The Hospice Chaplaincy Show with Saul Ebema (Saul Ebema)

Paul’s Publications

1. That’s great! You can tell us how you are feeling’ – Mark, a recently severely physically disabled 11-year-old boy with a brain tumor in G. Fitchett and S. Nolan (eds), Case Studies in spiritual care.  (with Liz Bryson and Sally Nash).   JKP, 2018
2. Chapter Holding the whispers in the dark in Skills for children’s work SCM  2019.
3. What do pediatric chaplains do? Developing a taxonomy of chaplaincy with children and young people. (With Emma Roberts et al) Journal for Healthcare Chaplaincy, summer 2018.
4. Coeditor, Skills for Pediatric chaplaincy, (with Mark Bartell and Sally Nash) JKP, April 2018.
5. What is the distinctiveness of pediatric chaplaincy? Findings from a systematic review of the literature. (with Wilf McSherry) Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 2017.
6. A Machine Learning Approach to Evaluating Illness-Induced Religious Struggle (With Daniel Grossoehme et al) Biomedical Informatics Insights 2017.
7. Chaplaincy with children and young people (with Nigel Roberts) Grove Youth Series, 2016.
8. Editor, Supporting Families with Sick Children.  Red Balloon Resources, 2016.
9. Reflections on using metaphors in exploring spiritual and religious needs with young people with cancer and their families (with Sally Nash) Journal for the Study of Spirituality, 2015.
10. The Chaplains – Reflecting on the BBC Two Television Series.  Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 2015.
11. Spiritual care with sick children and young people (with Kathryn Darby and Sally Nash).  JKP 2015.
12. Multifaith care for sick and dying children:  a multidisciplinary guide (with Madeleine Parkes and Zamir Hussain) JKP 2015.
13. Parents’ Spiritual and Religious Needs in Young Oncology (with Kathryn Darby and Sally Nash).  Cancer Nursing Practice, May 2014.  
14. Understanding and responding to the spiritual and religious needs of young people with cancer (with Kathryn Darby and Sally Nash.  Cancer Nursing Practice, March 2014.  
15. Birmingham Children’s Hospital: Pediatric end of life care and bereavement pathway in Spirituality and End of Life Care (ed Peter Gilbert), Pavilion, 2013.
16. The spiritual care of sick children:  reflections from a pilot participation project (with Kathryn Darby and Sally Nash).  International Journal of Children’s Spirituality, 2013.
17. Editor Working with children and young people: Good Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Chaplains Red Balloon Resources, 2013.
18. Coping through prayer, an empirical study in implicit religion concerning prayers for      
     children in hospital (with Tania Ap Sion).  Mental Health, Religion and Culture, 2013.
19. Supporting Dying Children and their Families, SPCK 2011.
20. Tools for Reflective Ministry (with Sally Nash) SPCK 2009.
21. Skills for Collaborative Ministry (with Sally Nash and Jo Pimlott) SPCK 2008.
22. What Theology for Youth Work?  Grove Youth Series, 2007.

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. 

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.

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;

1. 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. 
2. 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 University

Ph.D, University of Nevada, Reno
 
 Lab Website: The GRILL Lab

She coached judo and also competed internationally. She wrote 7 books about self-development, spirituality, and growth, some of which she co-authored with Dr. Rabbi Gil Tivon. 

Today she is a Holistic Counseling Doctor. 

Holistic healing coaching addresses all parts of an individual's life, not just the physical aspect. It's an ongoing journey of discovery in search of more answers, tools, skills, and understanding how to live better, healthier and owning your life’s journey.

Her simple-to-read approach helps anyone experiencing the “grief brain” better navigate the immediate aftermath of unexpected loss.  Chelsea’s book is a wonderful reminder that grief is not insurmountable, and with courage and action you can move through it in one piece.

The Sudden Loss Survival Guide is available for purchase on Amazon and on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. You can also order directly on Chelsea Hanson’s Website to receive a free bonus. 

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 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 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. 

Over the past week, the obituary pages of area newspapers have become a haunting litany of “memorial service to be held at a later date,” “no services,” and “services canceled due to COVID-19.” To be sure, this is our new normal, but for funeral directors dealing with the day-to-day business of life and death, the coronavirus and social distancing era has changed the way they help people grieve, and how funeral homes host celebrations of life. 

Derrick is very passionate and loves the chaplaincy. Derrick's life experiences have taught him, the importance of listening and meeting people right where they are with no judgments, but compassion and acceptance. He believes chaplaincy is a calling, not a job. 

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.” 

She uses social movement theory to frame her discussion. Siebold traces the bell curve of growth, maturity, and decline that, to a point, has characterized the hospice movement. Founded by a diverse group of religious leaders, nurses, social workers, and laypeople, the movement was galvanized by the plight of a silent majority: dying patients, often isolated from family and friends in a hospital where intensive, last-ditch efforts to “cure” them were valued more than their own comfort and wishes. In its struggle to survive, the movement coalesced fairly quickly around the goal of securing eligibility for reimbursement from federally funded and private insurers. The movement attained this goal in the 1980s, giving the entire concept of hospice care legitimacy and, ironically, a secure place within the same health care system early hospice activists had struggled to escape. 

