Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

In this episode, Marcus interviews Captain Henry Biemann, RN, US Army Captain about military nursing and health professions. Captain Bieman shares how his father’s diagnosis of cancer while Henry was still in high school set his nursing journey. Henry explains the levels of compassion he and his family received from his father’s hospice nurses which showed him a new path. Henry shares how, after graduating from Clemson University’s nursing school, Henry’s work took him to Walter Reed Medical Center to work with sick and injured soldiers. Henry shares how he, as a nurse who hasn’t been in combat, shared space and listened to patients who had been in battle. He then tells how his work inside Walter Reed quickly went from bedside care to process improvement. Marcus and Henry talk about the ability to make macro level changes in healthcare delivery; something many people don’t think about when they’re being drawn to a career in healthcare. The two talk about Henry’s work recruiting students and clinicians to serve their personal mission of serving with care, as well as serving one’s country.

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:15 – Captain Biemann talks a little about himself and his career.
• 03:10 – Marcus asks how Henry merged the military and nursing. Henry tells his story about his motivations and role models. 
• 07:58 – Henry is asked about his first station at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Henry also reflects on his compassion for his patients and how he built a rapport and relations. 
• 15:35 – Henry and Marcus talk Medvantus and Henry’s start with consulting.
• 19:38 – Marcus brings up burnout and Hospital Systems. The two talk about what hospitals can do to help staff and prevent burnout.
• 26:10 – Henry ties his story about burnout and the desire to help, with his origin story.
• 27:50 – Marcus asks his rapid fire questions. Henry wants you to know that… You Are Loved. 
• 33:20 – Thank you and conclusions! 

Resources for you:

• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Henry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-biemann/ 
• Learn More About Medvantus: https://www.medvantus.com/
• Subscribe to the Compassion & Courage podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast

More About Henry Beimann, RN, US Army Captain:
Henry developed the idea for Medvantus LLC from his passion for building strong relationships and serving others. After growing up and in small town South Carolina, he lost his father to cancer at the age of 19. This loss inspired him to join the healthcare field to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. After completing his nursing degree he joined the US Army as a Nurse Corps Officer, where he has lead teams of healthcare providers across the continuum of care. Not only does Henry have an in-depth understanding of bedside clinical care and training, he also has over 10 years of experience in healthcare leadership and management. Henry brings a wealth of knowledge to the table for you and your team.

Date: 09/12/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 67 – Henry Biemann – Service & Compassion: Taking Care of American Heroes

Is it even real if we don’t document it? Don’t forget to stop and reflect on the small compassion all around us everyday.

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:35 – Marcus reminds us how important it is to examine things we experience
• 01:23 – What does Marvelyne remember most about Marcus from yesterday?
• 05:00 – What did Marcus do that made the biggest difference recently?
• 08:13 – How did a Kindergarten teacher change the day for the moms who were so sad to leave their babies?
• 10:10 – What’s a sure way to get more compassion in your life?
• 11:20 – Conclusion and goodbyes!

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/ 
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/ 
• Connect with The Hotness on Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-Marvelyne 
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast 

Date: 09/5/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 66 – Remember To Witness Compassion

Dr. Tim Cunningham, a nurse leader at Emory Health, shares stories of his journey into nursing and how his father’s struggles founded his commitment to help others. Dr. Cunningham shares a deeply moving tale about his time in Sierra Leone treating patients with Ebola virus. Tim tells how assisting a dying woman in her time of need was such a meaningful moment of presence. Yet, he questioned who was truly receiving the gift of presence, He or the patient? Marcus asks about Tim’s role at Emory Health when he’s focused on the health and wellness of the nursing staff. The two talk about active listening being the key to showing compassionate presence. They talk about Narrative Medicine and the application to helping clinicians frame their experiences.

 Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:50 – Dr. Cunningham talks about his roles and career path.
• 05:45 – Marcus asks Dr. Cunningham what drives him in the ED.
• 08:20 – Dr. Cunningham is asked about his work in Sierra Leone.
• 16:48 – Marcus asks about the differences in healthcare from 3 years ago to today. 
• 19:10 – Dr. Cunningham answers a question about retaining nurses and preventing burnout. The ideas of system change, comradery, and peer support all play a role in helping burnout.
• 28:00 – Marcus talks about compassion and active listening. Dr. Cunningham brings that idea full circle and gives practical examples of narrative medicine and compassion. 
• 33:00 – Marcus asks Dr. Cunningham his rapid-fire questions. Keep looking up!
• 38:30 – Thank you and conclusions! 

