Buried in Work Podcast

Did you know that having one conversation today could save your loved ones years of heartbreak tomorrow?

In this episode of Buried in Work podcast, Adam Zuckerman sits down with Kate DeBartolo, Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and leader of the groundbreaking Conversation Project. Together, they tackle one of the most avoided yet essential topics: end-of-life planning. But this isn’t about paperwork or legal jargon, it’s about connecting with the people who matter most and ensuring your values and wishes are honored when it matters most.

Kate shares deeply human stories, practical tools, and actionable insights to help you start conversations that many of us delay or avoid entirely. She also shares unique challenges faced by solo agers, the cultural barriers that prevent open dialogue, and why talking about your wishes isn’t just for the elderly or ill—it’s for anyone who values their relationships and wants to make life easier for those they love.

Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and how to simplify your estate planning and end-of-life tasks.

In this episode of Buried in Work, Adam Zuckerman sits down with Mark Willis, a Certified Financial Planner® and the owner of Lake Growth Financial Services. Mark is not your average financial advisor—he’s a wealth architect who’s helped hundreds of clients take control of their financial futures using innovative strategies like self-banking, real estate investing, and tax-free wealth growth.

If you’ve ever felt like a “tennis ball floating down the gutter of life” when it comes to money, this conversation is for you. Mark dives deep into how to align your financial decisions with your values, build financial certainty, and use tools like whole life insurance to create a legacy for your loved ones.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://buriedinwork.com/podcast/episode-32-Mark-Willis

After this episode, you’ll see life, death, and everything in between in a way you never have before.

Adam Zuckerman sits down with Penny Hawkins-Smith, BSN, RN, CHPN, a nationally certified hospice and palliative care nurse, social media educator, and author of Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living. With over two decades of experience in hospice care and a vibrant online presence, Penny shares her unique journey from a challenging past to a life dedicated to helping others find peace in their final moments.

Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and how to simplify your estate planning and end-of-life tasks.

When you hear the word “hospice,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s fear, confusion, or even stigma. But what if understanding hospice care could change how we approach some of life’s most difficult moments?

In this heartfelt episode of Buried in Work, Jared Rizzi sits down with Helen Bauer, a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and host of The Heart of Hospice podcast, to have a raw, honest conversation about caregiving, end-of-life decisions, and finding dignity in the moments that matter most.

Helen shares her personal insights from 15 years of experience in hospice care, breaking down the biggest myths and misconceptions while offering compassionate advice for caregivers, patients, and families alike. She reminds us that at its core, hospice is about humanity, not just healthcare.

From practical tips on spotting a trustworthy hospice agency to deeply human stories about what it means to care for someone at the end of their life, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed and, surprisingly, more hopeful.

Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and how to simplify your estate planning and end-of-life tasks.

Did you know that the cost of a simple funeral can vary by thousands of dollars? Or that you can skip embalming altogether and still honor your loved one beautifully? In this episode, Sara Williams opens up about the truths (and myths) of funeral planning and how we can take control of one of life’s most difficult decisions.

Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and how to simplify your estate planning and end-of-life tasks.

How do you rebuild your life after devastating loss? In this episode of the Buried in Work podcast, we’re joined by grief and transformational life coach Tara Accardo, the founder of Losses Become Gains. Tara opens up about her personal journey of losing both parents within six months and how she found purpose and strength in the aftermath.

We explore the messy, personal nature of grief, the power of small daily practices like journaling and mindfulness, and how to transform loss into growth. Whether you’re navigating your own grief or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers hope, healing, and practical tools to take that first step forward.

If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to Buried in Work, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and more insights on how life settlements and life insurance can work for you. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to help you simplify estate planning and secure your financial future.

Isabella Solano was just out of high school when a conversation with a friend sparked an idea that would change hundreds of lives—including her own. Herralink connects high school students with seniors, creating friendships that bridge generations and bring joy to both sides.

In this episode, Isabella shares how Herralink helps seniors feel seen, how students find purpose through genuine connection, and why building a sense of community is so important—at any age. This isn’t about service hours; it’s about showing up for someone who needs you… and realizing you need them too.

If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to Buried in Work, leaving a review, or sharing it with a friend. Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and more insights on how life settlements and life insurance can work for you. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to help you simplify estate planning and secure your financial future.

What if healing from grief could start with a simple text message? In this episode, Emma Payne, CEO of Help Texts, shares her deeply personal journey and how her innovative service is providing comfort and connection to those navigating grief and loss.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://buriedinwork.com/podcast/episode-26-emma-payne

Grief is a natural part of life, but navigating it can feel overwhelming. In this episode, grief activist and author Lisa Keefauver shares transformative insights into managing grief, creating supportive environments, and rethinking our collective understanding of loss.

Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes and more insights on how life settlements and life insurance can work for you. Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to help you simplify estate planning and secure your financial future.

In this insightful conversation, Chris Conway, a trusted expert in the life settlement market, shares his experience in helping individuals and businesses tap into the hidden value of life insurance policies. He explains how life settlements can meet your financial goals, and why more people should consider them as a powerful financial tool. Chris also clears up common misconceptions and offers practical advice for anyone who may be wondering if a life settlement could benefit them. Whether you're looking to maximize the value of your life insurance or just curious about the life settlement industry, this episode is full of valuable insights.

Visit Buried in Work for the full show notes