You can purchase the book here on amazon.

Animal‐assisted therapy is currently provided by various health‐care or human service professionals within the bounds of their particular field of expertise. The therapeutic use of animals can occur in three basic ways: (i) pets are used as companions for individuals who are either living independently in their own home or in assisted living facilities; (ii) pets are used in institutions where they help to stimulate and/or be companions to the residents; and (iii) animals visit institutions to help stimulate the residents’ interest and provide a topic of conversation.

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/.

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.

L’Arche is a place of mutually transformative relationships. All of us, whether or not we live with an intellectual disability, desire a sense of belonging. In L’Arche, people of differing intellectual capacities, social origins, religions, and cultures build relationships rooted in trust and vulnerability. By sharing daily life together, community members experience L’Arche as a “University for the Heart,” where they learn true friendship and teach one another to love unconditionally.

You can read more about L’Arche USA here; https://www.larcheusa.org/

Kristina Jansz in her article, “The importance of pausing” writes.

Imagine reading a book in which there are no commas or periods. Page after page, all the words run together making it near impossible to decipher the intended meaning.

Imagine listening to a piece of music that doesn't have any rests in it. What you'd experience is a collection of meaningless noise.

Imagine getting into a car and driving it from point A to point B. At your start point you press the accelerator and, without stopping at stop signs or traffic lights, you don't release your foot until you reach point B. This action will cause chaos and destruction to you and those around you.

The commas and periods in written word and the rests in music are what give context and meaning to these forms of expressions. 

Using the breaks while driving allows you to interact with others respectfully and safely on the road. All of these are examples of Pausing and they create order out of chaos. In the same way, taking time out to Pause brings meaning to the energy you output in your life.

The Role of Symbols in End of Life Care

Symbols are objects that take on a deeper meaning for the person grasping them. Every symbol points beyond itself to a reality for which it stands. 

Symbols can be both corporate and private, easily recognized but contextualized in the individual experience. 

Rituals in End of Life Care

Symbols are often (though not always) tangible, representational, and passive; rituals, on the other hand, are active, responsive, and collective. Rituals, for the sake of this study, are a collection of actions. 

A ritual is a stereotyped sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place, and designed to influence preternatural entities or forces on behalf of the actors' goals and interests. 

Rituals may be seasonal, hallowing a culturally defined moment of change in the climatic cycle or the inauguration of an activity such as planting, harvesting, or moving from winter to summer pasture; or they may be contingent, held in response to an individual or collective crisis.

Symbols are often used in rituals. Consider a commonplace, mundane example. The simple action of planting a tree has a routine—prepare the soil, dig the hole, place the tree, cover with soil, water, etc. This may not seem like much of a ritual, but when that planting is done in memory of someone who has died within a community that celebrates the life that has gone before, and the individuals participate in the planting, this simple act becomes a ritual, a ritual of remembrance. 

Rituals are active and may be rooted in tradition or they are active, built on the simple action and then assigned metaphorical significance.

Becoming a hospice nurse opened her eyes and changed how she saw her world. She discusses some of the wonderful people she cared for until they passed, and the lessons she learned about life through death.

https://www.thehospiceheart.net

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.

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. 

Terence Youk began work in film and television production in1986, first as a composer and later writing, producing, directing, and editing independent documentaries, crafting promotional media and producing news spots for a variety of broadcast clients. Under the auspices of the production company, Brook Hollow Productions, Inc., he has collaborated with carefully selected creative and technical associates according to the unique requirements of each production.

His programs for broadcast have aired on PBS, A&E, the Wisdom Channel as well as independent distributors of educational and presentation films crafted for nonprofit institutions, including: Thich Nhat Hanh & Plum Village, National Hospice Foundation, Institute of East-West Medicine and many others. He also has served as a freelance producer for several new gathering entities, including CNN, NBC, MSNBC, and ABC news.

EXPERIENCE

Producer, production & editor credits include National Geographic (Most Mad Seas), A&E (Most Mad Seas), Wisdom Channel (Thich Nhat Hanh: Roots of Peace)( now defunct), PBS National (Body & Soul), CT Public television (Backyard Bird Watcher), Outdoor Life Channel (Fly Fishing in the East). News Gathering: CNN, NBC News, MSNBC, ABC news. Promotional media content: National Hospice Foundation, NHPCO, VNA of Vermont, NH VNA & Vermont Institute of Natural Science.

Award-winning independently produced films include: Thich Nhat Hanh: Roots of Peace, Numen: The Nature of Plants and Pioneers of Hospice & the Birth of Modern Hospice and The Next Dali Lama? (Director Mickey Lemle) released in 2017 (served as assistant editor).

You can find more of Terence Youk’s work on his website HERE.

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.

