Ask A Death Doula

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 t

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

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 va

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 c

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

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

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 privil

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 pur

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 coll

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

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 c

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-dri

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 si

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 nu

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. W

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

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 in

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 interventio

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

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 proc