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Episode Notes
When death doula Kacie Gikonyo held the hands of hundreds of people in their final moments, she kept hearing the same thing again and again:
"I wish I had spent more time living… and less time working."
In this episode of Buried in Work, Death Doula Kacie Gikonyo, founder of the Death Doula Collective and Death Doula School, joins us to share the raw, human stories she's witnessed at the end of life — and how they transformed her own purpose and path forever.
We dive deep into what death teaches us about purpose, presence, and priorities. Kacie explains what a death doula actually does, how she helps families transform fear into peace, and how we can all begin having these hard conversations long before it's too late.
Whether you’re facing a diagnosis, helping a loved one, or simply want to live with more intention, this episode offers clarity, courage, and compassion.
Key Takeaways
- Most people regret working too much and living too little.
- Death doulas provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support.
- Planning early can ease fear and reduce chaos.
- COVID revealed the deep gaps in end-of-life care.
- You don’t need to wait for a crisis to start the conversation.
Show Links
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????️Join a supportive nationwide network for end-of-life doulas : https://deathdoulakacie.com
- ???? Enroll in Death Doula School: https://deathdoulakacie.com/death-doula-school
About Kacie
Kacie Gikonyo is a registered nurse turned death doula, educator, and founder of the Death Doula Collective and Death Doula School. After over a decade in long-term care and witnessing hundreds of end-of-life experiences — including on the frontlines during COVID — Kacie discovered her true calling: helping people die with dignity, peace, and presence.
Through her work, Kacie supports individuals and families through one of life’s hardest transitions, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical care that goes far beyond the medical model. She now trains and mentors aspiring death doulas nationwide, equipping them with the tools to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Whether she’s holding space for a final goodbye or teaching others how to walk with the dying, Kacie’s mission is simple but powerful: to change the way we experience death — and, in doing so, change how we live.
