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Episode Notes
Did you know that having one conversation today could save your loved ones years of heartbreak tomorrow?
In this episode of Buried in Work podcast, Adam Zuckerman sits down with Kate DeBartolo, Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and leader of the groundbreaking Conversation Project. Together, they tackle one of the most avoided yet essential topics: end-of-life planning. But this isn’t about paperwork or legal jargon, it’s about connecting with the people who matter most and ensuring your values and wishes are honored when it matters most.
Kate shares deeply human stories, practical tools, and actionable insights to help you start conversations that many of us delay or avoid entirely. She also shares unique challenges faced by solo agers, the cultural barriers that prevent open dialogue, and why talking about your wishes isn’t just for the elderly or ill—it’s for anyone who values their relationships and wants to make life easier for those they love.
Key Takeaways
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How to begin these conversations naturally and respectfully.
- Why your healthcare proxy doesn’t have to be a family member—and who might be a better choice.
- The powerful impact these discussions have on reducing family conflict, uncertainty, and regret.
- How to create a lasting legacy by focusing on what truly matters to you.
Whether you’re 25 or 75, single or married, this episode will inspire you to rethink what really matters and take the first step toward conversations that could transform your life—and your legacy.
Show Links
- Download free tools and guides at The Conversation Project.
- Instagram - @convoproject
- Twitter - @convoproject
- Facebook - @TheConversationProject
About Kate DeBartolo
Kate DeBartolo is the Senior Director for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and Senior Director for The Conversation Project, IHI’s public engagement initiative to help people share their wishes for care through the end of life. The Conversation Project was founded in 2010, on the belief that end of life discussions should begin at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit. The organization offers free tools, guidance, and resources to begin talking with those who matter most about your and their wishes. In her role at the Institute Kate manages and cultivates relationships with national and state-level organizations that help engage the general public in advance care planning. Prior to joining IHI, Kate worked as a grant analyst at The California Endowment.
