Ask A Death Doula: Recent Episodes
Suzanne B. O'Brien RN
"Ask a Death Doula" Podcast is a weekly show hosted by Hospice and Oncology nurse Suzanne B. O'Brien. Ask a Death Doula will chronicle the Death Doula movement. We will interview leaders in this progressive movement from around the world as well as patients, families and Death Doulas. Please visit www.doulagivers.com for more information
☀️Join Me For The DEATH DOULA BOOTCAMP August 27th-29th
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.
In this episode, you'll discover:* 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.
The Three Pillars1. 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.
Resources MentionedDoulagivers 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.
Ready to Take the Next Step?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.
Death Doula Business Bootcamp: Is This Your Calling?☀️Join Me For The DEATH DOULA BOOTCAMP August 27th-29th
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.
In this episode, you'll discover:* 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.
Is this Bootcamp for you?You're considering becoming a death doula.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're already a death doula—but your business isn't growing.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.
You're moving from Caregiver to Calling.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're moving from Corporate to Calling.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.
You're moving from Healthcare to Calling.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.
What You'll Learn During the Death Doula Business BootcampDuring 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.
Join the MovementSuzanne'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.
Ready to Take the Next Step?🎓 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.
For years, people have come to me asking one question:
"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.
In this episode you'll discover:* 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.
Ready to Learn More?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.
As Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation continues to expand across the United States and around the world, one important question deserves deeper exploration:
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.
In This Episode* 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.
Connect with SuzanneIf 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
What if everything we've been taught about success is incomplete?
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.
In This Episode You'll Discover:* 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
Memorable TakeawaySuccess 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?"
About Kerrie Lee BrownKerrie 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
Connect with Suzanne B. O'BrienIf 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
What if the future of end-of-life care isn't found inside the healthcare system—but within our communities?
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.
In This Episode You'll Discover:* 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.
Key TakeawayChanging 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.
Join the First-Ever Death Doula BootcampIf 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.
Reserve Your Seat TodayJoin 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
If This Episode Inspired You...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.
What happens when you listen to the quiet voice in your heart and trust where it leads?
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.
In This Episode You'll Discover:* 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* 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...
Connect & Learn MoreIf 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.
Is the Medical Aid in Dying Movement Opening Up a Bigger Conversation?As Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation continues to expand across the United States, a deeper question is emerging:
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.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:* 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
A Question Worth AskingIf 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.
Resources MentionedDeath Doula Secrets Webinar: https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/register/zmyryix0?
Free Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver Training : HEREFreakonomics: 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.
The Good Death Book: Click hereSuzanne B. O'Brien's bestselling book on what the dying teach us about living fully, loving deeply, and facing death without fear.
Doulagivers InstituteProviding free education, resources, and professional certification programs to help return the sacredness of aging, caregiving, end-of-life, grief, and community support.
Connect with SuzanneSuzanne 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.
If This Episode Resonated With You...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 success wasn't measured by titles, status, or income alone?
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.
In This Episode:* 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
About Yasmeen FatimaYasmeen 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.
Connect and Learn MoreExplore 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.
ResourcesFree Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver TrainingThe 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
The Good Death Seminar SeriesJoin 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/
Connect with SuzanneWebsite: 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
In this special birthday episode, Suzanne reflects on turning 59 and shares some of the greatest lessons she has learned from caring for more than 1,000 people at the end of life and training over 400,000 people to care for the dying.
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.
In This Episode* 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
The Good Death Seminar Series 2026–2027June 11, 2026How 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.
July 9, 2026What Is Hospice Care and How Does It Work?
Understanding hospice, the Hospice Gap, and how families can bridge it.
August 13, 2026Advance Directives and POLST Forms
What they are, how they work, and what you need to know to make your wishes legally actionable.
September 10, 2026Choosing a Healthcare Proxy
The language we often get wrong and how to select the right person.
October 8, 2026Quality of Life
Defining what quality of life means to you and why it should guide your healthcare decisions.
November 12, 2026The 9 Essential End-of-Life Questions
The conversations and decisions that create peace of mind.
December 10, 2026Having 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.
January 14, 2027When Families Don't Agree
Navigating conflict and differing opinions around end-of-life care.
February 11, 2027The Three Most Common End-of-Life Phenomena
What people around the world report experiencing at the end of life and what it may mean.
March 11, 2027Home Wakes, Home Funerals, and FUNerals
Exploring family-centered after-death care and celebration.
April 8, 2027Green End-of-Life Options
Natural burial, water cremation, human composting, and emerging choices.
May 13, 2027Grief 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.
A Birthday WishIf 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.
ResourcesFree Doulagivers Level 1 Family Caregiver TrainingThe 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
The Good Death Seminar SeriesJoin 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/
Connect with SuzanneWebsite: 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
In this deeply important and heartfelt episode, hospice and oncology nurse, death doula educator, and founder of the Doulagivers Institute https://doulagivers.com, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN, shares the truth about why so many end-of-life experiences today are filled with fear, overwhelm, and unnecessary suffering.
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.
In This Episode, Suzanne Discusses:1. Families No Longer Have the Skills to Care for Loved Ones at End of Life* 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
- Most People Do Not Understand What Hospice Does (or Does Not Do)* 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
-
Fear of Death Is Driving Suffering* 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
The Hope: Education Changes EverythingSuzanne 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
Save Your Spot for the FREE Live TrainingThis 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
Memorable Quotes from This Episode“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.”
Connect with Suzanne B. O’Brien RNTake the Free LIVE Death Doula Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-registerWebsite: https://doulagivers.com/Get The Book: The Good Death HereFollow & ShareIf 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.
In this deeply emotional Mother’s Day episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN shares one of the most sacred callings many of us will ever experience: walking our mothers home at the end of life.
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.
What Participants Are Saying“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.
Join the Free Global TrainingOne 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.
About Suzanne B. O’Brien RNSuzanne 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
This is a moment in time that marks a profound shift in how we care for one another.
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.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode* 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
Why This MattersEvery 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.
A Message from Suzanne“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.”
Global ImpactWith 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
Access the Free TrainingYou 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...
Join the MovementThis 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.
🔗 Connect & Learn More* Take the free DEATH DOULA Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f... * Website: https://doulagivers.com * Get The GOOD DEATH Book: https://thegooddeathbook.com/
Share the MessageIf 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!
In this powerful and necessary episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, shares the essential questions every aspiring death doula must ask before choosing a training program.
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.
-What You’ll Learn* 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
-The 3 Must-Haves in a Legitimate Death Doula Training1. Comprehensive, Real-World EducationA 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.
- Structured Support & MentorshipThis 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.
- Clear Pathway to Service & PracticeA 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.
Why This MattersEnd-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.”
-Resources & Next StepsRegister 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
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe!ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
In this deeply moving and expansive episode, Suzanne shares her personal experience traveling to Thailand to train Buddhist monks in end-of-life care through the Doulagivers program. What unfolds is a powerful reminder that while cultures, traditions, and languages may differ, the heart of caring for someone at the end of life is universal.
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.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode 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.
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe!ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
In this special episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN—founder of the Doulagivers Institute—announces the 8th Annual Death Doula World Training Day, taking place on April 22nd at 7 PM ET.
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.
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode* 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
Why This MattersWe 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.”
🌿 Event Details🗓 Date: April 22
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM ET
-Location: Global Online Event
-Cost: FREE
SPACE is Limited- Save your seat now! https://doulagivers.com
Who This Is For* 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
Be Part of the MovementThis 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.
Share This EpisodeIf this message resonates, please share it with someone who needs it.
Your voice helps expand this movement of compassion across the world.
Final ReflectionDeath reminds us of what matters most:
Love. Presence. Connection.
Let’s bring that back—together.
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe!ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
In this deeply meaningful episode, we invite you into a global movement rooted in compassion, presence, and love.
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.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode* 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
About Death Doula World Training DayDeath 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
Why This MattersAt 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.
Your InvitationBe 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
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe!ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
JOIN DEATH DOULA WORLD TRAINING DAY ONLINE LIVE APRIL 22nd at 7pm EST. Save your seat HERE:CLICK HERE NOW!!!
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.
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe!ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
One of the most distressing moments for families at the end of life is when a loved one stops eating and drinking. It can feel like they are starving, like something is wrong, or like we should be doing more.
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.
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe!ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
Most people believe hospice means that medical professionals will come in and take care of everything when someone is dying.But the reality is very different.
In this episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN — former hospice and oncology nurse who has cared for more than 1,000 patients at the end of life — reveals the number one problem with hospice care today and why so many families feel overwhelmed during one of the most important moments of life.
The truth may surprise you.
Hospice was designed to provide comfort, guidance, and medical oversight, but the majority of hands-on care actually falls to family members at home.
In fact, families often find themselves responsible for tasks such as:
administering medications
managing symptoms
bathing and repositioning their loved one
monitoring breathing and physical changes
All while navigating grief, exhaustion, and fear.
Many families enter hospice believing full-time care will be provided — only to discover that nurses and hospice staff may visit periodically while loved ones provide most of the daily care.
This isn’t a failure of hospice.
It’s a missing piece of education.
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.
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
In this special episode, Suzanne O’Brien, RN, founder of Doulagivers Institute and former oncology and hospice nurse, celebrates the one-year anniversary of her book The Good Death: A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of Life.
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
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
What if the secret to a happier life isn’t positive thinking — but remembering that life is finite?
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.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• 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.
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Join us at Life Café here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
What if one question could change everything about how you die?
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.
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
Can learning about death actually heal grief?
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
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
This Valentine’s Day, we’re talking about love — not the romanticized version we’ve been sold, but the deeper truth revealed by those at the end of life.After sitting with over 1,000 people as they were dying, one message comes through again and again: love is the meaning of life. Not achievement. Not productivity. Not perfection. Love. In this episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN shares what the dying teach us about:Why we’ve misunderstood loveThe Four Truths people realize at the end of lifeHow coherence — heart-led living — changes everythingWhy the heart was always meant to lead, and the mind to supportWhat true life mastery actually looks likeHow remembering who we truly are transforms our choices, relationships, and peace.This is an invitation to soften, to remember, and to return home to the truth of who you are: a spiritual being having a human experience, here to learn love. 💜In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Valentine’s Day reimagined through end-of-life wisdomThe Four Truths revealed at the bedsideHeart coherence vs. mind-led survivalLove as alignment, not attachmentLetting go of judgment and fearWhy love is not something we earn — it’s who we areReflectionQuestions:Where in your life has the mind been leading instead of the heart?What would change if love guided your choices?How might your life feel if you trusted your heart as truth? 🌟Resources Mentioned:Download the Universal Life Mastery Guide A gentle guide to remembering who you are, why you’re here, and how to live from coherence and love. https://doulagivers.com/ulm-guide/ Closing Thought:Love isn’t something we find.It’s something we remember. Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
In this episode, Suzanne O’Brien reflects on the first anniversary of The Good Death and the simple intention behind the book: to soften fear, open conversations, and remind us that death can be sacred and peaceful when we plan ahead. After hearing from caregivers, nurses, doctors, and families whose lives were changed by the book, Suzanne invites listeners to leave a heartfelt review—because reviews are how this message reaches people before crisis, supports overwhelmed caregivers, and helps families discover another way to walk the end-of-life journey.
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
In this episode, Suzanne shares her guiding model, Serve & Assist, and why it’s essential for heart-centered death doulas and caregivers today. Learn how serving your community first—through education and presence—creates trust, impact, and a sustainable practice without pressure or hustle.
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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
Are Men and Veterans Being Left Alone in Grief and at the End of Life?
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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
Is End-of-Life Pain Really Being Managed?
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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne O’Brien shares a heartfelt reflection on this moment in humanity—and a special announcement:
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
As we close out 2025, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN shares a heartfelt Year in Review for the Doulagivers Institute, reflecting on three extraordinary milestones that are helping transform end-of-life care around the world. This episode honors what’s possible when education, compassion, and community come together.
🌍 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:
Is the Death Doula Movement Dying? Or Is It Being Called to Grow Up? There is a quiet question being asked behind the scenes of end-of-life care—by hospices, medical teams, families, and even doulas themselves: Is the death doula movement losing its way? In this powerful episode of ASK A DEATH DOULA, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN—founder of the Doulagivers Institute and author of the bestselling book THE GOOD DEATH—speaks with honesty, compassion, and clarity about what is really happening within the death doula movement today. This is not an attack. It is a call to integrity. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why death doulas exist in a non-regulated, non-medical, and unlicensed space—and why that matters The difference between a certificate of completion and meaningful, evidence-based end-of-life education How the explosion of “trendy” death doula trainings has created wide variability in ethics, depth, and preparedness What a 2020 article in the Journal of Palliative Care and Social Practice revealed about hospice teams struggling to trust doulas due to inconsistent training. Why death is not a medical experience, yet still requires education in physiology, signs and symptoms, ethical scope, and interdisciplinary collaboration. How Doulagivers listened—to hospices, medical directors, families, and their own graduates—and responded. Real-world examples of Doulagivers graduates working successfully inside hospice systems: Michelle Donaldson, full-time Doulagiver employed by Unified Care Hospice Karen Midlo, hospice community educator Jane Whitlock, resident Doulagiver in senior living Lindsay Ward, now a full-time Volunteer & Bereavement Coordinator for her hospice. Why these women are achieving both IMPACT and INCOME—and why they are not outliers. The important decision that beginning in 2026, Certified Doulagivers will be application-only. Why This Moment Matters The aging demographic shift is undeniable. Mainstream medicine cannot meet the demand alone. Doulas—when properly educated—are not a threat to hospice. They are an asset. They are the bridge. The eyes. The ears. The heart. As one hospice medical director shared about Doulagivers graduate Michelle Donaldson: “The presence of a Doulagiver provides an additional layer of compassionate care—extra eyes, hands, and heart at the bedside. What makes Michelle truly exceptional is the depth of her knowledge, her calm and grounding demeanor, and her ability to have meaningful, honest conversations about the end of life in a way that is both comforting and deeply human.” If you feel that being a Doulagiver / End-of-Life Doula is your calling—and you want training that hospices trust, families rely on, and that is grounded in real bedside experience— 👉 Apply to become a Certified Doulagiver Beginning in 2026, certification will be application-only to ensure alignment, readiness, ethical responsibility, and the highest standard of care. 👉 Or start with our Level 1 End-of-Life Doula Family Caregiver Training A powerful introduction to evidence-based end-of-life care that is transforming families and communities worldwide. 🔗 Apply here: https://join.doulagivers.com/path-to-... 🔗 Level 1 Training: Click here: https://event.webinarjam.com/4kv5v/re... With gratitude and unwavering commitment, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN Founder, Doulagivers Institute
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, 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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest: Michelle Donaldson
Website: Open Arms Doula
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Register for the ULM Masterclass: How to Access the "Joy of Being" November 20th at 7pm ET on Zoom here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Links mentioned in this episode:
National Home Funeral Alliance
End of Life Doula Alliance
Green Burial Council
Conservation Burial Alliance
Funeral Consumers Alliance
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
Jo Dagless
Executive Producer and Co-founder of Lifting the Lid International Festival of Death and Dying
LinkedIn: Jo Dagless
FB Group: Lifting The Lid Festival of Death and Dying
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
What if confronting the reality of our own mortality could transform how we live today? In this episode of the Good Death Podcast, I invite you to step into the often-avoided conversation around end-of-life care and discover how facing this inevitability can deepen our appreciation for life itself. Through the raw and poignant story of a family navigating a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, we expose the turmoil that arises when preparations aren’t in place and explore what it truly means to define “quality of life” for ourselves. From the challenges of lung cancer and the weight of decisions around treatments like chemotherapy, we highlight why personal values—not fear—must guide our choices, ensuring that the time we have left is both meaningful and rooted in love.
Beyond these stories lies the empowering journey of becoming an end-of-life doula, a calling that not only eases the weight of grief but also awakens a richer connection to living. Our live training initiative offers this transformative path while extending compassion beyond ourselves—each enrollment provides meals for 10 people through Feeding America. This episode is more than a conversation; it’s an invitation to embrace mortality with courage, prepare with intention, and walk life’s final chapter with wisdom and compassion. Join us for this enlightening discussion and share it with those you love, as together we reimagine the end of life as a sacred part of the human journey.
(00:02) End of Life Doula Training
(07:37) Questions to Ask Before Treatment
(20:39) Quality of Life Decision-Making
(25:59) Top 10 Questions for Doula Training
👉 Get your list of Top Questions to Ask the MD on a Visit here
Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here 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
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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, 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
👉 Saying Goodbye: Preparing for Death: Watch Chapter 2 in the When You Die Trilogy then attend the LIVE Q&A on October 19th at 6pm EST > Grab your tickets here! Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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:
GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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_
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
Darren Evans
CEO & Founder, After Cloud
LinkedIn: Darren Evans
Website: www.aftercloud.co.uk
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
ELEpisode List
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Karen Midlo
When Karen unexpectedly lost her husband, she embarked on a journey that reshaped her understanding of life and death, moving from her demanding role as an executive director in senior living during the COVID-19 pandemic to finding her true calling as a certified death doula and grief educator. In this episode, Karen shares her transformative experiences, showing how moments of deep challenge fueled her passion to support seniors and their families. Together, we navigate the complex landscape of end-of-life choices, including Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), clarifying misconceptions and highlighting their significance. With an emphasis on clear communication and family support, we examine the impact of dementia on planning, drawing attention to valuable resources like the dementia toolkit from Compassion and Choices that help ensure informed, personalized decisions. Karen also reflects on the sacredness of end-of-life experiences, illustrating how, with the right education and support, these moments can shift from fearful to profoundly meaningful. Through her personal stories and dedication to community education, the episode underscores the importance of embracing conversations about death, concluding with gratitude for Karen’s invaluable contributions and anticipation for future discussions that will continue to illuminate the profound journey of life and its inevitable end.
(00:02) Finding Purpose in End of Life
(10:08) Exploring End-of-Life Choices and Planning
(18:18) Embracing Life and End-of-Life Education
(28:42) Empowering End-of-Life Education and Support
(38:16) End-of-Life Education and Support
Join the waitlist for our Fall Live Semester
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE
Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
Karen Midlo
End-of-Life Doula & Certified Grief Educator
Email: eoldoulakaren@gmail.com
Cell Phone: 281-910-3313
Website: endoflifedoulasid.doulagiverslegacyleaders.com
Please Share! Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
ELEpisode List
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 Care Journey
(13:01) Clarifying Hospice and Palliative Care
(27:41) Exploring Advanced Care Planning Options
(32:10) Empowering Caregivers Through Leadership and Vision
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
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
Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
Elizabeth Coplan
Founder of Grief Dialogues
Website: www.griefdialogues.com
LinkedIn: Grief Dialogues
Facebook Group: Grief Dialogues
Instagram: @grief.dialogue
Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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) Planning for Dementia Advanced Directives
(28:13) Empowering Choices in Dementia Care
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Get The Dementia Advance Directive below Click here Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
Dr. Karen Wyatt
Founder, End-of-Life University
Best-selling Author
Website: eulopodcast.com
FB:End-of-Life University
Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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 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
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
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
Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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) Healing Veterans Through Forgiveness and Presence
(30:00) Elevating End of Life Care
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar
Founder — In Their Honor, LLC (ITH)
Website: intheirhonor.info
Facebook: qwynn.salazar
Instagram: @qgsalazar
LinkedIn: Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar
Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
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) 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
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
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
Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Melissa Meadow.
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
Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Meet our guest:
Melissa Meadow
The Modern Mortician
Website: www.themodernmortician.com
IG: the_modern_mortician
FB: The Modern Mortician
TikTok: the_modern_mortician
Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
The elder care crisis is here—are you ready?
In this episode of The Good Death Podcast, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN shares a powerful story from the frontlines of care, explores why most families are unprepared, and introduces the Living Well Aging Plans (Plan A, B & C) to help you plan ahead with confidence.
📘 Join the free Good Death Book Club to keep learning: TheGoodDeathBook.com 00:23 Understanding the Fear of Death
01:44 The Elder Care Crisis
02:11 Marsha's Story: A Case Study
06:07 The Growing Aging Population
09:21 Planning for Aging: Plan A, B, and C Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE Or visit our website here! GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here Please Share!Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker?
Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience. Listen & Subscribe:
Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education
Join Here: 4491664174178077 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑
If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily. Click here to subscribe! ツ CONNECT WITH ME ツ
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:* Instagram
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Website
* Podcast
deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes
What if your end-of-life journey could be as dignified and peaceful as possible?
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:
00:00 Introduction to the Good Death Podcast00:39 Understanding Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)04:14 Legal Aspects and Criteria for MAID05:56 Reasons People Choose MAID08:19 Addressing Fears and Concerns13:31 Alternative End-of-Life Options15:57 The Role of Doulas and Support Systems17:00 Making Informed Decisions21:47 Invitation to the Good Death Book Club23:44 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you found this podcast helpful, please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.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!
Unlock the secrets to transforming end-of-life care with the healing power of psychedelics.
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
If you found this podcast helpful, please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.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!
Years ago, I stood beside countless patients in the hospital, overwhelmed by the harsh realities and often unmet emotional needs at the end of life.
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
If you found this podcast helpful, please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.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!
What if your final farewell could honor both your legacy and the planet?
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
If you found this podcast helpful, please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.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!
What happens when society loses touch with the sacred process of dying?
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
If you found this podcast helpful, please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.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!
What if death isn't the end, but a sacred transition filled with profound experiences?
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
If you found this podcast helpful, please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.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!
Revolutionizing End-of-Life Care: The Vital Role of Death Doulas
Role of a death doula: a non-medical professional dedicated to providing holistic support to patients and their families through the end-of-life journey. We'll explore the multifaceted care death doulas offer, from emotional and spiritual support to physical and informational guidance. Listen in as we discuss the shortcomings of current hospice care structures, the critical need for better training for family caregivers, and how death doulas bridge these gaps by ensuring comprehensive end-of-life care. We also highlight the importance of recognizing death as a human experience rather than merely a medical event and how education on end-of-life care can empower families.
In this episode, we also address the challenges faced by hospice nurses and the significant role of death doulas in enhancing the quality of daily living for patients and their families. Discover the profound life lessons learned from working with the dying, such as the value of time, presence, compassion, and forgiveness. We'll delve into the specific roles and responsibilities of death doulas, including creating a sacred space during the vigil period and offering emotional support and guidance without providing medical or legal advice. If you're interested in learning more about this meaningful profession, don't miss our upcoming Death Doula Discovery Webinar. Secure your seat and join us for a deeper understanding of how death doulas are revolutionizing end-of-life care.
We dive into:
(00:02) What Does a Death Doula Do?
(06:34) Revolutionizing End-of-Life Care With Death Doulas
(20:11) Roles and Responsibilities of Death Doulas
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- FREE Doulagivers Institute Death Doula Discovery Webinar - Friday, April 17th 2025 @ 7:00PM CST
- Doulagivers Spring 2025 Live Semester Waitlist - Join the Waitlist
- 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Unlock the secrets to navigating end-of-life care with empathy and clarity in our latest episode of the Ask a Death Doula podcast.
Suzanne O'Brien invites you to explore the profound yet practical aspects of caring for loved ones in their final stages of life. From understanding advanced directives and dementia-specific care planning to addressing the emotional labyrinth of family dynamics, this episode is packed with insights to help you honor your loved ones' wishes and navigate these challenging conversations with confidence.
Join us as we share heartfelt stories from caregivers and hospice professionals around the globe, highlighting the universal challenges and emotional tolls of end-of-life care. Discover strategies to prevent caregiver burnout and learn how to support both yourself and your loved ones through this journey. We'll guide you through practical self-care techniques and emphasize the importance of community and open communication in reducing family conflicts and ensuring everyone's needs are met.
Through poignant storytelling and expert guidance, this episode offers a compassionate approach to understanding death as a sacred and natural part of life. We delve into the increasing prevalence of dementia and the vital importance of proactive care planning to prepare for an aging population. Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or simply curious about end-of-life care, this episode promises to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to embrace a "good death" for yourself and those you love. Join us, and transform your perspective on life and death with kindness, education, and support.
Mark your calendars!
On March 22nd, I’m hosting a private virtual event to celebrate "THE GOOD DEATH," and I want YOU to join me.
Pre-order the book today, and you’ll get exclusive access to a full day of training, conversation about what makes life an AMAZING journey. I will share my 5 pillar framework that I use every day, to create a life of fulfillment, joy and service- and you can too!
I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Grab your ticket here!
We dive into:
(00:01) End of Life Care and Decisions
(06:17) Understanding Advanced Directives and Dementia
(20:32) Family Caregiving for Elderly Relatives
(24:25) Preventing Caregiver Burnout
(36:52) Caregiver Self-Care and Regrets
(50:36) Child Hospice Care and Burnout Prevention
(59:01) Navigating Family Conflict in End-of-Life Care
(01:08:23) Planning for End-of-Life Care
(01:13:38) Navigating End-of-Life Care Challenges
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What if planning for the end of life could be one of the greatest gifts you give your loved ones?
As your host, Suzanne O'Brien, I unravel the complexities of end-of-life conversations, inviting a global audience from Canada to Thailand to join this critical dialogue. Together, we confront the challenges often associated with discussing end-of-life wishes, offering practical insights to help families navigate these sensitive discussions with empathy and understanding. Through powerful narratives and expert advice, we aim to transform these conversations from fear-inducing to empowering, ensuring that personal quality of life preferences are clearly communicated and respected.
Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore the significance of advance directives and the peace of mind they bring to both individuals and their families. Sharing a touching story about the complications that arise in their absence, we highlight the necessity of proactive planning. Emphasizing the importance of comfort, dignity, and cultural considerations, we provide guidance on how to ensure your end-of-life decisions align with your values and beliefs. With openness and compassion, we encourage listeners to engage in these conversations, highlighting the profound impact of having one's wishes documented and understood.
Creating a supportive environment for end-of-life planning is crucial, and we delve into innovative approaches like the "death cafe" concept to foster open dialogue. By setting specific dates for family meetings, utilizing tools like video calls, and involving loved ones in the process, we advocate for a comprehensive strategy that normalizes and celebrates the natural cycle of life. Join us for an enlightening session that not only educates but inspires, as we collectively embrace the sacred act of planning for a "good death" that honors and respects our deepest wishes.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on March 12th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
Mark your calendars!
On March 22nd, I’m hosting a private virtual event to celebrate "THE GOOD DEATH," and I want YOU to join me.
Pre-order the book today, and you’ll get exclusive access to a full day of training, conversation about what makes life an AMAZING journey. I will share my 5 pillar framework that I use every day, to create a life of fulfillment, joy and service- and you can too!
I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Grab your ticket here!
We dive into:
(00:00) - The Good Death Seminar Series(13:52) - End-of-Life Decision Making Guidance(21:25) - Advance Directives and End-of-Life Wishes(31:52) - Comfortable End-of-Life Conversations(41:21) - Family Dynamics and End-of-Life Wishes(44:52) - Exploring End-of-Life Conversations and Planning(54:31) - Family Conversation on End-of-Life WishesWe want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What does it take to ensure a "good death"?
Join us as we explore this profound question with our esteemed guest, Susanna Bryan, a transformative figure in end-of-life care. Drawing from her rich experiences as a former hospice and oncology nurse, and founder of the Doula Givers Institute, Susanna offers enlightening insights into making the end-of-life experience more human-centered. Inspired by her volunteer work in Zimbabwe, she advocates for changes in the American system to focus on clarity, comfort, and dignity, and shares the nine essential questions that guide this process. Her journey underscores the importance of presence and a supportive community for those nearing life's end and provides a roadmap to align end-of-life experiences with personal values.
This episode delves into the delicate task of discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones, focusing on maintaining quality of life and ensuring wishes are respected. We recount the heartfelt story of Mary, who faced terminal cancer with grace and celebrated her life through a living funeral. Mary's journey is a testament to the power of prioritizing personal comfort and symptom management over medical interventions. We also explore the role of palliative care in enhancing quality of life, encouraging listeners to consider practical, physical, and emotional preparations for future decisions.
Listeners are invited to consider their own end-of-life care preferences, from choosing a healthcare proxy to exploring environmentally friendly body disposition options. We highlight the significance of legal documents like the POLST form in ensuring wishes are followed and emphasize the value of clear communication with family. As we explore alternative end-of-life celebrations, such as body donation and living funerals, we encourage embracing personal choice to honor life and death. By empowering you with knowledge and confidence, this episode aims to make end-of-life planning a meaningful and sacred gift for both you and your loved ones.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on March 12th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
Mark your calendars!
On March 22nd, I’m hosting a private virtual event to celebrate "THE GOOD DEATH," and I want YOU to join me.
Pre-order the book today, and you’ll get exclusive access to a full day of training, conversation about what makes life an AMAZING journey. I will share my 5 pillar framework that I use every day, to create a life of fulfillment, joy and service- and you can too!
I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Grab your ticket here!
We dive into:
(00:00) - Good Death Seminar Series(10:00) - End-of-Life Care and Planning Discussion"(20:11) - Quality of Life and Care Planning(25:48) - Personalized End-of-Life Care Preferences(36:23) - End-of-Life Care Planning Choices(46:52) - Home Funeral and Disposition Options(52:32) - Body Donation and End-of-Life Celebrations(59:50) - Ensuring Legal Medical PreferencesWe want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What if the end of life was not something to fear, but an opportunity to celebrate personal values and make informed choices?
Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, as we promise to guide you through this transformative perspective shift in our Good Death Seminar Series. This episode sheds light on the importance of quality of life over mere life extension, underscoring death as a sacred rite of passage that deserves our respect and careful consideration. We delve into historical and cultural perspectives on death, offering insights to enrich your understanding of life itself.
Drawing on my extensive experience as a hospice and oncology nurse, we explore the significance of quality of life when facing serious illnesses. The discussion highlights the importance of advanced directives and healthcare proxies, emphasizing how these tools can empower individuals to make decisions aligned with their personal values. Real-life stories illustrate the profound impact of informed choices on end-of-life experiences, while practical guidance on symptom management and critical diagnosis questions ensure you and your loved ones can navigate these challenging times with confidence and clarity.
We also explore the critical role of communication and advocacy in medical settings, especially when confronting critical diagnoses. Discover how sharing experiences and having a third-party advocate, such as an elder care doula, can transform an overwhelming situation into an empowering journey. By fostering open conversations and planning ahead, you can ensure that end-of-life wishes are honored, turning what is often a difficult subject into a meaningful dialogue. Join us as we seek to inspire change, drawing on the wisdom of those at the end of life who remind us that presence and understanding are the greatest gifts we can offer.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on February 26th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
Mark your calendars!
On March 22nd, I’m hosting a private virtual event to celebrate "THE GOOD DEATH," and I want YOU to join me.
Pre-order the book today, and you’ll get exclusive access to a full day of training, conversation about what makes life an AMAZING journey. I will share my 5 pillar framework that I use every day, to create a life of fulfillment, joy and service- and you can too!
I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Grab your ticket here!
We dive into:
(00:00) Good Death Seminar Series Overview
(06:00) Quality of Life Seminar Series Recap
(14:22) Choosing Quality of Life Over Cure
(22:21) Critical Diagnosis
(37:14) Advocacy and Education in Health Choices
(44:07) Empowering Decision Making Through Communication
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Have you ever wondered how a healthcare proxy can impact your end-of-life planning?
As a devoted hospice and oncology nurse, I've witnessed firsthand the profound importance of choosing the right person to voice your medical wishes. Embark on this journey with me as I share heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking stories that reveal the true essence of a healthcare proxy and how it differs from a financial power of attorney. By the time we're done, you'll have gained invaluable insight into selecting someone who can ensure your journey concludes with dignity and peace.
Understanding the terminology around healthcare proxies can often feel like navigating a labyrinth. Terms like healthcare surrogate and healthcare agent might sound confusing, but each has a specific role in safeguarding your medical preferences. Drawing from over two decades of experience and memorable moments from around the globe, including a life-changing trip to Zimbabwe, I unravel these complexities. For those without an obvious choice, learn about innovative solutions like doula giver healthcare proxy mixers and support groups that help you make these crucial decisions.
The episode doesn't just stop at education—it’s a call to prepare and act. With the launch of the Good Death book, you have a chance to delve deeper into the art of living and dying well. I also invite you to a live masterclass where you can expand your understanding and engage with others on this journey. Join us and transform the way you approach end-of-life planning, ensuring that your wishes are honored, and your loved ones spared unnecessary distress.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on February 26th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:00) Choosing a Healthcare Proxy
(10:51) Understanding Healthcare Proxy Terminology
(21:54) Selecting a Healthcare Proxy Wisely
(31:58) Exploring Healthcare Proxy Options
(45:03) Announcing Good Death Book Launch Event
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Unlock the secrets to a more peaceful and prepared end-of-life experience with insights from our latest session in the Good Death Seminar series.
As a hospice and oncology nurse, I draw from my extensive experience to transform the fear and chaos surrounding death into an opportunity for growth and understanding. You'll learn how to have essential end-of-life conversations that not only honor loved ones but also teach us valuable lessons about truly living. Discover how the Good Death Movement is reshaping societal perceptions and inspiring a more meaningful appreciation for life.
Our discussion delves into the importance of having advanced directive conversations with family and friends, ensuring that end-of-life wishes are respected and documented. Through poignant stories, such as that of Mrs. Murphy, we highlight the potential heartbreak and conflict that arise from avoiding these critical discussions. Learn about the role of certified end-of-life doulas and the significance of legal documents like advanced directives and the POLST form in making your wishes known and legally recognized.
Join us as we explore advanced directives' profound impact on families and medical professionals, offering peace of mind and clear guidance for those difficult decisions. We emphasize the need for proactive communication and preparation to bridge gaps in care and prevent misunderstandings. By participating in our movement, you contribute to a cultural shift in how society views death, fostering conversations that lead to a more serene and dignified end-of-life journey for all.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on February 12th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:00) Good Death Seminar Series Introduction
(06:22) The Importance of End-of-Life Planning
(20:07) Family Advanced Directive Discussion Comfort Level
(25:12) Advance Directive Importance and Preparation
(31:06) Advanced Directive Benefits and Challenges
(35:47) Advanced Directives and Legal Considerations
(45:06) The Importance of the Pulse Form
(57:04) Good Death Book Purchase Instructions
(01:10:51) Good Death Book Bonuses and Certification
(01:23:43) Initiating Conversations on End-of-Life Care
(01:32:28) The Good Death Movement Conclusion
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
How prepared are you to support a loved one at the end of life?
This is a question many avoid but is crucial for everyone to consider. In the Good Death Seminar Series, we equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the journey of end-of-life care. We begin by sharing personal stories that illustrate the transformative power of being educated and empowered in this role. Together, we'll explore the history and purpose of hospice care, the impact of Medicare, and critical questions you should ask when selecting a hospice provider. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference, even if it helps just one person find peace and positivity in challenging times.
As we continue, we confront the challenges posed by the rising number of for-profit hospices, questioning how profit-driven motives might affect the quality of care. Through poignant narratives like Mr. Penn's, we expose systemic gaps and the urgent need for patient-centered care. By reflecting on the invaluable contributions of hospice workers, we advocate for a renewed focus on collaboration to ensure dignified and supportive end-of-life experiences. With discussions on pain management, advanced directive documents, and the essential role families play, we aim to empower you with the tools needed for informed decision-making.
