Best Dyingwell Podcasts (2025)

1
Dying with Dad, with Yvonne Caputo_112 45:04

Play Pause

3+ y ago45:04

45:04

Teacher, author, corporate trainer, psychotherapist, and author Yvonne Caputo, shares her family caregiver story with us today. Through experiences with her professional life, she was able to have difficult conversations with her father that changed their relationship, and ultimately honored his end of life wishes. Listen to our talk today and lear…

1
111_Sandwiched, with Laurie James 39:04

4y ago39:04

39:04

How does one manage when you have 4 girls between 10 and 15 years of age and your mom has a life changing medical issue? Why you become sandwiched, of course. Laurie James shares her experience with us today. And the struggles are real. Listen to our talk today and find out why it's so important to advocate for your loved ones, even if it means bei…

1
A Way Back to Health with Kelley Skoloda_110 36:15

4y ago36:15

36:15

Personal stories are so important. Sharing our agonies and defeats as well as our wins can help others when they find themselves in similar situations. Kelley Skoloda shares her story today. She was a busy, healthy, active businesswoman, wife and Mom when she was diagnosed with cancer. She wrote a book, A Way Back to Health: 12 Lessons From a Cance…

1
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period with Christian Worstell_109 47:35

4y ago47:35

47:35

Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent, senior staff writer for MedicareAdvantage.com, and Medicare expert. I talk with him today about Medicare and all it's moving parts, including the annual enrollment period which runs from October 15th-December 7th every year. Listen to today's episode and learn: The different types of Medicare covera…

1
Talking Senior Care and Finances with Ryan McEniff_108 57:45

4+ y ago57:45

57:45

People like to talk about finances about as much (or maybe less) than they like talking about death. But it is HUGELY important to know what your parents finances. And hopefully before you take on the role of family caregiver. I'm talking with Ryan McEniff today and he's talking to me about this topic. Ryan is the owner/CEO of Minute Women HomeCare…

1
A Talk with The Dementia Whisperer, Laura Wayman_107 34:34

4+ y ago34:34

34:34

Did you know that dementia is not a diagnosis, but rather a list symptoms? And that 50% of those over 65 can have one of these symptoms? What is a dementia whisper and how does one become one? Laura Wayman has spent decades in the memory care space. Her book A Loving Approach to Dementia Care now in its 3rd edition, is a resource for us all. She ta…

1
Loving Choices, Peaceful Passing with Kathleen Vallee Stein_106 35:39

5y ago35:39

35:39

Kathleen Vallée Stein is a baby boomer. And so are her siblings. If you were raised in the 50's, 60's, and even 70's, your father often had the final say about everything. And many ruled with an iron hand. When her Dad was facing end of life, it was difficult to reverse rolls. And her Mom was not in a position to take the lead. So what do you do? K…

1
105_Using Essential Oils for Neuropathic Pain, with Kami Schaal, RN 57:33

5y ago57:33

57:33

Kami Schaal is a career RN. She spent over a decade working in an ICU, in a level 1 trauma center in Philadelphia. She's seen it all. She transitioned to home care/hospice case management and says the transition wasn't difficult. She came to the use of essential oils with her family. Her academic background helps her understand them and confidently…

1
When Caregiving Calls with Dr. Aaron Blight_104 48:01

5y ago48:01

48:01

Dr. Aaron Blight has had a lifetime of caregiving experience. Both personal and professional. He took what he learned as a family caregiver and started a career in professional caregiving. His latest endeavor has taken him from the owner of a homecare business, to being the founder of Caregiving Kinetics, and author of When Caregiving Calls: Guidan…

1
Caregiver, Cancer Survivor, and Wellness Advocate, Terry Lyn Fountain_103 56:07

5y ago56:07

56:07

Terry Lyn Fountain has a great outlook on life. As you listen to her speak you can tell she is an optimist. And she is also an realist. She is a 78 year old cancer survivor. She has a husband for whom she provides care. She is also an essential oil user and a new dōTERRA wellness advocate. She shares her experiences today. On today's episode, we ta…

