The Hospice Chaplaincy Show with Saul Ebema

In Today's episode, Saul talks with Joelle Johns on the importance of community education on death, dying and grief. Joelle is a pastoral thanatologist and a clinical chaplain. 

When someone close to us dies at an older age, we often take comfort not only in celebrating their life, but also in knowing that death is part of the natural process of living. This experience is not the same when you are faced with the sudden death of your child. In this episode, Julie Spears talks about the tragic death of her 16 year old son and how she has coped with it.

This is Part Two of Saul's conversation with Ronald Greer about his new book, “The Quiet House.” Ron Greer is the Director of the Pastoral Counseling Service at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, having been with this ministry for forty years. He is an ordained United Methodist minister, a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of four books: The Path of Compassion: Living with Heart, Soul, and Mind; Now That They Are Grown: Successfully Parenting Your Adult Children; Markings on the Windowsill: A Book About Grief That's Really About Hope; and If You Know Who You Are, You'll Know What to Do: Living with Integrity.  A native of Louisiana, he has a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University, a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a Masters of Theology in pastoral counseling from Columbia Theological Seminary. You can find out more about Ron here; https://ronaldjgreer.com/

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Ronald Greer about his new book, “The Quiet House.” Ron Greer is the Director of the Pastoral Counseling Service at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, having been with this ministry for forty years. He is an ordained United Methodist minister, a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of four books: The Path of Compassion: Living with Heart, Soul, and Mind; Now That They Are Grown: Successfully Parenting Your Adult Children; Markings on the Windowsill: A Book About Grief That's Really About Hope; and If You Know Who You Are, You'll Know What to Do: Living with Integrity.  A native of Louisiana, he has a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University, a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a Masters of Theology in pastoral counseling from Columbia Theological Seminary. You can find out more about Ron here; https://ronaldjgreer.com/

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Indira Dyal-Dominguez on her book “You: A spiritual being on a spiritual journey.” This book redefines a new paradigm shift that is shaped by the Self. In this paradigm shift, Connecting becomes a way of knowing that at any moment you can ‘unplug' or ‘disengage' the Mind's vibration and speaking of what is occurring to ‘Connect' to your Self for the answers that are unique to you. Here is an example of Indira's guided audio; https://www.indiralife.com/connectIndira is the CEO of INDIRA LIFE and founder of the revolutionary self-help practice of Connecting, getting answers from your intuitive Self for the results in all areas of your life. For more than 15 years, Indira has trained c-suite executives and individuals in getting results from the practice of Connecting, for explosive personal and professional results. She now delivers an online program where anyone, anywhere can learn and the practice of Connecting for results giving them the life they want.You can find out more about Indira, her book and her courses at; https://www.indiralife.com/

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Karen Docherty on the intersection between mediumship and end of life care. Since the discovery of her abilities, Karen has worked tirelessly to bring the word of Spirit to those who need it most. From the UK to the USA, from Asia to Australia, clients from all over the world meet with Karen to receive readings, enroll in mentorships and share a space for discussions on the power of Spirit.A woman with spirit and a breath of fresh air, Karen offers a contemporary approach to psychic work and mediumship based on traditional principles. Filled with love and compassion, she stands as one of the most reputable and skilled mediums in modern times.

In today's episode, Saul talks to Dr. Joshua Black on Grief Dreams. Dr. Black holds a MA and PhD in Psychology. He is a grief researcher, speaker, consultant, and host of the Grief Dreams Podcast. His work focuses on dreams and continuing bonds after loss, including prenatal and pet loss. As one of the leading academic experts in grief dreams, which can be dreams of the deceased, Joshua has directed his efforts on raising awareness about this fascinating phenomenon through media interviews, including PBS Next Avenue, CBC News, and Toronto Sun, in addition to speaking engagements and workshops. 

In today's episode, Saul talks to Dr. Jeremy Holloway on Social Isolation in older adults and Tellegacy. Dr. Holloway is a speaker, consultant, and cross-cultural communication educator. He is also a Geriatric Professor and Director of Geriatric Education at the University of North Dakota, specializes in diversity, equity, & inclusion with a unique focus in cross-cultural communication, human connection, resiliency, self-efficacy, and personal empowerment of individuals, especially in the healthcare workforce. You can find out more about Dr. Holloway at www.jeremyholloway.com

In today's episode, Saul talks to Pamela Coley, a former hospice nurse to reflect on her experience of working in hospice. Prior to hospice, she also worked as a school nurse and currently also does some local acting.  She is passionate about her faith and about educating people on what happens as we die.

