Episode 4

Guest: Megan Malick

Conversations We Avoid: Death, Money, and Planning Ahead

In this episode of The Death Readiness Podcast, Jill is joined by Megan Malick, founder of A New Path, grief and after-loss educator, speaker, and author. Megan shares insights on navigating the complexities of loss, discussing why conversations about death readiness are so difficult, and offering practical steps to approach these conversations with loved ones. She also introduces her new book, A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person’s Affairs, which serves as a compassionate guide through the emotional and logistical challenges of administering a loved one’s estate after a loss.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why talking about death is so difficult—and how societal shifts have contributed to this avoidance.

• The emotional weight of grief and estate administration – the “double whammy.”

• Five small steps to begin a conversation about end-of-life planning:

• The different types of support people we may need after a loss, which Megan categorizes as:

• The importance of pre-planning and how having essential documents in place can ease the burden on loved ones.

• How Megan’s personal experience of losing both parents unexpectedly shaped her approach to after-loss planning.

Practical Takeaways

• Start conversations about estate planning and death readiness with small, approachable topics.

• Don’t pressure loved ones into sharing more than they’re comfortable with—any information is better than none.

• If you’re grieving, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Megan provides scripts in her book to make reaching out easier.

• Prepare in advance for emergencies. See the downloadable resources below.

Resources Mentioned

• Megan Malick’s Book: A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person’s Affairs

• Downloadable Resources:

  • Home Important Information Sheet

  • Pet Important Information Sheet

  • Child's Important Information Sheet

Connect with Megan Malick

• Website: https://a-new-path.com/

• Email Megan: megan@a-new-path.com

Connect with Jill & Death Readiness

• Website: deathreadiness.com

• Email: jill@deathreadiness.com

• Subscribe to receive news and updates.

Support the Podcast

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• Share this episode with someone you care about.

Podcast editing provided by JAG in Detroit Podcasts

• Website: www.JAGinDetroit.com

• Email: jag@jagindetroit.com