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

People often speak of the importance of dignity at the end of life.

Sometimes the medicalization of illness interrupts being seen in our full humanness which erodes our sense of dignity.

In the first episode of 2025, we speak with Dr. Harvey Chochinov, physician, author, researcher, and developer of Dignity Therapy, who shows us how to put dignity front and center in the process of caring for those living with a life-threatening illness.

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

In this last episode of 2024, the co-hosts offer support, compassion and suggestions for navigating the holidays. 

It’s often not the most wonderful time of the year, especially for those grieving and living with illness. Have a listen or pass it along to someone who needs a little extra support during this month. Our blessings to all our listeners. 

We’ve got some great episodes lined up for January 2025, please c'mon back to listen!  We are so grateful for your support. 

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

In a previous episode, we discussed how guilt and grief are frequent companions on the journey. Anger can also be a frequent traveler. 
In this episode, we discuss the protective and helpful role of anger, how to go beneath anger to other feelings, and offer suggestions about what to do if you find yourself stuck in your anger. Being in the presence and feeling the effects of another’s anger can also be challenging. For those supporting a person on their grief journey we provide valuable insights that may help us hold space for anger. 

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 honour of speaking with members of the Birrell family who share their insights after the death of their 8-year-old son and brother James in 2001. 
Our conversation focuses on grief and its long-term impacts on families. The Birrells aid us in understanding grief from the parental and sibling perspectives. Pam, Syd and Rebecca are transparent and honest in sharing the difficult and sometimes dangerous aspects of grief that challenge personal, and family dynamics and change relationships for a lifetime.

The Birrells are well known,  locally, and around the world. Their fund-raising efforts have raised over $13 million dollars towards research into neuroblastoma. 
James' journey of cancer is documented through the book published by the family, with the title contributed by James “Ya Can’t Let Cancer Ruin Your Day.” We would also like to acknowledge Ben, James' brother, who due to his studies, was away at the time of recording and unable to join us.

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

In this episode, Harrison's mother, Shannon shares their family story of Harrison's significant yet short life. With incredible grace and generosity Shannon shares what life was like for her and her husband as they rode the emotional and physical ups and downs, joys and sorrow, treatment and recovery and eventual death of their first child and little superhero, Harrison. It's a heart heavy and important story, gracefully told. 
We are honoured to get to know Shannon and her family and we thank them for sharing this part of their lives with us. 

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

In this episode we interview a friend and colleague of the hosts: Tracy Condon. Tracy is a registered social worker with many years experience supporting women and their partners through perinatal loss. This is an arena of grief we often don't speak about and is often not acknowledged.
In this conversation, Tracy's passion, care and commitment shine through and she encourages listeners to extend compassion to themselves and others.. Virtually all of us have been impacted by perinatal loss (ourselves or someone we know). Even if this loss was decades ago, there is something in this conversation for you.  

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

In his book Cancer Confidential, Dr. Charles Hayter draws on his years of experience as a radiation oncologist and writes something accessible, interesting and readable. 
In our discussion Dr. Hayter addresses the difficult and sometimes misunderstood subject of cancer and radiation treatment. For those currently going through, or those who will be undergoing, radiation treatment this is a sensitive, personal and informative discussion. His book also highlights his skill as a screenwriter and his background in theatre - who knew reading about radiation oncology could be so interesting and entertaining!

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

We open Season 3 with the great privilege of speaking with Dr. Kerr about his work and research into the dreams and visions of the dying. Through interviews with over 1,400 dying patients Dr. Kerr’s research reveals that the pre-death dreams and visions of the dying can be life altering experiences offering resolution of relationships and peace in the dying process.

Dr. Christopher Kerr is the CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Hospice Buffalo, and author of Death is but a Dream – Finding Hope and Meaning at Life’s End. 

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

In this short episode the co-hosts take time to reflect on the second season of the podcast.  We review the teaching and learning that occurred because of the amazing guests throughout this season.  Also discuss feedback from listeners and what resonated for them and a few tidbits about what is to come in season 3 - recording is already underway!  Please listen to the end so that you can hear the co-hosts gratitude for the team that makes this podcast possible.  

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

A diagnosis of a potentially life threatening illness throws us into a world of hard questions and a myriad of decisions that need to be made.  Our decisions can find us ruminating on issues and double guessing ourselves and if we don’t achieve the desired results we are often left feeling responsible and guilty about the outcome. In this episode we examine some of the questions that arise and decisions that need to be made from the moment of a new diagnosis onward. 

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