In this moving and deeply human conversation, Katie sits down with writer, astrologer, and death doula Tess Clarkson to explore life’s biggest transitions — grief, loss, and what it means to truly live. Tess shares her personal journey through devastating loss, the lessons she’s learned from walking alongside those at the end of life, and how writing, astrology, and daily practices can help us reconnect with our own inner wisdom.

Together, Katie and Tess break down why end-of-life planning is actually a gift of love, how small practices can bring us back to presence, and why grief deserves more space and conversation in our culture.

Whether you’ve experienced loss, want to deepen your connection to life, or are simply curious about taboo topics like death and dying, this episode will nourish your soul and leave you seeing life with fresh eyes.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• 🌑 How the New Moon invites us to plant seeds of growth in our money, talents, and skills
• 🌌 Tess’s story of losing her best friend in a tragic plane crash and how it transformed her path
• 🌺 What it means to be a death doula and how to find one if your family is in need
• ✨ The peace and beauty of walking with her mother through hospice care
• 📝 Why writing helps us process grief, life transitions, and the “middle of life” seasons
• 🧘‍♀️ Small practices anyone can start today to reconnect with inner wisdom (even in 4 minutes!)
• 💡 The gift of end-of-life planning — why it’s never too soon

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Tess Clarkson’s website: tessclarkson.com
  
  
• Follow Tess on Instagram: @theTessClarkson
• Follow Tess on Facebook
  
  
• Tess’s Substack: Tess Clarkson on Substack
  
  
• National End of Life Doula Alliance: nedalliance.org
  
  
• Katie’s 10-Minute Desk Yoga YouTube
• Free Facebook Group
• Submit your Questions for Katie to answer on a future Episode 

Support the show

Katie Ruppert is a transformational coach who helps women trade overwhelm and striving for more peace, energy, and ease. Through a powerful blend of mind–body practices, coaching, and the self-discovery system of Human Design, she guides clients to lighten their load and take the next right step toward the life they want—without needing a total life overhaul.

She’s also the host of the Inspired by Design podcast, where she shares real stories, practical tools, and fresh perspectives on how to move through the messy middle of life with less resistance and more flow.

Katie believes transformation doesn’t have to come from doing more—it comes from reconnecting with who you are, calming the noise, and creating space for what matters most. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, workshops, or her podcast, Katie’s work is about helping women feel seen, supported, and empowered to create a life that feels lighter.

The best place to connect, find free resources & book is https://linktr.ee/KatieRuppert