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Dr. Leanne Griffiths on the intersection between sports, living well and dying well. Dr. Griffiths is the Dean of Faculty, Sport, Technology and Health Sciences (FSTHS) at St. Mary's University in Twickenham, London.As Dean of Faculty, Dr. Griffiths is responsible for the expansion and development of our contemporary portfolio of programmes, the day to day management of Faculty matters and ensuring a positive working environment for staff and students.Dr. Griffiths started working at St Mary's University as a Senior Lecturer in Sport Rehabilitation in 2011 and has been a Head of Department for Sport and Exercise Science for a number of years. She has overseen the growth and implementation of many new programmes and the expansion of sporting facilities.Dr. Griffiths qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2008 from Keele University and completed her PhD in 2016. Her PhD investigated the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle adaptation in stroke patients. Her clinical time working within the NHS puts her in an excellent position to lead St Mary's through an exciting expansion of Allied Health provision within the Faculty.

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Shelby Forsythia about her book, “Your Grief, Your Way.” Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief guide, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions.Following her mother's death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a “student of grief” and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they've faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine.

In today's episode, Saul talks to both Karen Oikonen and Kate Wilkes on “Constellations: Designing participatory engagement and end of life.”Kate Wilkes is a service designer based in Toronto, Canada. Passionate about meaningful collaboration, Kate is always keen for opportunities to leverage diverse perspectives to make sense of complex problems in pursuit of impactful solutions. Kate studied at the University of Toronto, George Brown College's Institute without Boundaries, and the Dun Laoghaire Institute Of Art, Design + Technology in Ireland. Kate's interest in the death, dying, and the end of life period is rooted in her own experience navigating her mother's illness and death in 2015.Karen Oikonen is also a designer based in Toronto, Canada. Shas a Bachelor of Interior Design from the University of Manitoba and a Masters of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation, from OCAD University. She teaches design research at OCAD University and design thinking at Sheridan College – She finds that having a foot in an academic environment challenges her perspective and is deeply fulfilling. Her experience in health care helped to develop a rigorous approach to research while allowing her to engage directly with patients, caregivers, and clinicians – this helped shape her exploratory path to innovation design – from visual and spatial design to service design and design research.You can find the constellations images here.

In today's episode, Saul talks with Masey Kaplan who is one of the founders of the Loose Ends Project about the Loose Ends Project and the therapeutic value it brings to end of life care. Masey Kaplan is a graphic designer and voracious knitter. The idea for Loose Ends Project came about when Masey Kaplan and Jennifer Simonic, both avid knitters, realized that they had a shared experience: Friends would often ask them to finish blankets, sweaters, or other projects left undone by deceased loved ones. They always do so enthusiastically, understanding what it feels like to wear something a loved one has made. 

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Juli Boit about her new book, “Brave Love: A Nurse's Story of Courage and Compassion in a Kenyan Hospice.” In 2004, at just 25 years old, Juli Boit embarked on a remarkable journey from her home in Los Angeles to a remote Kenyan village of Kipkaren River. Driven by a profound calling and desire to make a difference, Juli witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on the local community, particularly among young adults and children. Year after year, she dedicated herself to caring for the sick and dying alongside her Kenyan colleagues.  Now, nearly two decades later, Juli has gathered a collection of stories that reveal the essence of her courageous and compassionate journey. Her new book, “Brave Love: A Nurse's Story of Courage and Compassion in a Kenyan Hospice” is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and will be released on November 6, 2023. Brave Love invites readers to explore the heart and soul of hospice care in Kenya, offering a beacon of hope in even the most challenging circumstances.  Guided by the question, “What does it look like to love in this situation?” Juli dives deep into the essence of love in challenging circumstances, something we can all relate to. And Juli will tell you that loving your neighbor can happen anywhere - both in a Kenyan hospice and right down the street.  Amazon (two books):https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B095RHXRQM?ingress=0&visitId=cb9dfb59-ba98-4369-bf3a-3655bde5122e

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Dr. Christopher Hamilton on his philosophical thoughts on life, middle age and death. Dr. Hamilton is a professor of Philosophy at Kings College in London. Dr. Hamilton completed his BA in philosophy at King's College London (where he also completed the Associateship of King's College) and went on to do an MPhil and PhD in philosophy at Birkbeck College London. As part of his PhD he also studied philosophy and literature at the University of Bonn, Germany. He later completed a PGCE and worked for four years as a secondary school teacher. He joined King's in 2003. In 2007, he was Scholar in Residence at the University of Salzburg, Austria, and in 2013 he was Visiting Professor at the University of Trent, Italy.

In Today's episode, Saul talks with Paul Nash- Senior Chaplain at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital in the England , Arooj Rashid Hussain- Editorial Director at Ta Ha Publishers and Zamir Hussain- Author and Chaplain at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital in the England. The conversation is on Zamir's ground breaking new publication “A Guided Journal for the Bereaved Muslim Parent.”Zamir Hussain is a UK-based Muslim Healthcare Chaplain since 2007 and a qualified teacher. She holds an Honours degree in Islamic studies and PGCE in Religious Education as well as a Certificate of Muslim Chaplaincy and is a qualified hijama therapist, and life coach. She has several publications, including Palliative care booklet and books for bereaved Muslim parents and siblings. And has led on multi-faith resources and books for Healthcare Chaplaincy, as well as developing Spiritual care activities for sick children and their families. She has also developed the first UK blended learning resource, which includes, virtual rooms online training programme, care plans and pathways for lslamic daily, palliative, end of life and bereavement care for paediatric staff. Zamir has worked as a Muslim Chaplain for both the Heart of England NHS Trust and Birmingham women's and Children's hospital where she has run training courses for staff on caring for the Muslim patients and their families Zamir has spoken at end of life and bereavement conferences and delivered training workshops and lectures on care for Muslim patients to organisations across the country.You can purchase the journal here.

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Abby Brockman about her life's journey and work. Abby Brockman is a Jewish board-certified clinical trauma chaplain. She received her Masters of Divinity from Boston University's School of Theology, completed her clinical residency at the Seattle VA hospital, and worked as a staff chaplain for many years at Seattle Children's Hospital on their Cancer Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and In-patient Psychiatric Unit. She specializes in trauma, grief and loss, and end-of-life work and recently started her own private practice to provide spiritual care. Her work is deeply informed by an anti-oppression ethic, she's passionate about advocating for a systemic lens and power analysis in all conversations about mental health and wellness, and believes there are gateways to holiness everywhere. 

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Dr. Jonathan Singer on grief issues around end of life care. Dr. Singer is the assistant professor of clinical psychology at Texas Tech University.Some of the research that Dr. Singer has been part of that is covered in this episode; Examining public stigma and expectations of grief following medical aid and dying in the US: A vignette-based experiment. Palliative and Supportive Care 21 ,270276.  Pandemic grief risk factors and prolonged grief disorder in bereaved young adults during COVID-19 Education: B.A., Adelphi University M.A., Teacher's College, Columbia UniversityPh.D, University of Nevada, Reno  Lab Website: The GRILL Lab

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Janelle Benuska on her work as a death and grief doula. Janelle Benuska is a death + grief doula, licensed massage therapist, energy worker, hospice volunteer, Death Café facilitator, mother, wife, and deathcare advocate. Her services focus on active listening, facilitating and holding space, and her practice is rooted in community and love, deep, authentic connection and devotion to attentive, intentional care. For more information, please visit https://www.ourdyingday.com/.

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Chaplain Anthony Balistreri on his life's journey and chaplaincy in the jail system. Chaplain Anthony is currently in his ongoing assignment as Chaplain in the Racine County Sheriff's Office, which he has held since he established their Chaplaincy Counsel in 2016. In this position, he has established healthy, constructive relationships within the office as well as with other government offices in Racine County amongst elected officials and laymen. Anthony holds both an undergraduate degree in Physics and an MBA from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Giving to the Nations, a worldwide nonprofit organization.He is also an ordained non-denominational pastor, he serves as the senior pastor of an international ministry headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin and has served on the boards of other Southeastern Wisconsin ministries and Christian schools.

