From Bartender to Nun to End-of-Life Doula: Gina Economopoulos on Healing, Faith, and Finding Her Purpose

In this powerful episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with Gina Economopoulos—whose life journey is anything but ordinary. Born into a large Greek-Italian family, Gina has worn more hats than most people dare to dream: social worker, bartender, nun, caregiver, author, and now a certified end-of-life doula. Her story is one of deep faith, unshakable resilience, addiction recovery, and spiritual awakening.

You’ll hear about:

• Surviving grief, trauma, and addiction
  
  
• Life inside (and outside) a convent
  
  
• Embracing sobriety after losing the love of her life
  
  
• The sacred calling of being an end-of-life doula
  
  
• How to find peace, purpose, and power in your own story—even after hitting rock bottom
  
  

If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or unsure of what’s next, Gina’s journey will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to reclaim your own midlife magic.

 

🕊️ Trigger warning: This episode contains honest conversation about grief, death, and addiction recovery.

 

Connect with Gina

https://www.ginaecon.com/ 

 

Chapters:
[00:00:00] - Intro
[00:01:45] - Early Life and Family
[00:09:05] - Loss, Faith, and the Convent
[00:23:23] - Life After the Convent
[00:31:20] - Relationships, Addiction, and Loss
[00:39:07] - Recovery and Purpose
[00:43:11] - Becoming a Death Doula
[00:54:31] - Reflections and Closing

 

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. 
https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #Midlifestrategies

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An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  

I am Sue Willoughby, BAdass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women — a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive.

Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. 

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