In this short my Boss Baby self talks about getting all worked up about thinking that I was probably on a short journey to dying and then being told that I was an idiot (in a nice way) From an interview with The Altruistic Fiduciary https://riverside.fm/dashboard/studios/david-jason-cattrells-studio/recordings/578fea44-8429-499a-8ac8-5a17112d5180?share-token=854340b5a5a1cdcaaf79&content-shared=recording

What's particularly striking is how focusing on our mortality can actually enrich our living. As Sarah notes, confronting death forces us into the present moment, helping clarify what truly matters. Her approach blends practical expertise with profound compassion, reminding us that comprehensive planning isn't morbid—it's one of the most loving gifts we can offer those we care about.

Death may be the ultimate truth serum, but most of us avoid discussing it until we absolutely must. In this deeply insightful conversation with professional fiduciary Sarah Eklein, we explore why end-of-life planning isn't just about legal documents—it's about creating what she beautifully calls "a legacy of love, not a mess."
Sarah draws from her unique experience working with clients in their final life chapters to illuminate the tremendous gift of proper planning. As someone who regularly serves as a conservator, trustee, executor, and healthcare decision maker, she witnesses firsthand the stark difference between families who prepare thoughtfully and those who don't. The statistics are sobering: only one in three Americans create an estate plan, leaving countless families to navigate complex decisions during already emotional times.
Our discussion ventures beyond conventional planning into fascinating territory—the emergence of "funerals" (celebrations of life held before death), the evolution of family structures that necessitates new support systems, and the delicate considerations surrounding assisted dying legislation. Throughout it all, Sarah emphasizes that while documents matter, the conversations that precede them matter even more.
What's particularly striking is how focusing on our mortality can actually enrich our living. As Sarah notes, confronting death forces us into the present moment, helping clarify what truly matters. Her approach blends practical expertise with profound compassion, reminding us that comprehensive planning isn't morbid—it's one of the most loving gifts we can offer those we care about.
Whether you're just beginning to consider your own wishes or helping a loved one navigate their final chapter, this conversation offers both the practical guidance and emotional wisdom to approach this universal journey with intention, clarity, and heart. Download Sarah's free Legacy of Love workbook from her website to start crafting your own meaningful plan today.

The right to die with dignity stands as one of the most profound ethical questions of our time. Nathan Stilwell, Campaigns Manager for grassroots organization My Death, My Decision, guides us through the complexities of the Assisted Dying Bill currently making its way through Parliament – legislation that could fundamentally transform how we approach end-of-life care and personal autonomy.
Nathan breaks down the historical context of suicide laws in the UK, explaining how the well-intended decriminalization of suicide in the 1960s created today's legal paradox where helping someone end their suffering remains punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. Through powerful personal stories and international evidence, he illustrates the stark contrast between countries that offer assisted dying options and the current UK system where terminally ill individuals face impossible choices.
We explore the robust safeguards built into the proposed legislation – from multiple independent medical assessments to psychiatric evaluations and continuous consent requirements. Nathan addresses common misconceptions, emphasizing that assisted dying remains a minority choice (just 1-2% of deaths) even in jurisdictions where it's legal. The bill wouldn't replace good palliative care but would provide an additional option for those cases where suffering becomes unbearable despite excellent medical support.
What resonates most are the human stories – the man who died in Spain wearing his cowboy boots while holding his wife's hand, choosing his exit with dignity rather than enduring a potentially traumatic end. Or the Canadian patient who postponed his assisted death to spend time with a new grandchild, eventually choosing his moment after a frightening choking episode. These accounts cut through abstract ethical debates to reveal what's truly at stake: the freedom to conclude one's life story with autonomy and peace.
Whether you support or oppose assisted dying, this conversation challenges us to confront our deepest values about compassion, choice, and what constitutes a good death. The question isn't if we will die, but how – and whether that decision should remain our own. Ready to form your own opinion? Visit MyDeathMyDecision.org.uk and make your voice heard on this vital issue.