Episode 59 – Have No Fear: Exploring Death and Dying with Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden

 

What is dying really like—and could understanding it help us live more fully?

In this episode of The Art of Badassery, I’m joined by Julie McFadden—better known as Hospice Nurse Julie. A former ICU nurse turned hospice educator, Julie has helped millions rethink what the end of life actually looks like. Her honest and compassionate approach to talking about death has made her a trusted voice online and led to her New York Times bestselling book, Nothing to Fear.

Julie shares how her TikTok unexpectedly exploded, leading to major media coverage and a book deal. More importantly, she explains what she’s learned from thousands of patients about the natural dying process—and why it’s often far more peaceful than people imagine.

Listen to the episode here

Watch the episode here

Embracing Life’s End: A Deep Dive into Death, Hospice, and Living Fully

In a world where we often shy away from discussing death and dying, it is crucial to have conversations that shed light on this inevitable journey. Recently, on The Art of Badassery podcast, Jennifer Cassetta had an enlightening conversation with Julie McFadden, a seasoned nurse known for her work in hospice and her efforts to normalize discussions about death. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key insights and stories shared during the episode, offering a fresh perspective on life’s final chapter.

Setting the Intention

Before delving into the conversation with Julie McFadden, host Jenn Cassetta shares her approach to each podcast episode—setting an intention. The purpose of The Art of Badassery is to uplift, inspire, and provide hope in a challenging world. As listeners, we can reflect on this intention and consider how these stories and insights might elevate our energy and inspire those around us.

Julie McFadden: A Journey through Nursing and Social Media

Julie McFadden brings years of experience as both an ICU and hospice nurse. She shares her journey from feeling burned out in the ICU to finding passion and fulfillment in hospice care, eventually using social media to educate others about death and dying. With over 4 million followers and a New York Times bestselling book, “Nothing to Fear,” Julie has become a powerful voice in demystifying the end-of-life experience.

Lessons from Hospice Care

One of the most profound insights Julie shares is how the body prepares itself for death, highlighting the biological mechanisms that ease the process. She explains that contrary to popular belief, the body naturally knows how to die, often without the acute pain we associate with the end of life. This understanding can bring comfort to those facing death and their loved ones.

The Healing Power of Connection

Julie emphasizes the importance of connection, sharing personal stories of patients, like Randy, who found peace in their final days through the meaningful relationships they formed. As she recounts one of her favorite patient experiences, Julie highlights how, even at the end of life, letting go of fear allows individuals to embrace the journey with openness and acceptance.

Takeaways from the Episode

  1. Appreciate the Small Things: The conversation encourages us to appreciate the everyday moments we often take for granted, from our morning coffee to the ability to walk and shower independently. These experiences enrich our lives, and acknowledging them can lead to greater fulfillment.
  2. Conversations about End-of-Life Choices: Julie underscores the importance of planning and discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones. Filling out an advanced directive and communicating your desires ensures you and your family are prepared, reducing stress during difficult times.
  3. Redefining Death as a Part of Life: By normalizing discussions about death, Julie hopes to alleviate fear and empower individuals to live their lives more fully. Understanding death as a natural part of life’s journey allows us to approach it with acceptance and peace.

Conclusion

The episode with Julie McFadden on The Art of Badassery podcast provides a compassionate and informative look at death through the lens of a hospice nurse. By sharing candid stories and practical advice, Jenn and Julie remind us of the importance of living intentionally and embracing every moment, even those leading up to our final days.

Important Links

About Julie McFadden

Julie McFadden, BSN, RN has been a nurse for 17 years.  Julie is an experienced ICU, and now Hospice/Palliative Nurse. Julie has been featured in Time magazine, Newsweek, GMA, USA today,  and several other articles worldwide. Julie has been passionate about normalizing death through education to the masses using social media and now her new, NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING book, Nothing To Fear! She has over 4M followers across her platforms, and you can find at Hospice Nurse Julie.  

Learn more about Julie at https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/

Episode 58 – Unraveling Patriarchy with Anna Malaika Tubbs: A Quest for True Democracy

Have you ever wondered why women’s stories keep disappearing from history—and what that means for our lives today?