Here is the link to her books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/E-Jane-Wyatt/author/B08Y97VKDP?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

This episode is designed to help adults have the needed conversation with a child when death happens in a family. It involves tips on what to say and what not to say.

While others might avoid elder care issues at every turn, Dr. Marion has made caring for the elderly her life’s work. She loves her work and it shows. “If an individual has lived to be 90 years old, they must have some real skills and smarts to get their needs met in life. It’s vital we tap into the wisdom, strength, and life strategies of the elderly before they pass on.”

Daniel is passionate about helping people deal with what’s going on in their  lives. Depending on the setting that means embracing their mortality, coping with hospitalization or maintaining combat readiness.

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.

In today’s episode, Saul talks to Dr. 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.

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.

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.

Saul Ebema: In Latin, the word hospice means to host a guest or stranger; Florence Wald, centered her life on hosting a dignified end of life process that honored the patient’s personhood. Her ideas around death and dying led to the formation of the first modern hospice in the United States in 1974. Because of her, there are thousands of hospice programs around the country- serving millions of patients and families.

Florence’s pioneering efforts have forever changed the heart of the American society to accept and engage in an end-of-life process that she described as “appropriate, understanding, and natural.”

And in 1998, she took her rightful place in the National Women’s Hall of Fame with legends such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, and Florence’s idol, Lillian Wald.

You are now listening to Personhood! The story of Florence Wald and the Hospice movement – Episode One and I am your host Saul Ebema  

On April 6, 1917, just 13 days before Florence Wald was born, the United States decided to enter World War I. President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech to Congress on April 2, 1917 asking for them to declare war on Germany. In his speech he said that the U.S. would go to war to “fight for the ultimate peace of the world.” And on April 6, 1917- the US military marched to war.

Archival footage

Saul Ebema: When World War I initially broke out across Europe in 1914, it was mainly between the central powers led by Germany, Austria, and Hungary against the Allied countries led by Britain, France, and Russia.

At the start of the war, President Woodrow Wilson declared that the United States would remain neutral.

Archival footage

Saul Ebema: Just as America went into the battlefield against Germany, on April 19th, 1917, Florence Wald was born into a German family to Mr. and Mrs. Schorske in a divided world. Although the Schorske family were second-generation Americans, their values and culture were heavily influenced by their German heritage.

Before the war started, the Schorskes spoke German at home so the children would be bilingual. However, during the war, fear of isolation turned them to English speaking.

Deeply rooted in Bronx, New York, The Schorskes exposed their children from an early age to the ideas of kindness, love, care, and equality for all.

Barb Newton: In interviews and presentations, Florence often said that her parents were members of the socialist party and as such, she was exposed to a variety of social justice-based causes from a young age.

Her parents often volunteered to teach English to the immigrants on New York’s Lower East Side and raised Florence and her brother Carl to show concern for others and advocate for social justice.

Saul Ebema: This upbringing deeply rooted in the ideas of universal equality and compassion, would ingrain Florence with deep-seated beliefs about the world and how people should fundamentally be treated. These concepts would later directly influence her practices around hospice care.

Danelle Shoemaker: Despite of her generally positive upbringing, life was not always perfect in Florence’s early childhood. She experienced a number of health issues as a young child that required frequent hospitalizations.

In 1926, when Florence was 7 years old, her family traveled to Florida to facilitate Florence’s recovery from an episode of life-threatening pneumonia.

On the return trip home, they stopped in Washington, DC, and there Florence was diagnosed with scarlet fever.

Archival footage

Brian Mackender: Scarlet Fever was a leading cause of death in children during the early 20th century. When a child was found to have scarlet fever, they went through weeks of isolation in the hospital.

Saul Ebema: For 7-year-old Florence, this meant weeks of isolation in Garfield Hospital. Florence later described that experience as being trapped in a “vintage Civil War hospital.”

Barb Newton: This was the first time Florence had been separated from her family, and it was a challenge for everyone. Her private nurse, Eunice Biller, from Richmond, Virginia, cared for Florence like she was her own child. Eunice Biller understood the impact of scarlet fever on Florence and did everything to keep her spirits up. In addition to her care, she provided spiritual support, music therapy, art and craft and toys for Florence to play with.

Saul Ebema: Florence would later reflect that it was the care of her nurse, Eunice Biller that made her “feel like a person, not a patient with a contagious disease.”

Danelle Shoemaker: When Florence’s mother visited, due to the isolation policy at the hospital, she was not allowed into the hospital. But Eunice Biller, her nurse would carry Florence to the window, where Florence would wave to her mother 3 floors down.

From this time forward, Florence was committed to becoming a nurse. Her favorite pastime as a child became playing nurse to the dolls she had at home.

Saul Ebema: It was that kind of compassionate care which valued the sense of personhood that would later evolve into the hospice philosophy of care.

Music

Saul Ebema: When Florence was 10 years old, the family traveled to Germany to reconnect with their roots and visit with the extended family. She loved it there.