In today's episode, Saul talks to E. Jane Wyatt on memory and elder care. E. Jane Wyatt is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with M.A. in Health Education and a M.S. in Guidance and Counseling. Becoming the primary caregiver for her mother and dealing with her progressive dementia gave Jane deeper insight into issues regarding caregivers and the lack of easily accessible resources for them. Her education and personal experiences have given her the knowledge to create those resources and the motivation to help others now traveling the path she has already walked. 

In today's episode, Saul talks to Adam McHugh on his book "Blood from a stone: A memoir of how wine brought me back from the dead." Adam McHugh is a wine tour guide, sommelier, and Certified Specialist of Wine. He is a regular contributor to Edible Santa Barbara & Wine Country and a happy resident of the Santa Ynez Valley. Adam is the author of the memoir Blood from a Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead, which tells the story of how he stumbled his way from hospice chaplain and grief counselor in Los Angeles to wine tour guide and sommelier in the Santa Ynez Valley.A former hospice chaplain and Presbyterian minister, he wrote two books while in professional ministry: The Listening Life and Introverts in the Church. He was featured in Susan Cain's bestselling book Quiet, and wrote articles on introversion and listening for Psychology Today, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, and Quiet Revolution.Adam is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College and the Princeton School of Theology. 

In today's episode, Saul talks to Wendy Cadge about her new book, “The Everyday Work of Chaplains”. She is a Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Brandeis University. She founded and co-directed the Transforming Chaplaincy Project from 2015-19, and in 2018 launched the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab. An award-winning teacher, she has published more than 75 articles and raised more than $6.5 million in support of her own research and teaching and that of colleagues.

Dr. David Clark is Professor emeritus of Medical Sociology at the University of Glasgow's School of Interdisciplinary Studies in Dumfries, Scotland and has wide-ranging interests in end-of-life issues in the global context.He founded and led the Glasgow End of Life Studies Group.He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Navarra, Spain.

Saul Ebema talks with Dr. Cathy Siebold- a legendary social worker, psychotherapist and social movement theorist.Cathy Siebold is also the author of “The Hospice Movement: Easing death pains.” In this interview, she talks about her recollection of the earlier years of the hospice movement.In this interview, Cathy Siebold who has witnessed firsthand the evolution of hospice care since its modern incarnation in the 1960s, presents a balanced and objective analysis of the movement's accomplishments and failings.You can also read more about that in her book “The Hospice Movement: Easing Death's Pains.” 

Having participated in Camp Kangaroo two weeks ago, Saul is taken back to his conversation last year with one of the founders of camp kangaroo Russell Hilliard. Dr. Hilliard is the Senior VP, Patient Experience & Staff Development at AccentCare Hospice and also the Founder of the Center for Music Therapy in End of Life Care.

In today's episode, Saul talks to Wes Moldogo on holding space for veterans. Wes is a Chaplain for a small community hospice in Central Oregon.  He also currently serves as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard. In this episode Wes talks about Veterans: specifically the connection between their EOL care, and how deeper upstream palliative care could more likely lead to good, robust outcomes. He also explores spiritual distress/pain and disharmony that he encounters; both with current soldiers and with the veterans at EOL … which show parallel trends.  

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Monique Jones about her journey. Monique is a chaplain who has worked both in hospital and hospice settings. In this episode she shares about her life experiences and journey to chaplaincy.

In today's episode, Saul talks to Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Boatwright about her book, “The last things we talk about…” As a Chaplain, Pastor and Certified Financial Planner, Elizabeth “Libby” Boatwright has worked alongside hundreds of people over the last thirty years counseling families on end of life issues, loss and grief, composing memorials, working alongside lawyers with estate plans and educating people with coping skills in the midst of crises. 

In Today's episode, Saul talks to Rachel S. Jordan on the intersection between trauma and end of life care. Rachel holds a B.S. in Bible/theology and Speech Communication from Multnomah University and an M.Div w/a Concentration in Hospital Chaplaincy from the Portland Seminary of George Fox University. In 2014 she became a neuro-trauma survivor and in 2021 she completed her Chaplain residency at the same medical center in which she was treated: Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, a level one trauma center in Portland, Oregon. 