In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, I talk with two-time New York Times bestselling author and sociologist Anna Malaika Tubbs about her book Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us and how patriarchy was intentionally designed into the United States’ founding structures to keep power with white elite men through rights like land ownership and voting. 

Anna shares how her global, nomadic upbringing shaped her belief that change is possible, and she opens up about personal hardships, including losing her mother at 29 and facing sexism, racism, and ageism in the spotlight as her husband rose in politics. We discuss how American history is a constant tug-of-war between those defending the original social order and those fighting for a real democracy, why Black women have been central to recognizing the system as constructed, why some women still defend patriarchy through proximity to power, and what it looks like to stay spiritually grounded while taking action.  

Listen to the episode here

Watch the episode here

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, where our host, Jenn Cassetta, Chief Badassery Officer, engages in a meaningful discussion with Anna Malaika Tubbs, a two-time New York Times bestselling author and multidisciplinary expert on race, gender, and equity. Through their insightful conversation, they delve into Anna’s unique upbringing, her compelling books, and her fight against the constructs of patriarchy.

Anna’s Multifaceted Background

Anna began her life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but her parents’ desire for a nomadic lifestyle took her to places around the globe, from Dubai to Estonia. This exposure to diverse cultures developed Anna’s passion for social justice and laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. With impressive academic accomplishments, including a PhD in sociology and a master’s in gender studies from Cambridge, Anna brings a wide lens to the subjects she’s passionate about.

The Power of Positivity

Anna shares how her optimism shapes her worldview. Despite facing challenges like losing her mother and being consistently underestimated, Anna reframes struggles as transformative experiences. Her strong belief in the power of positivity fuels her dedication to contribute to societal progress through her work.

Three Takeaways from This Episode:

Understanding Historical Constructs:

  1. Anna stresses that American patriarchy was strategically embedded into the nation’s founding, with a concerted effort to maintain a social order that favored white elite men. Recognizing this fact is essential to understanding systemic oppression and working towards authentic equality.

The Role of Women in Progress:

  1. Anna highlights the crucial role women, particularly black women, have played in challenging and dismantling systems of oppression. Her work illuminates the stories of women whose contributions have been historically erased, urging us to appreciate the profound impact women have had in shaping society.

Envisioning a True Democracy:

  1. Anna advocates for a true democracy where everyone’s voice is valued and represented. This involves pushing for mandatory voting and ensuring no one’s right to vote is unjustly stripped away. Her vision extends beyond simply dismantling patriarchy; it’s about crafting a society where equity is the norm.

The Journey with Anna’s Books

Anna’s first book, “The Three Mothers: How The Mothers of MLK Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation,” sheds light on the incredible, yet often overlooked, contributions of these mothers. Her second book, “Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us,” delves deeper into how patriarchy has influenced the nation’s history and present, challenging us to rethink and strive for inclusivity in all spheres of life.

Conclusion

Jenn and Anna wrap up their conversation with an exploration of how present-day movements contribute to dismantling long-standing patriarchal systems, offering hope for a future where everyone’s humanity is acknowledged and celebrated. Anna Malaika Tubbs’s insights and efforts encourage us all to be active participants in forging a better world.

Stay Connected

To continue conversations like this or engage with Anna’s work, consider purchasing her books or connecting with her on social media platforms. Her commitment to social justice and equity sets a powerful example for all striving to rewrite our collective history.

Thank You for Being Part of the Change

Thank you for tuning in with an open heart and mind. Together, we can elevate the frequency and vibration of the planet by contributing to progress and encouraging inclusivity. Until next time, stay inspired!

Important Links

About Anna Malaika Tubbs

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a 2x New York Times bestselling author and multidisciplinary expert on current and historical understandings of race, gender, and equity. With a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Master’s in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge in addition to a Bachelor’s in Medical Anthropology from Stanford University, Anna translates her academic knowledge into stories that are clear and engaging. Her articles have been published by TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, Newsweek, The Guardian, and others. Her first book, The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of MLK Jr, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation came out in 2021; her second book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us came out in May of 2025. Anna’s storytelling also takes form in her talks, including her TED Talk that has been viewed 2 million times, as well as the scripted and unscripted screen projects she has in development. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their three kids.

Learn more about Anna Malaika Tubbs at https://annamalaikatubbs.com/.