Shows
Wealth CoherenceConscious Prenups with Jill MastroianniEpisode Summary |
In this conversation, Emily Bouchard and Jill Mastroianni delve into the often-taboo topic of prenuptial agreements, exploring their importance in fostering open communication and trust in relationships. They discuss how childhood experiences shape our views on money and relationships, the stigma surrounding prenups, and the necessity of having financial conversations before marriage. The discussion emphasizes the significance of emotional regulation and creating a safe space for these conversations, ultimately advocating for a proactive approach to financial discussions in relationships.
Chapters |
00:00 The Expanding Pie: Collaborative Relationships
01:37 Prenup References
03:47 M...2025-07-2941 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhat Every Parent Needs to Know When Their Child Turns 18Your child becomes a legal adult at 18, but what if something happens, and they can’t speak for themselves? Would you be allowed in the room? Would you know what they’d want?In this episode, Jill shares the powerful real-life stories of Nancy Cruzan and Terri Schiavo, and explores the legal right to terminate life-sustaining treatment.Whether your teen is heading to college or still living at home, Jill walks you through the essential documents and conversations that can protect your child’s autonomy and give your family peace of mind.What We Cov...2025-07-2917 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhy Prenups Aren't Just for the Rich (or the Divorcing)What if a prenup could actually strengthen your relationship?In this episode, family dynamics coach Emily Bouchard joins Jill Mastroianni to challenge the stigma around prenuptial agreements. They explore how prenups, and the conversations that come with them, can deepen connection, build trust, and clarify expectations in relationships. Whether you’re engaged, remarried, or already decades into marriage, this conversation offers tools for more honest, compassionate dialogue around money.Jill also shares a real-life story from my legal practice about how one couple’s lack of communication led to unintended and heartbreaking consequences, and how it c...2025-07-2539 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhat You Need to Know About Medicaid and Protecting Your Mom’s HouseAre you worried that the government might “take the house” if your parent ever needs nursing home care? A listener named Eileen is facing this exact question, and her son-in-law thinks a trust is the answer. But is it?In this episode, Jill unpacks how Medicaid works, what a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust actually does, and why good estate planning starts with the person at the center, not just the property. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever panicked about Medicaid’s five-year lookback or felt pressure to “act fast” without knowing what you're really...2025-07-2216 min
The Legacy of Love: Estate Planning Simplified for MothersHow Even the Closest Families End Up in Court (And What You Can Do to Prevent It)What happens when no one agrees on who should manage a loved one’s care or their money? This week, Sara shares her recent guest appearance on The Death Readiness Podcast with host Jill Mastroianni. Many families avoid estate planning and care conversations, only to face conflict, confusion, or crisis when decisions can no longer be delayed. This episode reveals how early, intentional planning rooted in love can preserve both relationships and legacy.In this episode, you will:Understand what a professional fiduciary really does and how they can prevent fami...2025-07-2147 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhy You Need (or Don't Need) a TrustMost of us don’t understand what a trust is or what it does. In this bite-sized Tuesday Triage episode, Jill breaks it down in plain language: what a revocable trust is, what it can and can’t do, and how to know whether it’s the right tool for your situation.What Jill Discusses:What a trust is and what a revocable trust meansWhy trusts are tools, not status symbolsTwo key reasons people use revocable trusts: (1) to simplify management of assets during life and after death, and (2) to avoid probate after death.Common situations where a revo...2025-07-1515 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhat to Do with a Dead Body, Who’s in Charge, and Who PaysWhat do you actually do when someone dies? Call 911, the coroner, or Google “funeral homes near me”? In this episode, director of pre-planning at Feldman Mortuary in Denver, Colorado, Jamie Sarche, returns to The Death Readiness Podcast to demystify what really happens behind the scenes after a death. We discuss how a lack of planning can leave your family vulnerable to grief, manipulation, and financial strain, why skipping a funeral can backfire, and how pre-planning can be the ultimate act of love.We discuss:Whom to call when someone dies at homeWhy calling 911 is o...2025-07-1152 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow Powers of Attorney Work, When to Use Them, and When It’s Too Late to Get OneYour parent’s health is declining. The bills keep piling up. Are you legally allowed to step in? In this first Tuesday Triage episode, Jill explains how powers of attorney really work, who can use them, and what you can do now to prepare for your parent’s cognitive decline before it’s too late.What We DiscussedWhat a power of attorney is and when to use itWho can grant a power of attorney and when mental capacity mattersImmediate vs. springing powers of attorneyWhy successor agents can’t act until the primary agent can’tPractical steps to pr...2025-07-0810 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow to Prevent your Estate Plan from Becoming a Family BattlefieldWhat happens when no one agrees on who should manage a loved one’s care—or their money? Jill talks with Sara Ecklein, a professional fiduciary in California, to talk about what goes wrong when we don’t plan ahead. From costly legal fights to irreparable family breakdowns, they unpack how a neutral third party can step in before conflict becomes a catastrophe.They also explore what it means to be a mindful fiduciary, how family dynamics get complicated when siblings are put in charge, and why planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about legacy.What...2025-06-2748 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow our favorite movies trained us to accept lessWhat if the movies we loved growing up were quietly teaching us to settle for less credit, less rest, and less power? In this episode, Jill Mastroianni unpacks the messages in movies like Groundhog Day, Three Men and a Baby, and Miss Congeniality, and how those messages still echo today in hospitals, law offices, and family conversations about caregiving and estate planning.Jill talks about agency, consent, emotional labor, and how the women who keep everything afloat often lack the tools and support they deserve. This episode is both a breakdown and a wake-up call. And, it’s...2025-06-1318 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow to Succeed in the Caregiving Role No One Trained You ForCaregiving isn’t side work - it’s a leadership position. Host Jill Mastroianni talks with Jennifer O’Brien, author of Care Boss and The Hospice Doctor’s Widow, about the emotional labor, strategic thinking, and societal blind spots surrounding caregiving. Drawing from her experience leading healthcare organizations as well as caring for her husband and parents, Jennifer challenges the notion of caregiving as “soft” work and offers real-world tools to do it well. We cover everything from palliative care to “go bags” to how not to offer help to a caregiver.If you're juggling caregiving responsibilities, this episode is...2025-05-301h 18
