversary but as a natural part of life, empowering caregivers and families to lead with compassion, clarity, and courage in the face of life’s final chapter.

(00:02) Navigating the End-of-Life Care Journey (13:01) Clarifying Hospice and Palliative Care (27:41) Exploring Advanced Care Planning Options (32:10) Empowering Caregivers Through Leadership and Vision

Meet our guest:

Jennifer A. O’Brien

Interim Healthcare CEO, Author

Website: www.jenniferaobrien.com LinkedIn: Jennifer O'Brien Facebook Group: Hospice Doctor's Widow - Jennifer A. O'Brien, MSOD Instagram: @hospicedoctorswidow

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Elizabeth, the visionary behind Grief Dialogues, shares her powerful journey from passionate theater lover to transformative voice in the conversation about grief and death. Born from personal loss and her love for the stage, her poignant 10-minute play became a festival favorite, proving the profound ability of storytelling to create safe, healing spaces for sharing grief. Her work boldly challenges society’s discomfort with mortality, encouraging open and honest dialogue about dying and end-of-life experiences. In exploring the tension between modern medicine’s life-prolonging advances and honoring individual wishes, Elizabeth reframes death as a sacred rite of passage rather than something to fear. Now, as Grief Dialogues nears its 10th anniversary, she unveils plans for a groundbreaking immersive theatrical experience at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival—an emotional journey through grief that reveals the beauty, love, and deep human connection that can emerge in life’s final chapters.

(00:01) Creating Grief Dialogues (07:03) Exploring Death and Grief Through Creativity

Meet our guest:

Elizabeth Coplan

Founder of Grief Dialogues

Website: www.griefdialogues.com LinkedIn: Grief Dialogues Facebook Group: Grief Dialogues Instagram: @grief.dialogue

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In this powerful episode of the Good Death Podcast, we explore what it truly means to live well as we approach the end of life. Inspired by personal stories—from a grandmother’s courageous final months to families navigating the emotional toll of dementia—we confront the hard truths about caregiving, medical overreach, and the need for compassionate planning. With over 54 million caregivers in the U.S. often left unsupported, this episode emphasizes the importance of community, education, and tools like the dementia advanced directive. We also spotlight transformative choices like VSED (Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking) and the vital role of end-of-life doulas in restoring dignity and humanity to our final chapter. This is not just a conversation about death—it’s an invitation to live more consciously, with purpose, empathy, and courage.

(00:05) Caregiver Crisis and Quality of Life (15:47) Power of Planning for Dementia Care (20:43) Planning for Dementia Advanced Directives (28:13) Empowering Choices in Dementia Care

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#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

Renowned expert Dr. Karen Wyatt joins us for a profound conversation on end-of-life care, sharing lessons learned from her work with hospice patients and urging us to embrace the inevitability of death with awareness and gratitude. We delve into the missed opportunities for meaningful dialogue within medical systems, the tension between profit-driven hospice models and the deeply personal nature of dying, and the need for better community training to prepare families for what hospice truly provides. Drawing on Dr. Ira Byock’s white paper, we examine solutions to systemic issues like fraud, inadequate staffing, and the disconnect between corporate priorities and compassionate care. Together, we explore how compassion, forgiveness, and holistic practices can transform how we care for the dying, reminding us that presence, understanding, and the body’s natural capacity to heal deserve a central place in healthcare’s future.

(00:02) Transforming End-of-Life Care in America (10:03) Revamping End-of-Life Care System (13:57) Improving End-of-Life Care System (24:55) Embracing Healing Through Compassion and Forgiveness (35:31) Exploring End-of-Life Care Perspectives

Meet our guest:

Dr. Karen Wyatt

Founder, End-of-Life University

Best-selling Author

Website: eulopodcast.com FB: End-of-Life University

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#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

Imagine finding unexpected peace in facing mortality—and letting that awareness transform the way you live right now. In this episode, Reena shares her remarkable journey from surviving a life-changing car accident at sixteen to becoming a pioneer in end-of-life education and co-founding Willow with Michelle Pante, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how we talk about and prepare for death. Together, they champion a pay-what-you-feel approach to workshops that empower people to plan ahead, downsize, and leave behind a final legacy of love and ease for those they cherish. Reena’s experiences, including her eye-opening peace work in Israel and Palestine, reveal how compassion, courage, and community can help us dismantle fear and embrace life with radical gratitude. This conversation invites you to discover how facing death can awaken you to what really matters—connection, forgiveness, and living with purpose before your time is up.

