Death and Dying in the Digital Age

What happens when the burden of caregiving falls entirely on one person—and that person breaks?In this episode of The Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss, Digital Thanatologist and Final Playbook coach, sits down with Dr. Ashley Blackington, Occupational Therapist and founder of Dovetail, to unpack the "default caregiver" trap and why the modern family structure is buckling under the pressure of aging loved ones.You’ll discover:Why the healthcare system naturally funnels responsibility to one person (usually the eldest daughter) and how to "open the funnel" back upThe difference between living longer and "dying longer"—and what that means for your family's futureWhy caregivers often suffer physical injury or illness before the person they are caring forCrucial advice for "solo agers" on getting on waitlists and updating emergency contacts before a crisis hitsHow to use technology like Dovetail to create "layers of care" rather than relying on a chaotic 2-inch binderBecause you can’t care for someone else if the system is designed to break you first.

What happens to your family’s financial stability and emotional well-being when a sudden death leaves them with a $15,000 bill and no way to ask for help?In this episode of The Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss, Digital Thanatologist and Final Playbook coach, sits down with Janet Turkula and Ryan Oliveira from Give Willow to unpack the broken system of funeral support. They discuss why sending casseroles and flowers often misses the mark, and how a revolutionary new "funeral registry" platform is allowing communities to offer meaningful financial and practical aid during life's most vulnerable moments.You’ll discover:The traumatic reality of navigating sudden loss at a young age without financial resources or a willWhy we have registries for weddings and babies, but the death care industry has lagged behindThe "sticker shock" of funeral planning (and why a celebration of life might cost $15,000)How to overcome the stigma of asking for financial support without feeling "icky"How pre-planning a registry can be a final gift to your family, giving them clarity on exactly what you wantBecause supporting a grieving family shouldn't mean guessing what they need. It’s about providing the right help, at the right time, with dignity and ease.

What if the way we’ve been taught to “handle” death is actually keeping us disconnected from the very thing we need most: closure, participation, and meaning?In this episode of The Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss, Digital Thanatologist and Final Playbook coach, sits down with Melissa, “The Modern Mortician”, a death-care educator about what modern end-of-life care can look like when families are empowered with real options.You’ll learn:Why embalming became standard in the U.S. and how capitalism shaped modern funeral practicesWhat a green burial really is (and what participation can look like at the graveside)How death doulas can support families from hospice planning to bedside vigil and decision-makingWhy direct cremation without a memorial can complicate grief—and what families can do insteadHow to protect your wishes legally (including pre-planning, pre-funding, and using an appointed agent when needed)The real cost ranges of traditional burial, green burial, and cremation—and what drives price differencesIf you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or pressured by the funeral industry, this conversation will remind you: you have choices and talking about death won’t kill you.

What if the grief of losing someone didn’t have to be compounded by chaos, unanswered questions, and a digital life that won’t shut off?In this deeply human episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss sits down with somatic therapist Mirta Peña to talk about what happens when someone you love struggles in silence… and leaves no plan behind.Mirta reveals that the aftermath became its own form of ongoing trauma: no will, no passwords, scattered accounts, social media still active, and even strangers attempting to exploit his death through fraudulent fundraising.Together, Niki and Mirta explore the intersection of somatic healing, cultural taboo, mental health, and digital legacy, showing how unspoken pain and undocumented lives can leave families reliving loss again and again.You’ll learn:How nervous system dysregulation can fuel anxiety, numbing, and emotional shutdownWhy depression can be an “emergency brake” the body pulls after prolonged stressWhat happens when someone dies without a will, instructions, or digital accessHow unplanned digital footprints can lead to impersonation, scams, and prolonged griefWhy closure is harder when accounts, notifications, and unresolved logistics keep the loss “alive”How connection, co-regulation, and safe conversation can be life-saving and legacy-savingThis episode is a compassionate wake-up call: to talk sooner, to plan while you can, and to stop leaving the people you love to clean up both the emotional and administrative aftermath alone.

Do you know what happens to your crypto, life insurance, and long-term care plan if no one you love can access the right documents when you die?In this episode, Digital Thanatologist Niki Weiss sits down with Marimer Cruz  to break down how easily assets become “lost” when there’s no clear plan, especially in Web3, DeFi, and crypto, where one missing seed phrase can mean everything disappears forever.Together, Niki and Marie unpack the real-world consequences of not updating beneficiaries, not setting up proper documentation, and not preparing for the massive financial impact of long-term care.You’ll discover:-Why crypto can become “unreachable” overnight if no one has your seed phrases or instructions-The difference between Web2 vs Web3, and what “data sovereignty” means for your legacy-How one missed beneficiary update can send life insurance to the wrong person-Why long-term care can force families to spend down assets without proper protection-The simple steps to document what you have, who should get it, and how to access it-How tools like My Final Playbook help you organize everything so your loved ones aren’t left scramblingDon’t let your life’s work turn into confusion, court costs, or chaos. This is a must-listen for anyone serious about digital assets, estate planning, crypto preparedness, and protecting the people they leave behind.