1
Erythra Thalassa, Brain Disrupted with Annette Berkovits_102 35:49

5y ago35:49

35:49

You never know when you might become a family caregiver. Annette Berkovits never thought she would be in that role. In fact, at this point in her life, as a woman in her 70's, she thought someone might be needing to care for her. Her story is one of resilience and support for her family. And exemplifies the importance of Advance Care Planning conve…

1
When I'm 64 with Ken Stern_101 36:44

5y ago36:44

36:44

Ken Stern is not only the host of a new podcast aiming to help family caregivers, he is a member of the Sandwich Generation. The new podcast, When I'm 64, is produced by The Longevity Project, an offshoot of the Stanford Center on Longevity. By sharing family caregiver stories, they hope to help other family caregivers understand that there are man…

1
100_Aromatherapy Use in Palliative Care with Denise Joswiak RN 37:20

5y ago37:20

37:20

I'm sure you've heard of essential oils. A lot of people think they're witchy or woo woo-ey. But the reason they can be so effective is they are made up of chemical compounds and work at a cellular level. As in science! Denise Joswiak is not only a certified aromatherapist, she is also a registered nurse. And she uses evidenced based research to gu…

1
Mettle Health with Dr. BJ Miller_099 28:22

5y ago28:22

28:22

Life is inevitable. And there are moments in life that define the path you take. BJ Miller had one of those life defining moments in college. He became disabled after an electrical injury. It was his experience as a patient that led him to become a physician. He was ready to give up on medicine after becoming disillusioned by our healthcare system,…

1
Jaime Think Say Do, with Jaime Robbins_098 1:01:30

5y ago1:01:30

1:01:30

What happens when you are a woman who is finally figuring out her life, in a committed relationship, about to have a baby, and then diagnosed with cancer? Jaime literally lost her voice for months while undergoing treatment for throat cancer, so she began writing. blogging her experiences and feelings. Listen today to hear Jaime's story and find ou…

1
All of Us Warriors with Rebecca Munn_097 32:20

5y ago32:20

32:20

Death doula, and author, Rebecca Munn is an optimist. She was raised by optimists. Yet she encourages conversations about death. And talks to people about cancer. Why? Because it's who she is. Her first book, The Gift of Goodbye: A Story of Agape Love , she shares the journey she took with her mom after her second cancer diagnosis. Rebecca talks ab…

1
Plan for Aging Well_096 24:50

5y ago24:50

24:50

How do you feel about being dismissed? Or ignored. Or being told what to do…This is often how our aging population is treated. And if we don't change things, this will happen to you as well. Stephanie Erickson is a social worker, certified Alzheimer's disease treatment specialist, and author of a new book titled Plan For Aging Well. Check out this …

1
Welcome Back Update_095 9:30

5y ago9:30

9:30

Hey Stranger, where ya been? I know I've been in absentia for the better part of the last 3 months and really my only excuse is…Covid. No, I didn't have it, but I have been struggling with thoughts about what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. As we all know, life has changed. And in some ways for the better. So I thought I'd fill you in on …

1
Man's 4th Best Hospital with Samuel Shem_094 37:05

5+ y ago37:05

37:05

Samuel Shem, aka Stephen Bergman MD, wrote The House of God after surviving his medical residency. 40 years later, he reprises the characters for his most recent novel, Man's 4th Best Hospital. He says the best way to talk about history is through fictional writing. In Man's 4th Best Hospital, he shares his observations for the need for healthcare …

1
Joan Lunden (Yes, THAT Joan Lunden!) on Aging_093 47:31

5+ y ago47:31

47:31

Joan Lunden is a well-known, influential public figure and author. I talk with her today about her family caregiver experience, as well as her newest book Why Did I Come Into This Room? an honest look into what it's like to be an aging woman. Listen today to hear: Why Joan is the national spokesperson for A Place for Mom How to start a conversation…

