Best Jill McClennen Podcasts (2025)

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What Is a Death Doula? Preparing for Death and Living with Intention with Jill McClennen 44:08

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2d ago44:08

44:08

In this episode, Sara sits down with death doula Jill McClennen for a deeply moving conversation about end-of-life care, personal legacy, and living with intention. Jill shares her powerful story of caring for her dying grandmother while raising a newborn, and how that sacred experience inspired her to become a death doula. Together, they explore w…

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How Childhood Grief Became a Healing Story with Daryl McCullough 41:17

3d ago41:17

41:17

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode, Daryl McCullough shares how childhood grief led him to create a story that now helps others navigate death, loss, and healing. What started as a middle school writing assignment after the death of his cousin became a lifelong journey of finding meaning in grief and honoring loved ones through storytelling. …

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Grief, Goodbye & the Gift of Presence: Chaplain Christine Davies on End-of-Life Wisdom 42:02

9d ago42:02

42:02

In this moving episode, Sara welcomes hospital chaplain Christine Davies for a soul-stirring conversation on the grief, grace, and unexpected gifts that come with end-of-life experiences. Christine shares insights from nearly two decades of supporting patients and families in some of life’s most sacred and challenging moments. They explore the diff…

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Death Doula and Funeral Celebrant Stories with Caroline Fenelius-Carpenter 42:55

10d ago42:55

42:55

Send us a text For over 25 years, Caroline has walked beside the dying and their families, offering support, stories, and sacred presence. Her work as a death doula and funeral celebrant has brought her into homes, long-term care facilities, and sacred circles, where she’s helped others navigate grief and end-of-life transitions with honesty, human…

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From Medical Trauma to Mental Health: A Conversation with Therapist Chelsea Kramer 46:57

16d ago46:57

46:57

In this insightful episode, Sara welcomes Chelsea Kramer, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in grief, anxiety, and medical trauma. Chelsea shares her profound expertise on supporting individuals and families navigating health challenges, offering valuable perspectives on family systems during aging and decline. The conversation …

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Legacy and the Hidden World of Archives with Emily Cabaniss 44:11

17d ago44:11

44:11

Send us a text When we think about end-of-life, we rarely think about archivists, but maybe we should. Emily Cabaniss, a Seattle-based archivist, shares how her work preserving the personal records of the deceased offers profound insight into grief, legacy, and dying. Her reflections reveal how archivists often act as invisible companions to the de…

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What LGBTQ+ Families Need to Know About Estate Planning (And Why It’s Different) with Attorney Rebecca Secord 48:33

23d ago48:33

48:33

Happy Pride! In this powerful episode, Sara sits down with estate planning attorney Rebecca Secord to explore what it truly means to craft an inclusive, protective, and affirming estate plan- especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Rebecca shares her unique journey from real estate law into estate planning, highlighting how the two are deep…

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From Older to Elder: Dr. Marc Cooper on Wisdom, Legacy & Facing Death Fully 40:55

24d ago40:55

40:55

Send us a text Dr. Marc Cooper is the founder of The Contemporary Elder Institute and author of the book Older to Elder: The Thinking and Being of a Contemporary Elder In this episode, he shares how embracing growing older can lead to wisdom, freedom, and profound healing. In this powerful conversation, he explains the difference between simply agi…

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From Caregiver to Care Partner: Rethinking Dementia Support with Teepa Snow 46:25

1M ago46:25

46:25

In this powerful episode, Sara sits down with internationally renowned dementia care educator and occupational therapist Teepa Snow. Drawing from over four decades of experience, Teepa shares why she uses the term “care partner” instead of “caregiver” and reveals how a relational, skills-based approach can dramatically improve the quality of life f…

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Crime Scenes to Compassion: Diane Cordell’s Path Through Law Enforcement 48:28

1M ago48:28

48:28

Send us a text This episode shares the powerful story of Diane Cordell, a woman whose entire life has been shaped by the presence of death, and her commitment to helping others understand and cope with it. From growing up in a family where death was never a taboo topic to serving in the Air Force and later becoming a trailblazing detective sergeant…

