S02 EP. 3-2 | Planning, Legacy & The Truth About Death | Open Notes Podcast
In this insightful and unexpectedly humorous episode, we sit down with Karen to explore one of life’s most avoided topics: death and everything that comes with it. From legacy planning to unclaimed assets to alternative burial options like aquamation, Karen walks us through the realities most people never discuss but should.
Karen shares why avoiding conversations about death leaves families overwhelmed, the importance of organizing your financial and personal information, and how end-of-life support systems like death doulas can bring comfort and clarity.
This episode covers:
🌹 Why society avoids talking about death
🌹 How alternative practices like aquamation and natural burials work
🌹 Finding unclaimed property and surprising hidden assets
🌹 What legacy planning includes from wills to trusts to documenting your life
Both enlightening and refreshingly down-to-earth, this conversation normalizes end-of-life planning and reminds us that it’s never too early or too strange to talk about what we want.
Timestamps:
00:00 | Episode Snippet
00:16 | Society seems to avoid conversation in relation to death. Why do you think that is and do you know if there are other societies that are more open to talking about death? How can we talk more freely about it?
03:09 | Are there any kind of options that you give to people to prepare for the end?
04:56 | What is aquamation?
07:39 | How do you balance all of your accomplishments and responsibilities in your life?
08:44 | Should we make a will or a trust?
09:20 | Can you give us a sneak peek of legacy planning?
12:01 | How do illegitimate children effect inheritance?
14:07 | What happens when money goes unclaimed?
17:59 | If your present self could give your past self any advice, what would it be and why?
19:06 | What is the most challenging aspect of your work and how do you cope with it?
20:55 | Thanks for watching!
NOTE: This information is for general informational purposes only, and is not legal advice.
#EndOfLifePlanning #LegacyPlanning #DeathPositivity #EstatePlanning #Aquamation #DeathDoula #TalkAboutDeath #OpenNotesPodcast #LifeOrganization #AlternativeBurials #UnclaimedProperty #FinancialWellness #NormalizeDeathTalk
Music
The Intro We Have Been Waiting For | Produced & Written by Kevin Shrout | 756E6D69-6E757300
Guest | Karen Tarnopol Schultz
Hosts | Angela Thompson, Nora Mortimer, & Kiana Gerhart
Video Editor | Kiana Gerhart @its_kianaaaa
Content Revisers | Nora Mortimer, & Angela Thompson