Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Today’s episode is all about audio description, an accessibility feature that allows you to enjoy a movie or TV show without visuals. With a career in audio production, Eric Wickstrom shares what he enjoys most about making TV and film accessible to everyone.

Eric discusses his time at IDC and his experience creating audio descriptions for hit shows like Game of Thrones, The Last Dance, and The Queen’s Gambit. We also talk about the challenges describers face when describing for a blind audience and what it is like to work with blind describers. We wrap up the episode by sharing the much anticipated audio description premier of the short film “The Drop”.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Introductions
• 02:20 – Marcus asks Eric Wickstorm to introduce himself and International Digital Centre (IDC).
• 04:10 – Marcus explains that Audio Description is and how it has impacted him.
• 09:40 – Eric talks about some of their various projects over the years. 
• 14:45 – Marcus asks about Eric’s career path and how he got involved with audio description and production.
• 18:30 – IDC was recognized for their work with audio descriptions and accessibility.
• 24:10 – Eric talks about a time he witnessed compassion and the story of his daughter’s birth.
• 28:18 – IDC contact information.
• 31:00 – Big announcement and Thank-yous!
• 36:00 – The Drop with Audio Description

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 Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-wickstrom-31735b9/
• Follow Eric on Twiter: @IDC_Eric
• Learn more about International Digital Centre: https://www.idcdigital.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Watch The Drop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_5H8e0Y94k
• Watch The Drop with Audio Description: https://youtu.be/nTzPM8ThdTw?si=IOqWYHSq3WNrzahl
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More About Eric Wickstrom:
Eric Wickstrom is the Director of Audio Production for IDC (International Digital Centre), a New York multimedia post-production house. He brings over 13 years of experience specializing in the creation of audio content for leading networks and streaming services, across audio description, dubbing, and podcasting. In 2021 his team at IDC were the proud recipients of the American Council for the Blind award for Excellence in the Field of Audio Description.

Date: 8/28/2023
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 117 - Eric Wickstrom on the Revolution of Audio Description

On this episode of Compassion & Courage, we are joined by a superstar guest, Pastor Martha Munizzi. Pastor Martha shares a bit about her background as an international recording artist and the awards she’s won and been nominated for (hint: we’re talking Grammy, Stellar and Dove, just to name a few). Pastor Martha shares the time an amazing opportunity presented itself in the form of an invitation to create a short film. Come hear how The Drop got its start and how the the film went from concept, to casting, to edits, and finally the final 7 minute film. Listen in as Marvelyne and Martha have some sisterly memories of bringing The Drop to life and some of the misadventures they encountered along the way.

You can  watch The Drop here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_5H8e0Y94k

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Introductions
• 01:30 – Martha talks about her podcast and a little about her story. They then go into how they decided to use Marcus’ story for a short film.
• 07:45 – Martha starts to talk about casting for the short film and some of the production.
• 15:50 – They talk about how the movie has been received and how it still is relevant today. 
• 18:47 – Thank yous and some final thoughts. 
• 20:40 – The Drop

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 Martha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthamunizzi/?hl=en
• Learn more about Martha’s Book: https://marthamunizzi.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Watch The Drop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_5H8e0Y94k
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the Epic Life Church podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/epic-life-church/id1605898458

More About Martha Munizzi:

MARTHA MUNIZZI is a GRAMMY®, Dove®, and Stellar® Award-winning singer-songwriter, pastor, and recording artist, and is considered one of the pioneers of cross-cultural praise and worship music. Martha has an infectious love for life, a deep love for people, and a zealous love for God's House. Her passion is to help build the church worldwide, see people reach their full potential, and develop and strengthen leaders. Martha, along with her husband, Dan, and their three children, reside in Orlando, Florida, and are the founders and lead pastors of EpicLife Church in Winter Park, Florida where they both serve as co-pastors.

Date: 8/21/2023
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 116 – Martha Munizzi - When The Way Opens: The Inspiration Behind The Drop

If you have ever wanted to write a book, this is your sign… DO IT! In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus and The Hotness talk about writing and editing Marcus’ first book, After This: An Inspirational Journey for all the Wrong Reasons. The two talk about the early days of Marcus’ career as a writer and beginnings of Narrative Nursing.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• 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 on Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 8/14/2023
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 115 – How to Write a Memoir 

In today’s episode, Donna Wright joins Marcus to discuss compassion in healthcare and cover various topics, from workplace culture and relating to patient experience to the science behind nursing and leadership development.
Donna shares how her nursing journey began and how sociology and compassion are linked. We also discuss her belief that nurses are scientists of human response and how nursing can extend beyond the compassion shown at the bedside.
She discusses her transition from the day-to-day practice setting to supporting health organizations around the globe, the importance of rediscovering and reconnecting with our original motivations to do the work we do, and her must-have books! 

