The Legacy of Love: Estate Planning Simplified for Mothers

We plan for birth, so why don’t we plan for death with the same care and reverence?

Death is inevitable, yet most of us avoid talking about it—leaving ourselves and our loved ones unprepared. In this conversation, death doula Jill McClennen shares how end-of-life planning, grief rituals, and intentional presence can transform both the dying process and the way we live.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn what a death doula is and how their non-medical support brings peace and clarity at the end of life
• Discover how embracing mortality helps you live with more purpose and connection
• Explore grief rituals and legacy practices that honor both the dying and the living

Press play to uncover how planning for the end can help you live—and love—with more intention.

About Jill:

Jill McClennen is a certified death doula and end-of-life coach offering holistic, soul-centered support to individuals and families navigating death and grief. Through her virtual practice, Jill guides clients in preparing emotionally and spiritually for end of life, drawing on trauma-sensitive yoga, reiki, and shamanic healing. She’s also the host of the Seeing Death Clearly podcast, where she explores death with honesty and compassion. Jill’s path began with caring for her own grandmother—an experience that now fuels her mission to help others face death with clarity and love.

Connect with Jill:

EndofLifeClarity.com

Podcast: Seeing Death Clearly

Facebook

Instagram @endoflifeclarity

LinkedIn

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

In the end, presence—not perfection—is what truly leaves a legacy.

End-of-life moments offer a clarity about what matters most, but we don't have to wait for loss to start living with intention. In this heartfelt episode, hospital chaplain Christine Davies shares lessons from nearly 20 years of walking alongside people in their final days, offering powerful insights into grief, grace, and the transformative power of being fully present.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover the four messages Christine believes everyone should speak before it's too late
• Learn how end-of-life experiences can deepen your sense of purpose and realign your values
• Explore the difference between religion and spirituality and how both can show up in moments of goodbye

Press play to gain timeless wisdom that will help you live more fully and leave behind a legacy of presence, connection, and love.

About Christine:

Rev. Christine Vaughan Davies is a Presbyterian minister, seminary professor, certified pastoral educator, and trained spiritual director with over two decades of experience in chaplaincy and healthcare. With advanced degrees in divinity and social work, Christine blends clinical insight with spiritual care to help others navigate grief, loss, and meaning-making. Through her writing and teaching, she encourages wholehearted self-care, sacred listening, and weaving spiritual practice into everyday life. Christine lives on a small farm in New Jersey with her family, where she tends to chickens and raises her children with joy and intention.

Connect with Christine:

ChristineDavies.com

LinkedIn

Instagram @cvdavies

Facebook

Referenced in this Episode:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Four Things That Matter Most by Ira Byock

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Is your family navigating illness without the tools to talk about it? You’re not alone.

A serious diagnosis impacts more than just the person receiving it—it disrupts entire family systems. In this compassionate conversation, therapist Chelsea Kramer explores how to support loved ones through health challenges while maintaining open communication and mental health for everyone involved.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to create space for difficult conversations without rushing to fix or avoid them
• Discover why caregiver burnout is real and what you can do to protect your own mental health
• Explore how redefining acceptance as a daily practice can foster connection in times of uncertainty

Press play to gain the insight and support you need to face illness and caregiving with compassion.

About Chelsea:

Chelsea Kramer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Seattle, WA. Over her 13 years of practice, she's helped countless individuals, couples, and families build better relationships and adapt to life's challenges.

Chelsea specializes in grief, anxiety, and trauma. Common populations in Chelsea's practice include individuals and families facing acute and chronic illness, pregnancy loss, medical trauma, and loss.

Connect with Chelsea:

ChelseaKramerTherapy.com

On Instagram @chelseakramertherapy

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Estate planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when you’re LGBTQ+.

Traditional estate plans often miss the mark for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, leaving identity, healthcare access, and chosen family unprotected. In this episode, attorney Rebecca Secord shares how to create an inclusive, affirming plan that truly reflects who you are and the people you love.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to safeguard chosen family, reproductive autonomy, and trans rights through thoughtful estate planning
• Discover why naming guardians, setting healthcare directives, and inclusive language matter more than ever
• Explore how working with LGBTQ+-affirming professionals can transform estate planning into an act of love and protection

Press play to find out how inclusive estate planning can protect your identity, your loved ones, and your legacy—on your terms.