1
Care.ly with Mike Eidsaune_092 42:13

5+ y ago42:13

42:13

Do you have a loved one in an assisted living or long-term care facility? If you do, you need to listen to this episode. Mike Eidsaune, founder and CEO of Care.ly, tells about this communication tool. Find out: What Care.ly is Who it is for How it can be used to improve communication Why it is beneficial to not only families, but professional careg…

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 70, Rincon Puerto Rico Edition 21:35

5+ y ago21:35

21:35

The last (hopefully) update on Covid-19 lockdown in Rincon, PRBy Sheryl Smith RN

1
Anatomical Donation with Mark Zavoyna_091 52:43

5+ y ago52:43

52:43

Many of us have talked about end of life wishes. I'm willing to bet though, that many have never considered anatomical donation as an option. Mark Zavoyna is the Operations Manager of the Anatomical Donor Program at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Listen and learn today: What is anatomical donation Who can donate? Who cannot donate? Why y…

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 37 Rincon, PR Edition 12:34

5+ y ago12:34

12:34

Latest updates regarding lockdown in Rincon, Puerto Rico including information on life and availability of testing hereBy Sheryl Smith RN

1
The Conversation Project with Kate DeBartolo_090 31:53

5+ y ago31:53

31:53

How do you want to live? The goal of The Conversation Project is to get people talking about this. And they are using the non-medical community to get these conversations started. The focus is on values, not medical terminology. Kate DeBartolo, who oversees the Conversation Project, shares her expertise with us about having end of life conversation…

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 29 Rincon, Puerto Rico Edition 10:40

5+ y ago10:40

10:40

The latest on life in Puerto Rico in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown.By Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-10 Lockdown Day 20 Rincon, Puerto Rico Edition 16:08

5+ y ago16:08

16:08

Update on the last week and tips about how to wear a mask and gloves, where to find more GOOD information.By Sheryl Smith RN

1
Aimee Gindin, Journalist, Daughter, Family Caregiver_089 29:41

5+ y ago29:41

29:41

A daughter's plea: Doctors must stop shirking palliative care. No beating around the bush there. A great article about Aimee's experience as a family caregiver for her Dad. Aimee shares her experience today as well as suggestions for making things better for all. Listen and learn about: Barriers to Palliative Care Goals of Care Conversations Five W…

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 12 & 13 Rincon, PR Edition 14:27

6y ago14:27

14:27

The latest here in PR. #quedateencasa #stayhome #staythefuckathomeBy Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 10 & 11 Rincon, Puerto Rico Edition 12:53

6y ago12:53

12:53

Day 10/11 update. Statistics, resources, cleaning tips, advice...By Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 8 & 9 Rincon, PR Edition 14:37

6y ago14:37

14:37

Airport closures, shelter in place orders, and scarcity of PPE among other things.By Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 6 & 7 Rincon, PR Edition 12:03

6y ago12:03

12:03

Update on yesterday and todayBy Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 5 Rincon, PR edition 13:11

6y ago13:11

13:11

Daily update and thoughtsBy Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 4 Rincon, PR Edition 13:47

6y ago13:47

13:47

Daily update + some suggestions for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe...By Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 3 Rincon, PR Edition 8:51

6y ago8:51

8:51

Day 3. Scary decisions, quiet, lonely...thank God for my dog!By Sheryl Smith RN

1
COVID-19 Lockdown Day 2, Rincon PR Edition 10:43

6y ago10:43

10:43

A day in the life of COVID-19 lockdown in Rincon, PR, day 2...By Sheryl Smith RN

1
Geriatric Nurse Consultant and Dementia Practitioner Jeri Kraus_088 37:25

6y ago37:25

37:25

Planning ahead is important. But how do you plan ahead when you don't know what you need? You enlist the help of a geriatric nurse consultant. Jeri has spent her nursing career in the end of life space. From an early age, she was drawn to work with the elderly. And some personal experiences with dementia and death further fueled her passion. She of…

1
COVID-19 Lock Down Day 1, Rincon PR edition 13:39

6y ago13:39

13:39

Day one of lock down in Rincon, PR as we try to slow the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. I will be doing a daily update to let the rest of the world know what's happening here. Please share. And take care of yourself.

