We don't talk about death. Most of us were raised that way — tucked away from it, shielded from it, taught through silence that it's something too dark or too frightening to face directly. But what if that avoidance is quietly costing us? What if leaning into the conversation is one of the most loving, empowering things we can do? In this episode, Dr. Shainna sits down with Mikey Marin, a death doula, advanced Reiki practitioner, and master's-level grief coach, to explore what it actually means to support someone, and an entire family system, through the end of life with intention, dignity, and care. Mikey walks us through the full scope of death doula work: from end-of-life planning for healthy adults, to bedside vigil care during active dying, to legacy projects that preserve a loved one's voice, handwriting, and stories for generations to come. The conversation unpacks why our cultural and societal norms keep death in the shadows — and the very real psychological toll that silence takes on individuals, families, and caregivers. In this episode, you'll hear about: What a death doula actually does, and how it parallels the work of a birthing doula Why end-of-life planning is an act of love for the people you leave behind — not a manifestation of death itself The emotional and physical demands placed on family caregivers, and where support often falls short Legacy work: letters, memory books, and the tender, creative ways people choose to be remembered The "surge" or "rally" phenomenon at the end of life — and why understanding it matters Why death, approached with intention and community, can be beautiful Grief, loss, and death anxiety are among the most universal (and most under-discussed) dimensions of mental health. This episode invites you to examine your own relationship with mortality, the cultural messages you've absorbed about it, and how avoidance may be quietly shaping your wellbeing. From caregiver burnout to unprocessed anticipatory grief, the psychological threads woven through this conversation are deep and real. Whether you've recently lost someone, are caring for a loved one, or simply want to live more fully by making peace with life's only certainty — this episode is for you. More about Mikey Mikey the Death Doula is an End-of-Life Care Specialist, advanced grief coach, and founder of Healing Hearts House LLC. Mikey supports individuals and their families through the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of dying so that dignity, comfort, and peace can be maintained in this deep life transition. More about Dr. Shainna Dr. Shainna is a mental health counselor, educator, and advocate who is passionate about destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide recognize the importance of fostering mental wellness. She has been featured through outlets such as Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Find more resources, workshops, and support → www.drshainna.com 💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 💤 TapeHer → The mouth tape that transformed Dr. Shainna’s sleep routine. Try it with code DRSHAINNA 💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA Additional Mental Wellness Resources: The Self-Love Workbook The Self-Love Workbook for Teens The Self-Love Planner Luna Finds Love Everywhere Designing Healthy Boundaries
