The Heart of Hospice Podcast

How to Manage Death Anxiety With Social Worker Rosie Gaston

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us carry some fear of death, even if we rarely say it out loud. In this episode, we talk honestly with hospice Social Worker Rosie Gaston abou...

Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About a Death Event at Home

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features hospice nurse Shelley Henry in an in-depth discussion about what should happen when a death occurs at home.  Many hosp...

Find Help for the Administrative Tasks After a Loss

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

David Mulqueen has seen first hand the challenges of being an executor of an estate. He’s got some great insight and advice about managing the heav...

Learn How Technology Keeps Seniors Happy and Safe at Home

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As a caregiver for his wife, David Walsh found purpose and meaning. As a business owner he’s carrying that purpose forward supporting seniors to li...

Back to Basics: What to Know About General Inpatient Care

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're getting back to the basics of hospice care, taking a deep dive into hospice General Inpatient Care. Patients (and providers!) need to know the w...

Documenting the Final Journey of Hospice Nurse Allyson

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when the hospice nurse who has long stood at the bedside of the dying becomes the patient herself? A Butterfly Has Been Released is a dea...

What You Need to Know About Meditative Heartbeat Therapy

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice chaplain and end of life doula Daniel DeLoma is devoted to the sacred task of helping others die well, with dignity, presence, and the steady ...

The Dementia Darling Shares Practical Tips for Caregivers - Encore Episode

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Encore episode - Carrie Aalberts (AKA the Dementia Darling) supports dementia caregivers with her heart and soul, and a whole lot of strength.  As th...

A Palliative Doctor's Personal Story of Her Father's Death

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trigger Warning:  The content of this episode includes narratives about suicide.  If you need to, catch up with us on another episode and take time ...

A Rare Look at the Life and Work of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're honored to feature this intimate and warm conversation with Ken Ross, founder of the Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation and son of Dr. Elizabeth K...

Spotlight on Pediatric Palliative Care With Dr. Jared Rubenstein

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pediatric palliative care physician Dr. Jared Rubenstein opens up about what it really means to show up for families when there’s no easy fix. Jare...

How to Be a Badass Advocate For Your Loved One

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone with a serious illness needs a strong advocate who has their back and makes sure their needs are met. Erin Galyean did that for her sister, le...

How to Live Well by Learning What Matters Most

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

End of Life Doula Diane Button has been taught how to live well by caring for the dying.  Her life’s work has been to support people to find meanin...

Learn About the Important Work of the Conscious Dying Movement

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RamDev Dale Borglum is a pioneering figure in the conscious dying movement, known for his contributions to end-of-life care and spiritual support. In...

Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Disease Specific Directives

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re deep diving into advance care planning with hospice Social Worker Rosie Gaston, talking about diagnosis specific advance directives.  With di...

How to Cope With Grief That No One Understands

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There isn’t a greeting card for every type of grief.  Dr. Ken Doka joins the podcast in this episode to talk about anticipatory and disenfranchised...

Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Advance Care Planning

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Social Worker Rosie Gaston talks about getting back to the basics of what matters most to start an advance care plan.  Reflecting on values and belie...

Up Close and Personal With Hospice Nurse Julie

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden is using TikTok to teach over 1 million followers what death really looks like.  As a nurse with 15 years of experience ...

A Revealing Look Inside the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Jessica Zitter sees how hard family caregivers work and it inspires her to keep going as a physician and caregiver advocate.  Working as a critic...

The Powerful Work of a Palliative Care Chaplain

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Palliative Care Chaplain Cody Hufstedler shares the end of life experiences of his patients and their families using compassion, healthy boundaries, a...

This is About Caregiving From a Millennial's Perspective

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica Guthrie is more than a millennial caregiver - she’s an advocate using her voice to change how we approach the care of loved ones. When her ...

The Dementia Deck is a Helpful EOL Conversation Starter

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When dementia is the diagnosis, end of life discussions can be intense and heartbreaking.  Hospice social workers Lisa Pahl and Jessica Empeno shed l...

Caring House Provides Dignified Care at End of Life

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The team at Caring House is supporting the dying with compassion and respect, and a willingness to say yes to every end of life wish. Caring House is...

Bringing Hope to Underserved Populations Who Need it Most

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Johnson is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Peaceful Presence Project, a community-based organization in Oregon dedicated to fos...

Suzanne O'Brien Reflects On 20 Years Serving The Dying

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Suzanne O’Brien has spent the last 20 years serving the dying, and supporting the ones who serve at the bedside.  As a hospice nurse and founder of...

Learn Some Surprising Insider Secrets at a Hospice Nurse Roundtable

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re excited to feature a roundtable discussion with a group of amazing hospice nurses discussing what makes a “good death” and the rituals the...

Bedside Wisdom: Powerful Lessons From a Hospice Doctor

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice doctor Dr. Alen Voskanian is sharing the lessons he’s learned at the bedside of the dying, including why managing compassion fatigue is so v...

Empowering the Dying for a Better Ending

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Uslander is empowering the dying every day to create a better ending.  As co-founder and CEO of Empowered Endings, Elizabeth is passionate ...

Learn About the Important Work of The Peaceful Presence Project

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse and End of Life Doula Erin Collins puts her heart and mind into helping people make peace with the end of life through compassionate, re...

International End of Life Doula Association is Making Dying Better

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The International End of Life Doula Association believes everyone deserves compassionate, respectful care at the end of life.  Executive Director Dou...

How a Pediatric Palliative Care Physician Found Spiritual Healing

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trigger Warning: The content of this episode includes narratives about seriously ill children. If you need to sit this one out, catch up with us on ...

How a Quality of Life Navigator Improves Patient Outcomes

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

DNP Elena Prendergast is empowering people with serious illness to find their voices, and advocate for their best quality of life.  Working with pati...

How to Find Hope When the Burnout is Real

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Palliative physician Emma Jones knows the real effects of burnout, and now she’s coaching others to rise from the ashes. While working in a high-pre...

Before the Casket Provides Helpful Education for End of Life

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With honest information and gentle humor, the founders of Before the Casket are teaching us how to plan for more than just funeral arrangements. Hosp...

An Authentic Conversation With End Well Founder Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this open and vulnerable interview, Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider talks about her caregiving experiences during her dad’s illness and death. Shoshan...

End of Life Options: The Powerful Story of Brittany Maynard

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

End of life option advocate Dan Diaz is sharing the story of his wife Brittany Maynard and her pursuit  of a gentle death. Diagnosed at age 29 with a...

Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Live Discharges

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse Beth Cavenaugh helps to clear up confusion around live discharges from hospice services.  Sometimes people on hospice care improve or s...

Alz Authors Bring Powerful, Personal Stories to the Printed Page

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author and Alzheimer’s caregiver Marianne Scuicco shares her powerful story of caring for her mother and stepdad through dementia diagnosis and end ...

Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Complaints

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice care, sharing information about complaints, when to make them, and what should happen when you do. Hospi...

How to Be the Best Caregiver You Can Be Without Being Perfect

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Drs. Barry Jacobs and Julia Mayer join the podcast for a great conversation about bringing your best to caregiving, reminding us that caregivers don’...

Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Transfers

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice with Hospice Social Worker Lisa Pahl, sharing information about transfers from one hospice agency to ano...

Expert Guidance for Dementia Caregivers

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elder law attorney Patrick Cawley is equipping dementia caregivers with the essential tools they need for estate planning, including advance care plan...

Back to Hospice Basics: What You Need to Know About 24/7 Hospice Services

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On-call, after hours, 24/7 services - no matter what you call it, hospice care is available to patients and caregivers every hour of every day. Regar...

Engaging the Remarkable Energy of Aromatherapy at End of Life

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Blending aromatherapy and sound bathing into the care of dying patients comes naturally to end of life doula and hospice nurse Carrie Oram. Carrie ha...

Back to Hospice Basics - What You Need to Know About Continuous Care

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice, talking about Continuous Care with hospice nurse Gabby Jimenez of The Hospice Heart.  Continuous care ...

This is What Funeral Planning Should Look Like

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Funeral director Andre Roupp of Roupp Funeral Home believes each person and every family has a story, and he’s sharing all the ways funeral planning...

Back to Hospice Basics: What You Need to Know About Respite

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice care with Social Worker Lisa Pahl to talk about respite care and how it works. Respite care is part of t...

How to Thrive as a Sandwich Caregiver in 2025

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christy Byrne Yates of Alz Authors has experienced all the unique challenges of sandwich caregiving.  Caring for both of her parents with neurodegene...

Back to Hospice Basics: What You Need to Know About the Hospice Team

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice care with Hospice Social Worker Lisa Pahl to talk about who’s on the hospice team and what each person...

The Dementia Darling Shares Practical Tips for Caregivers

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carrie Aalberts (AKA the Dementia Darling) supports dementia caregivers with her heart and soul, and a whole lot of strength. With a Master of Scienc...

Today Is The Best Day To Make Your End Of Life Plan - NHDD 2025

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s National Healthcare Decisions Day 2025!  This episode features clips from some of our favorite guests, highlighting wisdom and thoughts about ...

