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

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.

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.

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.

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.

In an era where our lives are increasingly digital, what happens to important documents, accounts, and assets when an emergency strikes? Glenn Shimkus, founder of Prisidio and former DocuSign pioneer, shares his story of being thousands of miles away in Bora Bora when his mother faced a medical emergency – and how having a digital vault saved crucial hours of panic and confusion. From cryptocurrency wallets to family heirlooms, Glenn reveals why the traditional "folder in a filing cabinet" approach is dangerously outdated in today's complex digital world, where $70 billion in assets currently sit unclaimed in state treasuries. Learn how the rising tide of natural disasters, cyber threats, and an aging population makes having a secure digital vault not just a convenience but a crucial form of protection for your loved ones. This conversation explores how Prisidio is revolutionizing the way we protect, organize, and share our most important information. Whether you're a young crypto investor or planning for your family's future, this episode offers essential insights into safeguarding your digital legacy in an increasingly virtual world.

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.

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