Marcus and The Hotness discuss a recent encounter they witnessed in a medical office and how the clerk took the opportunity to practice compassion. 

They talk about foreign language, about non-judgmental awareness in everyday life and communication, and share ways we can listen with empathy. 

Key topics:

• [2:20] Healthcare has its own language that patients typically are not fluent in
• [4:54] Offering presence through our verbal communication
• [6:58] Slowing down and finding daily opportunities to practice presence and to ease the suffering of others

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• 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: 02/28/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode title and number: Episode 37 – How to Be Aware of Our Words

Marcus interviews Keith Kirkland, co-founder of WearWorks, a wearable technology company creating products and language for all. 

Keith shares his background in engineering, and then fashion, before moving into design that can have a greater impact on the public. Keith talks about how his dreams of creating a wearable smart suit that could teach him Kung-Fu then morphed into the creation of the Wayband, a piece of wearable technology that uses haptic language to help people navigate and more fully enjoy the environment around them. 

Keith tells how the compassionate approach to design ultimately benefits a great number of users, not just those with visual impairments. Keith then shares some of the successes and failures that naturally occur when creating product design.    

Key topics:

• [2:14] Keith’s background in design
• [5:27] What is wearable technology?
• [7:36] Haptic feedback
• [8:16] Creating a company to change the landscape of navigation: WearWorks
• [10:42] Practical real-world application of this haptic navigation
• [15:25] How this technology allows us to be more present in the moment and within our journeys
• [16:55] One of the biggest successes of WearWorks and the Wayband so far
• [20:56] Creating a compassionate product that is universal and equitable to all
• [24:39] Keith shares with us a time that someone was present for him
• [30:41] What piece of art would Keith take with him on a desert island?
• [31:48] What fictional character would Keith be for a day?
• [32:41] If Keith could share one message with the world, what would it be?

Resources for you:

• Learn more about WearWorks: https://www.wear.works/
• PreOrder the Wayband: https://www.wear.works/preorder
• Read about WearWorks successful partnership with the Blind ultramarathon runner, Simon Wheatcroft: https://cnn.it/3h1T2ID
• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• Subscribe to the podcast: https://bit.ly/CompassionAndCouragePodcast

Learn more about Keith Kirkland:

Keith Kirkland is a Fashion and Industrial Designer with a background in Mechanical Engineering. He has created different types of wearable devices, including a Kung-Fu downloading bodysuit. Keith is a natural speaker with a glow of positive energy.

Date: 02/22/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode title and number: Episode 36 – Keith Kirkland: Navigating the World Through Haptic Technology

Marcus tells the story of a student nurse whom he admires greatly. Out of the mouth of a teenager comes one of the greatest quotes that Marcus has heard from anyone, much less a 2nd semester student nurse. 

The Hotness and Marcus then discuss how to be more aware of the tough times we’re all struggling through. Times are tough, no doubt, but Marcus & Marvelyne remind us that we’re all survivors.   

Key topics:

[1:10] If money were no object, what job would you choose to do?

[4:24] The joys of working with student nurses

[5:12] Times are tough, but we’re tougher

[6:48] You have the ability to get through adversity

Resources for you:

• Resources for tips on resiliency and cultivating compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• 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: 02/21/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode title and number: Episode 35 – Tougher Than the Times

For Valentine's Day, we thought we'd answer one of the most asked questions of all: how did Marcus and The Hotness meet? Not only the story of meeting, but their connection through a mutual friend, the founding of their friendship, long distance dating and finally blending a family together. 

Enjoy this intimate look at their history and an incredible story, to boot.

Key topics:

• [0:45] The #1 question Marcus gets from an audience…
• [1:48] The Hotness shares the story of how she and Marcus met from her perspective
• [3:24] How Marcus met Ron
• [6:28] How The Hotness met Ron
• [8:09] Marcus and The Hotness’ first connection
• [10:00] Marcus and The Hotness’ beginning of writing together
• [11:46] Marcus thanks The Hotness for helping him tell his story
• [14:47] Building the foundation within a relationship
• [17:15] How do Marcus and The Hotness’ relationship work with one partner having a profound disability?
• [19:11] Blending work and family life
• [20:57] Thanks Ron!

