What a Death Doula Can Teach Us About Life
Let’s get uncomfortable, because real growth often starts there. In this deeply honest episode of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, I sit down with Nikki Smith, an INELDA-certified death doula and grief coach, to talk about something we all face but rarely discuss: death. And guess what? It’s not depressing. It’s empowering. Especially for midlife women navigating legacy, leadership, and the emotional labor of caregiving. Whether you’re planning ahead or supporting someone through loss, this conversation will shift how you think about dying, and living.
Meet Nikki Smith
Nikki Smith is an INELDA-certified death doula and grief coach who helps individuals and families navigate the sacred, often overwhelming experience of end-of-life care. She brings compassion, clarity, and practical tools to a subject most of us avoid—helping the terminally ill, elderly, and their loved ones plan, process, and find peace. Nikki is also the host of Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula, a podcast dedicated to destigmatizing grief. When she’s not guiding others through their most vulnerable moments, you’ll likely find her hiking deep in the woods or curled up with her cat.
What You’ll Learn
- What a death doula actually does—and why it matters
- How planning for death can reduce stress, conflict, and confusion
- Why casseroles are nice, but checklists are better
- How to advocate for yourself (or a loved one) in medical settings
- Why gifting personal belongings before death can bring closure
- The surprising ways talking about death can make life feel more meaningful
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Introduction to Death and Grief Coaching
01:36 – Understanding the Role of a Death Doula
05:27 – Supporting Sudden Loss and Grief
12:10 – Navigating Food and Support During Grief
15:16 – The Business of Dying and Healthcare Advocacy
26:37 – Predatory Practices in End-of-Life Care
31:52 – Cultural Avoidance of Death and Grief
37:07 – Planning for Death and Leaving a Legacy
43:47 – Embracing Mortality: Living with Intention
Connect with Nikki Smith
Also Mentioned
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
- International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA)
- International Association on the Study of Pain (IASP)
- Bleak House by Charles Dickens (the never ending lawsuit)
- 256: Adam Zuckerman talks Succession Planning for Solopreneurs
- Swedish Death Cleaning
- Wool& 100 Day Dress Challenge
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