Finally, we underscore the importance of seeing death not just as a medical event but as a profound human experience. Inspired by the wisdom of Cicely Saunders, we discuss how education, kindness, and support can restore the sacredness of both life and death. You'll discover resources like the Good Death, Good Life Masterclass and the Confident Caregiver Course, designed to equip you with essential skills for compassionate care. By preparing for the end of life, we not only enhance our daily experiences and relationships but also empower ourselves to live fully and without regrets.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on January 29th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:01) - Understanding Hospice Care Seminar Series
(11:49) - Challenges of for-Profit Hospice Care
(20:25) - Addressing Gaps in End-of-Life Care
(27:29) - Enhancing End-of-Life Care Support
(40:27) - Empowering Families in End-of-Life Care
(43:45) - Key Questions for Hospice Care
(47:50) - The Good Death Movement Opportunity
(52:52) - Promoting End-of-Life Care Movement
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Kris Carr, a remarkable individual who has thrived with stage four cancer for nearly two decades, joins us to share her incredible journey and tools on how to THRIVE in LIFE!
She reveals how her diagnosis became a catalyst for empowerment, blending traditional and integrative care while tuning into her intuition. Kris opens up about navigating the challenges of uncertainty and fear, ultimately finding profound peace in confronting mortality. Her story inspires us to consider how embracing a growth mindset can transform life's most difficult moments into opportunities for personal evolution.
Our conversation takes a personal turn as we examine the transformative power of a health crisis. She shares her own experience with a rare cancer diagnosis that prompted a radical shift in her approach to self-care and emotional well-being. As a coach, she discusses guiding others through similar challenges with empathy and the healing potential of forgiveness. We explore the hidden blessings within adversity and the importance of connecting with one's inner wisdom to navigate life's journey with authenticity and courage.
Food and mindfulness emerge as key components in Kris's wellness philosophy, emphasizing an anti-inflammatory lifestyle grounded in whole, plant-based nutrition. We explore the simplicity of incorporating daily habits like smoothies and manageable exercise routines.
Kris shares her insights into the five pillars of wellness, underscoring the impact of mindful choices on stress and inflammation. The episode concludes with reflections on self-connection, forgiveness, and pursuing happiness, ultimately encouraging listeners to live with grace and empowerment amidst life's challenges.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on January 29th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:02) Cancer Journey and Turning Points
(07:49) Embracing Change Through Illness
(11:10) Wellness Through Food and Mindfulness
(24:16) Healing Through Self-Connection and Forgiveness
(35:31) Cultivating Growth and Happiness
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Buy The Good Death Book
- Discover Wellness with Kris Carr
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What happens when we embrace the reality of death instead of fearing it?
Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, founder of the International Doula Givers Institute, on the Ask a Death Doula podcast as we embark on a transformative journey through the complex world of end-of-life care with The Good Death Seminar Series. This episode promises to challenge your perceptions, with stories from my hospice experiences and insights from historical perspectives that confront our deep-seated fear of death. Together, we'll explore how aligning our intentions with compassion can redefine our understanding of what it truly means to experience a 'good death.'
Throughout our engaging Good Death Seminar Series, we delve into the intricacies of end-of-life care within the current medical system, questioning if we've forgotten that death is a natural part of life. Through personal anecdotes, from patients like Vivian to families navigating the difficult medical landscape, we highlight the necessity of a purpose-driven approach. We'll discuss the lost art of dying, dissecting cultural and language barriers that obscure the reality of mortality and urging for a return to empathy and understanding.
Our journey doesn't stop there. We address the commercialization of death and the urgency of respecting individual end-of-life wishes. By sharing poignant stories, like that of oncology patient Maureen, we examine how a supportive and informed environment can empower people facing the end of life. With a focus on compassion and personal responsibility, we explore how each of us, with the right education and support, can foster a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience a good death. Join us as we embrace the sacredness of death and its reflection on life, paving the way for a compassionate future.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on January 15th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:01) Ask a Death Doula Podcast Welcome
(06:09) Unveiling the Fear of Death
(11:51) Exposing the Fear of Death
(18:31) Reclaiming the Art of Dying
(32:13) Exploring Cultural Views on Death
(41:12) Facing the Challenges of End-of-Life Care
(49:04) Improving End-of-Life Care System
(59:48) Embracing Sacredness of Death
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Navigating the Journey with Hospice Nurse Penny: Valuing End-of-Life Care
In this episode of the Good Death podcast series, we converse with Penny Smith, also known as Hospice Nurse Penny. A renowned hospice and palliative care nurse, Penny discusses her journey from a tumultuous past to becoming an RN and a social media influencer with over 2 million followers. She highlights the importance of hospice education, the misconceptions about hospice care, and the profound impact of bedside visitations. Penny shares her personal story, including her experience with death anxiety and her father's post-death visitation, aiming to normalize the end-of-life process and remove the stigma surrounding it. This conversation offers an inspiring look into the importance of discussing and understanding end-of-life care.
We dive in to:
00:00 Introduction to the Good Death Podcast
00:25 Meet Hospice Nurse Penny
03:17 Penny's Journey to Hospice Nursing
09:52 Discovering Social Media During the Pandemic
12:23 Writing the Book: A Journey of Reflection
14:44 A Life-Changing Encounter with Law Enforcement
18:57 Overcoming Personal Challenges
21:26 Misconceptions About Hospice and End-of-Life Care
22:27 Late Hospice Admissions and Misconceptions
23:22 The Role of Medications in Hospice Care
24:42 The Emotional and Sacred Aspects of Hospice Work
26:25 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons
27:50 Deathbed Visions and Spiritual Experiences
30:58 Personal Stories of Afterlife Encounters
36:24 The Impact of Spiritual Beliefs on Grief
37:06 Conclusion
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Learn more about Hospice Nurse Penny and What She Do
- Order Penny's book Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living - A Memoir
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Navigate the intricate emotions of grief during the holiday season with insights from our latest episode of Ask a Death Doula.
Discover effective strategies to manage the sorrow of missing a loved one, whether you're facing their absence for the first time or have been carrying this weight for years. We provide five transformative tips to help you find peace and meaning in the midst of pain, drawing on universal truths from diverse cultural and religious perspectives that can reshape how we view the end-of-life experience. Our aim is not only to ease the burden of grief but also to cultivate a sense of enduring love and connection with those who have passed on.
We delve into the art of creating family traditions that honor and remember those no longer with us—forging bonds that transcend the boundaries of life and death. From cooking treasured family recipes to exchanging gifts in a loved one's name, these heartfelt rituals can foster a sense of unity and continuity. Imagine a memory jar filled with stories and messages that keep their spirit alive, or dedicating acts of kindness that extend their legacy into the world. These practices are not just acts of remembrance; they are pathways to healing, offering comfort and a shared sense of purpose as we celebrate the holidays with the presence of our loved ones felt in every moment.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on January 1st at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive in to:
(02:52) Complicated Grief and End of Life
(06:56) Holiday Rituals for All Ages
(11:53) Memory Jar for Remembering Loved Ones
(17:07) Coping With Grief During Holidays
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
How do we redefine the end-of-life journey with compassion and innovation?
We promise that today's episode with Dr. Michael Fratkin, a trailblazing rural palliative care physician, will leave you with a fresh perspective on healing and human connection. Dr. Fratkin's early experiences with loss and the societal norms surrounding death set him on a path to transform how we understand and approach palliative care. His insights, shaped by the AIDS crisis and personal encounters, demonstrate the power of empathy in reshaping our response to life's most challenging moments.
Dr. Fratkin shares his remarkable journey from a traditional medical career to becoming an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry. His love for outdoor adventures sparked a medical career that evolved beyond conventional pathways, leading to the creation of Resolution Care—a pioneering home-based palliative care program. Discover how embracing indigenous healing practices and technology allowed him to address burnout and expand his impact across multiple states, ultimately resulting in a heartfelt business journey experienced alongside family and friends.
In our conversation, we uncover the profound lessons Dr. Fratkin has learned from elders and end-of-life experiences, particularly regarding consciousness and healing. We explore the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy, emphasizing the importance of foundational support and emotional healing. From the wisdom of indigenous cultures to the power of gratitude and forgiveness, this episode invites you to challenge modern healthcare shortcomings and cultivate a deeper understanding of life, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment. Join us as we share upcoming events and initiatives that aim to foster informed communities around these innovative therapeutic practices.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on December 18th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive in to:
00:02) - Dr. Fratkin's Path to Palliative Care
(08:52) - From Medicine to Entrepreneurship
(17:49) - Exploring Consciousness and Healing Professionally
(32:53) - Healing With Psychedelic Therapy
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Eleos Journeys https://eleosjourney.com/ketamine-assisted-psychotherapy-seminar-for-physicians/Institute for Rural Psychedelic Care https://www.ruralpsychedeliccare.org/Center for New Growth https://humboldtcenterfornewgrowth.com/Mountains of Courage https://mountainsofcourage.org/
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Losing a child is an unimaginable pain that no parent should have to endure.
For Darryl Rodgers, founder of The Family Recovery Coach, this heartache became a catalyst for transformation. Darryl's life shifted dramatically after the tragic loss of his son, Chase, who died in a marijuana-impaired car accident at the tender age of 20. In this heartfelt episode, Darryl shares his deeply personal journey, offering invaluable insights into the world of addiction and the significant role that empathy and understanding play in family recovery.
As we explore the challenging terrain of addiction, particularly among young adults, Darryl emphasizes the importance of early, open communication and a non-judgmental approach. Parents often struggle with how to react to their child's substance use, and harsh reactions can sometimes do more harm than good. By understanding the underlying traumas that often drive addiction, families can foster a supportive environment where healing is possible. Darryl's reflections on his own experiences provide a sobering yet hopeful perspective on the delicate balance of guiding a child through their darkest moments.
Grief, in all its forms, is a recurring theme in our conversation. Darryl discusses anticipatory grief and the heart-wrenching loss of the child he once knew, offering a poignant look at how addiction transforms individuals and families alike. Yet, through his grief, Darryl found purpose—turning his pain into a mission to help others. His work, including his book, short film, and coaching services, is dedicated to supporting families in similar situations. Darryl's website, thefamilyrecoverycoach.com, offers resources and a free 30-minute strategy session for parents embarking on their recovery journey. Join us for this powerful episode and discover the strength, resilience, and hope that can emerge from even the deepest sorrow.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on December 4th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:00) Navigating Addiction and Family Recovery
(07:15) Approaching Addiction & Trauma With Empathy
(19:23) Fostering Growth Through Grief
(27:12) Supporting Families Through Addiction
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The Family Recovery Coach
- Nar-Anon Family Groups
- Al-Anon Family Groups
- Parents of Addicted Loved Ones
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Learn more about Darryl Rodgers and what he do - Click here!
Reach out to Darryl Rodgers directly - Click here!
Unlock the secrets to a richer, more connected life through the transformative power of gratitude.
Join us as we unravel the science-backed benefits of gratitude from renowned studies, and discover a simple daily practice that promises to elevate your well-being and attract positivity. Ever wondered how a shift in perspective can change your life's frequency? This episode holds the answers, offering insights into how gratitude can be a guiding force in achieving personal growth and fulfillment.
Guided by my own journey from a hospital nurse to finding purpose as a hospice nurse, we'll explore how gratitude and compassionate living can shape a vibrant existence. Embrace the lessons from end-of-life care, where appreciating life's simple blessings leads to profound inner transformation. By aligning with love and service, we can let go of control and experience life anew, all while recognizing and respecting the unseen struggles others are facing. Tune in to embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection, where gratitude becomes the key to unlocking your true potential.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on December 4th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:02) - The Power of Gratitude and Connection
(11:16) - The Power of Gratitude and Vibration
(26:43) - Embracing Gratitude for a Beautiful Life
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Harvard article about Gratitude #1
- Harvard article about Gratitude #2
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Discover the secrets to balancing the demands of the "sandwich generation" and master the intricacies of end-of-life care with insights that could change your perspective forever.
Host Suzanne O'Brien, a seasoned hospice and oncology nurse, shares wisdom from her book, "The Good Death," to help caregivers navigate the challenging landscape of caring for both aging parents and children while maintaining their own careers. Through enlightening discussions, we shine a light on the urgent need for support systems and the transformative power of education in reducing the fear surrounding death.
Unravel the complexity of grief and understand how embracing death as a natural part of life can lead to healing. Suzanne shares heartening stories of individuals who have found peace and solace after loss, underscoring the role of resources like "The Good Death Book" in preparing families for the inevitable journey. As advancements in medicine extend life expectancy, families must equip themselves to ensure a dignified and supportive end-of-life experience for their loved ones. By fostering a collective approach to caregiving, we can prevent the responsibility from becoming an isolating burden.
Join us in celebrating National Caregiver Month by acknowledging the tireless contributions of caregivers everywhere. Suzanne extends a heartfelt message of appreciation and highlights the importance of spreading awareness about the resources available to support those in caregiving roles. By challenging misconceptions and embracing meaningful end-of-life rituals, we can enrich our understanding of life and death, empowering caregivers and families to face these moments with dignity and meaning. Tune in for a conversation filled with compassion, dedication, and valuable life lessons.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on NOVEMBER 13th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:02) - Supporting Caregivers in End-of-Life
(07:23) - Navigating Grief and End-of-Life Care
(19:41) - Embracing End-of-Life Rituals and Choices
(28:02) - Celebrating National Caregiver Month
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Pre-order 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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Can you find peace and purpose amidst the chaos of a hurricane?
Join me on an emotional journey through the devastation of Hurricane Helene in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the bond with my loyal dog, Maple, and the lessons from those at life's end became my guiding lights. As another storm threatened, the urgent mission to protect Maple highlighted the profound connections we hold with our pets, even in the face of nature's fury. Reflecting on these experiences, I share insights on embracing gratitude and discovering unexpected gifts that arise from dire circumstances.
Do end-of-life choices hold the key to combating climate change? I invite you to explore this question as I recount my transformative path to becoming a hospice nurse, driven by a deep sense of purpose. This episode uncovers the environmental impacts of traditional burial practices and presents sustainable alternatives like green burials and human composting, not only as eco-friendly solutions but as financially savvy choices. Introducing my new book, "The Good Death," I aim to empower you with knowledge on navigating end-of-life journeys with serenity and environmental consciousness, demonstrating the power of mindful presence and gratitude in both living and dying.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on NOVEMBER 13th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:02) - Surviving Hurricane Milton
(13:05) - Life's Purpose and Climate Change Action
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What if we reimagined death not as a battle to fight, but as a sacred part of our life's journey?
Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, as I share insights from my work as a hospice and oncology nurse, guiding you through the shock phase that follows a terminal diagnosis. This episode challenges the fears that often surround death, urging us to engage in honest conversations about end-of-life care. Discover practical tools to help you navigate this difficult terrain, ensuring that you and your loved ones are prepared for what lies ahead.
In our conversation, we explore the transformative power of presence, compassion, and active listening. We highlight how choosing love and kindness can help distinguish between merely being alive and truly living. By focusing on what truly matters, from simple comforts like a favorite song to important decisions about care, we can help return a sense of control to those facing their final days. With an emphasis on safety and respect for personal wishes, we explore how to support loved ones with dignity and care.
Finally, witness a touching story of a family's journey with their beloved grandmother that underscores the importance of trust and emotional presence. This episode not only illustrates how education and compassion can create positive end-of-life experiences but also introduces the Good Death Seminar Series. This unique opportunity offers guidance in facilitating a compassionate and memorable journey for your loved ones. Together, let's ensure everyone can experience a meaningful and dignified end-of-life journey.
SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on OCTOBER 30th at 7pm ET - Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!
We dive into:
(00:02) Understanding the Shock Phase of End-of-Life
(11:46) Empowering End-of-Life Conversations
(17:32) Navigating End-of-Life Shock Phase
(28:06) Creating Positive End-of-Life Experiences
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Unlock the secrets to becoming a confident caregiver and transform your approach to end-of-life planning.
Today, we promise to equip you with the knowledge and insight necessary to navigate the intricate journey of supporting your aging loved ones. Through real-life stories and expert advice, we tackle the emotional and logistical challenges head-on, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead and making informed decisions. With an aging population that demands our attention, understanding the nuances of caregiving, including the pivotal role of death doulas, is more crucial than ever.
Reflect on the myriad of options available for end-of-life care, from maintaining urban independence to exploring shared housing arrangements. We share personal anecdotes about the nature of family discussions surrounding future care preferences and the importance of facing these often difficult conversations with honesty and empathy. Join us as we contemplate living arrangements—whether it’s independent city living, family-supported granny pods, or reputable care facilities—highlighting the importance of tailoring decisions to match individual needs and values.
Explore the realm of eco-friendly body disposition methods such as natural burials, water cremation, and human composting, and the positive impact these choices can have on the environment. We discuss the historical context and current implications of traditional burial practices, urging listeners to consider sustainable alternatives. By embracing these options, you can align your end-of-life plans with your personal and environmental values, ultimately fostering a respectful and meaningful farewell. Don't miss the opportunity to redefine your relationship with death, making it a sacred and natural part of life’s journey.
We dive into:
(00:03) Planning Ahead for End-of-Life Care
(10:04) End-of-Life Care Planning and Options
(20:32) Compassionate End-of-Life Care Planning
(27:02) Expanding Options for End-of-Life Care
(32:44) Green End-of-Life Options and Rituals
(44:27) Free Confident Caregiver Course Offer
Buy 3 GOOD DEATH BOOKS and get the Confident Caregiver Course ($997 ) for FREE CLICK HERE: https://thegooddeathbook.com
Join the next GOOD DEATH Seminar Series Register here
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What if our modern approach to hospice care is missing the mark on its original compassionate intent?
Join us on this eye-opening journey through the rich history and transformative evolution of hospice care, from its heartfelt beginnings in the 1960s with Dame Cicely Saunders to its present-day challenges in the United States. We unover the pivotal moment when the Medicare hospice benefit of 1982 shifted the focus from non-profit, holistic care to the for-profit model, often compromising the essential values of time and empathy. As we navigate these changes, we shed light on the pressing need to restore the core principles of hospice to truly honor end-of-life experiences.
Throughout this episode, we tackle the critical issue of the "hospice gap," highlighting the overwhelming burden on family caregivers and the systemic hurdles that contribute to inadequate end-of-life care. We explore how fear, delayed hospice engagement, and limited professional interaction leave families unsupported. To empower you, we share vital questions you should ask when selecting a hospice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the holistic nature of care and the role of family support. With resources from the Doula Givers Institute, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to revive the sacredness of life's final chapter.
We dive into:
(00:02) The Evolution of Hospice Care
(08:16) Closing the Hospice Care Gap
(17:14) Important Questions to Ask a Hospice
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Why is our modern society so terrified of death, and how can this fear be transformed into a meaningful part of life?
Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, as we unpack the deep-seated anxieties surrounding death and explore how these fears can lead to poor decisions and missed opportunities for those at the end of life. Drawing from my experiences as a hospice and oncology nurse, I reflect on how historical reverence for death contrasts sharply with our current culture of avoidance, urging a shift in perspective to embrace death as a natural milestone.
Discover the profound lessons that death imparts and the importance of living each day to the fullest in the face of life's uncertainty. We discuss the complexities of extending human life and the significant challenges the medical community faces in end-of-life care. Through touching narratives, including poignant personal stories, I highlight the need for honest conversations about Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and advocate for a cultural shift to see death as a human experience rather than merely a medical issue. These discussions underscore the urgency for compassionate and innovative solutions in end-of-life care.
In our final segment, we reflect on the universal themes of connection, love, and the preciousness of time, illustrated through the emotional journey of Maureen, a 44-year-old woman with gallbladder cancer. Her story underscores the critical importance of human connections in the final moments and the power of compassionate care. I emphasize the necessity of open conversations and education to ensure positive end-of-life experiences, inviting you to join our Good Death Seminar Series to transform our collective approach to death with kindness and support. Your questions and comments are welcome for future episodes as we continue this vital dialogue.
We dive into:
(00:02) The Fear of Death(10:18) Reframing the Narrative of Death(19:17) Embracing the Transition of End(26:27) Reframing the End of LifeWe want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What if you could ensure a dignified, compassionate end-of-life experience for a loved one?
Join us in this transformative episode of Ask a Deaf Doula as Suzanne O'Brien, former hospice and oncology nurse, introduces the groundbreaking Good Death Seminar Series. This six-month, entirely free program is designed to bridge critical gaps in hospice care by equipping families with essential knowledge and skills. Suzanne passionately discusses the current state of hospice care, stressing the urgent need for better family preparation and support. From historical perspectives on death to practical caregiving skills, this series promises to be an invaluable resource.
Mark your calendars for key sessions that will reshape your approach to end-of-life care. Tune in on December 4th to explore defining quality of life and making informed medical choices, and on December 18th for nine must-answer questions to ensure a good death experience. Discover the importance of family conversations about end-of-life wishes on January 1st, and gain tools for navigating family disagreements on January 15th. Finally, on January 29th, we will discuss three common end-of-life phenomena reported globally. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the end-of-life journey with dignity and grace.
SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on OCTOBER 2nd at 7pm ET Click here
The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now:
We dive into:
(00:02) Good Death Seminar Series Announcement
(14:17) End-of-Life Seminar Series Information
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Imagine facing the end of your life with a sense of peace and support.
In this episode, Suzanne O'Brien shares her insights on creating an impactful and authentic death doula website that reflects your passion for end-of-life care. We explore user-friendly platforms like Squarespace and Wix, offering practical advice on presenting your services with clarity and genuineness. Discover how to use colors and images to resonate with your unique approach and learn about the necessity of proper training and resources to provide the highest level of service to patients and their families.
Ever wondered about the crucial role of death doulas? Suzanne delves into the non-medical support they provide, encompassing emotional, physical, spiritual, and informational care. Reflect on your preparedness for end-of-life situations and listen to personal stories that highlight the importance of building trust through sharing credentials. We also discuss the comprehensive services offered by death doulas, from facilitating vital end-of-life conversations to creating vigil plans and offering spiritual support, demonstrating how they ensure a positive and comfortable end-of-life experience for everyone involved.
Death doulas fill significant gaps left by traditional hospice care, providing extended, personalized support before, during, and after a loved one's death. Suzanne discusses the acceptance of doulas by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the rigorous training they undergo. Learn about the affordability and availability of doula services, including teledoula support, and the importance of creating accessible end-of-life resources. Whether you're considering becoming a death doula or seeking support for a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into the profound work of death doulas.
We dive into:
(00:00) Build Death Doula Website
(08:35) Benefits and Importance of Death Doulas
(13:46) Comprehensive Services of Death Doulas
(26:57) Creating Free End-of-Life Resources
(33:03) End-of-Life Doula Services and Support
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Unsplash - Beautiful Free Images & Pictures
- Wix - Website builder
- Squarespace - Build your website
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What if you could transform the end-of-life experience into a holistic, human journey rather than a purely medical one?
Join us as we explore the profound and often overlooked aspects of end-of-life care on this episode of "Ask a Death Doula." We’re breaking down the three phases of end-of-life, from initial comfort measures to the body's natural decline, and highlighting the critical role of proactive planning. Discover how you can enrich these final moments for your loved ones and yourself by embracing new, progressive choices that celebrate life and honor the environment.
Understanding legal preparations is crucial, and this episode sheds light on the importance of advanced directives and POLST forms. Learn why these documents are vital for ensuring your wishes are respected by medical professionals and how they can prevent common pitfalls. We share real-life stories to illustrate the necessity of awareness and education about these forms, empowering you to make informed decisions. This chapter is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate end-of-life care with confidence and clarity.
We also take a heartfelt look at sustainable end-of-life options that go beyond traditional practices. Imagine the intimacy of home wakes, the eco-friendliness of natural burials, or the innovative choices of water cremation and human composting. These alternatives not only honor the deceased but also tread lightly on the planet and are often more financially viable. Host Suzanne O'Brien expresses her gratitude for your participation and encourages you to explore the free resources available at doulagivers.com. Prepare to transform your perspective on end-of-life care and make it a deeply meaningful experience.
We dive into:
(00:02) Navigating End of Life Care
(06:49) End of Life Care Essentials
(12:50) Understanding Advanced Directives and PULST Forms
(17:48) Exploring Sustainable End-of-Life Options
(27:02) Improving End of Life Care
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
What if a life-threatening health crisis could transform not just your body, but your spirit as well?
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Peggy Lindsay, heart transplant survivor and author of "My Beat Goes On," as she recounts her extraordinary journey. Peggy opens up about her family's history of heart disease and the unexpected health scare at age 51 that led her to seek a second opinion, ultimately revealing the urgent need for a heart transplant. Her story underscores the power of proactive medical care and the compelling need for firsthand patient narratives, a gap she aims to fill through her book.
Listen to Peggy's gripping account of her medical journey, where her healthcare surrogate battled to get her the advanced care she needed, leading to a timely diagnosis of cardiogenic shock. She shares the emotional crossroads between opting for hospice care and choosing the rigorous path to a heart transplant—a choice she made thanks to her daughter's unwavering support and the exceptional team at Tampa General. From navigating the trials of surgery and recovery to discussing the intriguing phenomena of cellular memory and heightened intuition, Peggy's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of modern medicine.
We dive into:
(12:34 - 13:31) The Importance of Having an Advocate
(18:50 - 20:11) Life-Saving Transplant Journey
(22:24 - 24:43) Life-Changing Organ Donation Offer
(29:53 - 30:49) Visions of Deceased Loved Ones
(32:42 - 33:48) Heart Transplant Connection and Donors
(37:14 - 38:41) Seeking Health Opinions
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Buy Peggy Lindsay's book - My Beat Goes On: Chronicles of a Heart Transplant Patient
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Adrian Allotey, Founder of You Are Not Alone Elder Care
Ever wondered how we can transform the final stages of life into a sacred and beautiful experience?
Join us as we sit down with Adrian Allotey, an empathetic end-of-life doula and elder companion, who shares her heartfelt journey of turning end-of-life care into a deeply human and spiritual endeavor. Adrian opens up about her personal regrets and the lack of support she felt during her grandmother's final moments, shedding light on the importance of emotional and spiritual care. She introduces her innovative methods, like "dress rehearsals" for families, aimed at making the last days less fearful and more comforting.
As we navigate through the conversation, Adrian's insights reveal the transformative power of love, presence, and intuition in end-of-life care. From the challenges of raising awareness about the role of death doulas to the profound impact of COVID-19 on our collective understanding of life and death, this episode is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Adrian's touching stories, including the comfort found in physical closeness, music, and involving distant family members, underscore the holistic and compassionate approach that can help us rebuild a more united and empathetic world. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, kindness, and a hopeful vision for the future of end-of-life care.
We dive into:
(06:29 - 07:25) Dress Rehearsals in End-of-Life Care
(12:45 - 14:31) Reflections on COVID and Self-Awareness
(19:28 - 20:28) End of Life Comfort and Communication
(28:17 - 29:15) Embracing Life Through Death
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Felicity Warner, Founder of Soul Midwives UK
Can the final days of life be filled with dignity and grace?
Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of end-of-life care as we welcome Felicity Warner, the pioneering founder of Soul Midwives. Felicity shares her deeply personal story of how her grandmother's painful hospital experience ignited her mission to transform end-of-life care into a compassionate, holistic practice. Her efforts have since blossomed into a widely respected organization, embraced by the NHS, and she has received multiple prestigious awards for her groundbreaking work. Listen in as Felicity's story emphasizes the profound impact of human connection and holistic support, inspiring us all to envision a world where people can die with dignity and grace.
In this episode, we also explore the transformative power of holistic approaches in hospice care, through the experiences of a journalist who transitioned into working with terminally ill young women. By highlighting the distinction between clinical interventions and the inherently human experience of dying, we underscore the significance of a 'good death' for both individuals and their loved ones. Additionally, we celebrate the growing global awareness of death through the success of the Soul Midwives conference, advocating for the integration of compassionate, non-medical care into mainstream healthcare. This conversation is a powerful reminder of how acknowledging our mortality can enrich our daily lives and the care we provide to those at the end of theirs.
We dive into:
(01:26 - 02:27) Creating Global Community Through Soul Connection
(05:55 - 07:04) Inspiring Journey From Tragedy to Triumph
(13:48 - 15:17) The Teachings of Dying Patients
(17:33 - 18:31) The Beauty of End of Life
(25:11 - 26:24) Embracing Life Through Awareness
(29:28 - 30:41) Power of Compassion and Love
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The Soul Midwives Portal
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
More about Felicity and her work - Click here!
Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Brad Wolfe, Founder of Reimagine EOL
What if confronting mortality could be the key to living a more meaningful life?
Join us as we host Brad Wolf, the visionary founder and executive director of Reimagine End of Life, who shares his deeply personal journey and the pivotal experiences that led him to break down the taboos surrounding death through arts, spirituality, healthcare, and design. Brad recounts early inspirations, like his grandmother's wisdom and the impactful loss of his friend Sarah, demonstrating how mortality can serve as a powerful catalyst for living more fully.
Through our conversation with Brad, we uncover the profound wisdom shared by those facing the end of life, including valuable teachings from thought leaders Frank Ostaseski and Ira Byock. We touch on the transformative power of forgiveness, gratitude, and the importance of meaningful relationships. Hear touching stories, such as that of young volunteer Grace, and learn how the pandemic has reshaped our approach to these essential conversations. Additionally, Brad gives us a glimpse into an upcoming festival dedicated to creating space for vital end-of-life discussions.
Explore the transformative practices of writing legacy letters and love letters to oneself, and the importance of rituals and mindfulness in healing. Brad talks about Reimagine's remarkable initiatives, like the "Creating Space" festival and the "Mourning into Unity" initiative, which bring people together to support each other through grief and healing. Finally, Suzanne O'Brien wraps up the Death Doula Global Summit interview with heartfelt gratitude and anticipation for future discussions, leaving us inspired to integrate the wisdom of elders and face life and death with courage and compassion.
We dive into:
(04:01 - 04:52) Rediscovering the Value of Aging
(09:39 - 11:47) Universal Laws and Common Humanity
(14:11 - 15:52) Innovative Human-Centered Design Approach
(21:45 - 23:42) Zoom Challenges and Opportunities
(34:01 - 35:33) Path to Hospice and Consciousness
(43:51 - 44:59) Sharing Wisdom in End-of-Life Care
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Reimagine Organization
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
More about Brad Wolfe and his music - Click here!
Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Ken Ross President of the Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation.
Honoring Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross: A Legacy of Compassion and End-of-Life Care
In 2020, Doulagivers Institute sponsored The Death Doula Global Summit and had interviews with the most impactful pioneers in the Death Doula and Death Positive Movement.
The wisdom and interviews are breathtaking. If you were not able to be part of that live summit, here is your chance as we will be spotlighting some of the great interviews that will not only heal your heart- but inspire you about what is yet to come.
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Join us as Ken Ross, son of the legendary Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, shares his extraordinary journey and what it was like growing up with a mother who revolutionized how we understand death and dying?
You’ll uncover intimate stories about his mother, from her early days as a humble Swiss woman to becoming a global pioneer in end-of-life care. Ken gives us an insider’s view into her remarkable life, revealing the profound impact she had on both him and the world.
We also honor Dr. Kubler-Ross’s relentless advocacy for marginalized communities. From aiding bullied classmates and animals in her youth to providing compassionate care for AIDS patients during a time of widespread stigma, her dedication knew no bounds. Despite facing severe backlash and professional ostracization, her mission to ensure dignified end-of-life care never wavered. Her pioneering contributions to holistic patient care have paved the way for modern advancements in palliative care, inspiring countless medical professionals, including registered nurse Suzanne O'Brien, who reflects on Dr. Kubler-Ross's influence on her own work.
Looking to the future, Ken shares exciting developments aimed at preserving and expanding his mother’s legacy. Discover how the Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation is growing its global reach, from launching online education series in multiple languages to digitizing her archives at Stanford. As we navigate the challenges of COVID-19, this episode is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of adversity. Embrace life fully, learn from your fears, and carry forward the compassion that Dr. Kubler-Ross championed throughout her life.
We dive into:
(04:23 - 05:44) Growing Up With an Incredible Mother
(08:46 - 09:36) Maintaining Humanity During Crisis
(12:14 - 13:41) Importance of Holistic End-of-Life Care
(20:06 - 21:16) Global Online Education Collaboration Efforts
(24:29 - 25:49) Global Expansion for Death Cafes
(30:33 - 32:48) Life-Changing Journeys and Cultural Connections
(35:42 - 36:41) Death as Universal Teacher
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Elizabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Learn more about Ken Ross Photography - Click here!
Understanding Death: Finding Peace and Healing in Grief
Can understanding death truly transform your experience of grief?
In this deeply moving episode of Ask a Death Doula, we explore powerful insights shared by hospice nurses and end-of-life care professionals. These stories reveal comforting phenomena such as seeing deceased loved ones and experiencing a surge of energy, offering a profound sense of peace. We also demystify the nature of grief, highlighting that it is a natural response to any significant loss, not just death, helping listeners navigate their own healing journeys.
We honor the remarkable life and legacy of Stacey White, a dedicated doula giver whose impact transcended her untimely passing. Stacey's resilience through severe health challenges and her peaceful acceptance of the end of her life left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Join us as we reflect on the unpredictable yet soothing nature of grief, comparing it to the ocean's ever-changing tides, and find solace in the knowledge that Stacey is no longer in pain.
Lastly, we delve into the profound connection between grief and love, emphasizing gratitude for the love shared with those who have passed. Practical advice is offered on allowing emotions to flow naturally and reframing death as a celebratory transition. We also highlight a free webinar that has provided immense support to caregivers and those processing loss. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Stacey White, fostering a sense of global community and inspiring each of us to continue her legacy of positivity and mentorship. Join us and share this message of healing and hope with your loved ones.
We dive into:
(02:14 - 03:54) Healing Grief With Truth
(06:36 - 07:46) Belief in Afterlife and Shared Experiences
(10:57 - 12:12) Journey Between Worlds
(15:47 - 17:29) Remembering the Amazing Stacey White
(19:38 - 20:48) Navigating Emotions Through Grief
(27:13 - 28:18) Finding Meaning in the Spiritual Journey
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
The Vital Role of End-of-Life Doulas
Join us for a profound exploration of the pioneering work of Barbara Karnes in the American Hospice movement. In this episode, Barbara shares her inspiring journey from initial disillusionment with nursing to finding her true calling in hospice care, influenced by legends like Cicely Saunders and Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Beginning her career at the onset of the AIDS epidemic, Barbara recounts her early days volunteering and working at Kansas' first hospice. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she highlights the unique approach of hospice care, which prioritizes a sacred and meaningful end-of-life experience over the traditional medical model that often views death as a failure.
Listen in as we discuss the critical importance of human connection and trust-building in end-of-life care. We explore how simple acts like sharing a cup of coffee with primary caregivers can provide emotional, mental, and spiritual healing that complements the physical care of the patient. The conversation sheds light on the shortcomings of the current hospice system, which often prioritizes physical aspects over emotional support and suffers from frequent nurse rotations. Barbara emphasizes the need for time and presence to build genuine bonds, pointing out the gaps in the mainstream medical system that hinder compassionate care. We also touch on the transformative power of education in end-of-life care, recognizing the impact of well-crafted educational resources.
Finally, we explore the evolving role of end-of-life doulas and the importance of creating sacred, meaningful experiences for those in their final stages of life. Barbara addresses common misconceptions about the dying process and the need for more holistic, personalized approaches that contrast sharply with the mainstream medical focus. We share touching stories, including Oprah Winfrey's use of Barbara's hospice book during her mother's final days, underscoring the universal need for compassionate end-of-life support. Join us as we conclude with insights and blessings for the work being done by death doulas worldwide, celebrating their crucial role in providing comfort and care during such pivotal times.
