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In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Dr. Michael Madison, a neurointerventional surgeon and founder of Thanacare, to explore the urgent need for advanced care planning in today’s medical landscape. Dr. Madison shares moving insights from his work treating stroke and aneurysm patients, where families often face emotional and ethical dilemmas due to the lack of end-of-life planning.
Together, they dive into the importance of medical directives, DNR/DNI orders, and designating healthcare proxies, especially for aging populations and solo agers. Learn how Dr. Madison's digital platform is revolutionizing death tech, making advanced care planning accessible through secure document storage, video directives, and QR code-enabled access.
Join in as they unpack the emotional toll of unprepared families, the financial implications of aggressive care, and how digital tools and AI may shape future ICU protocols. Whether you're caring for aging parents, navigating chronic illness, or planning your own legacy, this conversation is a must-listen.
✅ Subscribe now for expert advice on dying with dignity and ensuring your wishes are honored.
🔗 Visit Thanacare.com to start your plan today.
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In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki talks with Cody Barbo, CEO and founder of Trust & Will, the nation’s leading online estate planning platform. Together, they explore how digital innovation is revolutionizing the way everyday families approach wills, trusts, probate, and end-of-life planning. Cody shares his personal story of why he created Trust & Will, tackling common barriers like cost, complexity, and emotional resistance. They dive into probate nightmares, digital estate planning, and how AI is shaping the future of legacy planning. Whether you're starting a will for the first time, navigating grief, or updating a decades-old estate plan, this episode offers actionable insights and compassionate guidance. Learn how services like Trust & Will makes estate planning accessible, affordable, and empowering—with tools to avoid probate, choose guardians, and securely manage your documents online. If you're a parent, caregiver, or part of the sandwich generation caring for aging parents, this episode is essential listening
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In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki chats with expert estate appraiser Ray Nugent from Value Pros about the critical importance of estate planning, downsizing, and asset valuation. Whether you're an executor managing a loved one’s estate or looking to future-proof your legacy, this conversation dives deep into the realities of estate settlements, personal property valuation, and market trends that impact financial decisions.
Ray explains the key differences between real estate and personal property appraisals, why market demand determines true value, and how to avoid predatory liquidation sales. Learn why proactive estate planning can help families avoid financial loss, legal disputes, and emotional turmoil. Plus, Ray shares real-life insights on appraising collectibles, fine art, jewelry, and family heirlooms, ensuring a smooth transition for future generations.
Learn about:
🔹 Why planning ahead prevents financial losses
🔹 How to fairly distribute assets among heirs
🔹 Avoiding estate liquidation traps
🔹 What IRS and legal systems require for valuationsDon’t let your legacy become a burden! Tune in now and take control of your estate planning journey.
📌 Subscribe & listen now! 🎧
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In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Crista Hermance, Esq, widely known as the Estate Planning Mom (www.estateplanningmom.com), to discuss the critical importance of estate planning—especially for young families. From wills vs. trusts to the hidden dangers of probate, Crista shares expert insights on protecting your children, assets, and future.Learn why every parent needs a plan, how to navigate guardianship decisions, and what happens when someone dies without a will. They also cover estate planning for the sandwich generation, ensuring elderly parents and young children are cared for. Discover why turning 18 is a legal milestone requiring essential documents like power of attorney and healthcare directives—a must for college-bound kids.
💡 Key Topics Covered:
✔️ Wills vs. Trusts: Which one do you need?
✔️ How to Avoid Probate & Save Your Family Thousands
✔️ Guardianship & Custody: What Happens to Your Kids?
✔️ Protecting Assets from Creditors & Family Disputes
✔️ The Cost of Waiting: Real-Life Estate Planning Horror Stories
🔔 Don’t wait for a crisis—start planning now! Subscribe for more expert insights on digital legacies, estate law, and financial planning.
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In this powerful episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki welcomes Dr. Faith Banks, DVM, CHPV, a hospice veterinarian from Toronto, to discuss the emotional and practical aspects of end-of-life care for pets. With over a decade of experience in pet hospice and euthanasia, Dr. Banks shares her journey into this specialized field, the importance of quality of life assessments, and how families can make compassionate decisions for their beloved animals.