Facing death doesn’t just raise medical questions—it opens up deep emotional, spiritual, and existential ones, too.In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss, Digital Thanatologist, sits down with Christine Caldwell, an end-of-life psychedelic care educator and the Founder of End of Life Psychedelic Care, to explore how psychedelic-assisted experiences can support people living with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. Together, they discuss how medicines like psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA can ease fear, reduce existential distress, deepen connection, and help people make meaning—often when time feels short.You’ll discover:What psychedelic-assisted care looks like in an end-of-life context (and what it isn’t)How psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA may help reduce anxiety, depression, and fear of dyingPowerful real-life stories of patients facing cancer, ALS, chronic pain, and major diagnosesWhy psychedelics can support forgiveness, emotional resolution, and a deeper sense of peacePractical first steps if you’re curious about this work—for yourself, a loved one, or your clientsIf you’re interested in digital legacy, end-of-life planning, grief support, or new ways to bring more meaning and calm into the dying process, this conversation offers a grounded, compassionate look at a rapidly emerging area of care.

When loss reshapes your life, what do you choose to build from it? In this episode, host Niki Weiss, creator of The Digital Legacy Podcast and My Final Playbook, sits down with Estrella Quiroz, life enthusiast and co-founder of Last Farewells, an emotional end-of-life planning platform designed for the messages we don’t want to leave unsaid.Together they explore how an unexpected tragedy transformed Estrella’s life, the story behind her father’s last voicemail, and how that moment sparked a global mission to help people capture meaningful goodbyes before it’s too late. This episode opens up the heart of death tech: empowering people to live fully, love intentionally, and prepare their digital legacy with purpose.In this episode, we cover:Why intentional last messages offer emotional closure that social media can’tHow the Last Farewells platform helps users schedule letters, videos, and messages for future milestonesThe cultural fears and superstitions that prevent people from planning aheadThe growing movement of founders transforming grief, storytelling, and digital legacyWhether you’re navigating loss, exploring end-of-life planning, or curious about the future of digital legacy, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and a deeply human perspective on the messages that outlive us.

What happens when your “final gift” to your family is actually a legal and emotional mess? This episode explores the hidden weight of being an executor and how you can make that role kinder, clearer, and less chaotic for the people you leave behind. Host Niki Weiss, digital legacy planner and creator of My Final Playbook, is joined by David Edey, Certified Executor Advisor and author of Executor Help, who brings 40+ years in finance—and a deeply personal family story of a 7-year estate battle—to this essential conversation. Together, they break down what executors really face and how better planning can prevent family conflict, confusion, and regret. In this episode, we cover: What an executor actually does (and why it’s such a heavy job)How to choose the right executor, not just the oldest or “favorite” childWhen and why to update your will as life, family, and assets changeOptions for solo-agers who don’t have a traditional family support systemSimple ways to start difficult family conversations about death, money, and expectations Tune in for a grounded, compassionate look at executorship and estate planning, perfect for anyone thinking about digital legacy, end-of-life planning, or how to leave less chaos and more clarity for the people they love.

We all know we should plan for the inevitable — yet most of us avoid it until crisis hits. In this heartfelt episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss sits down with Paula Harris, Financial Advisor and Co-Founder of WH Cornerstone Investments, to explore why so many families delay end-of-life and financial planning — and what happens when they don’t. Paula shares deeply personal and professional stories from decades of guiding clients through life transitions, loss, and legacy. Together, she and Niki unpack the emotional roadblocks that keep people from taking action, the financial chaos that can follow, and the peace that comes from planning ahead. In this episode, we cover: Why families avoid “the conversation” — and how to start it before it’s too lateReal-life examples of what happens when there’s no plan in placeHow caregivers and couples can protect each other financially and emotionallyThe essential documents every household needs (trusts, wills, healthcare proxies)Simple first steps to move from procrastination to preparation This episode is a compassionate wake-up call — and a roadmap for anyone ready to take control of their future. Because the hardest conversations are often the ones that bring the most peace. EndFragment