About Rebecca Secord:

Rebecca Secord is an attorney at De Fonte Law PC, a San Francisco-based firm renowned for its "Estate Planning with Heart®" philosophy. Rebecca focuses on estate planning but never really left her real estate roots – she’s obsessive about all things real estate and helps clients plan smarter around property, co-ownership issues and making sure their wishes actually stick.  Her approach aligns with De Fonte Law's mission to provide personalized estate plans that empower heirs, preserve family harmony, and reflect individual values. 

Passionate about demystifying the legal process, Rebecca actively engages in educating clients and the community. She frequently leads workshops and speaks on topics related to estate planning and real estate, embodying De Fonte Law's commitment to client education and empowerment. 

Connect with DeFonte Law:

DeFonteLaw.com

DeFonte Law On YouTube

DeFonte Law on LinkedIn

Referenced in this Episode:

Listen to Legacy of Love Episode 2 with Patricia Defonte: Estate Planning with Heart: Creating Plans for Life and Legacy here. 

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

What if supporting someone with dementia wasn’t about fixing, but connecting?

Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to mean losing connection or dignity. In this powerful episode, Teepa Snow shares how to shift from “caregiving” to “care partnering” and reveals practical, relationship-based strategies for navigating brain change with empathy and skill.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover the P.I.P.E.S. framework and how it can improve communication and care
• Learn why shifting your mindset from caregiver to care partner transforms the entire experience
• Gain practical tools to preserve dignity, reduce conflict, and foster meaningful moments, even in late-stage dementia

Press play to reimagine dementia care with compassion, connection, and confidence—no matter where you are on the journey.

About Teepa:

Teepa Snow is a globally recognized dementia educator and the founder of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), now active in over 30 countries. An occupational therapist with over 40 years of experience, Teepa developed the GEMS® State Model and PAC training techniques to support those living with brain change. Her work blends clinical expertise, caregiving experience, and compassionate communication to transform dementia care. Through engaging teaching and practical tools, Teepa empowers families and professionals to provide dignified, person-centered support.

Connect with Teepa:

Facebook

Instagram @teepasnows_pac

LinkedIn

Youtube

Visit TeepaSnow.com for educational video clips, DVDs, books, information on individual certifications, online support groups, virtual and onsite trainings, or to subscribe to a free monthly newsletter.

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Are you making long-term care decisions under pressure without a plan?

As aging parents need more support, many families are left scrambling to make critical decisions without a clear plan. In this episode, Amy Friesen of Tea & Toast shares expert strategies to navigate retirement living, long-term care, and in-home support, while protecting your peace of mind and your parent’s dignity.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to simplify the process of finding the right care options for your loved ones
• Discover how proactive planning and proper legal documents can ease stress during difficult transitions
• Get compassionate advice for helping parents stay in their homes longer and supporting yourself in the process

Press play to take the guesswork out of senior care and find confidence in the choices ahead.

About Amy:

Amy Friesen is the founder of Tea & Toast and a leading expert in senior living with over 20 years of experience. She’s known for her compassionate, personalized approach to navigating eldercare. Amy helps families find the right senior-living options with clarity and confidence, easing the stress of care decisions and supporting long-term planning.

Get a copy of her book, Breadcrumbs, here. 

Connect with Amy:

TeaAndToast.ca

Facebook

Twitter/X

YouTube

Instagram @teaandtoastottawa

LinkedIn

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

Most families don’t plan for aging until it’s too late. Don’t be one of them.

Too often, decisions about aging and long-term care are made in moments of stress. In this episode, Laura Lynn Morrissey shares how proactive life care planning can help you or your loved ones age on your own terms, avoid family conflict, and protect your financial legacy.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to plan ahead with long-term care insurance
• Discover how to evaluate care options, from home care to assisted living, without overwhelm
• Shift your perspective on aging from decline to vitality and opportunity

Press play to take control of your future—or support a loved one—with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

About Laura Lynn:

Laura Lynn Morrissey is the founder of SilverSavvy, where she helps individuals over 60 embrace aging with confidence, connection, and purpose. A certified trainer, nutritionist, aging specialist, and dementia practitioner, Laura Lynn offers compassionate, practical support for life care planning. Through SilverSavvy, she empowers families to navigate aging as a season of vitality, growth, and legacy.

Connect with Laura Lynn:
On LinkedIn

SilverSavvy.com

Follow SilverSavvy on Facebook

Follow SilverSavvy on Instagram @silversavvyagewell

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

What good is an estate plan if it doesn’t actually work when it’s needed?

