Ask a Death Doula

Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
Ask a Death Doula

Ask a Death Doula with experienced hospice and oncology nurse, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a platform to empower, heal and inspire people through brining back the sacred awareness of death and all that it teaches us about life.This podcast is to help people accept death as a natural part of life and provide a safe space to learn about the subject openly. This education is for family caregivers wanting to learn how to care for those at the end of life and is packed with invaluable information for professional Death Doulas. Death is a natural part of life, and understanding it can help us to live our lives more fully. By facing the reality of death, we can gain a better understanding of our own existence and find meaning in life. When we come to terms with death, we can turn our fear into a source of strength and courage. Ultimately, learning about death can help us to live more meaningful lives by giving us perspective on what really matters in life. By coming to terms with mortality, we gain insight into how precious each moment is and how important it is to make the most out of every day. Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a former hospice and oncology nurse and the founder of International Doulagivers Institute. She is a founding member of The National Hospice and Palliative Care organization NHPCO’s End of Life Doula Council and a founding member and former Vice President of NEDA National End of Life Doula Alliance. Suzanne was awarded “Worldwide Leader in Healthcare” by the International Nurses Association in 2015 for creating Doulagivers Institute. Suzanne was named Humanitarian Ambassador for Oprah Magazine in 2019 for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of life around the world.

  1. 21 HRS AGO

    The Good Death Seminar Series #3

    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 is reshaping societal perceptions and inspiring a more meaningful appreciation for life. Our discussion delves into the importance of having advanced directive conversations with family and friends, ensuring that end-of-life wishes are respected and documented. Through poignant stories, such as that of Mrs. Murphy, we highlight the potential heartbreak and conflict that arise from avoiding these critical discussions. Learn about the role of certified end-of-life doulas and the significance of legal documents like advanced directives and the POLST form in making your wishes known and legally recognized. Join us as we explore advanced directives' profound impact on families and medical professionals, offering peace of mind and clear guidance for those difficult decisions. We emphasize the need for proactive communication and preparation to bridge gaps in care and prevent misunderstandings. By participating in our movement, you contribute to a cultural shift in how society views death, fostering conversations that lead to a more serene and dignified end-of-life journey for all.     SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on February 12th at 7pm ET - Click here The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!         We dive into: (00:00) Good Death Seminar Series Introduction(06:22) The Importance of End-of-Life Planning(20:07) Family Advanced Directive Discussion Comfort Level(25:12) Advance Directive Importance and Preparation(31:06) Advanced Directive Benefits and Challenges(35:47) Advanced Directives and Legal Considerations(45:06) The Importance of the Pulse Form(57:04) Good Death Book Purchase Instructions(01:10:51) Good Death Book Bonuses and Certification(01:23:43) Initiating Conversations on End-of-Life Care(01:32:28) The Good Death Movement Conclusion       We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.       Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar  Buy The Good Death Book   80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

    55 min
  2. JAN 21

    Talking all Things LIFE with NYT Best Selling Author Kris Carr

    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 growth mindset can transform life's most difficult moments into opportunities for personal evolution. Our conversation takes a personal turn as we examine the transformative power of a health crisis. She shares her own experience with a rare cancer diagnosis that prompted a radical shift in her approach to self-care and emotional well-being. As a coach, she discusses guiding others through similar challenges with empathy and the healing potential of forgiveness. We explore the hidden blessings within adversity and the importance of connecting with one's inner wisdom to navigate life's journey with authenticity and courage. Food and mindfulness emerge as key components in Kris's wellness philosophy, emphasizing an anti-inflammatory lifestyle grounded in whole, plant-based nutrition. We explore the simplicity of incorporating daily habits like smoothies and manageable exercise routines. Kris shares her insights into the five pillars of wellness, underscoring the impact of mindful choices on stress and inflammation. The episode concludes with reflections on self-connection, forgiveness, and pursuing happiness, ultimately encouraging listeners to live with grace and empowerment amidst life's challenges.     SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on January 29th at 7pm ET - Click here The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!       We dive into: (00:02) Cancer Journey and Turning Points(07:49) Embracing Change Through Illness(11:10) Wellness Through Food and Mindfulness(24:16) Healing Through Self-Connection and Forgiveness(35:31) Cultivating Growth and Happiness       We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.         Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar  Buy The Good Death Book Discover Wellness with Kris Carr   80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

    38 min
  3. JAN 14

    The Good Death Seminar Series #1

    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, we'll explore how aligning our intentions with compassion can redefine our understanding of what it truly means to experience a 'good death.' Throughout our engaging Good Death Seminar Series, we delve into the intricacies of end-of-life care within the current medical system, questioning if we've forgotten that death is a natural part of life. Through personal anecdotes, from patients like Vivian to families navigating the difficult medical landscape, we highlight the necessity of a purpose-driven approach. We'll discuss the lost art of dying, dissecting cultural and language barriers that obscure the reality of mortality and urging for a return to empathy and understanding. Our journey doesn't stop there. We address the commercialization of death and the urgency of respecting individual end-of-life wishes. By sharing poignant stories, like that of oncology patient Maureen, we examine how a supportive and informed environment can empower people facing the end of life. With a focus on compassion and personal responsibility, we explore how each of us, with the right education and support, can foster a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience a good death. Join us as we embrace the sacredness of death and its reflection on life, paving the way for a compassionate future.     SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on January 15th at 7pm ET - Click here The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!     We dive into: (00:01) Ask a Death Doula Podcast Welcome(06:09) Unveiling the Fear of Death(11:51) Exposing the Fear of Death(18:31) Reclaiming the Art of Dying(32:13) Exploring Cultural Views on Death(41:12) Facing the Challenges of End-of-Life Care(49:04) Improving End-of-Life Care System(59:48) Embracing Sacredness of Death         We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.         Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar  Buy The Good Death Book   80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