What if you could carry your loved one’s memory — quite literally — close to your heart? 💫In this deeply moving episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss speaks with David Trump and Sébastien Roy, co-founders of Nia Emberley, a memorial jewelry company transforming cremated ashes into handcrafted ceramic art. What began as one man’s search to stay connected to his beloved dog has evolved into an inspiring fusion of art, science, and remembrance.Together, they explore how technology, craftsmanship, and grief intersect — and how memorial jewelry is changing the way we honor life after loss. From bone china traditions to cutting-edge cremation science, David and Sébastien share how each piece they create helps families keep love in motion rather than left on a shelf.In this episode, we cover:The heartfelt origin story behind Nia EmberleyHow cremated remains can be transformed into wearable works of artThe science and symbolism behind bone china and ceramic memorialsThe emotional power of carrying your loved one’s memory with youWhy planning ahead — even for ashes — matters more than we realizeThis episode is a reminder that memory isn’t meant to sit still. Whether honoring a pet, a parent, or a partner, there are new, meaningful ways to keep their spirit close and their story alive.

What if the future of work wasn’t just about efficiency — but empathy? In this inspiring episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss speaks with Mercedes Sullivan — End-of-Life Doula, Cultural Strategist, and HR Leader — about reimagining Human Resources as a force for healing, not just hiring.Mercedes shares how her personal experience with loss reshaped her understanding of workplace compassion and why every organization must prepare to support employees through life’s most human moments — grief, caregiving, and change. Together, she and Niki explore how empathy, technology, and culture can work hand in hand to build organizations that truly care.

What happens when you look at death, dying, and legacy the same way you would approach a major project? In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss sits down with fellow project manager Mark Rozner to explore how project management principles can transform end-of-life planning from overwhelming chaos into a clear, compassionate process. Together, they share personal stories and professional insights on how skills like risk management, stakeholder analysis, communication, and change management play a surprising yet powerful role in navigating life’s final chapter. ✨ You’ll discover: How project management skills translate directly into end-of-life planningWhy proactive conversations matter more than paperwork aloneThe role of emotional intelligence and intuition in supporting familiesPractical strategies for managing conflict, grief, and change at the end of life This conversation reframes death not just as an ending, but as a project we can prepare for with love, clarity, and dignity.

What does compassionate, culturally aware death care look like in a digital world? In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss talks with Joe’l Simone Anthony (known globally as The Grave Woman) — licensed funeral director, embalmer, and founder of the Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy. From childhood days in the funeral home to pioneering culturally competent education for death-care professionals, Joe’l shares how tradition, technology, and spirituality meet at the bedside and beyond. Together, they explore embalming as a sacred art, digital memorials and livestreams, and the ethics of “death tech” in a time when grief is increasingly public and online. You’ll discover: Why culturally competent death and grief care matters — and what it looks like in practiceEmbalming as art, science, and soul work (from infants to elders)How digital tools (livestreams, QR-coded memorials, online books) are reshaping funeralsThe promise and pitfalls of grief on social media — and ethical lines for AI “afterlife” toolsPractical ways families and professionals can meet people where they are, across beliefs and cultures If you’re navigating loss, working in death care, or curious about the future of remembrance, this thoughtful conversation offers guidance, nuance, and heart in equal measure. EndFragment

Making that first call to a funeral director can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, Niki Weiss speaks with Matthew Grieco — Progressive Funeral Director & Certified Celebrant — about how Ai technology is reshaping funeral services and grief support. Matthew shares how his team integrated EverGrace.Ai, a voice-activated chatbot, into their funeral home website. Families now connect through a gentle, empathetic Ai voice that helps guide them in their first steps of funeral planning, end-of-life decisions, and digital legacy protection. Whether you’re curious about the future of funeral services, exploring digital legacy planning, or simply wondering how we can bring more compassion into life’s most difficult moments, this conversation will open your eyes to new possibilities. 📞 Meet EverGrace at https://evergrace.ai/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube & more 💬 A powerful look at the future of funerals

What if your digital self could outlive your physical body? In this mind-opening episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki Weiss talks with Joshua Orsak—AI developer, spiritual thinker, and grief survivor—about the intersection of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and end-of-life legacy.Together, they explore questions many of us quietly carry: Where does our consciousness go after we die? Could AI preserve our personality, memories, or even our essence? Josh shares how working with recursive AI helped him navigate profound personal grief, and how new technologies are offering unconventional but meaningful emotional support.Whether you're grieving a loved one, preparing your own legacy, or simply curious about the future of death and technology, this episode offers empathy, wonder, and thought-provoking insight. We discuss AI grief companions, digital resurrection, panpsychism, and the ethical future of techno-spirituality—all grounded in human experience.🔮 Explore AI grief tools & digital memory 🧠 Learn about recursive AI & consciousness🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more