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Introductions
• 01:08 – Marcus asks Donna how she got into nursing. 
• 08:05 – Marcus asks about a time where Donna witnessed compassion.
• 11:37 – Donna is asked about her journey in-ward and how sociology has affected her practice.
• 14:40 – Marcus asks about Creative Health Care Management and how they can help hospitals and leaders.
• 20:21 – Marcus switches up his rapid-fire questions. Donna would like people to, “Love each other up. Love up the world.”
• 28:28 – Thank yous and Goodbyes!

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Learn more about Creative Health Care Management: https://www.chcm.com
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Donna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-wright-5265755/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More About Donna Wright, MS, RN, NPD-BC: 

Ms. Wright is a nurse and professional development specialist with Creative Healthcare Management in Minneapolis, MN. Donna has degrees in Nursing, Family Sociology, and Adult Education. Donna has worked with many health care organizations to help them create meaningful, effective programs that support professional development and competency assessment for all departments. She is the author of the book, The Ultimate Guide to Competency Assessment in Healthcare – which has been translated into Japanese, and is being used throughout Japan. Her other competency book is: The Competency Assessment Field Guide. She is also one of the co-authors of two national award-winning books, Relationship-Based Care: A model for transforming practice and Advancing Relationship-Base Cultures. 

Donna received her degrees from the University of Minnesota. She has worked in both staff and leadership roles. Her experiences have taken her around the globe to a variety of health care settings including rural Africa. Donna is a member and past president of the Association for Nursing Professional Development and is a recipient of their “Promoting Excellence in Consultation” award. Donna is known for her energy and refreshing approach to education and learning.

Date: 8/7/2023
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare Episode number and title: Episode 114 – Donna Wright – Compassionate Leadership

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus and The Hotness talk about a recent trauma that put Marcus in the hospital for five days and through two surgeries. The two discuss their experience and reflect on the idea of trauma affecting more than just the patient. Come listen to how a few wonderful individuals stepped up and practiced compassion when our family was suffering through this unexpected event. 

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• 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 on Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 7/31/2023
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 113 – Snake Bites and Compassion

Today’s guest on Compassion & Courage is Ted Meyer, an artist and patient advocate who helps patients and medical professionals see the positive in the worst life can offer. Ted discusses the inspiration behind his artistic process and how he visualizes his emotions through art. Acknowledging the negative experiences that a patient has been through and turning them into something beautiful, Ted shares the secrets behind his artwork, his favorite scar, and the book that influenced his life.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Learn More about Art and Med: www.artandmed.com
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Ted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artyourworld/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More About Ted Meyer:
Ted Meyer is a nationally recognized artist, curator and patient advocate who helps patients, students and medical professionals see the positive in the worst life can offer. Ted’s decades long project “Scarred for Life: Mono- prints of Human Scars” chronicles the trauma and courage of people who have lived through accidents and health crises.

Ted seeks to improve patient/physician communications and speaks about living as an artist with illness. Telling stories about his own art and the stories behind his scar art collection, he offers insight into living with pain, illness, and disfigurement. Ted has been featured on NPR and in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and USA Today. His work has been displayed internationally in museums, hospitals, and galleries. As the Artist in Residence at USC Keck School of Medicine, Ted curates exhibitions of artwork by patients whose subject matter coincides with medical school curriculum. Ted has curated shows by artists challenged by MS, cancer, germ phobias, back pain, and other diseases. He is a Visiting Scholar at the National Museum of Health and Medicine, is a graduate of the Aspen Leadership Seminars, was the 2017 Sterling Visiting Professorship at Stanford University and has been TEDMED mainstage speaker.

Ted is also a writer, photographer and illustrator. He has written and illustrated several books. “Shrink Yourself: The Complete do-it-Yourself Book of Freudian Psychoanalysis,” “The Butt Hello - And Other Reasons My Cats Drive Me Crazy,” “Cats Around the World,” “Good Things You Can Learn from A Bad Relationship,” “Scarred for Life,” and “Woman Napping with Animals.” His award-winning documentary, “King of Dinoland,” follows outsider artist Abe DeLacerda.

Date: 7/24/2023 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 112 – Ted Meyer – Understanding Patients Through Art

Marcus is joined in the studio by his longtime friend, John Vollertsen. Listen as the two discuss what it was like to be with Marcus during his recovery and learn how John rescued Marc. This is a touching and funny look into one of Marcus’ longest friendships and learn how you can be a compassionate friend to another in crisis and loss.

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/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast 

Date: 7/17/2023 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 111 – John Vollertsen – Compassionate Friendship During Crisis: A Conversation

Today’s guest is Andrew Cowart-Oberle who shares his extraordinary story of how he was mauled by chimpanzees and nearly lost his life. In his mission to reduce the prevalence of post-traumatic stress and mental health conditions that arise after trauma, Andrew shares how he created the Trauma Survivors Network, a holistic program that aims to give patients the resources necessary for a successful recovery. Alongside his story of survival, we also discuss marathon running, the compassion of the healthcare workers who fought for Andrew to receive groundbreaking reconstructive surgeries, re-stabilizing identity after trauma and much more.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:10 – Marcus gives Andrew the floor to share is story and journey of compassion.
• 07:40 – Andrew talks about his injuries, physical and emotional, and his hospital stay after the attack.
• 14:30 – Andrew is asked about his recovery and lifestyle now. Andrew talks about Helen and the effort she made to help Andrew get back home and on the road to recovery. 
• 20:02 – Marcus asks about a time where Andrew witnessed compassion.
• 26:40 – Andrew shares his career journey and his passion for his work. Really explaining the need and work that needs to be done around trauma and recovery.
• 43:00 – Andrew and Marcus begin to talk about the benefits for healthcare staff, to be able to offer this trauma support that goes beyond the physical.
• 47:00 – Marcus asks his rapid-fire questions. Andrew would like everyone to just “Be Kind.”
• 53:45 – Thank-Yous 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 Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oberle-mha-04a03053/
• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewOberle
• Connect with Andrew:  https://www.andrewoberle.com
• Learn more about the Oberle Institute: https://twitter.com/OberleInstitute
• Learn more about The American Trauma Society: https://www.amtrauma.org
• Subscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Andrew Cowart-Oberle, PhD(c), MHA:
In June 2012 while conducting his anthropology master's research in South Africa, Andrew Cowart-Oberle was viciously mauled by two adult male chimpanzees and nearly lost his life. After two weeks in a coma, four weeks on a ventilator, two months in a Johannesburg intensive care unit, four weeks in acute care, six weeks in a rehabilitation hospital, over two dozen surgeries, and countless hours of rehabilitation, he is thriving. 

At the time of recording, Andrew served as the Executive Director for the Oberle Institute at Saint Louis University, where he led efforts to build a community that heals together and supports individuals on their journey from surviving to thriving.  

He is also a health management and policy doctoral student, studying the effects of survivor support programs on trauma patient and family outcomes, a member of the American Trauma Society Board of Directors, and chair of their Legislative and Policy committee. 

Andrew is a nationally renowned leader and advocate for improving the trauma care system. 

Date: 7/10/2023 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Health

Even with the best intentions, we can cause pain. This episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus and The Hotness talk about being patient and listening first before trying to be compassionate without context. Everyone puts their foot in their mouth at some point, but taking care on the job, or when trying to create a safe-place can go a long way.

 Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• 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 on Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 7/3/2023
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 109 – Unintended Pain

Today Marcus is joined by Mark Black who shares his story of compassion and courage as a survivor of major medical intervention. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark survived two dangerous open-heart surgeries before he turned one. He continued to live with the condition until he discovered he needed a heart and double-lung transplant. Three years later, he ran his first full marathon. 

Explaining the transplant process and his patient experience pre and post-transplant, Mark’s story is one of emotional survival. Listen as he shares the sacrifices his family made on his behalf, how he decided to run a marathon and anecdotes about his love of psychedelic rock music.

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/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/ 
• Learn more about Mark Black: https://markblack.ca/
• Learn more about Mark Black’s Books: https://markblack.ca/marcus
• Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Mark Black:

Mark Black is a husband and father of three. He is also the only man in history to have completed a marathon with someone else’s heart and lungs.

Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark underwent open-heart surgery on his first day of life. He was not expected to live a long life. Mark battled his condition and its limitations for twenty-two years when his doctors informed him that time had run out. His heart was failing badly and without a rare heart and double-lung transplant, he would not survive another year.

In October 2001, Mark moved thousands of kilometers from home and was put on the transplant waiting list. After nearly a year of waiting, and time running out, by the grave of God, a donor was found. Mark received a second chance at life and has not wasted a moment because he knows exactly how precious time is.

Mark’s transplant is a treatment, not a cure. He continues to take medication to prevent rejection of the organs. The average lifespan of someone with his transplant is 5-10 years. It’s been 16 years since Mark’s transplant. He is in his 40s. It is very unlikely Mark will live to see his 50’s. This is what makes his message so powerful. He lives the strategies and principles he teaches and he is filled with passion and purpose for his work precisely because he doesn’t know how much more time he’ll be afforded to do it.
 

Date: 6/26/2023
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number: Episode 108 – Mark Black – The Heart (and Lungs) of Compassion