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

In this episode we explore the all too common experience of feeling that our needs are becoming a burden to others.  We discuss how the dynamic of burden forces us to confront our vulnerabilities and at the same time presents us with the opportunity to deepen our relationships with those who are our closest supporters.

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In this episode we have a conversation with physician and author Blair Bigham whose new book Death Interrupted explores how medical technology has changed the way we die and what it means to be dead. 

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In this episode we look at the role hope plays in the palliative care and grief journey. We discuss the importance of inviting and holding space for hope and how it is essential to let our hope be informed and transformed by the reality of changing circumstances. 

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We all experience what has been termed "ambiguous loss" in our life.  This episode explores what it is, provides examples of how it shows up in our lives and explores how we  carry it.

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Early death and grief experiences lay the  foundation for how we cope with future losses. In this episode we are joined by Family and Child Life Specialist, Sheila Bourgeois who guides us into the young mind so that we may learn how to approach and fully support children and adolescents through the grief journey.  She teaches us how grief manifests differently in children and how essential it is that they be included in age appropriate ways.  Sheila also touches on strategies for supporting children through the holiday season.     

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For many, it's not the most wonderful time of the year.  
Those living with life threatening illness (and their families) might be entering this season with awareness this could be the last Christmas.  For others, if grief is "raw" and new we may be wondering how to survive the holidays.  If our grief is historical, then we may find the holidays trigger our grief.   It's a challenging time of year!  
In this episode the hosts give space to all of these realities, recognizing there isn't a solution to any of this but there are ways to approach the holidays that are compassionate and caring of ourselves and our loved ones.  
The theme of the episode is giving ourselves permission to let the holidays be what they need to be; reducing the pressure and letting go of the expectations for making it special and perfect.

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We have our first guest!  Dr. John Beamish, long practicing palliative physician and leader in palliative medicine joins us in the studio. This episode explores many aspects of palliative medicine.   Dr. Beamish explains how palliative medicine is different from other medical specialties, the role of the palliative physician and the importance of a palliative community team.  The overall theme shining through is how can the palliative physician and team support people to shift our focus on how much time until death to how to spend our time until death.

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Guilt can be a constant companion in grief work. Death can bring up unfinished business and leave people feeling guilty. But is it really guilt? The hosts explore.

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Receiving a life altering diagnosis changes your world in an instant. You're left with the question: "what now?"
In episode 3 the hosts discuss the experiences they have seen in individuals and families impacted by a life changing diagnosis.

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The hosts discuss the value of sitting bedside with someone who is in their last weeks of life. Waiting can be the hardest part, when time doesn't seem to exist, but the opportunity to just be present and in the moment is powerful.

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