Welcome to our first episode of season 4 of the Hospice Chaplaincy Show. We are grateful to our listeners for their continued support. In this episode, Saul talks to David Hugger who is a retired hospice chaplain. David is also a podcaster and the author of two hospice books.His first book, “Hospice Is a Gift”, includes a wealth of information for those needing hospice services. His second book, “Hospice Alpha and Omega” is a handbook for hospice clients and their caregivers. David's books can be found on Amazon or ordered in bulk. He is also available to speak about end-of-life matters. Visit thehospicechaplain.com to learn more him and his work. David is a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

Author of Storytelling with Children, and Storytelling and the Art of Imagination, her book, Body Eloquence, won the 2008 US Books Best Books Award in the field of Alternative Medicine. She has followed the path of storytelling deep into the physiological processes of the human body and continues to pioneer new consciousness of the relationship between language, imagination and well-being.

Paul and Sally Nash live in Birmingham UK and married in 1986. They are both ordained Anglicans, both Myers Briggs Type Indicator Practitioners (although opposite types), both support London football teams (Sally Spurs and Paul Chelsea) both play golf and have worked with and for each other in some capacity for much of the time they have known each other.

Donna's research program focuses on health services and health policy; primarily in relation to aging, ageism, and end-of-life care. Her work is oriented to myth busting, to ensure effective and accessible healthcare services for older and younger people. Her investigations often involve population data and mixed-methods research. She has over 300 articles, books, book chapters, and other peer-reviewed communications in print. She is frequently and widely consulted for expert commentary on aging, end-of-life care, health policy, healthcare services, and health system trends and issues.

She earned her MA in Religion and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught in the Religion and Philosophy Department at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey for over a decade earning the Dunbar Abston Jr. Chair for Teaching Excellence. 

Favorite Jobs and Assignments: News reporting for CFTO-CTV in Toronto, Canada Host of The Rosemary Keevil Show (original, I know!), a live, drive-time, current affairs talk show, CFUN Radio (CHUM National Radio Network) in Vancouver, Canada Guest relations for the Vancouver International Film Festival Managing editor of Scarlett magazine (now defunct: not my fault!) for the professional woman, in Vancouver Can-can dancer at Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Casino in Dawson City, Yukon Destination representative for Sunflight Holidays in Tahiti, French Polynesia

As a speaker and spiritual teacher, Jennifer is a recognized leader in personal development and spirituality, and has led signature workshops on intuition, meditation, connecting to the Spirit World, and other spiritual themes. She continues to study new teachings and regularly attends workshops as well, including the Arthur Findlay College in the UK. As an author, her healing meditations and new book, A Healing Journey, provide comfort and guidance, like a lighthouse in a storm for those seeking peace and renewal. Jennifer's gifts of wisdom, insight, and intuition are unparalleled—whether she is teaching a workshop live or leading groups online. 

Recently, she has been studying existential concerns at the start of life: what does our origin mean to us? What is the meaning of our beginning? What does it mean to bring life into the world? By comparing and contrasting existential concerns at birth and death she tries to unravel processes of meaning, with specific focus on embodiment and relationality. In the past, she has studied concepts of symbolic immortality (notions of a “postself”), ethics of end-of-life decision-making and the role of secular or personal spirituality. Other research interests are: identity theory, relational and narrative perspectives, ritual as intervention/method used in pastoral care, interdisciplinary research and mixed-methods.

Anne teaches pastoral theology in St Patrick's College, Maynooth and is Visiting Lecturer and Supervisor at the Margaret Beaufort Institute in Cambridge, England. She supports ministry colleagues in her Pastoral Supervision practice. Anne is married with three adult children. She loves swimming in the Atlantic at first light, throughout the year. She recently published her book Called: Women in Ministry in Ireland based on interviews with female Christian ministers across the denominations from the four corners of Ireland.

