The Heart of Hospice Podcast

The Remarkable Story of Humanist Chaplain D.S. Moss

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Devin (D.S.) Moss brings a sense of reverence for life and a curiosity about death to his work as a chaplain. During a conversation with a Zen Master...

How to Best Serve Military Veterans on Hospice

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a U.S. military veteran.  End of life workers need to know how to take care of their special needs and enhance th...

What It Really Takes to be a Hospice Caregiver

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Christina Keys can tell you the realities of being a caregiver for someone with a serious illness - the good, the bad, and the ugly. As the sole care...

The Amazing Work of an End of Life Doula

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This trio of End of Life Doulas is educating the public and other doulas about EOL doula work, and how they support people as they die.  Diane Button...

Shelley Henry is an Advocate for Quality Hospice Care

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse Shelley Henry is supporting nurses working in end of life care with advocacy, video tips, and support for their self care.  Shelley use...

A Beautiful Conversation About Death with Sarah Cavanaugh

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Cavanaugh believes having conversations about death helps us clear the air and find peace, whether those discussions are in person or in our hea...

Elizabeth Miller Provides Practical Tips for Being a Remote Caregiver

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a caregiver her entire adult life, Elizabeth Miller has learned how to find the joy in the caregiving life. As a Certified Caregiving Consultant, s...

What You Need to Know About Advance Care Planning with Gail Rubin

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death, has been talking about death and dying for years - and she’s still alive.  As an award-winning death speaker, Gai...

The Ultimate Gift of Precious Time at End of Life

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer O’Brien is sharing details of her caregiving journey, telling the story of her husband’s life-limiting illness and how she’s learned to...

How to Provide LGBTQ Inclusive Care From Kimberly Acquaviva

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The story of the terminal illness and death of Kimberly Acquaviva’s wife Kathy is powerful, intense, real… and human. As a hospice social worker ...

How a State Senator Improved Hospice Care in Her Home State

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Senator Meg Cappel turned her experience as a caregiver for her terminally ill mother into advocacy and now works to promote hospice care in her home ...

Help Texts Offers Expert Grief Support With Text Messages

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Supporting people who are grieving is fulfilling, joyful work. Just ask Help Texts founder Emma Payne. After having a personal loss, Emma realized ho...

How to Improve Patient Care With Pastoral Thanatologist Joelle Johns

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joelle Johns believes telling people they’re dying gives them an opportunity to say the goodbyes, do the final things they want to do, apologize, an...

Life Experiences Offer Opportunities for Death Doula Jo-Anne Haun

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Death Doula Jo-Anne Haun has found growth and meaning in working with the dying. As co-founder of Death Doula Network International, Jo-Anne works to...

Francesca Arnoldy Is A Guide For End Of Life Planning

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Death literacy advocate and Community Doula Francesca Arnoldy is sharing the role of a death doula and how to support someone through a time of intens...

Barbara Karnes on How to Care for a Person With Dementia

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning End of Life Educator Barbara Karnes takes a deep dive into the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia at end of life.  C...

Valuable Lessons Learned From a Mom Who Lost a Child

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

*Trigger warning - this episode contains a description of an intense death event and the death of a child. Please make space for your self care if yo...

Dr. Karen Wyatt Shares a Physician's Perspective on Hospice and Healthcare

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice physician Dr. Karen Wyatt wants people to get comfortable thinking about death, and have time to plan for the end of their lives.  Karen is t...

Doula Karen Hendrickson Shares Her Powerful Story of Grief as a Teen

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

*Trigger warning - this episode contains a description of an intense death event. Please make space for your self care if you find the topic overwhel...

Gabby Jimenez Offers Guidance on Medical Aid in Dying in Her New Book

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse and end of life doula Gabby Jimenez of the Hospice Heart shared her thoughts in our great conversation about supporting MAID caregivers,...

Dr. Lucy Kalanithi Tells Her Remarkable Story of Life After Loss

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Caregiver, physician, wife, and griever - Dr. Lucy Kalanithi shares her remarkable journey with her husband Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of When Breath ...

Chaplains Complete a Sacred Space Between Machine and Medicine

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chaplain J.S. Park has a powerful voice - raw, transparent, and real. He’s using it to influence how people care for people at the end of life. J....

A Conversation With Diane Hullett of the Best Life Best Death Podcast

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Diane Hullet, host of the Best Life Best Death podcast, believes in authentic conversations, holding space for those who are dying, and supporting oth...

Dr. Kaishauna Guidry Teaches Doctors How to Have Difficult Conversations

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kaishauna Guidry is keeping it real when it comes to difficult conversations about hospice, dying, and death. As the host of the Dr. G at the Hea...

Looking Into the Heart of a Hospice Physician

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice physician Lauren Templeton knows the power of pausing, taking a moment to reflect on end of life wishes even when things are tense and chaotic...

How a Daring Nurse From California Began a Hospice in Kenya

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse Juli Boit works to care for the dying in Kenya, providing desperately needed care and services. She is an author, community builder, and...

Wind Phones Are Helping Grievers in Unexpected Ways

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sending a message to someone we love on the wind using a Wind Phone is a beautiful way to express grief. Amy Dawson knows the power of being able to ...

The Hidden Value of Chaplains at End of Life

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chaplain Wes Moldogo is an advocate for integrating spiritual care into the care of patients, service members, and their families. As a chaplain for ...

Death Doulas are Expert Guides at End of Life

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Death Doula Jill McClennen helps clients transform their fear of death and dying while they work to live life fully, eventually dying with a feeling o...

Dignity Pajamas are a Great Choice to Provide Comfort and Dignity

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dignity Pajama designer Fran Goldberg used ingenuity to create pajamas for bedbound patients, and created meaning following the death of her parents. ...

Learning How To Use Music At The End Of Life

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bev Foster with Music Care by Room 217 is using beautiful music to create meaning at the end of life. Using her skills as a musician, Bev founded Roo...

What You Need to Know About Creating Connections in Dementia with Music

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tara Jenkins, founder of Harmony in Dementia, is connecting patients and caregivers with meaningful music one song at a time. As a Board Certified Mu...

Death Doulas Offer Powerful Support During Death and Bereavement

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An End of Life Doula is a great source of support for someone as they die, and for families after the death has occurred. Anna Adams, End of Life Do...

End of Life Doulas Specialize in Advance Care Planning

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

End of Life Doulas are experts in managing advance care planning conversations. EOL Doula Pam Carter of International Doula Life Movement knows how t...

Get to Know the Special Work of a Death Doula

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anna Adams, death doula and founder of International Doula Life Movement, is educating her community about how doulas support patients and families de...

How To Create A Caregiver Team With The Sisterhood Of Care

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Sisterhood of Care is using their superpowers to create a caregiving team. Their podcast, Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, is a safe space f...

What You Need To Know About Caregiving: A Conversation With Amy Goyer Of AARP

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Goyer knows a few things about caregiving. Her journey as a family caregiver began early in her 20’s, caring for great-grandparents, and then e...

Making End of Life Care Better with Dr. Sammy Winemaker, Epi. 176

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Sammy Winemaker is starting a social healthcare revolution with The Waiting Room Revolution podcast. On The Waiting Room Revolution podcast, Samm...

How to Use Five Wishes to Make Your End of Life Wishes Heard

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joanne Eason, President of Five Wishes, knows it’s important to document our end of life wishes so our voices are heard when we can’t speak for ou...

Home Funeral Director Glenda Villegas Educates About Home Funerals

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Home funeral director Glenda Villegas helps families to create meaning with home funerals.   After learning valuable lessons about what it’s like...

Sociavi is a Revolutionary Device to Keep Older Adults Connected

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sociavi founder Paula Muller realized the need to keep her mother connected with all the activities of her family living internationally. That need p...

My Modern Tribute Helps You Tell Your Life Story

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is Sarah Turner, CEO and founder of My Modern Tribute. They’re writing life tributes that provide opportunities to celebrate and ho...

