Walking Each Other Home: A Death Doula’s Guide to Life | Shawna Barlette
What if the very thing we fear most could actually become a source of peace, love, and even purpose?
In this profound conversation on Lioness Conversations, I sit down with Shawna Barlette, a certified end-of-life doula and Death Literacy Specialist who calls herself a “death walker.” Shawna opens her heart about her journey—from crippling panic attacks to the devastating loss of her husband—and how those experiences prepared her to guide others through life’s final transition.
Together, we explore how shifting from fear to presence transforms the way we view death—not as something to dread, but as a sacred passage filled with choice, dignity, and even beauty. Shawna reveals the often-misunderstood role of an end-of-life doula, challenges myths about death, and shares how she walks alongside families with compassion, clarity, and courage.
This episode asks us to reconsider: What would change in your life if you stopped fearing death—and started embracing it as part of the human experience?
Connect with Shawna:
https://www.thedoulahearts.com/
Lioness Community:
https://www.jenportercoach.com/
End of life resources:
https://inelda.org/ (international)
https://www.nedalliance.org/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Death and Dying Conversations
02:48 The Role of an End of Life Doula
05:31 Normalizing Death: A Shift in Perspective
08:13 Fear and Its Impact on the Dying Process
10:44 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations
13:30 Family Dynamics and Resistance in End of Life Situations
16:16 Understanding Goals in End of Life Care
19:07 The Importance of Listening and Trust
21:51 Bringing Compassion Back to Death and Dying
25:13 Reclaiming Inner Wisdom
26:44 The Evolution of Death Practices
28:21 Understanding Burial Options
31:10 The Role of Touch and Presence
33:13 Navigating Fear of Death
36:37 The Importance of Support During Dying
40:35 Compassion in Death and Dying
43:18 Personal Journey to Death Work
48:25 Aligning with Purpose and Overcoming Fear
51:05 The Journey to Ironman: Confronting Fears
56:01 Embracing Suffering and Finding Strength
59:32 The Role of a Death Doula: Who Needs One?
01:03:47 Education and Empowerment in End-of-Life Care
01:08:30 The Impact of Personal Connection and Purpose
Connect with Shawna:
https://www.thedoulahearts.com/
Lioness Community:
https://www.jenportercoach.com/
End of life resources:
https://inelda.org/ (international)
https://www.nedalliance.org/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Death and Dying Conversations
02:48 The Role of an End of Life Doula
05:31 Normalizing Death: A Shift in Perspective
08:13 Fear and Its Impact on the Dying Process
10:44 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations
13:30 Family Dynamics and Resistance in End of Life Situations
16:16 Understanding Goals in End of Life Care
19:07 The Importance of Listening and Trust
21:51 Bringing Compassion Back to Death and Dying
25:13 Reclaiming Inner Wisdom
26:44 The Evolution of Death Practices
28:21 Understanding Burial Options
31:10 The Role of Touch and Presence
33:13 Navigating Fear of Death
36:37 The Importance of Support During Dying
40:35 Compassion in Death and Dying
43:18 Personal Journey to Death Work
48:25 Aligning with Purpose and Overcoming Fear
51:05 The Journey to Ironman: Confronting Fears
56:01 Embracing Suffering and Finding Strength
59:32 The Role of a Death Doula: Who Needs One?
01:03:47 Education and Empowerment in End-of-Life Care
01:08:30 The Impact of Personal Connection and Purpose
Creators and Guests
Host
Jen Porter
Corporate leader turned entrepreneur, I created "Lioness Conversations" to amplify the voices of extraordinary women—leaders who have faced fear, overcome challenges, and are now shaping the world with their work. This podcast is a space for courage, truth, and deep inspiration. My mission is to empower women to be brave, leading with confidence and joy, to do the most meaningful work of their lives.
Guest
Shawna Barlette
Shawna Barlette is a certified end-of-life doula and Death Literacy Specialist whose life's work is to transform our relationship with death.