Back to Hospice Basics: What You Need to Know About Admissions

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice - talking about starting hospice care, and what you can expect from a hospice admission.  Hospice nurse...

How To Manage Seagulls in End of Life Caregiving

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Patty Webster of The Conversation Project is talking with me about the swoopers and seagulls that are sometimes part of the caregiving experience. As...

How to be a Better Advocate for Yourself and Your Loved One

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this fourth and final episode of our special series in partnership with Stanford Healthcare, our guest Susan Evans shares the ins and outs of careg...

What You Need To Know About Palliative Care For Parkinson's Disease

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Jocelyn Jiao and Social Worker Mike Polisso of the Stanford Healthcare Palliative Team know the value of getting to know patients and families fro...

Stanford Healthcare Presents a Caregiver's Honest and Powerful Story

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With courage and vulnerability, Sheralin Samuels shares her experience as a caregiver for her mom, and their journey through Early Onset Alzheimer’s...

The Truths You Need to Know About Palliative Care from the Stanford Healthcare Team

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the first in a 4-part special series in partnership with Stanford Healthcare, sponsorsored by Kensington Senior Living. Grant Smith, ...

Social Worker Rosie Gaston Reveals How You Can Have a Better Ending

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Social Worker Rosie Gaston brings energy and compassion to the care of people and families dealing with life-limiting illness.  As a passionate clini...

The Truth About Spiritual Care From a Physician's Perspective

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Robert Klitzman has learned the truth about the value of spiritual care through his professional practice and his own lived experience.  As an au...

How to Separate the Myths From the Truth About Hospice Care

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

My guest Gabby Jimenez and I are busting the hospice myths to get to the truth about end of life care. Because there are so many misconceptions about...

Mideo is a Breakthrough Method to Digitize Your Advance Care Plan

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Fred Mirarchi is working to create personalized, specific advance care plans for patients, accommodating every stage of life and end of life wish....

Filmmaker Serene Meshel-Dillman Focuses on End of Life Options in a New Documentary

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Serene-Meshel Dillman’s documentary series Take Me Out Feet First captures the courage and compassion of people choosing Medical Aid in Dying.  In ...

How to Empower the Caregiver as Care Boss

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After being a caregiver for her parents and husband, Jennifer O’Brien is empowering caregivers so they come through it healthy physically, emotional...

The Platinum Rule is the Key to Unlocking Better Care

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this second episode in a two part series featuring Dr. Harvey Chochinov, we’re talking about The Platinum Rule.  Providing care through the lens...

How to Know the Difference Between Healthcare and Health-Caring

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Harvey Chochinov is teaching us how to go beyond providing healthcare to provide health-caring for the people we serve.  Patients are people befo...

Learning About Death, Dying, and How to Do It Better

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Death Doula Darnell Lamont Walker is listening to the dying and speaking up to advocate for their needs.  As a Death Doula who is also male and black...

Death Doula Kacie Brings a New Perspective to Death Conversations

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a nurse and End of Life Doula, Kacie Gikonyo cares for the dying while working to make a lasting impact on end-of-life support.  Kacie realized du...

Making End of Life Care Better With Dr. Ira Byock - Encore Episode

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Ira Byock believes hospice can heal its own dysfunction by holding providers and clinicians responsible for the care we provide and how we provide...

How to Have Fewer Regrets at End of Life

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As Editor-in-Chief of The Bucket, David Abend takes on the ultimate marketing challenge: rebranding death by showing how embracing mortality can lead ...

The Information You Need to Know About Funerals From an Expert

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Licensed funeral director and End of Life Doula Christa Ovenell is busting myths about funerals, and sharing practical tips on how to plan a funeral s...

The Remarkable Caregiving Story of Stanley and Allison Applebaum

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison Applebaum stood by her dad Stanley as his caregiving partner, respecting his wishes and maintaining his quality of life through the very end o...

When Professional Grief Becomes Personal: A Conversation with Barbara Karnes

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode of our special 4 part series, Hospice Educator Barbara Karnes shares the personal story of her husband’s end of life journey a...

Caregiver Creates Legacy of Love After Loss

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Combs will tell you she had a great dad. Her caregiving experience at the end of his life inspired her to give back to the veteran community.  ...

Learning How to Say the Last Goodbye with Barbara Karnes

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After a 40 year hospice career, Barbara Karnes knows a thing or two about end of life care.  Today’s special episode is part 3 of our 4 part series...