EDUCATIONPh.D., Clinical PsychologyUniversity of Arizona, Tucson, AZ1998 – 2004 Bachelor of Arts, PsychologyNorthwestern University, Evanston, IL1992 – 1996PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTSDirector of Clinical Training University of Arizona, Department of Psychology2019 – presentAssociate Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Arizona, Department of Psychology2017 – presentAssistant Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Arizona, Department of Psychology2012 – 2017Assistant Professor in Residence UCLA, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science2007 – 2012 Postdoctoral Fellow UCLA, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology2004 – 2007Intern, Health TrackUCLA, Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital2003 – 2004

A Florida native, Hank is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in history and was on football scholarship. He received his Master of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.After serving for five years right after seminary in a very traditional church in Macon, Georgia he moved to the Washington, DC area to be a part of the very nontraditional Church of the Saviour. For a year following the move to DC, Hank worked as a carpenter and then for four years directed an inner-city ministry for hard-to-employ people. In 1983 Chaplain Dunn began his healthcare work as a nursing home chaplain. He has served as a hospice chaplain and volunteered nights and weekends as an on-call chaplain at a community hospital.He is a past president of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and has served on several ethics committees. Hank is a frequent speaker nationally on the topic of making end-of-life decisions and spirituality and healthcare.To help him explain end-of-life decisions to patients and families, he wrote a booklet to hand to them so they could reflect on the issues discussed. As an afterthought, he sent the book out to other institutions to see if they would be interested in purchasing it for their clients. First published in 1990, Hard Choices for Loving People: CPR, Feeding Tubes, Palliative Care, Comfort Measures, and the Patient with a Serious Illness is now in its Sixth Edition, with over 3.9 million copies sold, and it is being used in more than 5,000 hospitals, nursing homes, faith communities and hospice programs nationwide. His second book, Light in the Shadows: Meditations While Living with a Life-Threatening Illness, is a collection of reflections on the emotional and spiritual concerns at the end of life. Besides speaking on topics related to his books, Chaplain Dunn has also been a leader of silent retreats. Hank has recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi after 39 years living in the DC suburbs of Virginia. He enjoys fly fishing, wilderness camping, hiking, kayaking and life in general.

Suzy Hopkins is a retired journalist who worked for four Northern California newspapers, then founded and ran a community magazine in the Sierra foothills for 10 years. Hallie Bateman is a writer and illustrator based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Buzzfeed and many others. Together Suzy and Hallie created the book: What to Do When I'm Gone: A Mother's Wisdom to Her Daughter.

Dr. Cacciatore specializes in counseling those affected by traumatic death.  She works with and counsels families from all around the world who have experienced catastrophic deaths. Her therapeutic interventions are always presence-and-mindfulness based and include narrative, dialectical, and trauma-focused therapies. She also teaches meditation, mindfulness, and compassion and ahimsa practices to students and clients from around the world.As an advocate of “green” mental health care after a traumatic experience, she is a member of the American Psychotherapy Association, the Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the National Center for Crisis Management. She spearheaded and directs the graduate Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement program at ASU.Her research has been published extensively in peer reviewed journals such as The Lancet, Birth, Death Studies, Omega Journal of Death and Dying, Social Work, Social Work and Healthcare, and Families in Society.Dr. Cacciatore received her Doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her Masters degree and Bachelor's degree in psychology from Arizona State University.  Her work has been featured in major media sources such as People and Newsweek magazines, the New York Times, Boston Globe, CNN, National Public Radio, and the Los Angeles Times.She has been the recipient of many regional and national awards for her empathic work and service to people suffering traumatic grief. Among them, the Hon Kachina Award in 2007, the Sr Teresa Compassionate Care Award, the Empathic Therapist of the Year Award, Arizona Foothills Arizona Women Who Move the Valley Award, and the Parents of Murdered Children Father Ken Czillinger Award.

Tom is also a well-known speaker, having offered conference programs across the United States, Canada, and Japan and in England, Australia, Israel, and Germany as well as innumerable talks and workshops for nurses, physicians, funeral directors, clinical psychologists, social service providers, gerontologists, hospice workers, bereavement coordinators, clergy, educators, civic organizations and the general public.He taught philosophy at Bowling Green State University for nearly twenty-five years, serving as Department Chair for eleven years and leading efforts to establish the first Ph.D. in Applied Philosophy in the world in 1987. Tom left as Professor Emeritus in Philosophy in 1995 to become an independent applied philosopher. A Past President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, he also served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement.

