In this compassionate episode of The Senior Scoop, hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel speak with Jill McClennen, a certified death doula and celebrant who supports people and families through life’s final chapters. Jill shares the personal story that led her into this work, what death doulas actually do, and how simple acts of presence, conversation and ritual can transform both dying and grieving.

She explains how her experience caring for her grandmother changed her view of hospice and end-of-life care, and how that led to decades of learning, volunteer work, and ultimately a vocation supporting others. The conversation is practical, covering how to start hard conversations with family, what a doula’s non-medical role includes, and how rituals and funerary choices can be deeply healing.

This episode is both a how-to and an invitation: to speak earlier, plan with clarity, and lean into presence so families can find peace rather than panic when the time comes.

🏡 Key Topics Covered

02:20 Jill’s personal journey

06:14 What is a death doula?

10:24 Emotional benefits of preparation

12:39 Opening conversations about death

15:06 How families find support

17:45 Presence and empathy

25:18 The funeral celebrant’s role

29:27 Living fully before death

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that help families plan with compassion and live with more presence.

👤 Guest Information

🌐 End of Life Clarity — https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/about-jill

🌐 Rothkoff Law — https://rothkofflaw.com/about/our_team/jill-mcclennen/

✉️ jill@endoflifeclarity.com

📞 (609) 283-2226‬.

In this episode of The Senior Scoop, hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel welcome Alfred Pomerleau, practitioner of Asian medicine and founder of Ascending Health and Ah Juice. With decades of experience in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition, Alfred shares how natural medicine focuses on supporting the body’s innate ability to heal rather than simply masking symptoms.

He explains how Asian medicine evaluates health through patterns, balance, and observation, using diagnostic tools such as pulse and tongue analysis to understand internal imbalances. Through techniques like acupuncture, cupping, herbal therapy, and nutrition, treatment aims to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore the body’s natural equilibrium.

Alfred also discusses the critical role of nutrition in overall health, emphasizing whole foods, gut health, and the microbiome. He shares insights into how diet, inflammation, and lifestyle choices influence long-term wellness, and why nutrition is considered the foundation of healing in natural medicine.

🏡 Key Topics Covered

02:01 Path to Natural Medicine

05:22 Acupuncture Comes to the West

10:26 Diagnosis Through Pulse and Tongue

15:02 Treatment Methods Explained

19:38 Cupping for Pain and Recovery

23:33 Herbs and Hormone Support

25:01 Supporting Natural Birth

30:00 Gut Health, Diet, and Inflammation

39:02 Nutrition as the Foundation of Health

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that help seniors and families plan with confidence.

👤 Guest Information

Alfred Pomerleau

🌐 https://www.ascendinghealth.com/

🌐 https://ahjuice.com/

📍 1 El Vedado Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

📞 (805) 698-1162

In this episode of The Senior Scoop, hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel welcome Julianna Malis, attorney and founder of Santa Barbara Estate Planning and Elder Law, for a comprehensive and compassionate conversation about estate planning, elder law, and long-term care preparation.

Julianna shares how her personal life experiences shaped her career and explains why estate planning is not a one-time task, but an evolving process designed to protect loved ones, preserve dignity, and avoid unnecessary stress during moments of crisis. From powers of attorney to trusts, Medi-Cal planning, and family conversations, this episode offers practical guidance for every stage of life.

🏡 Key Topics Covered

00:00 Welcome and introduction to estate planning and elder law

01:30 Julianna’s personal journey and what led her into estate planning

04:46 What estate planning really is and why it’s about protecting others

06:40 The risks of relying on the state’s default plan

07:18 Why powers of attorney and healthcare directives matter

09:09 Wills vs trusts and avoiding probate

11:17 Privacy, predators, and why probate is public record

12:19 Why estate plans need regular updates

15:27 Common mistakes like forgetting to fund a trust

17:28 Capacity, caregivers, and preventing undue influence

20:22 Planning for long-term care and elder law considerations

23:16 Medi-Cal planning and protecting assets for spouses

28:03 The sandwich generation and difficult family conversations

31:58 How to prepare for an estate planning meeting

34:29 Planning for pets, charities, and personal wishes

37:53 Being proactive and avoiding crisis-driven decisions

40:19 Closing reflections and next steps for families

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that help seniors and families plan with confidence.

👤 Guest Information

Julianna Malis

🌐 https://www.sbelderlaw.com/

📍 14 W Valerio St, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

📞 805-946-1550