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Elder Care Planning: Supporting Aging Parents & Preventing Caregiver Burnout with Amy Friesen 38:04

1M ago38:04

38:04

In this episode, Sara is joined by Amy Friesen, the founder of Tea & Toast, a Canada-based business specializing in elder care planning, retirement living search, and long-term care navigation. Amy shares her expertise on the often overwhelming process of selecting the right care for aging loved ones and the impact of caregiver burnout. With a focu…

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Matt Jacobson’s Journey into Grief, Legacy, and End-of-Life Reflections 45:50

1M ago45:50

45:50

Send us a text Matt Jacobson shares the story of how losing his father changed the course of his life and inspired a deeper connection to legacy, grief, and purpose. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on fatherhood, the impact of grief, and how honoring a loved one can lead to unexpected healing and direction. Matt grew up in Temecula, Californ…

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Planning Forward: How to Age Well and Protect What Matters Most with Laura Lynn Morrissey 49:05

1M ago49:05

49:05

In this episode, Sara sits down with Laura Lynn Morrissey, founder of Silver Savvy, to explore proactive and empowered aging. Drawing from her experience as a former financial services professional, home care agency owner, and caregiver, Laura Lynn shares how holistic life care planning can reduce crisis-driven decisions, prevent family conflict, a…

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What Is a Death Doula? Morgan Everitt on End-of-Life Care and Building a Business 46:35

2M ago46:35

46:35

Send us a text In this episode, Jill talks with her real-life friend Morgan Everitt, a death doula based in Bucks County, PA. Morgan shares how her journey began after her mom got sick in 2015. She came home to care for her, and after her mom passed in 2016, she had a powerful moment in 2017 when she overheard someone mention the word "death doula.…

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The Secret to Effective Estate Planning: Education and Strategy with Jen Gumbel 43:52

2M ago43:52

43:52

In this episode, Jen Gumbel, creator of Organized (after)Life, joins Sara to demystify the world of estate planning and explain why education is key to creating a truly effective plan. Jen, an experienced estate planning attorney, discusses how many people misunderstand the basics of estate planning, often leaving critical tasks—like trust funding—…

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Love, Loss, and Living Again with Tony Stewart, author of Carrying the Tiger 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

Send us a text Tony Stewart joined the podcast to share his powerful story about love, loss, and healing after the death of his wife, Lynn. In his new book, Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving, Tony tells the story of Lynn’s sudden cancer diagnosis, their emotional journey through treatment, and the …

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The Power of Enough: Healing Scarcity & Redefining Wealth with Elizabeth Husserl 45:41

2M ago45:41

45:41

In this transformative episode, Sara welcomes financial advisor and author Elizabeth Husserl to explore what it truly means to heal our relationship with money. Through her experiences teaching tactical financial tools to women in Mexico, Elizabeth uncovered a powerful truth: real wealth extends far beyond finances. She introduces her innovative We…

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Personal and Professional Lessons in Dementia Care with Jen Riggs 49:39

2M ago49:39

49:39

Send us a text Jen Riggs shared her powerful journey of finding her true calling, supporting seniors and especially those living with dementia. After spending years as a stay-at-home mom, she pursued a career in commercial baking, only to have a major back injury end that chapter. What felt like a loss at the time became a turning point. Her cousin…

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The Power of Mentorship: How Giving Back Creates Lasting Impact with Deborah Heiser 46:34

2M ago46:34

46:34

In this episode, Sara sits down with Deborah Heiser, an applied developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, to explore the profound impact of mentorship. They discuss how midlife often sparks a natural drive to give back and how mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees in unexpected ways. Deborah shares insights from The Mento…

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Peaceful End-of-Life Choices with Lowrey Brown and Brian Ruder from Final Exit Network 45:23

2M ago45:23

45:23

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Lowrey Brown and Brian Ruder from the Final Exit Network, a nonprofit organization that supports people who want more control over their end-of-life choices. Lowrey, the Exit Guide Program Director, grew up in a family where open conversations about death and the importance of quality of life were normal.…