Resources for you: 

• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Subscribe to the Compassion & Courage podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 

Date: 08/29/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 65 – Dr. Tim Cunningham – How Compassionate Encounters Benefit All

Has the pandemic made a difference in the person you are? Your personality or beliefs? Marcus and Marvelyne talk about ways the last two years have impacted them personally and things they have witnessed in others they have encountered in their travels.

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction 
• 01:40 – Marcus talks about the surprising effect the pandemic has had on him personally.
• 04:15 – Marvelyne admits the pandemic has affected her profoundly in the area of vulnerability.
• 07:20 – There is something you should remember when people are mean.
• 09:00 – Believe it of not, not everyone experienced the same pandemic.
• 12:30 – Why others remember things differently. Reasons to have compassion when others see things in a different view.
• 15:00 – Conclusion and goodbyes!

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/ 
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/ 
• Connect with The Hotness on Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-Marvelyne 
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast 

Date: 08/22/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 64 – How Has the Pandemic Changed You 

Dr. Orsini, the host of Difficult Conversations podcast, shares the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare. Marcus shares his admiration for Dr. Orsini’s professional work, not only as a pediatric critical care doc, but as an entrepreneur in the world of education and training through writing, speaking, and podcasting. The two then talk of Dr. Orsini’s early history growing up, in and out of hospitals, then working in hospitals. He tells the story of witnessing a difficult conversation between an attending physician and a grieving parent, then tells of his inspiration to also study and share the work of relationships, compassion and trust in medicine.      

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:00 – Dr. Orsini talks about how he got into medicine.
• 06:32 – The two talk about Dr. Orsini’s TED Talk on compassionate communication.
• 10:35 – Marcus specifically asks about how to improve a nurses’ communication with patients. Compassion, Relations, and Trust
• 20:25 – Marcus and Dr. Orsini talk about The Orsini Way and the communication skills that reach across so many fields.
• 25:11 – Marcus steers the conversation to talk communication between everyone, regardless of the professional setting. 
• 29:50 – Dr. Orsini leaves us with a last thought about how communication helps the caregiver just as much as the patient. 
• 32:30 – Marcus asks Dr. Orsini his rapid-fire questions.
• 36:10 – Thank you and conclusions! 

Resources for you: 

• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Learn more about The Orsini Way: https://www.TheOrsiniWay.com
• Listen to Dr. Orsini’s TED Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/anthony_orsini_how_the_human_connection_improves_healthcare
• Subscribe to the Compassion & Courage podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to Dr. Orsini’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/difficult-conversations-lessons-i-learned-as-an-icu/id1525139375

Learn More About Dr. Orsini:

Dr. Anthony Orsini is a practicing intensive care physician and author of the book, It's All in the Delivery - Improving Healthcare Starting With a Single Conversation. Widely considered an expert in communication, relationship building and enhancing the patient experience, Dr. Orsini has been a frequent national speaker in both the healthcare and business industries. 

In 2011, he founded The Orsini Way, a company that provides communication training for healthcare and business professionals. He has appeared in national news and his work has been featured in the most prestigious publications in business, healthcare and HR, including Forbes Magazine, Medical Economics and Fox News. His recent TED Talk, "How the Human Connection Improves Healthcare," is being used by medical schools and colleges across the United States.

Dr. Orsini is a member of the National Speakers Association and his presentations are consistently ranked among the highest at retreats and conferences. He shares his wisdom and passion on his podcast, "Difficult Conversations-Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician," which reached the Apple Top 100 in just a few weeks.

Date: 08/15/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 63 – Anthony Orsini – How To Have Difficult Conversations 

Marcus kicks off this episode by sharing a story he learned from an audience member and how he responded to that story. This story was heartbreaking, but the storyteller still felt hope. Marcus and The Hotness break down what hope means, how to have it and how to be sure we’re focused on keeping hope alive. The two then share some   narratives about how stories of others overcoming adversity help us gain perspective on our own journeys.

 Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:01 – Marcus talks about a story of a young lady and a story of hope.
• 03:50 – Because Marcus was in the hospital for so long, he is often asked how he had hope through all the trauma. He talks about perseverance and getting through difficult times.
• 07:15 – The Hotness and Marcus talk about her perspective about hope. Find resources and look to others for examples of resolve. Feels are real, but they are liars. 
• 15:30 – Conclusion and goodbyes!

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with The Hotness on Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-Marvelyne
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 07/25/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 62 – How to Have Hope

Trigger warning: This episode contains the true story of the attempted murder of the guest, Caitlin. Please listen with caution if you’ve been touched by domestic violence.

Caitlin shares a little background about her life in southern California, then what drew her to work in higher education administration, specifically fraternity and sorority life. Then, Marcus asks Caitlin to share the experience that changed and nearly ended her life. She tells the story of Andy, a nurse in the emergency department who held her hand during the experience. They deconstruct the efforts of healthcare professionals to provide therapeutic presence to patients before discussing forgiveness and coming to terms with the fact another human being nearly ended one’s life. They talk about grace and contemplation of life, reflections on how family and friends are one’s biggest supporter and how holding onto hatred and resentfulness only ends up hurting oneself. 

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:37 – Trigger warning: Please use caution because this episode contains accounts of domestic abuse and extreme violence.
• 02:07 – Marcus asks what Caitlin’s childhood was like and how she got into the fraternity and sorority world.
• 05:30 – Marcus then asks about her work in Greek Life.
• 08:23 – Caitlin is asked about her traumatic experience and domestic abuse.
• 22:00 – Marcus asks about her son and mother's experience that night.
• 24:30 – Marcus asks about moving on with life after the event.
• 29:30 – The two talk about the idea of forgiveness and living with hate. 
• 32:07 – Marcus brings the conversation back to healthcare and asks about other acts of compassion. 
• 39:20 – Caitlin shares a final story about Andy.
• 43:40 – Marcus asks his rapid-fire questions.
• 47:10 – Thank you and conclusions! 

Resources for you: 

• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlincroberts/
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast 

Learn More About Caitlin:

Caitlin was born and raised in southern California, where she grew up riding horses and even spent a couple of years on her family's own farm. After completing her bachelor's in Psychology at California State University, San Bernardino she went on to pursue a master's in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. In the middle of her grad program she had the opportunity to start working in higher education, and never looked back. Since 2001 she has worked with fraternities and sororities to develop strong leaders and citizens who prioritize their communities. She has spent time at Chapman University, Long Beach State, and University of North Georgia before landing at University of Oregon 4 1/2 years ago. 

In December 2019 she was attacked by her partner of 7 1/2 years, the father of her son. He stabbed her 19 times and left her to die on her living room floor. She feels like she survived so that she can speak for the victims who are no longer here to speak for themselves. Caitlin is sharing her story to help others who don't recognize unhealthy relationships.

Caitlin and her 8-year-old son, AJ, live in Eugene and enjoy spending time with their dog McKenzie. Living in Oregon, spending time outside is a must and they are always up for an adventure!

Date: 08/01/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number

What adventures did Marcus and The Hotness come across? Plenty! Listen in to hear Marcus talk about the greatest inventions that he, as a person who is blind, thinks are life changing. Then, the two share some of the weirdest road stories they’ve had in a while. First, hear about the first time Marcus has been pulled over in years, then listen as The Hotness tells how she littered along the highway before sharing about Elliott’s favorite ride of the trip. Beyond road stories, Marcus shares a quote which he lives his life by…one that The Hotness now has on her T shirt. They share some tender moments about regrouping and reframing after Elliott and Marcus were denied a ride and how keeping gratitude higher than expectations leads to…well, tune in and find out!

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:30 – Marcus and The Hotness talk about a particular trip that had several interesting interactions in ride shares. Starting with a ride share getting pulled over to start their trip. 
• 04:20 – Marcus hears a giant bug, and The Hotness saves the day by getting it out of the car and littering in the process.
• 06:40 – Another car has crumbs and Cheeto dust everywhere, that Elliot loves.
• 07:28 – The two get denied by a driver, because of Elliot, Marcus’ service animal.
• 08:40 – Expect the wild and crazy when traveling but keep perspective and focus on what is important. Just be curious!
• 10:42 – The Hotness brings up a concert they got to attend and a shirt they bought. On the shirt there is a phrase to live your life by.
• 13:10 – Conclusion and thank you!

