50: How to Talk About Your Mortality

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Barnsdale, Certified Financial Planner, Licensed Funeral Director, and author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, for a heartfelt conversation about one of life’s toughest (but most important) topics: planning for death.

We talk about the emotional and financial consequences of avoiding end-of-life planning and why leaning into conversations about wills, funerals, and legacy now can bring clarity, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships later.

Greg shares personal stories, including his own shocking brain tumor diagnosis, and insights from decades in both funeral homes and financial offices. Together, we explore how to approach mortality with honesty, courage, and even a little humor, so that farm families can age with less fear and more intention.

If you've been putting off those tough conversations or struggling to get your family on board, this episode is a loving nudge to take the next step.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Greg Barnsdale

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
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Timestamps

0:02:03 - Greg's background in the funeral industry0:03:11 - Greg's motivation for writing the book0:05:35 - Discussion on preventing family hallway huddles0:12:43 - Why people avoid creating wills0:22:54 - Superstitions about talking about death0:23:38 - Funeral budgeting and changing funeral traditions0:25:07 - Organ donation and healthcare directives0:27:48 - Strategies for planning when family is resistant0:31:59 - How to find Greg and his resources (website)