Ask a Death Doula
Health, Fitness & Longevity
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 g
Episodes
- A Mother’s Day Reflection on Caregiving, Community, and Bringing End-of-Life Wisdom Back Home
In this deeply emotional Mother’s Day episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN shares one of the most sacred callings many of us will ever experience: walking our mothers home at the end of life. As daughters, mothers, caregivers, nurses, and women…
- A Global Movement: Death Doula World Training Now in 15 Languages
This is a moment in time that marks a profound shift in how we care for one another. In this powerful episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN—founder of the Doulagivers Institute—announces a historic expansion of the Doulagivers Death Doula World…
- 3 Things a Legitimate Death Doula Training MUST Have (Before You Invest Your Time or Money)
In this powerful and necessary episode of Ask a Death Doula , Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, shares the essential questions every aspiring death doula must ask before choosing a training program. With the rapid growth of the death doula professio…
- I Trained Buddhist Monks as Death Doulas in Thailand—Here’s What Happened
In this deeply moving and expansive episode, Suzanne shares her personal experience traveling to Thailand to train Buddhist monks in end-of-life care through the Doulagivers program. What unfolds is a powerful reminder that while cultures,…
- 8th Annual Death Doula World Training Day – Unity, Compassion & Conscious Care
In this special episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN—founder of the Doulagivers Institute—announces the 8th Annual Death Doula World Training Day, taking place on April 22nd at 7 PM ET. This global event is more than a training—it’s a movement.…
- A Legacy of Love: Death Doula World Training Day & the 100th Birthday of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
In this deeply meaningful episode, we invite you into a global movement rooted in compassion, presence, and love. Join Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, founder of Doulagivers Institute, as she announces the 8th Annual Death Doula World Training Day…
- This Will Free You Do Not Carry What Is Not Yours
JOIN DEATH DOULA WORLD TRAINING DAY ONLINE LIVE APRIL 22nd at 7pm EST. Save your seat HERE: CLICK HERE NOW!!! After sitting with over a thousand people at the end of life, one truth becomes clear: we suffer not because of what happens to u…
- What Really Happens When Your Loved One Stops Eating and Drinking at the End of Life
One of the most distressing moments for families at the end of life is when a loved one stops eating and drinking. It can feel like they are starving, like something is wrong, or like we should be doing more. But what if this is actually o…
- The #1 Problem with Hospice Care Today (and how we can fix it)
Most people believe hospice means that medical professionals will come in and take care of everything when someone is dying. But the reality is very different. In this episode, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN — former hospice and oncology nurse who…
- March Madness End of Life Edition
In this special episode, Suzanne O’Brien, RN, founder of Doulagivers Institute and former oncology and hospice nurse, celebrates the one-year anniversary of her book The Good Death: A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of…
- How Thinking About Death Makes You Happier
What if the secret to a happier life isn’t positive thinking — but remembering that life is finite? After caring for more than 1,000 people at the end of life, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN discovered a profound truth: awareness of death doesn’t…
- The One Question That Determines Your Good Death
What if one question could change everything about how you die? In this powerful episode, Suzanne shares a pivotal moment from her early days as an oncology nurse that transformed her understanding of end-of-life care. At the heart of this…
- Can Learning About Death Heal Grief?
Can learning about death actually heal grief? In this deeply moving episode from The Good Death virtual book tour, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, sits down with award-winning filmmaker and death educator Johanna J. Lunn, co-founder of The When Yo…
- What the Dying Teach Us About the True Meaning of Love
This Valentine’s Day, we’re talking about love — not the romanticized version we’ve been sold, but the deeper truth revealed by those at the end of life. After sitting with over 1,000 people as they were dying, one message comes through ag…
- One Year of The Good Death: The Stories You’ve Shared Changed Everything
In this episode, Suzanne O’Brien reflects on the first anniversary of The Good Death and the simple intention behind the book: to soften fear, open conversations, and remind us that death can be sacred and peaceful when we plan ahead. Afte…
- The One Thing to Do To Build a Thriving Death Doula Business
In this episode, Suzanne shares her guiding model, Serve & Assist, and why it’s essential for heart-centered death doulas and caregivers today. Learn how serving your community first—through education and presence—creates trust, impact, an…
- Holding Space for Men and Veterans at the End of Life with Adam Daviau
Are Men and Veterans Being Left Alone in Grief and at the End of Life? Or Are We Asking Them to Carry Their Pain in Silence? There is a quiet truth in end-of-life care that is rarely spoken about: many men—and especially veterans—carry gri…
- The 3 Types of Pain at the End of Life (and How to Manage Them)
Is End-of-Life Pain Really Being Managed? Or Are Families Being Asked to Do the Impossible Without Training? There is a quiet truth in end-of-life care that many families discover too late: pain is often misunderstood, mismanaged, or misse…
- LIFE CAFE is Now WEEKLY: Building a Global Community Built on Love
In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne O’Brien shares a heartfelt reflection on this moment in humanity—and a special announcement: Doulagivers Life Café is now meeting weekly, live, free, and globally. Life Café was born during the…
- A Year in Review — Doulagivers Institute 2025 | Global Impact, Compassion & Care
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 wh…
- Is The DEATH DOULA Movement DYING?
