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Why Everyone Over 18 Needs a Will: End-of-Life Planning with Death Doula Marni Blank
Manage episode 494514784 series 3509546
What if preparing for death could actually help you live more fully?
In this powerful episode, Nina Rodriguez speaks with Marni Blank, certified end-of-life doula and founder of Begin With The End, about why planning for death is one of the most compassionate acts we can offer, both to ourselves and those we love.
***Click here to watch on YouTube***
This conversation weaves together the legal logistics of wills, advance directives, and digital assets with the emotional and spiritual tools needed to live with more intention and prepare with less fear. Marni also shares her deeply personal journey into this work, sparked by her mother’s car accident, a moment that exposed the overwhelming reality of end-of-life care when you're unprepared.
*** Plan Well Organizer: Download Here ***
Whether you're grieving, caregiving, or simply ready to get your affairs in order, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and a gentle push toward meaningful, compassionate action.
Topics We Explore:
- How to start honest, heart-centered conversations about death
- Why everyone over 18 needs a will and advance directive
- How to protect and pass on your digital legacy
- The biggest myths about grief, and what it actually looks like
- What a death doula does and how they support families
- How to shape a legacy rooted in values, not just valuables
- Why compassion and curiosity are essential in grief support
- How emotional presence and practical planning can coexist
Key Takeaways:
- Preparing for death is a profound act of love
- Grief is nonlinear and deeply individual
- Legal and digital planning is essential at any age
- Legacy lives on through stories, values, and human connection
- You don’t have to navigate end-of-life or grief alone
- Talking about death early can ease suffering later
- It’s possible to be both prepared and present during loss
Whether you’re facing loss, supporting someone in grief, or simply want to live with more intention, this episode will give you language, tools, and hope.
Grief Support Resources for the Road:
Guest: Marni Blank, Esq
- Founder, Begin With The End
- beginwiththeend.co
- Instagram: @beginwith_theend
Hosted by: Nina Rodriguez
- Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guide
- Learn more: griefandlight.com
- Instagram: @griefandlight
Take action today:
✅ Create or update your will
✅ Have a conversation about end-of-life wishes with someone you love
✅ Organize one part of your digital life
✅ Share this episode with someone who needs it
Subscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this.
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
Chapters
1. Preview & Intro song (00:00:00)
2. Embracing the reality of death (00:00:35)
3. What is a death doula? (00:04:52)
4. Navigating Digital Assets after Loss (00:06:18)
5. The Importance of Clear Instructions on Last Wishes (00:12:03)
6. Advanced Directives, Living Wills and Power of Attorney (00:14:04)
7. Wills, Trusts, and Legacy Planning (00:17:45)
8. Overcoming the Fear of Death Conversations (00:21:21)
9. Navigating Difficult Conversations About Death (00:22:28)
10. Myths Surrounding Grief and Loss (00:24:04)
11. Approaching Conversations Centering Death with Loved Ones (00:26:22)
12. The Role of Spirituality in End-of-Life Conversations (00:28:44)
13. Family Dynamics and End-of-Life Wishes (00:31:17)
14. Preparing for the Practicalities of Death (00:32:52)
15. Comprehensive Support for End-of-Life Planning (00:35:22)
16. Lessons on Life and Death from Clients (00:38:58)
17. Advice for aspiring death doulas (00:42:03)
18. Life Lessons from Death (00:43:15)
19. Begin with the end (00:44:14)
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