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.

We talk about:

• What actually happens in the body during a natural death
• Why people often lose hunger and thirst at the end of life
• Common end-of-life regrets people share
• Practical ways to prepare, from advance directives to organizing important information

This conversation is thoughtful, eye-opening, and surprisingly empowering. By understanding death a little better, we can learn how to live—and love—the time we have.

Connect with Julie McFadden

• Website - https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie/
• Book - Have No Fear https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/book