Is the Death Doula Movement Dying? Or Is It Being Called to Grow Up? There is a quiet question being asked behind the scenes of end-of-life care—by hospices, medical teams, families, and even doulas themselves: Is the death doula movement…
- How Doulagivers is Changing the Face of End-of-Life Care Worldwide
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 discuss…
- From Pharmacy Tech to Full Time End of Life Doula —How Following Your Calling is Priceless
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…
- Service is the New Success
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 wi…
- Creating The New Earth: A Return to Heart Guidance
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 ref…
- Can Home Wakes Be The Answer To Traumatic Grief with Guest Lee Webster —Former President of the NHFA
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 profou…
- LIFTING THE LID Festival of Death and Dying Partnership Announced!!! Interview with founder of the festival —Jo Dagless!
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 vi…
- Top Questions To Ask the MD When Given a Serious Diagnosis
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 th…
- When Persistence and Passion ARE the WIN! In Conversation when NYT Bestselling author John Kenney
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 jou…
- What is a GOOD DEATH?
What if embracing death could bring more meaning to life? Join us on a profound exploration into the concept of a "good death," where we unravel the practical and emotional dimensions often shrouded in fear. We tackle the age-old perceptio…
- The GOOD DEATH BOOK Tour comes to Boise, Idaho!
Unlock the secrets to navigating the profound journey of end-of-life care with insights from my 20 years of experience as a hospice and oncology nurse. You'll gain the tools needed to transform your perception of mortality from one of fear…
- Talking to Children about Death: My Guardian Angel
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Jerry and Nya Chambless How can a childhood friendship ignite a transformative cinematic journey? Join us as we sit down with a young filmmaker and her father to…
- What is Your legacy? How to Leave Your Story
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Darren Evans What if technology could help us preserve the true essence of a life well-lived? In this episode, Darren Evans, creator of After Cloud , shares how h…
- Finding Purpose: From Death Doula Training to Community Educator for Ancora Hospice
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Karen Midlo When Karen unexpectedly lost her husband, she embarked on a journey that reshaped her understanding of life and death, moving from her demanding role…
- Experiencing "Moral Injury" In The Healthcare Profession - We Need To Do Better
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Jennifer A. O'Brien. Discover the powerful journey of caregiving with Jennifer, a seasoned healthcare administrator with nearly 40 years of experience, whose pers…
- Turning Grief Into Art: Elizabeth Coplan's Journey With Grief Dialogues
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Elizabeth Coplan. Elizabeth, the visionary behind Grief Dialogues , shares her powerful journey from passionate theater lover to transformative voice in the conve…
- The Caregiver Crisis: Can This One Question Change That?
What does it truly mean to live well as we approach the end of life? In this powerful episode of the Good Death Podcast , we explore what it truly means to live well as we approach the end of life. Inspired by personal stories—from a grand…
- Healing with Heart: A New Vision for Hospice
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Dr. Karen Wyatt. Renowned expert Dr. Karen Wyatt joins us for a profound conversation on end-of-life care, sharing lessons learned from her work with hospice pati…
- Why End-of-Life Planning is the Key to a Good Death
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Reena Lazar. Imagine finding unexpected peace in facing mortality—and letting that awareness transform the way you live right now. In this episode, Reena shares h…
- Transformative Care: Supporting Veterans in Their Final Journey
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar. In this powerful episode, we follow Qwynn Galloway-Salazar’s inspiring path from new death doula to mentor and advocate for veterans,…
- Caring for a Loved One with Dementia? This Information can Change Everything
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Krista Montague, CDP, AT-BC. In this insightful episode, we sit down with Krista Montague—dementia care specialist and founder of Dementia Success Path—to unpack…
- Reimagining The Funeral Industry with The Modern Mortician
THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Melissa Meadow. What if everything you thought you knew about funerals was wrong? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Melissa Meadow, also known as The Mod…
- The Elder Care Crisis: Are we ready?
The elder care crisis is here—are you ready? In this episode of The Good Death Podcast , Suzanne B. O’Brien RN shares a powerful story from the frontlines of care, explores why most families are unprepared, and introduces the Living Well A…
- Medical Aid in Dying (MAID): What You Need to Know Before Making This Choice
What if your end-of-life journey could be as dignified and peaceful as possible? Guided by my two decades of experience as a hospice and oncology nurse, I invite you to a candid conversation about Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), also known as…
- THE GOOD DEATH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR: Suzanne B. O'Brien RN in Conversation with Christine Caldwell
Unlock the secrets to transforming end-of-life care with the healing power of psychedelics. Join us in a thought-provoking conversation with Christine Caldwell, the visionary behind End of Life Psychedelic Care. Christine shares her incred…
- Grief Today and How You Can Heal It
Years ago, I stood beside countless patients in the hospital, overwhelmed by the harsh realities and often unmet emotional needs at the end of life. It was during this time that the profound importance of open conversations about death beg…
- Keeping Death Green: New Burial Options for Body Disposition
What if your final farewell could honor both your legacy and the planet? Welcome to an insightful exploration of the 11th installment of the Good Death Seminar Series, where we unpack the concept of "Keeping Death Green." Together, we expl…
- What are Home Wakes/Home Funerals? What is a FUNeral? All The Benefits and how to have them.
What happens when society loses touch with the sacred process of dying? Discover the transformative insights as we explore the “rebirth of death” and its significance. With Suzanne O’Brien, a dedicated registered nurse with more than two d…
- The 3 Most Common End-of-Life Phenomena Reported Worldwide: Is There Something More?
What if death isn't the end, but a sacred transition filled with profound experiences? In this chapter of our Good Death Seminar Series titled "The 3 Most Common End-of-Life Phenomena Reported Worldwide: Is There Something More?", we explo…
- What Does a Death Doula Do?
Revolutionizing End-of-Life Care: The Vital Role of Death Doulas Role of a death doula: a non-medical professional dedicated to providing holistic support to patients and their families through the end-of-life journey. We'll explore the mu…