EPISODE · May 29, 2026 · 58 MIN
On Death and Dying with Laurie Furr-Vancini '87, Becca Omlor MD '13, and Anne Smith '89
from Wake Women · host Mary Tribble
In a world where conversations about death are often avoided, understanding how to navigate this challenging transition can be daunting. This discomfort often stems from societal norms that discourage open discussions about mortality. On this episode, we dive into the insights of people who understand the importance of addressing death openly and honestly–Laurie Furr-Vancini '89 is a retired minister and is now trained as a death doula (we’ll talk about what that even is) and Becca Omlor MD '13 is a hospice coctor who has dedicated her career to helping families through the dying process. And Anne Smith '89 joins the conversation as a family member whose mother recently passed. In this conversation, we’ discuss the role of hospice in end of life care, the value a death doula can bring to the process, and how to navigate the tensions that can arise between family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals. This episode will give you actionable strategies to engage in meaningful conversations about mortality, ensuring you feel empowered and informed as you face transitional times for your loved ones. Resources: Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully by Julie McFadden, RNhttps://www.hospicenursejulie.com/bookBeing with Dying Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death by Joan Halifaxhttps://www.joanhalifax.org/publicationsBeing Mortal by Atul Gawandehttps://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/
What this episode covers
In a world where conversations about death are often avoided, understanding how to navigate this challenging transition can be daunting. This discomfort often stems from societal norms that discourage open discussions about mortality. On this episode, we dive into the insights of people who understand the importance of addressing death openly and honestly–Laurie Furr-Vancini '89 is a retired minister and is now trained as a death doula (we’ll talk about what that even is) and Becca Omlor MD '13 is a hospice coctor who has dedicated her career to helping families through the dying process. And Anne Smith '89 joins the conversation as a family member whose mother recently passed. In this conversation, we’ discuss the role of hospice in end of life care, the value a death doula can bring to the process, and how to navigate the tensions that can arise between family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals. This episode will give you actionable strategies to engage in meaningful conversations about mortality, ensuring you feel empowered and informed as you face transitional times for your loved ones. Resources: Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully by Julie McFadden, RNhttps://www.hospicenursejulie.com/bookBeing with Dying Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death by Joan Halifaxhttps://www.joanhalifax.org/publicationsBeing Mortal by Atul Gawandehttps://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/
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On Death and Dying with Laurie Furr-Vancini '87, Becca Omlor MD '13, and Anne Smith '89
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