Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula
Episodes
151. Rebroadcast of episode 112 Happy New Year!
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not all about resolutions to “finally lose weight!”. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we are going. Enjoy thi...
The White Envelope
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I post this every Christmas. Enjoy!
150. Rebroadcast of episode 24; Grief and the Holidays
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays are stressful enough without grief on top of it. I’m learning first hand with this first holiday season without my mom. (Hence the rebr...
149. Announcement and rebroadcast of The Woman and The Falcon
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s episode is a little different.I’m taking some much-needed space after the death of my mom, and for the remainder of season 7, I’ll b...
148. Turning Pain Into Purpose: Wil “Wize” Otero on Grief, Healing, and Authentic Living
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Wil “Wize” Otero, a motivational speaker, podcaster, producer, and life coach who has made it his mission to help...
147. Resilience & Opportunity: How Community Support Shapes Lives: A Conversation with Toni Akin
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Mentions of suicideIn this episode, I sit down with Toni Akin, a powerhouse in public education and a deeply compassionate advocate for those navi...
146. Building Strength After Loss: How Fitness Helped Kelly Kirk Transform Grief into Purpose
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: some graphic descriptions of violence, mentions of suicide and some strong languageAfter losing everything Kelly Kirk met the love of his life. Af...
145. From Nurse to Grief Guide: Diane Carbo on Turning Loss into Caregiver Support
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: mentions of suicideAfter decades as a nurse and a lifetime of personal loss; Diane Carbo founded Caregiver Relief to help others find balance and ...
144. The Forgotten Grief: How Men Experience Miscarriage with J.S. Loving
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: pregnancy loss, some discussion of medical procedures.In this episode of I sit down with author J.S. Loving for an open, heartfelt conversation ab...
143. From Loss to Legacy: Navigating Grief and Estate Planning with Karen Tarnopol Schultz
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: mention of suicide and infant lossGrief touches us all, but no two losses are ever the same. In this episode I sit down with Karen Tarnopol Schult...
142. Isolation in Caregiving: Why You Feel Alone (Even When Surrounded by People)
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caregiving can be one of the loneliest jobs in the world, even when you’re constantly around others. If you’ve ever felt invisible, cut off from f...
Season 7, Coming Soon!
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoulaYou can find me here:https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoulaGet merch! https://goo...
141. Grief, Menopause, and the Midlife Journey
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Grief and menopause. What happens when these two massive life transitions collide? In this episode I dive into the under-discussed intersection of men...
140. Human First: Rethinking Grief and Work with Faith Clarke
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sat down with Faith Clarke to talk about what should be obvious but often gets lost in the hustle: treating people, especially thos...
139. Stigmatized Grief, Miscarriage, and the Sacred Work of Dying; A Conversation with Emily Hill
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: mentions of miscarriageIn this deeply touching episode I say down with Emily Hill of Everyday Epiphany to explore the quiet corners of grief we so...
138. Love, Loss, and Legacy Bill Robertson on AIDS, Spirituality, and Storytelling
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TW: some light swearingIt started with losing his partner to AIDS in the 90s. And turned into a long road of losses that spanned a lifetime.Bill is a ...
137. Author Angie (A.D) Vancise on compound grief
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A.D. (Angie) Vancise is an award-winning author whose writing explores grief, trauma, and truth. Her semi-autobiography, Cry of an Osprey was inspired...
136. Somatic Experiencing with Sharon Laflamme
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharon Laflamme is the Facilitator and founder of Creating Serenity Now, LLC. She took her life’s passions of human behavior, health, nutrition, yog...
135. The Grief Club
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cortland Mullins started Grief Club after her mother died and she realized how deep grief can go. It’s a dynamic program in Columbus Ohio with all m...
134. Sean Muzzy of Grief Cycles.org
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I had an amazing conversation with the founder and director of griefcycles.org, Sean Muzzy. After losing his son Sean had a choice. He could let the g...
133. Jeff Pearson of Invisible Condition
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you looked perfectly fine but had your brain rewired seven times? Jeff Pearson has.I had a lovely conversation with Jeff Person of Invisible C...
132. Grief in Pop Culture
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How TV, Movies, and Books Shape Our Views on Grief and GrievingIn this episode I dive into the way pop culture influences our understanding of grief. ...
Season 6 Trailer
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Season 6! I’m getting back to my roots this season.Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoulaYou can fi...
131. What Does Healing Really Mean?
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re wrapping up season 5! In this episode of Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula, we unpack the messy, beautiful, and often misunderstood truth ...
130. Mike Oppenheim on Non-Death Loss of a Child
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Grief isn’t always about death. I met Mike of the Coffin Talk podcast a couple months back and I knew immediately I had to have him on my show. Mike...
129. Sexual Grief with Edy Nathan
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Edy and I delved into one of the only subject morestigmatized than grief or death. Sex. But it’s not what you think, there are somany layers to us a...
128.How to Start Difficult Conversations About Death and Dying
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s face it, talking about death can feel like trying to bring up a tarantula at a dinner party. Most of us would rather not. But the truth is, av...
127. Adam Zuckerman of Buriedinwork.com
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I had a wonderful conversation with the man behind Buriedinwork.com, Adam Zuckerman all about end of life planning and why it’s so important! Please...
126. Speechless with Vanessa Abraham
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Vanessa Abraham was a speech therapist who lost her voice — literally.A rare neurological disease — a form of Guillain-Barré Syndrome — left he...
Mother's Day Rebroadcast: The Woman and the Falcon
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You can get Susan's Book here: https://amzn.to/3ETn3Ko(This is an affiliate link)Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdo...
125. Steve Gamlin on Losing His Soulmate
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this tender and deeply honest conversation, I sat down with speaker Steve Gamlin to talk about one of the hardest experiences of his life: losing h...
124. When The World Moves On
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Why are they posting photos of their brunch when I’m still hurting? In this episode we're getting into one of the most gut-punch parts of gri...
123. Two Floors Above Grief
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I sat down and had a lovely conversation with Kevin O’Connor, author of Two Floors Above Grief, an autobiography about growing up living above a fun...
122. Myths About Death Doulas
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To kick off season 5 I am bustin’ some myths about death doulas! I’m also trying out adding video to my podcast. Eep!Support me on Patreon! htt...
Season 5 Trailer
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm back in one week!!Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoulaYou can find me here:https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoula...
121. Caregiver Warrior Susanne White
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To wrap up season 4 I had an amazing conversation with Susanne White, the Caregiver Warrior! We break down caregiving, our own mistakes and lessons we...
120. When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A little break today from the usual format to discuss the poem "When tomorrow starts without me" by David Romano.Always remember, your grief...
119. Who Will Speak For You?
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s my hill to die on. Get those forms DONE. Buy why? Why is this so important?Mentioned in the episode: https://www.ohiohealth.com/siteassets/ab...
118. Simple Escapes
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s so easy to get stuck in grief, in routine, in caregiving, or just living, and it’s not always feasible to take a vacation or even get away fo...
117. Jen Blalock - Death Doula
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I had a lovely conversation with fellow death doula, Jenn Blalock all about our work, fear and strength in working so near death. You can find Jen her...
116. Grief Archetypes
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Grief is deeply personal, but have you ever noticed patterns in the way people experience and express it? Enter the world of grief archetypes—univer...
115. Medical Aid in Dying
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula, I sat down with Lisa Vigil Shattinger from Ohio End of Life Options to unpack the facts and ...
114. Celebrity Deaths
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Why are you so sad, you’ve never met them!” It’s perfectly normal and valid to mourn a celebrity! You’re not alone. Let’s talk about it. S...
Bonus Rewind: Grief after Natural Disasters
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I wanted to send some love out to LA this week and recognize the collective grief being shared by all those affected by the wild fires. Please know yo...
Rewind: 80. How to Talk to Someone Who is Dying
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A look back on what is now my most downloaded episode! I am often asked “what do I say to them?!” when a loved one is dying. Or “can they hear m...
113. Defense Mechanisms
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re getting into psych 101 here with what are the defense mechanisms we use when we are grieving. But are they necessarily bad? Let’s find out! ...
112. Happy New Year!
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 4 and Happy New Year!! What did we learn in 2024 and what can we look forward to in 2025? Support me on Patreon! https://www.patr...
Bonus Episode: A Personal Story
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TW!! This episode discusses death by suicide. I received bad news last week and felt compelled to talk about it. Support me on Patreon! https://ww...
Happy Thanksgiving Plus an Announcement!
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I hear it time and time again. Caregiving is so isolating. Finding time for yourself is hard enough, let alone time to look for support. Well, now y...
111. Kate LaSala Pet Death Doula
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this last episode of Season 3: If you’re a pet parent, you know. I’ve had episodes on pet loss before but here I get to chat with a pet death d...
110. Enshrinement and Bedevilment
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They might be big words but don’t be scared! It’s more common than you think to put our deceased loved ones on a pedestal or in a dungeon. Support...
109. Tara Hayes on Anxiety
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a great conversation with Tara Hayes of Tarafied Publishing about her journey with anxiety. You can find Tara here: https://www.tarafiedpublishi...
108. Mabel the Maple
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is grief over a tree ok? What about a houseplant? It might sound silly but it’s very real! Mentioned in the episode: https://www.theguardian.com/lif...
Rewind: Dia De Los Muertos 2022
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's Dia De Los Muertos again so I'm rebroadcasting my episode from 2022. Enjoy! Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula...
107. Author Loretta Fox on caregiving
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Respectful discussion on religion and politics I sat down with author Loretta Fox to talk about caregiving, a little religion and politics, and me...
106. Mindfulness and Grief
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Another buzzword being thrown around a lot these days. But what really is mindfulness and how can we use it with grief? Mentioned in the episode: http...
105. Stephanie Linn on Highly Sensitive People
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been told you’re too sensitive? Or your emotions are so intense you think you’re going crazy? You might be an HSP. I am! I sat ...
104. Self Care
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Self care is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot and often misused. What does self care look like in grief? Let’s talk about it! Suppor...
103. Alesia Galati on drugs, cancer and….cults?
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Overdose, cancer, and….a cult? Alesia has quite an amazing story to tell and I cannot wait to share it with you. You can find Alesia here: https:/...
102. Anthony Scott of My Last Farewell
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m starting season 3 with a conversation with my new good friend Anthony Scott of My Last Farewell. His enthusiasm and passion for what he does is ...
101. Carol Hamilton
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a lovely conversation with Carol Hamilton from the Feminist Podcast Collective on the loss of her parents. Carol hosts the podcast Mission: Impa...
100. The 100th Episode!
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s my 100th full episode1 I’m so thrilled to have come this far. Here’s to 100 more. Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkith...
99. Get the End of Life Care You Want
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
70% of Americans want to die at home but only 30% do. What gives? How can we get our wishes at end of life? Support me on Patreon! https://www.p...
98. Becky Mollenkamp
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TW: mentions of addiction and some cursing. I had another great conversation this week. Becky Mollenkamp is a feminist coach for small business owners...
97. Jessica Waite on Loss, betrayal and renewal
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had another lovely conversation with the up and coming author Jessica Waite. When life handed her a riveting, horrifying and surprisingly beautiful ...
96. Vanessa Joy
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Language and mentions of abuse I had another great conversation here with Vanessa Joy. Vanessa is an Autistic, ADHD trans woman that survived near...
95. How to Plan a Funeral
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m not a funeral director and neither are you. Unless you are. Anyway, a lot goes into planning a funeral so let’s talk about all the choices we ...
94. Losing a Co-Worker or Colleague
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever lost someone you worked with? It’s a complicated grief to be certain. Let’s talk about it. Support me on Patreon! https://www.pat...
93. Steff Gallante on the Sudden Loss of Her Father
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a beautiful conversation with a lovely human. Steff Glallante shares her story of losing her father just a few short months ago. Her grief is ne...
92. What Does Death Positive Mean?
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 2!! So happy to be back! What does death positive mean? And why does it sound so icky? Spoiler: IT’S NOT! We’ll dive into what ...
91. Steve Case on giving death the finger
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a hilarious conversation with my new friend Steve Case. CONTENT ADVISORY; CURSING AHEAD! Steven Case is that snort-laugh you hear at the back of...
A Special Announcement
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No worries, I'm not going anywhere! But some changes are coming. Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula You can...
90. Cleo Childs on Poetry, Alzheimer's and Grief
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a great conversation with Cleo on her use of poetry to navigate her grief over the loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s at only 28 years old. You...