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhat You Need to Know About Embalming, Cremation, and Eco-Friendly FuneralsWhat happens to your body after you die—and who decides? Jill sits down with Jamie Sarche, Director of Pre-arranged Funeral Planning, at Feldman Mortuary, to explore embalming, cremation (both fire and water), green burial, body composting, and the emotional and logistical weight of making funeral plans. Jill even begins her own funeral planning on-air, offering listeners a firsthand look at what these conversations involve.If you've ever wondered what’s inside an urn, whether you can be composted, or why so many cremated remains end up forgotten in a closet, this is the episode for you.2025-05-161h 20The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhy Talking About Your Parent's Death Can’t WaitAs a daughter, a sister to a brother with special needs, and a mother herself, Jill Mastroianni knows firsthand what it feels like to carry the weight of future planning. This episode offers an intimate glimpse into her own family’s story—one filled with heartbreak, hesitation, and ultimately, the strength to move forward. Because sometimes death readiness doesn’t feel brave—it just feels necessary.We explore:The mental load women carry when they’re the ones holding it all togetherThe emotional weight of estate planning conversations with aging parentsPlanning for a sibling with special needs—and...2025-05-0245 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastStart Your Own Family Podcast with these Simple StepsIn 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 experience serving in the Vietnam War. Nicknamed “Macaroni” during basic training, Carmen’s stories are full of humor, heartbreak, and history. Along the way, Jill offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how you can create a podcast to p...2025-04-1834 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow to Start the Senior Care ConversationIn 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 nursing facility. Together, they unpack the real challenges families face when navigating aging, caregiving, and the difficult decisions that arise at their intersection.What We DiscussWhat long-term care real...2025-04-041h 00
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow to Choose the Right Special Needs Estate Planning TeamIn 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 roles.Kristen also shares key mistakes to avoid—such as disinheriting a child with special needs—and explains how tools like special needs trusts and ABLE accounts fit into a well-rounded planning strategy. Whethe...2025-03-211h 00
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastA Parents’ Guide to Special Needs Estate PlanningIn 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 than just drafting a trust.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, diving deep into government benefits, asset limits, trust types, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episode is packed with essential guidance to...2025-03-071h 11
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhat it Takes to Raise a Child with Special NeedsHost 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, and community life.Jill and her father discuss how societal attitudes toward children with special needs have evolved over the decades and the crucial role of advocacy in securing opportunities for Dan. They highlight the importance of inclusion, the impa...2025-02-211h 09
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhat to Know Before Choosing an Executor or Agreeing to Serve as OneWhat 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 estate administration, sparked by her own experiences after the deaths of her father and brother-in-law. She explains how after-loss professionals provide essential support to grieving families and executors.Together, Jill and Mollie discuss:The critical role of after-loss professionals...2025-02-141h 01The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhy You Shouldn’t Worry About the Estate TaxTaxes 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.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The history of estate taxes and how they came to beWhat the federal estate tax exemption means for you in 2025 (and how it’s s...2025-02-0729 min
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow to Talk to Your Parents about DeathIn 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, A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person’s Affairs, which serves as a compassionate guide through the emotional and logistical challenges of administering a loved one’s esta...2025-01-3153 minThe Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastWhat Probate Really Means and How to Avoid ItIn 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 ownership, and ensuring your wishes are properly documented. Whether you're just starting your estate planning journey or looking to refine it, this episode offers valuable insights to help you take meaningful steps toward securing your legacy.In...2025-01-241h 01
The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastHow to Organize and Preserve Your LegacyIn 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, including how she found her grandmother’s Pearl Harbor diary while clearing out her father’s home. This discovery sparked an investigation into her family history, revealing unexpected connections. Jill and Julie also emphasize the value of storytelling while loved ones are still...2025-01-1758 minThe Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastThe Real Cost of Dying Without an Estate PlanWelcome 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 scenarios of how preparation (or the lack thereof) can impact those you care about most.Practical first steps: Setting up your iPhone's Medical ID and creating an emergency medical information sheet to ensure you're read...2025-01-1015 minThe Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate planning podcastTrailerWelcome 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 attorney? How do you ensure your plans stay up to date as life changes? Together, we’ll break down these challenges step by step—no law degree or financial background required.Each episode will provide practical advice, real...2025-01-0602 min
La Symphonie du cinémaClaudia Cardinale, «la petite fiancée de l’Italie»Claudia Cardinale, c’est d’abord une beauté à tomber par terre et un regard brun pénétrant et mélancolique dans "Il était une fois dans l’Ouest", de Sergio Leone en 1968. Un rôle à jamais mythique qui marquera sa carrière grâce au succès phénoménal du film. Tout avait commencé en Italie en 1955 pour cette fille, née de parents siciliens installés en Tunisie, qui découvre, à 17 ans, à la Mostra de Venise, pour la première fois le pays d’origine de sa famille. Elle vient de remporter le premier prix de beauté de « la plus belle It...2023-08-1629 min