In this episode, Hsien chats with Ontario Funeral Director Sarah Sunnucks about what really happens after someone dies and why funeral pre‑planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Sarah shares the hidden legal and administrative burdens families face, powerful stories of when planning was (and wasn’t) done, and emerging options like green burial. 

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, we chat with grief therapist and thanatologist Andrea Warnick. We discuss the importance of including children in conversations about serious illness and death. Andrea shares her experiences and strategies for helping children cope with loss and shares some free and low-barrier resources you can use.

Resources to help children with grief:

https://kidsgrief.ca/

https://youthgrief.ca/ 

https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Topics/Topics/Final+Days/Children+at+the+Bedside+of+a+Dying+Family+Member+or+Friend.aspx 

Visit Andreas website for more information: https://awcgrief.com/ 

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Donna Thomson, longtime caregiver, advocate, and author, returns to share a very different story: her own diagnosis of high‑grade bladder cancer. In this episode, she talks about the shock of shifting from caregiver to patient, how she advocated for herself to get answers, and the anxiety of living with a high risk of recurrence. Donna describes how the 7 Keys workbook became her “cognitive lifeboat,” helping her and her husband clarify their priorities, plan for aging, and navigate conversations about fear, privacy, and support. She also shares how her yoga community, her caregiving work, and projects like the Caregiving Essentials course and The Courage to Care book continue to sustain her through treatment and beyond.

Visit Donnas website here: https://www.donnathomson.com/

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Renee Moor, psychotherapist, death doula, and founder of Journey Home Support, shares her personal journey through grief, the lessons learned from profound loss, and her mission to bring compassionate community support to end-of-life care. We discuss how embracing death and mourning can offer meaning, connection, and empowerment for individuals and families.

To learn more about Renee's work visit: https://www.journeyhomesupport.com/

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our conversation with resilience expert Dr. Lucy Hone. We discuss grief, living with loss, and practical tools for navigating tough times. Lucy shares personal stories and research-backed insights offering hope and empowering advice for anyone facing adversity.

Learn more about Lucys work here: https://www.drlucyhone.com/

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our conversation with Dr. Ashwin Kaniah, an Australian general practitioner and palliative care consultant. Ashwin shares his journey from family medicine to palliative care, highlighting the importance of early, holistic, and individualized approaches for patients and families. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in making healthcare more inclusive, especially for LGBTQI+ communities, and discuss Ashwins award-winning research . Learn more about his work here: https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/education-training/providing-inclusive-palliative-care/

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our conversation with Dr. Emma Clare, end-of-life doula and CEO of End of Life Doula UK. Emma shares her journey, the evolving role of doulas, and the importance of compassion, communication, and community in end-of-life care. We explore how empowering patients and families, breaking down taboos around death, and building a more supportive culture can change life’s final chapter.

Learn more about Emma's work and End of Life Doulas UK: https://eol-doula.uk 

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode we welcome Stephanie Muskat, a registered Social Worker, therapist, and founder of Compassion in Caregiving. Stephanie shares her moving journey caring for her mother and grandmother. We discuss the emotional and logistical challenges families face, the importance of advocacy, and how her personal experience inspired her to support other caregivers.

Find more of Stephanie's work here: https://compassionincaregiving.com/

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this heartfelt episode, Heike and Richard share their family’s journey through the end-of-life care of their two sons. Through stories of loss, advocacy, and resilience, they reveal hard-won lessons about love, hope, and what truly matters in life and healthcare. 

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features Dr. Tammy Pegg, a cardiologist, and Jane Goodwin, National Program Manager for advanced care planning in New Zealand. We discuss the evolution of CPR understanding, the importance of advanced care planning, and the challenges of aligning medical care with patient values. The episode delves into New Zealand’s national efforts to promote shared goals of care, empower patients and families, and support clinicians in having compassionate, person-centered discussions. 

Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/