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with The Hotness on Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-Marvelyne
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 07/25/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode title and number: Episode 60 – A Lighthearted Look at Life on the Road

In this touching episode, Marcus interviews Jonathan Bartels, RN the creator of The Pause. Jonathan shares the experiences that helped form The Pause, and how it originated in the ED. It did not stop there and is now practiced around the globe. This selfceare practice is just a single tool in the kit of healthcare providers and the two share other ways for healthcare workers to take care of themselves. 

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:30 – Marcus asks Jonathan to introduce himself and his work.
• 06:44 – Jonathan talks about the death of his brother being a catalyst for his work in healthcare.
• 08:15 – Marcus asks about Jonathan’s work as a trauma nurse. 
• 10:00 – The conversation moves into compassion and presence. Jonathan highlights Being with Dying training and Compassion Care Initiative.
• 13:10 – Jonathan reflects on The Pause and what it means for care givers.
• 20:00 – The two talk about compassion, and the intersection of The Pause and the I’m Here Movement.
• 24:00 – Marcus brings up the Pandemic and the pain it has caused. Jonathan talks about the focus of hospitals and the staff that keeps things running.
• 28:00 – Both Marcus and Jonathan highlight the fact that the practice of The Pause is selfcare, just as much as it is patient care.
• 31:38 – Marcus asks the standard rapid-fire questions for Jonathan.
• 37:00 – Thank you and Goodbyes! Jonathan shares his website and how they can learn more about The Pause. 

Resources for you: 

• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Bartels_jonathan
• Learn more about The Pause: https://thepause.me/
• Learn more about the Compassion Care Initiative: https://cci.nursing.virginia.edu/about/
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast

Learn More About Jonathan:
In 2010, as an Emergency trauma nurse, Jonathan Bartels, RN initiated a practice called “The Pause.” This practice has been instrumental in promoting a paradigm shift surrounding death and self-care across healthcare both nationally and internationally.  He has received accolades from the American Academy of Critical Care Nurses (2018 Pioneering Spirit Award) and the Schwartz Center for compassionate healthcare in 2017.  Prior to pursuing a degree in nursing, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (1990) from Canisius College in Buffalo NY. Following that degree, he joined the Comparative Religion Graduate program at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI (1993-1996).  The focus of his academic pursuits include Eastern/Western Philosophy & Mysticism.  He is currently the Palliative Care Liaison nurse at The University of Virginia Health System.  He is also currently the Health System Liaison for the Compassionate Care Initiative (CCI) from the University of Virginia School of Nursing.  Since 2010 Jonathan has been a facilitator for Resiliency/ Compassion retreats offered by the CCI which has been offered to over 3000 medical/nursing students and healthcare providers. Jonathan is a podium presenter, artist, nurse, retreat facilitator.  His interests and goals are to support compassion/resilience both for his fellow healthcare providers and also to the patients he serves.

Date: 07/18/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 59 – Jonathan Bartels - How to Implement The Pause

First, this title isn’t what you’re thinking…but it does have an emphasis on interpersonal relationships. Marcus relays the story of one of his single friends making arrangements for a date. Rather than meeting in the middle, this gentleman makes the practice of giving the gift of going to the other person. This leads to a discussion of generosity versus scarcity and how, when you meet in the middle, no one is as happy. Giving the other the gift, whether it’s logistically or not, of being in the place where they are helps us practice compassion and gratitude and generosity.

Key topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:35 – Marcus talks to The Hotness about starting their relationship in a long distance arrangement.
• 02:35 – Marcus introduces the idea of giving the gift of “Going All The Way” for another person.
• 04:30 – Marvelyne expands the idea and talks about applying it to life. Sometimes we should avoid the idea of “being fair.”
• 06:15 – In a relationship there is no such thing as 50/50, there should be 100/100. We should be focuses on what we can give and not what we can gain.
• 08:51 – Marcus brings the idea back to presence and witnessing someone else’s suffering. 
• 10:30 - Thank you, conclusion, and disclosures!

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with The Hotness on Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-Marvelyne
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 07/11/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode title and number: Episode 58 – The Gift of Going All The Way