The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcast

In this special episode, we step away from legal mechanics and into something deeply personal: the power of capturing family stories. Jill and her daughter April share an episode from their private family podcast, featuring Carmen Mastroianni—Jill’s father and April’s grandfather. Carmen reflects on his childhood in Schenectady, New York, his unexpected path to college, and his unforgettable exper...

In this real and relatable episode, Jill explores the often-avoided topic of senior living and long-term care. She’s joined by senior care consultant Mikelle Rappaport, who breaks down the various types of senior living and care options and how to plan for them—both practically and financially. Jill also speaks with Bob Stanton, who shares the journey of moving his wife of 54 years into a skilled...

In this episode, host Jill Mastroianni continues her conversation with Kristen Lewis, a special needs estate planning attorney. They explore how to build the right team of professionals to support your child’s future. From trustees to life care planners, disability care managers, and legal guardians, they discuss who should be on your team and how to choose the right people for these critical role...

In this episode, Jill welcomes Kristen Lewis , a nationally recognized special needs estate planning attorney, to unpack the critical legal and financial steps families should take to secure the future of a loved one with special needs. They explore common misconceptions, how traditional estate planning often fails these families, and why comprehensive special needs planning requires much more tha...

Host Jill Mastroianni sits down with her father, Carmen Mastroianni, to discuss his journey raising her older brother, Dan, who was born with Down syndrome in 1977. Through personal stories and reflections, Carmen shares the challenges, triumphs, and advocacy efforts that shaped their family’s experience, from navigating early medical uncertainties to ensuring Dan’s inclusion in school, sports, an...

What happens after someone passes away? Who handles the logistics, financial matters, and legal steps? In this episode, Jill speaks with Mollie Lacher, a leader in the after-loss services industry, about the often-overlooked challenges of estate administration and how professionals can help families navigate these responsibilities. Mollie shares her personal journey from project management to esta...

Taxes can be confusing, but they don’t have to be terrifying. In this solo episode, Jill Mastroianni breaks down estate, inheritance, and gift taxes, helping you separate fact from fiction. Will estate taxes impact your family? Probably not. And what’s the deal with gifting limits? Jill walks you through the history, the myths, and what really matters when it comes to taxes and death readiness. Wh...

In this episode of The Death Readiness Podcast , Jill is joined by Megan Malick, founder of A New Path , grief and after-loss educator, speaker, and author. Megan shares insights on navigating the complexities of loss, discussing why conversations about death readiness are so difficult, and offering practical steps to approach these conversations with loved ones. She also introduces her new book,...

In this episode, Jill is joined by podcast expert Jon Gay, who shares a personal probate challenge his family faced. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of probate, what happens when estates aren't settled properly, and why planning ahead is crucial. Jill provides practical advice on how to avoid probate pitfalls, including the importance of professional guidance, understanding asset ow...

In this heartfelt episode, Jill welcomes Julie Ulrich, founder of Organized Legacy, to explore the importance of preserving family stories and legacies before they're lost. Together, they discuss the challenges and emotional rewards of navigating loss, clearing out a loved one's belongings, and uncovering meaningful treasures—both physical and intangible. Julie shares her personal journey, includi...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Death Readiness Podcast ! In this debut, host Jill Mastroianni—an experienced attorney and death readiness advocate—dives into what it truly means to be prepared for the inevitable. This episode covers: What is death readiness? A compassionate approach to planning for yourself and the loved ones you leave behind. A thought exercise: Two contrasting scenario...

Welcome to The Death Readiness Podcast , hosted by Jill Mastroianni, an attorney with more than a decade of experience specializing in trusts and estates. In this podcast, Jill makes death readiness approachable, understandable, and empowering for individuals and families. Navigating the legal and emotional complexities of life and death can feel overwhelming. How do you find a trustworthy attorne...