Today I am interviewing a new friend and kindred spirit, Carolyn Zaikowski. While Carolyn makes a living as a writer and writing professor, she also has a take on dying as a trained Death Doula. Our conversation covers everything from WHY to become a Death Doula ... HOW to become Death Doula ... and ways to FIND a Death Doula to assist with the tactical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the end of YOUR life, or a loved one’s. She also shares her experience with Death Cafes, and the insightful suggestion that "death can be trusted."

I interview my dear friend, neighbor, and eldercare consultant, Howard, who provides hot tips on the Start, Middle, and End of the eldercare adventure. We talk about the creative problem solving of excellent eldercare experts, and how to build the best support system for your needs.

My own Doctor of Acupuncture, Claire McManus, provides eldercare-givers with her expert SELF care tips. She extols the benefits of strategically placed needles, contemplative care retreats, photographing the dead, Death Cafes, meditation apps, therapy dogs, laughter, exercise, and a good night’s sleep. She also has advice for anyone who gets sprayed by a Baird’s tapir, needs to rehabilitate a sea turtle, or wants to befriend an ornery warthog (AND his wife). Mainly Claire is here to remind us: we're all gonna die.

An End of Sh*t S*ster offers wisdoms from her personal and professional elder care experiences. We talk about state services that can support elders who have adult children at a distance, and my guest puts in a sincere plug for engaging every elder about their own story.

In which my Mom and I discuss how to negotiate a litigious CYA American medical system that often encourages intervention over intention.