Death Isn’t a Dirty Word: What Every Midlife Caregiver Needs to Know

Let’s talk about death—and how to do it better.

In this bold and beautifully honest episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby is joined by hospice nurse and bestselling author Abigail D’Agostino, who’s on a mission to help caregivers, patients, and families face the end of life with clarity, dignity, and even a little humor.

With over two decades in critical care and hospice, Abigail brings refreshing candor to a taboo topic—offering practical wisdom, heart-centered guidance, and a reminder that we have more agency than we think when it comes to the final chapter.

Whether you're caring for aging parents, navigating grief, or simply wondering what it means to prepare well for your own transition, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and oddly…lighter.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why “hospice” doesn’t mean giving up—it means redirecting care
  
  
• The real difference between hospice and palliative care (espresso vs. coffee!)
  
  
• How to avoid unnecessary suffering through preparation and honest convos
  
  
• What to do before the yogurt hits the spinning fan
  
  
• Why humor is a healing tool, even in our darkest hours
  
  

🛑 It’s time we stopped whispering about death—and started getting clear about how to live (and love) through it.

Connect with Abigail! 🖤 Grab Abigail’s book Everybody’s Doing It, So Let’s Die Better at https://DieBetterBook.com

🔗 Website: https://www.nurseabigaild.com/

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080517497989

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurseabigaild/

 

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Introduction
[00:01:27] - Podcast branding & host
[00:02:12] - Guest overview
[00:03:36] - Career path to hospice
[00:11:04] - Book as practical guide
[00:12:16] - Hospice vs. palliative care
[00:17:06] - Clarifying hospice goals
[00:19:37] - Pet example & quality-of-life
[00:24:39] - ICU CPR story & DNR
[00:29:17] - Dementia & ER pitfalls
[00:30:59] - Purpose and structure of the book
[00:32:09] - When to read & prepare
[00:35:16] - Agency and death taboo
[00:38:09] - Case: “Laney” and preparation
[00:44:05] - Humor in hard conversations
[00:48:23] - Closing and takeaways

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 

🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥

I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40.

This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place.

Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you:
✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations
✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity
✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention
✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically.

👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.