Ellen Rand, author of the book, "Last Comforts: Notes From the Forefront of Late Life Care,"has been a journalist for more than 40 years, including five years as a housing columnist for The New York Times. She is a hospice volunteer with Holy Name Medical Center in Bergen County, New Jersey, a member of the Hospice Volunteer Association and the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her essays have appeared in several medical humanities publications, including Pulse—Voices from the Heart of Med...
Apr 06, 2016•36 min
Most people love hospice and the mission of hospice. And of course, there is always room for improvement. "In Dr. Margaret Overton's new memoir, HOPE FOR A COOL PILLOW (Outpost 19, March 2016), she explores about two polar opposite experiences with hospice during the decline and death of her mother and father. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 2005...
Mar 30, 2016•36 min
This week's show I am discussing the shadow side of this wonderful ability of ours as humans to feel and live in compassion. We all may find ourselves in one or more of these spaces as we give to others. As you listen to the talk, please just see how you feel in your body as you listen. Did you get tight when I described one or more of these? If so, explore it and write about what it brought up. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. training and mentoring doulas, companions, g...
Mar 13, 2016•33 min
One of the wonderful topics I share with other doulas is what is in our EOL Doula bag? What do we take with us when we go to families? Also in this discussion we include some ways we support people as well. Each doula is different in how they support people so our "bags" will be different. Please add to the discussion, what is in your bag? End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 2005...
Feb 01, 2016•20 min
Blane Brazier has worked full time in hospice since 2008. He has a unique ministry of using his guitar or sometimes the ukulele to engage the spiritual life of his patient's. He currently works at Amity Hospice as their Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator where he also facilitates grief groups for bereaved family members. He recently wrote a booklet called CELEBRATING LIFE a Compassionate Guide Through Funeral Planning. The booklet serves as the last chapters or Afterward of Barbara Karnes GONE...
Jan 20, 2016•33 min
Today I am speaking with Kelly Roman about her story of living in forgiveness for her father who died this year; and, how she is getting through the holidays. She is the Director of Recreation at a long term care facility in New Jersey; she has completed her studies this year as a Death Doula and as a Spiritual Counselor. Thank you for sharing your story with us Kelly. This is just one story of many in my 2015 Series: "Life and Grief Through the Holidays." http://love-empower-release.me/ End of ...
Jan 11, 2016•23 min
Today's podcast is a discussion I had with Martha Koock Ward of Austin. She is a delightful woman, 5th generation Austinite, and I loved what her family is doing to honor one of their deceased siblings. I asked her to share with us for the series I am doing called "Life and Grief Through the Holidays. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 2005...
Dec 22, 2015•22 min
Present day healthcare services are squeezed for time, doulas and practitioners need experiences and the person who is ill and dying and their family needs attention. If we can work together on creating a system that uses the skills of the doulas in serving people as they gain practical mastery of the art of it all, we will best serve everyone who is concerned that these doulas are well trained. If you are a person who sees the brilliance in this and works in hospice, home health or the hospital...
Dec 14, 2015•46 min
We all go through loss. It can be devastating regardless of what time of year it is. Many people describe an extra heaviness during the holiday season (end of the year) and I wanted to address this with stories. People who have been there and are there now. We get strength from each other through our stories. I am not trying to fix anyone, help you “get over it,” or anything like this. My intention is to bring us together in community, across the miles, and share a common experience together. Ev...
Dec 02, 2015•38 min
Amanda Carr is an ER nurse who has worked ERs around the country. She is on a mission. Her blog, Changing the Face of Dying, www.changingthefaceofdying.com, is where you can find her sharing her observations and making a difference. She recently accompanied me on my 2nd Doula Journey to New Zealand and Australia and we not only shared a wonderful experience meeting world leaders in end of life and seeing beautiful countryside, but we met our own souls and dug deep in our own spiritual nature. En...