We dive into:
(02:09 - 03:51) Transition to Hospice Care
(06:46 - 08:41) Evolution of Hospice Care in US
(13:48 - 15:30) Hospice Care Training
(24:32 - 26:02) Hospice and Patient Relationship Bonds
(29:28 - 30:08) End of Life Education Program Importance
(36:57 - 39:08) Improving End-of-Life Support Services
(44:44 - 45:50) Non-Medical Holistic Care for Elders
(48:31 - 52:04) End-of-Life Doula Support and Guidance
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Transform Your Health and Happiness with Forest Bathing: A Journey Through Nature Therapy
Have you ever felt the healing power of nature wash over you during a simple walk in the park?
Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, on "Ask a Death Doula" as I recount my transformative experiences in Central Park and share the ancient wisdom behind the practice of forest bathing. Discover how immersing yourself in nature can rejuvenate your mind and body, with benefits like reduced cortisol levels, lowered blood pressure, and a boosted immune system. This episode delves into the holistic health benefits of reconnecting with natural elements and how such simple, cost-free practices can significantly enhance our quality of life.
We’ll explore the remarkable impact of forest bathing on mental well-being, from mitigating stress and inflammation to improving happiness and creativity. Learn about the spiritual benefits that come from moments of silence and meditation in nature, and hear why doctors are increasingly prescribing nature therapy as a holistic approach to health. Plus, join me on a 30-day forest bathing journey designed to foster growth, healing, and joy. Tune in for an episode filled with practical advice, personal stories, and an invitation to transform your life through the simple act of stepping into nature.
We dive into:
(00:02) Benefits of Forest Bathing and Wellness
(08:48) Benefits of Forest Bathing
(23:32) Healing Through Forest Bathing
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Two hospice nurses sit down and have a heart to heart discussion about the end of life and dying experience. Sharing the TRUTH about this sacred experience, and what people need to know to have the "Good Death".
Get ready to be inspired and to look at life and death through an entirely new lens!
Enter Julie McFadden, a hospice nurse whose journey from the fast-paced intensity of the ICU to the soulful realm of end-of-life care has shaped her into a poignant storyteller and advocate. She joins us to share the transitions and insights that have colored her career, offering a glimpse into the sacred moments that accompany someone's final days. Her upcoming book, "Nothing to Fear," emerges as a testament to her mission to educate and alleviate the fears surrounding death—a subject often shrouded in misconception and dread.
The conversation spirals into the heart of hospice care, where Julie and I illuminate the oft-misunderstood dying experience. We're reminded of the natural progression of death, a path trodden by all but recognized by few. Reflecting on the language that doctors and nurses use, we question how reframing our perspective on death can not only be more honest but also more comforting. It's about embracing the full cycle of life rather than viewing its conclusion as a battle lost. Julie's insights challenge us to find beauty in the inevitability of death, and to see it as a part of our shared human experience, especially in times of great division.
In the delicate dance between life and the after, there are moments that seem to defy time itself—these are the sacred encounters at the threshold of mortality that Julie and I explore. Through personal stories and heart-centered conversations, we pay homage to the spiritual growth that often accompanies physical decline. We ponder the profound love and energy felt at the bedside of those passing, moments that hint at something far greater than what we understand. As our episode draws to a close, we share a sense of gratitude for the connective tissue of humanity that caring for the dying reveals and invite listeners to carry this episode's message into their own lives and conversations.
We dive into:
(01:29 - 02:49) Becoming a Nurse
(04:48 - 06:48) From ICU to Hospice
(08:16 - 09:20) The Importance of Honest End-of-Life Conversations
(13:18 - 14:35) Patterns of the Body's Natural Shutdown
(22:18 - 23:15) Impact of True Connection in Healthcare
(29:39 - 30:31) Bedside Visitations and Grief
(32:39 - 33:31) End-of-Life Experiences and Awareness
(37:57 - 38:39) Educating About the Dying Process
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- GET THE BOOK "Nothing To Fear"here
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Learn more about Hospice Nurse Julie - Click here!
Steps to Safeguard Your Pet's Well-being
What would happen to your beloved pet if something were to happen to you?
Join us for a heartwarming and crucial conversation with Ingrid Harrison, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, as we delve into the world of pet trusts. Ingrid's touching journey, originating from her childhood on a dairy farm, offers a unique perspective on the profound emotional bonds between humans and their pets. Together, we explore the importance of setting up pet trusts, especially for animals with long lifespans such as birds, horses, and reptiles, ensuring they are cared for if their owners become incapacitated or pass away.
In this episode, we outline the essential steps in planning a pet trust, from selecting potential caregivers to compiling detailed information about your pet's needs. Learn why it's important to have emergency contacts and care plans readily accessible, particularly for those who live alone. Ingrid shares her decades of dedication to animal advocacy, offering valuable resources and inspiration for all pet owners. Wrap up with Suzanne's heartfelt gratitude towards Ingrid's work and her own plans to secure her pet's future, inspiring listeners to take immediate action. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that underscores the responsibility and love we owe to our animal companions.
We dive into:
(02:52 - 04:15) Love for Animals From Childhood
(04:17 - 06:26) Learning From Animal Connections
(11:50 - 13:30) Importance of Pet Care Awareness
(16:16 - 17:16) Importance of Having Conversations About Inheritance
(28:03 - 29:01) Navigating Pet Trusts and Obituaries
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Ingrid Harrison - Elder Care Advocate & End-of-Life Doula
- Affordable Personal Services and Pet Care LLC
- Treasured Pets Obituary FB Page
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Transforming End-of-Life Care: The Rise of Tele Doulas and Holistic Support
Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a challenging life event into a deeply meaningful experience?
Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, as we explore the fascinating world of death doulas and how they provide essential support to individuals and families during the end of life. Drawing from my background as a hospice and oncology nurse, we discuss the holistic, non-medical care that death doulas offer. By reframing death as a human experience, rather than just a medical event, we uncover how death doulas fill a critical gap, ensuring every moment is met with compassion and understanding.
As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare, we delve into the rise of Teledoulas—death doulas who provide their essential services through technology. This innovative approach has not only increased accessibility but also reduced stress for families by removing geographical barriers. We highlight the invaluable role Teledoulas played during the crisis, offering remote guidance and reassurance at a time when physical presence was limited. By utilizing platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype, Teledoulas have redefined end-of-life care, showcasing the enduring potential of telehealth.
Thinking about becoming a Teledoula? We break down the practical steps to start this fulfilling career, emphasizing the importance of education and training through the Doula Givers Institute. From offering a free 30-minute consultation to creating a structured and compassionate business model, we provide actionable insights to build trust and establish professional boundaries. Whether you're looking to enter the field or simply curious about the profound impact of death doulas, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating and excelling in this vital profession.
We dive into:
(01:25 - 02:52) The Teledoula Movement
(05:11 - 06:20) The Importance of Teledoulas
(11:14 - 11:45) Understanding the Importance of Teledoulas
(18:09 - 19:06) Importance of Free Consultations for Doulas
(28:58 - 30:38) End-of-Life Doula Care Planning
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Chalk Marks and Heart Strings: A Journey of Authenticity
Discover the transformative power of love and art with Justin Lucci.
Justin is the founder and CEO of the Global Love Project, who joins us to share his heartrending yet inspirational journey. After a personal tragedy reshaped his world, Justin traded his corporate suit for sidewalk chalk, starting a movement that encourages us to connect with our most authentic selves. Throughout our conversation, he opens up about the pivotal moments that led him from loss to a life abundant with purpose, spreading messages of love that resonate in the hearts of those who encounter his chalk art.
Justin's story is a testament to the undeniable impact of community and personal growth. I reveal the profound sense of unity and reflection fostered by a weekly chalk art event I host, demonstrating how such gatherings can serve as the bedrock for cultivating authentic happiness and deeper human connections. We delve into the concept that life's most harrowing challenges can indeed be the catalyst for our most significant evolution, and how a collective effort in intentions and actions can magnify the beauty of our shared human experience.
Closing this episode, we reflect on purpose and creativity as forces that shape our existence. Chalk art emerges not just as a medium of expression but as a poignant metaphor for life's transient nature and our innate yearning to express freely and fearlessly. Join us in celebrating the simplicity and power of purpose that lies in the energy we infuse into our daily lives. Justin's journey inspires us to find our creative outlets and to come together in elevating love and growth within our communities, marking the pavement—and our lives—with vibrant hues of hope and connection.
We dive into:
(02:16 - 03:32) Healing and Intentions Through Loss
(06:40 - 07:41) Healing Through Chalk Artivism
(11:30 - 14:32) Sunday Chalk Art Community Event
(16:31 - 17:10) Finding Purpose Through Human Experience
(23:11 - 25:14) Elevating Consciousness Through Global Love
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Learn more about The Global Love Project - Click here!
Fostering a Network for Impactful Doula Services at Life's End
Have you ever considered how the knowledge of death might deepen your appreciation for life?
Suzanne shares her expertise on creating a vital network resource list, a toolkit that arms you with connections ranging from estate planning lawyers to eco-friendly burial options, ensuring that your doula practice is not only a beacon of support for grieving families but also a thriving business.
Step into the realm of ethical end-of-life guidance and learn how to seamlessly integrate these services into your community through our discussion on building a robust death doula resource network. Suzanne illuminates the path to crafting stress-free end-of-life plans, emphasizing the transformative impact meticulous preparation has on the experience of the dying and their loved ones. This episode is an invitation to harness the power of death doula resources, enriching your practice and profoundly altering the landscape of end-of-life care. Join us as we honor life's final transition and the remarkable difference a well-prepared doula can make.
We dive into:
(00:02) Network Resource List for Deaf Doula
(10:01) Building Death Doula Resource Network
(20:08) Building a Deaf Doula Resource List
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Guiding Lights in the Passage from Life to Death with Judi Arasi
Join us as we shine a spotlight on Judi Arasi, a remarkable graduate from the Dula Giver Practitioner program, whose journey into becoming a death doula is nothing short of inspiring. Judi shares the pivotal moment that propelled her towards this calling—the death of her mother-in-law—which revealed to her the pressing need for a more informed and compassionate approach to end-of-life care. Our conversation with Judi illuminates the critical role of death doulas in offering solace and support to families navigating this profound chapter of life, and underscores the burgeoning global recognition of death as an intrinsic human experience rather than a medical event. Listen in as Judi's personal narrative captures the transformative power of embracing one's true purpose in serving others during life's final moments.
In this heartfelt exchange, I reflect on the life-altering lessons learned from my vocation in end-of-life care. The profound privilege of being invited into the intimate space of people's homes during times of crisis has reshaped my outlook, instilling in me an appreciation for gratitude, forgiveness, and the art of cherishing human connections. I recount poignant interactions with patients and their families, emphasizing the deep bonds and the sense of extended family that emerges from this unique form of caregiving. This conversation culminates with the emotional recounting of being honored with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023, a testament to the significant impact that compassion and companionship have in the lives of those we serve. Tune in as we explore these touching moments and celebrate the indelible impact of end-of-life care on both the giver and receiver.
We dive into:
(04:47 - 06:03) Discovery of Doula Calling
(19:45 - 21:02) Supporting End-of-Life Choices With Doulas
(23:16 - 23:51) Becoming a Doula
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Learn more about Judi - Click here!
Conversations at Life's End with Tomorrow's Generation Could our silence on the subject of death be shaping our children's fear of the inevitable?
This time, we peel back the layers of this taboo topic and reveal why it's essential to introduce our youngest minds to the concept of mortality. As a hospice nurse, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of death on families and the profound intuitive understanding children can have when it's explained with care. In sharing stories from the bedside, we uncover the lasting effects of shielding children from death and argue for their inclusion in the dying process. We’re not just discussing the end of life; we're advocating for an early and healthy relationship with its reality.
This episode isn't about the gloom of passing; it’s a call to live with authenticity and urgency. I share reflections from those in their twilight hours who wish they’d followed their hearts sooner. It's a poignant reminder that our time is finite and that we should seize the moment to pursue our passions. I inspire you by sharing my own leap into learning Spanish and challenge you to align your life with what truly stirs your soul. Let's break free from the cycle of stress and step into a life driven by inspiration and wonder.
To close, we touch on the importance of honest, open conversations about the cycle of life with our children. Providing resources and strategies, we explore how to talk about death in an age-appropriate way that fosters curiosity rather than fear. As we wrap up, I extend heartfelt thanks for your engagement in this crucial dialogue. It is my hope that you'll be moved to integrate these insights into your life, as I continue to weave them into my own journey. Join me, and together let's reshape the narrative around death—one conversation at a time.
We dive into:
(00:22 - 02:22) Talking to Children About Death
(15:27 - 16:53) Children's Energy Awareness and Hospice Nursing
(22:53 - 24:53) Following Your Heart
(30:08 - 31:31) Teaching Children About Death and Purpose
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Reimagining End of Life Care with Kim Adams and Community-Based Care
Imagine the impact of a world where the final stage of life is met with compassion, dignity, and a return to the caring embrace of community.
That's the transformative vision Kim Adams, a passionate advocate in the death and dying movement, and I discuss during an enlightening conversation on end-of-life care. As we traverse the topics of home funerals, green burials, and the necessity for community homes for the dying, we uncover the profound differences these services make for those facing their twilight years without the support of family.
Venturing into the realm of the Omega Home Network, we shed light on the inspiring endeavor to create non-medical, social model homes that serve as an alternative to traditional medical facilities. These havens prioritize the human experience over clinical treatment, offering around-the-clock caregiving as an extension of family. We examine the collaborative spirit that forges multiple homes into a collective, emphasizing the importance of local support and the synergy with hospice services. Our discussion navigates the complexities of regulations, ethical considerations, and the practical steps involved in establishing these compassionate communities.
In an era when the conversation around death is often shrouded in discomfort, our dialogue aims to dismantle taboos and foster open discussions about end-of-life care. We explore how the upcoming conference in Indianapolis can serve as a nexus for education, networking, and the sharing of resources to aid in the creation of non-medical care homes. By extending an invitation to join this movement, we underscore our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to a dignified and 'good death.' Join us on this journey to reimagine the final chapters of life as a celebration of legacy, love, and community care.
We dive into:
(00:00 - 00:21) Unity Through Shared Experiences
(06:30 - 07:33) The Family's Role in End-of-Life Care
(13:45 - 14:36) Importance of End-of-Life Awareness
(20:47 - 23:03) Global Doula House Expansion Plans
(26:55 - 27:44) Community Collaboration for Social Change
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- Omega Home Network
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Mastering Life's Choices: Harmonizing the Ego and the Heart
Have you ever felt torn between the whispers of your heart and the logic of your mind?
Our latest conversation delves into the profound realization that we navigate life with not one, but two internal compasses: the ego and the heart. Together, we explore the subtle yet powerful cues these guides offer and introduce the 'Ray technique,' a transformative tool I've developed to help you harmonize these distinct voices. As we embark on this journey, you'll learn to choose love over fear, reshaping not just your personal narrative but also contributing to our collective human tapestry with every heart-led step you take.
Embarking on a voyage through varying states of consciousness can be as disorienting as it is enlightening. In this conversation, we traverse from the fog of unconscious living, where the ego often leads us astray, to the clarity of a superconscious state, where our true purpose aligns with service to others. The empowering concept of co-creation with the universe is illuminated, contrasting the effortless flow of life's currents with the struggle of ego-driven force. Discover how consulting your heart can provide solutions of a higher wisdom, fostering a deeper connection within and to the world around you.
Sometimes life demands a leap of faith, and I share my own experience of uprooting my life from the familiarity of New York City to the unknown of Charlotte, North Carolina. The universe spoke in angel numbers, offering peace and affirmation in a time of turmoil. I extend an invitation to all listeners to embark on a profound personal transformation with our free Level One End of Life Doula training. This isn't just about acquiring new skills; it's an opportunity to rediscover your passion for life and align with your true calling. Join us and see where your heart leads you.
We dive into:
(03:46 - 05:14) The Power of Saying Yes
(09:20 - 10:43) Holistic Understanding From End-of-Life Patients
(14:19 - 15:41) Understanding and Shifting Your Ego
(17:37 - 19:26) The Power of Alignment and Co-Creation
(25:31 - 27:21) Finding Signs on Your Path
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Navigating the Tender Journey of Caregiving in Life's Final Chapter
Can we truly bear the weight of end-of-life care alone, or do we need a village to carry us through?
Join me, Suszanne O'Brien, as I tackle the often-overlooked yet essential questions that underpin the daily life of those offering care in the final chapters of a loved one's life. In the heartfelt journey of caregiving, I shed light on the acute and safety issues that cannot be ignored, and underscore the importance of a support system scheduler – a cornerstone in preventing caregiver burnout and ensuring the comfort of our dear ones as they near the end. By weaving in the moving tale of a daughter accompanying her father through his last days, I paint a vivid picture of the profound impact caregiving has on families and the undeniable necessity of a well-structured support network.
As we navigate through the complexities of end-of-life care, this conversation extends beyond the immediate caregiver to the broader community. I discuss how a carefully coordinated support system, facilitated by a scheduler, can transform the daunting task of caregiving into a shared labor of love, efficiently involving friends and family in the care journey. Not only does this approach lift the shroud of isolation often felt by caregivers, but it also provides a pathway for others to offer support in meaningful ways, from meal trains to maintaining a tranquil environment for both the living and the dying. This episode goes further to offer hope and direction for those who feel called to this deeply rewarding work, announcing an upcoming free training for aspiring death doulas, fostering a future where compassionate end-of-life care is the norm, not the exception.
We dive into:
(10:29 - 11:41) Caregiver Support for End of Life
(17:25 - 18:56) Supporting Patients and Caregivers
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Embracing Life's Final Transition: The Role and Impact of Death Doulas
My journey as a hospice nurse revealed gaps and limitations in end-of-life care, inspiring me to advocate for a more compassionate approach.
Stepping away from the sterile hospital corridors, we enter the realm of Death Doulas—unsung heroes who offer support, comfort, and dignity to those on their final journey. Today's conversation unwraps the intricate layers of becoming a Death Doula, highlighting the significance of proper training, early planning for end-of-life wishes, and the transformative effect of personalized care.
The parallels between birth and death doulas are undeniable; both shepherd us through life's most profound transitions with grace and empathy. In this episode, we dissect the shortcomings of the hospice system, the fear surrounding death, and the necessity for a reliable presence during our last moments. The global death doula movement, born from a desire to educate and support, exemplifies the power of community-driven care, especially in the face of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, where traditional healthcare systems faltered under the weight of unprecedented strain.
As we wrap up our heartfelt exchange, I share insights into the comprehensive training that enables Death Doulas to enrich end-of-life experiences. From practical guides to evidence-based care plans, the tools at our disposal are designed to empower those without previous experience to step confidently into this role. We explore the rewarding opportunity for a sustainable livelihood in this field, the importance of self-care, and the overarching goal to reframe death as a natural, human experience—handled with kindness, education, and unyielding support.
We dive into:
(00:56 - 02:16) Importance of Researching Death Doula Training
(09:36 - 11:26) The Global Death Doula Movement
(16:39 - 19:14) Knowledge and Support in End-of-Life Care
(21:12 - 22:39) Self-Care in the Medical Field
(25:54 - 26:37) Doulagiver Practitioner Course Details
(33:22 - 34:33) Challenges and Solutions in Hospice Care
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Volunteer Chronicles: A Night of Compassion and Connection
Have you ever been awakened by a profound sense of community and connection?
Prepare to journey through an extraordinary night where Maple, my trusty canine companion, and I found ourselves amidst the sanctity of a Fifth Avenue church turned women's shelter. This sacred encounter wasn't just another New York City anecdote; it was a transformative experience, fueled by compassion and the unwavering spirit of an elderly woman's dedication to those in need. Embark with me as we traverse a heartfelt story from opening the shelter doors to the emotional realizations of how a simple act of kindness can echo through the lives of many.
Our passage doesn't end at dawn. We take a deep exploration into the tapestry of human consciousness, traversing the realms from a state of disconnection to the pinnacle of a superconscious unity. No guest is needed when the protagonists are the very stages of our collective human experience. From the echo of footsteps in a silent church hall to the life-changing philosophy behind selfless service, this episode is an odyssey of the soul. It's a testament to the unseen threads that weave us all together, and a reminder that within each of us lies the potent frequency of oneness. Tune in, and let's illuminate the power of community, compassion, and the transformative act of listening.
We dive into:
(00:02 - 01:59) Understanding Our Connected World
(04:00 - 05:35) Helping Women in a Church Shelter
(14:08 - 17:02) The Power of Selfless Service
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The FREE Doulagivers Universal Life Masty Masterclass (ULM)
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Embracing Life's Final Chapter: The Rise of Death Cafes and Starting a Death Doula Business
Ever wondered how the contemplation of mortality could enrich your life?
Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, as I lead you through the enlightening world of Death Cafes and reveal the secret to starting a Death Doula business. We embark on a journey from the inception of Death Cafes by Bernard Crettaz to their global spread, thanks to John Underwood's vision. I'll share my personal experience of launching a Death Cafe in Millerton, New York, a place where profound community dialogues about death led to an unexpected deepening of life's appreciation. Discover how these unique gatherings create a nurturing environment where the taboo of death is explored and embraced, paving the way for meaningful conversations and community bonds.
In the second act of our meaningful conversation, I take you behind the scenes of building a Death Doula practice, offering practical advice and heartfelt insights from my own transition from hospice nurse to creating a comprehensive end-of-life care program. I touch on the essence of being prepared, the intensity of supporting a family in their moment of need, and the importance of having a solid resource list. You will hear how Death Cafes can be a cornerstone for growth, both personally and professionally, for those in the Death Doula vocation. I conclude with the inspiring tale of how an accidental step led to the formation of a global community of practitioners, encouraging you to heed the call to service and experience the profound fulfillment it brings.
We dive into:
(00:30 - 01:59) The Global Movement of Death Cafes
(05:57 - 08:06) Death Cafes and Death Doulas' Importance
(11:00 - 11:49) Death Doula Platform Building
(17:04 - 18:14) Building Business and Serving Community
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The FREE Doulagivers Universal Life Mastery Masterclass (ULM)
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Embracing Universal Life Mastery with the RIPA Technique: Insights for a Purposeful Existence
Have you ever considered the profound lessons that life's final moments can teach us about living?
Embark on a transformative journey with me, Suzanne O'Brien, as I introduce the RIPA technique, inspired by the wisdom of those in the twilight of their lives. This isn't just a regular self-help talk; it's a gateway to universal life mastery, encouraging you to live with intention, love, and higher wisdom. Through Remembering, Interpreting, Practicing, and Aligning, we'll navigate the waters of heart-centered living and view life's hurdles as stepping stones for spiritual growth. Discover the art of interpreting life's lessons with a renewed perspective, and let's together make a meaningful impact on the collective soul of humanity.
In this heartwarming episode, you'll hear the stories that have shaped my approach to life and death, and how the clarity that often comes at the end can illuminate our entire existence. We'll delve into the transformative nature of forgiveness and the importance of embracing our challenges as opportunities to evolve spiritually. By adopting the RIPA method, you're not just changing your life; you're contributing to a world brimming with love and positive growth. So, join us for a conversation that promises to shift your perspective on your journey and the ripple effect you create around you. And remember, this is more than a podcast; it's an invitation to walk a path of enlightened living and to spread that light far and wide.
We dive into:
(03:19 - 04:55) Spiritual Wisdom in Life's Journey
(07:36 - 08:29) Finding Lessons and Forgiveness for Growth
(11:57 - 12:52) The Importance of Practicing Being
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The FREE Doulagivers Universal Life Mastery Masterclass (ULM)
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Journey Beyond the Ego to Spiritual Fulfillment
Ever wondered how the wisdom gleaned from the brink of life's final chapter could illuminate your day-to-day existence?
That's exactly what we uncover in our latest episode, where I, Suzanne O'Brien, delve into the unexpected life lessons from my path as a Death Doula. It's an exploration that takes us from the heart-wrenching moments of end-of-life care to the heart-led decisions that guide us towards a life of joy, flow, and yes, even miracles.
As we share stories of personal transformation, I open up about the profound impact listening to my heart over my ego has had on my life choices, including the inspired leap to write a book. This episode is an invitation to step away from the scarcity mindset and lean into the abundance of love and strength that comes from aligning with the universe's higher purpose. Prepare to challenge your perceptions of what's possible and embrace the power of living a life that's true to your heart's deepest guidance.
To cap off our journey, we look ahead to the "Universal Life Mastery" webinar, a space where we continue to unravel the threads of purpose and potential that weave through our lives. I'm thrilled to have you with me on this transformative voyage, and together, we'll celebrate the courage it takes to create not just a good life, but an extraordinary one. Whether through selfless volunteering or stepping out on faith, we're here to support each other in unlocking an existence filled with meaning and connection. Join me, and let's begin crafting the remarkable chapters of our own stories.
We dive into:
(04:59 - 06:33) The Meaning of a Good Death
(11:32 - 12:36) Inspired Guidance and Life Transformation
(15:58 - 17:59) Finding Your Purpose Through Energetic Alignment
(19:49 - 20:58) Fear of Death and Life Lessons
(25:02 - 26:40) Remembering Our Spiritual Existence
(28:38 - 30:37) Connecting to Higher Frequency and Consciousness
(34:02 - 36:04) Embrace Life's Opportunities for a Fulfilling Death
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The FREE Doulagivers Universal Life Mastery Masterclass (ULM)
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
The Sacred Work of a Death Doula Explored
Discover the profound lessons and transformative experiences that arise from the unique and deeply meaningful work of a Death Doula.
Embrace insights that will not only change how you view the end of life but also how you live each day to its fullest. Embark on an exploration of what it truly means to generate a sustainable income as a Death Doula. Learn about the Doulagivers Specialist Practitioner certification and the diverse range of services it encompasses, from elder care to grief support—all vital for creating a holistic practice that truly serves the needs of the dying and their families.
This episode uncovers the identity of the true client in end-of-life care, often the adult children of aging parents, while addressing common pitfalls new Death Doulas may encounter. Reflections on the changing landscape post-COVID-19 illuminates the critical role of Death Doulas in facilitating meaningful end-of-life experiences. Tune in for a candid discussion about the intersection of life, death, and the profound impact of those who guide us through our final chapters.
We dive into:
(01:30 - 02:23) Recognizing Calling, Balancing Work Hours
(02:24 - 04:41) Importance of Balance in End-of-Life Care
(06:17 - 07:11) Elder Support and End of Life Planning
(12:05 - 14:29) Expanding the Role of End-of-Life Doulas
(17:29 - 18:49) Benefits of Care Consultant's Power
(25:23 - 25:50) Crisis in Elder Care
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The FREE Doulagivers Universal Life Mastery Masterclass (ULM)
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Compassionate Pain Relief in End-of-Life Care: Understanding Management and Medication
When the shadows of life grow long and the light at the end of the tunnel becomes clear, pain management becomes a paramount concern for both patients and caregivers.
In our latest heartfelt episode, we venture into the delicate realm of ensuring comfort for those on their sacred final journey. Addressing the elephant in the room, we dispel common myths surrounding pain medication at the end of life, reassuring you that these treatments are there to soothe, not to hasten the inevitable. We take a closer look at the different types of pain, and how a meticulous approach to pain management can transform a patient's end-of-life experience into one of peace and dignity.
Imagine witnessing a loved one's serene transition, free from the clutches of discomfort and pain. Our discussion brings to light a case where a patient's shingles-induced nerve pain was managed effectively through precise medication logs and timely intervention, exemplifying the profound impact of proactive pain relief strategies. The collaboration between caregivers and hospice nurses is nothing short of inspiring, highlighting the importance of a detailed logbook and the foresight to administer relief before pain escalates. Together, we explore the art of pain management that allows for cherished final moments with family and friends.
As we conclude this episode, we not only share the essentials of a hospice comfort kit but also extend an invitation to our upcoming free training webinars. These sessions are designed to enrich your capacity to provide compassionate care and to embrace the end-of-life process as a natural, shared experience. It's a journey we navigate together, and your participation is invaluable. So join us for more insights, as we continue to support each other in this profound aspect of life on Ask a Death Doula.
We dive into:
(00:05 - 03:53) Pain Management at End of Life
(03:54 - 04:49) Addressing Addiction Concerns in End-of-Life Care
(06:06 - 08:14) End-of-Life Pain
(21:07 - 22:47) Use of Lorazepam in Medical Treatment
(25:40 - 26:44) Understanding the Death Rattle
(29:45 - 30:44) Sublingual Medications for End of Life
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
- The FREE Doulagivers Universal Life Mastery Masterclass (ULM)
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Exploring the Empowering Facets of Death and Dying
Can we truly embrace life without acknowledging its end?
This poignant question is at the heart of today's transformative discussion as we delve into the empowering and healing aspects of end-of-life planning. Sharing insights from my years as a hospice nurse and my training in Level 1 Doulagiver's family caregiver training, we explore the importance of creating an after-death plan and voicing our wishes for after we pass, and how this can shift our perspective on our everyday life.
Our journey begins with a deep dive into end-of-life care and its many facets. We focus on the need to slow down, be present, and embrace the idea of home funerals - a topic that is often met with hesitance. Through open and candid discussions, we highlight how crucial conversations with family about after-death plans can profoundly impact the grieving process. We also touch on the legal considerations, planning, and the potential healing quality of a home wake.
We then move on to the more personalized aspects of after-death plans and celebrations. You're given a glimpse into the myriad of choices available for what happens to your body after death, including eco-friendly options such as water cremation and human composting. We also explore the importance of planning for a life celebration or memorial and the power of leaving behind a special letter or memento. I hope that this conversation inspires and empowers you to take an active role in your end-of-life planning, leading you to a new realization of the joy and beauty of life. Join us as we break the silence around death and dying, and together, let's celebrate life in all its phases.
We dive into:
(02:49 - 04:11) Grief Healing Through End of Life Training
(10:12 - 11:55) Being Present in Grief
(16:02 - 16:58) Supporting End-of-Life Choices for Loved Ones
(20:01 - 21:45) The Power of Three-Day Home Wakes
(26:06 - 26:59) After Death Disposition
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of lIfe Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Understanding and Conquering: A Guide to Dealing with Cancer
What if you found out that you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer?
Would you know what questions to ask, how to navigate the complex landscape of treatments, or even how to cope with this life-altering news? In this episode, Suzanne shares her experience as a hospice and oncology nurse, equipping you with the top 10 questions to ask your doctor following a cancer diagnosis. She underscores the importance of having a support system, recording medical visits, and taking detailed notes to ensure you have all the information you need.
She further delves into the emotional aspects of end-of-life care and decision-making for cancer patients, a subject that hits close to home for many of us. Through two contrasting stories of men with different treatment approaches, we unearth the significance of considering quality of life and personal preferences. Remember, it's your life, and your well-being should always be the priority. She also tackles the process of coping with such a diagnosis, stressing the importance of taking your time, seeking multiple opinions, and never being afraid to question doctors. Join her in this powerful discussion that aims to empower anyone facing these challenging times.
We dive into:
(04:57 - 06:05) Questions About Chemotherapy Options
(08:38 - 10:06) Contrasting Cancer Treatments
(15:52 - 17:12) Importance of Asking About the Consequences
(19:07 - 20:38) Cancer Diagnosis
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of lIfe Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
- The Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Family Caregiver Training AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND! Listen Now (edited)
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Lessons of Love and Letting Go from Hospice Care
What if embracing death could enrich your daily life? Join us as we navigate this profound exploration with our cherished guest, Dr. Karen Wyatt.
A transformative journey awaits, as Dr. Wyatt shares her personal story of finding meaning and purpose in the wake of her father's suicide, eventually leading her to a rewarding career as a hospice physician.
Discussion takes a turn towards the deep end as we delve into the world of hospice care, unfolding the transformative power it holds over death and its spiritual growth. Dr. Wyatt enlightens us on how these experiences have shown her the importance of love while dealing with pain and forgiveness. We also touch upon the cultural shift needed in our perception of death and the support we extend to our healthcare professionals.
The conversation graduates to the insights from Dr. Wyatt's inspiring book, "The Tao of Death". Drawing from this, we discuss how death can be a mindful part of our lives, and how embracing it can ultimately enrich our existence. We conclude the episode with some practical tools to help you connect with your higher self and find peace in life’s turbulent waters. This episode is your gateway to comfort, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
We dive into:
(01:25 - 02:22) Finding Purpose in End-of-Life Care
(05:33 - 07:16) Trusting and Following Higher Guidance
(09:05 - 10:33) Love and Compassion in a Divided World
(15:21 - 17:27) Compassion, Kindness, and Unity in Chaos
(25:06 - 26:25) Inner Light, Embrace Life's Challenges
(30:13 - 31:05) The Power of Forgiveness
(33:40 - 35:07) Letting Go and Finding Spaciousness
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of lIfe Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Death Doula Practitioner Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
- The Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Family Caregiver Training AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND! Listen Now (edited)
Learn more about Dr Karen Wyatt - Click here!
Check out Karen's books in Amazon - Click here!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Securing a Positive End-of-Life Experience through Planning
Imagine having the power to dictate the quality and course of your end-of-life care, being able to define what 'quality of life' means for you.
This episode explores just that, with expert insight from Suzanne O'Brien, a former hospice and oncology nurse with years of experience in guiding individuals through this deeply personal journey. Dive into the world of advanced directives and the surprisingly non-binding nature of these documents. Discover the power of the POLST form, a tool that can help ensure your wishes are respected when it matters most.
The conversation doesn't stop there. We navigate the significant role your healthcare proxy plays, shedding light on the importance of defining your personal benchmarks for quality of life and establishing clear communication lines with your loved ones. We'll delve into the nine choices advanced directive document, a comprehensive guide that covers everything from who should voice your desires, to the heartfelt messages you want your loved ones to hold onto. Drawing from a poignant tale of a hospice patient, we're reminded of the simple yet profound joys of life and the importance of maintaining that quality until the very end. Let’s journey together into this solemn yet empowering topic of end-of-life care planning.
You are also invited to join the upcoming Live Learning Lab Workshop to explore these topics further.
We dive into:
(04:23 - 05:14) Seeking Legal Advice for Advanced Directives
(08:26 - 10:39) Understanding Healthcare Proxies
(12:43 - 14:39) Defining Quality of Life and Decision-Making
(16:13 - 17:04) Importance of End-of-Life Care Communication
(25:15 - 26:38) Choosing a Healthcare Proxy and Post Form
(29:08 - 30:19) Creating Sacred End of Life Space
(33:34 - 35:16) Redefining Relationship With End of Life
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- The NEXT Free Level 1 End of lIfe Doula Training Registration LINK
- The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
- The Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Family Caregiver Training AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND! Listen Now (edited)
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
The importance of Advance Directives: A discussion with Sylvia Cohen
Can you imagine the emotional turmoil and familial discord that arises when end-of-life wishes are not clearly defined?
Get ready to walk in the shoes of Sylvia Cohen as she courageously recounts her personal journey surrounding end-of-life care and the profound impact it had on her family. An enlightening chat about the cultural complexities within a multicultural family in a medical setting awaits you, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting different beliefs and customs. Sylvia also shares her mother's experience with hospice care, highlighting the significance of maintaining a certain quality of life.
As the conversation progresses, Sylvia's journey towards becoming a death doula unfolds. Discover how a death doula can provide invaluable guidance and support during the end-of-life journey, and the critical role of having an advanced directive and 'five wishes' in place. Sylvia's insights on legacy planning and advanced directives advocate for the importance of these topics in end-of-life care discussions. Her story is a testament to the importance of preparedness and fostering a supportive environment during such challenging times.
Finally, we address the topic of legacy planning and advanced directives. Sylvia underscores the need to consider the character traits and abilities of your children when assigning a medical proxy. The conversation stresses the necessity of creating an advanced directive and how it can be a significant gift for both the individual and their loved ones. Sylvia also highlights the importance of crafting a legacy box, revealing how it can serve as a meaningful method of passing on love and education to future generations. Tune in to gain insights from her experiences and join her mission to improve end-of-life care and support for others.
We dive in to:(00:02) Improving End-of-Life Care and Support
(09:59) Navigating End-of-Life Decisions and Cultural Sensitivities
(16:24) Hospice Care and Quality of Life
(32:42) Challenges With Hospice Care and Communication
(45:08) Death Doula's Role
(50:50) Legacy Planning and Advanced Directives
We want to hear from you!!!If you found this podcast helpful,Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people. Links mentioned in this episode:
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 - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
- The Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Family Caregiver Training AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND! Listen Now (edited)
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CERTIFIED DEATH DOULA?
JOIN the FREE Death Doula Discovery Webinar on December 14th at 7pm ET Click Here!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
How do you envision the end of your life?
What if you could transform that vision from a fear-filled one to a peaceful and sacred experience?
Join us for a heart-to-heart conversation with our guest, Cathy Yuhas, a seasoned nurse specializing in ICU, ER, and hospice care. Cathy shares a powerful, deeply personal story about how a woman's decision to embrace hospice care completely redefined her perception of death, and illuminated the profound importance of planning for the end, free of judgment.
We also explore the glaring gaps that exist in our healthcare system, with a specific focus on the realm of hospice care. Cathy recounts her difficulties navigating the system when her father was dying, emphasizing the desperate need for more education and resources in this area. She provides a detailed overview of the history of hospice care in the United States, highlighting the ongoing challenges it faces due to changing reimbursement structures.
Cathy's journey maps out the transformative power of end-of-life planning. She emphasizes the critical role played by directives like the Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form, and how hospice can be a beacon of care. As we wrap up, Cathy opens up about her role as a grief educator, and the importance of love, forgiveness, and comfort in the dying process. Tune in to this poignant episode that offers profound insights into dying and grief, underscoring the importance of living each day to the fullest.
We dive into:
- (01:12 - 02:17) Nurse's Journey in Hospice Care
- (04:47 - 06:09) Exploring Hospice Care Beauty and Gaps
- (12:38 - 13:46) Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
- (17:12 - 18:09) Improving End-of-Life Care Experience
- (25:42 - 26:40) The Power of Hospice Care
- (30:35 - 31:32) Booklet
RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Doulagivers Institute
- Dying Matters LLC
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 BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you 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! It's FREE!
- The Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Family Caregiver Training AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND! Listen Now (edited)
Learn more about Cathy - Click here!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
I have been studying what makes a “Good Death” for years. When I was working with end of life patients and their families, I quickly learned that being a part of a positive end of life experience is a blessing.
It not only makes you aware that this natural and guaranteed part of life can be beautiful - but it changes you. It allows you to step into a sacred and wondrous place. It suddenly gives a deeper meaning to life and it exposes you to a new energy and connection that shifts your perspective, heals you, and sets you on a path to discover your higher purpose.
We are all holistic beings that consist of four primary bodies of energy:
- Physical Body
- Mental Body
- Emotional Body
- Spiritual Body
At the end of life, as someone's physical body is diminishing, their spiritual body is growing and it is at this time that people get what I call their “spiritual eyes” or “spiritual wisdom”. They become connected to their higher consciousness and the greater part of themselves that opens them up to a newfound perspective and understanding of just about everything!
It is at this time where they say “I get it now! Now I know why all those things happened to me!”
It is like watching someone put all the puzzle pieces of their life together and the clarity, peace, and serenity they find in this moment is indescribable. It is truly magnificent.
But here is what I want you to know… we do not have to wait until the end of our lives to experience this aha! moment we all so desperately want. We can access this higher wisdom and connection right now.
Yes - RIGHT NOW!
We just need to do the work. We need to make a conscious decision to make intentional choices that raise the frequency of our energy so that we can tap into that higher perspective and that inner-knowing right here and right now.
In this week's episode of the Ask a Death Doula Podcast, I am talking with Amanda Kuda about her new book “Unbottled Potential” and we are talking all about the role that alcohol plays in keeping us from connecting to our higher self.
I will tell you right now that working with those at the end of life has taught me everything I know about how to truly LIVE.
How to:
- Live a Life of Presence
- Live a Life of Purpose
- Live a Life of Fulfillment
It is by learning these important life lessons that have been passed on to me by my former patients that you can learn to live an extraordinary life too!
That is why on Thursday, October 26th at 7pm ET I am teaching a LIVE Universal Life Mastery {ULM} Masterclass Webinar where I will be going deeper into these life-changing perspectives and realizations I have been fortunate enough to experience and benefit from in my own life.
I would love for you to join me in this class where we will explore how to find a place of inner peace no matter what your external circumstances may be, how to connect to the higher version of yourself that is waiting to be accessed, and how to find your path and purpose in this life!
Click Here to Register Now!
Learn More About Amanda Kuda here
Get the Book: Unbolted Potential here
P.S. The next FREE Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar will be COMING UP SOON!
Click Here to Register and Share With a Friend!
What is the Meaning of Life?
YES- This is a big question and one that I have sought the answer to for a long time. Ironically, it was when I started to work with the dying, that I learned everything about HOW to LIVE!
We are on the brink of a personal and collective shift. The world is full of chaos, and we are untethered to our spiritual being part of who we are and why we are here.
Join me in this heartfelt conversation with Ron Damico. Ron Damico is an Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Guide, and is at the forefront of leading the New Human Consciousness. He is a master mentor, healer, teacher, and way shower who has been guiding people from all walks of life and backgrounds through the healing and transformation process for over two decades.
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula,
You will learn:
1) How this is the time in our humanity for a big shift in consciousness to take place. We are being called to go from a world running on fear, power, and vitriol to one of love and compassion.
2) How when we raise our individual consciousness, we raise the collective consciousness.
3) How new research in both Neuroscience and Quantum Physics is validating that we can take control of our mind, body, and life to awaken to our highest consciousness.
Click Here to Listen and please Spread the Word!
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
FREE Universal Life Mastery Masterclass Thursday, October 26th 7pm ET Click here
Learn More About Ron Damico Click here
spirituality #consciousness #healing
It takes an extremely special person to go from being the poster girl of health/wellness and how to live our best lives to talking about grief.
And not just grief we feel when a loved one dies, but grief on all levels and of all kinds.
Could the denial of death, and thus the lack of education and information about grief, be the cause of so much depression, anxiety, and even disease in our world today?
Many of you may not know, but Kris Carr has been a guiding light, mentor, and supportive presence in my journey of creating Doulagivers Institute.
She is ethical, she is wicked smart, and she keeps everything real with an extra-large side of FUN!!!
When she told me she was writing a book about grief, I was so grateful. I know this could not have been an easy choice. I ALSO knew how many people this would invite into this conversation and help.
In this episode of the Ask a Death Doula Podcast, I will be talking to Kris about her new book, “I’m Not A Mourning Person.”
In it, she shares what to expect when you’re not expecting your world to fall apart. In true Kris Carr fashion, it’s raw and inspiring but also has joy, humor, and hope too! This book gives readers tips and strategies to move forward and start living again after experiencing loss.
In this episode, we will discuss:
- How LIFE promises you it all - the positive and the challenging parts of the journey and HOW you navigate through the tough times that makes ALL the difference in that experience.
- How death awareness can be our greatest teacher about how to live fully.
- Beautiful, priceless, and sage life lessons from her late father.
We will all be touched by grief - all kinds of it - and that does not need to be a terrible thing. It is a great reminder of our humanity and how we are so much more alike than we are different.
Death, Grief, and Love are the great equalizers of the world.
Let’s share what we can to support each other through the hard times in the healthiest way possible.
Xoxoxo,
Suzanne
Get the Book "I'm Not a Mourning Person" Click here
Learn more about Kris Carr Click here
More about Doulagivers Institute Click here
On this episode of Ask a Death Doula,
I had the pleasure of Interviewing Mary Landry, the creator of the My Loved One and Me grief journal.
My Loved One and Me started as a sympathy gift for a friend. It is a guided journal to assist the grieving process by reflecting on how time spent with a loved one can help you to continue to move forward.
To create it, Mary Landry drew upon her professional design background, Tai Chi/Chi Gung/Chinese Medicine training and a lifetime of intuitive experiences. As an Instructional and Graphic Designer, she made the journal inviting and inclusive regardless of belief systems. As an energy healer, Mary honors death as a natural part of life and reminds us of our connection to all. And as someone who has experienced loss and is an empathetic friend, she provides loving support during the quiet moments when comfort is most needed.
You can get the Journal here: Here
Get the FREE Doulagivers Grief Guide Here
For More Information and Death Doula Training, Click HERE
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula,
I'm officially announcing "The Good Death": What to Expect When Your Loved One is Dying and How to Have Positive End of Life Experiences on Your Own Terms Book. Little Brown Spark ( March 2025 )
The book is a step by step guide on how to care for your loved one at the end of life. It includes the vital pre-planning, the actual teachings of how to care for someone dying in all three phases of end of life, and new ways to celebrate, honor and choose final resting places that are financially, environmentally and emotionally healing.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Topic #1 How The Good Death became a book
Topic #2 What the reception from the publishing industry was on a book with the topic of "death".
Topic #3 What we hope to accomplish with this book and plans for the future to build a better world for all.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
FREE LIVE End of Life Family Caregiver Training : Click here
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here: https://www.doulagivers.com
Doulagivers Institute Mission Statement: The way the end of life is handled in the modern world is a dysfunctional mess in which people are pushed into positions they are completely unqualified and unprepared for. This is a direct result of the inadequate information and education available to the general public on the subject of death, as well as the greed and blatant disregard for the needs of patients and families by the institutions they rely on. This is a source of suffering, trauma, and complicated grief for millions of people every year. Doulagivers Institute can shift the culture of end of life by Advocating, Educating, and Empowering people with the truth about death and making high quality resources and educational programs accessible from anywhere in the world. We will cover all aspects of end of life care and become THE place people turn to when faced with this guaranteed part of life. xoxoxo Suzanne Save Your Seat for FREE LIVE End of Life Family Caregiver Training: Register here Together is how we change the World!- together. xo Suzanne
In this episode of Ask a Doulagiver,
I have the great pleasure of interviewing Christianne Wolff about her new book THE HEALED STATE!
The book shares beautiful stories, techniques and the science of how to heal. This episode is an impactful conversation between two holistic healers who are able to share the stories and importance of understanding we are energetic beings having a human experience.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Topic #1 How Christianne learned she was a healer.
Topic #2 How you can heal your body through braking bad habits ( and instilling good ones) nutrition, gut health, nature, sound healing and more.
Topic #3 How nourishing and restoring your 4 bodies of energy will allow you to create the future to be anything you want it to be.- YES!!!!
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Get The Book: The Healed State
Learn More About Christianne Wolff here: https://thebodyrescueplan.com
Learn More: Free Universal Life Mastery Webinar here! https://my.demio.com/ref/CQloDUCmQgEoIr3H
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here: https://www.doulagivers.com
Join our Monthly Life Cafe- Last Wednesday of Every Month at 12pm EST!!!
At Doulagivers Life Cafe people gather and come together to discuss life and how to make it the best it can be for everyone everywhere.
Our objective is to have an inclusive global support for each other at this time based on calm, compassion and kindness. To have education and group discussion 'to increase awareness of what makes a great life, with a view to helping people make the most out of this journey by understanding that we are all connected and in this journey together. You can register for LIFE CAFE here
xoxoxo Suzanne
Together is how we change the World!- together. xo Suzanne
The Truth About Becoming a Certified Death Doula
There is a worldwide global movement going on and it is known as the Death Doula. Just like birthing doulas that care for and guide a baby into this world, there are now Death Doulas that are guiding people out of the world!
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula,
I will share with you the truth about becoming a Death Doula and what you need to know when deciding if this profession is the right path for you.
Death is having a rebirth! We have been dying for thousands of years. However, it is only in the last century that we have completely removed the natural life experience of death from our awareness. Death is not a medical experience - it is a human one. Hospice is a beautiful model of care, but unfortunately the present model of hospice has many “gaps” and is not working well for most patients and families. There is a need for additional support from trained and knowledgeable professionals in this space of end of life care.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What is a Death Doula?
- The Death Doula Movement
- What do Death Doulas Do?
- Why Do We Need Death Doulas if We Have Hospice Care?
- Does Hospice Approve of Death Doulas?
- What Type of Holistic Support do Death Doulas Provide?
- How to Know if Being a Death Doula is Right for You?
- How to Pick The Best Training for You When Becoming a Death Doula
- Where Do Death Doulas Work? 10) How Much Do Death Doulas Get Paid?
Click Here to Listen and Spread the Word!
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
FREE DEATH DOULA TRAINING JUlY 20th 7pm ET Click here
Learn More About Hospice Care: Click here to get your copy of the The Doulagivers Hospice Handbook: https://training.doulagivers.com/offers/TELMrnSe/checkout
NHPCO’s End of Life Doula Council: Click here
NEDA National End of Life Doula Alliance Click here
Learn How to Care For Someone Who is Dying: Free 90 Minute Webinar Register here: Save Your seat here
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here: https://www.doulagivers.com
P.S. I will be giving a FREE COPY of the Doulagivers Hospice Handbook to everyone that shows up LIVE to the FREE Doulagivers 90-Minute Level 1 End of Life Doula Live Webinar Training Thursday, July 20th at 7pm ET! Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends!
P.P.S. This will be the last webinar that we will be offering the CEOLD Certified End of Life Doula Training as a stand alone program. Join here
Please share this podcast with others and Spread the Word of this global community!
This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne
80%-90% of a positive end of life ( no matter what the disease process) depends on these two things:
- Planning ahead and sharing your end of life wishes with those you love ahead of time and
- Knowing the basics on how to care for someone at the end of life.
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula,
I have the great pleasure of interviewing Lisa Pahl co-creator of The Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck; games.
These card games inspire meaningful conversations on what matters most in our lives and in our deaths. Lisa is also an expert contributor for Help Texts which provides expert grief and mental health support via text messages. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience in hospice and emergency medicine, Lisa helps people cope with illness, dying, and grief. With a passionate belief that peace at the end begins with meaningful conversations over time, Lisa engages people in talking about and preparing for this important stage of life.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Topic #1 How Lisa ( heroically ) worked with those in trauma and crisis.
Topic #2 How Lisa’s father got a diagnosis that changed not only his life, but Lisa’s too.
Topic #3 How having the conversation about end of life wishes can be easy, fun and empowered with The Death Deck!
Click Here to Listen and Spread the Word!
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
The Death Deck on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedeathdeck/
Get The Game: https://thedeathdeck.com
Learn More About Hospice Care: Click here to get your copy of the The Doulagivers Hospice Handbook: https://training.doulagivers.com/offers/TELMrnSe/checkout
Learn How to Care For Someone Who is Dying: Free 90 Minute Webinar Register here: Save Your seat here
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here: https://www.doulagivers.com
P.S. I will be giving a FREE COPY of the Doulagivers Hospice Handbook to everyone that shows up LIVE to the FREE Doulagivers 90-Minute Level 1 End of Life Doula Live Webinar Training Thursday, July 20th at 7pm ET! Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends!
This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne
In this episode of Ask a Doulagiver,
I have the great pleasure of interviewing Nurse Hadley Vlahos about her upcoming book THE IN-BETWEEN: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments.
The book shares beautiful bedside stories of that special time when people have "one foot in this world and one foot in the next". This episode is a heart to heart episode, from one hospice nurse, to another hospice nurse, as we discuss the common experiences we have had with our patients that will change your life.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Topic #1 How Hadley became a Hospice nurse and why.
Topic #2 The common experiences we see with our hospice patients as they get closer to the time of death. Like seeing loved ones who have already died.
Topic #3 What she hopes to see in the world regarding our view of death in the years to come.
Click Here to Register and Spread the Word!
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Nurse Hadley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurse.hadley/
Get The Book: https://nursehadley.com/book
Learn More About Hospice Care: Click here to get your copy of the The Doulagivers Hospice Handbook: https://training.doulagivers.com/offers/TELMrnSe/checkout
Learn How to Care For Someone Who is Dying: Free 90 Minute Webinar Register here: https://my.demio.com/ref/UAcgSsF5SUUJhVhG
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here: https://www.doulagivers.com
P.S. I will be giving a FREE COPY of the Doulagivers Hospice Handbook to everyone that shows up LIVE to the FREE Doulagivers 90-Minute Level 1 End of Life Doula Live Webinar Training Thursday, June 22nd at 7pm ET! Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends!
This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne
Date: 6/7/23
How to Fill the "Hospice Gap" Hospice is a beautiful model of care, but at the present time, due mostly to Medicare guidelines, we are seeing major "gaps" in hospice care. When someone is dying, we only have one opportunity to have it go well- there are no do overs. This is why it is vital to understand the hospice gaps and what we can do to fill them. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Topic #1 What Hospice Care Is
Topic #2 What Hospice Care Isn’t
Topic #3 What YOU Need to Know to Fill the "Hospice Gap"
P.S. I will be giving a FREE COPY of the Doulagivers Hospice Handbook to everyone that shows up LIVE to the FREE Doulagivers 90-Minute Level 1 End of Life Doula Live Webinar Training Thursday, June 22nd at 7pm ET!
Everyone who attends the 90-Minute Training will receive a free copy of this invaluable resource (a $49 value!) as a thank you for their participation.
Click Here to Register and Spread the Word!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Date: 6/1/23
The Marriage of Death and Spirituality When I was just starting my career as a hospice nurse…
the things I witnessed…
the things I learned…
the things dying people shared with me… changed my LIFE! At the end of life, as someone's physical body is diminishing, their spiritual body is growing and there is one point in the journey that they get all this spiritual wisdom. This is what they say: Trust that all the experiences in your life have been lessons to bring you closer to a higher state of being.
I can honestly say that the most painful experiences I have been through turned out to be my greatest teachers.
While working at the bedside, I discovered that this was the perspective shared by many of my dying patients. They were able to reflect on their own experiences from a different point of view to locate the good in them - uncovering the hidden meaning within them and finding the path towards soul growth.
In This Episode, You Will Learn: Topic #1 The way that the spiritual body of energy grows as people get close to the time of death. This is where people get their "spiritual wisdom" or "spiritual eyes".
Topic #2 How looking at life with a different lens of perspective- you can see the lessons and gifts revealed in ALL circumstances.
Topic #3 How we can live in a higher vibrational frequency now by using "The R.A.I. Technique".
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
How to Care for Dying Veterans
Veterans experience extraordinary emotional and mental challenges as they near the end of life due to the experiences and trauma they endured serving their country,” O’Brien explained. “Recognizing their specific needs and providing them with proven techniques to help them on their life journey is a tremendous gift we are delighted to share with military families. 642,000 Veterans die each year in the US
In This Episode, You Will Learn: Topic #1 Why we need specific end of life care for veterans
Topic #2 How the complex trauma that veterans experience prevents them from having a positive end of life.
Topic #3 How the new studies of psychedelic therapies may help veterans at the end of life and life
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Veterans Edition Click here Free Family Caregiver Resource Center Click here In Their Honor Click Here
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends! This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne
Date: 5/3/23
How The Death Positive Movement is Giving us Life
Death is having a rebirth! People today are going back to their roots with the re-adoption of home wakes and funerals. Centuries ago, this was the common way to handle death. People would die at home and remain there for the viewing and the ceremony to honor their life. In fact, the “living room” was given its name because that’s where those who were still alive congregated before they went into the parlor to pay their respects to the deceased person.
We just forgot- death is not a medical experience- it's a human one. 80%-90% of a positive end of life experience depends on two things: 1) Knowing the truth about end of life.2) Planning ahead!!! I learned that no matter who you are and where you live in the world, death is our common unifier in our humanity- and we can change the world with presence, compassion and education.
In This Episode, You Will Learn: Topic #1 What is the Death Positive Movement
Topic #2 How by doing these 2 things makes a better end of life experience by 80%-90%.
Topic #3 Why Death is actually our greatest teacher about life.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
End of Life Level 1 Training for Family Caregivers Click here Death Cafe Death Cafe Free Family Caregiver Resource Center Click here
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends! This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne
Date: 4/18/23
Zimbabwe: The start of the Death Doula Movement
I have been a hospice nurse since 2008, but it was on a volunteer trip to Zimbabwe, Africa, that I was taught the true power of our presence as the best medicine there is. I was reminded that death is not a medical experience- it's a human one. And I was taught the effectiveness of having someone present and "holding the space" for someone who is dying- and for their loved ones- like a birthing doula. I learned that no matter who you are and where you live in the world, death is our common unifier in our humanity- and we can change the world with presence, compassion and education.
In This Episode, You Will Learn: Topic #1 How a Volunteer Trip to Zimbabwe, Sparked a Global Death Doula Movement
Topic #2 The Great Teachings From Those at Island Hospice
Topic #3 How We are a Global Community
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
End of Life "World Training Day" for Family Caregivers Click here Island Hospice Zimbabwe Click Here
Free Family Caregiver Resource Center Click here
Learn More: Doulagivers InstituteClick here Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends! This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne
Date: 4/13/23
Caregiver Syndrome and How to Avoid It
Brief summary of episode: Family caregivers are often faced with a unique set of challenges as they juggle the demands of work, family and caregiving. From managing complex medical tasks to navigating legal and financial issues, it can be difficult for caregivers to find balance in their lives while providing the best possible care for their loved ones. At the end of life, it is common for a family member (usually an adult daughter) to be suddenly thrown into a position where they are fully responsible for the care of their dying loved one. Although hospice services help tremendously with structuring a care plan and receiving the necessary equipment and medications to provide this care, the family is still responsible for the majority of hands-on care. Because the current system leaves most of the work to unpaid family members, it takes a toll on already stressed and grieving individuals and leads to Caregiver Syndrome - a silent epidemic that is taking place in our country and around the world as a direct result of an inadequate elder and end-of-life care system. We can, and we must do better.
In This Episode, You Will Learn: Topic #1 What is Caregiver Syndrome.
Topic #2 Why it's Important to understand.
Topic #3 How you can Avoid it.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Caregiver Self Care Checklist Click here
Free Family Caregiver Resource Center Click here
Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends! This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne
SomaEnergetics is a series of Sound Therapy Techniques developed by David Hulse at the turn of the century using the power of the ancient frequencies of the solfeggio. We use the highest quality Solfeggio Tuning forks, which are custom-made for SomaEnergetics by a manufacturer who has over 4 decades of experience developing quality, custom tuning forks. We offer training in live workshops and via Self-Study Online Courses. Our Color Solfeggio Energy Tuners and Body Tuners are available exclusively from SomaEnergetics.
This wonderful quote from Dr. Horowitz and Dr. Puleo’s, book – Healing Codes for the Biological Apocalypse sums up the importance of this work: "Nature and Grace"—the physical and the spiritual—reflect each other and reveal "the great fact" that there is a secret tone scale—or set of sounds—that vibrates at the exact frequencies required to transform spirit to matter, or matter to spirit"
FREE UNIVERSAL LIFE MASTERY MASTERCLASS- Three Steps to Conscious Awakening
Register Here: https://my.demio.com/ref/HIjLO8sw1heZ...
We are on the brink of a personal and collective shift. The world is full of chaos, and we are untethered to our spiritual being part of who we are and why we are here.
In this free webinar, you will learn:
1) How this is the time in our humanity for the big shift to take place. We are being called to go from a world running on fear, power, and wealth to one of love and compassion.
2) How when we raise our individual consciousness, we raise the collective consciousness.
3) How new research in both Neuroscience and Quantum Physics is validating that we can take control of our mind, body, and life to awaken to our highest consciousness.
SAVE YOUR SPOT Here: https://my.demio.com/ref/HIjLO8sw1heZ...
To Learn More About SomaEnergetics CLICK HERE: https://somaenergetics.com/collection...
I’m thrilled to introduce you to these two heart centered dynamic women.
Karen Hendrickson and Jo-Anne Haun are the founders of Death Doula Network of BC.
They are passionate about making and creating connections throughout the Death industry, communities, and the world.
I LOVE to support people who are doing amazing work and making the world a better place. Here are two of these women.
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, You will hear:
-How Death Doula Network of BC was born
-The Blessings of COVID bringing global awareness to end of life
-How Doulas are an asset to patients, families and the medical team
We are a global family and Doulas are being used all over the world now to help provide the much needed end of life support to help create a positive end of life.
“With the right education, kindness and support, end of life can be the natural and sacred experience it was meant to be”~ Suzanne
Learn More about Death Doula Network of BC Here: https://ddnbc.com
Take the next FREE Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Here: https://www.doulagivers.com
Join the FREE Hospice of Green Country event with Suzanne B. O'Brien RN on October 26th at 6pm EST Below!
Register Here: https://forms.hospiceofgreencountry.org/october-26th-suzanne-obrien-rn/
If your loved one got a terminal diagnosis today, would you know how to care for them?
Unfortunately most people would answer no.
Most end of life experiences are NOT going well today, and it is the lack of understanding about the natural process of end of life and the lack of skills on how to care for someone who is dying that is the main missing piece.
Doulagivers International has created a global platform to change that and it is offered for FREE!!!!
We have been dying for thousands of years, it is only in the last 100 that we have become so far removed from the awareness of death being a natural, sacred part of life's journey.
In this episode, you’ll hear about how Doulagivers is “filling the gap” between families and hospice care to provide the answer to a fragmented medical system and allow patients and families the best opportunity to have a positive passing. And for those of you who are caught in the same place and don’t know the skills on how to care for someone at the end of life — don’t fret, because we have a free live online training for you right around the corner! (Take the End of Life Doula Training)
About Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is an award winning hospice and oncology nurse and proud founding member of NHPCO’s ( National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) End of Life Doula Council. A Council advancing Doulagivers/Death Doulas and Hospice Care to provide the best possible support to both patients and families.
The Perfect Storm:
9 out of 10 people want to be cared for at home when terminally ill.
Death is the number 1 fear in the world.
People come on hospice services very late in their process.
It is a culmination of these factors that are heavily contributing to end of life not going well for most. It is time to change that.
As a former hospice and oncology nurse, who has had the honor and privilege to have worked with over 1,000 people at the end of life, I can tell you that the answer to end of life not going well is to bring back the truth about death (how it is a natural and sacred experience) and to teach family caregivers the skill of how to care for someone who is dying BEFORE they ever need it.
80%-90% of a positive end of life is planning ahead:
Learning the skills on how to care for someone who is dying changes everything.
If you answered “I don't know how,” then read on - because I’m here to share with you the inspiring story of how Doulagivers is working with hospices to “Fill the Gap” in mainstream medical care so that every person has an opportunity to have a “Good Death.”
I know what it’s like to feel scared and unprepared to care for your loved one at the end of life. I work with families on this everyday. It does not need to be this way. There is free training and support that is available to you right now. Do not wait until it is too late.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to get a terminal diagnosis?
What would you do?
How would you cope?
What would you say to people?
What would your everyday life look like?
If you answered “I don't know”, then read on, because I’m here to share with you an incredible woman that will change your mind– and here’s why:
Number one: Jody has been given a terminal stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis and may be doing more with her busy days than I am.
Number two: Her sharing the power of presence and how every single day is a gift of gratitude and awareness that has brought new meaning to her life.
Believe me, I know what it’s like to feel scared and uncertain. Death is the number one fear in our world. That fear is paralyzing and is preventing us from accessing one of the greatest teachers about how to live.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Jody Stokhamer, an amazing woman who shares how she feels more healthy and alive today with a stage 4 hospice diagnosis than ever before in her life.
And for those of you who are caught in the same place of fear of death — don’t fret, because you’ll take away strategies ( take the End of Life Doula Training ) and a new perspective on life to ensure that you work through your fear and feel empowered and inspired about life!
So if you’re ready to let go of your fear and be inspired, then pop in your earbuds and tune in!
This is important because I think that as be and hospice, I love hospice. I love the people that work for hospice. It is such a beautiful model of care. And it's very misunderstood in the public is what, what I know. But they also, people don't fully understand the amount of time that everything comes to your house. But the nurse will come for a time period. The social worker. What about all of that other time that you're home? And I love that you just shared about understanding your husband's needs and what it would be like for him and having that other person that knows the end of life to be there to hold the space. And that really is, again, the definition of a Doulagiver. Now you have it with a home health aid. Beautiful. As long as we understand what's needed in that dynamic for everyone.
-
(18:58): Hospice and Doulagiver Support is not just for the dying person- It is for their loved ones as well.Not just for you, but for your husband as well. So I love that you did that. And I think it's so important for us to understand how difficult it is for caregivers. You know, for me as the hospice nurse, I would come in and assess the patient and the model is that I'm supposed to teach the loved ones how to do the care. Sometimes I was there for only an hour. Periodically the fear of death. We're asking people to take care of their loved ones that are dying without them really knowing the first thing on how to do that. That is almost cruel. That has to change. And that Jody is again, why the level one doula givers is out there being taught every month for free to teach families how to do this, to teach people about end of life. So they don't have to be fearful to give them inspiration about what that lens could look like if we look through it at life.
-
(21:43): Bringing Back the Awareness of Death: So let me ask you this, Jody. What, what do you think the world would be like if we could bring back that awareness early on in the journey? Talk to our children honestly and openly, age appropriately about the life cycle that we have with nature and with animals and, and everything that happens. And looking at life from the very early stages, not at the very end, with that kind of lens on what would our life be like? What would this world be like?
-
(24:02):That awareness of end of life death is our greatest teacher. About how we are similar and how time is our greatest commodity and how kindness is something and presence is what we can give to each other every single day. And that can change the world.
*(25:07): A Fundraiser for Jody
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Ask a Death Doula Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Free End of Life Doula Training-https://www.doulagivers.com
International Doulagivers Institute-https://www.doulagivers.com
Jody's Go Fund Me Page-https://gofund.me/4569a4c9
In This episode of Ask a Death Doula, I will share what V.S.E.D. ( Voluntarily Stop Eating and Drinking ) is, why it's a viable option, and the checklist of things you need to go over before deciding if V.S.E.D. is right for you!
What is V.S.E.D.? [2:00] – V.S.E.D. stands for voluntarily stopping, eating, and drinking, and it is an intentional decision to stop drinking liquids and eating food for the specific purpose of causing death. It does not refer to stopping food or fluids provided by means of a feeding tube or to situations in which a patient has no appetite or is unable to eat or drink due to illness or disease. Time until death depends on a patient's underlying physical condition and disease state, but typically takes place within about 5 to 21 days with the median time of death occurring in 7 to 14 days after implementation - the cause of death is dehydration. The exact process of dying from V.S.E.D. will not be the same for every individual. Despite being intentionally used to cause death, the dying process experienced by V.S.E.D. is a natural one. In the first few days after ceasing intake of food and fluids, individuals may retain their energy levels for physical activity, but soon will become very weak. Once they begin to feel weak movement requires assistance in order to prevent falls or accidents, and weakness or dizziness may occur suddenly - which is why 24-hour support is recommended. Once the individual begins, the fasting causes mental alertness to be replaced by longer and longer periods of sleeping. In many cases, individuals eventually remain in a coma state during the final stages of death. The dehydration from V.S.E.D. affects the kidneys and the heart and each organ system in the body begins to shut down. One of the things that I want you to know about this is that it’s something that's naturally occurring in the end-of-life process already. One of the first tell-tale signs that somebody's headed into the transition phase is that they stop eating and drinking. This is naturally how the body starts to shut down to have its end of life. V.S.E.D. allows the person to have the intentional decision of speeding that up a bit when they have a terminal diagnosis.
Why People Choose V.S.E.D. [5:28] – It is critically important for me to discuss this topic because there is so much debate and discussion about Medical Aid in Dying (M.A.I.D.). The most common reasons that people want to choose medical aid in dying is that they don't want to suffer, and they don't want to be a burden to their family. V.S.E.D. is an alternative option that is not marred with controversy and does not require people to go through a lot of stressful legality issues. You don't have to wait for someone else's permission. You can decide if this is an option that you would like to take, but again, it must be an informed decision and done with the right support. I'm going to give you the checklist to make sure that you fully understand what's involved and if it's right for you. V.S.E.D. is a wonderful option and it gives power back to the person at the end of life. This is about empowering people with the information they need to make their own choices.
The V.S.E.D Checklist - The reason we have this checklist is because it really lays out everything involved and it needs to be a yes, across the whole entire board, before V.S.E.D. is implemented. The Doulagivers V.S.E.D. checklist also has a complete list of supplies and equipment needed to ensure that the patient is comfortable and safe during their V.S.E.D. journey.
This is YOUR Journey. You can choose whatever you want. Just make sure that you make educated, subjective decisions for you.
xo Suzanne
FREE End of Life Doula Training: REGISTER HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I’m going to show you how writing a forgiveness letter can break the chains of these heavy emotions and allow you to have the future you want, and to be anything and everything you want to be in this life. Forgiveness can set you free.
-
The Two States of Being [2:52] – We are holistic beings, and this means we are made up of four bodies of energy – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. We are equal parts of each of these four bodies of energy. At the end of life, our physical body begins to diminish, and our spiritual body of energy begins to grow. Witnessing this is a profound experience, and there is a certain part of this process where a person will have one foot in this world and one foot in the next. This is what I refer to as gaining their “spiritual eyes.” It is as if they tap into some kind of infinite intelligence and suddenly awaken to so much deep spiritual wisdom that had eluded them previously. They say things like, “I get it now!” and make sense of their past experiences and regrets. Their painful memories and hardships of life take on a new meaning and they tell me they all happened to give them an opportunity to evolve and connect with their “soul self.” It is soul growth – a growth of consciousness – and it is extremely powerful.
-
When Science Meets the Bedside [5:46] – I teach about this topic in the Doulagivers Certified End of Life Doula program, and it is one of my favorite things to teach. Henry P. Stapps is a well-known physicist who worked at the University of California, Berkeley. He did incredible work providing strong proof of his theory of non-locality. The theory of non-locality states that you and I are not local entities – that we are instead part of one, unconditional, loving consciousness. This is exactly what so many of my end-of-life patients have shared with me. Henry P. Stapp believes that our consciousness is a fundamental part of the universe and through his scientific findings was able to corroborate the existence of nonlocality properties in the field of quantum mechanics.
-
Epigenetics [6:49] – Epigenetics is a field of study in biology that examines the way our behavior and environment can affect our gene expression. It focuses on heritable phenotype changes which do not actually alter our DNA sequence, but rather can change the way our body reads the existing DNA sequence. We have 500 trillion cells in our bodies that make us who we are. Each cell contains gene expressions because they must replicate themselves over the course of our lifetime. These gene expressions are kind of like instructions for the cell so that they know what their function is. “Epi” is a Greek prefix which means “above” – so Epigenetics is the science of studying “above the genes” or basically, what is in addition to our inherited genetics that affects gene expression. What it has found is that your environment is the most determining factor on the health of our genes, and ultimately, our body. Providing ourselves with a healthy and conducive environment is, to a large extent, within our control. Where you are, who you allow around you, and what you put into your body are all products of environment. Your physical location can be controlled through the decisions we make and can have an incredible impact on our overall physical health. It is also true that what you think has a big impact on chemical releases within your body – meaning that what we choose to think about can have a strong correlation to our mental health. Our spiritual body of energy can be maintained and strengthened by allowing ourselves to just be and manage our stress and outside negative influences. We must tap into our creativity and stay in a place of harmony with our surroundings. This will allow you to follow your heart and create the life that you want – building meaningful things, contributing to the world around you, and developing loving relationships are all within reach. Epigenetics has discovered that a person can change their gene expression in as little as 90 days through intentional changes! Our emotional body of energy can be cared for through the power of forgiveness. There is the forgiveness of others and the forgiveness of self. Always remember that forgiveness is for you, not the other person. All of our experiences, especially the most painful ones, are opportunities to grow. Sometimes the most difficult moments of our life become the greatest things that have ever happened to us after we have time to process them. Through the understanding of Epigenetics, you can take control of your health and feed all four of your bodies of energy to live in total and complete alignment with your ideal life. You are in control of this.
