Wealth, Empathy, and Your Legacy: Exploring the Human Side of Estate Planning

In this episode of POMpod, Travis from Gasper Law explores the intriguing relationship between wealth and empathy. He discusses research indicating that increased wealth can lead to decreased empathy, and examines psychological studies from UC Berkeley that reveal how wealthier individuals often display less compassion and are more inclined to bend rules. Travis explains the implications of this dynamic for estate planning, emphasizing the importance of incorporating empathy into the process. Practical tips for estate planning are provided, including the use of inclusive language and reframing technical strategies in human terms. The episode concludes with a reminder that legacy is not solely about money, but also about values, keepsakes, and memories, and that empathy can be cultivated to create a meaningful and heartfelt legacy.00:00 Introduction to POMpod00:14 The Wealth-Empathy Paradox00:34 Research Insights on Wealth and Behavior02:15 Understanding the Empathy Decline03:13 Empathy in Estate Planning03:56 Practical Tips for Empathetic Planning04:59 Conclusion: Creating a Compassionate Legacy

Episode Summary

Our pets are more than companions—they’re family. But legally, pets are considered property, which means if you don’t make a plan, they could end up with someone you never intended, or worse, without a home. In this episode, Travis Gasper shares why planning for your furry loved ones matters, some outrageous celebrity pet inheritance stories, and practical ways to ensure your pets are always safe and cared for.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why estate planning for pets is essential (and often overlooked)

• The outrageous stories of millionaire pets like Trouble the Maltese and Choupette the cat

• How Pet Trusts work in plain English — caretakers, trustees, and instructions

• The biggest mistakes and myths around pet planning

• Affordable and practical tips for making sure your pets are protected

Highlights & Fun Moments

• • 🐶 Trouble the Maltese with a $12 million trust fund
  • 🐱 Choupette the cat’s life of luxury after Karl Lagerfeld

• • 🐾 Why “just assuming someone will take your pet” is a mistake

  • ❤️ Travis’ personal reflections on planning for Pandora and Miss Vanjie

  Resources & Links

  • Book your free Peace of Mind Planning Session: www.gasperlawpllc.com

  • Follow Gasper Law on Instagram: @gasperlawpllc

  • Subscribe to POMpod on your favorite podcast app!

  Closing Thought Our pets give us unconditional love every day. Estate planning for them isn’t about extravagance—it’s about responsibility, care, and love.

In this poignant episode of POMPod: The Peace of Mind Podcast, Travis delves into the significance of International Overdose Awareness Day, honoring the memory of those lost to drug overdose, including his own brother, Jordan, who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2022.

The episode explores the staggering statistics of the overdose crisis, the deadly impact of fentanyl, and the vital importance of combating stigma associated with drug addiction. It highlights actionable steps such as carrying naloxone, recognizing overdose signs, supporting harm reduction services, and advocating for effective policies. Tributes, personal stories, and a call to collective action underscore the need for awareness, compassion, and continued efforts to prevent overdose deaths.

Resources & Support:

• 📞 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988 – available 24/7, free, and confidential.

• 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – for treatment, information, and support.

• 💊 Naloxone (Narcan): Learn more and find access at overdoseday.com or, if you’re in Texas, order free naloxone kits at naloxonetexas.com.

• 🌐 International Overdose Awareness Day: www.overdoseday.com – tributes, events, resources, and ways to get involved globally.

Do you know you should get your estate plan in place…but something keeps holding you back? You’re not alone. In this episode of POMpod: The Peace of Mind Podcast, Travis from Gasper Law unpacks the three most common reasons people hesitate to move forward with estate planning:

1. It feels overwhelming and complicated.

2. They don’t think they need it yet.

3. They’re afraid it’s going to be too expensive.

With real client stories, relatable examples, and analogies you’ll never forget (including car insurance, umbrellas, and even fire extinguishers), Travis shows why these fears don’t have to keep you stuck. Estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about protecting your people, honoring your values, and creating peace of mind today.

If you’ve been putting this off, this episode will help you see estate planning in a new light and give you the confidence to take that next step.

Resources & Next Steps

• Book your free Peace of Mind Planning Session (POMPS): GetPOMPS.com

• Follow Gasper Law on Instagram: @gasperlawpllc

• Learn more at gasperlawpllc.com

Short on time? This 6-minute recap delivers the essentials from our full ABCs of Estate Planning series—fast.

You’ll learn:
A – Agents & Authority (Powers of Attorney)
B – Boundaries (Advance Directives)
C – Confidentiality (HIPAA Authorization)
D – Decisions (Why Wills Still Matter)
E – Emergency-Ready (Document Storage & Access)

Perfect for anyone who wants the big picture without the deep dive.

📞 Book your free Peace of Mind Planning Session: GetPOMPS.com

Created using AI voice and video technology from Google NotebookLM, based on our original ABCs of Estate Planning scripts.

When life throws the unexpected your way, having your most important legal, financial, and medical documents in one easy-to-access place can make all the difference. Travis Gasper walks you through an “emergency-ready” checklist so you and your loved ones can act quickly—and confidently—no matter what happens.

Wills may be one of the oldest estate planning tools, but they’re still one of the most important. In this episode, Travis Gasper shares why every adult needs a will, how it works with (or without) a trust, and the key choices you’ll need to make to protect your people and property.

Without the right HIPAA Authorization, even your closest family may be locked out of your medical information. Travis Gasper explains how this simple but essential document works, who should be named, and how it ensures the people you trust can get the updates—and make the calls—that matter most.