This Innovative Product Is Helping Us Do Death Care Better

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cuddle Cots and Cuddle Blankets allow families to spend more time with a loved one after a death,  providing an opportunity for end of life workers t...

The Rich History of Hospice: How We Got Here

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode two of our special four part series, hospice icon Barbara Karnes shares what it was like working in hospice in the early days, before there...

How to Organize Your Life to Make Death Easier

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When his dad died, Adam Zuckerman created a highly organized kit for managing his estate.  As founder of Buried in Work, he helps people get their en...

Starting Out in the End: Talking With Barbara Karnes

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month - and National Family Caregivers Month - we’re featuring a special 4-part series with special...

How to Improve Death Literacy in a Community

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Death educator Lee Warren believes preparing for death in advance makes a good death possible.  Over a period of two years, she experienced several ...

Grandpad Has Made Innovative AI Available to Older Adults

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Serious illness and caregiving can be isolating. GrandPad’s AI technology keeps seniors safely connected to loved ones. Isaac Lien and his dad Scot...

Honoring the Dead with Beautiful Burial Shrouds

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Virginia Marcolin’s background in fashion and textiles led her to start designing burial shrouds, experimenting with luxurious natural fabrics and v...

Quality Care is the Goal at Residential Hospice Homes

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My guest Susan Hearn is talking about how she is moved and motivated by her work as executive director of a residential hospice home, and why she stay...

How Death Teaches the Best Life Lessons

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The last conversation you want to have shouldn’t be the last one you do have.  Filmmaker Johanna Lunn is using her lifelong curiosity about death t...

The Best Advice From a Devoted Dementia Caregiver

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rosanne Corcoran, host of Daughter the Podcast is sharing her best advice about being a caregiver for a person dealing with dementia. As caregiver to ...

Get the Help You Need to Navigate a Hospice Journey

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse and End of Life Doula Gabby Jimenez of The Hospice Heart is our guest host for today’s episode, featuring a discussion of Hospice Navi...

How to Train Your Doctor with Dr. Matthew Tyler

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice and palliative physician Dr. Matthew Tyler is teaching us how to have conversations with your healthcare team about what matters most to you. ...

How to be a Great End of Life Advocate

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Being an advocate for someone in hospice care is a big job. MSW Jacob Kendall of Demystifying Healthcare is teaching us how to do it well. Advocacy ...

How to Plan for Your End of Life

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As co-founder of Empowered Endings, Dr. Bob Uslander, is working to shift the paradigm of End of Life Care by supporting, guiding, and teaching an emp...

Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia on How to Grow Through Grief, Part 2

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of our grief series with Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia, Shelby talks about identifying your grief allies, different grief styles, and how to ...

Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia on How to Grow Through Grief, Part 1

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia is teaching us how it’s possible to grow through grief.  As founder of Life After Loss Academy, she uses what she’s ...

How to Navigate the Dementia Journey With Compassion

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dementia practitioner Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly is on a mission to transform the landscape of dementia care.  As co-founder of Veranda Ministries, a...

Occupational Therapists are an Important Part of Hospice Care

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Season 9 of The Heart of Hospice Podcast! Occupational Therapists Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie are sharing how OTs can improve the...

Helping End of Life Professionals Fill Their Cup

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin Whalen, founder of Compassionate Coaching, is working to help end of life and grief professionals love their work again.  Using her unique gifts...

What You Need to Know About Hospice Medications withPharmacist Ellen Fulp

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pharmacist Ellen Fulp is passionate about using medications appropriately to care for patients who are at their most vulnerable.  As a part of the ho...

What You Need to Know About Finding Your Grief Style

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Funeral director and author Jodi Clock knows personally how each person finds a grief style that’s the best, healthy fit for themselves.  As host o...

How to Have the Hard Conversations Before the Hard Things Happen

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse Eileen Spillane of Befriending Death has learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Eileen is the Founder of Befriending Death an...

What You Need to Know About Integrative Palliative Care

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“What do I need to know about you as a person to take the best care of you?”  This is how integrative palliative medicine physician Dr. Delia Chi...

End of Life Doula Provides Beautiful Family-Involved Home Funerals

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

End of Life Doula Trina Wacasey works to ensure that clients and families have the kind of personalized death care they want. Using family-guided car...

Revolutionary Advocacy for Military Veterans at End of Life

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is a Veteran, death doula, compassionate educator, and the founder of In Their Honor, a national initiative...

Learning the Truth About Autism and Grief

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kenneth Doka and Alex Lamorie of the Hospice Foundation of America’s Autism and Grief Project are advocates for people with autism.  Dr. Doka i...