From discussing the challenges veterinarians face in euthanasia training to the heartfelt stories of families saying goodbye, this episode provides valuable insights for pet owners preparing for their pet’s final journey. When is the right time? How can you create a peaceful transition? Dr. Banks shares expert advice, including pet memorialization options and the impact of grief and bereavement.
If you’ve ever struggled with losing a pet or wondered about hospice care for animals, this conversation is a must-listen.
🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on death, dying, and digital legacies.
📌 Follow Dr. Faith Banks on TikTok for more pet hospice insights. -
In this powerful episode of Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Dr. Marianne Matzo, FAAN—palliative care expert, nurse, and host of Everyone Dies Podcast—to explore the complexities of death, hospice, and end-of-life decision-making in the digital era.
Dr. Matzo shares her 46 years of experience in palliative care, shedding light on the evolution of hospice, the critical role of palliative care in improving quality of life, and the barriers that prevent families from discussing death openly. They discuss the differences between hospice and palliative care, the importance of advance directives, and why many people delay crucial conversations about end-of-life wishes until it's too late.
Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to plan for the future, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on ensuring a dignified and peaceful passing.
🌐 Visit: EveryoneDies.org
📖 Get Dr. Matzo’s book Everyone Dies on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.
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In this eye-opening episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, Niki sits down with YouTube tech expert David Cox to tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of end-of-life planning: your digital legacy. What happens to your passwords, accounts, and digital assets when you're gone? David breaks it down with step-by-step guidance on setting up Apple’s Legacy Contacts, managing passwords securely, and preventing your loved ones from facing a digital nightmare. They dive into the risks of services like "Delete Me," the dangers of AI-powered scams, and why security is more of an emotion than a reality in today's digital world. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping aging parents navigate their digital footprint, this episode is packed with invaluable tips to safeguard your online life. Don’t wait—take control of your digital legacy now. Tune in and take action!
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In this insightful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss sits down with Sylvia Gordon, an expert in Medicare, Social Security, and estate planning. With over 30 years of experience, Sylvia shares her journey from being an estate planning attorney to training insurance agents on navigating complex government programs.
The conversation dives deep into the challenges of planning for aging, the misconceptions surrounding Medicare and Medicaid, and the stark reality of long-term care costs. Sylvia breaks down the vital aspects of creating a "final playbook"—from wills and trusts to understanding Medicaid’s estate recovery program and long-term care options. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing generational taboos about death and planning while highlighting practical solutions like life insurance with living benefits.
Listeners will gain invaluable advice, including how to start conversations with loved ones about end-of-life planning, the importance of dental care in retirement, and navigating the confusing landscape of Medicare. Sylvia’s passion for empowering others to take control of their futures shines through in every word.
Whether you're planning your own future, caring for aging parents, or simply looking to understand how to better prepare for life's inevitable stages, this episode is packed with practical advice, actionable insights, and compassionate guidance. Don’t miss this essential conversation about creating peace of mind for yourself and those you love.
Learn more from Sylvia at TheMedicareFamily.com
Find additional resources for End-of-Life planning at DigitalLegacyPodcast.com
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In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss dives into the transformative journey of Christopher Robbins, founder of Soul Degree and a certified death doula. Together, they explore profound themes of mortality, personal growth, and the healing power of meaningful conversations around death and dying.
Christopher shares the inspiration behind Soul Degree, a unique wilderness retreat program for men designed to foster vulnerability, self-reflection, and connection. He opens up about how personal struggles, including the loss of his father, shaped his path and led him to embrace the often-taboo topic of death as a tool for transformation.
Through their engaging dialogue, Niki and Christopher discuss the concept of death not only as the end of life but as a metaphor for the transitions we face every day from career shifts to personal growth. They touch on the importance of planning for the inevitable, creating spaces for tough conversations, and how acknowledging mortality can inspire us to live more intentionally.
Whether you’re curious about end-of-life care, interested in personal development, or looking to explore life’s deeper questions, this episode is filled with insights and practical takeaways. Listen in and discover how embracing the fragility of life can unlock a greater sense of purpose and connection.
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In this insightful episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki Weiss is joined by corporate and intellectual property attorney David Postolski to tackle the often-overlooked yet critical topic of preparing your business and intellectual property for life's uncertainties. Drawing from his personal experiences with loss and his professional expertise, David shares compelling stories and practical advice for business owners and entrepreneurs.
