When Janet Turkula lost her father at 21, she and her siblings faced an impossible situation: planning a funeral they couldn't afford while trying to grieve. Years later, when a friend's family faced the same struggle, Janet discovered there was no modern way to help — no gift registry for funerals, just awkward Venmo pools and wilting flowers. In this episode, Janet and her co-founder Ryan Oliveira share how they created Give Willow, the first-of-its-kind funeral registry that lets communities show up for grieving families in meaningful ways. Instead of guessing what to send, friends and family can contribute to funeral costs, memorial services, or even offer time and support through a simple, dignified platform. We discuss: -- Why asking for help during loss is so difficult and how Give Willow makes it easier -- The surprising costs of death that families aren't prepared for -- How pre-planning can protect your loved ones from impossible decisions -- The movement toward more open conversations about death and dying -- What's next for Give Willow, including pre-planning tools and educational resources Whether you've experienced loss, want to support someone who has, or simply want to plan ahead for your own family, this conversation offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on how technology can help us navigate one of life's hardest moments.

RESOURCES:

GiveWillow.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/givewillow/