(00:02) Exploring End-of-Life Education and Awareness (08:49) Navigating End-of-Life Planning and Downsizing (19:49) Fostering Compassion Through Connection (27:17) Embracing Life Through End-of-Life Work

Meet our guest:

Reena Lazar

Owner and Managing Director, Willow EOL Education & Planning

Website: www.willoweol.com LinkedIn: Willow End of Life Education and Planning Facebook Group: willoweol Instagram: @willoweol YouTube: WillowEoL

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#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 powerful episode, we follow Qwynn Galloway-Salazar’s inspiring path from new death doula to mentor and advocate for veterans, showing how one person’s courage to follow their heart can transform countless lives. From her first moment of sharing her passion on Dr. Karen Wyatt’s podcast to partnering with Suzanne O’Brien, Qwynn illuminates the unique struggles veterans face, from the invisible wounds of PTSD to the deep need for presence and forgiveness at the end of life. Through personal reflections and stories, we’re reminded that while resources matter, it’s the compassion of communities and the simple act of showing up that truly heal. This episode calls on us all to reimagine end-of-life care for veterans, embracing opportunities to offer understanding, support, and the transformative gift of peace.

(00:02) Supporting Veterans at the End (06:44) Supporting Veterans Through Trauma (19:58) Healing Veterans Through Forgiveness and Presence (30:00) Elevating End of Life Care

Meet our guest:

Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar

Founder — In Their Honor, LLC (ITH)

Website: intheirhonor.info Facebook: qwynn.salazar Instagram: @qgsalazar LinkedIn: Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar

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#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 insightful episode, we sit down with Krista Montague—dementia care specialist and founder of Dementia Success Path—to unpack the complexities of dementia and Alzheimer’s, from understanding the differences and stages to recognizing early signs and managing challenging behaviors with compassion. Krista shares practical strategies for de-escalation, emphasizes the powerful role of community support for overwhelmed caregivers, and explains how genetics and lifestyle intersect in Alzheimer’s risk, offering hope through prevention and healthy habits. She also highlights the urgent need for legal and financial planning after diagnosis, including setting up powers of attorney and living trusts to safeguard families. This conversation is a reassuring guide for anyone touched by dementia, reminding us that no one has to face this journey alone.

(00:02) Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's (10:26) Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia (15:20) Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia (22:10) Managing Challenging Behaviors in Dementia (27:52) Understanding Challenging Behaviors in Dementia (35:50) Navigating Reality in Dementia Care (39:10) Caregiving for Late-Stage Dementia Patients (44:32) Supporting Dementia Caregivers

Meet our guest:

Krista Montague, CDP, AT-BC

Founder, Dementia Success Path

Website: dementiasuccesspath.com Caregiver Mental Health Cheatsheet - Click Here! Facebook Group: Dementia Caregiver Support & Activities for Challenging Behaviors Community Private group Instagram: @dementiasuccesspath YouTube: Dementia Success Path

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#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

What if everything you thought you knew about funerals was wrong? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Melissa Meadow, also known as The Modern Mortician, to uncover the truth behind the funeral industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, Melissa shares her journey into eco-friendly and transparent death care, challenging outdated traditions and exposing common misconceptions. She breaks down the history of embalming, the marketing myths that drive costly decisions, and the rise of sustainable alternatives. Through her work and influential social media presence, Melissa empowers families to make informed, ethical choices and create meaningful, personalized farewells that truly honor their loved ones.

(00:02) Redefining the Funeral Industry (14:45) Navigating the Funeral Industry Marketing (19:25) Alternative Funeral Options and Practices (27:53) Honoring Life Through Rituals and Grief (38:58) Exploring Green End-of-Life Options (47:26) Building a Positive Change Together

Meet our guest:

Melissa Meadow

The Modern Mortician

Website: www.themodernmortician.com IG: the_modern_mortician FB: The Modern Mortician TikTok: the_modern_mortician

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#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

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#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

Guided by my two decades of experience as a hospice and oncology nurse, I invite you to a candid conversation about Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), also known as Physician Assisted Death or Death with Dignity. This discussion aims to demystify the process, highlighting the distinction from euthanasia and exploring why some individuals find solace in choosing this path. With stringent criteria including a terminal illness prognosis of six months or less and the patient's ability to self-administer medication, MAID represents a complex yet empowering option for those facing the end of life.

We also navigate the wider landscape of end-of-life choices, shedding light on alternatives like palliative sedation and voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). Each offers its own pathway to maintaining dignity and control during life's final chapter. The pivotal role of a death doula is discussed, emphasizing thoughtful planning and emotional support. For those contemplating MAID, critical questions are posed to encourage reflection on fears, options, and the necessity of spiritual and emotional support. This episode is designed to empower you with knowledge, enabling informed and personal decisions free from external pressure.

We dive into:

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Buy The Good Death Book
• The GOOD DEATH GOOD LIFE Live Monthly BOOK CLUB and Q&A
• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead. 