Resources for you:

• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• 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: 02/14/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode title and number: Episode 34 – A Real Life Love Story: Marcus and Marvelyne’s Story

Marcus is joined by Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, M.D., MSc, professor of medicine at Harvard University.
Dr. Iezzoni shares her journey into medicine and about the physical challenges she experienced during medical school that ultimately led to a diagnosis of M.S.
Dr. Iezzoni tells how, in the days prior to the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, her education and training in medicine were not enough to overcome the prejudices of superiors in hospitals. Marcus and Lisa discuss what the world was like for people with disabilities prior to 1990 and how many of the same prejudices still remain.
Dr. Iezzoni shares her latest research article that shows, nearly 30 years after the ADA, physician perceptions of patients with disabilities still show a great deal of inequality.

Key topics:

• [1:28] Dr. Iezzoni’s early experiences with medicine
• [3:58] Lisa’s diagnosis and battle with Multiple Sclerosis
• [6:52] Some of Lisa’s hurdles during medical school, being a student with a disability
• [9:16] Constructive dismissal
• [10:08] Being a doctor with a disability before 1990
• [12:49] Experiencing the world with equal access through the passage of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
• [13:33] Finding community and connections within one’s disability so we don’t feel alone
• [17:40] A few approx. stats on Multiple Sclerosis in the U.S.
• [24:55] Dr. Iezzoni’s impactful work within health policy research and how it affects our current U.S. policies
• [27:51] The most common disability for Americans
• [29:01] Dr. Iezzoni’s research on the assumptions of doctors on patients with disabilities
• [30:34] The most shocking finding from Dr. Iezzoni’s research, in her opinion
• [31:35] The implications for real world treatment because of this implicit bias
• [34:00] What can we do to improve the current perception of patients with disabilities?
• [40:07] What piece of art would Lisa take with her on a desert island?
• [41:43] What fictional character would Lisa be for a day?
• [43:25] If Lisa could share one message with the world, what would it be?

Resources for you:

• Learn more about Dr. Lisa Iezzoni’s work: https://mghmonganhealthpolicy.org/faculty/about-dr-iezzoni/
• Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/
• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Learn more about Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, M.D., MSc:
Lisa I. Iezzoni is Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and based at the Health Policy Research Center, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Dr. Iezzoni has conducted numerous studies for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Institutes of Health, the Medicare agency, and private foundations. Her early career focused on risk adjustment methods for costs and clinical outcomes and assessing quality of care; since 1998, her research has focused on improving the lived experiences and health care quality of adults with disability. 

She has served on numerous national committees and chaired the Medical Diagnostic Equipment Accessibility Standards Advisory Committee for the U.S. Access Board. 

Dr. Iezzoni is a member of the National Academy of Medicine in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Date: 02/08/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 33 – Dr. Lisa Iezzoni: What do Doctors Think of Patients with Disabilities?

Marcus shares a tale from a 90s novel that presents a story of holding grudges. Rather than seeing grudges as a strength or a commitment, Marcus unpacks the story of the drunkard and the pig to help us let go of the things we cannot control.

Key topics:

• [1:41] “The Tortilla Curtain” by T Coraghessan Boyle
• [3:10] Carrying grudges
• [5:20] Practicing forgiveness

Resources for you:

• Learn more about T.C. Boyle and his books: https://www.tcboyle.com/
• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast 

Date: 02/07/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 32 – Stop Holding Grudges

Marcus and The Hotness discuss the idea of altruism and take a stab at answering the question: Is it a sacrifice if I enjoy it? 

Key topics:

• [0:46] Is it bad to feel good about doing good?
• [5:51] If we’re not happiest when we’re creating, we’re happiest when we’re serving
• [7:00] The best thing to do when we’re feeling “blah”
• [7:31] The benefits of working with kids

Resources for you:

• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• 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: 02/01/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 31 – Altruism…and Is it Bad to Feel Good About Doing Good?

Marcus and The Hotness announce her newly awarded Doctorate of Humane Letters. They discuss the sacrifices and life of work history that brought about this recognition. Marcus and The Hotness talk about the recognition, the ceremony and the graduates...and she makes Marcus promise to call her Dr. Hotness.