Nov 23, 2015•52 min
Meeting Dr. Barbato and his wife Ann was one of the highlights of my trip to Australia. He has been a physician for over 50 years and Hospice Medical Director for over 20. He is not only an accomplished physician, author and educator but a very kind soul and lovely human being. Listen in as he shares about the 'deep sleep' state, about the hardest part of dying, about demedicalizing dying. We spent Saturday afternoon at his home in Kiama. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. ...
Nov 15, 2015•47 min
I am in New Zealand as this podcast is created overlooking the majestic Cathedral Cove. My heart was soaring as I conquered big fears in coming here. The fear of flying stopped me from traveling the last 20 years. What is stopping you from doing what you love? Is anything? Are you doing, being living as you love to do and be now? Let's live our dreams together. We are only here for a short time. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. training and mentoring doulas, companions, g...
Nov 09, 2015•16 min
Listen in as Zenith tells me about the film made about her and her thoughts of empowering families. I am so grateful to be spending the Day of the Dead with her November 8, 2015 during my trip to Australia and New Zealand. For more information on this: www.doulajourney.com . From Zenith's website: "I am not fixed in any belief, religion or dogma, I embrace them all and work towards a more universal and accepting approach, open to discovery, and in love with the mystery. What happens after death ...
Oct 25, 2015•36 min
Are you a person that wants to make a difference in your community related to illness, dying, death and mourning? You can and you don't have to train with anyone to do so. What communities need are safe spaces where individuals can join together and explore their feelings and thoughts around these topics. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. Training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 2005...
Oct 19, 2015•24 min
There is still so much misunderstanding about Palliative Care in and outside of Healthcare. There are educational videos I have found on the internet and definitions about Palliative Care that are flat out wrong. What is wrong: they are saying that palliative care is what you use at the end of life. Listen in and get the real scoop. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. Training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 2005...
Oct 12, 2015•18 min
I'm inviting you to explore this topic within yourself and with people you love and trust. I am inviting you to not be in grand, heated debates but in introspective, respectful discussion with others. Practice the discipline of silence and respect as you hear what your partner is saying about their thoughts on the subject. End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. Training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 2005...
Oct 06, 2015•22 min
There is an explosive growth of people wanting to serve others as companions and service providers of all kinds. This is their vocation; they want to serve full time, not just after work or on weekends. The willingness to pursue their vision of serving others opens many doors for people in their personal life as well. It is very common that people will give themselves permission to explore and pursue new interests and deepen what they are already doing because now they are giving life to their c...
Sep 29, 2015•37 min
Heather Poduska is a personal brand strategist, speak-to-sell expert for entrepreneurs, image consultant, and former professional operatic soprano. Heather uses her expertise to teach entrepreneurs how to clarify and deliver their own unique and profitable brand message so they can attract and convert ideal clients . I had the idea to talk with her about her ideas of how principles of branding could help our end of life "death positive" movement. Listen in! Heather's website: http://www.clearvoi...
Sep 23, 2015•30 min
Karen Van Vuuren has been a part of what has grounded this "death positive" movement in the USA for over the last 20 years. When you think about the power that our ancestors have in our present day lives, I want you to think of Karen's story and let it impact you. Karen's efforts to transform people's fear of dying is to be commended. Her latest project, a documentary entitled "Go in Peace" is about veterans at the end of life. Karen's website: http://www.naturaltransitions.org/ End of Life Care...
Sep 14, 2015•41 min
I spoke with Nina, longtime hopice nurse, last week about her book and this week's podcast is a glimpse into what makes her tick.In From Sun to Sun, Nina Angela McKissock goes from home to home and within the residential hospice to give care, and shares her experiences and lessons learned in reflections about dying. Nina's website: http://ninaangelamckissock.com/ End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. Training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 2005...
Sep 14, 2015•34 min
As a Certified Thanatologist and founder of Practically Dying, Kim Mooney offers private consultations and workshops to help individuals explore how to live based on their highest values throughout their lives and into their deaths. Through workshops, presentations and consultations, she works with individuals, families and organizations to provide the resources they need to successfully navigate a journey from wellness in life to wellness in death. website: http://www.practically-dying.com/ End...
