What Really Matters: Kate DeBartolo on Turning Tough Conversations Into Connections

Did you know that having one conversation today could save your loved ones years of heartbreak tomorrow?In this episode of Buried in Work podcast, Adam Zuckerman sits down with Kate DeBartolo, Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and leader of the groundbreaking Conversation Project. Together, they tackle one of the most avoided yet essential topics: end-of-life planning. But this isn’t about paperwork or legal jargon, it’s about connecting with the people who matter most and ensuring your values and wishes are honored when it matters most.Kate shares deeply human stories, practical tools, and actionable insights to help you start conversations that many of us delay or avoid entirely. She also shares unique challenges faced by solo agers, the cultural barriers that prevent open dialogue, and why talking about your wishes isn’t just for the elderly or ill—it’s for anyone who values their relationships and wants to make life easier for those they love.Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and how to simplify your estate planning and end-of-life tasks.