What Now? On the threshold of life, death, and grief.

In this returning episode of The Written Word, the co-hosts revisit a familiar and much-loved format—this time in conversation with Dr Natalie Whiting. Having explored the power of the written word together before, they now welcome Natalie, a palliative physician,  to share some of her own writing and reflections from the edges of lived experience.

Together, they  explore how poetry and lyrics can speak where ordinary language falters. When life becomes too complex or tender to explain, the written word can gesture toward the ineffable—offering resonance rather than resolution. This episode invites listeners to pause, listen, and consider how words can hold what cannot be neatly spoken.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

In this podcast we are delighted to welcome Dr Jan Hux, a retired physician and past CEO of Diabetes Canada. Jan’s husband Edwin died in 2020 and she shares with us her journey of grief as a widow. Jan reflects on the past 5 years and candidly explores the challenges of spousal death and the transition to a life in which Edwin is physically absent. She shares with clarity some of the surprises, both difficult and healing that she encountered along the way. What shines through is the genuine love Jan and Edwin shared, and still do.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

 As the What Now? podcast closes out 2025, the hosts are offering a compassionate tool for the season.  

 Recognizing that the holidays can carry many experiences, Julie guides  a “compassionate friend” meditation for listeners who may be grieving, feeling alone, or needing extra support as we navigate the holidays. This practice is an invitation to pause, breathe, and receive kindness—imagining a wise, loving presence who sits with you in whatever you're carrying. In a season that can feel dark or overwhelming, may this meditation be a way for light to gently pierce through and remind you that you are held, seen, and not alone. 

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

In this episode, co-hosts Julie and Red interview author and psychotherapist, Kelley Raab about her latest work, Who Am I Now? Reflections on Spirituality and Grief. The conversation examines how bereavement unsettles personal identity,  why spiritual frameworks can both support and complicate the grieving process, and how the death of a parent can create profound emotional and existential disorientation. Kelley offers insights from both her research and lived experience, providing listeners with thoughtful guidance on navigating grief’s impact on the self.  

 For more information about Kelley and her writing, please visit: https://kelleyraab.ca/

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

In this episode we have the great honour and privilege of speaking with Kathryn Rhoden. You will remember our soulful conversation with her husband Chris Rhoden in the previous podcast episode: What Does It Mean To Live A Meaningful Life (S3E16).  

Kathryn joins us to speak about her life and experiences since Chris’ death on April 25th, 2025. With grace and genuine humanity Kathryn speaks candidly about her grief, the ups and downs, the love and loneliness that have been constant companions on her grief journey. 

We are positive that if you too have lost a beloved partner this conversation will connect on many levels. If you have never lost a partner you will gain valuable insight into how you can support someone who has. We are saddened by the circumstances that have led us to have this conversation but we are deeply grateful to Kathryn and her willingness to share her love for Chris and her experiences since his loss.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

What if a tattoo could carry more than a memory — what if it held a piece of someone you loved? In this episode, we sit down with artist Kerri Parnell, who’s redefining the meaning of memorial art through her deeply personal cremation tattoos.

These aren’t your average tattoos. Kerri blends a trace of a loved one’s ashes into the ink — creating designs that are both beautiful and intimate. But how did she start doing this? What does it mean for those who choose to carry their loved one in this way? And what are the emotions, ethics, and stories behind this growing practice?

Join us as we explore the art, the science, and the soul of remembrance through ink — and discover why people around the world are turning to Kerri to help them keep their connections alive, one tattoo at a time.

You can find more information about Kerri Parnell's work below:

@kerriparnell.art

@cremation_tattoos

Website: www.cremationtattoos.com 

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

Red and Julie are delighted to welcome colleagues and friends (and past What now? guests) Dr. John Beamish and Dr. Kaetlen Wilson. The foursome gathered for a robust conversation about some of the unique aspects of grief with a MAiD (medical assistance in dying) death. They discuss how MAiD can be disenfranchised grief: grief that is not recognized or supported in a culturally normative manner.  

They also delve into how family dynamics, secrecy, contrasting emotional responses, and the actual provision of MAiD can manifest distinct grief experiences. The group brings their many years of experience supporting families through MAiD, both prior to death and during the grieving journey. As MAiD becomes more commonplace in our Canadian context, this episode will be enlightening and supportive for all. 

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

This episode was sparked by an email from a listener who had been the primary care provider to a person who was not family, but over the course of many years became a dear friend, leaving them to feel as if their grief was unrecognized or disenfranchised after the friend's passing. 

It caused us to stop and take a moment to consider situations and relationships when particular losses are not acknowledged or supported by our cultural norms and standards and how these circumstances impact the caregiving and grief journey. 

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

Dr. Robert Macauley helps us kick off Season 4 with his powerful book Because I Knew You – How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor’s Soul. At first glance, a book about children living with and dying from terminal illness might sound unbearably heavy, but listeners will find this episode surprisingly uplifting. Through his words and stories, Dr. Macauley reminds us of the deep goodness and resilience in our world.

His personal journey spans from Episcopalian priest to medical ethicist, and ultimately to pediatric palliative care physician. Woven throughout is how these experiences helped in his own healing from childhood sexual abuse.

Dr. Macauley’s skilled storytelling of the lives of these remarkable children invites us to connect with our own vulnerability, our shared humanity, and the unexpected beauty that can be found even in tragedy. Simply put, he is genuinely human — and we know that will come through in this conversation.

All proceeds from his book go to support the pediatric palliative care program at OHSU, with a portion contributed to Darkness to Light (d2l.org), an organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse.

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]

In this lively short wrap-up to the season the co-hosts take the opportunity to give "shout outs" and thank yous to those who have supported and offered feedback (so listen up, you may hear your name). Julie surprises Red and David with a "lightning round" of questions as a way to reflect and discuss this jam-packed season. It's a short episode and worth a listen: it may prompt you to go back to episodes past and/or remind you of insights and learnings.

Thanks for your ongoing support for this podcast, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend!  We will be back in September 2025!

Have feedback about the podcast? Have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with us: [email protected]