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PODCAST

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

Jill Mastroianni - Estate Planning & Probate Consultant for Women

You’re the one prepping for your child’s IEP meeting while trying to talk your aging dad out of getting a puppy. You’re booking medical appointments, managing the money, juggling work emails during school pickup and still expected to keep the fridge stocked and know who has practice, rehearsal, or a field trip tomorrow. Your parents are struggling, but they still insist they’re fine. You see the mobility issues, the memory slips, the unopened mail, but every offer to help feels like an argument

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All Episodes

00:22:21

How to Give Money Without Triggering Gift Tax

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/11/18

This Tuesday Triage episode breaks down how gift tax actually works, when a gift must be reported to the IRS, and why most people won’t owe gift tax but may need to file a gift tax return anyway. Using a real listener scenario, Jill explains what counts as a gift, what doesn’t, four major exceptions, and common year-end mistakes that can accidentally trigger IRS reporting rules. And, as always, she reminds us that not all gifts come wrapped. Sometimes the most meaningful gift is showing up.What

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00:18:28

Can you Inherit from Someone You Killed (or Tried to...

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/11/14

In this episode, Jill explores one of the most fascinating intersections of true crime and estate law: the slayer statute. She dives into a real 2025 Michigan Court of Appeals case involving a trust, an unexpected beneficiary, an alleged murder-for-hire plot, and two deaths by natural causes. The big question: Can you inherit from someone you planned—but failed—to kill? The answer reveals just how narrow the slayer statute really is and why understanding your estate plan matters more than you

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00:26:48

Avoiding the Hidden Tax Trap in Lifetime Gifts

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/11/11

Jill unpacks one of the most misunderstood estate-planning tools: the irrevocable trust. Using a real-world scenario, she explains how transferring assets too soon can backfire, especially when it comes to capital-gains taxes. If you’ve ever wondered whether your trust is helping or hurting your long-term plan, this episode will help you make sense of what you really need (and what you don’t).What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts. How control, flexibility, and tax

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00:14:35

How Hosting This Podcast Taught Me to Face Grief

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/11/04

This week’s Tuesday Triage isn’t about someone else’s question—it’s about Jill’s.After losing her Uncle Charlie, Jill reflects on how a previous guest, Jamie Sarche, taught her that grief isn’t something we can “opt out” of. In Episode 18, Jamie explained why ceremony matters, not for the person who died, but for the people left behind. In this episode, Jill shares how she had to live that lesson, honoring her uncle by showing up, feeling the loss, and remembering the man who quietly held his family

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00:46:18

How to Talk to Your Parents About Getting Help at Home

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/10/31

Talking with your aging parents about getting help at home, or possibly moving, can feel impossible. How do you bring it up without overstepping, causing conflict, or stripping them of their independence?In this episode, I sit down with Laura Lynn Morrissey, founder of Silver Savvy, to discuss how families can successfully navigate aging, home safety, assisted living, and long-term care decisions.We explore how to start the conversation before crisis hits, identify the family “influencer,” and make

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00:20:48

Why Losing Your Original Will Could Cost Your Family...

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/10/28

This week’s Tuesday Triage question comes from Jazmine in New Jersey. She believed she had “filed” her Will with her attorney until she discovered he’d been disbarred and her original Will was missing. In this episode, Jill unpacks what it really means to “file” your Will, how to protect it, and what happens if your original goes missing. She also shares a true Tennessee case that shows how critical proper Will storage can be and the surprising twists that followed.What You’ll Learn in This

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00:13:29

Can You Leave Money to Your Dog?

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/10/21

Your dog might run your home, your heart, and your schedule, but legally, he’s still property.In this episode, Jill explores how to make sure your beloved pets are cared for after you’re gone. From Diane Keaton’s rumored estate plan for her dog, Reggie, to Jill’s own story of Oliver—the “best dog in the universe”—this episode walks through what pet trusts are, how they work, and how to decide if you need one.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat a Pet Trust Is. A legal arrangement that sets aside

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00:17:35

Why Jane Goodall’s Lessons Matter More Than Ever

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/10/17

In this episode, Jill reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, exploring what it means to “do your little bit” in a world where not everyone starts from the same place. From Jane’s courage in defying gender norms to the continuing conversation around affirmative action, equity, and opportunity, this episode weaves together stories of perseverance, purpose, and the quiet power of small, determined acts. Jill connects Jane’s story to her own lessons from running cross-country, a mother’s

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00:21:55

Why you need (or don’t need) a Will

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/10/14

Most people think a Will is the foundation of an estate plan but not everything you own is controlled by it. In this episode, Jill Mastroianni breaks down what a Will actually does (and doesn’t) cover, how to tell which of your assets are “probate assets” controlled by your Will, and why understanding the distinction between probate and non-probate assets could change the way you approach your estate plan.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe difference between probate and non-probate assets, and why