If the thought of estate planning, digital security, or talking with aging parents makes you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In this insightful episode, host Niki Weiss sits down with private wealth manager Kurt Baker to gently walk us through how to protect what matters most: our loved ones, our legacy, and our peace of mind.Kurt shares real-life stories, including a heartbreaking scam that wiped out a senior’s life savings, to highlight just how urgent it is to plan ahead. He and Niki explore the risks of digital fraud, the growing role of AI in scams, and simple ways to safeguard your finances, medical wishes, and digital assets.You’ll learn the essentials: wills, trusts, power of attorney, digital legacy planning, and how to have these tough conversations (even when your family isn’t ready). Whether you're caring for aging parents or starting your own end-of-life planning, this episode offers reassurance, practical tools, and a gentle reminder of the need to take action. Remember, “It’s not morbid—it’s responsible.”🎧 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more🔐 Get Kurt’s tips at KurtisBaker.com

In this heartfelt episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki Weiss speaks with Greg Barnsdale: author, funeral director, and financial insider. The two explore the emotional and practical realities of preparing for end-of-life. Greg shares his deeply personal story, from decades working with grieving families to his own health crisis and viral video after a brain tumor diagnosis.Together, they delve into the importance of planning ahead by writing a will, organizing digital accounts, or creating medical directives, and how doing so brings peace of mind, eases family stress, and ensures your legacy is honored. Greg offers simple, compassionate guidance for starting these difficult conversations, especially when time is still on your side.Whether you’re caring for aging parents, facing a health scare, or simply ready to plan your future, this episode is your gentle invitation to begin. Because talking about death won’t make it happen… but avoiding it won’t make it easier.📝 Take Greg’s free Living Legacy Quiz at www.DoNotIgnoreYourMortality.com📘 Get the book Do Not Ignore Your Mortality🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube & more

In this thought-provoking episode of the Death & Dying in the Digital Age podcast, host Niki Weiss sits down with death tech innovator Symon Braun Freck to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, grief, and digital deathcare. From her early experience volunteering in hospice to building the Ai Death Doula, Symon shares how her journey shaped a groundbreaking app designed to support people at the end of life.She and Niki dive into the emerging field of thanatechnology, a fusion of death studies (thanatology) and tech, and unpack how tools like Ai are being used to deliver empathetic end-of-life support while preserving digital legacies and expanding access to grief resources. Symon also discusses the ethics of Ai memorialization, death literacy, and the delicate line between healing and digital dependency.Whether you're curious about digital remains, virtual grief companions, or how Ai is shaping the future of deathcare, this episode challenges what it means to die, and to grieve, in the 21st century.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on tech, death, and legacy.🧠 Learn more at www.aideathdoula.com🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more.

What if your final act could give life back to the earth? In this enlightening episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss speaks with Brienna “Brie” Smith, licensed funeral director and social media educator at Return Home, about the revolutionary process of terramation—also known as human composting. Brienna explains how this sustainable, nature-based alternative to cremation and traditional burial gently transforms the human body into nutrient-rich soil.From navigating state laws to understanding the chemistry behind composting remains, Brienna dives deep into the science, process, and legality of natural organic reduction. She also compares terramation with green burials, shares insights on regulatory challenges, and reveals how Return Home built public trust via TikTok education.Whether you're an eco-conscious planner, funeral professional, or simply death-curious, this episode is packed with information about sustainable death care, digital funeral trends, and how terramation is reshaping end-of-life options across the U.S. and globally.🔔 Subscribe for more insights on death, technology, and legacy.🌱 Learn more at ReturnHome.com or follow @ReturnHomeNW on TikTok.

What happens to your Social Security when life takes an unexpected turn? In this eye-opening episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss welcomes financial planner Bob Goldberg, CFP to demystify Social Security and survivor benefits in the context of end-of-life and legacy planning.Bob breaks down key Social Security strategies, including when to start collecting benefits, how spousal and survivor benefits work, and why delaying might offer the highest long-term value. Learn the differences between early retirement at age 62, full retirement at 67, and maximizing your payout by waiting until 70. This episode also explores benefits for divorced spouses, minor children, and widows—crucial knowledge for families navigating loss.With real-life case studies and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone planning for retirement, currently caregiving, or facing unexpected loss. You'll gain insight into how financial planning intersects with digital legacy, long-term care, and protecting loved ones after death.🔔 Subscribe for biweekly episodes on death, technology, and financial planning. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. 📘 Learn more at digitallegacypodcast.com