Key topics:

• [2:46] The Hotness became “Dr. Hotness” over the weekend
• [3:50] What is an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters?
• [4:35] Marvelyne’s background in writing, editing and the creation of many books
• [6:21] What is a tam?
• [8:20] Marcus shares a story from graduation day that encapsulates who Marvelyne is as a person
• [10:18] Celebrate yourself - even if it’s not a formal recognition, you’ve done something worth celebrating

Resources for you:

• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• 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: 01/24/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 29 – “Celebrate Yourself” with Dr. Hotness

Marcus interviews Dr. Sharon Pappas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive of Emory Health. 

Dr. Pappas shares her journey into nursing and the lessons she has learned throughout her career. They discuss the current state of nursing in the country, what leaders can do to create a winning culture and how leaders can listen and encourage staff. 

Key topics:

• [1:37] Dr. Sharon Pappas’ journey into becoming a nurse
• [6:00] What has changed at the bedside within Dr. Pappas’ 40 year career?
• [10:38] Dr. Pappas shares a few times where she was there for someone or when someone was there for her
• [15:44] How Dr. Pappas conveys a compassionate culture with her nurses at Emory
• [21:02] Where Dr. Pappas learned about leadership
• [25:44] What piece of art would Dr. Pappas take with her on a desert island?
• [29:25] What fictional character would Dr. Pappas be for a day?
• [31:19] What is the message that Dr. Pappas would like to convey to the world?

Resources for you:
Learn more about Emory Healthcare: https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/
Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Learn more about Dr. Sharon Pappas:
Sharon H. Pappas, RN, PhD, NEA-BC, FAAN is the Chief Nurse Executive for Emory Healthcare. 

She is a member of Emory Healthcare and the Woodruff Health Science Center’s senior leadership teams and is responsible for nursing practice across Emory’s hospitals, ambulatory care, and post-acute agencies. With four Emory Healthcare hospitals designated as Magnet®, she works to establish this same nursing excellence as a distinctive competency throughout Emory Healthcare.

Dr. Pappas completed her PhD at the University of Colorado, Denver College of Nursing with research focus on clinical and financial outcomes that are sensitive to nursing. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Georgia College, School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in nursing, from the School of Nursing, Medical College of Georgia.

Dr. Pappas has authored numerous articles for peer-reviewed journals and done numerous conference presentations throughout her career focusing on the role nurses and the nursing environment play in patient safety and hospital costs. 

She also serves as professor for the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Dr. Pappas is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, International, the American Nurses Association, and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership where she served as a Board member and currently represents AONL on the Commission on Magnet® for the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Sharon is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing where she is past chair of the Expert Panel on Building Health System Excellence. Dr. Pappas served on the National Academy of Science, Engineering, & Medicine Committee on Systems Approaches to Improve Patient Care by Supporting Clinician Well-being.

Dr. Pappas is married to Greg Pappas and has two daughters, Kristen and Ruth.


Date: 01/25/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 30 – Dr. Sharon Pappas: Nursing - A Profession That Teaches People How to Live

Marcus and the Hotness recount their adventures at the 2021 combined Magnet and Pathway to Excellence Conferences in Atlanta. 

Marcus shares that the best part of the conference for him was not keynoting for these 6,000 nurses, but rather seeing the happiness and celebrations of the nurses in attendance throughout the week. 

 The Hotness tells her perspective from watching backstage and Marcus tells of his silent dedication of the speech to the audience itself and to the caregivers who saved his life. 

Marcus also relays the story of Paul Simon and remembering to appreciate the moment that one is in.

Key topics:

• [1:10] Some of the coolest engagements where Marcus has ever spoken
• [4:32] Why the Magnet & Pathway to Excellence Conference was extra special this year
• [5:45] Why seeing nurses dance and laugh and celebrate felt so special
• [7:59] The evolution of safety protocols and the new ‘feel’ of healthcare conferences
• [10:11] Marcus’ special and solemn experience of presenting for these 6,000 nurses
• [12:04] There is suffering all around us; we could all use a healing message right now
• [13:48] Giving another the gift of our presence and the easing of their suffering is sometimes the greatest gift we can give
• [14:45] We are all caregivers in one way or another
• [15:23] Marcus shares a story that reminds us all of the opportunities we have to be present for another
• [16:20] Even when no words are spoken…

Resources for you:

• Learn more about becoming a Magnet certified facility or about joining The Pathway to Excellence Program: https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/
• Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/
• 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: 01/17/2022

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode title and number: Episode 28 – Celebrating with Nurses