What happens to your Social Security when life takes an unexpected turn? In this eye-opening episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss welcomes financial planner Bob Goldberg, CFP to demystify Social Security and survivor benefits in the context of end-of-life and legacy planning.

Bob breaks down key Social Security strategies, including when to start collecting benefits, how spousal and survivor benefits work, and why delaying might offer the highest long-term value. Learn the differences between early retirement at age 62, full retirement at 67, and maximizing your payout by waiting until 70. This episode also explores benefits for divorced spouses, minor children, and widows—crucial knowledge for families navigating loss.

With real-life case studies and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone planning for retirement, currently caregiving, or facing unexpected loss. You'll gain insight into how financial planning intersects with digital legacy, long-term care, and protecting loved ones after death.

🔔 Subscribe for biweekly episodes on death, technology, and financial planning.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
📘 Learn more at digitallegacypodcast.com

In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki Weiss welcomes Michelle Desmond, a former corporate executive turned thanatologist, to explore death, grief, and the digital age. Michelle shares her deeply personal journey—losing her father, husband, close friend, and mother—leading to her career shift into grief and death studies. Discover how she transitioned from business to earning a Master’s in Thanatology and how she now educates others on navigating end-of-life care, hospice, and grief literacy.

Together, Niki and Michelle discuss the role of end-of-life doulas, the history and resurgence of death awareness, and the impact of digital legacies on modern mourning. They unpack cultural stigmas around death, the importance of documenting final wishes, and how family dynamics shape end-of-life decisions.

Whether you're curious about the psychology of grief, the role of death tech, or how to talk about mortality, this episode offers heartfelt insight, practical tools, and empowering knowledge. Don’t miss this essential conversation on embracing death to better live life.

In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki welcomes Su Park, founder of Amori, a groundbreaking emotional legacy app helping parents preserve heartfelt messages for their children. Su shares the deeply personal story of losing her mother to cancer and how that grief inspired her mission to redefine how we approach end-of-life communication in the digital age.

Discover how tools like Amori empower families to record timeless memories, emotional reflections, and personal wisdom that can be accessed at key life stages—even long after a loved one is gone. From culturally nuanced grief to the psychology of digital time capsules, this conversation explores the intersection of death tech, emotional well-being, and legacy planning.

Whether you’re a parent, adult child, hospice worker, or curious about the future of digital memory keeping, this episode offers meaningful insights into embracing mortality and living with intention.

In this must-listen episode of Death and Dying in the Digital Age, host Niki chats with estate planning attorney and viral TikTok educator Michaelangelo Mortellaro about the urgent need for proactive end-of-life planning. With over $2 million in revenue generated through educational content, Michaelangelo shares why digital platforms like TikTok are revolutionizing how families approach topics like wills, power of attorney, long-term care planning, and Medicaid spend-down.

Discover the most common myths that stop people from taking action, including the belief that "there's always more time." Learn the powerful benefits—and potential risks—of Lady Bird Deeds (enhanced life estate deeds), how to avoid probate, and why a trust may offer more protection than a simple beneficiary designation.

Whether you're planning for aging parents, adult children, or your own digital legacy, this episode offers critical insights, real-life scenarios, and actionable steps to protect your assets and your family’s future.

In this powerful episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Dr. Michael Madison, a neurointerventional surgeon and founder of Thanacare, to explore the urgent need for advanced care planning in today’s medical landscape. Dr. Madison shares moving insights from his work treating stroke and aneurysm patients, where families often face emotional and ethical dilemmas due to the lack of end-of-life planning.

Together, they dive into the importance of medical directives, DNR/DNI orders, and designating healthcare proxies, especially for aging populations and solo agers. Learn how Dr. Madison's digital platform is revolutionizing death tech, making advanced care planning accessible through secure document storage, video directives, and QR code-enabled access.

Join in as they unpack the emotional toll of unprepared families, the financial implications of aggressive care, and how digital tools and AI may shape future ICU protocols. Whether you're caring for aging parents, navigating chronic illness, or planning your own legacy, this conversation is a must-listen.

✅ Subscribe now for expert advice on dying with dignity and ensuring your wishes are honored.

🔗 Visit Thanacare.com to start your plan today.

In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki talks with Cody Barbo, CEO and founder of Trust & Will, the nation’s leading online estate planning platform. Together, they explore how digital innovation is revolutionizing the way everyday families approach wills, trusts, probate, and end-of-life planning. Cody shares his personal story of why he created Trust & Will, tackling common barriers like cost, complexity, and emotional resistance. They dive into probate nightmares, digital estate planning, and how AI is shaping the future of legacy planning. Whether you're starting a will for the first time, navigating grief, or updating a decades-old estate plan, this episode offers actionable insights and compassionate guidance. Learn how services like Trust & Will makes estate planning accessible, affordable, and empowering—with tools to avoid probate, choose guardians, and securely manage your documents online. If you're a parent, caregiver, or part of the sandwich generation caring for aging parents, this episode is essential listening

In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki chats with expert estate appraiser Ray Nugent from Value Pros about the critical importance of estate planning, downsizing, and asset valuation. Whether you're an executor managing a loved one’s estate or looking to future-proof your legacy, this conversation dives deep into the realities of estate settlements, personal property valuation, and market trends that impact financial decisions.

Ray explains the key differences between real estate and personal property appraisals, why market demand determines true value, and how to avoid predatory liquidation sales. Learn why proactive estate planning can help families avoid financial loss, legal disputes, and emotional turmoil. Plus, Ray shares real-life insights on appraising collectibles, fine art, jewelry, and family heirlooms, ensuring a smooth transition for future generations.

Learn about:

🔹 Why planning ahead prevents financial losses
🔹 How to fairly distribute assets among heirs
🔹 Avoiding estate liquidation traps
🔹 What IRS and legal systems require for valuations

Don’t let your legacy become a burden! Tune in now and take control of your estate planning journey.

📌 Subscribe & listen now! 🎧

In this episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast, host Niki sits down with Crista Hermance, Esq, widely known as the Estate Planning Mom (www.estateplanningmom.com), to discuss the critical importance of estate planning—especially for young families. From wills vs. trusts to the hidden dangers of probate, Crista shares expert insights on protecting your children, assets, and future. Learn why every parent needs a plan, how to navigate guardianship decisions, and what happens when someone dies without a will. They also cover estate planning for the sandwich generation, ensuring elderly parents and young children are cared for. Discover why turning 18 is a legal milestone requiring essential documents like power of attorney and healthcare directives—a must for college-bound kids.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Wills vs. Trusts: Which one do you need?

✔️ How to Avoid Probate & Save Your Family Thousands

✔️ Guardianship & Custody: What Happens to Your Kids?

✔️ Protecting Assets from Creditors & Family Disputes

✔️ The Cost of Waiting: Real-Life Estate Planning Horror Stories

🔔 Don’t wait for a crisis—start planning now! Subscribe for more expert insights on digital legacies, estate law, and financial planning.