FREE LEVEL 1 END OF LIFE DOULA TRAINING
REGISTER HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com
Big Ideas:
-
How We Created Such a Dysfunctional Relationship with Death [5:19] – As a young nurse, I witnessed how poorly end of life was going for the vast majority of my patients and their families. I was fortunate to grow up in a family that worked in the medical system, so hearing about people getting sick and dying was something that I heard being discussed at a young age. I was subjected to the topic and understood from the perspective of people caring for those at end of life how much compassion was required in this space. The realization that end of life was going to happen to everyone was ingrained in me early on – most people do not have the opportunity to understand this. Human beings have been around for thousands of years, and they’ve been dying the whole time. So, at what point did we start trying to run from death and treat it as optional? Over the last century, medical advancements, drastic increases in life expectancy, and the cultural shift around death have removed the awareness of our end of life from our journey. Now when it does inevitably come about, it leads to quite a disjointed and difficult situation for most people. People were in a much better place to handle and understand death when it was considered a natural and expected occurrence for ourselves and our loved ones. The medical system doesn’t even focus on how to properly support people at the end of their life – it is strictly focused on trying to cure disease and elongate life. We must remind ourselves that death is not a medical experience, but a human one.
-
Looking at Death as a “Graduation” [10:11] – As society has distanced itself from the reality of death over time, the belief systems we have adopted along the way have contributed to the fear and misunderstanding of it. Death is the number one fear in the world right now. When we deny the fact that we will die one day, it denies us the ability to live fully as well. There is so much beauty in befriending death. It allows us to truly understand the value of this day – to understand the value of compassion and presence. It empowers us to find our purpose in life and to live authentically to ourselves. Saying goodbye to the physical form of those we love will always have an element of heaviness and sadness, but what if we reshaped our perspective of death in a positive way? What if we looked at it as a kind of “graduation”? I have heard and believe that this life’s journey we are on is the truly difficult part. It is full of adversity and obstacles we must overcome as we search for the meaning in our existence and move closer to finding our individual truth. The whole part of life is to connect with your “soul self” and find that inner wisdom and peace. So, shouldn’t death be a celebration if we can believe that life continues on in another way after what we perceive as life here on earth? I think it should be an occasion to rejoice, remember, and honor the person who is moving on from this physical realm into whatever is waiting for them next. If we open our hearts and minds to this, we can realize we are so much more than our current physical form and treat death as an opportunity to remember this and celebrate the memory of those who have passed on.
-
What People at the End of Life Say [17:05] – The stories that my patients have told me before having their actual end of life has taught me so much and shaped my belief that there is so much more to this journey than most of us are aware of. One of my patients, Mary, had gallbladder cancer. She was admitted to the hospital because she had fallen and broken her hip after the chemotherapy treatment she was receiving had made her bones brittle. She and her sister were in a lot of shock when I first met them. One day, when I was moving her back into her bed, we noticed that she was out of breath - which was atypical of the disease she was diagnosed with. It turned out that she had a blood clot in her lung. I walked into her room with the doctor who was coming to explain what had happened to her and before either of us spoke, Mary said, “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” I turned to look at the doctor and tears were running down her face. When I think back on it now, Mary was telling us that she was going to die before we even told her. At around eleven o’clock later that night, my coworkers told me that Mary woke up suddenly from a nap and exclaimed, “Get my sister! I’m transitioning, I’m transitioning!” with all the excitement that a child would have if you told them you were taking them to Disney World. I have always wondered what Mary saw that made her feel so at peace, and even excited, that the end of her life was coming. When you have the privilege of seeing and hearing about situations like that, you know that death is nothing to be fearful of.
Resources: FREE End of Life Doula Training 👍 REGISTER HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com
Big Ideas:
-
What is a Pet Doula [0:30] – There are people in this holistic end of life care space who are being drawn to work specifically with animals. It is incredible and incredibly needed. We have known for a long time that we need to start offering more support to people at the end of life, but what about our pets? Death is a natural experience, and all living beings will experience it and the people who love them really need that help and guidance. Now those who are end of life care providers can choose to focus their services within this niche or include this as part of their other services. End of Life Pet Doulas are a new calling! How beautiful is that?
-
My Personal Story with My Dog’s Death [1:58] – I used to have a Golden Retriever named Max. He was one of the greatest loves of my life. My heart bursts with love for him still when I think of him. He was 11 years old, and my son called me up while I was out of town one day and told me he wouldn’t eat his food. I knew something was wrong right away because Max never (and I mean never) skipped a meal. When I got home, he wouldn’t take treats and no matter what we tried to do or give him; he would reject all sources of food. As a hospice and oncology nurse who dealt with death daily as a professional, I still wasn’t able to wrap my head around the news that he was nearing the end of life after taking him to the vet and they diagnosed him with a late stage and aggressive form of cancer. It was very sudden, and I just wasn’t mentally prepared for it. The vets were quick to suggest putting him down and I was stunned and taken aback by it. I felt like I could take him home and manage his symptoms because of my background working with end-of-life patients and the fact that he still had quality of life. I discovered that it does not work quite the same way and I think that having a Pet Doula would have helped me so much throughout Max’s end of life process.
-
How Pets Die Differently Than People [8:04] – Animals operate differently than people. One of the similarities when they are nearing end of life, is that they stop eating and drinking. The biggest difference, on the other hand, is that there is no verbal communication between the animal and the caregiver. This is huge. For someone to assist an animal well at end of life, they must be incredibly in tune with non-verbal communication and know what to look for so that they can identify signs of discomfort and know the best course of action to take in a given situation. Animals cannot tell you when they are in pain or suffering. Another difficult aspect of this is that you cannot explain to an animal what you are doing for them and why. With Max, we had medicine to help with his pain and relaxation, but he absolutely hated it. He would try to fight taking it and it added so much stress to an already stressful situation. In hindsight, I would not have assumed that I could take care of him at home comfortably without additional support or more knowledge specific to animals and pets. There is definitely a great need for Pet Doula services that can assist people through this devastating experience. The grief and loss of losing a pet is a little different than what we go through with people, and the care that they need during their end-of-life process is also a little different.
Resources: FREE Level 1 End of Life Doula Training: https://www.doulagivers.com
PLEASE Rate Review the Podcast. We love to hear from you!
xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
1.What Psilocybin is [00:27] – Psilocybin is the main psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms.” The talk of using this psychedelic at the end of life has been a hot topic and is being studied intensively. It is being looked at as having potentially effective medicinal/therapeutic properties in the treatment of fear, anxiety, and depression for those at the end of life. It is a naturally occurring compound found in specific species of mushrooms. It has been used for thousands of years all around the world as part of spiritual rituals and cultural ceremonies. In the 50’s and 60’s, Psilocybin started to be studied for its therapeutic properties in the use of treating a plethora of ailments and conditions. Everything from addiction, anxiety, depression, and other various forms of mental illness were treated in clinical studies with thousands of patients. In the 1970’s this research was abruptly ended. It has recently started up again with a renewed focal point on studying the use of this compound in those at the end of life.
2.The “Trip Treatment” [3:20] – In 2015, an article in the New Yorker was titled “The Trip Treatment.” It was all about the use and studies of Psilocybin and the promising results it has shown in treating those who had extreme fear, anxiety, and depression in their end-of-life journeys. Not only did they have great results overcoming these particular issues, but the use of Psilocybin led to incredible breakthroughs and a sort of spiritual understanding/awakening amongst those treated with it. There is now a growing movement for using Psilocybin for this purpose in the End-of-Life space. There is much debate over this issue, but there are new studies currently being conducted at NYU, UCLA, and John Hopkin’s University amongst other notable and well-renowned research institutions.
3.The Similarities Between the Spiritual Awakening at End of Life and Psilocybin Use [6:30] – Many of the things relating to the spiritual breakthroughs patients have in these various studies are remarkably similar to some of the things I have been sharing for years. As a former hospice and oncology nurse, I have worked at the bedside of over one thousand end of life patients over the last twenty years. My end of life patients say the same exact thing as those who have been treated with Psilocybin. I want to share that this experience is naturally occurring in people as they near their end of life. As their physical body is diminishing, their spiritual body is growing. There’s a time in their journey where they have one foot in this world and one foot in the next. In my opinion, many people go back and forth before they fully leave this world. I say this because I have had so many patients who suddenly wake up with a bunch of new information and a renewed and profound perspective on life. They speak of all being connected to one unconditional loving energy and this parallels what has been documented in these Psilocybin studies.
4.You Don’t Have to Wait Until the End of Life to Have Your Own Breakthrough [9:05] – The whole goal of life is the journey of evolving to find your spiritual self. To understand yourself and to be able to live authentically and true to who you really are. To overcome the obstacles and the suffering we deal with in our physical world. It is to get beyond your ego and to tap into what is in your heart and let it guide you. We all have two internal directional instruments we can choose to follow. One is our analytical mind that is shaped by our experiences, prejudices, and imprinting of other people’s views. Following this directional path leads to us living a fear-based existence. By contrast, our heart guidance system will lead us to our unique truth. If we understood this human journey for what it really is and that we are all connected to one unconditional loving energy with no judgment – that life is all about learning and growing – we would have so much more compassion for one another and shift the entire world into a better place for everyone.
-
“Death is having a rebirth and it is bringing back the sacredness of end of life and the sacredness of life. We have got to understand what this journey is about and how we can make it the best for everybody in it.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“Take the time to create a loving space in your heart and ask yourself, ‘Where does my heart want me to be of service?’ Find that internal place where you can love others, yourself, and everything and everyone on this incredible planet.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
FREE LEVEL 1 END OF LIFE DOULA TRAINING REGISTER BELOW: https://www.doulagivers.com
Please Rate & Review this Podcast: Please share with a friend!!
Big Ideas:
- A Breakdown Leads to a Breakthrough [3:20] – Many times the most painful moments in our lives lead to the best moments because it gives us an opportunity to find ourselves. The darkest points in our lives turn into the brightest when we grow spiritually through them. We are able to gain so much perspective through the struggles and challenges we face if we look at them through the proper lens. No one knows this better than Patty and Greg Howe. Greg was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2016 and doctors told him he only had a couple of weeks or a few months at most to live. This led to him searching for alternative treatments because his doctors told him they had nothing available that could help him. He found himself feeling really low when confronted with this intense adversity – but after a year of living after his initial diagnosis, he found his true strength and the beauty of life through overcoming his fear. Still alive and well, it is such an inspiration to hear him speak from a place of hope and joy and the positive shift he experienced through such difficult circumstances.
- When Patty Found Doulagivers [11:37] – Patty found Doulagivers in March 2020, during the height of the covid lockdowns. She had been a hospice volunteer since her father passed away in 2014, and she became curious about the concept of end-of-life doulas. She heard about this concept in another program she had taken and started to do more research on the subject, and she stumbled upon Doulagivers. She decided to call in to learn more about the program and we spoke on the phone, and she made her decision to enroll in our Certified End of Life Doula program after I asked her if she had the calling to do this sacred work. After starting the course and becoming part of our Doulagivers community, Patty discovered that she needed open-heart surgery after exerting herself during a hike and realizing something was wrong. She says the love and support she received from the other doulas in the semester empowered her with the confidence to know she was going to make a recovery from her surgery and be the best doula possible. Then, a little over two months after her surgery, she was given a terminal liver diagnosis. After her initial shock, Patty looked to Greg as her source of strength and inspiration and eventually looked at her diagnosis as a gift because she was finally able to understand what her husband had gone through with his own diagnosis. They processed things together and decided that they would continue to move forward in the face of this new challenge. The awareness of their own end of life gave them the push they needed to "repair” aspects of their lives they didn’t even realize they needed to repair.
- Greg Howe Became a Doulagiver After Witnessing the Rise in Patty [20:05] – Greg watched as Patty grew into a more confident woman aware of her own power, owning what was hers and finding her calling in life. It made him decide to also take the Doulagivers training and become a Certified End of Life Doula. Patty describes herself as being “encapsulated” by her purpose since walking fearlessly down this path in her life. Greg would sit in the background of Patty’s classes and on Thanksgiving in 2020, we held a special Zoom call for everyone who was at home and separated from their families that year. Another one of our Doulagivers told a story on that call about how her stepfather had stepped in and cared for her mother at the end of life with no formal training and how an incredibly strong and loving bond grew between them through that experience. The story moved Greg so much that he signed up for the course immediately after hearing it. He wasn’t sure how it would go at first because he has never been comfortable with people’s emotions, but he says it has been the most incredible journey for him and his personal growth. It has completely changed him in the most beautiful way.
- Time Magazine Article [30:28] – Last year, Patty and Greg were both featured in a Time Magazine article about End-of-Life Doulas titled, “Death Doulas used to Be Rare. The COVID-19 Pandemic Changed That.” One morning Patty was sitting on her bed and received a phone call about wanting to be interviewed by the author of the article. She says there was magic instantly in the conversation they had and that she and Greg were so grateful for the opportunity to shine light on this movement for such a large platform. Upon completing her other interviews with Doulagivers graduates and speaking to me, the author of this article told me that it was the most exciting article she had ever written. It was such an honor to hear that.
- Patty and Greg’s End of Life Resort [35:58] – Patty and Greg had an idea to use their property in Alaska to create a special place for people at end of life to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth. They collaborated with doctors and social workers to refine the dream for this end-of-life resort. They realized that Alaska is a special place for everyone, and they heard that some people were renting hotel rooms so that they could spend their last time on earth in Alaska and die there. So, they thought, why not create such a better experience for those people that was more personable and curated to them for that purpose? To allow them to spend their final moments surrounded and mesmerized by the stunning scenery and nature of the Alaskan wilderness. They gravitated towards this vision and have committed to making it a reality. The ability for someone at end of life to be able to be in such a wonderful place and have access to two guides who know the feeling of confronting that situation firsthand is such a beautiful thing. Patty and Greg are an inspiration and shining example of what can happen when you find the courage to follow your calling and trust in that journey.
Memorable Quotes:
- “We have been dying for thousands of years. Only in the last 100 years have we completely removed death from the natural fold of life and turned it into something we feel the need to fear. We have to bring back the sacredness of end of life.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
- “When you align with that higher frequency of purpose and calling – when you step forward to answer that – the universe shows up for you. So, I always say, ‘When you show up for the universe, the universe will show up for you.’” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: https://time.com/6128469/death-doulas-covid-19-pandemic/
Please Rate & Review the Podcast: Help us to spread the word to help people all over the world.
Big Ideas:
1.Bringing Back the Awareness of Death Being a Natural Part of Life. [2:55] – l – there were two things I’ve learned over the course of my career as a Hospice and Oncology nurse that made it go 80 to 90% better for people: The first thing is planning ahead with Advanced Directives and thinking about what you do or don’t want at the end of life. The second thing is knowing the basic skills for how to care for somebody at the end of life in order to facilitate a good death.
- The Five P’s [5:00] – Darren is a veteran and there is an acronym they used in the armed forces that is referred to as “The Five P’s”. It stands for Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. This can equally be applied to the end of life and death care. If you don’t plan for it, nine out of ten times the end of life will not go well. If you do plan for it, people know where they stand, and the end of life can be a pleasant and enlightening experience. If we don’t plan, everything falls on our family to make decisions and very rarely do families agree on big decisions about medical care at this stressful time. When we empower people to choose their wishes before the end of life, it makes us subconsciously want to live our lives each day the way we really want to. To live with as much joy each day as we possibly can.
3.The Inspiration Behind Darren’s Work [10:30] – Darren has worked in Health and Social care providing technology services for over 25 years. He had no work-relation to end of life at the time or with end-user applications like the ones he develops now. Two and a half years ago, Darren’s wife and sister-in-law became the primary caregivers for his mother-in-law who was suffering from aggressive Lewy body dementia. After his mother-in-law’s funeral, he and his family were going through photo albums and discovered that they did not know many of the people in the photos and now that his mother-in-law had passed, that part of their family history was effectively lost. This led to Darren thinking of a way to incorporate technology to help individuals keep track of their family legacy. He created a “memory box” to use in hospice and palliative care for this purpose. Doulagivers are also trained in conducting life reviews with their patients for the purpose of legacy creation and retention as the end of life nears. It is an incredibly important, powerful, and healing exercise for them.
4.How the After Cloud App Works [16:05] – Darren’s After Cloud app has been utilized in real world environments such as hospice to enable patients to create content based on four main focal points: Letters, Images, Videos, and Audio. Patients can use these all at once to create really valuable and meaningful moments and record things they want to share and celebrate into the future. A lot of people within Hospice wanted to see a chronological account of their life stories in addition to the content they had created. Darren got to work on making a timeline feature that anyone can use to create a legacy and have a highlight reel of their life to look back on forever. At Doulagivers, we talk about the importance of using techniques that allow the end-of-life patient to take control. This app is a beautiful example of this because it lets these patients choose the highlights of their life they want to leave behind for others to see. You also don’t have to be at the end of life to use this app!
5.Memorials [21:11] – When end of life shows up in people’s lives, it is often a crisis. This extends to when we hold remembrances for people – there tends to be a scrambling to put together a service and memorial and the rush of it all leads to things not going well in this regard either. When things are moving very quickly, and everyone is experiencing the trauma of loss, it becomes a difficult and unfortunate situation for the loved ones to navigate. There is usually a lot of complicated grief and bereavement being felt after a person dies and then you are tasking the grieving individuals to plan a memorial they weren’t prepared for. Not allowing ourselves to stop and be present and process our loss so that we can begin to heal from it leads to a prolonged state of grief as well. Having a memorial plan in place before the time comes can make a huge difference to all of this. Personally, I would like to have a say in my own memorial, and I believe most other people would also. Utilizing technology, such as Darren’s After Cloud app, can assist people with planning their own memorial and make that plan accessible to their loved ones after they’re gone.
Resources: FREE Level 1 End of Life Doula Training. REGISTER HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com
Visit https://myaftercloud.com
Please Rate & Review the Podcast: Help us to spread the word to help people all over the world.
Big Ideas:
1.We Have to Start Being Guided by Our Hearts [6:32] – We have to break the cycle of living from a place that is guided by our ego. A place that leads to pointing fingers and creates hate and division and that comes from a place of fear, shame, and guilt. We must instead allow our heart guidance system to show us the way forward so that we can change our world for the better. We have really lost our way in nearly every category imaginable – the way we treat each other, the way we treat our planet, the way we treat animals. If we live only through our egos, we will continue down a path of destruction. So, remember that we all have a choice to allow our heart guidance to show us the way and we should allow it to do just that.
2.Sobering Veteran Statistics [10:56] – Our veterans have always been an area of so much pain and suffering. They are asked to stand up for their country – to fight for and protect the freedoms that the rest of us enjoy. We applaud them and celebrate them for their heroism during their active duty – but what happens on the other side of their service? They usually fall through the cracks after they have experienced life-changing trauma from combat situations. In my experience, veterans have been some of the most challenging end of life patients to work with because they have such complicated grief and past experiences that heavily burden them. The depths of trauma they go through are almost impossible to reach. Only another veteran knows what that feels like, so Doulagivers is excited to announce that we have partnered with a veteran expert to create a Veteran’s Edition of our world-renowned Doulagivers 90-Minute Level 1 End of Life Doula Live Webinar Training. This is so important and needed when we look at veteran statistics – I want to share some eye-opening facts with you. There are more than 19 million veterans currently living in the United States – approximately 1,800 veterans die each day. There are over 9 million veterans over the age of 65 in the United States. The more specific eldercare and end of life care services we can put in place for this population, the better. Vietnam veterans make up the largest share of elder veterans. An average of 20 veterans die by suicide each and every day. What can we do right now to show up for an expand support for our veterans?
3.Bringing in a Veteran Expert [21:05] – Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is a U.S. Army veteran and the spouse of a combat veteran. She is the founder of In Their Honor LLC and her life’s work is dedicating her end-of-life education to veterans their families. She is an end-of-life doula and educator. She has collaborated with us at Doulagivers to bring in veteran-specific knowledge to our Level 1 End of Life Doula Training to properly support these veterans in one of their greatest times of need. We met each other through a mutual colleague, Dr. Karen Wyatt, and her End-of-Life University Podcast. I saw her interview on the podcast and I fell in love with her passion for caring for veterans at end of life. I reached out to her shortly after and it led us to working together to create the Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Veteran’s Edition.
4.Dedication to Clinton Wyatt [24:20] – Dr. Karen Wyatt is a dear friend of mine and her End-of-Life University Podcast is a beautiful platform where she shares so much great information. Because of that podcast, I was able to connect with Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar and we were able to create this wonderful offering to veterans that I believe is going to have a big impact on their lives. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Wyatt for making this connection possible and all the work she does - particularly with helping to educate people on how to deal with death by suicide. She shares the beautiful story of her father, Clinton Wyatt, who was a WWII veteran. He was a wonderful soul, and he had a miraculous journey and faced many struggles as a veteran. Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar and I would like to dedicate the Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Veteran’s Edition in his memory and honor.
- FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Veteran’s Edition [26:37] – This training is always free, so please share it with anybody you’d like that you think can benefit from it! It will be a 90-Minute live virtual workshop on Zoom held Wednesday, July 27th at 7pm ET.
REGISTER HERE: https://doulagivers.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcOivrjssGdfsUMnlsGuUsjQa3Umbzx_F
PLEASE Rate & Review this Podcast: This will help us reach more people and share the free trainings!
xo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
-
Food and Stress [4:30] – Stress can come in many forms and one of them is environmental stressors. In our world today, most of our food sources are empty calories with a lack of nutrients and an abundance of chemicals and contaminants. This leads to an increase in inflammation and stress in the body which over time can develop into disease. Elyse says that she personally pays more attention to the ingredients listed on the foods she consumes rather than on the nutrient panel. She emphasizes understanding what she is putting into her body and as a rule of thumb she believes if you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it. Many chronic illnesses can not only be stopped but reversed through proper diet and exercise and lifestyle changes.
-
DNA Expression [9:12] – Within 90 days you can change your gene expression by changing what you put into your body because our cells replicate themselves. This process occurs every 90 days - so if you eat well, exercise, and take care of your body, that replication can take place in a healthy way. If you eat poorly and neglect your health, it will take place in an unhealthy way. You have the power to make that choice and it will make you feel well and give you a sense of clear mindedness. When Elyse was thirteen years old, she was overweight and struggling to feel good regularly. It was around this time that she developed a curiosity for the way certain foods made her feel and she began her journey towards a healthier lifestyle. She realized she had chronic inflammation and decided to make a change. She removed processed foods from her diet and lost 50 pounds as a result.
-
Pay Attention to How You Feel [13:25] – Elyse started her path to a healthier lifestyle as a weight loss journey, but she ended up sticking to it not because of how she looked, but because of how she felt. She felt good in her body and realized that there was a level of confidence exuding from her because of it. She identified that these results came from the nourishment she was giving her body. Elyse wants people to know that it’s not only what you’re eating, but also the environment you’re eating the food in that matters. There are a lot of different elements that impact our relationship with ourselves and our relationship with food. Our society as a whole has a dysfunctional relationship with food and most of what is available in our stores lacks nutrition and is high in calories, sugar, unhealthy fats, and disease-causing additives. Elyse wants people to feel empowered to make good choices for themselves and take a more critical approach to how they shop and view their dietary choices.
-
The Impact of Stress on the Nervous System [15:40] – Our bodies are bombarded with stress on so many levels daily that we essentially live in survival mode. When we are constantly in a state of fight or flight, it pushes the gas pedal down on our adrenal glands and pumps out cortisol. A certain level of stress is healthy to have, but when we reach a sustained level of distress it becomes unhealthy. We have to be intentional with how much outside stress we allow into our lives. It is empowering to realize that we can choose to regulate some of the things that cause us undue stress in our lives. If they go unchecked, it can wreak havoc on us and it permeates all aspects of our lives – the quality of our sleep, our relationships, and even the food we choose to eat. When we are highly stressed, we tend to make poor choices which compound into an unhealthy lifestyle. To live a healthy life, we have to reject unnecessary stressors in our lives - and we are the only one who can do that. You are the only person in the world who can truly heal yourself.
-
Tools for a Healthier Life [21:45] – Think of yourself as an instrument that needs to be tuned regularly. One of the best tools that you can start implementing today to achieve this is starting to work on understanding what you need. It is a daily practice that takes time to get efficient at. Identify the feelings you have – we know when we feel off, stressed, angry, frustrated, elated, and excited. The way to identify your needs is by leaning into those feelings – think of them as a check engine light. When you’re feeling something negative, pay attention to it and ask yourself what you need to fix it. Turn down the outside noise and look inward for the answer to that question. Only you know what your needs are. Then take the next step forward to fulfill that need. The second tool you can use is behavioral changes. Take a big thing you want to work on and break it down into the smallest next step you can take right now and begin forming tiny habits that move you toward your goals. Be experimental and try new things to find what serves you most. While pursuing change, always be gentle and kind to yourself the same way you would be with another person. Never forget – you are the caretaker of you!
Memorable Quotes:
-
“This is probably one of the most stressful times in history. The stress that we’re under emotionally just from being part of the world right now impacts our bodies with inflammation. We can’t control what’s going on outside, but we can control what we do for ourselves.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“You really are the only person in the world who can truly heal yourself.” – Elyse Wagner
Resources: Get the FREE Level 1 End of Life Doula Training: HERE
PLEASE Rate & Review and share the Podcast!! Help us make a better world for everyone in it!
Learn More about Elyse Wagner Here
How do we reduce the fear of death? - by learning the truth about it. In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I have the great pleasure of sharing the Art of Doulagiving Graduate series with Certified Doulagiver Teri-Portugal Gooden.
Teri’s first experience of death was with her beloved Gaga. When alone in the room as Gaga with transition, she sat up and exclaimed with excitement to Teri “Not to be afraid because its beautiful!!!!! And showered Teri with red kisses all over her face just moments before she took her last breath.
In this episode, you will hear:
-
When Teri first knew she had the calling to be a Doulagiver [3:06] – Teri had always worked and volunteered with terminally ill patients and even wrote a paper about it in the fourth grade. She always felt strongly about holding space for elderly people. She was profoundly moved by sitting with them and hearing their stories and their conversations at the end of life. Teri had a gift of feeling comfortable in this space and it empowered her to become a Doulagiver. We always encourage anybody who has this innate ability to step forward and answer their calling because so many people out in the world need you and it is such a special way to put love back into the world.
-
The importance of talking honestly with children and bringing back the sacredness surrounding death [5:25] – At Doulagivers, we believe one of the best ways to bring back the awareness of death and its sacredness into the natural fold of life is to be honest with children. There are age-appropriate ways to engage with children in the truthfulness of end of life rather than shielding them from that inevitability. One of the greatest gifts you can give children is not removing death from their understanding of life but teach them that it is a natural part of the human life cycle instead.
-
Gaga and the gift of community taking care of community [6:36] – Teri’s grandmother that she refers to as “Gaga” came to the United States from Ukraine when she was a young girl. Teri’s mother had her when she was young and was divorced when Teri was only two years old – this led Teri to spend a lot of time with her grandmother as she was growing up and they would bond over stories from her grandmother’s journey to America. Part of these stories were about the importance of community – there was a network of immigrant women making sure their entire community was taken care of during that period of her grandmother’s life. They made sure people were fed, provided medical care, birth care, and death care, as well as about anything else that was needed. Not all of these people were Ukrainian either – it was a mixture of people who had immigrated from every corner of the world in search of a better life. The wisdom and the lessons of how giving back is so important from listening to those stories had a huge impact on Teri at a young age and shaped her desire to work with those at end of life.
-
Death teaches you that we are connected to something so much greater [11:44] – It is almost indescribable the peace, the serenity, the connection to something so much greater than what we normally think of when working with those at the end of life. It solidifies that there is an omnipresence of us all… and it is love. It’s dropping the physical, human part of us, and having that spiritual part that is so full of light and shine that exists forever. When you feel that and know that - you know the person is no longer with you, but it brings incredible peace to us when losing a loved one. We want people to know that death can be beautiful, that it is sacred, and that it is natural – and teach people the practical skills to be prepared for and to handle end of life well because we know we are all going to get there someday.
-
How becoming a Doulagiver has led Teri to live a “purposeful life” [18:08] – Teri had worked in a demanding business for thirty years and felt depleted when she decided to close that chapter and take a new direction in life. She wanted to be of service and to live a purpose-filled life. Teri says that once she became a Doulagiver she felt “completely home.” It allows her empathic nature to be fully present, celebrated, and offered to those who need it most. Being a Doulagiver has shown her so much that she says has improved her quality and understanding of life by letting her live in complete authenticity and freedom to be herself. When you’re able to be yourself and not try to fit into other things, it really makes life so much better, and it is a beautiful thing. It allows you to shine out in the world and share your gifts with others.
Memorable Quotes:
-
“There are age-appropriate ways to engage with children in the truthfulness of end of life rather than shielding them from that inevitability. One of the greatest gifts you can give children is not removing death from their understanding of life but to teach them that it is a natural part of the human life cycle instead.” - Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“It is almost indescribable the peace, the serenity, the connection to something so much greater than what we normally think of when working with those at the end of life. It solidifies that there is an omnipresence of us all… and it is love. We want people to know that death can be beautiful, that it is sacred, and that it is natural – and teach people the practical skills to be prepared for and to handle end of life well because we know we are all going to get there someday.”- Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Take the FREE End of Life Doula Training HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com
Please rate, review and share this podcast and free training to help us reduce the fear of dying for people all over the world. xoxoxo Suzanne
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula", I talk with Reid Peterson the founder of The Grief Refuge App. We have an insightful conversation about grief, what is is, how it works and what you can do to thrive through the grief journey.
- Why Grief is so Complicated
[8:49] – Grief is painful, and people want to avoid pain of all types – emotional pain is particularly complicated to deal with. Many people associate feeling this kind of pain as not normal and then crave a sense of normalcy in response. This can lead to premature dismissal of their grief. It leads to a lack of respect in our society for the grieving process – it can feel taboo or stigmatized. Even though pain is uncomfortable, it is a signal we receive to let us know something is wrong and we need to acknowledge it. We don’t want to be in pain, but we have to recognize it and understand where it is coming from so that we can address it properly. Ignoring it is only masking it and giving it an opportunity to grow and transmute into something even more severe. Understanding your grief as a natural and expected response to loss allows you to sit with it, honor it, and identify the tools you have to eventually transform it and heal from it. Unless we’re willing and courageous enough to sit with our pain and befriend it, we’re never going to have the opportunity to transform it and move past it.
-
Bringing Back Rituals to End of Life for Healthy Grieving [14:22] – Incorporating rituals back into the processes of end of life and grieving and memorials can be extremely comforting. This can provide insight into steps for the next phases of life for those who are grieving. Rituals that are practiced with loved ones are even more empowering through the shared connection and experience. When families take time at the end of life when they have lost a loved one and really use that window of opportunity to be present and share stories with each other – it has an incredibly positive impact on the way their grief and bereavement journey goes from that point forward. There is no need to rush in the wake of a significant loss – realize that we will never have this moment again. Take it in, allow yourself to slow down, and process what happened and how you are feeling. Bringing back ritual is so important for this.
-
“Stuck” Grief [21:15] – “Stuck” grief is when someone feels hopeless, lonely or isolated, and feeling lost while going through the grieving process. It is defined by people who feel as though they aren’t making progress in their healing – they start to feel that it will never improve. One of the most common things that happen at the end of life is people will wait for you to leave the bedside before they have their actual end of life. Often times, they will be unresponsive and in a sleeping coma for days and the brief instance that someone leaves them for a few minutes they pass away - and people come back and are usually riddled with guilt that they weren’t there for the passing of their loved one. Just having the knowledge that this is normal can unburden people who have been carrying around guilt for decades of their life. Knowledge and education are two of the greatest tools we have to help us deal with the natural process of grieving and how we can move forward and heal from it.
-
The Grief Refuge [24:50] – The Grief Refuge is a hybrid organization that offers live services such as retreats and support groups for those who are grieving. Support groups are now online and focus on unique aspects of grief experiences. There are groups for different types of loss and specific experiences. There are also one-on-one “grief companioning” services offered. It is a heart-centered, and soul-centered approach to helping those dealing with the difficulties of coping with grief or going through grief overwhelm. The Grief Refuge also has an app platform for those seeking validation and comfort along their grief journey and so they can reflect and receive guidance.
Memorable Quotes:
-
“Grief is a natural and expected response to losing something we care about.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“Right now, we are living in a society that treats death as optional. We have to really change our thinking here and bring death back into the natural fold of life because that denial creates a crisis when the time comes.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien
RN PLEASE SHARE THIS PODCAST WITH A FRIEND!!!
Rate & Review the Podcast:
Visit The Grief Refuge Here: The Grief Refuge
FREE TRAINING: THE GOOD DEATH: Level 1End of Life Doula Training: REGISTER HERE
-
Be Present [2:47] – The magic is in the present moment. Be fully present - not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. Most of us don’t live in the present moment. Focus on what’s in front of you – what do you see, what do you hear, what do you feel in your heart? If you are fully present, you will get everything you need to know how to be of service to a person at end of life. People may say they’re fine, but if you really observe in the moment, you will know the truth. Trust your “knowing.” If your mind is all over the place, you can’t lean into your intuition properly. Ground your energy and quiet your mind before entering the room with a patient so you can be settled and truly present in the moment for that person.
-
Meet the Person "Where They Are" Emotionally [6:35] – Many people are in crisis by the time they reach out for end-of-life support services. End of life has three phases – the Shock Phase, the Stabilization Phase, and the Transition Phase. It’s in the Shock Phase – the initial period following someone getting a terminal diagnosis that everything is so intense. There could be many emotions present and there usually are. Anger, withdrawal, sometimes even humor as a defensive mechanism comes into the fold - and denial is also a really big one. So, when I say, “meet people where they are emotionally” it has to be perfect to where they are and how they’re presenting – this is not about our agenda, it’s about them. If people are angry, sad, or all over the place – just meet people where they are at that moment and work from that point forward. There is that initial space where everyone is in shock – let them go on their journey and give them time to process it. It’s really important for us to show up and be of service to people in this moment and of course through the whole journey.
-
Don't Judge [8:54] – This is a pillar of the Doulagivers practice. Don’t judge what’s happening. This is not only for the person at end of life, but also for their “nucleus” – the people in their inner circle who are deeply affected by what is going on. Everyone is having their own experience during end of life, and everyone might be having a different experience. There is no judgment at the end of life – this is a universal law I have learned from working with my patients over the decades. End of life is hard – we don’t have full context on anybody’s life and it’s important to remember that everyone is doing the best they can with where they are on their journey. Things can get really intense at the end of life, so always remove judgment from the situation.
-
Be of Service [10:57] – Set your intention to be of service. You don’t have to figure it all out or have an agenda. Simply ask yourself, “how may I show up to be of the highest service – to this family, to this work, to the world, and to myself?” When you go in, just be present and have the open heart to be of service in the whole dynamic and see what comes into you. Don’t push – flow. Be of service and bear witness to this person’s experience – you’re not here to fix it or direct and take over. You’re here to be present with no judgment, with an open heart, and to be of the highest service – that is the best medicine we can give one another. When you show up to be of the highest service, it allows for this energetic place that’s really organic for the end of life where beautiful things can be processed, accepted, brought to light, and people can find peace. If you do this, you’ll be in a great position to help somebody.