• Register for FREE to learn more: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE
• GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Join us in a thought-provoking conversation with Christine Caldwell, the visionary behind End of Life Psychedelic Care. Christine shares her incredible journey from meditative practices and a fascination with quantum mechanics to pioneering the use of psychedelics in easing the fear of death. The episode sheds light on her profound experiences in home health care and the pivotal role her son played in steering her towards this fulfilling and impactful path.

Our exploration doesn't stop there. We also navigate the fascinating landscape of psychedelic therapy and neuroscience, highlighting groundbreaking research from institutions like UCLA and NYU. Discover how substances like psilocybin and MDMA are offering hope and relief to those grappling with end-of-life anxiety and depression. We delve into the neurobiological mechanisms at play, examining how these substances can profoundly alter our brain's response to fear and stress, enabling a more peaceful transition. Christine shares insights from pioneering studies and discusses the resurgence of interest in psychedelic research that promises a brighter future for end-of-life care.

In a world where the spiritual and the scientific intertwine, this episode unravels the spiritual insights that psychedelics can offer. Through compelling stories and recent surveys, we emphasize the compassionate connections formed between caregivers and those at the threshold of life. From the critical role of end-of-life doulas to a moving story of a ketamine program pilot, we celebrate how psychedelics foster deep peace, love, and understanding even in the face of terminal illness. This conversation magnifies the ongoing journey of providing holistic, meaningful care at the end of life, and invites listeners to witness the powerful transformation that compassionate care and psychedelics can bring.

We dive into:

(00:00) Psychedelic Care at End of Life (08:17) Psychedelic Therapy and Neuroscience Insights (16:39) Spiritual Insights in Psychedelic Therapy (30:40) Psychedelic Care for End-of-Life (37:35) Compassionate End-of-Life Care Discussion

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar
• Buy The Good Death Book
• The GOOD DEATH GOOD LIFE Live Monthly BOOK CLUB and Q&A

Meet our guest:

Christine Caldwell

Founder and Executive Director, End of Life Psychedelic Care https://www.eolpc.org christine@eolpc.org

• Christine is the founder of End of Life Psychedelic Care, a nonprofit organization grounded in the principle that safe and supported psychedelic care can help transform the death and dying journey.
• She is the Co-Chair for the Dying Well Initiative, a part of the Global Wellness Institute and a graduate of the Psychedelics Today Vital Therapies and Integration Program.
• Christine is also the former owner of a Sarasota-based 250-client home health care agency.

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and Doulagivers Institute is giving you for both for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! 
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

It was during this time that the profound importance of open conversations about death began to unfold before me. Now, as a death doula, I invite you to join a transformative journey towards understanding grief, preparing for life's end, and embracing the sacredness of these inevitable experiences. Together, we'll explore how shifting our perspectives can change not only how we approach death, but how we live our lives with more intention and purpose.

In this enlightening episode of the Ask a Death Doula podcast, we unravel the complexities of grief and its profound impact on our emotional and spiritual well-being. We touch on essential topics such as discussing death with children and the healing power of practices like gratitude and meditation. Our conversations reveal that while grief is a deeply personal journey, its trajectory can be altered by understanding and embracing the emotions it brings. By recognizing grief as a non-linear process, we can begin to heal from past pain and create new traditions to honor those we've lost.

The episode also underscores the importance of self-care in the grieving process, urging us to listen to our bodies and emotions. We discuss societal myths around grief and the inadequate support systems, such as limited bereavement leave, that often hinder healing. This is the 12th and last installment of the Good Death Seminar Series. We highlight the transformative power of education in shifting our relationship with grief. We aim to foster a healthier perspective on death and life, one that encourages open dialogue, understanding, and ultimately, peace.

We dive into:

(00:00) Healing Grief and Talking to Children (11:54) New Perspectives on Grief and Bereavement (21:57) Navigating Grief and Healing Process (28:34) Navigating Societal Myths on Grief (42:39) Embracing Self-Care in Grief (49:05) Honoring Loved Ones Through New Traditions (57:21) Practicing Forgiveness and Healing Journey (01:06:15) Teaching Children About Death (01:15:25) Healing Grief Through Truth About Death

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar
• Buy The Good Death Book
• The GOOD DEATH GOOD LIFE Live Monthly BOOK CLUB and Q&A

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and Doulagivers Institute is giving you for both for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! 
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Welcome to an insightful exploration of the 11th installment of the Good Death Seminar Series, where we unpack the concept of "Keeping Death Green." Together, we explore how technological and medical advancements have transformed our perceptions of death, often veering away from its sacred nature. By revisiting historical perspectives and highlighting the gaps in contemporary hospice care, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of life's final chapters.