Tom is also a well-known speaker, having offered conference programs across the United States, Canada, and Japan and in England, Australia, Israel, and Germany as well as innumerable talks and workshops for nurses, physicians, funeral directors, clinical psychologists, social service providers, gerontologists, hospice workers, bereavement coordinators, clergy, educators, civic organizations and the general public.He taught philosophy at Bowling Green State University for nearly twenty-five years, serving as Department Chair for eleven years and leading efforts to establish the first Ph.D. in Applied Philosophy in the world in 1987. Tom left as Professor Emeritus in Philosophy in 1995 to become an independent applied philosopher. A Past President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, he also served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement.

For instance, relatives sometimes worry their loved one will be “doped up” or become addicted to strong pain medications. Or they may fear their family member will suffer severe pain or other symptoms without sufficient relief. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Miles will shade some light on all of that. 

Katie is a practicing adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. She is also the founder and CEO of Death Care Coach, a company offering end-of-life guidance, consulting, education, and coaching to families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Before founding Death Care Coach, she taught full-time as a Professor at Drexel University in the College of Nursing and Health Professions Undergraduate Program, and an adjunct Professor in the Nurse Practitioner Program. Duncan has been working in healthcare for over 10 years in various roles and various specialties. She has spent time in hospital and intensive care settings. She has also worked in home-care and community settings, navigating her way into diverse homes while developing strong, trusting relationships with her patients and their families. In addition, Duncan has spent time in sub-acute rehab, assisted living, independent living, nursing home, and long-term care facilities. She continues to be an everlasting student continuously learning from those who allow her the privilege of being at their bedside, especially as they journey through their dying process.Of all the places Duncan has worked, her greatest love has always been end-of-life hospice care. It has been her honor to be at the bedside of irreplaceable fellow humans as they take their last breaths in their physical bodies. Their journeys have taught her that life is a precious gift, and there is an opportunity to find beauty even at the very end. As a result, Duncan has made it her mission to educate, coach, and provide holistic services focusing on end-of-life matters. 

In this episode, Saul and Joe reflect on the 100 published episodes of The Hospice Chaplaincy Show and reaching listenership in over 50 countries.

She received the Canadian Association of Teacher Education (2021) thesis and dissertation award for her work's contribution to teacher education. Using her skills and expertise for service, she created and led numerous Grief and Writing Through Grief workshops for educators and bereavement support centers across North America. Apart from being an educator, she is a writer at heart and has released two books based on her doctoral dissertation: Life: To Be Given Back Again to Whence It Came and the companion stories The Revelations of Eapen. Links: Book 1: “Life: To Be Given Back Again to Whence It Came” – A dissection of prolonged grief, cultural grief illiteracy, the healing power of rituals and communal grieving, and an analysis of the impact of expressive storytelling on bereavement can be viewed here: www.diopress.com/life Book 2: “The Revelations of Eapen” – The author's intimate exploration of eastern and western cultural interactions with the phenomenon of grief before, during, and after her father's death can be viewed here: www.diopress.com/revelations-of-eapen Academic Article: “Braiding western and eastern cultural rituals in bereavement: An autoethnography of healing the pain of prolonged grief” - https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2021.1983158

His research, advocacy, and consultation have resulted in the development of first- time music therapy programs in hospices throughout the nation, thereby creating many new music therapy positions. He is the author of the text, Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy: A Guide to Program Development and Clinical Care, and his research has been published in a wide variety of scholarly journals. He also wrote a chapter titled, Music and Grief Work with Children and Adolescents, in a book titled Creative Interventions with Traumatized Children, edited by Cathy A. Malchiodi. Dr. Hilliard has provided keynote addresses for healthcare conferences and is a frequent presenter at professional conferences worldwide.

She has published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. Her research has been covered by media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, and NPR. Prior to pursuing her PhD in public policy from the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, Dr. Cross spent several years as a social worker in home hospice and inpatient palliative care. Dr. Cross' current research priorities are identifying, understanding, and improving the experiences of people facing structural inequities at end of life, particularly poverty.