-
Practice Self-Care [12:48] – This is for you. When caring for those at end of life, caregivers can put themselves last and not want to take time off. You have to plan on the long haul – we don’t know how much time we have at the end of life. We want it to be as positive an experience as possible, and it can be. Part of that is making sure that the caregiver is getting enough sleep, nutrition, and having some down time so that they can be fully present for their loved one (or client as a Doulagiver). People are in fight or flight mode at this time – we have to prioritize our health. Having a few hours off is best - but doing as little as taking ten minutes to walk in nature or get sun on your face can do a world of good. An hour or two of respite is very important – ask someone to cover a shift for you so that you can take a nap or just have a break. Also make sure you are getting adequate water and nutrition intake. I understand that during this time people may not want to eat or have time to prepare full meals, but this is critically important for the health and balance of your body. In order to take care of others, we must take care of ourselves. If you allow yourself to burnout, you won’t be able to provide optimal care.
Memorable Quotes:
-
“If you are fully present, you will get everything you need to know to be of service to a person at the end of life.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“Simply ask yourself, ‘how may I show up to be of the highest service – to this family, to this work, to the world, and to myself?’” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: Please share these free community resources with a friend and help us change the world together. xoxoxo Suzanne
FREE LIVE LEVEL 1 End of Life Doula Training - Register Here: Register Here
JOIN OUR FREE LIFE CAFE Every Wednesday at 12pm ET – Register Here
Please Rate & Review this Podcast! xoxoxo Suzanne
When you practice self-care, you are caring for everyone else. The better version of you – the healthier, the happier, the more vibrant you are – the better you will care in all areas of your life.
It’s so important. In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I will share with you the vital importance of daily self care in all four bodies of energy. The time to implement self care is not when you feel stressed out, It is key to incorporate it ahead of time. Understanding what you need to nourish your beautiful being is easier than you think- and will make ALL the difference in the world in how you enjoy life every single day.
In this episode, you will learn:
-
The Four Bodies of Energy [1:50] – You are composed of four bodies of energy within you. The Physical Body, The Mental Body (your analytical mind), The Emotional Body (feelings, traumas, etc.), and The Spiritual Body. These bodies of energy exist in equal parts. Working with those at the end of life has taught me everything about how to live and there is a spiritual body of energy that is an inner peace, inner knowing, higher consciousness that exists in each and every one of us – the problem is we don’t connect to it. We don’t practice strengthening it. But if you do recognize it and nurture it, your life will become much more joyful and in flow. It’s not a religion, but a spiritual connection to a higher frequency and energetic consciousness. It’s important to understand the four bodies of energies when talking about self-care because each one of those bodies of energy needs to be nourished individually and they have different needs. Being “in balance” is meeting the needs of all four bodies of energy.
-
Balancing Stress Hormones [7:45] – We are living in a world where stress is dominates our lives. We are constantly bombarded by stress – through the television, social media, world events – it’s very intense. The energy, anger, and fear will affect us in many ways. Stress hormones kick out and cause inflammation in our bodies – they can be produced by your environment, your mental state, and by what you eat. Stress hormones were designed to protect us in an acute, immediate crisis, such as a car accident, to help us respond quickly and hopefully avoid danger or bodily harm in a situation. In our world today, we have a baseline of stress hormones circulating in our bodies constantly because we’re subjected to so much stress on so many levels. This can manifest itself in fatigue, aches and pains, and other symptoms that are detrimental to our well-being. But there’s good news – just being aware of this and having the ability to return yourself to homeostasis for even short periods of time is critical for your health. You can do this with simple habits: start your day with intention-setting and mindfulness through meditation and practicing gratitude. Walking in nature is another one of my favorite ways to ground myself. Deep breathing is also very effective. Use these to help mitigate all the stress you are under.
-
Being Proactive [10:35] – The key to all of this is not to wait until you are experiencing negative symptoms to start your self-care practices. We have to try to prioritize these at all times. Life can get busy or in the way, but make sure to be aware of your stress levels before they climb to unmanageable levels.
-
Daily Practice [11:24] – Focus on small things you can incorporate in your daily routine to keep homeostasis within your four bodies of energy so that you can have a buffer and hopefully never get to a place where stress overwhelms you and makes you feel sick. It will also allow your daily life to be so much more joyful. Think about making sure you hydrate yourself first thing in the morning and think of ways to make sure you’re getting greens and other nutritionally dense food sources into your diet. Making small changes and incorporating little things into your day will have really great benefits to your health and happiness over time. Developing good habits has a compounding ripple effect across all areas of your life. Start with something small that you can manage right now, and you will feel inspired to take that next step in the right direction. Having moments where you can sit in silence and connect to your spiritual self is incredibly important to do on a daily basis. Connect with yourself, with nature, with animals, with sending love to all people – these small things that feed your bodies of energy can and will make a huge difference in your life.
-
The Four Body System [13:55] – There are two periods of the day that are wonderful times to expand your mind. The first is when you’re waking up in the morning. Before you jump out of bed, take a minute to slow down. Take this beautiful space from sleep to starting the day to practice self-care. We’re a little dreamy still and before you get going for the day, check in with yourself and take a few deep breaths. The other optimal time to do this is at night before bed when you’re winding down from the day. I recommend all Doulagivers practice “The Four Body System” – a practice that takes only 5 to 10 minutes each day. It is a way of connecting to your four bodies of energy and over time it will become second nature to you. Processing and releasing will put you into a place of flow – it will bring magic and miracles into your life. It is a beautiful place to be, and it is open to each and every one of us.
Physical Body – How am I feeling? What’s happening? Do I have any aches and pains anywhere? Is my body tired? Am I feeling dehydrated? Ask your body what it needs.
Mental Body – Am I stressed? Am I worried? Am I anxious? Really check in with yourself. You are the caretaker of you. Figure out how you can take time for yourself and organize your thoughts.
Emotional Body – How is my heart? I think all of our hearts are heavy at the moment watching and seeing what is going on in the world and knowing so many others are suffering. So, ask yourself how your heart is and what you need to heal emotionally – forgiveness is your greatest tool for this. Is there something you can be forgiven for or give forgiveness to someone else for?
Spiritual Body – Do I feel connected? Have I been committed to my practices? Strengthen your spiritual body by using gratitude, meditating for a few minutes, or connecting to the earth and mother nature.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Working with those at the end of life has taught me everything about how to live and there is a spiritual body of energy that is an inner peace, inner knowing, and higher consciousness that exists in each and every one of us – the problem is we don’t connect to it. We don’t practice strengthening it. But if you do recognize it and nurture it, your life will become much more joyful and in flow.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
PLEASE SHARE THE NEXT FREE LEVEL 1 END OF LIFE DOULA TRAINING ON MAY 19th at 7pm ET WITH A FRIEND! Here is the link: Click here
Together- we are changing the world! xoxoxo Suzanne ❤️😘
Resources: Get the FREE Death Doula Guide HERE
Please Rate & Review this Podcast!!
xoxoxo Suzanne
Today is National Death Doula Day and we are celebrating with a very special podcast and free family caregiver training!
Death used to be revered as a sacred part of our life’s journey. It is only within the last 100 years that we've absolutely removed the end of life from being a natural component of our lives.
This removal of end of life has, in my opinion, caused death to become 1,000 times more difficult for both patients and family members.
End of life can be a positive and sacred experience. It is with the right education, kindness, and support that we can have the end of life go well for every person - everywhere in the world.
Due to current reimbursement structures, mainstream medical is only able to supply a certain amount of time and support for patients and families at the end of life - but end of life is 24/7 and the need for more support in this area of care is extremely great.
“The minute we put a dollar amount and a time limit on dying, we're doing something wrong.” - Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Doulagivers/Death Doulas are non-medical holistic practitioners that care for somebody who is dying physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The Doulagiver/Death Doula is filling in the gaps in mainstream medical and can support not only the patient and family but the Hospice Care Team as well. It is a win/win/win addition to end of life care!
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, we will cover:
- The History of the Death Doula Movement
- Why We Need Doulagivers/Death Doulas
- How Hospice is Working with Doulagivers/Death Doulas to Provide the Best End of Life Experiences for Patients and Families.
- What Death Doula Day is and How You Can Celebrate It
Listen to the Full Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/ONAvdqyDfFM
What is National Death Doula Day? The day is set aside for Death Doulas to engage with their communities by bringing awareness to the profession and benefits for patients and families. An End-of-Life Doula is a non-medical person trained to care for someone holistically (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) at the end of life. End of Life Doulas are also known around the world as: Doulagivers, End of Life Coaches, Soul Midwives, Transition Guides, Death Coaches, Death Doulas, Doula to the Dying, Death Midwives, Thanadoula, and End of Life Guides.
National Death Doula Day is a day where we recognize the positive impact these individuals can have during the end-of-life process.
This day was created to raise awareness about the profession of Death Doulas and how they can benefit patients and families at the end of life. Death Doulas provide the additional support that families need in order to feel comfortable with taking care of their dying loved one at home. They are non-medical professionals that provide holistic support for the dying and their loved ones before, during, and after death. Trained in the various end of life stages, a Doulagiver is able to assist the family with understanding the natural processes of death while providing comfort and support through these processes. This is the day where all Death Doulas can rise together and be a voice for social change for end of life care - ensuring everyone has the most positive passing possible.
How should this day be celebrated or observed? On Death Doula Day we encourage the conversation about the profession of Death Doulas. This can be done anywhere, and in any way you feel comfortable. Have fun with it!
Post/Tweet/Market/Share, have a discussion panel, show a documentary, give a training, host a Death Café – anything to do with end of life.
Here are two articles you can share to your social media to help spread awareness!
HOSPICE TIMES ARTICLE
TIME MAGAZINE ARTICLE
End of life is a human experience - not a medical one. With the right education, kindness, and support, end of life can be the sacred, positive experience it was meant to be.
In Love & Service,
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
P.S. The FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula LIVE Webinar Training is TONIGHT at 7pm ET in honor of National Death Doula Day and Doulagivers World Training Day!
We invite you and anyone you would like to share this event with to attend and we cannot wait to see you there!
REGISTER HERE!
The goal of the International Doulagivers Institute is to support communities worldwide with free end-of-life doula community caregiver training. Doulagivers International recognizes that education and engagement are the keys to a peaceful passing. One of the organization's key initiatives is Death Doula Training for Families via their Annual World Training Day event - a free public education program that empowers families and takes the fear out of the end of life.
One of our greatest examples of just who worldwide this initiative and movement is can be found in looking to our Doulagivers Thailand Lead Trainers. In 2019, I had the pleasure of traveling all over the beautiful country of Thailand teaching the Doulagivers Level 1 and Family Caregiver Training to hundreds of people. Even more amazing is that we have an established group of Doulagivers Lead Trainers there who continue teaching these skills and education to the people of Thailand in partnership with the country’s Ministry of Health!
In this week’s episode of the Ask a Death Doula Podcast, you will listen to an incredible interview with Doulagivers Thailand Lead Trainers!!!
In this episode, you will hear:
1) How we all met (there are no accidents!)
2) The 14 Trainings we did together in 2019 in Thailand
3) How Jim was called to single-handedly run the COVID unit during the height of the Pandemic in Thailand
4) How Jim and Dusty have continued Doulagivers trainings in Thailand through Thailand’s Ministry of Health
5) How when we come together in support, compassion, and kindness - we truly change the world.
Please share this podcast with those you love!
Join Doulagivers World Training Day Webinar HERE: https://fb.me/e/3gAjfRd4g
Get the FREE DEATH DOULA GUIDE HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com/death-doula-guide-2/
xoxoxo Suzanne
I believe that this is the true purpose of this life’s journey. To find what your gift is to share in this world and make it a better place for everyone in it.
This can ONlY come from listening to your heart. Where is it calling you to go, and then having the courage to do it.
You are the ONLY one that knows what your purpose is and you are the ONlY one that can make it happen.
In this week’s podcast, I have the great pleasure of interviewing Amy McLaren and we talk all about her new book
It’s called Passion to Purpose: A Seven-Step Journey to Shed Self-Doubt, Find Inspiration, and Change Your Life (and the World) for the Better.
Imagine if everyone took a few minutes each day to make the world a better place using their unique talents fueled their deepest passions. What an amazing world we would live in! This book is your guide to discovering your passion, living your purpose, and making a positive impact on the world. Amy passion for world travel and education kick-started her journey from unfulfilled schoolteacher to the purpose-driven founder of Village Impact, a charity that provides education for nearly 5,000 kids in Kenya in partnership with local communities. She’s also building a luxury Airbnb business and leads Lady Strength, an online community of driven and passionate women seeking to design their best life.
In This Podcast, you will hear:
Big Ideas:
The Importance of Planting Seeds [2:00]
Finding Your Purpose [5:06]
How to Plant Seeds for Others [17:30]
Give Every Day [20:35]
Forget Perfection [24:35]
I know in my heart of hearts that everyone has a gift and is here for a reason.
It is our job to find what that gift is and then share it with the world.
Whatever fuels your passion in life- that IS your gift to share.
Let’s make the world a better place for every single person in it.
Xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
Finding Your Purpose [5:06] – As an elementary school teacher, Amy enjoyed her life, but knew that she wasn’t fulfilled. She felt called to helping others internationally and it led her to forming her mission to help build schools for children affected by conflict in Kenya. She always had a passion for traveling the world and was able to channel her entrepreneurial work to feed that passion. There was a sense inside her that her life needed a change, and she followed that inspiration to create the life of her dreams. We all have to start somewhere, and when you feel pulled to a new direction in life, you have to act on it because you are the only person who can do that for yourself. I experienced the same “calling” during my nursing career and following that inspiration led to creating Doulagivers and having such a wonderful impact in the world. When you start sharing your inspiration with other people, you attract others into your life who want to help you succeed.
Imagine if everyone took a few minutes each day to make the world a better place using their unique talents fueled their deepest passions. What an amazing world we would live in! This book is your guide to discovering your passion, living your purpose, and making a positive impact on the world. Amy passion for world travel and education kick-started her journey from unfulfilled schoolteacher to the purpose-driven founder of Village Impact, a charity that provides education for nearly 5,000 kids in Kenya in partnership with local communities. She’s also building a luxury Airbnb business and leads Lady Strength, an online community of driven and passionate women seeking to design their best life.
In This Podcast, we will talk about:
The Importance of Planting Seeds [2:00]
Finding Your Purpose [5:06]
How to Plant Seeds for Others [17:30]
Give Every Day [20:35]
Forget Perfection [24:35]
Get the book Passion to PurposeHERE:
https://amymclaren.com/passion-to-pur...
Resources: – Get the FREE DEATH DOULA GUIDE HERE:
https://www.doulagivers.com/death-dou...
Join the FREE MEMBERSHIP AND TRAINING SITE HERE:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44916...
Please "Like" and "subscribe" to my channel!
Please Rate & Review the Podcast!!!
xoxoxo
Suzanne
Big Ideas:
What is a Health Care Proxy? [00:20] – There is a document called an Advance Directive. It is split into two parts – a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy. The Living Will states what you want or what you don’t want in terms of care if you were to become terminally ill. The Health Care Proxy is a person appointed by you to speak your wishes listed in the Living Will for you in the event that you become incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself. Depending on what state you live in, a Health Care Proxy may also be known as a Health Care Surrogate, or a Health Care Power of Attorney. The role of this person remains the same regardless of what title is used where you live. Doulagivers Pearl: an Advance Directive is known as a legal document, but it is NOT 100% legally binding. People sometimes think that if they have completed this step that they are completely covered – but that is unfortunately not necessarily true. If a doctor does not agree with the instructions set forth in your Advance Directive, they do not have to legally follow it and the law is on their side. The other issue is that people who have filled out an Advance Directive often do not know where it is when they need it – it does not do us any good if we don’t have it ready. There are ways around this, and we will be discussing them. It is written in many places that the Health Care Proxy is the person that will make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them for yourself – this is incorrect. The Health Care Proxy is the person you have chosen to speak the decisions you have already made in your Living Will if you cannot communicate your wishes yourself for any reason. There is a huge difference.
How to Choose a Health Care Proxy [4:04] – If the person you would like to be your Health Care Proxy is not comfortable with what you have chosen, they should not be your Health Care Proxy. Why? It’s not fair to them to be put under that kind of stress. Secondly, if they’re not comfortable with your choices – it’s already very difficult to discuss things with doctors who may have different things they want to try, or think are better choices. This is usually a fast-paced crisis time when these conversations are taking place and if you do not have someone who is steadfast and grounded in their obligation to uphold your wishes – there is a good chance that they won’t. Your Health Care Proxy does not need to be a relative. There is a lot of room to choose one that is right for you. They need to be comfortable with what you’re choosing – so tell them why you’re choosing the things you are. Explain it to them. As difficult as it may be to hear, this is the time to give them the rationale behind your wishes – this will make it much more likely that your wishes will be supported later on. The person that you are trusting to speak those decisions for you needs to have a clear understanding of why you want them. You want your Health Care Proxy to be in geographical proximity to where you live, and you also always want to have two so that there is a backup available in case your primary Health Care Proxy is unavailable.
Health Care Proxy Mixers [10:37] – This is a dream/vision of mine in which a group of people who are interested in being Health Care Proxies for one another get together to fill this need. I think this would be a great idea because we currently have an Eldercare Crisis and there is a huge number of the elderly who do not have family. I hear from them all of the time and they are very concerned about who is going to be their Health Care Proxy. We want people to have peace of mind and to know that we’re in this together. For that reason, I think this idea will be useful so that elderly (or anyone) can have the opportunity to get to know each other, share ideas and philosophies, talk about what they would want or not want at the end of life and provide a space for people to explore this subject and then decide to fill that Health Care Proxy role for each other.
Memorable Quotes:
“It is written in many places that a Health Care Proxy is the person you choose to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself. That is untrue. They’re not making the decisions - you are. There’s a big difference there.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
“We have an Eldercare Crisis and many elderly people do not have children or family. I hear them say all the time, ‘Suzanne, who is going to care for me? Who is going to speak for me? Who is going to be there for me at my end of life because I don’t have any family?’ We’ve got to find ways to support people.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: – Get the FREE DEATH DOULA GUIDE HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com/death-doula-guide-2/
Join the FREE MEMBERSHIP AND TRAINING SITE HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4491664174178077
Please "Like" and "subscribe" to my channel! Please Rate & Review the Podcast!!! xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
What is a Health Care Proxy? [00:20] – There is a document called an Advance Directive. It is split into two parts – a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy. The Living Will states what you want or what you don’t want in terms of care if you were to become terminally ill. The Health Care Proxy is a person appointed by you to speak your wishes listed in the Living Will for you in the event that you become incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself. Depending on what state you live in, a Health Care Proxy may also be known as a Health Care Surrogate, or a Health Care Power of Attorney. The role of this person remains the same regardless of what title is used where you live. Doulagivers Pearl: an Advance Directive is known as a legal document, but it is NOT 100% legally binding. People sometimes think that if they have completed this step that they are completely covered – but that is unfortunately not necessarily true. If a doctor does not agree with the instructions set forth in your Advance Directive, they do not have to legally follow it and the law is on their side. The other issue is that people who have filled out an Advance Directive often do not know where it is when they need it – it does not do us any good if we don’t have it ready. There are ways around this, and we will be discussing them. It is written in many places that the Health Care Proxy is the person that will make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them for yourself – this is incorrect. The Health Care Proxy is the person you have chosen to speak the decisions you have already made in your Living Will if you cannot communicate your wishes yourself for any reason. There is a huge difference.
How to Choose a Health Care Proxy [4:04] – If the person you would like to be your Health Care Proxy is not comfortable with what you have chosen, they should not be your Health Care Proxy. Why? It’s not fair to them to be put under that kind of stress. Secondly, if they’re not comfortable with your choices – it’s already very difficult to discuss things with doctors who may have different things they want to try, or think are better choices. This is usually a fast-paced crisis time when these conversations are taking place and if you do not have someone who is steadfast and grounded in their obligation to uphold your wishes – there is a good chance that they won’t. Your Health Care Proxy does not need to be a relative. There is a lot of room to choose one that is right for you. They need to be comfortable with what you’re choosing – so tell them why you’re choosing the things you are. Explain it to them. As difficult as it may be to hear, this is the time to give them the rationale behind your wishes – this will make it much more likely that your wishes will be supported later on. The person that you are trusting to speak those decisions for you needs to have a clear understanding of why you want them. You want your Health Care Proxy to be in geographical proximity to where you live, and you also always want to have two so that there is a backup available in case your primary Health Care Proxy is unavailable.
Health Care Proxy Mixers [10:37] – This is a dream/vision of mine in which a group of people who are interested in being Health Care Proxies for one another get together to fill this need. I think this would be a great idea because we currently have an Eldercare Crisis and there is a huge number of the elderly who do not have family. I hear from them all of the time and they are very concerned about who is going to be their Health Care Proxy. We want people to have peace of mind and to know that we’re in this together. For that reason, I think this idea will be useful so that elderly (or anyone) can have the opportunity to get to know each other, share ideas and philosophies, talk about what they would want or not want at the end of life and provide a space for people to explore this subject and then decide to fill that Health Care Proxy role for each other.
Memorable Quotes:
“It is written in many places that a Health Care Proxy is the person you choose to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself. That is untrue. They’re not making the decisions - you are. There’s a big difference there.”
– Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
“We have an Eldercare Crisis and many elderly people do not have children or family. I hear them say all the time, ‘Suzanne, who is going to care for me? Who is going to speak for me? Who is going to be there for me at my end of life because I don’t have any family?’ We’ve got to find ways to support people.”
– Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources:
Get the FREE DEATH DOULA GUIDE HERE:
https://www.doulagivers.com/death-dou...
Join the FREE MEMBERSHIP AND TRAINING SITE HERE:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44916...
Please "Like" and "subscribe" to my channel!
Please Rate & Review the Podcast!!!
xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
1.What is a Shared Death Experience [6:56] – A shared death experience occurs when somebody is dying and a caregiver, loved one, or a bystander feels like they shared in that person’s transition. In some cases, this person will observe the initial stages of the afterlife – where they see the dying person there or sense that it is where they are going. It is sharing the journey of the experience with the dying person. It is the movement from this human experience through the portal of death to another realm of existence and the observer feels like they shared in that journey.
2.There are 4 Types of Shared Death Experiences [8:49] – These are “modes of participation” for the experiencer. There are four ways a person can feel themselves in the shared death experience. The first and most common type is sensing. Sensing that a loved one or some person is transitioning. It can be bedside but is most commonly remote. You can be halfway around the world and have a sense that someone you love is dying. It is usually highly energetic and intuitive – a knowing that you feel in your gut. The second type is witnessing phenomena related to death or death itself. Witnessing the dying person in this stage of transition or elevated beings/heavenly realms in the form of luminous light, etc. The third mode of participation is accompanying. You can accompany or move along with the dying person on the pathway to the afterlife. The last and final mode is guiding. The experiencer reports that they were brought into the experience to guide the dying along their pathway.
-
Pre-Death Dreams, Visions, and Visitations [14:44] – Research provided by Dr. Christopher Kerr from the Buffalo inpatient Hospice says that 80% of his patients have a pre-death dream or vision. The term “dream” is used loosely – these usually come in the form of visitations from deceased loved ones that is observed by the caregiver (the patient is telling them they see the person or is having a conversation with them). At some point, the death of the person begins and the journey to transition starts. Often the messaging from these visitations to the dying person is to “get ready.” The shared death experience begins when that journey begins. The science of physics supports the fact that energy cannot be destroyed – it can only change forms.
-
The Benefits to the World of Bringing Back the Sacredness of End-of-Life Experiences [20:00] – Acknowledging death as a natural part of life can bring us closer together as communities and families. The awareness of death can allow us to communicate, connect, and express ourselves more effectively. It allows us to love each other with death as part of life instead of something we ignore. To gain the perspective of life being a gift, we must hold death in our minds. Death is as integral to life as birth is and we need to honor it is a society. The approach to death in modern society is not natural. It is a protracted, inefficient, and unhealthy response to the fear of death. Anything we can do to bring death and all its grandeur back into the fold of our conversations and everyday life, the better the benefits could be for all of us.
-
Death Changes Our Lives [24:30] – When I got into nursing, I realized how end of life was not going well for people. I transitioned into hospice care thinking it would be better – but it wasn’t. I thought to myself, “How in the world did something that is 100% guaranteed in our journey become so far removed and so feared?” It took a year and a half of my nursing career before I saw a beautiful death and I realized that if people knew how beautiful it could be that they would never be afraid – and that started my journey. We are all so much more similar than we think. It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, how much money you have, what color you are, or what religion you practice – we all die the same way. We all have the same humanity within us. If we just absorbed the fact that we are so much more similar than different and brought that awareness into the world today it would be a game changer. Death has taught me that time is our most valuable commodity, and that life is about connection, not the goals we pursue. Death is not a medical experience, it’s a human one. If we bring that perspective back into our society and take a holistic approach to it, we can really change the way end of life goes for everyone in the world.
Resources: – Get the FREE DEATH DOULA GUIDE HERE: https://www.doulagivers.com/death-dou...
Join the FREE MEMBERSHIP SITE HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/44916...
Please "Like" and "subscribe" to my channel!
xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
-
The Definition of Forgiveness [1:29] – Forgiveness is not condoning or excusing someone else’s actions. We are all responsible for our actions. We have all done things we are not proud of – making mistakes is part of the human experience. The biggest thing you can do is take ownership of your mistakes and have the humility to ask for forgiveness. Chances are that you were doing the best you could with where you were and with what you had to work with at the time. It does not excuse your actions, but it does explain them. By looking at things from a higher perspective, we can then begin to heal them and let them go. Forgiveness is your key in this life’s journey for transformation and healing. Forgiveness is not condoning or excusing anyone’s behavior or actions, but rather, removing your energetic attachment to their behavior and actions.
-
The Energetic Cost of Anger and Resentment [5:00] – It takes a lot of energy to be angry and resentful towards other people. If someone hurt you in the past and you hold onto that hurt every day and it boils over into anger, it is draining your energetic bank account. When you forgive, it sets you free. You have to understand that forgiveness is for you, not for the other person. It’s allowing you to break those mental and emotional chains that are holding you back from living the life of peace you deserve. There is not one person in the world that doesn’t have forgiveness to give or to receive. There are usually many layers on many different topics that have occurred over the course of our life that require forgiveness for us to find closure.
-
The Stabilization Phase and Forgiveness [6:12] – Remember that this knowledge and wisdom I am sharing with you comes from many people at the end of life. The Doulagivers 3 Phases of End of Life Care Model breaks the dying process into 3 phases (The Shock Phase, The Stabilization Phase, and The Transition Phase). I refer to the Stabilization Phase as the “Work Phase.” This is because this is where people will take inventory of their lives and conduct a life review. This is the moment where forgiveness is going to play a role and where they will have the opportunity to give and receive it. Those who have this phase and utilize it for this purpose have the most beautiful end of life experiences. Forgiveness can bring about an energetic shift. It can make a patient light up as they remove the heaviness of anger and resentment from their lives.
-
Unforgiveness [7:28] - When we’re hurt by someone, that hurt forms into an energetic block that becomes frozen in time, and it gets stuck inside of us. We usually push these energetic blocks down below the surface so that we can live our daily lives – it is sometimes too painful for us to confront or process what has happened. This is especially true for children who were hurt by their parents or experienced other forms of childhood trauma. Unforgiveness creates blocked spaces within us and if not processed, healed, or released – will create pain, bad habits, destructive patterns, and unhappiness in our lives. The way to release this is through forgiveness. At the end of life there is a natural process in which the physical body is declining, and the spiritual body is growing – loving energy organically increases during this process which allows for a safe space to emerge that is defined by wisdom and a new perspective and the ability for the end-of-life patient to reflect on painful memories in a less traumatic way and to give and seek forgiveness. This is really powerful because it creates a ripple effect in the lives of others.
-
The Power of Forgiveness [10:37] – You can utilize the power of forgiveness right now to set yourself free and allow yourself to pursue whatever it is you want in life from this point moving forward. Unforgiveness holds you hostage – it keeps you a prisoner to the past and prevents you from moving forward and doing whatever you want. Forgiveness releases those energies and puts you back in control over your energy flow. Unforgiveness is an actual medical diagnosis. There is a huge connection with anger, pain, guilt, unforgiveness and physical illness. People have told me verbatim that they felt their cancer was the result of unforgiveness and trauma that they didn’t heal and didn’t process. While in Thailand, I visited a temple that was designed for those facing their end of life. There were four main things that they did to help heal themselves and make the most of their remaining time on this earth: they removed all sugar from their diet and ate a plant-based diet, they meditated, they moved the body through exercise, and they did a forgiveness practice. This included writing down what they wanted to receive forgiveness for and what they wanted to give forgiveness for. They would read this to the head of the temple and then had a ceremony to burn it. Many people at this temple told me they were the happiest they had ever been. It was about the freedom of forgiveness – being released from that internal prison and returning to a state of joyful flow, alignment, and connection. You and I can access this gift right now. It is not easy, and it is a process, but it can be done. You have to look at your past painful experiences through a non-judgmental perspective. Ask yourself what those experiences were trying to teach you. It is trying to reach a place where you can actually thank those who hurt you because they gave you an opportunity to accelerate your spiritual growth and look back at your experiences without them being so triggering to you. A place where you can look at those people who have hurt you through a lens of empathy and compassion. Understand that hurt people hurt people. It’s not excusing them or condoning their behavior – but understanding what was driving them so that you can transform your anger into empathy. That is how you can find forgiveness and set yourself free.
Memorable Quotes:
-
“Forgiveness is the golden key to everything. It’s the key to all the healing whether we’re holding on to shame, or guilt, or anger, or resentment. All of these things that are part of the human experience - forgiveness is the transformational tool.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“There is not one person in this world that does not have forgiveness to give. There is not one person in this world that does not have forgiveness to receive.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: – Get the FREE DEATH DOULA GUIDE DEATH DOULA GUIDE HERE
... Join the FREE MEMBERSHIP SITE HERE: FREE MEMBERSHIP AND TRAINING SITE
... Please "Like" and "subscribe" to my channel!
xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
-
What are Bedside Visitations [00:59] – Many times there is a space in the end of life where people who have died before “come back” to the bedside of the patient. I am told they return to help the other person cross over to the other side. In the Doulagivers Training, we have a section called, “Indications that Someone is Headed into the Transition Phase.” One of these common indications is that the patient will see loved ones that have died already or even Angelic Figures at the bedside. In my experience, having worked with over one thousand people at the end of life from all different backgrounds, cultures, and religions - people are most often visited by a loved one or family member that has died before them. Not everyone will have this experience or share with you that they had it. It was reported recently that Betty White’s last word before she passed away was, “Allen.” This is the name of her deceased husband and is a great example of what we’re talking about here.
-
How does it happen, Why does it happen, What does it mean? [4:00] – If you’ve ever had somebody that you’re caring for or that you loved at the end of life, and they’ve had this experience - you will never look at the world the same way again. Whether or not you believe this is truly happening, as a practitioner, this is a strong indication that this person is getting close to having their end of life. From a scientific standpoint, everything is energy. In the Doulagivers Training, we talk about how we are composed of four main bodies of energy (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). In my opinion, from having worked with so many people at the end of life, there is a part of the end-of-life journey where the patient’s physical body is diminishing and their spiritual body is growing. There is a moment in time where they meet equally, so essentially the patient has one foot still in this physical world and one foot in the next at the same time. It is incredibly powerful.
-
A Change of Perspective [6:09] – I have sat bedside with people who have woken up from a nap or overnight sleep with so much new information. Waking up and excitedly exclaiming, “I get it now! It all makes sense!” They act as though all the pieces to the puzzle of life now fit together. Why? Because that spiritual growth within them is providing access to a higher perspective. It provides a sense of all-knowing wisdom, connection, no judgment, and unconditional love and they’re now looking through that lens. They’ve now accessed a higher part of their energetic frequency. It changes everything about how they look at their life. The peace, serenity, and joy that can accompany this experience is indescribable. As a practitioner, when you get to see your patient in that state of serenity and peace, you will hold that in your heart forever. You will look back on that time not with the heaviness of uncomfortable thoughts and pain, but rather, by remembering the energetic and loving space that that person was in. This experience happens often regardless of where in the world the person is, or what culture or religion they belong to – it is a universal theme at the end of life. Death is a unifying force in our humanity, and it is my belief that we are all part of one universal consciousness.
-
We Don’t Have to Wait Until the End [9:55] – We can do our work to raise our energetic frequency right here, right now. We don’t have to wait until the end of life when it organically happens. We are in control of how we choose to do things – how we think, speak, and act are all within our control. We can change and strengthen our energetic frequency and perspective right here, right now by being intentional with the way we lead our lives. I have learned everything I know about how to live – to live in flow, to live in love, to live in connection – from the people I have had the honor and privilege to work with at the end of life.
-
The Bigger Meaning [13:40] – What is life about? Is it so much more than we’ve been taught or that we mostly know and how we’re operating? I absolutely think so. We are all connected to on unconditional loving consciousness. The world and all of nature – the entire universe is tethered together. We need to look out and care for one another. We need to meet each other in compassionate presence without judgment. What is this journey of life about? My belief is that it is the school of life – we are here to learn lessons, to get back to finding our true self before we get to the end of life where it organically happens. Every experience you have is an opportunity to get closer to alignment with your higher energetic frequency. It is the choices you make, the way that you want to live your life every single day – with your thoughts, with your actions, with your purpose, with your compassionate presence – that will change that energetic alignment. You can access it now; you don’t have to wait.
Memorable Quotes:
-
“I have learned everything I know about how to live – to live in flow, to live in love, to live in connection – from the people I have had the honor and privilege to work with at the end of life.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“The universal laws that people at the end-of-life share say that we’re all connected to one unconditional loving consciousness. All of us, all of the animals, all of the elements, all of nature – all of it is connected. So, we need to look out and care for one another.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: – Death Doula Guide HERE
Join the FREE MEMBERSHIP SITE HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/44916...
Please Rate & Review the Podcast and share this podcast with your friends!!! Let's help change the world- together! xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
-
Defining Dementia and Alzheimer’s [1:35] - Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with functions of daily living. Alzheimer’s disease is a mental decline that shows up first as loss of memory function and is a form of Dementia. Brain lesions, called amyloid plaques, accumulate causing a declining ability to cope as brain cells die. It is a neurodegenerative disorder. People can live an average of 7 to14 years after the initial diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It is the most common form of dementia among older people. Approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from this disease, which usually begins after age 60. Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured and is a tremendous burden on caregivers. It is 24/7 care psychologically, physically, and economically. The world population is aging rapidly and there will be more of a prevalence of chronic disease issues as a result – both cognitive and physical. The average life expectancy is currently 81 – medical and scientific advancements could soon push this well into the upper 90s or even past 100. The longer we live, the more likely it is that we will experience chronic issues. Dementia is one of the most difficult chronic conditions to deal with for families (on many fronts). As practitioners, we have to be aware of what those families have most likely been through caring for a dementia patient before we show up for the end-of-life portion of the disease process.
-
The Signs of Dementia [4:09] – There is no definitive diagnosis for Dementia. It is most commonly marked by short-term memory loss. Forgetting where you parked the car, forgetting where you put the keys, or what you ate for lunch today are little things that can indicate early onset. Long-term memory tends to stay intact. Safety is always the most important thing to consider regardless of disease process – it is especially important with dementia patients. It is vital to plan ahead so that they don’t end up in dangerous situations due to the condition – put safety measures in place. After memory, the next declines tend to occur with their emotions and inhibitions. Dementia patients can become labile – you will see a reverse presentation of how the person was in their life. For example, someone who was sweet and affectionate can become verbally abusive and combative (and vice versa). It is important to remind the family and loved ones that it’s not them, but rather the disease that is causing these behavioral changes.