The Woman and The Falcon (Rebroadcast)
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A very happy Mother's Day to you. Susan's Book: https://a.co/d/gKDXcbr Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula...
89. Elephants and Grief
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We know dogs feel grief, but so do many in the animal kingdom. But the grief of elephants is broad and complex. Let's dive in! Mentioned in the E...
88. Legal Troubles for Doulas
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A couple of death doulas have recently been challenged on their work. What does that mean for the rest of us? Support me on Patreon! https://www.p...
87. Poetry on Grief
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you for your patience as I had no time for a full episode. But I didn't want to leave you with nothing! Support me on Patreon! https://w...
86. Understanding Hospice
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An episode dedicated to just hospice! What is it, what is it not?! Why are so many people scared of the word itself. Let’s dive in. Mentioned in the...
85. Dogs Feel Grief Too
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We love our furry companions and they love us too. So much so they feel grief as much as we do! How can we support them in their grief? Let’s talk a...
84. Comfort and Connection
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m always saying we need to take care of ourselves and give ourselves some breaks when we can. Well here are 7 GREAT ideas for some self care and c...
83. Tori on Chronic Disease and Grief
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a great conversation with my long time friend Tori about her struggles with chronic disease and pain and the grief involved in losing the life y...
82. Emily on Grief After Divorce
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week a lovely conversation with a fellow death doula, Emily who shared her story of the grief associated with the ending of her marriage. We talk...
81. Death and Money
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone’s two most favorite topics!! (Don’t worry no politics here) But unfortunately these go hand in hand. So buckle up buttercup, we’re gon...
Crossover: Our Last Meal
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week my dear friend Andrew from Our Last Meal and I are doing a little feed swap. I really love his show and appreciate him and what he's doi...
80. How To Talk To Someone Who is Dying
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am often asked “what do I say to them?!” when a loved one is dying. Or “can they hear me?” Let’s find out the answers to these and other q...
79. Grief 2 Hope
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I sat down to have a great conversation with another grief specialist, Hope Reger of Grief2Hope. She shares her story of how she turned tragedy into a...
78. Anticipated Sudden Death: A Paradox
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when an expected death comes suddenly? Was it expected or not? Let's discuss this paradox a bit. Mentioned in the episode: https://wh...
77. Tony Lynch on Men's Grief
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had an amazing conversation on grief with Tony a professional in Men's Grief! You can find Tony's podcast "Grief, let's talk about ...
76. Overcoming Death Anxiety
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're all a little scared of dying. Heck, I face it all the time and it still scares me! It's normal. But how can we cope with this innate fe...
Rewind: 32. What is an End of Life Doula Anyway?
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Another look back at a prior episode! I say it at the top of every episode. So what is it I do? We'll take a quick break from grief to learn m...
Rewind: 31. Grief and Addiction
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A look back at a prior episode. Grief actually plays a big role in recovery from addiction. But can also big a big cause. Let's dive in! If y...
75. Grief; We're Doing it Wrong!
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're going about grief all wrong. What can we do to improve our outlook on love and loss? You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeath...
74. Important Conversations
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I know, talking about death stinks, but we HAVE to do it!! Why? Let's find out. You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoula G...
73. Difficult Questions for our Elderly Loved Ones
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's uncomfortable. It's awkward. But we need to have these conversations with our parents and elder loved ones. Mentioned in the episode: htt...
The White Envelope
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A little revisit of my special Christmas episode form last year. It think it bears sharing again.
Rewind: Grief and the Holidays
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A look back at my episode from last year. The holidays can amplify our grief. How can we cope with loss during "The most wonderful time of the ye...
72. Kari the Music Therapist
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I had a great conversation with my dear friend Kari, the music therapist. Kari O'Briant has been practicing as a board certified music therapist f...
71. Honoring Your Loved Ones
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I talk a lot about honoring our loved ones to remember them after they are gone. But what does that look like? What can we do? Mentioned in the episo...
70. Andrew from Our Last Meal
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I was so happy to bring Andrew back on for another great conversation. Andrew discusses the loss of his grandmother, her cornbread, and the impact of ...
69. Grief and the Body
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Grief can do a number on our minds, but it can affect us physically too! Let's talk about it. You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/nikkithedea...