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Ask a Death Doula Podcast is a weekly show hosted by Hospice and Oncology nurse Suzanne B. O’Brien. Suzanne is the CEO and founder of International Doulagivers Institute. This is a vital platform for discussions and interviews that will bring back death into the natural fold of life. Ask a Death Doula will share vital education on how to care for those who are dying as well as sharing inspiring stories from working at the bedside with over 1000 dying people from all around the world. Please visit www.doulagivers.com to access our free education and resource center. About International Doulagivers Institute: The goal of Doulagivers Institute is simple and powerful - to provide affordable and accessible education and support to everyone in the world so that every person has the opportunity to die with comfort and dignity in their own home. Death is something that we all have in common no matter our race, religion, or socioeconomic status. We believe that this education to support people to have the most positive end of life experience is a human right, not a privilege.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
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:
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
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!
Please Share! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
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! Please Share! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
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! Please Share! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
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! Register for the ULM Masterclass: How to Access the "Joy of Being" November 20th at 7pm ET on Zoom here Please Share! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
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!
Links mentioned in this episode:
National Home Funeral Alliance
Please Share! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
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!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! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
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!
Please Share! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
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!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! 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 Join Here: 4491664174178077
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!
Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too:
#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