The conversation delves into the importance of planning for life's "four Ds"—death, disability, divorce, and dissolution—and explores how foundational legal documents like operating agreements and buy-sell agreements can safeguard your business. David provides real-world examples of the challenges that arise when preparation is neglected, offering actionable insights into empowering discussions that help break through fear, procrastination, and cultural taboos around death.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business, this episode equips you with the tools to protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for those you leave behind. Listen now and take the first step toward securing your business's future.
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In this episode, host Niki interviews Lisa Pahl, LCSW and co-creator of the Death Deck—a card game designed to make difficult conversations about death approachable, and even fun. Lisa, a hospice social worker with nearly two decades of experience, discusses the inspiration behind the Death Deck: witnessing families struggle without having had critical end-of-life discussions. By blending humor with practical prompts, the game creates a safe space to talk about topics that are often avoided.
The conversation explores the power of humor to disarm fear, the challenges of cultural taboos around death, and the growing importance of addressing digital legacies in end-of-life planning. Lisa shares how the Death Deck’s mix of lighthearted and profound questions helps families explore wishes, values, and priorities in an engaging way. They also touch on the impact of digital media, from influencers documenting their terminal journeys to tools for managing digital assets and accounts.
With actionable insights and relatable anecdotes, the episode offers listeners a fresh perspective on death, emphasizing the value of preparation and conversation. Whether through laughter or reflection, the tools discussed empower individuals to navigate the inevitable with confidence and compassion, leaving loved ones with peace of mind.
To purchase The Deck Death, use this discount code: https://thedeathdeck.com/?ref=ENDevo
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They say we die twice: once when we take our last breath and again when our name is spoken for the final time. But in today's world, there's a third passing to consider - our digital death. Welcome to Death and Dying in the Digital Age, a podcast that explores the uncharted territory of our online afterlife. Join host Niki Weiss each week as she navigates the complexities of end-of-life planning, from safeguarding your individual legacy to ensuring your loved ones can access your important digital assets. Dive into the four pillars of comprehensive death planning - Legal, Financial, Physical, and Digital - and you’ll see that by addressing these crucial aspects, you'll gain peace of mind knowing that every facet of your life and legacy is accounted for. Be sure to check out our resources on digitallegacypodcast.com and subscribe today because, in the 21st century, even your online self needs an exit strategy.
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In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss explores the profound intersection of music therapy, end-of-life care, and lasting legacies with accomplished music therapists Brooke and Karen. Together, they reveal how music can bridge the deep emotional gaps when words fall short. The conversation dives into the fascinating science behind music's unique ability to communicate emotion and love for others after you pass. These experts share how modern technology has revolutionized their practice, making it easier than ever to create meaningful musical legacies. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone facing end-of-life decisions, or simply interested in the healing power of music, this episode offers valuable perspectives on using music to create lasting connections beyond our physical existence and emphasizes what you can prepare for those you love when you are no longer there.
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In this episode, we explore the deeply personal journey of dating after loss with relationship expert Whitney Kobrin, who shares her own transformative story of finding love again after her husband's unexpected passing. Whitney opens up about navigating the complexities of honoring her late husband's memory while embracing new love, offering raw insights into the delicate balance between grief and growth. From the practical challenges of estate planning to the emotional hurdles of reentering the dating world, this conversation provides invaluable guidance for those facing similar crossroads. The episode delves into the often-unspoken aspects of dating after loss, including when to have difficult conversations with a new partner, how to handle others' judgments, and the importance of building resilience before stepping back into the dating pool. Whitney shares how her personal experience shaped her career transition from corporate HR to becoming a dating coach and matchmaker, bringing a unique perspective to helping others find love after loss. Through intimate stories and professional insights, this episode offers a beacon of hope for those wondering if and when they're ready to open their hearts again, while providing practical tools for navigating modern dating landscapes with authenticity and self-trust.
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Join us as we slide into the world of death technology and digital legacies with Dr. Sarah Parker Ward, an end-of-life strategist and professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Parker Ward shares her journey from digital advertising to becoming a pioneering voice in the intersection of technology and end-of-life planning. She offers unique insights into how the digital revolution is transforming our relationship with death and explores the emergence of innovative technologies like grief bots and digital legacy planning tools. Together we address crucial concerns about data privacy and ethical considerations in our posthumous digital footprint. Dr. Parker Ward discusses the importance of creating digital legacy advance directives and explains why the role of end-of-life planning is becoming increasingly complex in our interconnected world. We challenge you to consider how their digital presence will outlive them and provide practical guidance on managing digital assets after death.
