EP23: Brian Helfman: Don’t Put Off The Conversations (Or The Life) You Want To Have

What happens to your relationship with work, money, and time when losing a parent at 23 forces you to confront death far earlier than expected?   Justin Weidenfeld speaks with Brian Helfman about how early loss reshaped his understanding of success, security, and purpose. Brian shares how his father’s death challenged the belief that life can be postponed and pushed him toward living with intention after loss. The conversation explores how grief can clarify priorities and expose the cost of waiting to enjoy your life.   Brian also opens up about inheritance guilt and the complicated emotions that come with receiving money tied to loss. He reflects on family financial dynamics, caregiving responsibilities, and the tension that arises when intentions were never clearly discussed. Grounded in the philosophy of memento mori, this episode invites listeners to consider what they are delaying, what truly matters, and how acknowledging mortality can lead to more honest choices now.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Death, Money, and Why We Avoid the Conversation 05:24 Losing a Parent at 23 and the Shock of Early Grief 09:32 A Complicated Father and Lessons About Work and Worth 14:23 At-Home Hospice, Guilt, and the Reality of Final Moments 20:53 Returning to Life While Carrying New Responsibility 24:25 Rethinking Work, Time, and the “Back Nine” Mentality 29:34 Leaving Corporate Life and Finding Clarity in Nature 37:46 Inheritance Guilt and Family Financial Dynamics 46:12 Why Estate Planning Conversations Must Happen Earlier 01:06:50 Regret, Unsaid Words, and a Letter From His Father 01:12:22 Memento Mori: Don’t Put Off the Life You Want Connect with Brian Helfman: Visit the Third Nature website  Connect with Brian on LinkedIn  Check out Brian’s book recommendation, Memento Mori: The Art of Contemplating Death to Live a Better Life Connect with Justin Weidenfeld: Visit Justin’s website bio Connect with Justin on LinkedIn Follow The Currency of Grief on LinkedIn  Follow The Currency of Grief on Instagram  Follow The Currency of Grief on TikTok  Subscribe to The Currency of Grief on YouTube Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm