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Thoughtful Planning

Thoughtful Planning

By: Santiago and Honey Bueno
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 Life doesn’t always go as expected. That’s why planning for contingencies is so important. The Thoughtful Planning podcast will help you understand why having these conversations, and making these decisions are so important. Putting a plan in place gives your family peace of mind knowing and understanding your choices. Reduce stress and anxiety about finances, insurance, and your final wishes. Husband and wife hosts Santiago and Honey Bueno share the steps they’ve taken and explain the questions they are still considering. Create a plan now, while you’re able to thoughtfully consider how you’d like things handled. Santiago and Honey share advice with compassion and understanding. They know that hard conversations need to happen, but you don’t have to be alone as you begin your planning Journey.@Legacy Toolkit LLC 2024
Episodes
  • The Most Powerful Gift You Never Knew You Could Give: Understanding Brain Donation S2EP42

    The Most Powerful Gift You Never Knew You Could Give: Understanding Brain Donation S2EP42
    May 20 2025
    Episode Summary: When most people think about leaving a legacy, they imagine money, possessions, or family traditions. But what if one of the most meaningful gifts you could leave behind is something most people never even consider — your brain? In this episode, Honey explores the rarely discussed topic of brain donation, including how it differs from organ donation and how it can contribute to groundbreaking research. She shares her and Santiago’s personal experience learning about the SPARC program and walks through key considerations if you’re thinking about making this unique and impactful gift part of your end-of-life planning. Disclaimer:This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question: What if the most valuable gift you could leave behind isn’t in your bank account — but in your skull? Episode Highlights: The difference between organ donation and brain donation Why both healthy and affected brains are vital to research An overview of SPARC and how it supports military-related brain research What Honey learned by calling Harvard’s Brain Tissue Resource Center Questions to ask when researching brain donation programs Advice from Host: Start your research now while you’re clear of mind. Ask important questions — some programs may request medical history or have specific criteria. Talk to your family and document your wishes in your planning documents. Most likely, you can still have the funeral or burial of your choice, and most programs are free. Conclusion: Your will distributes what you own — but brain donation extends what you know. This gift has the potential to unlock answers, drive research, and bring healing to families for generations to come. It’s never too early to consider how your legacy might live on through science. Resources: SPARC: https://www.sparc-community.org/ Harvard University Brain Bank: https://hbtrc.mclean.harvard.edu/brain-donation/info/ VA Biorepository Brain Bank (VABBB): https://www.research.va.gov/programs/tissue_banking/control/default.cfm Brain Donor Project: https://braindonorproject.org/ Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening!Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • Most People Think Organ Donation Is A Heavy Topic... Here's How It Actually Creates Hope And Legacy S2EP41

    Most People Think Organ Donation Is A Heavy Topic... Here's How It Actually Creates Hope And Legacy S2EP41
    May 6 2025
    Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Clayborne and her son Micah, both heart transplant recipients who have transformed their personal health journey into a mission of supporting young transplant recipients and their families. They share insights about their innovative support program, Transplant Teenz, and discuss the profound impact of organ donation. Disclaimer:This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs. Essential Question:How can the gift of organ donation transform lives, and what can we do to support transplant recipients and their families? Episode Highlights: Their personal journey as mother and son transplant recipients The creation and impact of Transplant Teenz The unique challenges young transplant recipients face The importance of peer support and community How organ donation creates lasting legacies BONUS: Learn about Dr. Clayborne's free IMPAkT program supporting those navigating critical illness Advice from Dr. Brittany Clayborne and her son Micah: On becoming an organ donor: "If we actually asked that question and didn't have time to think about it, everybody would answer yes... What does your humanity tell you to say?" - Dr. Clayborne For families considering organ donation: "Your child's legacy could make everyone else's fate bright" - Micah The importance of early education about medical self-advocacy Supporting teens through the transplant experience Conclusion: Organ donation is more than saving a life - it's about transforming families, creating legacies, and building supportive communities that help recipients thrive. Connect with Dr. Clayborne and Transplant Teenz: Website for Dr. Clayborne: https://www.brittanyspeaks.com/ Website for Transplant Teenz: https://www.transplanttz.org/ Instagram & TikTok: @transplanttz Facebook Transplant Teenz: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558524878499 Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit on LinkedIn Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Natural Returns: Understanding Your End-of-Life Options - Series Finale: Making an Informed Choice S2EP40

    Natural Returns: Understanding Your End-of-Life Options - Series Finale: Making an Informed Choice S2EP40
    Apr 22 2025
    Episode Summary: In this series finale, Santiago and Honey Bueno bring together key insights from their exploration of end-of-life options, challenging conventional assumptions about "traditional" practices while presenting environmentally conscious alternatives. From home funerals to human composting, discover how your final arrangements can align with your values and protect both your loved ones and the environment. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance regarding aftercare and legal options in your state. Essential Question: What impact do you want your final farewell to have on your loved ones and the environment? Episode Highlights: Conventional burial practices originated during Civil War era Legal home funeral options available in most states Natural burial alternatives that skip embalming and concrete vaults Emerging options like human composting and aquamation Pet aftercare considerations including aquamation Pre-planning benefits including travel protection Cost-saving strategies through alternative arrangements State-specific legal considerations Environmental impact of different options Advice from Santiago and Honey: Research what's legal in your state Consider having a backup plan for unexpected circumstances Pre-plan to lock in current prices and prevent family stress Think about environmental impact when making choices Include pet arrangements in your planning Consider cost-saving alternatives like home funerals Take time to explore options before making final decisions Conclusion: Take time to explore your options and make choices that align with your values while protecting both your loved ones and the environment. Most importantly, communicate your wishes clearly with your family and document them properly to ensure they're honored. Resources From Season 2: Episode 35: Life Insurance or Pre-Planning? What’s Right for You?: https://youtu.be/sogMlEwG8oo Episode 36: Home Funerals: Honoring Traditions: https://youtu.be/4jkhfGyXhU8 Episode 37: The Truth About Natural Burials: Ditch the Vaults: https://youtu.be/Ekz6rea4km8 Episode 38: Would You Choose Human Composting? The Future of Death Care: https://youtu.be/ZAKXD5fOPyk Episode 39: What Happens Next? Sustainable Pet Aftercare with Aquamation: https://youtu.be/Rm2B6FKHVdg Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: legacytoolkit.com/podcast Facebook: facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: Legacy Toolkit on LinkedIn Thank You for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who might need it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins

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