The Only Guarantee

Holly Hutchings, Kimberly Rich
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Only Guarantee is a show about the one thing we all have in common: we’re going to die. But don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom. Hosted by storyteller Holly and death doula Dr. Kimberly Rich, this podcast brings honest, sometimes funny, always real conversations about death, grief, legacy, and preparing for the end. Whether you’re navigating loss, planning ahead, or just death-curious, we’re here to talk about the stuff most people avoid—with compassion, clarity, and just the right amount of spicy realness. Because while death is the only guarantee, the way we face it is up to us.

Episodes

  1. 09/04/2025

    Movies, songs, and books for when you need to cry it out

    Do you have a go-to song or movie that helps you in your griefy moments? Maybe even makes you cry harder and just LET.IT.OUT? This week, we (Holly & Kim) dive into the songs, books, and movies that bring the feels for us (and maybe you!), and even help us navigate moments of intense grief. From The Beatles' 'Here Comes the Sun' to Joan Didion's 'The Year of Magical Thinking' and the film 'Steel Magnolias', we talk about a variety of media that resonates deeply during times of loss. There's definitely power in music, literature, and movies/TV to help process emotions. What do you turn on or turn to when you need a good sad cry? Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    48 min

  2. 08/20/2025

    Writing your own obituary: Why, how, and where to keep it.

    007. Ever wondered the benefits of writing your own obituary? On this episode, we dive into the emotional and practical benefits of this exercise. We share our experiences with writing obituaries for our passed-on loved ones and the stress that came with. Also, all the things we didn't know about them when we thought we did! What if we could give our loved ones a head start on the obituaries they will someday need to write for us? Listen for tips on how to start writing your own obituary and how this practice can lead to more intentional living and a smoother grieving process for your loved ones. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:53 The Power of Writing Your Own Obituary 02:30 Personal Experiences with Obituaries 11:43 Guidance on Preparing Your Own Obituary 22:35 Living with Intention 27:26 Organizing Your Final Wishes 27:49 Personalizing Memorial Plans 28:29 Documenting Important Information 31:21 Creating a Motivational Bucket List 32:22 Visualizing Life Goals with 4,000 Weeks Poster 34:17 Reflecting on Weekly Achievements 35:11 The Importance of Writing Your Own Obituary 43:51 Encouraging Young Adults to Plan Ahead 46:07 Sharing and Accountability 49:54 Cherishing Lifelong Friendships 50:52 Conclusion and Resources Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    48 min

  3. 08/07/2025

    Grief in the classroom: What to do when there's a student loss

    What should you do when there's the loss of a student in your community? Join us, Holly Hutchings and Dr. Kimberly Rich, as we explore the sensitive and crucial topic of childhood and youth grief, and talk about how schools can better support grieving students. Dr. Rich shares insights from her personal experience on a school board and offers practical strategies for both proactive and reactive grief education within schools. Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    57 min

  4. 07/24/2025

    What does a death doula do?

    Have you ever heard of a death doula? Wondered what does a death doula do? In this episode, we get into the role of a death doula, the support they provide for the dying and their loved ones, and how they differ from hospice and palliative care. Would you use a death doula? Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    50 min

  5. 07/14/2025

    Being there: How to support a loved one through loss

    What kind of support are you when someone close to you loses a loved one? Do you know how to really, really be there for someone who is grieving? In this episode, we talk about it; from Holly's perspective as a big-time feeler and sometimes sucky friend, to Kim's take as a legitimate expert who has seen the support coin from both sides (as well as lived it). After catching up about Holly's sweet pup, Deputy (don't make her cry again), we go deeper on the importance of showing up for those who are grieving, whether through simple gestures, being present, or just listening. We share practical advice on how to support someone going through loss and highlight the importance of understanding individual needs. We also touch on what not to say to a griever, aiming to help listeners be better supporters and companions during difficult times. 00:00 Introduction and Reunion 02:11 Catching Up: Summer Adventures 06:01 A Heartfelt Loss: Remembering a Client 12:32 Deputy's Diagnosis and Final Days 17:38 Grieving a Pet: Personal Reflections 30:49 Supporting a Griever: Personal Experiences 41:32 Supportive Friends During Tough Times 42:24 Understanding Different Reactions to Grief 44:18 The Importance of Showing Up 45:35 Practical Ways to Help a Griever 57:26 Listening and Being Present 01:06:49 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Comforting Grievers 01:11:45 Personal Reflections on Grief Support 01:15:23 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    1h 12m

