Ask a Death Doula

Latest Episodes:

The One Thing to Do To Build a Thriving Death Doula Business Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

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

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 ⚑
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Holding Space for Men and Veterans at the End of Life with Adam Daviau Jan 20, 2026

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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

The 3 Types of Pain at the End of Life (and How to Manage Them) Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

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

LIFE CAFE is Now WEEKLY: Building a Global Community Built on Love Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

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

A Year in Review — Doulagivers Institute 2025 | Global Impact, Compassion & Care Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

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? Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

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

How Doulagivers is Changing the Face of End-of-Life Care Worldwide Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

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

#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

From Pharmacy Tech to Full Time End of Life Doula —How Following Your Calling is Priceless Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

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

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:

Service is the New Success Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

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

Creating The New Earth: A Return to Heart Guidance Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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:

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