PODCAST · education
Ask a Death Doula
by Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
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
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The Wisdom of Elder Women: Doulagivers in PBS’s Grandma Stand
Join the Next FREE Death Doula Global Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f... I’m honored that Doulagivers and I are featured in Grandma Stand, a documentary available on PBS. In New York City’s Central Park, grandmothers sit at a stand and offer something many people are longing for…
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The First Sign Someone Is Getting Ready to Die: When Eating and Drinking Stop
Join the Next FREE Death Doula Global Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register When someone we love stops eating and drinking, families often panic. Are they starving? Are they thirsty? Should I try to get just one more sip into them? I understand that fear. After more…
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Death as a Spiritual Experience: Introducing a New Series
Join the Next FREE Death Doula Global Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f... What do the dying know that the rest of us have forgotten? After more than 25 years accompanying people at the end of life, I’ve been with over 1,000 people as they approached death. Again and again, I heard...
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A New Way Forward for Caregivers
Join the Next FREE Death Doula Global Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-f... For the last hundred years, we have slowly moved away from one of our most important human responsibilities: community taking care of community. Today, millions of family caregivers are expected to carry an...
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Planning Ahead for Dementia: The Choices We Must Make While We Can—with Lisa Pahl
Join the Next FREE Death Doula Global Training: In This Free Training, You’ll Learn: 1) The 3 Phases of End of Life How to recognize the Shock, Stabilization, and Transition phases and what each one needs. 2) What Families Can Expect Common physical, emotional, and spiritual changes as someone...
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Why I Believe “Hospice Care” Should Be Called “Hospice Consulting”
When a family hears the words “hospice care,” they often believe hospice will come into the home and provide all the daily, hands-on care their loved one needs. Sadly, that is not how home hospice usually works. The word care means providing what someone needs for their health, comfort, safety…
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Generation Regeneration: Remembering How to Build a Better World with Tony Cho
What if creating a better future isn’t about continuing to build more—but about regenerating what we have lost? In this inspiring episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O’Brien welcomes visionary community builder, regenerative placemaker, and author Tony Cho for a powerful conversation about…
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The Three Pillars of Creating Compassionate Communities for Aging and End of Life
☀️Join Me For The DEATH DOULA BOOTCAMP August 27th-29th https://www.deathdoulabootcamp.com What if the greatest solution to our aging and end-of-life crisis isn't building another system—but remembering what we've forgotten? For generations, communities naturally cared for one another through...
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Death Doula Business Bootcamp: Is This Your Calling?
Death Doula Business Bootcamp: Is This Your Calling? ☀️Join Me For The DEATH DOULA BOOTCAMP August 27th-29th https://www.deathdoulabootcamp.com What if the work you're meant to do has been quietly calling you all along? Across the world, families are caring for loved ones through aging, serious...
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Why I Don't Sell the Death Doula Certification Anymore
For years, people have come to me asking one question: "How do I become a death doula?" At the very beginning, my answer was straightforward: become certified. Today, my answer is different. In this episode, I share why the future of this movement is no longer about earning another…
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Is Fear Driving the Medical Aid in Dying Movement?
As Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation continues to expand across the United States and around the world, one important question deserves deeper exploration: Are people choosing Medical Aid in Dying because they truly want to die—or because they're afraid of how they believe they will die? In...
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The New Definition of Success with Kerrie Lee Brown Chief Editor of SUCCESS Magazine
What if everything we've been taught about success is incomplete? From the time we're young, we're taught that success looks like achievement, titles, promotions, money, recognition, and checking all the boxes. But what happens when you finally arrive... and something still feels missing? In this...
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The Next Evolution of the Death Doula Movement (And Why It Matters Now More Than Ever)
What if the future of end-of-life care isn't found inside the healthcare system—but within our communities? In this powerful episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN, shares why the global death doula movement has reached a pivotal moment—and why it's time for its next evolution....
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From Family Caregiver to Global Doulagiver: Following the Heart with Kelly Sanchez
What happens when you listen to the quiet voice in your heart and trust where it leads? In this inspiring episode, Suzanne B. O'Brien sits down with Doulagivers graduate Killy Sanchez from Guatemala to explore a remarkable journey that began with caring for her mother and grew into a calling that...
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Is the Medical Aid in Dying Movement Opening Up a Bigger Conversation?
Is the Medical Aid in Dying Movement Opening Up a Bigger Conversation? As Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation continues to expand across the United States, a deeper question is emerging: What is really driving the conversation? In this episode, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN, Founder and CEO of...
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Graduate Spotlight: Yasmeen Fatima — Following the Heart's Calling to Serve Children and Families Through End of Life & Grief
What if success wasn't measured by titles, status, or income alone? What if true success was measured by fulfillment, purpose, compassion, presence, and the impact we leave on others? In this special Doulagivers Graduate Spotlight episode, we are honored to introduce Yasmeen Fatima—author,...
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Birthday Reflections, Purpose, and the Return of the Good Death Seminar Series
In this special birthday episode, Suzanne reflects on turning 59 and shares some of the greatest lessons she has learned from caring for more than 1,000 people at the end of life and training over 400,000 people to care for the dying. What do those nearing the end of life teach us about how to...
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Why Most End of Life Experiences Are NOT Going Well Today — The Top 3 Reasons Why
In this deeply important and heartfelt episode, hospice and oncology nurse, death doula educator, and founder of the Doulagivers Institute https://doulagivers.com, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN, shares the truth about why so many end-of-life experiences today are filled with fear, overwhelm, and...
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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 in community, we are so often the ones called forward to...
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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 Training, now available in 15 different languages. For the...
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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 profession, not all trainings are created equal. This episode is a...
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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, traditions, and languages may differ, the heart of caring...
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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. With over 400,000 people trained in 39+ countries, Death...
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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, happening on April 22nd—a day dedicated to unity,...
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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 us, but because of what we continue to carry. In this…
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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 one of the most natural and peaceful parts of the dying...
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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 has cared for more than 1,000 patients at the end of life…
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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 Life. After caring for more than 1,000 people at the...
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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 create fear — it creates gratitude. Recently quoted by The...
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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 story is the one question that becomes the foundation for...
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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 You Die Project. After experiencing multiple profound losses...
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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 again and again: love is the meaning of life. Not…
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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. After hearing from caregivers, nurses, doctors, and families...
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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, and a sustainable practice without pressure or hustle.…
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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 grief, trauma, and emotional pain without support. In this...
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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 missed entirely. In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Suzanne...
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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 COVID pandemic as a sanctuary when fear and isolation…
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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 what’s possible when education, compassion, and community…
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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 losing its way? In this powerful episode of ASK A DEATH...
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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 discusses her impactful work in countries like Guatemala and...
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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 insights into hospice care. Her journey from advanced EMT...
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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 wisdom from those nearing the end of life. We share the…
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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 reflect on the invaluable wisdom shared by individuals at the...
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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 profound insights into how society has shifted away from…
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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 visionary in the arts and theater, who has transformed her...
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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 this inevitability can deepen our appreciation for life…
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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 journey from a copywriter to a published author in The New...
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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 perception of death as a sacred rite of passage and invite…
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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 to acceptance, understanding death as a sacred rite of...
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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 unpack the inspiring story behind their heartfelt film,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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
HOSTED BY
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ask a Death Doula have?
Ask a Death Doula currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ask a Death Doula 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...
How often does Ask a Death Doula release new episodes?
Ask a Death Doula has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Ask a Death Doula?
You can listen to Ask a Death Doula on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ask a Death Doula?
Ask a Death Doula is created and hosted by Suzanne B. O’Brien RN.
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