  6. 06/25/2025

    Pet Loss: Embracing all Forms of Grief

    In this emotional episode that we recorded this spring, we (Holly Hutchings and Dr. Kim Rich) go deep into the tender topic of pet grief. Holly shares her recent experience with her 11-year-old black lab, Deputy, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma. We discuss the initial shock, decision-making process for treatment options, and complexities of preemptive and active grief. Throughout our conversation, we explore society's discomfort with openly discussing grief, leading to a broader discussion about non-death-related losses, such as loss of financial security, independence, and expected life paths. We encourage listeners to normalize conversations about grief in all its forms. Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    58 min

  7. 06/11/2025

    When You Lose Your Faith While Grieving

    In this episode of The Only Guarantee Podcast, hosts Holly Hutchings and Dr. Kimberly Rich delve into the complex relationship between grief and faith. They discuss their personal experiences of losing faith amidst grief and share insights from notable authors and figures who have faced similar struggles.  Kim's book recommendations include: 'A Grief Observed' by C.S. Lewis, 'Barking to the Choir' by Father Greg Boyle, and 'As Long as You Need' by J.S. Park.  Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    55 min

  8. 05/28/2025

    Exploring Grief with Holly and Kim - An Intro to the Pod Pair

    Introducing The Only Guarantee Podcast: Navigating Grief and Mortality with Honesty and Humor. Join Holly Hutchings, a podcast producer, and Dr. Kimberly Rich, a death doula and grief expert, as they introduce 'The Only Guarantee.' In this episode, they share personal stories, their unexpected meeting at a writing retreat, and their mission to provide an open space for discussing grief, loss, and end-of-life care. With humor and insight, they aim to help listeners navigate these difficult topics, providing support and fostering community. 00:00 Introduction to The Only Guarantee Podcast 01:22 Meet Holly Hutchings: The Eternal Overthinker 02:38 Holly's Journey: From Mormonism to Buddhism 10:37 Kimberly Rich: From Education to End-of-Life Care 13:00 Navigating Grief and Bereavement 30:02 The Birth of the Podcast Partnership 33:58 The Retreat Experience 34:43 Applying to be a Speaker 37:54 The Pitch Process 39:08 Delivering the Talk 42:32 Audience Reactions 55:20 Opportunities and Connections 57:59 Meeting Holly 01:01:28 Launching the Podcast 01:05:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    1h 8m

  9. 05/28/2025

    Trust the Death Doula

    Meet Dr. Kimberly Rich: A Journey into Death and Grief Work In this episode of The Only Guarantee podcast, co-hosts Holly Hutchings and Dr. Kimberly Rich dive deep into Dr. Rich's story. As a death doula and grief expert, Dr. Rich shares her personal and professional journey, including the loss of her mother and how it propelled her into the field of death and bereavement. They discuss the unique aspects of her work, the importance of engaging with and educating about death from a young age, and how she uses humor to navigate difficult conversations. This episode offers insight into the practicalities of death preparation, her doctoral research, and the emotional chaos of grieving. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:28 Meet Dr. Kimberly Rich 02:17 The Importance of Trust in Grief Conversations 04:18 Kimberly's Journey to Becoming a Death Doula 05:37 The Impact of Personal Loss on Career Path 08:41 Challenges and Frustrations with Bereavement Policies 14:52 Defending the Dissertation 21:58 Realizing a Lifelong Connection to Grief 28:05 Discovering the Role of a Death Doula 31:06 The Journey to Becoming a Death Doula 31:38 End of Life Care: Creating Comfort 35:29 Planning Your Own Funeral 38:21 Grief Work and Community Support 49:33 Building a Community Around Grief 53:45 The Importance of Talking About Death 59:17 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts Email us about anything death, grief, or bird related - TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram @TheOnlyGuaranteePodcast You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com

    1h 4m
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Only Guarantee is a show about the one thing we all have in common: we’re going to die. But don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom. Hosted by storyteller Holly and death doula Dr. Kimberly Rich, this podcast brings honest, sometimes funny, always real conversations about death, grief, legacy, and preparing for the end. Whether you’re navigating loss, planning ahead, or just death-curious, we’re here to talk about the stuff most people avoid—with compassion, clarity, and just the right amount of spicy realness. Because while death is the only guarantee, the way we face it is up to us.

Information

  • Creator
    Holly Hutchings, Kimberly Rich
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Only Guarantee Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Only Guarantee