In 1932, Florence and her mother returned to visit family in Berlin- this time, they found an entirely different Germany. The Nazis were promoting anti-Semitic activities and organizing pro-Hitler rallies. The country seemed to be filled with unexpected outbursts of hate and violence towards the Jewish citizens.

This validated what the Schorskes had been reading in the U.S. papers and led them to help Jewish families immigrate to America.

Archival footage

Saul Ebema: In 1934 when Florence was 17 years old, she decided to go to college.

Barb Newton: From a young age, Florence was always a determined girl. So, when she broke the news about her desire to go to college to her father, he was not happy. Her father, like many men of his generation did not believe that women should go to college, and he discouraged her from doing so.

Remember, this was also the period of the great depression in America, but her family had the means and could afford her college education.

Saul Ebema: Florence was not the person to easily take no for an answer. After some convincing, Florence’s dad allowed her to attend Barnard College and live at home.

Barb Newton: Florence however, had another idea. She chose to attend—Mount Holyoke College—which meant she would live hours away from home in South Hadley, MA. Her father was not happy with her college choice, but he allowed Florence to begin a new and independent life.

Saul Ebema: Meanwhile, the American healthcare system that she would later reform, was being hit hard by the g...

Prior to committing to making THE HUMAN JOURNEY® a working reality in professional settings around the country, Sara was a tenured professor in leadership studies. She is committed to serving those who work with families in hospice, healthcare, veterans services, and prison settings. Her work on an extraordinary yoga program started and run by incarcerated men in western Illinois was published in 2019 and she was featured in a Canadian documentary on the program, as well as on radio and television programs on her work as a performance anthropologist. 

Among her other writings are the books Art of Darkness, Vital Mummies, and Concert Song as Seen; and the plays American Yogi, Color Story, In Peerage Out, and Reprehensible Shoes. During her years in New York City, Sara was the founder and artistic director of the theatre company Chaparral Productions. 

You can find more about her work here; https://the-human-journey.com/

The lack of widespread screening means the coronavirus may well be present in countless hospital wards without anyone realizing it. Accordingly, many emergency-room workers are now behaving as if they’re already infected and separating from their families. One ER doctor said he has been sleeping in the guest bedroom for weeks. Other doctors have sent their families off to stay at second homes. 

The majority of workers who keep America’s hospitals running don’t have the salary to afford extra bedrooms, much less extra properties. For technicians, respiratory therapists, social workers, chaplains, first responders, cleaning staff, and many others, doing their job is an act of moral complexity. Without enough PPE, they’re putting their own health at risk every time they report for duty, as well as that of their families. With that we say, thank you for your service!

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.  

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.

In 2016 Jason answered the call to chaplaincy and began pursuing the needed education and qualifications. He has worked both as a hospital and hospice chaplain. He is currently the full-time chaplain for Hospice of Southwest Georgia. He is also the Lead Minister for Cornerstone Church of Christ. 

In the final stages of life, sexuality is often regarded as not important by health care providers. It is often assumed that when life nears its end, individuals and couples are not concerned about sexual issues and so this is not talked about. Although the need or ability to participate in sexual activity may wane, the need for touch, intimacy, and how one views oneself do not necessarily wane in tandem. Individuals may in fact suffer from the absence of loving and intimate touch in the final months, weeks, or days of life. Dr. Anne Katz has made it her mission to address this topic. You can find out more about Anne's work here; http://www.drannekatz.com/

• Susan Pinker TED Talk
   
  • Face-to-face communication matters
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  • Book: The Village Effect by Susan Pinker
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• Humans are social beings
   
  • When we feel connected with others, we feel better
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• Robert Waldinger & the Harvard Study of Adult Development TED Talk
   
  • Quality relationships are key
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  • Practice compassion
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• Social media and connectedness
   
  • Social relationships are so much more than just hearing people’s voices.
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  • The best way to direct your energy towards a meaningful life is through compassion, love, laughter, and friendship. Can you get that through social media?
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  • Be compassionate and kind.
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Patients who are terminally ill and dying need to be heard and know they are not alone. It is essential to create an environment in which the person feels free to explore their concerns and openly express their feelings without feeling rejected or judged. Active listening involves many skills and components such as; relaxed yet engaged body posture, eye contact, reassuring touch, listening beyond or beneath the literal words said by a person to the deeper emotions, meaning, and needs.

In 2017, she completed her twelve month course in Interfaith Studies followed by
a six month CPE program. In September 2019 the unexpected door of opportunity opened wide when she accepted the position to be a hospice chaplain in Oregon. Although she grew up in the Evangelical church, Tammy has now left behind her ties to Christianity and currently identifies as Agnostic Humanist. She likes to say that she is more drawn to the human spirit than the holy spirit. Warmly embracing her unknowingness which in turn allows others to do the same.

Dr. Goodhead is a Methodist Minister with 14 years Church based experience gained in several localities throughout the UK, both urban and rural. In his role at St Christopher’s Andrew is concerned to ensure that all End-of-Life Care professionals have the skills and confidence to offer spiritual assessment and ongoing support to all patients and their families. 