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00:10:49

Why You Don’t Have to Take the Executor Job

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/10/07

Jill unpacks a common misconception: that you have to serve as Executor just because your name appears in a Will. She explains when, and how, you can decline the role while still protecting family relationships and yourself.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeYou Have a Choice. Just because you’re named in a Will doesn’t mean you’re required to serve. Each state has a process to determine who can step in if you decline.Executor vs. Personal Representative. Understand the difference between these roles

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00:31:36

When Deeds Promise to Avoid Probate but Create Chaos

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/10/03

Thinking about using a Ladybird deed (also known as a transfer-on-death deed) to keep your house out of probate? It may sound like the perfect shortcut but it can create more problems than it solves. In this episode, Jill is joined by Minnesota attorney Jen Gumbel to unpack the good, the bad, and the unintended consequences of these deeds. Together, they explore why they’re tempting, where they go wrong, and how they fit (or don’t fit) into a thoughtful estate plan.Key TakeawaysDeeds: A deed proves

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00:14:56

Why Your Old Will Might Leave Out Your New Baby

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/09/30

Leslie signed her Will five years ago when she had one child. Last year, she had twins. Does her old Will still work—or does it need to be updated? In this episode, Jill answers Leslie’s question and dives into the legal concept of “pretermitted children.” Jill looks at how different states handle this issue and unpacks what happened in the high-profile estates of Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith when their Wills didn’t account for new children. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhen a Will may

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00:17:03

How Small Gaps in Your Will Become Big Problems

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/09/23

What happens if you forget to list something in your will, or if two people end up entitled to the same item, like a piece of jewelry? In this episode, Jill takes on two smart questions from her daughter, April, and unpacks the legal rules around tangible personal property, specific bequests, and residuary estates. Along the way, she shares practical takeaways to help you keep your family out of conflict.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe role of a will. A will directs the distribution of your

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00:35:08

Why Your Aging Parents Aren’t Planning and How to...

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/09/19

So many of us in the sandwich generation can see our parents’ challenges—mobility issues, memory lapses, financial disorganization—yet struggle to help our parents move beyond the problem to actually finding a solution. In this episode, I share my guest appearance on The Legacy of Love Podcast with Sara Ecklein, where we explore how to guide aging parents through estate and life planning in ways that are compassionate, collaborative, and empowering.Key Insights You’ll LearnProblem-aware vs

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00:13:41

6 Steps to Finding the Right Estate Planning Attorney...

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/09/16

Finding the right estate planning attorney can feel overwhelming and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. In this Tuesday Triage episode, I walk you through six practical steps to help you identify the right fit for your needs, avoid common pitfalls, and trust your instincts throughout the process. Whether your estate is simple or more complex, these tips will give you clarity and confidence in choosing the attorney who can best serve you and your family.What Jill

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00:13:51

Why Medical Aid in Dying and Assisted Suicide are not...

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/09/09

Charles just turned 90, and he’s asking a question many of us wonder about but rarely say out loud: “What are my options if I want to die with dignity?”In this Tuesday Triage, Jill unpacks what medical aid in dying really means, how it differs from assisted suicide, and what the law says for families navigating these difficult conversations. With legal insights and examples from California’s End of Life Option Act, this episode shines a light on a topic often tucked away in silence.What We

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00:45:55

Why an Innocent Woman Spent 27 Years in Prison

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/09/05

Imagine spending 27 years in prison for a crime you didn’t commit. That was the reality for Joyce Watkins, a woman wrongfully convicted in 1989 of the rape and murder of her four-year-old great-niece. Joyce and her longtime partner, Charlie Dunn steadfastly maintained their innocence. But flawed medical testimony, prosecutorial missteps, and systemic biases led to their conviction and life sentences. Charlie tragically died in prison after 27 years, while Joyce was paroled in 2015, branded as a

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00:16:39

Why Your Business Needs an Estate Plan, Too

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/09/02

Whether you’re a solopreneur, a small-business owner, or running a growing team, your business needs an estate plan. In this episode of Tuesday Triage, Jill walks through the practical steps to protect your business, your income, and the people who depend on you. From organizing legal and financial documents to creating systems that make your business more resilient, this episode is packed with actionable guidance to help you plan from a position of strength, for both growth and the unexpected.What

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00:13:22

How to Protect Your Aging Parents and Avoid Probate...

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/08/26

Guardianship. Probate court. Powers of attorney. These terms can feel intimidating but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Jill Mastroianni breaks down the differences between powers of attorney and guardianship, and shares actionable steps to help you protect your aging parents, and yourself, from unnecessary stress, cost, and court involvement.What Jill discussed:Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney:How these two tools differ and when each comes into play.Why guardianships (or conservatorships,

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00:39:55

What Really Happens with DIY Wills and other Lessons...

The Death Readiness Podcast: Not your dad’s estate... ·

2025/08/22

Jill talks with Judge Andra Hedrick, the first female probate court judge in Davidson County, Tennessee, to pull back the curtain on what really happens when DIY wills, internet forms, and quick-fix estate plans land in probate court. They discuss the rise of homemade documents, the conflicts they leave behind, and what families should know about probate, guardianships, and conservatorships. Judge Hedrick also shares insights on how the court works day-to-day, including what happens when families

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