What does it mean to choose environmentally conscious end-of-life options? We dive into this critical topic by comparing traditional funerals with more sustainable alternatives like natural burials, water cremation, and human composting. We share invaluable insights into how these practices not only reflect personal and spiritual values but also contribute to environmental stewardship. We discuss the economic and ecological benefits of these greener options, inspiring listeners to consider the legacy they'd like to leave behind. From reducing carbon footprints to supporting biodiversity, these choices empower individuals to honor their loved ones while caring for the planet.

Lastly, we touch on the profound impact of body donation and other earth-friendly burial practices. By exploring the societal and personal implications of these choices, we highlight their role in medical education and environmental preservation. Our conversation stresses the importance of communicating end-of-life wishes and choosing reputable programs, ensuring that one's final act serves a greater purpose. We wrap up by reflecting on the sacredness of life and death, urging listeners to embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that they present. Join us in reimagining the end-of-life journey as a meaningful transition that respects both our humanity and the earth.

We dive into:

(00:00) Global Check-In (07:59) Green End-of-Life Burial Options (17:04) Eco-Friendly Burial Options Discussion (25:50) Eco-Friendly Burial Options Comparison (41:02) End-of-Life Planning and Donation Options (47:01) The Sacredness of End of Life

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar
• Buy The Good Death Book
• The GOOD DEATH GOOD LIFE Live Monthly BOOK CLUB and Q&A

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and Doulagivers Institute is giving you for both for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! 
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Discover the transformative insights as we explore the “rebirth of death” and its significance. With Suzanne O’Brien, a dedicated registered nurse with more than two decades in hospice and oncology care, uncover the forgotten truths of end-of-life processes, the gaps in hospice care, and the profound impact of embracing death with understanding and appreciation. Get ready to challenge modern perceptions and embrace a holistic approach to end-of-life care.

Suzanne O’Brien's mission is to empower family caregivers through practical education, and in this episode, she shares how her three-phase training program has reached over 369,000 people. Learn about the emotional and financial benefits of home wakes and funerals, and the inspiring potential of transforming traditional farewells into celebrations of life. Suzanne advocates for a positive end of life as a human right and invites listeners to engage in healing conversations about end-of-life care that can ease the burdens of grief.

Join us as we spotlight the revival of home funerals and the unique concept of living wakes, offering a heartfelt alternative to conventional rituals. Discover the empowerment found in writing a first-person eulogy and legacy messages that echo love and gratitude, ensuring our memory continues to resonate with loved ones. Celebrate life’s journey and the legacy we leave behind in this enlightening episode.

We dive into:

(00:00) The Rebirth of Death Seminar (11:41) Empowering Family Caregivers in End-of-Life (16:55) The Revival of Home Funerals (28:53) Celebrating Life With Living Wakes (35:19) Personal Touch in First Person Eulogies (51:07) Expressing Love and Legacy Messages

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar
• Buy The Good Death Book
• The GOOD DEATH GOOD LIFE Live Monthly BOOK CLUB and Q&A

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and Doulagivers Institute is giving you for both for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! 
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

In this chapter of our Good Death Seminar Series titled "The 3 Most Common End-of-Life Phenomena Reported Worldwide: Is There Something More?", we explore the mysteries surrounding end-of-life phenomena, drawing from decades of experience in hospice and oncology care. As we unpack the three most common end-of-life events, such as the surge of energy and visions of loved ones, we aim to reshape the conversation around death, transforming it from one of fear to one of understanding and acceptance.

Join us as we share heartfelt stories of patients who have experienced remarkable moments at the end of their life journey. From Patricia's sudden clarity and joy in her final hours to children who speak of spiritual visitors, these narratives reveal the deep connections and transitions that occur during this sacred time. Through these experiences, we challenge the notion of dying alone, highlighting the shared nature of these phenomena and the comfort they bring to both the dying and their loved ones.

Together, we'll discuss how to create a nurturing environment for those nearing the end of life, emphasizing the importance of presence, silence, and respect. Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or curious soul, this episode offers a compassionate lens on life's final chapter, encouraging openness and heart-centered conversations.

We dive into:

(00:00) Good Death Seminar Series (04:57) Reclaiming the Sacredness of Death (12:29) Heart Guidance vs. Ego Guidance (23:37) End of Life Phenomena (31:02) Signs of Waiting in End-of-Life (46:29) Visions of Loved Ones Before Death (49:47) Dying Wisdom and Shared Experiences (01:02:19) Facilitating Sacred Transitions in End-of-Life (01:10:41) Book Release and Special Offer Announcement (01:22:22) Pre-Ordering and Supporting Loved Ones (01:38:00) Global Unity and Gratitude

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar
• Buy The Good Death Book

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and Doulagivers Institute is giving you for both for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! 
• FREE Doulagivers Institute On-Demand Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!