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 Gro...
Jul 01, 2025•22 min•Ep. 137
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 illne...
Jun 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 136
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 ste...
Jun 17, 2025•44 min•Ep. 135
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 perspectiv...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 134
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 understa...
Jun 03, 2025•53 min•Ep. 133
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 holisti...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 132
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...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 131
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 de...
Mar 25, 2025•27 min•Ep. 109
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 challeng...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 130
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...
Mar 11, 2025•59 min•Ep. 129
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...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 128
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...
Feb 25, 2025•50 min•Ep. 127
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 sel...
Feb 18, 2025•47 min•Ep. 126
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 i...
Feb 04, 2025•55 min•Ep. 124
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...
Jan 28, 2025•52 min•Ep. 119
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 grow...
Jan 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 125
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, w...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 123
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 visitatio...
Jan 07, 2025•40 min•Ep. 122
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...
Dec 11, 2024•22 min•Ep. 121
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 pow...
Dec 05, 2024•48 min•Ep. 120
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 ...
Dec 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 110
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. ...
Nov 28, 2024•36 min•Ep. 117
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 s...
Nov 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 118
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 g...
Nov 04, 2024•28 min•Ep. 116
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 ar...
Oct 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 115
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 ...
Oct 21, 2024•47 min•Ep. 114
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 es...
Oct 14, 2024•25 min•Ep. 113
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 persp...
Oct 07, 2024•29 min•Ep. 112
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 n...
Sep 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 111
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 trainin...
Sep 23, 2024•42 min•Ep. 108