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Women & Wealth: Taking Control of Your Financial Future with Cathy Curtis 50:18

2M ago50:18

50:18

In this insightful episode, Sara sits down with Cathy Curtis, a seasoned financial advisor who turned her passion for personal finance into a fulfilling 20-year career. After facing barriers in the packaged foods industry, Cathy transitioned into financial planning, where she now helps clients take control of their wealth with unbiased, client-focu…

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Finding Light in the Shadows with Rosalia Quintana 43:36

2M ago43:36

43:36

Send us a text Rosalia Quintana, a nurse practitioner, has built a career in healthcare while also running a private practice focused on breathwork, psychedelic integration, and trauma transformation. In this conversation, she opens up about her struggles, including reaching the peak of her career in 2018, only to feel an overwhelming sense of empt…

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Blended Family Estate Planning: Navigating Financial Decisions and Family Dynamics with Emily Bouchard 49:01

3M ago49:01

49:01

In this episode, Sara sits down with Fractional Chief Learning Officer and author Emily Bouchard to explore the essential but often overlooked topics of blended family estate planning and multi-generational family governance. They discuss the challenges stepfamilies face when making financial decisions together, managing co-owned properties, and na…

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Birth Order Decoded: How Your Position in the Family Shapes Your Personality with Dr. Robert VV Hurst 47:42

3M ago47:42

47:42

In this fascinating episode, Sara sits down with Dr. Robert Hurst to explore how birth order shapes personality, relationships, and family dynamics. Dr. Hurst introduces the concept of "double birth orders" that emerge with significant age gaps between siblings and explains how first-borns, middle children, and youngest siblings develop distinct tr…

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Chris Mamone on Acceptance and Resilience 44:02

3M ago44:02

44:02

Send us a text Chris Mamone is an acceptance coach who helps people heal from grief, loss, and trauma so they can find self-acceptance and step into their power. His journey began with profound personal losses that reshaped his life and perspective. In 2020, he experienced the death of his grandfather, and just two years later, after struggling wit…

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Maximizing Disability Benefits: Navigating SSI, SSDI, Medicaid & Medicare with Daniel Fortuno 54:34

3M ago54:34

54:34

In this eye-opening episode, Sara sits down with benefits expert Daniel Fortuno, who shares his decades of experience helping individuals and families navigate the complex world of public benefits. Since the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, Daniel has been advocating for those in need, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. He breaks down the cru…

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Jessica Fein’s Story of Grief, Family, and Healing 35:44

3M ago35:44

35:44

Send us a text Jessica Fein shares her deeply personal journey of loss, grief, and resilience. Having lost two sisters, three parents, and most recently, her teenage daughter Dahlia—who passed away one week after her 17th birthday—Jessica's life has been profoundly shaped by death. Her memoir, which explores Dahlia’s life and the journey of moving …

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Funding a Special Needs Trust: Smart Strategies to Secure Your Child’s Future with Michael Ringel 48:28

3M ago48:28

48:28

Planning for the future of a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming, but expert financial strategist Michael Ringel shares how families can secure both their own financial well-being and their child's long-term care through smart estate planning and special needs trusts. In this insightful conversation with Sara, Michael breaks down why parents…

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Katina Jones on Embracing Grief, Spirituality, and End-of-Life Care 40:03

3M ago40:03

40:03

Send us a text Katina Jones, known as the Purple Priestess, is a reverend with a deep love for the color purple, which she sees as a symbol of spirituality and healing. Everything changed after her mother passed away from ovarian cancer in 1988. At just 22, she had no guidebook on how to navigate such a loss. This left her searching for meaning and…

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Mastering Special Needs Trusts: Key Insights for Families with Ellen Cookman 45:45

4M ago45:45

45:45

Planning for the future of a child with special needs can feel overwhelming, but the right legal strategies can provide security and peace of mind. In this episode, Sara sits down with special needs trust attorney Ellen Cookman to break down how families can protect their child's financial future without jeopardizing essential public benefits like …

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End-of-Life Nutrition & Hydration with Hospice Chaplain Hank Dunn 40:05

