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Can Home Wakes Be The Answer To Traumatic Grief with Guest Lee Webster —Former President of the NHFA Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

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

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 ⚑
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LIFTING THE LID Festival of Death and Dying Partnership Announced!!! Interview with founder of the festival —Jo Dagless! Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

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

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

Instagram

FB Group: Lifting The Lid Festival of Death and Dying

Top Questions To Ask the MD When Given a Serious Diagnosis Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

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

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:

When Persistence and Passion ARE the WIN! In Conversation when NYT Bestselling author John Kenney Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

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

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

What is a GOOD DEATH? Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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:

The GOOD DEATH BOOK Tour comes to Boise, Idaho! Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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:

Talking to Children about Death: My Guardian Angel Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

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_

What is Your legacy? How to Leave Your Story Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

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

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

ELEpisode List

Finding Purpose: From Death Doula Training to Community Educator for Ancora Hospice Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

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

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

ELEpisode List

Experiencing "Moral Injury" In The Healthcare Profession - We Need To Do Better Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

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

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