Many people assume their estate planning is “done” once documents are signed, but that’s where the real work begins. In this episode, attorney Jen Gumbel breaks down why education is the missing link in most estate plans and how understanding your own documents can be the difference between a smooth transition and a costly probate mess.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn the most common estate planning mistakes and how to fix them before it’s too late
• Understand what your documents actually do and how to align them with your financial strategy
• Discover how proper trust funding and asset alignment can prevent unnecessary probate and confusion

Press play to take control of your estate plan and make sure it works exactly the way you intend.

About Jen:

Jen Gumbel is a probate and estate planning attorney, educator and creator of Organized (after)Life. Jen has spent over a decade teaching her own clients and other attorneys about the legal issues that come up at death. She's an expert that makes this complex topic understandable, approachable, and - importantly - doable.

Connect with Jen:
On Instagram @jengumbel

OrganizedAfterLife.com

Referenced in this Episode:

Legacy of Love Episode 10: Transforming End of Life Care: Compassionate Guidance for Life's Final Transition with Barbara Karnes

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

What if true wealth had nothing to do with your bank account?

Many of us chase financial success hoping it will bring fulfillment—only to find ourselves stuck in patterns of scarcity or disconnection. In this episode, financial advisor Elizabeth Husserl invites us to redefine wealth itself, exploring how to cultivate abundance in every area of life through her holistic Wealth Mandala framework.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of embodied abundance and wellbeing
• Discover how to become a conscious consumer and redefine your relationship with “enough”
• Explore the power of body-centered practices to experience wealth beyond money

Press play to transform your view of wealth and start cultivating a richer, more meaningful life—starting from within.

About Elizabeth:

Elizabeth Husserl is a registered investment advisor representative, financial advisor, and cofounder of Peak360 Wealth Management, a boutique wealth planning firm. She holds a BS in economics from Tulane University and an MA in East-West psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, where she has also taught as an adjunct professor. Her experience spans nonprofit work throughout the Americas, and she is a highly sought-after speaker, having led workshops at major tech companies, including Airbnb, Unity, and Google. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter.

Get her Book: The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook

Instagram @elizabethhusserl

LinkedIn

ElizabethHusserl.com

Referenced in this Episode:

Download the Wealth Mandala Exercise here 

The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life by Lynne Twist

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.

What if the most meaningful thing you give in life isn't your time or money, but your guidance?

At midlife, many of us start asking deeper questions about purpose and impact. In this episode, psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, Deborah Heiser, reveals why mentorship may be one of the most powerful and fulfilling answers—benefiting not just mentees, but mentors themselves.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover how mentorship at any stage of life can foster connection, purpose, and personal growth
• Learn about the power of lateral mentorship and how guidance isn’t just top-down—it’s relational
• Explore how technology, vulnerability, and intention can deepen mentor-mentee relationships

Press play to explore how mentorship can help you stay relevant, connected, and create a legacy that lives on.

About Deborah:

Deborah Heiser, Ph.D., is an Applied Developmental Psychologist, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of The Mentor Project. She serves as an adjunct professor at SUNY Old Westbury and is a regular media expert featured in outlets like The New York Times and Thrive Global. Deborah’s research focuses on aging, depression, dementia, and frailty, with grants from NIA/NIH and Pfizer. She has received international recognition for her work and held leadership roles in aging and psychological associations across New York.

Get Her Book: The Mentorship Edge

Connect with Deborah:

DeborahHeiser.com

On Instagram @deborah_heisertmp

On LinkedIn

On Substack

The Mentor Project on Facebook

Episodes air weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Download The Legacy of Love Workbook
A free workbook designed to transform your estate planning journey from a checklist into a meaningful expression of your values, stories, and deepest wishes for your loved ones.

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn

If you are interested in professional fiduciary services, complete the contact form and a member of Trust & Honor will reach out to discuss which fiduciary services are right for you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

This podcast simplifies estate planning for women in the sandwich generation - those raising children while caring for aging parents. We cover living trusts, wills, power of attorney, supported decision making, and healthcare proxies to help you plan with clarity and peace of mind. Episodes explore inheritance, probate, fiduciary duties, and the role of a trustee, while addressing decision fatigue, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Rooted in mindfulness, values, and preparedness, we offer practical tools and heartfelt conversations about elder care, end-of-life planning, and leaving a legacy that lasts.