-
Dementia Requires 24/7 Care [8:04] – This disease is typically psychologically, physically, and economically draining on the patient’s family and main caregiver. There is an underlying perpetual crisis with dementia. The indications that someone is experiencing their end of life take place over years with dementia – as opposed to months or weeks with many other disease processes. A rapid decline in food intake that is leading to a measurable level of weight loss is the strongest indication that a dementia patient is entering their end-of-life phase. It can be difficult to keep Hospice services for dementia patients if there is no measurable decline in their condition. Other indications that someone is in decline is if they are: sleeping most of the time, talking to people you don’t see, incontinent, not eating a lot. Before they reach the final phase of this disease, patients will get up and wander and there are safety issues non-stop – it is one of the most burdensome diseases for the caregiver. By the time they are admitted to Hospice, it is now an end-of-life scenario, and the presentation is very different. As a Doulagiver, don’t think you need to know everything about an active Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease process – by the time you get there, they will most likely be bed-bound and very weak compared to the earlier stages of the disease.
-
S.E.D. [16:30] – V.S.E.D. stands for Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking. Organically at the end of life, the swallowing reflex turns off – it is inevitable that one day the end-of-life patient will no longer be capable of swallowing. This is the first tell-tale sign that they are transitioning and is also a major safety issue. VSED is the conscious choice to take this measure earlier. There is a lot to this – we will have a full podcast episode dedicated to the topic and there is a resource for you below to read. You can request not being fed in your Advance Directive if for whatever reason you can no longer communicate due to dementia or another disease process or injury.
-
Tips for Caregivers of End of Life Dementia Patients [20:30] – As practitioners, we know this is a hard disease to care for – we want to be sensitive to that and show up for the caregiver. They are usually burnt out by the time we, as Doulagivers, become involved in the process. Rotate respite care for the primary caregiver so that one person doesn’t shoulder all the burden – let them be present in this last moment with their loved one. Have meals delivered to them and make sure they are eating, drinking, and getting adequate physical activity and rest. Caring for the caregiver is so crucial when dealing with dementia.
Memorable Quotes:
-
“Having an Advanced Directive is the best way to plan ahead to protect your wishes in the event of developing Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“We have an Eldercare Crisis that is only projected to increase for decades to come. We don’t nearly have the set up to care for them. At all.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: GET THE FREE Death Doula Guide HERE
VSED Resource: https://compassionandchoices.org/end-of-life-planning/learn/vsed/
AD for Dementia and Alzheimer’s – refusing food and liquids https://endoflifechoicesny.org/directives/dementia-directive/?fbclid=IwAR3KVCeUAvfGJLgglyXFvpWeIrqeo67T-ElNW5J7trujwIb8KZXK_0gbmKE
The rising prevalence of dementia is a global emergency
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2020/08/27/the-rising-prevalence-of-dementia-is-a-global-emergency?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_c-OBhDFARIsAIFg3exIlbA2gDzVYH9ugbS4QAQh6GirG4lYuZMVCXkrRucSlXOnIEdC8mQaAmkTEALw_wcB
Rate & Review the Podcast, leave a comment and please SHARE with a friend!
xoxoxo Suzanne
Big Ideas:
-
There are two different types of pain [1:49] – Both types of pain require different treatments to control. Somatic pain is the most common type that requires narcotic medication to treat. Nerve pain is the second type of pain. Narcotic medication does not work in the treatment of nerve pain, and it is often missed. Nerve pain requires nerve medication – gabapentin (also known as Neurontin) is the most common medication used for never pain management. Stabbing or burning pain, often localized in the feet and head is indicative of nerve pain. Quality of life for patients is directly related to pain management.
-
The Hospice Comfort Kit [7:30] – Hospice provides a comfort kit for family caregivers filled with the most common medications used at the end of life to manage pain, breathing difficulties, and other common causes of discomfort. Have this comfort kit within 24 hours of the patient being placed on Hospice. If you encounter a need for medication to address pain or breathing issues and you do not have it available, it will lead to a stressful (and avoidable) situation for everyone. Once on Hospice we know there is going to be a decline in patient condition – but we don’t know at what rate the decline will occur. Being prepared for this decline to happen quickly is essential. Pick one person in the family that will be in charge of administering medications – this should be whoever is most comfortable doing so. Have the Hospice nurse go over the medication in the comfort kit with the caregiver and practice administering medications and understanding the comfort kit on each visit until it is well understood. Trying to figure out what to use and how to administer it during a crisis situation is not the way to do it.
-
Understanding the Pain Scale [11:16] – The pain scale is typically assessed by 1 to 10. 1 is no pain and 10 is the most pain a person can possibly be in. Pain is subjective. Pain needs to be kept at a 4 or below for optimal quality of life each day. When pain is going up, you have to stop that pain on its incline or control it because if it gets too high it will be almost impossible to bring down – this is how the human body works. Patients will sometimes hold off on taking medication until they really need it because it is something they still have control over, but it is too late if their pain is already too high. Assess their pain regularly and keep a logbook of their pain levels pre-medication and 45 minutes post-medication. You can’t take medicine out of somebody, so administer pain medications incrementally until you reach a therapeutic space – defined as a 4 or below on the pain scale.
-
Keep Track of Patient Bowel Movements [16:30] – This is important because narcotics are known to be constipating – they slow the stimulation of our gastrointestinal tract and our ability to have regular bowel movements. You want to get ahead of this problem as a caregiver. The patient should relieve themselves every one to two days for comfort purposes – it can turn into a crisis situation if they become constipated for an extended period of time. Stool softeners and laxatives should be included on the medication administration page of your Hospice comfort kit.
-
Pain Management at the End of Life and Addiction [22:01] – There are many misconceptions about this topic and the lack of knowledge often leads to unnecessary suffering. Addiction often occurs in people who have a pre-disposition to it within their biochemistry or when a person abuses drugs recreationally to achieve a euphoric state – when there is no underlying pain to manage. At end of life, these should not be major concerns – especially because the medications should be controlled with the goal of keeping their pain at a 4 or below and assessing regularly. This person is going to have their end of life, and they’re either going to have it being comfortable and having their pain managed – or suffering and having a lot of pain. Pain management is neither going to prevent the end of life or hasten the end of life – it’s a question of them either being comfortable in this last phase of their life or being in pain and suffering in this last phase. Addiction is a medical condition that requires us to reserve judgment and lead with compassion. It is not a justifiable reason to withhold medication at end of life – keep the medicine locked away and control it to avoid issues. Our job is to be present, be loving, and to support this person at the end of their life – no matter what their past has been. Everyone deserves to be comfortable at end of life.
Memorable Quotes:
-
“The rule of thumb for medication and pain management is that on a pain scale of 1 to 10 – 1 being no pain and 10 being the most pain somebody can possibly be in – you want that pain to be kept at a 4 or below.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“We know that end of life is really hard on everyone. Everyone in the family is touched by end of life and all people are probably having different experiences.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
-
“Pain management is not about completely eliminating pain. It is about controlling it well enough so that it is not causing every second of every day to be defined by suffering and a lack of quality of life.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: – GET THE FREE DEATH DOULA GUIDE HERE: HERE
PLEASE Rate & Review the Podcast, leave a comment and share with your friends!
xo Suzanne
How to Follow your Highest Guidance System Big Ideas:
-
How I Was Guided to Hospice [3:35] - I was raised in a medical family and always liked helping others as a child, so a career in nursing felt like a great fit for me as an adult. I was working in the hospital and kept hearing this calling and having this feeling that I belonged at Hospice. I had no professional or personal background with end-of-life care at the time – I knew nothing about it. I left a job with better pay, better benefits, and better hours as a single mother to follow my calling. I just decided to trust it. My first day visiting Hospice patients I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be, and that one choice has led me on such a beautiful and profound journey in my life.
-
We Are Holistic Beings [6:10] – There are four bodies of energy that make up who you are as a person. Nurturing these parts of yourself will allow you to reach balance in your life. There are the physical body of energy, the mental body of energy, the emotional body of energy, and the spiritual body of energy.
-
We All Have Two Guidance Systems Within Us [9:50] – The first guidance system is the mental/analytical/ego guidance – this is influenced by what we have put into our minds over the course of our life and is limited by our individual perspective. The second guidance system is our higher consciousness/spiritual/heart-centered guidance – this is always working on your behalf to guide you in alignment with your purpose in life. The key to finding your life’s purpose is to be aware of these two guidance systems, how they work (and why) – and how to listen to and strengthen your heart guidance. Answer your calling when it comes – it will open incredible opportunities for you.
-
The R.A.I. Method [19:56] – This stands for Recognize, Acknowledge, and Integrate. You must recognize when your ego is influencing your actions and behaviors. Acknowledge your ego’s effort to influence you and understand that it is a fear-based element of your being. Take inventory of your life to combat this – ask yourself, “Am I happy? With the work I’m doing, with the people that are around me, am I contributing and am I making a difference?” We all want to contribute and make the world a better place at our core, and we must find our gift to do so and then share that gift with the world. Integrate your heart guidance system to lead you to that gift and ultimately align you with your life’s purpose.
-
The Most Painful Experiences We Go Through Are Our Greatest Teachers [27:15] – Rejection is a gift that saves us from what is not meant for us. The people who have hurt me the most on my journey were my greatest spiritual teachers – even though I didn’t know it at the time. It can take years of growth, processing, and reflection to realize this from a new perspective and to reach a point of giving forgiveness for the pain you have experienced so that you can find the lesson with it. If you have people in your life that don’t make you feel good or that don’t life you up, think about letting them go – there are people that need you.
Memorable Quotes:
1) “We all are here for a reason. The meaning of life is to find yours and live that purpose.” - Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
- “Right now, we, as a world for the most part, are suffering from spiritual bankruptcy.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resources: – Get the Death Doula Guide Here
Rate & Review the Podcast: Please take a minute to review this Podcast and leave a comment! xoxoxo Suzanne
Hypnotherapist, Certified Death Doula and Author Roger Moore joins me on this episode…
Roger joins me on the podcast to teach you, how to create a future greater than your past.
In this episode, Roger beautifully explains how everyone can powerfully and simply shift how you think to heal past wounds and let go of pain, guilt, and anger.
Imagine being able to have your future be ANYTHING you want it to be.
So go ahead and dive into this inspiring interview with Roger Moore. You’ll walk away from our conversation with:
-
Understanding how death education and awareness is our greatest teacher about how to live.
-
How forgiveness is the path to freedom.
-
Techniques to help free you from anxiety and live in the present moment.
Here’s to the greatest expression of yourself showing up every day!
Here’s a glance at this episode…
Big Ideas
The Impact that Hypnosis and our Thoughts have on Illness [6:00]
People don’t come to Roger at the end of life looking for a cure to their disease or illness, they come to him looking for a way to navigate their way through it and live better with it. Much of the work he does relates to stress reduction techniques and mindfulness techniques – focusing on hope and making the most of every moment they have left. This simple yet effective approach leads to amazing mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing in his patients.
Denial [8:15]
Many times, people at the end of life feel like it’s not okay to discuss their illness with family and friends. When we deny this conversation and the ability to have clarity on life’s journey, resolve issues, give, and receive forgiveness, or even just say goodbye, I love you, and thank you to people – it does a great disservice to everyone involved. Forgiveness of self is one of the biggest things for a person at end of life.
The Universal Language of Death [11:40]
People from all different cultures and backgrounds say the same or very similar things at the end of life. We’re all connected in our humanity and there is no judgment when facing death. When people who are close to death are saying the same things whether they are in Zimbabwe, Thailand, or a mansion in New York – we are fools if we don’t pay attention to that. Death is our greatest teacher about life. Universal laws and truths are very basic: presence, gratitude, compassion, kindness. Personal growth is painful, especially at the end of life. Our spiritual awareness is cultivated by how we choose to affirm or not affirm our life’s journey every single day.
Hypnosis [15:25]
We are always in a hypnotical trance. Hypnosis is learning how to take control of the trance that you’re in. It’s about being in the moment because despite anything else that’s going on – any illness, any world troubles – right now, in this moment, we are okay. It won’t stop the stressors from coming at us, but we can handle the stressors much better when we’re calm and relaxed. We’re overstimulated from every direction with anger and negativity in today’s world. Take charge of the energy you consume to have a more fulfilling life. You play offense and defense every day with your energy. Learn the techniques you can employ every day to calm your nervous system. We are the only ones in control of what we do and don’t let in. Recognize what you’re in control of – many things we are not in control of other than how we respond to them. Ask yourself if being scared, anxious, or living in fear is helpful to you. Ninety percent of what we worry about never comes to fruition. What can bring you joy in this moment? Try to live every day like it’s one lifetime. Set an intention in the morning of wanting to be present and wanting to be of service. One day will truly be the last day – don’t allow yourself to be able to say you didn’t do, say, or be, everything you wanted.
Becoming the Greatest Expression of You [24:33]
Create your future to be greater than your past. Remove your limiting beliefs, stop reading your old script, and start writing a new story. Learn from the wisdom of your past but make your next moment better than the past. Find joy in this moment and every moment. The most challenging things we’ve been through can also be our greatest gift. You have a choice to allow your trauma to define you or to release it and allow your life to be anything and everything you want it to be. Show up every day and be the best version of yourself. The goal is to gain rapport between our conscious and unconscious minds – to integrate all parts of ourselves and exist in harmony.
Memorable Quotes:
“At the end of life, time is never on our side.” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
“I always say when I’m working with people at end of life when they’ve had these energetic shifts of forgiveness – I say, ‘why didn’t this happen twenty or thirty years ago?’” – Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Resource Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Becoming the Greatest Expression of You – Get the book
Get The Death Doula Guide:Here
Rate & Review the Podcast
Reviews for the podcast are greatly appreciated! They help us build awareness for the show, which in turn allows us to bring value to more listeners like you. Not only that, but they help us better understand what matters the most to you so that we can constantly improve. If you received value from this episode, it would mean the world if you could take a moment and leave your honest rating and review or share it with your friends!
Join Membership & Training Site Community by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN Membership and Training Site
deathdoula #deathdoulatraining #endoflifecare #bestlife #endoflifedoula
in this episode of ask a death doula, I will be talking about one of my favorite subjects the spiritual body of energy and death.
It has always amazed me from the time that I was a very young Hospice nurse the universal language of death, the common themes that would reoccur with my patience from all different cultural backgrounds and religious backgrounds. I would be seeing many of the same things and they would say many of the same things as they headed towards the end of life.
This universal language of death brought me great comfort, healing, an inspiration. I hope that it does the same for you.
We know that death is the number one fear in this world at this moment and I ask you this- does it need to be? Or can death be the greatest teacher that we have about learning how to truly live?
In this podcast I will talk to you about what I have seen at the end of life what my patients have said, and I hope that you too find great comfort healing and inspiration that is there for us all in this space.
In Love and Service,
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Mentioned in this episode: Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation EKR Education FALL 2021 SERIES: Death and Spirituality: On Life, Death, and Life after Death. 8-week course. Starts on October 21st. More Details: Click here: https://www.ekrfoundation.org/educati...
★ GET THE DEATH DOULA GUIDE ★ Your step by step guide to learn, launch and grow a successful Death Doula Business. Click Here:https://www.doulagivers.com/death-dou...
✉ JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE ✉ This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education Join Here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/44916...
Jane Whitlock is the new Integrative Care Specialist/End of Life Doula at Providence Place Senior Living (Minneapolis, MN)
Jane will be working with the folks on hospice as well as other residents in need of her services. As an end of life doula, she specializes in talking with people about their fears, and hopes as they face their deaths. In addition, she will be offering integrative therapies such as essential oils, hand and foot massage and guided imagery to all. Previously, she was a middle school teacher, hospice volunteer, CNA, and death educator. Welcome to the team, Jane!
Jane Whitlock BIO:
I am a trained end-of-life doula through Doulagivers out of NYC with Suzanne O’Brien. I am also a trained CNA (certified nursing assistant).I provide practical guidance and support for individuals and families during the end-of-life process. My work nicely dovetails with the work of hospice.
I became an end of life doula after taking care of my husband who died after a 4 month illness with kidney cancer. I learned first hand how I could have benefited from having someone who had been down this path before, to guide me. My husband spent the last 2 weeks of his life at a hospice house. He was fully supported medically for his physical ailments, but we both felt anxious spiritually.
BJ Miller (check out his Ted talk if you don't know who he is) says, "We spend our entire lives avoiding thinking about death, when it finally comes into view, there's a thicket of panic, denial, or disbelief to cut through before people can focus, more mindfully, on the experience and begin to make decisions to improve their last days. " This is the work of an end of life doula. Someone with experience who could create space for him to talk about his fears freely, without trying to "fix" them. On the more practical side I as the caregiver, would have loved having someone prepare me for what to expect as the experience unfolded.
I read the pamphlet that hospice gives you "When death draws near" about 100 times but it didn't quiet the panic inside me. I wished for the gentle, reassurance from someone that we had prepared and that I could handle what was coming, and would have welcomed blessings and poems to enrich the experience.
Death has many gifts to offer us. The gift of living our best lives while we face dying. The gift of finding meaning in our lives. The gift of having the opportunity to tell loved ones: I'm sorry, I forgive you, thank you, and goodbye.
★ GET THE DEATH DOULA GUIDE ★
Your step by step guide to learn, launch and grow a successful Death Doula Business. Click Here: https://doulagivers.com/death-doula-g...
✉ JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE ✉
This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education Join Here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/44916...
Today on the Ask a Death Doula Podcast, I am speaking with Y4T Founder Lisa Danylchuk!!
Lisa is a heart centered caring individual that has used her own personal story and journey to create a platform to help others. Get ready to me inspired by this woman and her work.
Lisa Danylchuk is a LMFT, E-RYT is an author, licensed psychotherapist, and founder of the Center for Yoga and Trauma Recovery. A graduate of UCLA and Harvard University, her work has pioneered the field of trauma-informed yoga and transformed our understanding of embodiment practices in therapeutic work. More than 300 providers from 25+ countries have completed Lisa’s Yoga for Trauma (Y4T) Online Training Program, the first virtual program to train providers offering yoga for trauma recovery. She serves on the Board and as UN Committee Co-Chair for the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, was elected to the role of Secretary in 2018 and was nominated President-Elect in 2020. She’s written for publications like Good Therapy and the American Psychological Association and was named one of the top 20 Inspirational Yoga Teachers To Follow in 2016. Honored as one Luluemon’s first US ambassadors, her blog has also been recognized as a Top 25 Yoga Blog. I hope you enjoyed this interview as much a Is did! Please make sure to grab your free resources below!
How We can Heal Free Resources for Doulagivers https://howwecanheal.com/doulagivers/
Doulagivers Grief Guide https://doulagivers.com/grief/
More about Y4T @ https://www.howwecanheal.com
Get your Grief Guide at www.doulagivers.com/grief
Jennifer O'Brien www.hospicedrswidow.com/about
In this episode of Ask A Doulagiver, I have the pleasure of speaking with Author of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow Jennifer O'Brien.
Jennifer O’Brien has helped thousands live and love more fully by recognizing that: at the end of life comes death; family caregiving is both the hardest job and the greatest honor most of us will ever face; and grief is abundant love with no place to go. She is the author of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal, an art journal filled with beauty, practical insights, humor, and heart. The book has won a Nautilus silver award in the Death & Dying/Grief & Loss category, a Next Gen Indie Book gold for Relationships, and an Independent Publishers (IPPY) bronze for Gift.
For more than 30 years she has been a practice management consultant to physicians and served as CEO for two large medical practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s degree in organization development from Loyola University – Chicago. She lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula" I will be covering What is a Death Doula and the Top 7 Questions Answered.
You Will Learn:
1) What is a Death Doula?
2) What do Death Doulas do?
3) What Holistic support do Death Doulas provide?
4) Are there National Initiatives in place for the Death Doula Practice?
5) If I have a Death Doula, do I still need Hospice?
6) What is the projection for the Death Doula Profession in the future?
7) How do I become a Death Doula?
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
1) International Doulagivers Institute
2) NHPCO End of Life Doula Council
3) NEDA
4) Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training
Behind the Scenes of the Death Doula Global Summit 💕
Suzanne B. O’Brien here,
As a former Hospice and Oncology nurse, I have been working in the end of life space for a long time. After witnessing so much suffering at the end of life due to the large gaps in care that exist in the mainstream medical system, I created Doulagivers International. The Doulagivers End of Life Doula training was born out of a pure organic need to provide more education and support to both patient and family at the end of life. It has worked beautifully. Helping to support those at the end of life to have a positive passing (we only have one chance to have end of life go well, we cannot go back and do it over) is one of the greatest gifts we can give to one another. We need change and we need it now.
Talking about Death is Talking about Life
If you think that the Death Doula Global Summit is going to be scary and depressing, think again! I have always said that people at the end of life can teach us everything we need to know about living if we would just listen. We are a global family. One of the things that has had the biggest impact on me during my career is how end of life patients would say the same things to me. It did not matter what culture, religion, or socioeconomic status they were from
– many of them would share the same “awareness” with me at the end of their lives.
-
Everything was meant for a reason. - We are ALL connected to one universal energy.
-
There is no judgment.
These “Universal Laws” and principles have been around for thousands of years. We have all but lost them in our modern society. How profound that these are the words spoken before people leave this world. What would our world be like if we brought these principles back into our everyday lives?
Behind the Scenes of the Death Doula Global Summit
In this episode of “Ask a Death Doula” I take you behind the scenes of the Death Doula Global Summit! This summit has been 8 months in the active working phase, and I am thrilled to say that it is almost here!
All through my years working as a Doulagivers trainer, I have come to know and admire so many wonderful people that work in this space. All around the world, we experience end of life and here is what is so beautiful – we go through and experience many of the same things no matter where we are in the world or what our personal situation is. We are all more similar than we are different, and the end of life shows this truth vividly.
Bringing together the “voices” of 24 speakers from 9 different countries and letting you hear firsthand about their experiences, wisdom, and what is needed for the future is priceless. In this podcast I will take you on a tour of the summit website, show you how to join, and share a bit about each one of the amazing speakers that we are SO incredibly grateful to have be a part of this!
Today More Than Ever
“Let us allow death to be our greatest teacher about life. Let it remind us of just how similar we are, not different. Let death teach us that kindness and presence are the greatest gifts we can give to one another. “– Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
We would love for you to join us for the online Death Doula Global Summit November 16th – 22nd. Tickets are free, click here to join: https://www.doulagiversinstitutefhl.com/death-doula-summit/
In Love & Service,
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I will be having a discussion with Dr Karen Wyatt on all the beautiful things we have learned working with those at the end of life. Their wisdom is priceless. We will also share the training we are hosting together. Please click the link below for registration details. xo Suzanne "How to be Resilient in Difficult Times" with Dr Karen Wyatt and Suzanne B. O'Brien RN Dr Karen Wyatt and Suzanne B. O'Brien RN Dr. Karen Wyatt of End of Life University and Suzanne B. O'Brien RN founder of International Doulagivers Institute have joined together to offer their combined years of bedside experiences and wisdom working with those at the end of life in an empowering and progressive new webinar series! Top Lessons Learned from Those at The End of Life: How to be Resilient in Difficult Times will uncover the truth of what lifes' journey is really all about and offer ways that we can access the deeper meaning through experiential exercises.
https://www.doulagiversinstitute.com/courses/top-lessons-learned-from-those-at-the-end-of-life-how-to-be-resilient-in-difficult-times-with-dr-karen-wyatt-and-suzanne-b-o-brien-rn
On this episode of "Ask a Death Doula", I have the great pleasure of interviewing Barbara Karnes RN. Enjoy this lively discussion from this expert about "Pain at End of Life" - the title of her latest educational booklet. Barbara has insights and wisdom that every person can benefit from.
Barbara Karnes, RN, is an internationally recognized author, speaker, thought leader and expert on end of life care and the dynamics of dying. Barbara was recognized in 2018 as a Hospice Innovator by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and was named the 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year by the World Humanitarian Awards.
Barbara’s experience as a hospice care provider at the bedside of hundreds of people, and as an administrator overseeing the care of thousands, led to the 1985 publication of Gone from My Sight: The Dying Experience. Affectionately referred to in the industry as the “little blue hospice book,” Gone from My Sight has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, is published in 12 languages, and remains the leading resource on the market today educating families on the signs of approaching death.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Barbara Karnes Books
End of Life Care Facebook Group
Something-To-Think-About Blog
In this segment of Ask a Death Doula's O Mag Insiders Series, I have the fortune to interview the magnetic Amy Boyle. Amy Boyle is the Founder of the 52 Phenomenal Women Project and has been a Brand Ambassador with O, the Oprah Magazine since 2017! A photographer for more than 20 years, Amy graduated from Northwestern University where she received a dual degree in art history and marketing. Her work has been published internationally and includes portrait, theater, PR, as well as fine art photography.
Enjoy this interview with this inspiring woman.
xo Suzanne
You can catch up with Amy Here:
Project: https://www.52phenomenalwomen.com/ #52PWP
Work: http://www.amyboylephotography.com/
Social: @amyboylephoto Email: amy@amyboylephoto.com
Death Doulas and Hospice Working Together to Provide the Best Possible Care! In This episode of "Ask a Death Doula" I am speaking with Lynda Anello who is the Community Liaison for Vitas Healthcare. Today we explore the beautiful holistic work of hospice and how Death Doulas are a wonderful support to the present day hospice team. xo Suzanne B. O'Brien RN
In this Interview of Ask a Death Doula, I have the great pleasure of interviewing Dr. Karen Wyatt! Dr. Karen Wyatt is the bestselling author of the books The Tao of Death and 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying, which contains stories of patients she cared for as a hospice doctor and the spiritual lessons she learned from them at the end of their lives. Dr. Wyatt also hosts End-of-Life University Podcast, which features conversations with experts who work in all aspects of end-of-life care. She is widely regarded as a thought-leader in the effort to transform the way we care for our dying in the U.S. In addition, she is valued for her application of spiritual principles to illness and healthcare and teaches that in order to live life fully we must each overcome our fear of death and embrace the difficulties that life brings us.
Website: https://www.eoluniversity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eoluniversity/
Twitter: @spiritualmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwyattmd/
On this episode of "Ask a Death Doula", I have the great pleasure of interviewing Barbara Karnes RN. Enjoy this lively discussion from this expert about "Pain at End of Life" - the title of her latest educational booklet. Barbara has insights and wisdom that every person can benefit from.
Barbara Karnes, RN, is an internationally recognized author, speaker, thought leader and expert on end of life care and the dynamics of dying. Barbara was recognized in 2018 as a Hospice Innovator by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and was named the 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year by the World Humanitarian Awards.
Barbara’s experience as a hospice care provider at the bedside of hundreds of people, and as an administrator overseeing the care of thousands, led to the 1985 publication of Gone from My Sight: The Dying Experience. Affectionately referred to in the industry as the “little blue hospice book,” Gone from My Sight has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, is published in 12 languages, and remains the leading resource on the market today educating families on the signs of approaching death.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Barbara Karnes Books
End of Life Care Facebook Group
Something-To-Think-About Blog
On Today's episode of Ask a Death Doula, my guest is Justin M. Yopp, PhD,. Justin Yopp is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a member of UNC’s Comprehensive Cancer Support Program, Dr. Yopp offers psychotherapy, assessment, and consult-liaison services for both pediatric oncology and adult oncology populations at the N.C. Cancer Hospital. Dr. Yopp also co-leads the Widowed Parent Program (www.widowedparent.org), which offers support groups for parents who have lost a spouse or partner and are raising children on their own and conducts research to support grieving families. He co-authored The Group: Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life (Oxford Press), which weaves together contemporary thinking on grief, adaptation and resiliency with the true story of the men from their first support group. Prior to joining the faculty at UNC, Dr. Yopp served as a psychologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
links mentioned in this Interview::
** website: www.widowedparent.org
** TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/justin_yopp_more_than_grief_how_seven_fathers_reimagined_life_after_loss
** Book:The Group: Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life The Group: How Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life
On this episode of Ask a Death Doula, My guest is Michael Hebb. Michael is the founder of Death Over Dinner and author of the book Let’s Talk About Death (Over Dinner.) He will share how the early illness and subsequent death of his father led him on a path to seek answers to life at just a tender age of 13. It is no wonder that he has accomplished so much inspiring work in this sacred space. In this episode, he will discuss the value of conversation at the dinner table and particularly for discussing difficult topics like death. We learn how Death Over Dinner now includes death dinners for healthcare providers. Michael also shares information about the upcoming event Love and Death, which will take place April, 2020 in Seattle, WA.The Love and Death Conference is bringing together the most poignant and inspired thought leaders in relationships, love, aging, death and dying to create a beautiful opportunity to explore what makes us human.
Links Mentioned in this show:
• Death Over Dinner Website : https://deathoverdinner.org/?fbclid=IwAR2UM1kfJbSVe1w5WXHG3gVxx07_wgUWU8t0YdIKDvOS1AEi52cv1f0zpeA
• Love and Death Conference Event Seattle, WA April 24th-26th Connect. Collaborate. Express | RoundGlass Collective: https://collective.round.glass/v1/love-and-death
• Email Michael Hebb at Michael@deathoverdinner.org if you’re interested in being part of the EOL Collective
My guest today is Rodrigo Luz! Rodrigo is very inspiring!
Rodrigo Luz is the president of the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation Brazil, an official chapter of the EKR Foundation USA. The mission of the EKR Foundation is to spread Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's legacy worldwide.
Rodrigo is an existential therapist working with palliative care and grief therapy in Brazil. He is a visiting professor of palliative care of several states of Brazil, such as the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Rio de Janeiro and the University of Pernambuco in northeastern of Brazil. He is also a professor at Casa do Cuidar, an organization that trains professionals in the philosophy and practice of Palliative Care in the city of São Paulo. He currently lives in Rio de Janeiro, where is the EKR Foundation in Brazil, near Copacabana beach.
Currently, the EKR Foundation in Brazil operates on the following fronts:
-
The creation of a compassionate community for palliative care assistance to the most vulnerable population
-
Training volunteers to care for patients in need of hospice or bereavement care - Partnership with national and local organizations to change death and dying culture
-
Interdisciplinary seminars on death and dying, in which we interviewed critically ill patients, following the same method that Elisabeth Kübler-Ross created in the 1960s at the University of Chicago
-
more than 150 patients have been interviewed weekly in our Brazilian Death and Dying Seminars
-
Workshops in all areas of Brazil with hundreds of students interviewing dying patients and asking them to be our teachers (these workshops are conducted by Rodrigo Luz and Daniela Freitas Bastos, president and vice president of EKR Foundation Brazil)
-
Workshops on Interpretation of Drawings of the Dying, as well as other methods used by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
-
A 360-hour Advanced Palliative Care and Thanatology Trainning in Rio de Janeiro with students from all over Brazil
-
Creating hospices based on the philosophy of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
-
Workshops to help healthcare professionals, patients, and family members confront their unfinished business and understand the importance of unconditional love.
You can learn more about The Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation Brazil and US with the links below:
EKR Foundation Brazil Website: https://ekrbrasil.com
EKR Foundation USA website: https://www.ekrfoundation.org
FREE DOULA TRAINING- Learn the Skill, Change the World xo Suzanne
If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a Certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, follow the link below to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training!
For More Information on taking the free LIVE Doula Training Click Here: International Doulagivers Institute or visit doulagivers.com
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, We begin a series titled "Good Grief". Today we are interviewing Michelle Hoffman Michelle.
Hoffmann is the founder of TheWidowGuide.com. She is an international bestselling author, speaker and coach through grief, bringing light to widowhood. She empowers parents who have lost a spouse figure out how to parent alone, and have dreams of their own. Join me discussing with Michelle how to take a step by step approach to reclaiming your life after a spouse has died. Grief is something that touches us all. There are tools and support that can help. xo Suzanne
For more on Michelle Hoffman, Please visit www.thewidowguide.com
FREE END OF LIFE DOULA TRAINING!
If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a Certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, follow the link below to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training!
For More Information on taking The Doulagivers Free End of Life Doula Training. Please visit www.doulagivers.com
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula titled
"The Future of Health Care Will Be Non-medical” allows the audience will be able to understand the enormous crisis upon us with caring for our elderly and end of life population. The statistics alone are alarming, but you combine that with the reality that the US has a fragmented health care structure that cannot meet the needs and demand of these large numbers and we have a major crisis before us that is only projected to get worse and worse in the upcoming decades.
The good news is that there is a new profession of non-medical caregivers ready to fill the gaps and providing the much needed time and care to the millions that will need it. Having medical and non-medical professionals working together to care for patients is the answer to the present and future health care crisis.
In this podcast, you will learn:
1) What is the Elder Care Crisis?
2) How Doulagivers are "filling the gap" in Health Care
3) How mainstream medical cannot handle the amount of need currently and in the decades to come
4) Current alarming statistics
5) Understanding the medical reimbursement structure
6) The ratio of practitioners to patients
7) All the ways that Doulagivers are "Filling the Gap" to provide the best care possible
In this edition of Ask a Death Doula LIVE from Orlando, Florida, I will share the last ten days on the road and doing Doulagivers Training and outreach from the west coast to the east coast. I will then talk about the new LIFE section of Ask a Death Doula called "Asked a Death Doula About Life" where I will share teachings and education based on the forthcoming book "Top 13 Life Lessons from the Dying" by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN
In this Live Podcast, I will cover "The Coast to Coast Doulagivers Tour and How to Understand and Access Your Big "I"
- The four bodies of energy
- What is the little "I"?
- What is the big "I"?
- How the Little 'I" runs the show 95% of the time
- How the Little "I" is the root cause of the dysfunctional state of the world today
- How the only way to find true fulfillment in this life is through the Big 'I"
- What Dying Patients say about the Big "I"
- How to take a "Time In"
- The 5 for 5 Doulagivers exercises for practicing presence
Ask a Death Doula Podcast LIVE from Reimagine Festival San Francisco California
Reimagine As a nonprofit organization aiming to break down taboos and transform our experiences around death, dying, and living. I Joined Michael Hebb and a remarkable panel of his friends consider the questions that keep us up at night. Ticket holders were able to submit questions to the panel prior to the event. Michael was joined by Dr. Joon Yun, Dr. Dawn Gross, Brad Wolfe, Alua Arthur, Sandy Gibson. Here is my podcast LIVE from SF covering the Death FAQ event!
In this Live Podcast, I will cover "The Death FAQ Event at Reimagine San Francisco"
- Learn what to say to someone who just had someone they love die.
- What is a Good Death?
- What is a Bad Death?
- Grief- What it is and how long it really lasts
- How to talk to children about death.
- The role of rituals at the End of Life
- New options for disposition after we die
- How living fully now and in presence can lead to the best ending
Links mentioned in this Podcast:
www.letsreimagine.org
www.deathoverdinner.org
www.goingwithgrace.org
www.betterplaceforests.com
No Food For Thought -The VSED Option
(VSED) Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula we will be talking about VSED
-What it is?
-How It Works
-What is the Role of the Death Doula working with the VSED Patient
Resource links mentioned in this episode:
www.doulagivers.com
Compassion and Choices Compassion and Choices
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN has worked in End of Life Care for over a decade as an Oncolgy and Hospice RN. Suzanne has been advocating and building training programs to help support the enormous amount of elderly and their families. After working with over 1000 patients at the end of life, Suzanne shares a practical solution to the current Elder Care Crisis. Her solution not only solves the answer to the shortage in medical staffing for this populations but provides an answer that will bring back holistic patient centered care.
