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How To Have A Good Death with Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN | 292

Mar 19, 2025

In this conversation, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, a hospice and oncology nurse and founder of Doulagivers Institute, offers profound insights on embracing death. She delves into the four biggest regrets people share at the end of life, emphasizing that forgiveness is key to healing. O’Brien advocates for open dialogues about death and living intentionally to avoid regret. She highlights the role of death doulas in providing compassionate end-of-life care, ultimately reimagining death as a journey filled with peace and purpose.

34:57

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Episode guests

Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN

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Quick takeaways

Embracing conversations about death enhances our understanding of life, enabling us to live more fully and without regret.

A 'good death' involves clear communication about end-of-life wishes and fostering an environment where dignity and comfort are prioritized.

Deep dives

The Necessity of Discussing Death

Engaging in conversations about death is crucial and can lead to deeper insights about life. Many people inadvertently separate the concepts of life and death, causing fear and avoidance of the topic. Acknowledging death allows individuals to better understand and embrace life, leading to transformative experiences. Sharing insights about end-of-life wisdom can heighten awareness and encourage conversations that many find uncomfortable.

Intro

3min

Embracing Mortality: Insights from the End of Life

5min

Reflections on Forgiveness and Regret

6min

Redefining the Experience of Death: Human Connection vs. Medical Interventions

3min

Embracing the Good Death

18min

Embracing the Conversations About Death

2min

Death is something we all have to face, yet most of us avoid talking about it—until we have no choice. But what if we approached it differently? What if we could embrace the inevitable in a way that brings peace, purpose, and even a sense of fulfillment?

Our guest today, Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, has spent her career at the bedside of over 1,000 end-of-life patients as a hospice and oncology nurse. She is the Founder and CEO of Doulagivers Institute, and her work in end-of-life education has earned her recognition as a Humanitarian Ambassador by Oprah Magazine. In her new book, The Good Death: Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of Life, she shares what it truly means to have a “good death” and how we can prepare for it—both for ourselves and our loved ones.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The four biggest regrets people share on their deathbeds ✅ Why forgiveness is the most powerful tool for healing at the end of life ✅ How to prepare for death in a way that removes fear and adds peace ✅ The role of death doulas and why end-of-life care matters ✅ How to live today in a way that leaves no room for regret

If today was your last day, what would you regret? What’s missing? What’s left unsaid? The answers to these questions aren’t just about dying—they’re about truly living.

Connect with Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN:

Website: https://www.suzannebobrien.com/

Book: https://thegooddeathbook.com/

9 Questions Document (Free download): https://doulagivers.com/the-doulagivers-9-choice-advance-directive/

Doula Givers (Free) Resource Center: https://doulagivers.com/free-resource-page/

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