Melanie McMillion Finds Meaning After Decades of Working in Hospice

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melanie McMillion has found meaning in her decades working as a hospice counselor and community educator. Melanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselo...

Share Your Life Story With the Legacy Letters Journal

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Legacy Letters Journal is a passion project that created meaning for Kera Sanchez after losing her mom. Here’s how Kera describes the mission o...

Navigating Death with Gabby Jimenez of The Hospice Heart, Episode 169

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse and EOL doula Gabrielle “Gabby” Jimenez of The Hospice Heart talks about navigating a complicated death, managing grief, and finding...

Medical Equipment is Important for the Comfort of the Hospice Patient, Episode 168

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Magliocca of National HME knows providing medical equipment for hospice patients is all about service, empathy and quality of life.  Part of th...

GrandPad Brings Quality of Life to Super Seniors, Episode 167

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

GrandPad founders Scott and Isaac Lien recognize how important it is to make older senior adults feel confident and stay connected. Scott’s 80-year...

Leilani Maxera Shares How to Plan for a Good Death, Episode 166

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The death of Leilani Maxera’s grandmother changed her, propelling her into a career path she hadn’t predicted. Now she’s a social worker, a home...

A Physician's Perspective of Death, Money, and Healthcare, Episode 165

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice physician and podcaster Jordan Grumet is sharing how his work with hospice patients creates deep conversations about end of life planning, mon...

A Physician's Perspective of Death, Money, and Healthcare, Episode 165

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice physician and podcaster Jordan Grumet is sharing how his work with hospice patients creates deep conversations about end of life planning, mon...

Sue Ryan Understands the Challenges of a Caregiver's Journey, Episode 164

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sue Ryan has been walking a caregiver’s journey for 40 years. Now she’s teaching others how to thrive while caring for a loved one. Sue is the fo...

Mi Alma Supports Grieving Families in Unique Ways, Episode 163

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mi Alma is helping grievers by bringing together friends, family, and coworkers to provide the help they need most. Co-founders Jordan and Scott Aro...

Making End of Life Care Better with Dr. Ira Byock , Episode 162

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Physician Dr. Ira Byock is a voice for change in the hospice industry, and an advocate for quality end of life care. His many years of experience in h...

Hospice is Making End of Life Care Better for Veterans, Episode 161

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a military veteran. Frederick Health Hospice is going the extra mile to meet the unique needs of veterans at the ...

Soaring Spirits Helps Widows Know They're Not Alone, Episode 160

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Soaring Spirits International is built by widowed people to support widowed people. Michele Neff Hernandez built the non-profit organization she need...

Postal Service for the Dead Eases Grief Through Letters, Episode 159

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Write a letter to someone you’ve lost, and send it to Postal Service for the Dead! End of life doula and artist Janelle Ketcher founded Postal Serv...

Death Doulas Work to Support the Dying, Episode 158

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Death doulas Jo-Anne Haun and Karen Henderickson are bringing value to the care of people with serious illnesses. They’re the co-founders of Death D...

Human Composting is the Burial Alternative of the Future, Episode 157

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest Katrina Spade is changing the landscape of death care as CEO/founder of Recompose, an organization offering human composting as an env...

Hospice Nurses Created The Care Plan to Make Caregiving Easier, Episode 156

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire are on a mission to transform the end-of-life experience through education and support. They know wh...

Cathy VandenHeuvel Brings Caregivers What They Need, Episode 155

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cathy VandenHeuvel, host of the Caregiver Cup podcast, is helping working women caregivers fill their cups. She’s got a lot of caregiving wisdom to ...

Nathan Kottkamp is the Founder of National Healthcare Decisions Day, Episode 154

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My guest Nathan Kottkamp is the founder and chair of National Healthcare Decisions, which highlights the importance of advance care planning. Nationa...

Elizabeth Miller Shares How to be a Happy, Healthy Caregiver, Episode 153

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Certified Caregiver Consultant Elizabeth Miller is helping other caregivers figure out how to stay healthy while juggling caregiving responsibilities....

