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Episode Notes
After this episode, you’ll see life, death, and everything in between in a way you never have before.
Adam Zuckerman sits down with Penny Hawkins-Smith, a nationally certified hospice and palliative care nurse, social media educator, and author of Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living. With over two decades of experience in hospice care and a vibrant online presence, Penny shares her unique journey from a challenging past to a life dedicated to helping others find peace in their final moments.
Key Takeaways
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The Truth About Hospice: Penny dispels common myths, including why hospice doesn’t hasten death and how it can provide comfort and dignity for families.
- The Power of Humor and Storytelling: How Penny uses social media and humor to normalize taboo topics and educate millions.
- Practical Steps for Families: What you need to know to prepare for end-of-life care, from advanced directives to creating a meaningful legacy.
- Penny’s Inspiring Journey: How she turned her life around and found purpose in what she calls “sacred work.”
- Social Media’s Impact: How TikTok and Instagram have become platforms for education, connection, and even fundraising for patients in need.
Penny’s message is clear: death is not something to fear. By confronting it openly and honestly, we can reduce anxiety and pave the way for a better end-of-life experience—not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones as well.
This episode will leave you inspired, informed, and, most importantly, empowered to approach life's most challenging moments with compassion and clarity.
Show Links
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Penny’s Book: Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living
- Listen to her podcast: Death Happens Podcast
- Follow Penny on TikTok: @hospicenursepenny
- Follow Penny on Instagram: @hospicenursepenny
About Penny Smith
Penny Smith is a nationally certified hospice and palliative care registered nurse with over 17 years of experience, passionately advocating for hospice care and normalizing conversations about death and dying. Penny has been a steady presence for countless families during the end-of-life journey, offering education and comfort in the face of fear and uncertainty. Her ability to explain that what families were witnessing was “normal” provided much-needed relief, helping to replace fear with understanding.
During the 2020 pandemic, Penny expanded her advocacy to social media, using creative teaching styles to educate a global audience. From TikTok trends and dark humor to storytelling and straight talk, Penny’s innovative and approachable methods have made her a trusted voice in death education. Her grassroots approach brings clarity to complex topics, encouraging conversations about mortality that are often avoided.
Penny’s philosophy is simple yet profound: avoiding conversations about death won’t stop it from happening. Instead, embracing and planning for it leads to a better end-of-life experience. Through her work, Penny continues to inspire individuals and families to confront death with knowledge, preparation, and compassion.
