This week, I talk to “Josie,” an anonymous audience caller who shares one of the most difficult and thought-provoking stories we’ve ever had on The Real Stuff. Three years ago, Josie’s dad chose to end his life through MAID — Medical Assistance in Dying. It’s a legal medical procedure in Canada that allows people facing unbearable suffering to choose when and how they die.

But Josie’s story isn’t just about death, it’s about the messiness of love, family, and grief. Her relationship with her dad was complicated, filled with both disappointment and affection. When he decided to pursue MAID, Josie found herself navigating conflicting emotions: heartbreak, relief, guilt, and understanding.

We talk about what it’s like to know the exact day someone you love will die, the ethics and humanity of MAID, and how Josie is learning to carry compassion and peace for a parent who was never perfect, but was deeply human.

If you’ve ever experienced complicated grief or wondered how far autonomy should go at the end of life, this is a conversation you won’t forget.

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Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story. 

I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone. 

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod 

Find Lucie here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink

Website: https://luciefink.com/ 

Executive Producer: Cloud10

Produced by Dear Media.

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