Savina Makalena is a Caregiver for Caregivers, Episode 152

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Podcaster, caregiver, and advocate Savina Makalena is sharing what she’s learned as a family caregiver.  Savina is the host of the Caring Caregive...

The Heart of Hospice Trailer

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Heart of Hospice podcast!

Rupert Callender is the Radical Undertaker and Green Burial Expert, Episode 151

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rupert Callender identifies as a radical undertaker. He’s changing funeral services, one personal experience at a time. Rupert was moved to become ...

Chris MacLellan Makes Meaning From His Caregiving Journey, Episode 150

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chris MacLellan is making meaning from his experience as the primary caregiver for his life partner Richard. Chris and Richard’s story was featured...

Finding Growth and Gratitude in Caregiving with Martha Ranon of Southern Caregiver Resource Center, Episode 149

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Martha Ranon learned firsthand what it’s like to be a personal caregiver, and now she’s working to support and empower other caregivers.  #caregi...

How to Create Legacy with the Help of Haven, Episode 148

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Haven believes every legacy needs a beautiful Haven to call home. Maggie Gannon and the Haven team support people at end of life by empowering them t...

Jody Giles on How to Avoid Missing Pieces in Your Advance Care Plan, Episode 147

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Plan ahead so you leave a legacy, not a mess. Great advice from CPA Jody Giles, author of the Missing Pieces Plan.  According to her website jodygil...

Edgar Barens Shares How Prison Hospices are Changing Lives, Episode 146

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Filmmaker Edgar Barens works with the Humane Prison Hospice Project to highlight the need for compassionate end-of-life programs in the US. prison sys...

Helping People Through Life's Hardest Times is Their Business, Episode 145

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine Hinz is talking about grief and how her company Beyond Words Co. creates curated care packages to ensure no one feels alone through life’s...

Making End of Life Dreams Come True with Caitlin Crommett

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlin Crommett is the founder of DreamCatchers Foundation, an organization creating connections for older and younger generations to fulfill the end...

Talking About National Anchor Your Heart Day with Opus Peace Founder Deborah Grassman , Special Episode

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join thousands of people around the globe opening their hearts to allow pain and peace to sit side-by-side together without fear on National Anchor Yo...

Tips for Navigating Hospice Care at Home with Barbara Karnes, Episode 142

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

End-of-life educator Barbara Karnes is back to talk about death in the home, what it looks like, and how caregivers can manage a dying loved one at ho...

Learning How to Reimagine Grief with Lisa Keefauver, Episode 141

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grief activist and founder of Reimagining Grief Lisa Keefauver is talking about her work to transform and expand our understanding of grief and change...

Medical Aid in Dying From a Hospice Social Worker Perspective, Episode 140

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Medical Aid in Dying is a controversial topic. Hospice Social Worker Lisa Pahl shares what it’s like to support someone who’s utilizing Medical Ai...

How to Provide Quality Hospice Care for LGBTQ+ Families, Episode 139

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice social worker and grief counselor Jill Johnson-Young is sharing wisdom and her perspective on end of life care for the LGBTQ+ community.  Jus...

How to Communicate to Get the Best Care Possible, Episode 138

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Communication is crucial to creating the best end of life experience possible. We’re talking about what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. ...

Welcome to The Heart of Hospice Podcast

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Heart of Hospice podcast! You might be having to think about hospice care for yourself or someone you love. It's a big decision. Navig...

Learn How to Love Your Life to Death With Yvonne Heath, Episode 137

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Love Your Life to Death founder Yvonne Heath is teaching us how to just show up for someone who’s grieving. Yvonne has been a Registered Nurse since...

How to Find the Benefits of Grief with Jenny Dilts, Episode 136

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Certified Grief Coach Jenny Dilts is helping people to find the calm inside the grief storm.  Jenny finds incredible meaning in supporting people goi...