    1h 1m
  4. JAN 7

    The Good Death Podcast Series - Hospice Nurse Penny

    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 visitations. Penny shares her personal story, including her experience with death anxiety and her father's post-death visitation, aiming to normalize the end-of-life process and remove the stigma surrounding it. This conversation offers an inspiring look into the importance of discussing and understanding end-of-life care.         We dive in to: 00:00 Introduction to the Good Death Podcast 00:25 Meet Hospice Nurse Penny 03:17 Penny's Journey to Hospice Nursing 09:52 Discovering Social Media During the Pandemic 12:23 Writing the Book: A Journey of Reflection 14:44 A Life-Changing Encounter with Law Enforcement 18:57 Overcoming Personal Challenges 21:26 Misconceptions About Hospice and End-of-Life Care 22:27 Late Hospice Admissions and Misconceptions 23:22 The Role of Medications in Hospice Care 24:42 The Emotional and Sacred Aspects of Hospice Work 26:25 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons 27:50 Deathbed Visions and Spiritual Experiences 30:58 Personal Stories of Afterlife Encounters 36:24 The Impact of Spiritual Beliefs on Grief 37:06 Conclusion         We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.       Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar  Learn more about Hospice Nurse Penny and What She Do Order Penny's book Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living - A Memoir   80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

    40 min
  5. 2024-12-11

    5 Things to Help Grief at the Holidays

    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 the end-of-life experience. Our aim is not only to ease the burden of grief but also to cultivate a sense of enduring love and connection with those who have passed on. We delve into the art of creating family traditions that honor and remember those no longer with us—forging bonds that transcend the boundaries of life and death. From cooking treasured family recipes to exchanging gifts in a loved one's name, these heartfelt rituals can foster a sense of unity and continuity. Imagine a memory jar filled with stories and messages that keep their spirit alive, or dedicating acts of kindness that extend their legacy into the world. These practices are not just acts of remembrance; they are pathways to healing, offering comfort and a shared sense of purpose as we celebrate the holidays with the presence of our loved ones felt in every moment.   SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on January 1st at 7pm ET - Click here The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!     We dive in to: (02:52) Complicated Grief and End of Life (06:56) Holiday Rituals for All Ages  (11:53) Memory Jar for Remembering Loved Ones (17:07) Coping With Grief During Holidays        We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.       Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar  Buy The Good Death Book   80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

    22 min
  6. 2024-12-02

    Heartache to Hope: Navigating Loss and Recovery with Darryl Rodgers, Founder of The Family Recovery Coach

    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 and understanding play in family recovery. As we explore the challenging terrain of addiction, particularly among young adults, Darryl emphasizes the importance of early, open communication and a non-judgmental approach. Parents often struggle with how to react to their child's substance use, and harsh reactions can sometimes do more harm than good. By understanding the underlying traumas that often drive addiction, families can foster a supportive environment where healing is possible. Darryl's reflections on his own experiences provide a sobering yet hopeful perspective on the delicate balance of guiding a child through their darkest moments. Grief, in all its forms, is a recurring theme in our conversation. Darryl discusses anticipatory grief and the heart-wrenching loss of the child he once knew, offering a poignant look at how addiction transforms individuals and families alike. Yet, through his grief, Darryl found purpose—turning his pain into a mission to help others. His work, including his book, short film, and coaching services, is dedicated to supporting families in similar situations. Darryl's website, thefamilyrecoverycoach.com, offers resources and a free 30-minute strategy session for parents embarking on their recovery journey. Join us for this powerful episode and discover the strength, resilience, and hope that can emerge from even the deepest sorrow.   SIGN UP FOR THE "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on December 4th at 7pm ET - Click here The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now!       We dive into: (00:00) Navigating Addiction and Family Recovery(07:15) Approaching Addiction & Trauma With Empathy(19:23) Fostering Growth Through Grief(27:12) Supporting Families Through Addiction       We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.       Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar  The Family Recovery Coach Nar-Anon Family Groups Al-Anon Family Groups Parents of Addicted Loved Ones   80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!Learn more about Darryl Rodgers and what he do - Click here!Reach out to Darryl Rodgers directly - Click here!

    35 min
4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Ask a Death Doula with experienced hospice and oncology nurse, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a platform to empower, heal and inspire people through brining back the sacred awareness of death and all that it teaches us about life.This podcast is to help people accept death as a natural part of life and provide a safe space to learn about the subject openly. This education is for family caregivers wanting to learn how to care for those at the end of life and is packed with invaluable information for professional Death Doulas. Death is a natural part of life, and understanding it can help us to live our lives more fully. By facing the reality of death, we can gain a better understanding of our own existence and find meaning in life. When we come to terms with death, we can turn our fear into a source of strength and courage. Ultimately, learning about death can help us to live more meaningful lives by giving us perspective on what really matters in life. By coming to terms with mortality, we gain insight into how precious each moment is and how important it is to make the most out of every day. Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a former hospice and oncology nurse and the founder of International Doulagivers Institute. She is a founding member of The National Hospice and Palliative Care organization NHPCO’s End of Life Doula Council and a founding member and former Vice President of NEDA National End of Life Doula Alliance. Suzanne was awarded “Worldwide Leader in Healthcare” by the International Nurses Association in 2015 for creating Doulagivers Institute. Suzanne was named Humanitarian Ambassador for Oprah Magazine in 2019 for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of life around the world.

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