In This Podcast, I will cover "How to Solve the Elder Care Crisis" In this podcast you will learn:
- How we are presently in the midst of an Elder Care Crisis
- How for the first time ever in history, we have the longest living elder population
- How this aging population is set to increase in numbers for decades to come.
- How our main stream medical system is struggling to meet the demands of the aging population.
- Why looking for answers within the medical system is not the answer
- How planning ahead can make your overall end of life better by 80%-90% no matter what the disease process.
- How specially trained non-medical professionals can “fill the gaps” in our mainstream medical system and bring back patient centered, holistic care.
- How to taking part in advocating for your own healthcare decisions and choices is a big part of the solution.
- Links mentioned in this Podcast:
FREE Monthly Doulagivers End of Life Doula Level 1 Trainings: www.doulagivers.com
A Beginner's Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death by Dr. BJ Miller and Shoshana Berger
https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-End-Practical-Advice/dp/1501157167
“World Training Day” 2012 www.worldtrainingday.org
To access our Free Level 1 at any time, please use this link: https://events.genndi.com/register/818182175026320046/bfd70601b1
Based on the principles of The Doulagivers Life Class, In this podcast I share what it takes to truly live a happy and fulfilled life .I will share the incredible wisdom of those I have worked with at the end of life. I will share how all of what is being taught in this class is rooted and backed by Science. Combining my personal studies in Nursing, Nutrition and Transpersonal Psychology, In this webinar, Suzanne will give you great insight into what life’s journey is all about and how you can use a few simple techniques to live your happiest life today!
In This Life Class Podcast, I will cover "The Seven Steps to Happiness"
- Learning how everything is connected to your energy and what that means for us as people
- The keys to understanding the four bodies of energy and how they make up the human body
- How each of the separate body systems effect your overall wellbeing
- How to support and nourish each body of energy
- Why optimal healing, health and happiness depends on the balancing of each one of these bodies of energy
- How learning to own your personal power and live as your authentic self is the secret to true peace and happiness
- How forgiveness is the key to transformation
- How to tap into your alignment with your highest energy and find your purpose and passion in life
- How acts of kindness, compassion and service will connect you to our one great consciousness
Links mentioned in this Podcast: www.doulagivers.com FB Life Class Page:https://www.facebook.com/DoulagiversLifeClass/?modal=admin_todo_tour FB PAGE @DoulagiversLifeClass
FREE LIFE CLASS WEBINAR
Join us for our FREE webinar "Doulagivers Life Class" a webinar of hope, healing, and inspiration. Based on the principles of The Doulagivers Life Class, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN will share what it takes to truly live a happy and fulfilled life. Suzanne will share the incredible wisdom of those she has worked with at the end of life. Suzanne will share how all of what is being taught in this class is rooted and backed by science. Combining her personal studies in Nursing, Nutrition and Transpersonal Psychology, in this webinar, Suzanne will give you great insight into what life’s journey is all about and how you can use a few simple techniques to live your happiest life today!
REGISTER HERE: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/708055102472596236
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training!
CLICK HERE: http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula," my guest, Kerrie Lee Brown and I talk about health, healing and the power of the word "No". We also announce the launch of RedLily August 2019! RedLily™ is a cool, new digital platform that celebrates real women, real-life experiences, and more. A place where women can turn their "mess" into an important message. Unlike other outlets that focus on celebrities simply because they sell... We believe well-being should be a given; not a goal. RedLily™ is for ALL women. We want to provide a platform for you to inspire and be inspired. It's YOUR positivity portal. All heartfelt content. Your place to learn, share and grow. RedLily™ is for women who crave more from their heart's core.™ Visit RedLilyLife.com.
About Kerrie Lee Brown:
Kerrie Lee Brown Founder of RedLily™ / Publisher of RedLilyLife.com
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Kerrie Lee Brown is a sought-after corporate storyteller, magazine editor, and serial entrepreneur. Now based in Denver, Colorado, Kerrie-Lee works with a variety of global clients in the areas of health and fitness, real estate, personal development, publishing, and education. After advancing through a number of media positions (most notably as editor-in-chief of Oxygen Women's Fitness and founding editor of American Health & Fitness magazines), Kerrie-Lee moved to the role of vice president, communications for an international mind/body organization to build their marketing and creative divisions. Throughout her career, Kerrie-Lee has written for more than 100 magazines worldwide and has appeared on numerous television shows as a women's health expert. She is also the author of "My Heart, My Self" a memoir about her heart-health scare at the age of 39; available on Amazon. Today, she has made it her mission to inspire women with her new lifestyle brand RedLily™ launching this Summer. For official launch details, visit RedLilyLife.com or to contact Kerrie-Lee, check out KerrieLeeBrown.com.
This interview includes:
- How stress is the secret killer affecting us all
- How most women put themselves last in life
- How self care is not optional
- The power of "No"
- How gratitude can be your access point to reducing stress day to day
- The transforming and healing benefits of women supporting one another
- How you can "Take Charge of Your Health
Links mentioned in this episode: You can purchase the book by clicking the link below!
My Heart, My Self: A Heartfelt Guide For Women Who Do Too Much
Kerrie Lee Brown social media links are:
Facebook @kerrieleebrown and @redlilylife (your heartfelt lifestyle brand) Instagram @redlilylife Twitter @redlily_life Email for people to send their story ideas or article pitches: editors@redlilylife.com New URL: redlilylife.com (sign up to learn more about official launch details) My site: kerrieleebrown.com FREE LIFE CLASS WEBINAR
Join us for our FREE webinar "Doulagivers Life Class" a webinar of hope, healing, and inspiration. Based on the principles of The Doulagivers Life Class, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN will share what it takes to truly live a happy and fulfilled life. Suzanne will share the incredible wisdom of those she has worked with at the end of life. Suzanne will share how all of what is being taught in this class is rooted and backed by science. Combining her personal studies in Nursing, Nutrition and Transpersonal Psychology, in this webinar, Suzanne will give you great insight into what life’s journey is all about and how you can use a few simple techniques to live your happiest life today!
REGISTER HERE: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/821208042495375115
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! CLICK HERE: http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula," my guest, award winning New York Times journalist John Leland will talk about his latest book and what it truly means to be happy. This book is an extraordinary look at what it means to grow old and is a heartening guide to well-being. Happiness is a Choice You Make, weaves together the stories and wisdom of six New Yorkers who number among the “oldest old” ― those eighty-five and older.
My guest, John Leland, in his 30-plus years of professional journalism has gone from chronicling youth culture to writing about the “oldest old.” A graduate of Columbia College, he has worked as a senior editor at Newsweek and Editor-in-Chief of Details Magazine before joining The New York Times in 2000. In 2015, he wrote a year-long series following six people age 85 and up, which became the basis for his book “Happiness is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a year among the Oldest Old,” a New York Times bestseller. As he wrote in the Times, “No work I have ever done has brought me as much joy and hope or changed my outlook on life as profoundly.”
He is the author of two previous books: “Hip: The History” and “Why Kerouac Matters.”
This interview includes:
- What is happiness?
- How gratitude can be your access point to a happy life
- The transforming benefits of forgiveness
- What is perception and the profound impact is has on your life
- How you do not need to let past experiences define you
- How you can choose to be happy
Links mentioned in this episode: You can purchase the book by clicking the link below!
Happiness is a Choice You Make- amazon.com
FREE LIFE CLASS WEBINAR
Join us for our FREE webinar "Doulagivers Life Class" a webinar of hope, healing, and inspiration. Based on the principles of The Doulagivers Life Class, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN will share what it takes to truly live a happy and fulfilled life. Suzanne will share the incredible wisdom of those she has worked with at the end of life. Suzanne will share how all of what is being taught in this class is rooted and backed by science. Combining her personal studies in Nursing, Nutrition and Transpersonal Psychology, in this webinar, Suzanne will give you great insight into what life’s journey is all about and how you can use a few simple techniques to live your happiest life today!
REGISTER HERE: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/821208042495375115
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! CLICK HERE: http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I am interviewing Glenn Klausner. Glenn Klausner is a nationally and internationally renowned Psychic Medium residing in New York City, who for over 20 years has been reuniting thousands of people from all over the world with their loved ones who have transitioned.
He exhibited intuitive abilities with communicating to Non-Physical Spirits at the age of four by making predictions and relaying messages for family, and friends. As a teenager, he further explored these abilities through his communications with The Spirit World, and by the early 1990’s he began conducting readings for a growing and steady clientele worldwide.
Glenn has been featured since 2002 as a Tested Legitimate Medium on Bob Olson’s website, www.bestpsychicmediums.com.
In addition to communicating with departed loved ones (humans & pets), he also gives psychic readings and intuitive coaching for every day life guidance. He is available for seminars, teaching classes, media appearances and consultations to assist families with intuitive children.
Since 1999, Glenn has been a featured guest on over 1,000 top radio programs heard worldwide including: Hay House Radio, XM Sirius Radio, CBS Sky Radio.com, Contact Talk Radio, Blog Talk Radio, Achieve Radio, Berkshire Community Radio, Centanni Broadcasting.com, Hey Z Radio, Lady Bug Live, Now Live.com, 12 Radio.com, IPR365.com, WCKT, WOLZ and K-Rock (Ft. Myers, Florida), 1660 AM (Naples, Florida), KRQ (Tucson, Arizona), KLLY (Bakersfield, California), End Online (Sacramento, California), WARL (Providence, Rhode Island), Horne Radio Network (Knoxville, Tennessee).
Tickets for our Live NYC Event Click Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-day-workshop-heaven-on-earth-a-day-of-hope-healing-and-inspiration-august-24th-tickets-63542594611
For More Information on Glen Klausner Click Here: https://www.glennklausner.com
FREE DOULA TRAINING
If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a Certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, follow the link below to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training!
For More Information on this free LIVE Doula Training Click Here:
http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
Don't want to wait for the LIVE Doula Training Click Here:
https://www.doulagivers.com/eoldtraining
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! Follow the link below to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life.
For More Information on The Peace of Mind Planner Click Here: https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula", my guest, Alua Arthur and I discuss the new End of Life Doula Profession, the need for End of Life Doulas now more than ever, and how they are filling the huge gaps in mainstream healthcare.
Alua Arthur is a death doula, attorney, and the founder of Going with Grace, an end of life planning organization that exists to support people as they answer the question 'What must I do to be at peace with myself so that I may live presently and die peacefully?' From private end of life consultations and public education about death to online coursework to train death doulas, she is tirelessly committed to bringing awareness to death and dying. She passionately believes considering death can inspire the way people live. A jewelry addict, Alua is also a life lover, donut fanatic, and developing nation enthusiast. She is inspired by LIFE, the little joys we can find even in dark times, the freedom of authenticity, and the power in the word YES.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Going With Grace Website
National End of Life Doula Alliance
FREE DOULA TRAINING
If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a Certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, follow the link below to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training!
For More Information on this free LIVE Doula Training Click Here:
http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
Don't want to wait for the LIVE Doula Training Click Here:
https://www.doulagivers.com/eoldtraining
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! Follow the link below to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life.
For More Information on The Peace of Mind Planner Click Here: https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula," we talk all about the spiritual component of life, death, and yes-afterlife. My guest Rev. Terri Daniel, MA, CT is a clinical chaplain, end-of-life educator and trauma specialist certified in death, dying and bereavement by the Association of Death Education and Counseling. The focus of her work is to assist dying and grieving individuals to discover a more spiritually-spacious understanding of death and beyond.
Terri conducts workshops throughout the U.S. to help the dying and the bereaved find healing through meditative, ceremonial and therapeutic processes that focus on inner transformation rather than external events. Her work is acclaimed by physicians, hospice workers, grief counselors and clergy for its pinpoint clarity on the process of dying and grieving, and its heartfelt depiction of consciousness beyond the physical body.
Her unique form of "radical mysticism" incorporates elements of Buddhism, Shamanism, ancient pagan practices, Gnosticism and other spiritual traditions to break down limiting beliefs about forgiveness, divine judgment, and negative experience.
Terri has a BA in Religious Studies from Marylhurst University, an MA in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Fordham University, and is currently doing doctoral research on spirituality and grief at the San Francisco Theological Seminary.
She is the author of three books on death and the afterlife and is also the founder of the annual Afterlife Awareness Conference.
About The Afterlife Conference
The Afterlife Education Foundation was launched by Terri Daniel in 2010 because, at the time, the survival of consciousness beyond physical death wasn't adequately represented in traditional forums such as scientific or bereavement conferences. Motivated by a desire to share that knowledge, the first conference was produced in 2011. The conference is now in its 9th year and draws attendees from all over the world. It is held in a different U.S. city each year, and in June 2019 it will be held in Salt Lake City, UT. For details, please visit www.AfterlifeConference.com
FREE DOULA TRAINING
If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a Certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, follow the link below to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training!
For More Information on this free Doula Training Click Here: http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! Follow the link below to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life.
For More Information on The Peace of Mind Planner Click Here: https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
This week on "Ask a Death Doula" my guest is Deanna Cochran RN.
Deanna Cochran, is a hospice RN since 2000. She is Founder and CEO of Quality of Life Care since 2005 and has been a palliative care educator, end of life doula in private practice, and creator and trainer of her signature program: Accompanying the Dying: A Practical Guide and Awareness Training, the first Certificate program of its kind in 2010.
She is one of the earliest voices in the end of life doula movement and is presently honored to serve as Chair of the newly formed End of Life Doula Advisory Council within the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and is a founding member and was 1st Vice President of the National End of Life Doula Alliance. She believes in unity in this grassroots death positive movement and contributes all she can to special projects with others. Her latest is The National Certificate for End-of-Life Doula Hospice Programs (NCEHP) where she is a partner with Suzanne O’Brien, RN. Together they are presenting hospice organizations with an end-of-life doula program development template complete with all full training to create their own unique hospice doula program. She is the author of the book: Accompanying the Dying: Practical, Heart-Centered Wisdom for End-of-Life Doulas and Healthcare Advocates.
Her new book “Accompanying the Dying: Practical, Heart-Centered Wisdom for End-of-Life Doulas and Healthcare Advocates” is out TODAY. You can download it for free today, February 19th until 6pm ET. To Download the FREE book HERE: http://amzn.com/0989659356
“The book is ideal for the go-to person who is always the one helping everyone in illness, through dying, through crises of life. These people are the salt of the earth, they are the ones who are coming forward as the newly emerging role of the end-of-life doula, wanting to empower others through a serious illness. The book is meant to educate and inspire us to accompany each other through dying well in this modern age. It will save you countless hours of research and enhance your confidence and guide you through every stage of empowering your friends, family, and community.”
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a Certified End of Life Doula Practitioner, follow the link below to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training!
For More Information on this free Doula Training Click Here: http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! Follow the link below to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life.
For More Information on The Peace of Mind Planner Click Here: https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
On this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I will share with you the 5 keys to achieving peace of mind at the end of life. Hear first- hand stories from patients themselves. Find out what people are most worried about regarding the end of life and how to relieve these concerns.
The Peace of Mind Planner course is a complete A-Z planning guide that includes everything from pre-planning your end of life wishes in all 5 categories, (Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual and Financial) including the necessary paperwork to insure your wishes are upheld all the way through the end of life process up until celebrating your loved one after death. The Peace of Mind Planner course is a holistic approach to covering all 5 of these categories to ensure that you have complete peace of mind with how you want to be remembered, celebrated and honored at the end of your life. This course encompasses all the necessary components of what is needed for an end of life experience that is financially the best, emotionally the best and environmentally the best. These are concerns that people have been expressing to me for the last 10+ years and are still looking for the answers to.
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula", my guest, the former president of The National Home Funeral Alliance Lee Webster, breaks down Home Wakes/Home Funerals in a way that every individual and End of Life Practitioner can understand!
My guest Lee Webster is a career writer, editor and researcher, and frequent speaker and published author on funeral reform, including end-of-life support, home funerals, and natural burials. She is the Director of New Hampshire Funeral Resources, Education & Advocacy, former President of the National Home Funeral Alliance, and has served on the NHPCO End-of-Life Doula Council. She currently serves as a founding member on the Board of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance and with the Conservation Burial Alliance and the Green Burial Council. Along with consulting for end of life, home funeral and green burial causes, her writing has appeared in various mainstream magazines, newspapers, and in funeral trade outlets. She is also a frequent speaker to local and national academic, health, and conservation organizations throughout the country.
This interview includes:
- What is a home wake?
- What is a home funeral?
- The benefits of the green burial movement.
- Is embalming required by law?
- How education is the key to positive change.
- The importance of empowering families and communities with holistic, sustainable and family-based tools, skills and information in the care of the dying and the dead.
- How home wakes have proven to help families to have a much better bereavement process after the death of their loved one.
- The secret to transforming our culture is by educating and once again bring back relationships with aging, dying and death.
- What an individual needs to know to have a home wake?
- What is the role of the End of Life Doula/Death Doula in assisting a family to have a home wake?
- What are the laws both state and federal regarding homes wakes?
Links mentioned in this episode:
NH Funeral Resources, Education & Advocacy
National Home Funeral Alliance
Funeral Consumers Alliance
National End-of-Life Doula Alliance
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In this episode of "Ask Death Doula" I will be interviewing Dawn Whelan of The International Doulagivers Foundation. We will be discussing the birth of "World Training Day" and how people can participate in hosting an event or just share the outreach attend one.
This interview includes:
1) "World Training Day" Overview and Vision and Mission
2) Welcome - Introduction of Key Members To The World Training Day Team
3) What it means to be a collaborator and How to Sign Up
4) How to plan a successful training event- Important next steps for participation
5) How working together on a global level with education, kindness and compassion can change the world!
Links mentioned in this episode:
- World Training Day Website
- World Training Day FaceBook Page
- INDGF International Doulagivers Foundation Website
On April 20th, 2019 the International Doulagivers Foundation will be presenting the Doulagivers Free Level 1 End of Life DoulaTraining in locations all around the world. "It is a great reminder that no matter where you live in the world, what culture, religion or socioeconomic status, we all are connected in this thing called end of life. We should and can be there for one another, sharing education and resources, and making the inevitable death experience as positive as possible," said O'Brien.
Anyone who is interested in the Death Positive Movement and helping to support and educate their community with this education is invited to host the Level 1 Training. The International Doulagivers Foundation in coordination with Doulagivers, will be supplying all educational materials and providing people with the entire Level 1 End of Life Doula Training presentation. Complete event training, setup and registration will be taken care of through the main website. Interested partners simply need to find a location and be passionate about making a positive change in end of life care for others
9/10 people say they want to be cared for at home if terminally ill, yet half die in the hospital or some other institution.” -NHPCO Gallup Poll 1996
“Death is the 2nd leading fear in the U.S., but it is an inevitable part of the life journey. With the right kindness, education and support, death can be the natural sacred experience it was meant to be." -Suzanne B. O'Brien RN
The Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula Training was created by experienced Hospice and Oncology nurse, Suzanne B. O'Brien RN and has been used by thousands of family caregivers and community volunteers around the world with wonderful success. The training teaches people the 3 Phases of End of Life, what they can expect and what they can do to support someone who is in each phase
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL DOULAGIVERS FOUNDATION
The goal of the International Doulagivers Foundation is to support communities worldwide with Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Community Caregiving Training. The training has been used by people in over eight countries. This is why INDGF has a global outreach program to share this training worldwide with anyone who would like to take it. INDGF knows that education and engagement are the keys to peaceful passing. World Training Day is a community-driven initiative sparked by the International Doulagivers Foundation, a new nonprofit organization whose purpose is to host a public education program that takes the fear out of end of life.
ABOUT SUZANNE B. O'BRIEN RN
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is the proud Founder and Creator of the award-winning program Doulagivers: End of Life Doula Training, Eldercare Doula Training, and Doulagiver Care Consultant Training. “Awarded Worldwide Leader In Healthcare” by the International Nurses Association for creating Doulagivers, she is also an end of life educator, consultant and author of the #1 International Bestselling book Creating Positive Passings & End of Life Doula Level 1 Caregiver Training (2015) — a guide to learning the invaluable skills of how to care for someone at the end of life.
Suzanne is a founding member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) End of Life Doula Council. NHPCO is the leading hospice and palliative care membership organization in the U.S. has formed this Council to provide information and resources to its members, affiliated organizations, and the public regarding the role of end-of-life doulas. Suzanne is also the Vice President and founding member of the NEDA National End of Life Doula Alliance which is a 501c6 Nonprofit Business League for EOLDs.
What People Have Said About The Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula Training:
" Doulagivers Level 1 training was a Godsend for me and my friends. I found Suzanne’s class while researching how to support a friend who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive, terminal brain cancer. The class provides all the helpful information we needed to support our friend during his end of life experience. I gained so much through this course, that I ended up going back and donating money for the class! Do yourself a favor and take this course, and if you can, donate! It’s more than worth it! Thank you Doulagivers and Suzanne for making a terrible loss a little less scary and much more profound." -Jana H. U.S.
“The FREE End of Life Doula Training Level 1 webinar was absolutely amazing. I love online studies and opportunities for personal growth and this course definitely has to be one of the very best I’ve had the chance to partake of to date. It is such important knowledge that I believe it should be included in every high school /university curriculum. Suzanne engages learners in a personable, compassionate and practical manner. She takes serious subjects and makes them empowering through providing knowledge and a skillset that anyone can employ for a more positive end of life experience either for themself or when caring for those they love. I am forever grateful for this course and cannot recommend it highly enough."- Susan D. Thailand
"In Suzanne O'Brien's End of Life Doula Training Class, you will learn interventions to manage a continued state of comfort and peace for patients and loved ones. I was honored to take her class and am looking forward to utilizing the skills I learned for the benefit of this precious population."- Jill B. U.S.
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
My guest Reverend Bodhi Be has been caring for the dying and teaching others how to provide conscious and compassionate care for those at the end of life through his non-profit organization Doorway Into Light since 2006. Reverend Bodhi Be is an ordained interfaith minister and is the Executive Director of Doorway Into Light.
He operates Hawaii’s only nonprofit funeral home, as well as The Death Store, an educational resource center and store on Maui.
Bodhi is a funeral director, death doula, end-of-life and bereavement counselor, hospice volunteer, a teacher and trainer of death doulas, a speaker and workshop leader in the fields of wholehearted and sacred living and dying, and a ceremonial guide.
Bodhi hosts a weekly radio show, ‘Death Tracks’ which streams online. He is a Notary Public, Coffin Maker, Reiki Practitioner and, together with his wife, children, and grandchildren, are off-the-grid organic homesteaders on Maui.
www.doorwayintolight.org
This interview includes:
- How Reverend Bohdi Be first became interested in working with dying patients
- A look back at death and dying 100 years ago and the changes that have taken place over time
- The greatest challenges we face today in offering quality care to the dying
- The current Healthcare system and the answer to the aging and end of life crisis.
- The importance of empowering families and communities with holistic, sustainable and family-based tools, skills and information in the care of the dying and the dead.
- The secret to transforming our culture is by transforming attitudes and relationships with aging, dying and death
- How to reclaim the care of the dying and the dead as ‘village building’ work and sacred service.
- How to Protect and preserve land by utilizing a green burial ground as an economic engine to maintain the land as public commons.
- How to be part of the 2019 International Death Doula Training April 25th-29th Maui, HI
“To change our culture, to change our lives, requires the transformation of consciousness, and few things shift consciousness as quickly as an awareness of death.” -Reverend Bodhi Be
Links mentioned in this episode: * Doorway Into Light Website * 2019 International Death Doula Training Maui, HI
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
I'm Interviewing Dr Karen Wyatt - Speaker, author and founder of End of Life University In this compelling interview on Ask a Death Doula, I will discuss with Dr Wyatt the state of the present healthcare system and the gaps that we are facing. We will also discuss the answer of how End of Life Doulas can fill that gap and be a much needed support to any healthcare program. The future is bright! Suzanne B. O'Brien RN.
Dr. Karen Wyatt is a family physician who has spent her 25 year medical career working with patients in challenging settings, such as hospices, nursing homes and indigent clinics. She has founded a free medical clinic in a homeless shelter, accompanied three medical mission teams to Honduras, and led a non-profit clinic for the uninsured in its growth from a 4-hour per week all-volunteer operation to a full-time, full-service medical center.
Motivated by her compassionate heart she has put her spiritual beliefs into action by being of service to others in need and by developing Creative Healing LLC an initiative to integrate spirituality into traditional medical practice. She has twice testified at Senate briefings on the cutting edge model of integrated medical care, combining physical and behavioral health, which she helped create and implement in her clinic for the uninsured.
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In the second installment of Ask a Death Doula, we will be discussing the topic of forgiveness and how Death Doulas can help patients and families give and receive it.
Forgiveness is the path to unconditional love. It is a vital component to both patients and families to have a positive end of life experience. We focus on forgiveness during the Stabilization Phase of the patient’s journey. The Stabilization Phase, also referred to as the “Work Phase,” is a time when pain is being managed and all acute issues have been identified and addressed in the Shock Phase, leading to the highest quality of daily life for both the patient and families. It is a time when the patient can interact with those around them and hopefully have lucid conversations. This will allow wonderful work to be done in terms of facilitating conversations and addressing unresolved issues, which will lead to the possibility of forgiveness.
As a Death Doula, we want to help patients and families capitalize on this window of opportunity so that they can accomplish finding forgiveness and bring resolution and closure to any lingering issues. By now we have established trust with our patient and created a bond with them, allowing us to conduct a life review and have personal conversations with them. A lot of this work can be done simply by discussing emotions and issues that have been buried within them for many years and patients can do much of this work themselves just by opening-up about their past regrets. We never push, only guide and encourage them to speak about their life during this time.
A Life Review is an evaluation of one’s life at the end stage of life where depression, unresolved issues and guilt may be alleviated. It is a tool that Doulas may use to help the patient remember positive memories, find acceptance within themselves, address current negative thoughts so that they may be dispersed, as well as appreciate the worth of their lifetime achievements.
While conducting a life review, always ask open-ended questions to your patient. Examples of some open-ended questions we will utilize include:
1) “What kind of work did you do for a living?”
2) “Where did you grow up?”
3) “How did your parents meet?”
It is also important to remember to ask yourself “How can I help this person find closure and forgiveness?” Patients will confide in you and express guilt for things they have held onto from their past. We want to address issues such as disconnection to certain family members that they have not spoken to in a long time. Our patient is dying and if they wish to reach out to someone they have not seen or heard from in many years, it is important for us to attempt to make that possible for them. Bridging relationships and giving them time to speak and resolve issues can make a much more positive end of life experience. We encourage giving private time to the patient and those they wish to mend relations with so that they may feel free to share apologies, as well as give and accept forgiveness from one another.
There are Two Types of Forgiveness:
1) Forgiveness of Self
2) Forgiveness of Others
Forgiveness of others is generally much easier to achieve. People tend to hold themselves much more accountable for their own actions when they regret something they have done when they are at end of life, as opposed to others who have caused them pain. Sometimes, however, a patient will not want to offer their forgiveness to someone else. It is important to remind them that forgiveness is for them and not the other person. They are offering it to let go of their resentment so that they can bring peace and tranquility into their life in their final days. One technique we can use to help a patient find forgiveness for someone else is to look at the person who has hurt them as a child themselves. Ask questions such as, “Do you know what their life was like?” This can help turn feelings of anger into feelings of empathy and help us resolve these internal issues. Forgiveness of self is generally more difficult to accomplish, but you must remind the patient that they deserve forgiveness just like everyone else. This is not a time to punish themselves for the past.
Forgiveness can change everything and create a positive passing for our patient and their loved ones.
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In this first part of the Ask a Death Doula series, we will be discussing what to say to someone who has just received a terminal diagnosis. As you can imagine, this can be an extremely emotional and tense period for the patient, as well as their immediate family and friends. When citing the Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training, this time in a patient’s end of life journey is referred to as the Shock Phase. It is called the Shock Phase because there is often an overwhelming feeling of shock for both the patient and their loved ones. This “shock” can present itself in many ways such as depression, denial, anger and withdrawal.
It is very helpful to remember that this person and family have just lost all “control” over their life. Telling someone that they are terminally ill and that there is no reversing the process requires those around the family to have a strong and supportive presence. There are so many difficult emotions we may want to express but finding the adequate words can be a challenge. We may fear saying the wrong things and the last thing we want to do is make this situation harder for all involved. Sometimes it may take awhile to be able to say anything at all, and that’s okay. Just know that being a kind and supportive presence during this time can make all the difference to a patient and their family and it isn’t necessary to say much, but here are tips to help you navigate this part of the process.
What to do:
– Be an incredibly good listener.
– Ask the family “What can I do for you?” (Little things such as cooking food, cleaning, caring for a pet, sending cards or making tea when others are around can be very helpful).
– Ask the patient “How are you feeling today?” (Starting by asking this question may give you an idea of what they want to talk about and how open they want to be with you).
– Allow them to give direction. (This gives them back some sense of control in a time when they need it most).
– Look for any immediate issues that need to be addressed. E.g. safety, pain, exhaustion of patients and caregivers. (Although your attention will mostly be on the patient, it is important to never forget about the caregivers. Sometimes the best thing you can do is offer support to the caregivers so that they have the strength and energy to care for the patient).
What not to do:
– Say “I’m sorry” or be overly sympathetic to their situation. (Understand that not everyone will respond well to feeling as though others pity them. It is okay to express sorrow for their circumstances but avoid “feeling sorry for them”).
– Give direction or opinionated advice on things that aren’t direct issues to patient or caregiver safety. (Never, ever offer suggestions or ideas for treatment or cures. Do not try to “fix” the situation. They will ask you for your advice if they would like it).
– Take over. (This is about what they want, not what you want. Respect their wishes always).
Why is this important? It is vital to establish trust and security with a patient and their family at this time when their world has been turned upside-down. The best way to achieve this is through being a strong, solid support. Meet the patient and family “Where they are” in their process and work from there. Building trust sets the tone for your entire journey with them.
xoxoxo Suzanne
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In this episode of "Ask a Death Doula" We will be talking about how to care for the Elderly. With a holistic model of caring, Doulagivers has developed an Elder Care Doula Training with a heavy emphasis on the importance of bringing back the awreness and importance of caring for this vulnerable population. Through education, kindness and compassion, we can help to support our elderly and the families that care for them. In this podcast, you will learn the alarming statistics of our elder population and what we need to do in order to support this increasing aging population.
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
In this episode, I will share my lifechanging experience doing volunteer hospice work in Zimbabwe, Africa in 2012. Coming from the United States where we are very priveledged to have plenty of medical supplies and lots of medicine to help with the suferring that can accompany the end of life process- it was heartbreaking to see those affected by such high level of end of life processes with little to no of the medical support that we have in the US. What they did have was one another and the power of presence. The incredible hospice there would take a neighbor and train them to sit with the neighbor who was dying and teach them how to guide both the patient and the family through the end of life process. A concept that was so beautiful and effective. One that reminded me of how "Doulas" are used for assisting woman during pregnancy. This was the beginning of the birth of my End of Life Doula Training now known as Doulagivers. Doulagivers is a holistic training that teaches the doula how to care for the elderly and end of life patient through all three phases of end of life- physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are truly a global community and need to support one another in every way we can. xo Suzanne
I am so gratful to Island Hospice for all they taught me and for the warm welcome and support from all the people of Zimbabwe. http://www.islandhospice.care Please visit their website and see the wonderful work they do.
New Dawn of Hope- Care for Children and Adolescents in Zimbabwe, Africa https://reliefweb.int/report/zimbabwe/new-dawn-hope-hiv-help-zimbabwe
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
Our award winning Family Caregiver Training is a global outreach.
Learn the Skill, Change the World In this episode, I will share the first class of the End of Life Doula family caregiver training. This podcast will go over The Shock Phase - The moment someone gets a terminal diagnosis. You will learn how to be a support to both the patient and their loved ones at this very critical time.The Doulagivers ® Family Caregiver Training allows families to regain and learn the skills of how to care for a dying loved one. This was something that was handed down generation-to-generation 100 years ago. We are bringing this skill back and it is changing the world.
Learn how to care for someone who is dying through all three phases of end-of-life. We are pleased to offer Doulagivers Family Caregiver Training. The information presented in this training is appropriate for everyone: family, caregivers, volunteers, and community members. Participants will learn about the three phases of end-of-life and the interventions they can use to provide comfort and support to both the patient and their loved ones. This workshop empowers individuals to embrace the concept of community; caring for each other at the end of life.
Testimonials
Doulagivers Level 1 training was a Godsend for me and my friends. I found Suzanne’s class while researching how to support a friend who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive, terminal brain cancer. The class is offered for free and provides all the helpful information we needed to support our friend during his end of life experience. I gained so much through this course, that I ended up going back and donating money for the class! Do yourself a favor and take this course, and if you can, donate! It’s more than worth it! Thank you Doulagivers and Suzanne for making a terrible loss a little less scary and much more profound. ~ Eternally Grateful Jana H. United States
“The four week FREE End of Life Doula Training Level 1 webinar was absolutely amazing. I love online studies and opportunities for personal growth and this course definitely has to be one of the very best I’ve had the chance to partake of to date. It is such important knowledge that I believe it should be included in every high school /university curriculum. Suzanne engages learners in a personable, compassionate and practical manner. She takes serious subjects and makes them empowering through providing knowledge and a skillset that anyone can employ for a more positive end of life experience either for themself or when caring for those they love. I am forever grateful for this course and cannot recommend it highly enough. Susan D. Thailand
“I had no idea how useful our little training last month would become. I was able to , myself, be at peace, say goodbye, and have no regrets. The gift you have given me is absolutely priceless. I couldn’t have done all that a month ago. I am very tired, but will sleep well tonight knowing that I am honoring my grandmother in her very important process to the end of her life here on earth. Thank you so very much.” Nancy W. United States
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
Welcome to Ask a Death Doula. This podcast is a free educational forum. Suzanne B.O'Brien RN is a former hospice and oncology nurse. Suzanne will use her years of bedside experience to answer questions from family caregivers and community memnbers in order to help them care for their own loved ones at the end of life. Suzanne is the founder and creator of The Doulagivers End of Life Doula Training. She trains Doulagivers all over the world- as all of us deserve the same education, kindness and support when we reach this fragile and often stressful phase of life.
In this episode, Suzanne will explain what is a Death Doula and how Death Doulas are the new non-medical profession that is creating the foundation for better end of life experiences for everyone. This progressive movement is being embraced all over and is being recognized and supported by leading organizations in the US and abroad.
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about
This is our very first segment of " I Love Being a Death Doula". In this episode we talk with Doulagiver Specialist Nathalie Bonafe of New Haven Connecticut. Nathalie has trained in all 3 Doulagiver trainings and has a full service consultanting business called A Gentler Parting. In this episode, Nathalie shares her journey from Yale New Haven researcher to End of Life specialist. Reflectiong on her passion and experiences from 2017, Nathalie inspires listeners with sharing her rewards of the Doulagiver journey and her plans for 2018. Nathalie offers free consultations in person and via phone/Zoom. Please see her contact and website information below. Enjoy the show and please leave a comment and review so we can continue to improve and grow our global community. - Suzanne B. O'Brien RN
Nathalie Bonafe PHD 203-815-5743
Website: www.agentlerparting.com
Email: agentlerparting@gmail.com
FREE DOULA TRAINING If you're a family caregiver, community volunteer, or are interested in becoming a certified end of Life Doula Practitioner, CLICK HERE to join Suzanne for her FREE Introductory End-of-Life Doula Training! http://freetraining.doulagivers.com/
OR
Learn how to give the gift of Peace of Mind at the End of Life to yourself and your family members by signing up for Suzanne's Peace of Mind Planner course! CLICK HERE to learn about the five keys to achieving Peace of Mind at the End of Life. https://planner.doulagivers.com/about