1
Special Edition: COVID-19 and Palliative Care with Jennifer Moore Ballentine 35:38

6y ago35:38

35:38

Jennifer Moore Ballentine is the executive director of the Shiley Institute of Palliative Care at California State University. She recently wrote a very interesting piece about just the role of palliative care in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please tune in to this very important episode and get an education, not only about palliative care, b…

1
Dialing Back the Fear of Death with Debra Diamond_087 47:28

6y ago47:28

47:28

Do you believe in life after death? If you do, you're going to love this interview. If you don't, you should listen to this interview. I firmly believe that Debra Diamond can decrease your fear of dying. Debra Diamond is a former Wall Street money manager, turned psychic medium and death doula. On today's show, she shares with us her experience as …

1
Embracing the Inevitable with Julianne McDevitt RN_086 51:03

6y ago51:03

51:03

I love to talk to nurses. We practice in all areas of healthcare, so you can find a nurse to talk to for just about anything. Julianne is an expert RN, end of life doula, and advance care planning facilitator. She can help individuals identify their personal goals, options, and choices when it comes to end of life. Listen today to learn: What an en…

1
End of Life with Barbara Karnes RN_085 36:01

6y ago36:01

36:01

Are we taking better care of our dying family members than we were 30 years ago? It's a question I ask end of life expert, Barbara Karnes RN on today's episode. She has been in this space, almost since the beginning of the movement, so she should know better than anyone. Find out the answer to this question and more: What is the key to reducing fea…

1
Hey, I'm Back!_084 7:43

6y ago7:43

7:43

After a holiday hiatus, I'm back to let you know what'g going on here at engAGING Conversations, and to ask for your help and prayers for the people of Puerto Rico (listen. It will make sense). Happy New Year!By Sheryl Smith RN

1
Status Update and Happy Thanksgiving_083 16:01

6y ago16:01

16:01

Have you been wondering where I am? I apologize for my absence. It was not planned. It just kind of happened. Listen in today to find out what's going on behind the scenes. Find out where I'm going next week, (End Well Symposium) and how you can go too! I'm looking forward to meeting several people who I have already interviewed here on engAGING Co…

1
ReImagine End of Life with Brad Wolfe_082 41:00

6y ago41:00

41:00

Who wants to party?!? There is a BIG festival happening in San Francisco October 24th-November 3rd. Did I mention it's a death festival? Its' actually a festival to get people talking about death, in an effort that we may live more fully in the present. Doesn't that sound awesome??? Listen today to find out more about: ReImagine End of Life San Fra…

1
Here I Go Again, A Caregiver Story_081 22:11

6y ago22:11

22:11

I've been a professional caregiver for the last 35 years. I realized recently that I have also been a "professional" family caregiver for the better part of the last 17 years. I don't work in a bubble, teamwork is everything. But in spite of my professional knowledge, it's amazing the things that can happen that you aren't quite prepared for. I hon…

1
Medicare Updates with Danielle Roberts_080 43:30

6y ago43:30

43:30

Medicare is the US National Healthcare program for people over 65. It's comprised of two parts: A & B, which cover ~80% of costs. The rest is filled in with things called Part C, D, and Medigap, which are supplements you can sign up for during the yearly election period. There are lots of things to consider when making decisions about these moving …

1
Talking Funerals with John Manke_079 55:50

6+ y ago55:50

55:50

There are SO many things to consider when planning a funeral, why do most of us not plan ahead? It's traumatic enough when a loved one dies, why do we wait until it happens to figure out the specifics, when time could be better spent supporting each other in our grief? John Manke, RN and funeral director, gives us a tutorial regarding things to con…

1
Elder Guardianship Abuse Update with Dr. Sam Sugar_078 1:05:24

6+ y ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Probate court guardianship was set up to protect people from family members out to take advantage of them. What has happened, however, is that SOME court appointed guardians have figured out how to work the system, and take advantage of elders with assets. Dr. Sam Sugar says ageism is to blame, in part. Squabbling families feed into this. Our legal…