4M ago40:05

40:05

Send us a text In this episode, I welcome back Hospice Chaplain Hank Dunn. We dive into a crucial yet often misunderstood topic—artificial hydration, nutrition, and voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) at the end of life. We explore how feeding tubes work, when they are beneficial, and when they may prolong suffering. Hank shares storie…

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The Power of a Legacy Letter: Leaving Words That Last a Lifetime with Blake Brewer 42:58

4M ago42:58

42:58

In this heartfelt episode, host Sara sits down with Blake Brewer to explore the profound impact of legacy letters and how they shape the stories our children tell about themselves. Blake shares his deeply personal journey—how a tragic snorkeling accident that took his father’s life led to an unexpected gift: a letter from his dad that became his gu…

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My Life at the Cemetery with Sandy Doyle 38:35

4M ago38:35

38:35

Send us a text Sandra Doyle, author of My Life at the Cemetery: It's Not as Dead as You Think, shares fascinating and unexpected stories from her years working in a cemetery. Her book features 88 captivating tales, ranging from heartwarming to shocking, each offering a glimpse into the lives and emotions of those left behind. Whether readers laugh,…

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Transform Your Money Mindset: Discovering Your Money Archetype with Karen McAllister 1:03:01

4M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

In this enlightening episode, Sara chats with Karen McAllister, a mindful money mindset coach, about the often complex relationship we have with money. Karen shares her journey from studying economics to co-founding a meditation community, emphasizing how our attitudes and fears surrounding money can shape our financial behaviors. She emphasizes th…

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Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner with Annie Sklaver Orenstein 41:03

4M ago41:03

41:03

Send us a text In this episode, Annie Sklaver Orenstein shares her personal journey of grief after losing her brother, Ben, in Afghanistan 15 years ago. After his death, Annie found little support for siblings, so she wrote Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner's Guide to Grief, a book addressing the unique pain of losing a sibling. She discusses…

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5 Wishes: Conversations that Connect Generations with Yvonne Caputo 49:38

4M ago49:38

49:38

In this deeply moving episode, Sara is joined by author Yvonne Caputo as she shares her transformative journey of connecting with her father through his World War II stories, ultimately uncovering the profound importance of end-of-life conversations. Through her experience documenting her father's life in her book, Flying with Dad, Yvonne introduce…

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Embracing Death and Transformation with Tash Ritz 43:47

4M ago43:47

43:47

Send us a text Tash Ritz joins the conversation from Sydney, where she reflects on her global journey, growing up in New Zealand after being born in South Africa. With over 14 years of experience working in social enterprises, she has helped founders build businesses focused on social impact and environmental sustainability. Most recently, she auth…

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Healing Generational Patterns: Family Constellations and Resonant Language with Katherine Revoir 50:15

5M ago50:15

50:15

In this enlightening conversation, Sara and guest Katherine Revoir explore the profound impact of family systems on our lives and emotional well-being. Katherine, who has dedicated over five decades to helping people “make their brains a happy place to live,” shares how family constellation work uncovers unseen patterns and unwritten rules that sha…

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Music, Mortality, and Meaning: The Story of 'Nightside Songs' 36:09

5M ago36:09

36:09

Send us a text In this episode, we are joined by Daniel and Patrick Lazour, the creators of Nightside Songs, and Taibi Magar, the director of its Philadelphia production. Nightside Songs is more than a musical—it’s an immersive and communal experience that explores caregiving, illness, death, and the end-of-life journey. Audiences actively particip…

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Buried in Work: Innovative Tools for Modern Estate Planning with Adam Zuckerman 42:40

5M ago42:40

42:40

In this episode, Sara sits down with Adam Zuckerman, the visionary behind Buried in Work, to explore the innovative ways he's reshaping the landscape of estate planning and administration. Inspired by his experience as an executor, Adam developed one of the most comprehensive end-of-life planning resources available. From the CLEAR Kit (Comprehensi…

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Exploring Memorial Forests with Gillian Nye 41:29