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In this episode of Death & Dying in the Digital Age, host Nikki chats with Glenn Shimkus, founder of Prisidio and former DocuSign executive, about the urgent need to plan for life’s unexpected events. From heart-stopping personal stories—like a health scare during a Bora Bora vacation—to lessons from the digital transformation of e-signatures, Glenn shares why secure digital organization is essential in today’s world.
This episode dives into how Prisidio and similar tools help families safeguard critical documents, passwords, and sentimental treasures in one secure, shareable digital vault. Learn why a “hope chest” without context can lead to loss—and how tools like Prisidio ensure your legacy is preserved with clarity and care. We explore digital death, unclaimed assets, crypto inheritance, and how aging populations make preparation more vital than ever.
Whether you're dealing with aging parents, navigating your own estate planning, or just starting to organize your digital life, this episode is your guide to creating peace of mind through digital legacy planning.
🔐 Get started with your digital vault today. 👉 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation. ✨
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Discover the growing movement that's revolutionizing how we think about our final farewell. In this episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, funeral celebrant and green burial advocate Carin Bonifacino reveals how modern burial practices are returning to their natural roots—where bodies can nurture the earth rather than be sealed away from it. Learn why the 'six feet under' rule is a myth, how traditional Jewish and Muslim communities have maintained natural burial practices, and why some cemeteries are transforming into nature preserves. Carin breaks down the surprisingly affordable options for those seeking a gentler environmental impact in death. She also exposes common industry misconceptions and 'greenwashing' practices to watch out for, while explaining why GPS coordinates might become the new headstones. Whether you're pre-planning or simply curious about sustainable alternatives to traditional burial, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about death care.
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What do divorce and death have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of "Death, Dying & The Digital Age," I was joined by Catherine and Karen from My Divorce Solution to explore the unexpected intersections between end-of-life planning and navigating divorce in our digital era. From cryptocurrency and intellectual property to forgotten beneficiaries and complex retirement accounts, discover why preparation is crucial in both life transitions. Learn why "for better or worse" doesn't mean accepting purposeful neglect, and hear thought-provoking insights about how older adults are redefining relationships in their golden years. Whether you're married, divorced, or single, this conversation reveals essential strategies for protecting your digital legacy and financial future, proving that knowledge truly is power when it comes to life's most challenging transitions.
Find Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew at mydivorcesolution.com and on LinkedIn
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What stories do you have to leave behind? In this episode, Jennifer Crosswhite, author and CEO of Tandem Services Inc., shares insights about the profound importance of documenting your life for future generations.
After losing both her grandmother and father, Jennifer discovered firsthand how precious written memories become – and how devastating it is when stories are lost forever.
Whether you're tech-savvy and comfortable with digital platforms or prefer traditional writing methods, Jennifer breaks down the intimidating process of legacy writing into manageable steps. Most importantly, she emphasizes that you don't need to be a professional writer or create something valuable for your family – your authentic stories, no matter how simple, are the greatest gift you can leave behind.
Learn how to start capturing your memories today, because you can’t take them with you when you pass on.
Services from Jennifer Crosswhite can be found at TandemServicesInk.com and linkedin.com/in/jennifercrosswhite/
Here is a link to a free resource with a free 30-minute discovery call: https://c7a4-jennifer.systeme.io/45c6cf65-7ed7f432 -
Ever wondered what happens when someone dies without clear heirs or their assets seem to vanish into thin air? Meet Michael, a private investigator and probate specialist who uncovers hidden fortunes and long-lost relatives for a living. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on the world of probate investigation, sharing stories of unclaimed inheritances, family secrets, and "laughing heirs" who receive unexpected windfalls from relatives they never knew. From explaining why you can't actually leave your fortune to your beloved pet to revealing how he convinces skeptical potential heirs that his "you've inherited money" calls aren't scams, Michael offers a unique glimpse into a unique profession most people don't even know exists. He also opens up about protecting your own assets and warns about red flags that signal probate investigation scams. If you’re curious about what happens to money after death, this episode is packed with surprising insights about the complex world of inheritance.
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