Big Stuff With Danielle Colley

The Brutal and Beautiful Truth of Losing a Parent; Coping After The Death Of A Parent

Danielle Colley Season 1 Episode 8

Enjoyed this and want to let us know? Drop us a text

Casey Beros had interviewed hundreds of medical experts and built her career teaching people how to navigate healthcare. But when her father was diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma (asbestos cancer), all her professional expertise meant nothing when she was sobbing in a hospital corridor at 2 AM.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Casey shares her journey of caring for her father through his final two and a half years, the return of his addiction struggles, and how watching someone you love die changes you in ways you never expected. She discusses the brutal reality of terminal illness, the complexity of grief, and why she wrote "Next of Kin" - a practical guide born from one of the worst experiences of her life.


Resources Mentioned

  • "Next of Kin" by Casey Beros -Comprehensive handbook for healthcare navigation and caregiving (available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook)
  • "The Bad Girls Guide to Better" by Casey Beros - Casey's stealth help guide to getting your act together


Connect with Casey

Website: https://www.caseyberos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseyberos/




00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:10 Casey's Personal Journey Begins

04:20 Navigating the Healthcare System

19:15 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving

31:02 Dealing with Addiction and Illness

37:17 The Dilemma of Addiction in Palliative Care

38:14 The Emotional Toll of Watching a Loved One Suffer

39:35 The Role of a Death Doula

42:02 The Brutality and Beauty of the Final Days

52:58 Navigating Grief and Loss

54:38 Turning Heartbreak into Purpose

56:04 The Importance of Preserving Memories

01:01:28 The Unquenchable Thirst of Grief

01:07:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections



Connect with Danielle: 

See her website - https://daniellecolley.com.au/

But the Chocolate Bar Life book - https://www.thechocolatebarlife.com.au/buy-book

Find her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamdaniellecolley/ 

Connect on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/IAmDanielleColley/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

Watch on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@iamdaniellecolley 

Check out her substack - https://substack.com/@iamdaniellecolley?utm_source=user-menu