SN 4 EP 7: The Role of a Death Doula with Neiasha Russell
Release Date: 01/15/2025
Black Parents Aging Podcast
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info_outlineBlack Parents Aging Podcast
In this episode, Olivia Smith sits down with her family - spanning three generations - to share real and honest conversations about aging. Together with her parents, Janice and Charles, who are thriving in their 70s, and her siblings Shalon, Brian, and Veronica, they explore what it means to age with grace, purpose, and connection. From Janice’s passion for teaching and herbology to Charles’s peaceful yet active retirement, this discussion highlights the joys, challenges, and lessons that come with growing older. They talk about the impact of health, societal pressures, and the...
info_outlineBlack Parents Aging Podcast
In this week’s episode, Olivia dives into an eye-opening conversation with special guest Neiasha Russell, a compassionate and experienced death doula. If you’ve ever wondered what a death doula does, or if you’ve struggled to have conversations about end-of-life planning with your loved ones, this episode is for you. Neiasha shares her heartfelt journey, how her mother’s passing inspired her to help others, and practical insights for navigating grief and legacy planning. We know these conversations can feel overwhelming, but by the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped to take...
info_outlineBlack Parents Aging Podcast
In this week’s episode, Olivia dives into an eye-opening conversation with special guest Neiasha Russell, a compassionate and experienced death doula. If you’ve ever wondered what a death doula does, or if you’ve struggled to have conversations about end-of-life planning with your loved ones, this episode is for you. Neiasha shares her heartfelt journey, how her mother’s passing inspired her to help others, and practical insights for navigating grief and legacy planning. We know these conversations can feel overwhelming, but by the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped to take...
info_outlineBlack Parents Aging Podcast
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info_outlineBlack Parents Aging Podcast
Holiday reunions can be a mix of joy and stress, especially when guilt, shame, and family expectations come into play. In this episode, we dive into managing the emotional ups and downs that often surface during these gatherings. Licensed counselor Adriauna Clay-Potts shares practical tips to help you navigate family dynamics, prepare mentally, and maintain your peace. From positive self-talk to steering conversations in a healthier direction, we cover strategies to help you handle criticism or triggering situations with confidence and grace. We also explore how to support your...
info_outlineBlack Parents Aging Podcast
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Duane Hamilton, owner of Hamilton Insurance Group in Atlanta, joins us on this week’s episode to unlock the secrets of the insurance world. From his beginnings in the mortgage sector during the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis to his thriving insurance business, Duane brings a wealth of knowledge across various insurance areas, including auto, homeowners, and life insurance. His focus, however, is on assisting mature clients over 40, and he shares his passion for helping them navigate the complexities of Medicare. With a genuine commitment to aiding clients in making informed choices,...
info_outlineIn this week’s episode, Olivia dives into an eye-opening conversation with special guest Neiasha Russell, a compassionate and experienced death doula. If you’ve ever wondered what a death doula does, or if you’ve struggled to have conversations about end-of-life planning with your loved ones, this episode is for you. Neiasha shares her heartfelt journey, how her mother’s passing inspired her to help others, and practical insights for navigating grief and legacy planning.
We know these conversations can feel overwhelming, but by the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped to take the first steps toward approaching these topics with love, dignity, and confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
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What a death doula is and how they support families and individuals.
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Neiasha’s personal story of losing her mother and how it shaped her career.
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The misconceptions and fears around death, especially in the Black community.
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How Neiasha’s work intersects with estate planning and legacy building.
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Practical ways to start conversations about mortality and grief with loved ones.
Resources Mentioned:
Harriet’s Daughters: Learn more about Neiasha’s nonprofit organization supporting girls who’ve lost their mothers to cancer.
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International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA): Find training and resources on becoming a death doula (https://inelda.org)
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SR Law Group: Visit for more information on estate planning and related legal services. (https://srlawgrp.com)
Connect with Us:
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Visit our website for additional show notes and resources: www.srlawgrp.com.
Support the Show:
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