He has a particular interest in the concept of spiritual pain as a way of understanding spiritual need. For patients with faith needs Andrew is developing the pastoral and religious role of the Spiritual Care Lead. Andrew graduated in 2014 with the King’s College, London, MSc in Palliative Care. His dissertation explored the experiences and attitudes of community clergy in caring for dying people. 

Andrew has published his thesis with Wipf & Stock (USA) under the title A Crown and a Cross; the Origins, Development and Decline of the Methodist Class Meeting in Eighteenth Century England. 

In November 2010, Mortality published the results of Andrew’s research into memorialization: A textual analysis of memorials written by bereaved individuals and families in a hospice context. In July 2011, The European Journal of Palliative Care published Physiotherapy in Palliative care: the interface between function and meaning, this is a philosophical examination of how physical ability affects the way in which meaning can be made. 

His most recent paper, (accepted by Palliative Medicine) based on his MSc dissertation study is ‘I think you just learnt as you went along’ – Community clergy’s experiences of and attitudes towards caring for dying people: a pilot study [in process of publication]. Andrew is a co facilitator for the Spirituality Education Group on the European Association of Palliative Care and a member of the Spirituality Taskforce of the EAPC.

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. 

You can find a list of Neumann's writings here

Episode talking points

Dr. Doka’s childhood, family, and faith backgrounds

CPE experience in the early 70s

His master’s degree thesis on “Pastoral counseling to the dying child and his family” and the reason behind that title.

Changes in grief theories and understanding of grief in the last 50 years

The story behind his first book “disenfranchised grief” in 1989

The role of rituals in facilitating grief

The background behind his book, “Death and spirituality”

Christina Puchalski’s role in the development of spiritual care in the healthcare setting

His assumption that following this pandemic we are going to have a pandemic of complicated grief.

The need for chaplains to have good counseling referral sources.

His potential fiction book

The story behind his book “Grieving beyond gender.”

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.

Jose is the co-founder of Inner Immersion, LLC, an organization teaching a breakthrough mindfulness modality. Together with his wife and partner, Anastasia Hernandez, he has recently co-founded Immersive Arts, a collaborative of art, design and medical professionals working with hospitals and other healthcare organizations to offer calming, comforting and healing experiences for patients, families and staff in these settings while providing the platform for further research into art’s impact on health outcomes. 

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.

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

Hospice Chaplains spend thousands of hours perfecting skills that many people assume come naturally: sitting and listening. They become masters of the ministry of presence, bringing the same professionalism to spiritual care that doctors bring to surgery. In today’s episode, we talk to our guests about the art of Hospice Chaplaincy. On the job, Hospice chaplains have no scripts to follow or party tricks to employ. They learn to meet tragedy with humility and an open mind.

This is an introductory episode about the hosts Dr. Saul Ebema and  Dr. Joe Newton. In this episode, they share their life experiences and what led them to becoming hospice chaplains and why they love what they do.

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. 

Marellen Mayers also works as a Hospice Chaplain at Gilchrist Hospice. She has also attained the following degrees.

·        A.A, degree in Early Childhood Education

·        B.A. degree in Human Services (Social Work)

·        M.A. degree in Holistic Spirituality

Gloria is also a trained reflexologist and occasionally works with patients with multiple sclerosis and street children in Argentina.  Her calling to hospice ministry came after the death of her 18-year-old niece with brain hemorrhage.  In 2013, she decided to also become an end of life educator. Most of her lectures are in parishes, hospitals, schools from north to south in Argentina and wherever she is invited.  

Dr. Jeff Spiess is the author of the new book, Dying with Ease: A Compassionate Guide to Making Wiser End of Life Decisions. In 2016, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine named him the 12th annual recipient of the Josephina B. Magno Distinguished Hospice Physician Award. And in January 2019 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of appearing on JEOPARDY! (he came in 2nd)

In her capacity as Clinical Director, Aracely has counseled many patients suffering from incurable and progressive or terminal illnesses and their families about end of life options and choices.

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/connect

Indira 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/

Bruce is also an author.  He writes books and study guides for his teaching ministry.  His latest book is titled Get Out of Jail Free: Breaking Out of Legalism. This book has proven to be very meaningful for people who have been exposed to legalistic teaching and helps them find liberty in their experience as a Christian. You can learn more about Bruce at: www.brucegministries.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.

Terri conducts workshops throughout the U.S. to help the dying and the bereaved find healing through meditative, ritual and therapeutic processes that focus on inner transformation rather than external events. 

Her work is acclaimed by physicians, hospice workers, grief counselors, clergy and the bereaved for its pinpoint clarity on the process of dying and grieving, and its heartfelt depiction of consciousness beyond the physical body. 