Hospice Nurse Penny is a TikTok Phenom, Episode 135

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're talking with Hospice Nurse Penny about how her TikTok videos  about end of life care have become a social media phenomenon.  After finding her...

When You Need an Expert, Empathy.com is Your Friend, Episode 134

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Empathy co-founder and CEO Ron Gura created the company with one mission in mind: to help families deal with loss. It’s the friend we all need when ...

Hospice Social Worker Nathan Yemane Honors His Father's Legacy of Service, Episode 133

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice social worker Nathan Yemane is meeting the needs of his community by opening the first black-owned hospice agency in Washington State and carr...

How to Survive as a Caregiver Warrior with Susanne White, Episode 132

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Caregiver Warrior founder Susanne White is sharing the many lessons she learned as a caregiver for her dad and mom.  According to the Caregiver Warri...

Creating an Advance Care Plan Series with The Conversation Project, Episode 5

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re wrapping up our Advance Care Plan Series in collaboration with the amazing team from The Conversation Project from IHI, sharing the lessons we...

Jill Johnson-Young Discusses Intimacy at End of Life, Episode 131

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re having an open, honest discussion with hospice social worker and author Jill Johnson-Young about intimacy during a serious illness. Jill’s b...

How to Create Your Advance Care Plan Series with The Conversation Project Episode 4

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Debartolo of The Conversation Project is talking with us about advance care planning, and how to talk about what matters most to you. According t...

What You Need to Know about Conscious Dying with Dr. Aditi Sethi-Brown, Episode 130

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Aditi Sethi-Brown, founder of the Center for Conscious Living and Dying, has devoted her career to promoting positive death experiences.  She’s...

How to Create Your Advance Care Plan Series with The Conversation Project Episode 3

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the 3rd episode of our Advance Care Plan series, Rosemary Lloyd talks about how faith communities can support Advance Care Plan discussions using r...

How To Create Treasured End Of Life Memories With The 3 Wishes Program, Episode 129

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Thanh Neville is talking with us about the benefits of granting end of life wishes through the 3 Wishes Program at UCLA Health. Dr. Neville joined...

How to Create Your Advance Care Plan Series with The Conversation Project, Special Episode 2

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the second episode of our Advance Care Plan Series in partnership with The Conversation Project, featuring TCP’s Improvement Advisor for ...

Learn How GrandPad Can Make Life Better for Seniors with Scott Lien, Episode 128

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

GrandPad founder Scott Lien is talking with us about GrandPad's best features and how it keeps older adults connected. Older adults often feel isolate...

How to Create Your Advance Care Plan Series with The Conversation Project, Special Episode

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Need some help with those difficult Advance Care Plan discussions? Welcome to our special Advance Care Plan Series featuring Kate Debartolo and the te...

What You Need to Know About Palliative Care From Dr. Arian Nachat, Episode 127

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest Dr. Arian Nachat is an advocate for palliative care services, informed advance care planning, and optimizing quality of life. As founder of ...

How to Write a Spiritual Care Directive with Rhonda Lopresti, Episode 126

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

End of Life Coach and home funeral guide Rhonda Lopresti is talking with us about spiritual care directives, and their importance as part of an advanc...

What to Know About Zen Buddhist Practices at End of Life With Jon Prescott, Episode 125

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Board Certified Clinical Chaplain Jonathan Prescott is back with us to discuss end of life practices in the Zen Buddhist tradition.  Jon is a student...

What You Need to Know About the End Well Project with Tracy Wheeler, Episode 124

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

End Well’s Executive Director Tracy Wheeler is talking with us about end of life discussions, transforming how we think about death, and the launch ...

How to Manage Disenfranchised Grief with Carol Schoneberg, Episode 123

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

End of life educator Carol Schoneberg is sharing wisdom about disenfranchised grief, the grief that society says isn’t real, but we all experience. ...

Sharing CJ's Legacy: A Story About Pediatric Hospice With Kasey Carmona, Episode 122

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Warning: This episode contains a description of the loss of a terminally ill infant. It may not be for all listeners.   Boy mom and advocate Kasey C...