A Better Ending: How Death Doulas and Doctors Are Transforming End-of-Life Care

In this heartfelt conversation that touches the core of our shared humanity, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Dr. Bob Uslander and death doula Lori Krause to explore how their unique partnership creates a gentle holding space for grief. Their dialogue reveals how doulas become trusted companions in sorrow—offering a compassionate presence that acknowledges pain while helping families find moments of connection, meaning, and even peace during life’s most tender transitions. Together, they illustrate how this collaborative approach allows grief to be expressed and honored rather than rushed or dismissed.

Their insights illuminate how death doulas serve as skilled grief guides, walking alongside both the dying and their loved ones through the complex emotional landscape of letting go. This partnership provides a continuous thread of support as families navigate anticipatory grief, the moment of death, and the delicate days that follow. Doulas help create rituals that acknowledge loss, facilitate difficult conversations, and normalize the messy, non-linear nature of grief that our culture often struggles to embrace. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by a recent diagnosis, seeking ways to support a grieving family member, or hoping to approach death with greater intention, we invite you to listen to this transformative conversation and discover how compassionate grief support can make all the difference. Listen to the full episode here and join us in reimagining what it means to be held in grief.