She is also an author who has written a number of books including;

1.     GRIEF AND GOD: When Religion Does More Harm Than Healing (2019)

2.     ​TURNING THE CORNER ON GRIEF STREET: 
 Loss and Bereavement  as a Journey of Awakening (2014)

3.     EMBRACING DEATH: A New Look at Grief, Gratitude and God (2010)

4.     A SWAN IN HEAVEN: Conversations  Between Two Worlds (2007)

Cassandra is the co-founder of On Purpose Consulting Group; a nonprofit designed to help women live their lives on purpose, for purpose, and with purpose.  She focuses on leadership strategy, coaching, content, and community. For over 12 years, she has also been working as a nurse. Serving in different fields including; oncology, ER, and Home Care.  Cassandra is passionate about helping those who help others to understand the cost of caring and how to effectively combat fatigue. 

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 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/

She finds hospice social work rewarding because the job involves making strong connections with people, learning, and celebrating their life stories, and having a positive impact on clients and their families.

During his family medicine residency at a Toronto shelter, Dr. Dosani had an experience with a homeless man who was dying of cancer, while also suffering with mental health issues and addictions. Despite working closely with the man to develop trust and a pain management plan, Dr. Dosani returned to the shelter one morning to learn that his patient was found dead on the street having overdosed the night before.

The experience had a profound effect on Dr. Dosani and the trajectory of his career, motivating him to find ways to bridge the gap from the policy level to the individual level.

Follow @NaheedD via Twitter: twitter.com/naheedd

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. 

Rev. Renshin Bunce is a California native, she began her meditation practice in midlife years, propelled by yearning for a peaceful mind. In 1994 she met her first teacher, Myōgen Steve Stücky, and received lay ordination with him at Dharma Eye Zen Center in 1996. In 2002 Renshin moved to Tassajara Zen Mountain Center monastery where she lived and practiced for three years. In 2003 she received priest ordination from Zenkei Blanche Hartman, returned to Tassajara in 2008 to be Shuso (head student) with Myōgen, and received dharma transmission from him in 2013. In 2014 Renshin published an account of her journey of home-leaving in a Tassajara memoir: Entering the Monastery.

Renshin's new book, Love and Fear: Stories from a Hospice Chaplain: is a series of stories about people she has met while she learns that every death is different, and there are no universal rules or easy answers in hospice care. Through the telling of these stories Renshin shows what’s possible, allowing the reader to learn along with her as she continues to ask, What am I supposed to do? What is help? What is it to be human? You can order the book on amazon or https://www.renshinbunce.com/

In this week’s episode, Dr. Saul Ebema and Dr. Joe Newton sit down to talk about the challenges of the family members of the hospice patient and how to help them.

When a member of the family is dying, unique problems arise. These problems usually begin at the time of diagnosis. Communications often becomes difficult as family members experience different stages of grief. Early in terminal illness, there are the emotional burdens of learning of the illness and coming to accept a terminal diagnosis, of giving up hope of cure and choosing comfort measures. In addition to grieving for the potential loss of the loved one, there is also the grief for the death of the family unit as it has existed before. Although the family will continue after the death, it will forever be changed by the death.

Dr. Jim deMaine is Retired Pulmonary/Critical Care MD. Emeritus Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. 

He is an advocate for those unable to speak for themselves; and also passionate about ethics of autonomy and how that plays out in nursing homes and assisted care; in creating systems to help the frail elderly avoid unnecessary and unwanted interventions; in finding ways to document DNR wishes so that unwanted CPR is avoided. 

He gives frequent talks in the community about personal experiences using stories from his experiences with patients to illustrate the complexities of making our values known and respected.

You can buy his book here

Katy Butler is also a thought leader in the national movement for medical reform.  A popular speaker on doctor-patient communication and the choices families face near the end of life, Katy has given keynotes and Grand Rounds at Harvard Medical School, Kaiser Permanente, UCSF, and elsewhere. 

Born in South Africa and raised in Oxford, England, Katy came to America as a girl, earned a BA from Wesleyan University, and was a staff reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker; Mother Jones; Scientific American,Atlantic,, Tricycle, Psychotherapy Networker; Best American Essays, and Best American Science Writing.

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.

Dying persons in this age group present counseling challenges that defer from the elderly. The middle aged adult with family and work responsibilities who is stricken with terminal illness and the elderly in a nursing home face their deaths with different concerns due to their perceived age differences and social responsibilities. The sense of loss, injustice, and anger is often more intense in the person at this middle stage of life. The major psychosocial concerns in this age group are the loss of identity, work, family and the reality of not being able to support their families or not being able to raise their children.  When compared to the death of an elderly person, the family members and friends of a dying person in this age group have intense psychosocial issues. 

Marcus has authored four books and is currently at work on a fifth. He holds a B.S. in sociology from Missouri State University and a M.S. in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University in the city of New York. 

In 2017, Marcus was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame where he teaches pre-meds the art of “being with.”  

Marcus lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Marvelyne, and his Seeing Eye dog, Elliott. He is, in his words, a social media junkie and loves to connect with healthcare professionals nationwide. All social media information can be found at www.MarcusEngel.com. 

Resources:

• Website: www.MarcusEngel.com
• Free Resources for Healthcare Professionals: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/

Publications:

• Marcus’ book, “I’m Here: Compassionate Communication in Patient Care”: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Marcus' podcast, “Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare”: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast

 Videos: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbxEThhntfs
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9v4XfwwWac

With her background in traumatic brain injury, mental illness, elder law and disability law, Ms. Cornish brings a distinctive set of abilities to her work with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

In 2010 Ms. Cornish founded the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network (DAWN®) in Moscow, Idaho. Through her hands-on work with dementia, she developed a proprietary method for working with people who have dementia—one that helps them develop and retain a sense of security and wellbeing. The DAWN Method® is simple enough to be used by caregivers in the home and works in care facilities as well. It targets the emotional distress that accompanies cognitive decline so that behaviors are avoided and caregiver stress is minimized.

Today the DAWN Method is in use with seniors in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, using a two-tiered care system of case managers and dementia care specialists. Ms. Cornish provides training in the DAWN method and consults with families in the Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington region.

Connect with Judy here at the DAWN Method!

Sharondalyn is also an educator certified in Georgia and California, she taught students from Pre-K through collegiate levels in her home state of Georgia, and she is an advocate in the education field. Through her career expansion in chaplaincy, she continues to provide compassionate care and hopes that others can reap the benefits that chaplaincy services can bring. 

You can find more about her work at; https://booklaunch.io/chaplainlife/reflectivespaces

Katy Butler is also a thought leader in the national movement for medical reform.  A popular speaker on doctor-patient communication and the choices families face near the end of life, Katy has given keynotes and Grand Rounds at Harvard Medical School, Kaiser Permanente, UCSF, and elsewhere. 

Born in South Africa and raised in Oxford, England, Katy came to America as a girl, earned a BA from Wesleyan University, and was a staff reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker; Mother Jones; Scientific American,Atlantic,, Tricycle, Psychotherapy Networker; Best American Essays, and Best American Science Writing.

Jean has extensive experience counseling individuals, couples, and families through issues of loss, grief, chronic pain and disease, trauma, anxiety, stress, and depression, communication and relationship problems, and transitional phases of life. Jean had been a Hospice nurse for years in patients' homes. She feels especially grateful for the blessed opportunity to have served those special patients and their families during such a sensitive transitional time.   

Jean’s training also includes national certifications as a practitioner in Holistic Nursing, Imago Relationship Therapy for singles, couples and families, and Reiki Healing Mastership. She also is trained in the utilization of relaxation and meditation techniques, interactive guided imagery and visualization, the One Brain Stress Defusion System, interpersonal communication skills, spiritual introspection, and other integrative healing modalities. Throughout the years Jean has developed and taught classes and courses on the above named topics as well as on subjects of puberty and healthy self esteem for adolescents. Also, Jean held the positions of Integrative Therapy Nurse and Community Health Educator Nurse for Women’s Health at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital Hamilton.

Jean Daly combines her knowledge of complimentary/integrative therapies with traditional medical practices to offer a true holistic perspective to the process of healing and to the maintenance of health and wellness. She is passionate about her work and enjoys being able to assist those who wish to reach a more authentic level of physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being.

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. 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.

Dr. Maingi is the Dana-Farber Cancer Network Health Equity & Inclusion liaison at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at South Shore. Dr. Maingi is also co-chair of the ASCO SGM Task Force and a member of the Diversity and Inclusivity Task Force, Symptoms and Survivorship Task Force, and Practice Health Task Force. 

Honors and Awards

• SLU Scholarly Works Award (for the book The Crisis of US Hospice Care)
• Emerald Literati Award for Excellence (for the article “Putting the ‘Right to Die’ in its Place: Disability Rights and Physician-Assisted Suicide in the Context of US End-of-Life Care”) 2019
• Bicentennial Fellowship, Saint Louis University 2017
• Graduate Student Essay Prize, University of Chicago Program in Medicine and Religion 2013
• Irving K. Zola Prize for Emerging Scholars in Disability Studies, Society for Disability Studies 2011
• Hastings Center Report Young Scholar Essay Contest, Hastings Center 2010

Community Work and Service

• Board of Directors, Gateway End-of-Life Coalition  
• Board of Directors, VOYCE (a long-term care ombudsman organization) 

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.

RELATED LINKS:

Suzanne's Website: https://www.sworthley.com/

Suzanne's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzworthley/

Suzanne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanneworthley/

Suzanne's Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzanneworthley

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

She is ordained and ecclesiastically endorsed by the Assemblies of God. Kimberly graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri. Prior to graduate school, Kimberly received her Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia. Before joining Lighthouse, Kimberly completed her Clinical Pastoral Education at Advocate Good Samaritan in Downers Grove, Illinois and at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois. Kimberly lives with her family in LaGrange, Illinois. She has one dog, Java. Kimberly loves nature and travelling.

