Embracing Life Through the Lens of Death: A Conversation with Hospice Nurse and Author Penny Hawkins Smith

In this episode I’m joined by Penny Hawkins Smith, a compassionate hospice nurse, influencer, and author of Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living. With over 2 million followers, Penny uses her platform to educate, inspire, and bring light to the often-taboo topic of death. Together, we delve into the emotional and spiritual depths of end-of-life care, from Penny’s personal journey of overcoming death anxiety to the remarkable, love-filled moments she’s witnessed at the bedside of her patients. We share stories of redemption, forgiveness, and the surprising ways people find peace and purpose in their final days. Penny opens up about the challenges of caregiving, the unkindness of online criticism, and the resilience it takes to continue helping others in the face of negativity. We discuss the cultural taboos surrounding death and the importance of breaking the silence—not just to reduce fear, but to foster deeper connections with those we love. From deathbed visions to spiritual encounters with lost loved ones, this episode shines a light on the beauty, meaning, and energy that emerge when we embrace life’s final chapter. This is an inspiring conversation about vulnerability, compassion, and the lessons we can all learn from the fragility of life. Whether you’ve experienced loss, are supporting a loved one, or are simply curious about what lies beyond, this episode will leave you reflecting on the enduring bonds that transcend life and death. Tune in for a journey of healing, hope, and the reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there is light. Find out more about Penny through her site: https://www.hospicenursepenny.com/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #WellnessJourney #FindingMeaningInLoss #Influencer #Author #Caregiving #LivingFully #Mortality #HospiceNurse #GriefAndLoss #HealingThroughDeath #PennyHawkinsSmith #trauma #DeathAnxiety #EndOfLifeCare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices