The Waiting Room Revolution

A longtime palliative care navigator, Bill Harder returns not as a professional, but as a husband alongside his wife Anna, who is living with stage 4 breast cancer. Together, they share how they’ve navigated a delayed diagnosis, chose quality of life over aggressive treatment, and use dark humour, honesty, and deep love to “walk two roads”. They talk about death binders, funeral pre-planning, and the village that holds them, showing what it looks like to grieve as you go and still embrace joy. The episode closes with a powerful AI-generated love song Bill created for Anna, “Live Till She Dies,” a musical legacy of their life on the land and their commitment to living fully to the end. Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Hsien and Sammy talk with RN and project director Kira Goodman and pediatric palliative care physician Dr. Dave Lysecki about what makes pediatric palliative care unique, why it’s not “too sad,” and how early, family-centered support can transform the journey for children with serious illness. They also explore the creation of Canada’s Pediatric Palliative Care Alliance and its efforts to build a unified, equitable approach to care across the country. Learn more about the Alliance here: https://www.pediatricpalliativecare.ca/ Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Hsien and Sammy chat with Sunny Brouse. Sunny was diagnosed with ALS over a decade ago and leads a global community of young women with ALS. We talk about her long, disorienting road to diagnosis, what clinicians miss when they focus on function over quality of life and how dark humor, planning ahead and honest talk can protect hope. Learn more about Sunny's journey here: https://sunnystrong.com/ Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Hsien and Sammy sit down with Barbara MacLean, Executive Director of Family Caregivers of British Columbia and a leading voice for caregivers in Canada. Barbara shares her powerful origin story from supporting children with disabilities in grade six to becoming a national change agent for family and friend caregivers. We also chat all things caregivers, including visibility and distress and ways to combat both. To learn more about Barbara's work visit: https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Hsien chats with Ella Tan, an Employment and Family Support Worker and Caregiver Advocate. They chat about the hidden realities of paid care providers in Canada including immigration hurdles, debt, family separation, and the blurred boundaries of working in employers’ homes. Ella shares how community networks, settlement supports, and policy change can transform not only caregivers’ lives but the quality and dignity of care for everyone. Check out Ella's podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FjXuS9QV9zxyEI4lhHYHT Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Hsien and Sammy chat with Dr. Myles Sargeant, family physician and planetary health expert. We chat about how healthcare can reduce its environmental footprint with delivering better care, heat islands and why home based palliative care is one of the greenest things we can do. Learn more about Myles work here: https://greenhealthcare.ca/ Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode Pierre and Sherrie Marchand share how a rare, terminal uveal melanoma upended their retirement and reshaped their lives. They reflect on vision loss, caregiving, family impact, and how The Waiting Room Revolution helped them find clarity, voice, and a way to balance hope with planning ahead. Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Hsien speaks with Canadian dementia advocates Christine Aiken and Myrna Norman, who share how they moved from isolation and fear after diagnosis to lives filled with purpose, community, and hope. They debunk common myths about dementia, describe simple but powerful person-centered practices families and communities can adopt right away, and show how support groups, creativity, and inclusion help people with dementia continue to live well and thrive. Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this Hsien talks with Dr. Chetna Malhotra, a leading palliative care and health services researcher in Singapore. They explore the gap between what people say they want at the end of life and the care they actually receive, especially in hospital-heavy systems. Together, they unpack how culture, family, and religion shape decisions, and why advanced care planning should focus less on fixed choices and more on preparing families for real-time decisions. Dr. Malhotra also shares how digital tools and caregiver support innovations like the Care Buddy app are helping patients and families navigate serious illness. To learn more about Chetnas work visit: https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/directory/detail/chetna-malhotra Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Hsien chats with Ontario Funeral Director Sarah Sunnucks about what really happens after someone dies and why funeral pre‑planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Sarah shares the hidden legal and administrative burdens families face, powerful stories of when planning was (and wasn’t) done, and emerging options like green burial. Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, we chat with grief therapist and thanatologist Andrea Warnick. We discuss the importance of including children in conversations about serious illness and death. Andrea shares her experiences and strategies for helping children cope with loss and shares some free and low-barrier resources you can use. Resources to help children with grief: https://kidsgrief.ca/ https://youthgrief.ca/ https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Topics/Topics/Final+Days/Children+at+the+Bedside+of+a+Dying+Family+Member+or+Friend.aspx Visit Andreas website for more information: https://awcgrief.com/ Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Donna Thomson, longtime caregiver, advocate, and author, returns to share a very different story: her own diagnosis of high‑grade bladder cancer. In this episode, she talks about the shock of shifting from caregiver to patient, how she advocated for herself to get answers, and the anxiety of living with a high risk of recurrence. Donna describes how the 7 Keys workbook became her “cognitive lifeboat,” helping her and her husband clarify their priorities, plan for aging, and navigate conversations about fear, privacy, and support. She also shares how her yoga community, her caregiving work, and projects like the Caregiving Essentials course and The Courage to Care book continue to sustain her through treatment and beyond. Visit Donnas website here: https://www.donnathomson.com/ Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode, Renee Moor, psychotherapist, death doula, and founder of Journey Home Support, shares her personal journey through grief, the lessons learned from profound loss, and her mission to bring compassionate community support to end-of-life care. We discuss how embracing death and mourning can offer meaning, connection, and empowerment for individuals and families. To learn more about Renee's work visit: https://www.journeyhomesupport.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features our conversation with resilience expert Dr. Lucy Hone. We discuss grief, living with loss, and practical tools for navigating tough times. Lucy shares personal stories and research-backed insights offering hope and empowering advice for anyone facing adversity. Learn more about Lucys work here: https://www.drlucyhone.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features our conversation with Dr. Ashwin Kaniah, an Australian general practitioner and palliative care consultant. Ashwin shares his journey from family medicine to palliative care, highlighting the importance of early, holistic, and individualized approaches for patients and families. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in making healthcare more inclusive, especially for LGBTQI+ communities, and discuss Ashwins award-winning research . Learn more about his work here: https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/education-training/providing-inclusive-palliative-care/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features our conversation with Dr. Emma Clare, end-of-life doula and CEO of End of Life Doula UK. Emma shares her journey, the evolving role of doulas, and the importance of compassion, communication, and community in end-of-life care. We explore how empowering patients and families, breaking down taboos around death, and building a more supportive culture can change life’s final chapter. Learn more about Emma's work and End of Life Doulas UK: https://eol-doula.uk Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode we welcome Stephanie Muskat, a registered Social Worker, therapist, and founder of Compassion in Caregiving. Stephanie shares her moving journey caring for her mother and grandmother. We discuss the emotional and logistical challenges families face, the importance of advocacy, and how her personal experience inspired her to support other caregivers. Find more of Stephanie's work here: https://compassionincaregiving.com/ Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this heartfelt episode, Heike and Richard share their family’s journey through the end-of-life care of their two sons. Through stories of loss, advocacy, and resilience, they reveal hard-won lessons about love, hope, and what truly matters in life and healthcare. Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features Dr. Tammy Pegg, a cardiologist, and Jane Goodwin, National Program Manager for advanced care planning in New Zealand. We discuss the evolution of CPR understanding, the importance of advanced care planning, and the challenges of aligning medical care with patient values. The episode delves into New Zealand’s national efforts to promote shared goals of care, empower patients and families, and support clinicians in having compassionate, person-centered discussions. Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features our conversation with young caregivers Rosie Paulyk, Terrance Ho, and Stéphane Alexis. They share personal stories about caring for loved ones at a young age, how caregiving shaped their identities, careers, and relationships, and share their advice for supporting youth in similar roles. We also chat about the power of community, resilience, and the importance of recognizing young caregivers everywhere. Learn more about their work here: Terrance's website: https://terrence-ho-i3c7da.mailerpage.io/family Rosie's website: https://chronicoasis.com/our-mission Stéphane's website: https://www.stephanealexis.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Visit our website to learn more about our work, check out the book and workbook, view our resources and to join our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/