Influencing Death

Reframing Dying for Better Living

By: Penny Hawkins Smith RN

Narrated by: Penny Hawkins Smith RN

A hospice nurse’s unflinching look at life, death, and redemption.

Death is undeniable and unavoidable. We must accept it; there is no other choice. But coming to terms with our mortality can profoundly influence how we live—and how we die. Having been a hospice nurse for decades, Penny Hawkins Smith is an expert on death and dying. As a recovering alcoholic and former drug addict, she knows what it means to change course and become a meaningful contributor to society. Through her work with death, Penny found her purpose in life.

In Influencing Death, Penny brings transparency and levity to the grim topic of death while revealing truths about the reckless past that influenced her decision to become a hospice nurse. Using down-to-earth, compassionate storytelling, she transports listeners into the room with dying people and their families, laying bare the raw and real human emotions and behaviors people have when life and death are hanging in the balance.

Weaving together dual narratives of death and life, Penny challenges us to see how embracing our own mortality—and the mortality of the people we love—can help us live more fully and approach the end of life with greater acceptance, grace, and peace.

©2025 Penny Hawkins Smith (P)2025 Dreamscape Media

Emotional and thought-provoking

I loved this book! I cried at times, laughed, felt like I was there with Penny…she did a great job!

Awesome Read!

I started following @HospiceNursePenny on Instagram and was immediately drawn in by her warmth, wisdom, and compassionate approach to end-of-life care. When I found out she had written a book, Influencing Death, it felt like divine timing—my beloved dad had just been placed on hospice care.

It was such a bonus to discover she narrated the Audible version herself—her voice brings even more comfort and sincerity to the stories and insights she shares.

This book isn't just informative—it's deeply human. Penny brings grace to a topic so many shy away from, reminding us that death can be just as sacred and meaningful as birth. She offers a gentle, honest look at the dying process, and somehow makes space for both tears and healing.

If you're facing the loss of a loved one, working in end-of-life care, or just want to understand the process more fully, Influencing Death is a must-read. I love it, and I’m so grateful it found me when it did.

Identification

I loved this book and identified with so much of it. My step dad passed from cancer and I was there for the journey. Our hospice nurse was fantastic and I was reminded of her warmth and insight listening to Penny. Also I have over 18 years of sobriety so I get the gratitude!
God bless

Storytelling

There’s a reason everyone loves a good story, and dang does Penny have some great ones to tell! From personal to professional, each one is gripping. I listened in one go, I couldn’t stop. Plus it’s always good to hear an author telling their own story. Definitely recommended

Part of the journey

It’s a gentle reminder that death is part of life—and that preparing for it and making peace with the process can help you and your loved ones through it.