Sep 08, 2015•27 min
Jim Bates has been a funeral consumer advocate volunteer for over 25 years; serving in local, state and national leadership positions. Locally, he leads a board of directors who help consumers with deathcare issues in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, as well as teaching a seniors course on funeral planning at a local community college. Statewide, Mr. Bates serves as the legislative liaison in the state capitol, defending consumer rights and authoring consumer-friendly legislation. website: http:...
Aug 25, 2015•33 min
There are so many things that could happen in this time period if we were not so busy and applauded for fighting it. Can we stretch what is acceptable behavior as we are dying to include activities that show we are lovingly and with great dignity and grace choosing to learn to die in a way that honors us? Can that be just as acceptable as fighting our dying and expecting a miracle? If not, why not? End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. Training and mentoring doulas, companions...
Aug 18, 2015•37 min
Meet Maxwell. We have a wonderful time in dialogue about "Thunder," a dramatic film about coming of age and deals with themes of identity, family, and fear. Grief is a universal theme and central to this film, which is about a young male death doula and his relationship with his grandfather as he dies. Maxwell and I explore quite a bit about the movie, our own experiences and life. Join us! website: http://www.maxwelladdae.com/ End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. Training an...
Aug 11, 2015•41 min
Beth is a certified professional life coach serving women impacted by cancer. As a two-time cancer survivor she recognizes the need for a consistent and constant resource throughout the cancer experience. As a coach, Beth partners with you from point of diagnosis through treatment and beyond, enabling you to take action aligned with your personal beliefs and needs. Serving as partner, practical facilitator, and objective listener, you regain your footing and show up fully engaged in your own hea...
Aug 04, 2015•26 min
Dr. Mark Carlson and Laurie Rock are leading the pack when it comes to innovative solutions to caring for seniors. It's not just about chronic disease management, its about wellness, being proactive about living well that got my attention and wanting to speak with Dr. Carlson. He explains not only pharmacogenetic testing, but with 25+ years of oncology experience behind him, his in depth knowledge about what it takes to creatively address quality of life in the midst of health care challenges is...
Jul 28, 2015•42 min
In 2007 I discovered home funerals and it took my breath away. It was shocking, but it was so beautiful a concept too. How do you do it? Why would you do it? It demands an exploration once you find out about them and deserves to be considered. There are some confusions about it, for instance, many people equate funeral with burial but they are not the same thing. There is the home funeral (honoring the dead) and there is the home burial (interment). Listen in as I ask Lee Webster , President of ...
Jul 22, 2015•47 min
Health crisis. Waiting. Not knowing if its someone's time to die now. Surgery. How are you when all this is going on? Are you a talker or do you wish everyone would just be quiet! When there is a crisis, there are ones who go inside and there are those that need to talk. This podcast is to enlighten the non-talkers (who wish to be enlightened) about one reason we are wanting to talk. email me about your experiences: deanna@qualityoflifecare.com Quality of Life Care, LLC. website: qualityoflifeca...
Jul 15, 2015•19 min
What goes through the mind of a young person when their grandparent is going through an unexpected health crisis? Just one young person's experience who is 11 years old. In healthcare circles and in families all over the world, we ask the same questions..."how much should we say?" "should we say anything?" "should we talk about the risks?" "what is appropriate?" This podcast is one young girl, Liliana Flores, age 11, and her view of how the week unfolded and what she needed and how she felt. End...
Jul 07, 2015•18 min
Aliyah Alexander has been dealing witht the devastating effects of Multiple Sclerosis for 10 years. She can no longer even lift her finger to control her computer. Despite her extreme limitations, she has created a powerful concept in caregiving. Listen in as Aliyah and her therapist Judith Oakland describe how they do it. Aliyah's website: http://meetmebytheriver.net/ End of Life Care Certificate Program Learn.Create.Serve. Training and mentoring doulas, companions, guides and midwives since 20...
Jul 01, 2015•26 min
