Ask A Death Doula

In this episode, Suzanne O’Brien shares her inspiring journey from working as a nurse to becoming the founder of Doulagivers, an organization dedicated to providing free end-of-life care training to people around the world. Suzanne discusses her impactful work in countries like Guatemala and Thailand, where she has helped bring compassionate care and vital resources to communities in need. She emphasizes the belief that compassionate end-of-life care is a fundamental human right, and describes the ongoing global expansion of Doulagivers’ mission. 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, Suzan

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Michelle Donaldson. 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

What if the true measure of success isn't found in material achievements but in aligning with your heart's purpose and serving others with love? Join us for an enlightening journey as we challenge traditional notions of success, drawing wisdom from those nearing the end of life. We share the story of transitioning from the routine disillusionment of nursing to uncovering profound peace and purpose within hospice care. This transformation reveals how following one's intuition and making heart-guided choices leads to genuine fulfillment. Our gratitude extends to Success Magazine for showcasing the Doulagivers Institute's mission and the impactful work we continue to do.   (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  Or visit our website here!  GET THE GOOD

What if the key to a fulfilled and regret-free life lies in embracing the present moment? Join us on a transformative journey as we unravel the profound shift from living in fear and ego to embodying love, unity, and heart guidance. We reflect on the invaluable wisdom shared by individuals at the end of their lives, urging us to transform mundane routines into privileges steeped in gratitude. By perceiving each day as a "little lifetime," we explore the power of presence and the realization that energy never ends but simply changes form—a perspective that reshapes how we approach daily life. 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 plane

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Lee Webster. 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 s

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Jo Dagless. 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 e

What if confronting the reality of our own mortality could transform how we live today? In this episode of the Good Death Podcast, I invite you to step into the often-avoided conversation around end-of-life care and discover how facing this inevitability can deepen our appreciation for life itself. Through the raw and poignant story of a family navigating a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, we expose the turmoil that arises when preparations aren’t in place and explore what it truly means to define “quality of life” for ourselves. From the challenges of lung cancer and the weight of decisions around treatments like chemotherapy, we highlight why personal values—not fear—must guide our choices, ensuring that the time we have left is both meaningful and rooted in love. Beyond these stories lies the empowering journey of becoming an end-of-life doula, a calling that not only eases the weight of grief but also awakens a richer connection to living. Our live training initiative offers this transformative path while

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with John Kenney 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 profou

What if embracing death could bring more meaning to life? Join us on a profound exploration into the concept of a "good death," where we unravel the practical and emotional dimensions often shrouded in fear. We tackle the age-old perception of death as a sacred rite of passage and invite listeners to redefine their relationship with life's inevitable end. Together, we establish personal benchmarks for quality of life—like recognizing loved ones, self-care, and mobility—that aid in making thoughtful decisions about end-of-life care. Reflect on what truly matters to you and how you can ensure your wishes are honored when it counts. 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,

Unlock the secrets to navigating the profound journey of end-of-life care with insights from my 20 years of experience as a hospice and oncology nurse. You'll gain the tools needed to transform your perception of mortality from one of fear to acceptance, understanding death as a sacred rite of passage. By exploring the expansion of Doulagiver's Institute to Boise, Idaho, as part of the Good Death Book Tour, we emphasize the importance of planning and understanding the phases of end of life. Learn practical strategies like the three-question technique and appreciate the benefits of home wakes and funerals, empowering you to support loved ones through terminal diagnoses with compassion and grace. 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 compassiona

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Jerry and Nya Chambless 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

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Darren Evans 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 che

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Karen Midlo When Karen unexpectedly lost her husband, she embarked on a journey that reshaped her understanding of life and death, moving from her demanding role as an executive director in senior living during the COVID-19 pandemic to finding her true calling as a certified death doula and grief educator. In this episode, Karen shares her transformative experiences, showing how moments of deep challenge fueled her passion to support seniors and their families. Together, we navigate the complex landscape of end-of-life choices, including Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), clarifying misconceptions and highlighting their significance. With an emphasis on clear communication and family support, we examine the impact of dementia on planning, drawing attention to valuable resources like the dementia toolkit from Compassion and Choices that help ensure informed, personalized decisions. Karen a

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Jennifer A. O'Brien. 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

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Elizabeth Coplan. 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 beaut

What does it truly mean to live well as we approach the end of life? 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

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Dr. Karen Wyatt. 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 fut

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Reena Lazar. 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 t

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar. 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) Heal

THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Krista Montague, CDP, AT-BC. 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) Recog