The Chris Voss Show

The Chris Voss Show


The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Unlocking the Guardian’s Gift: Your Guide to Peaceful End-of-Life Planning with Dr. Judy Butler

February 23, 2025



Unlocking the Guardian’s Gift: Your Guide to Peaceful End-of-Life Planning with Dr. Judy Butler



Theguardiansgift.org




About the Guest(s):

Dr. Judy Butler is a pastoral psychotherapist, pastor, chaplain, spiritual director, and scientist with a profound commitment to the spiritual wellbeing and psychological understanding of individuals. She is the founder of The Guardian’s Gift, where she assists clients in legacy estate planning. Through her unique expertise in both psychology and spirituality, Dr. Butler helps individuals and families prepare for end-of-life matters while maintaining a grounded spiritual foundation.


Episode Summary:

In this dynamic episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris is joined by the insightful Dr. Judy Butler, who brings a wealth of expertise in pastoral psychotherapy and end-of-life planning through her initiative, The Guardian’s Gift. Dr. Butler shares her personal journey, which inspired her to create a service dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of legacy estate planning and end-of-life decisions. As Chris and Dr. Butler engage in a lively discussion, they delve into the importance of telling one’s life story, acknowledging trauma, and preparing not only wills but comprehensive plans for the inevitable.


Listeners will gain valuable insights into strategic legacy planning and the often-overlooked financial, legal, and personal aspects of preparing for death. They explore the intricacies of creating wills, understanding long-term care insurance, and dealing with family dynamics in estate planning. Dr. Butler emphasizes that discussing death does not hasten its arrival but rather ensures a smoother transition for loved ones left behind. For those intimidated by the thought of end-of-life planning, she breaks it down into manageable steps with The Guardian’s Gift, offering peace of mind and clarity. This episode is an enlightening guide towards taking proactive steps in legacy estate planning.


Key Takeaways:

The Guardian’s Gift Planning: Dr. Judy Butler provides a structured process for end-of-life planning through her initiative, facilitating everything from personal stories to military documents.

Comprehensive Storytelling: Encouraging individuals to record their life’s journey, including pivotal moments and family health history, for a meaningful legacy.

Practical Solutions: Offering guidance on legal documents, navigating probate, and long-term care insurance for a seamless transition of assets and wishes.

Empowerment Through Information: Emphasizing that knowledge and preparation relieve families from undue stress during emotional periods.

Accessible Resources: Options range from self-guided modules to personalized doula guidance, accommodating diverse needs in estate planning.


Notable Quotes:

“People don’t realize is when they don’t have their legal documents, it ends up with the state getting involved.”

“No one’s afraid to be dead. They’re afraid of dying.”

“We help people with their legacy estate plans, I help them tell their story.”

“People think that Medicare will pay for them to be in a nursing home. It doesn’t work that way.”

“Start this journey… it is an overwhelming thing to undertake.”