5M ago41:29

41:29

Send us a text In this episode, we explore memorial forests with Gillian Nye. Gillian shares her six years of experience helping families create meaningful, conservation-focused memorials through Better Place Forests. Better Place Forests offers a natural alternative to traditional cemeteries, allowing families to choose a memorial tree where ashes…

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Special Needs Trusts: Protecting Your Legacy While Preserving Benefits with Caren Jenkins 55:43

5M ago55:43

55:43

In this week’s episode, Sara welcomes attorney Caren Jenkins, founder of Nevada Legacy Law, whose journey to special needs trusts and estate planning was shaped by raising two neurodivergent sons. As both a mom and professional fiduciary, Caren breaks down the hidden pitfalls of traditional estate planning for families with disabilities, sharing re…

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Reviving Philadelphia’s Forgotten Mount Vernon Cemetery with Brandon Zimmerman 43:44

5M ago43:44

43:44

Send us a text Brandon Zimmerman shares the fascinating history and challenges of Mount Vernon Cemetery, a hidden gem in North Philadelphia. Established in 1856, this 28-acre cemetery became a predominantly German burial ground, home to over 33,000 graves. Despite its historical significance, Mount Vernon has faced decades of neglect, transforming …

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Unlocking the Money Mindset: Transforming Generational Patterns for Financial Empowerment with Deborah Price 45:15

5M ago45:15

45:15

In this transformative episode, Sara welcomes Deborah Price, pioneering Money Coach and former financial planner, who reveals how our earliest childhood experiences shape our relationship with wealth. Drawing from her 20-year career and groundbreaking work at The Money Coaching Institute, Deborah explains how our financial behaviors are hardwired b…

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Insights from Medical Medium Marie Miller 39:05

5M ago39:05

39:05

Send us a text Marie Miller, a medical medium and theta healing instructor based near Columbus, Ohio, shares her fascinating journey into the spiritual and healing realms. Her experiences began after a near-death experience as a child, which opened her perception to the spirit world. Growing up in a small town of 250 people, she often sensed when s…

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Generational Wealth Transfer: How to Avoid Family Conflict and Plan for the Future with Cindy Arledge 49:33

5M ago49:33

49:33

Ever wonder what happens when estate planning meets complex family dynamics? In this raw and revealing episode, Sara sits down with second-generation entrepreneur and author Cindy Arledge, whose family built a $10 million legacy from the ground up—only to face unexpected conflict when their wealth transfer strategy fell short. Cindy opens up about …

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Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living with Penny Hawkins Smith 44:23

5M ago44:23

44:23

Send us a text Penny Smith, widely known as Hospice Nurse Penny on TikTok, brings over 20 years of experience as a nationally certified hospice nurse and a unique perspective shaped by her late start in nursing at age 40. Now 62, Penny embraces the wisdom of aging, especially in her work with end-of-life care. During the pandemic, she found her voi…

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Planning for the Inevitable: A Guide for Future Dead People & Their Families with Alexandria Goff 39:36

6M ago39:36

39:36

In this episode, Sara sits down with estate planning attorney Alexandria “Ali” Goff for a refreshingly candid and slightly dark-humored conversation about planning for the inevitable—because, as Ali says, “you don’t have to be a millionaire to have an estate plan; you just have to be alive.” From her journey as a young lawyer sitting in on her pare…

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Transforming End-of-Life Care: Compassionate Guidance for Life’s Final Transition with Barbara Karnes 54:53

6M ago54:53

54:53

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, Sara sits down with Barbara Karnes, a pioneering voice in hospice care and end-of-life education. Barbara shares her journey from nursing school to becoming a trusted guide for families during life’s most profound transition. She sheds light on how our society’s fear of death has created a gap in understa…

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Navigating Profound Loss and Rediscovering Yourself with Tara Accardo 53:32

6M ago53:32

53:32

In this heartfelt episode, Sara sits down with Tara Accardo, who shares her deeply personal story of navigating profound loss and the transformative power of grief. After losing her mom to esophageal cancer in 2019 and her dad to prostate cancer just six months later, Tara reflects on how anticipatory grief, the shock of loss, and the challenges of…