Therefore, Ashley’s team is there to help the patient and family as they struggle to adjust to the reality they’re facing. Their primary responsibility is to the patient and making sure their wishes are honored. These wishes aren’t always in accordance with the family’s wishes. They must maintain a focus on the patient’s preferences and respecting their autonomy while at the same time supporting the family as they navigate a process they have likely never been through before.

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.

Glenn is a graduate of University of Maine and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. He has a passion for incarnation-based ministry which is why he fell in love with Hospice Chaplaincy...which he did NOT see coming i.e. never considered Hospice Chaplaincy until service on the CCU unit during the VA. His military awards include Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for coming under direct fire.

Since 2016, he has worked with Frome Medical Practice in Somerset, UK to develop a new model of primary care combined with compassionate communities, one of the most effective therapeutic tools we have in improving length of life and well-being. The health outcomes of this model have been dramatic, with this being the first intervention that has been effective in reducing population emergency admissions. 

Along with Professor Allan Kellehear, Dr. Abel formed Compassionate Communities UK, which he is Director with a mandate to develop the broader rollout of compassionate communities in both primary care and end-of-life care. Projects are underway in multiple areas in the UK, and several international cities. 

Dr. Abel is joint author of The Compassion Project, along with the prize-winning novelist Lindsay Clarke. The book describes the background to the Frome Project, its implementation and the wider implications of the application of compassion both in medicine and in society at large.

He has published regularly on models of public health palliative care, is an international keynote speaker, appears in media and runs a podcast, Survival of the Kindest.

He will also be speaking at the Elevate compassion virtual summit. You can register to attend the summit for free here.

On October 8th, it will be 4 years since Elly Sheykhet’s daughter Alina was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Saul and Joe spoke with Elly Sheykhet to see how she is coping and continuing to keep Alina’s memory alive.

Alina Sheykhet was a student at the University of Pittsburgh and was killed by Matthew Darby at her off-campus apartment Oct. 8, 2017. She was 20 years old.

Darby was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in October.

Elly Sheykhet, said Alina will always shine through a foundation called Alina's Light. It raises money for causes that were important to her, like performing arts, children and animals.

The foundation also has a focus on domestic violence awareness. Court records show Darby was served a protection from abuse order a short time before he murdered Alina.

Her parents are also working to get Alina's Law passed to protect others.

Here is there website: https://alinaslight.com/

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/

She published a collection of essays, Violation, in 2015. Her incredible work has appeared in Harper’s, Antioch Review, Conjunctions, Threepenny Review, The New Yorker, and Tricycle, among other journals. Tisdale also teaches at Dharma Rain Zen Center in Portland, Oregon.

Terence Youk began work in film and television production in1986, first as a composer and later writing, producing, directing, and editing independent documentaries, crafting promotional media and producing news spots for a variety of broadcast clients. Under the auspices of the production company, Brook Hollow Productions, Inc., he has collaborated with carefully selected creative and technical associates according to the unique requirements of each production.

His programs for broadcast have aired on PBS, A&E, the Wisdom Channel as well as independent distributors of educational and presentation films crafted for nonprofit institutions, including: Thich Nhat Hanh & Plum Village, National Hospice Foundation, Institute of East-West Medicine and many others. He also has served as a freelance producer for several new gathering entities, including CNN, NBC, MSNBC, and ABC news.

EXPERIENCE

Producer, production & editor credits include National Geographic (Most Mad Seas), A&E (Most Mad Seas), Wisdom Channel (Thich Nhat Hanh: Roots of Peace)( now defunct), PBS National (Body & Soul), CT Public television (Backyard Bird Watcher), Outdoor Life Channel (Fly Fishing in the East). News Gathering: CNN, NBC News, MSNBC, ABC news. Promotional media content: National Hospice Foundation, NHPCO, VNA of Vermont, NH VNA & Vermont Institute of Natural Science.

Award-winning independently produced films include: Thich Nhat Hanh: Roots of Peace, Numen: The Nature of Plants and Pioneers of Hospice & the Birth of Modern Hospice and The Next Dali Lama? (Director Mickey Lemle) released in 2017 (served as assistant editor).

You can find more of Terence Youk’s work on his website HERE.

Cheryl’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished in photography, modeling and fashion. She launched a successful international bridal line, Christopher and LaLou. Cheryl, along with her husband, has always been involved in community and ministry. Along with others, she brought Young Life to Southeast Texas and launched a bible study for unchurched women called Wellspring. Life and family forever changed with the death of two of her sons and one grandson. Her life is shared with her husband, Gary Christopher, two children, and seven grandchildren. Her days are now filled with doing the things she loves: cooking, writing, painting and speaking with others who grieve significant loss.

James has had a remarkable journey from his humble upbringing in New York to serving in the United States military. It was during his military service that he sensed a call to ministry. With a strong support from his wife and children, he was able to pursue both his education and call to ministry. He is now serving as the Lead Chaplain with Palladium Hospice and Palliative care. You can find some of his writing here; https://charlesparker6.academia.edu/