The Waiting Room Revolution

This episode features our conversation with Laura Cleminson, a community organizer and founder of the Pre Dead Social Club. We discuss her journey from working in a medical device company to becoming a death doula, and the importance of preparing for death through community engagement and education by hosting events to foster open discussions. To learn more about her work visit: https://www.predeadsocialclub.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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our interview with Dr. Catherine Demers. Dr. Demers is a cardiologist, researcher and professor of medicine at McMaster University. We chat about what a roadmap for heart failure looks like and what to expect along the various stages from early, middle, late and end of life. For more information visit: waitingroomrevolution.com Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0    

This episode features our conversation with Amy Ma and Alies Maybee, co-founders of the Patients Advisory Network. Hsien, Sammy and Alies and Amy discuss their healthcare experiences, their reactions to the seven keys and why we need to change medicine to be delivered on the patients terms. For more information visit: waitingroomrevolution.com Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In the final episode of Season 10, we reflect on the journey and the success of the Waiting Room Revolution. We discuss the global resonance, the importance of self-advocacy, and the creation of our community. We also introduce the Applying the 7 Keys Workbook designed to help individuals navigate the healthcare system. We also introduce the "Workshop in a Box" for community educators to facilitate workshops and spread the message, aiming to empower patients and families worldwide. Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ For more details about our Workshop In a Box visit our website or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/joinus Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode we explore the final key, “Invite Yourself,” which encourages patients and families to become respectfully assertive in their healthcare journey. Rather than waiting to be asked, individuals are empowered to speak up, ask questions, and take an active role in their care. We discuss how this mindset shift can lead to better communication, improved understanding, and more meaningful experiences, especially for those who feel marginalized or overwhelmed. Through real stories and practical tips, we emphasize that inviting yourself isn’t about being demanding; it’s about recognizing your right to be heard and informed. Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: 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 talk about the key "Connect the Dots" - a crucial strategy for patients and families navigating complex healthcare systems. We explore how being the "illness manager" can transform healthcare experiences, the importance of having someone who can coordinate care, track medical information, and serve as the "glue" between different healthcare providers.   Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: 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 dive deep into the fifth key: Anticipate Ripple Effects. We discuss how serious illness impacts not just patients, but their entire support network. We share personal stories and insights about building strong support systems, caring for caregivers, and understanding the emotional journey of those surrounding a patient. We also give some tips to providers. Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: 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 discuss the fourth key: Customize Your Order. We chat about how you can transform your illness experience from a one-size-fits-all approach to a personalized journey that truly reflects your values, preferences and unique self. We also talk about communicating what matters most to you, and why being treated as an individual-not just a diagnosis- is crucial to maintaining you sense of identity and dignity.   Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

In this episode of the Waiting Room Revolution, we explore the powerful third key: "Know Your Style." We discuss how understanding your unique personality can transform your healthcare experience, how learning practical strategies for navigating illness can reduce family conflict, and how knowing your style gives insight on approaching challenges. We also chat about how important this can be for Health Care Providers and provide some strategies on how to ask these questions. Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: 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 discuss the second key: Zoom Out. We discuss how information is a superpower, ways to get it, how to use it and how it can maintain hope all throughout an illness journey. We also discuss how everyone - patients, families, and healthcare providers - has a role in creating a more transparent, supportive healthcare experience. Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: 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 discuss the first of seven keys to navigating serious illness: Walk Two Roads. We chat about breaking through toxic positivity, communicating openly about illness, reducing uncertainty and maintaining personal agency during challenging times. We share stories and experiences that people have shared with us about why constant positivity can be harmful, how patients can find strength in embracing both hope and preparation and much more!   Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/   Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

This episode we are talking about When Time is Running Out. We chat about demystifying dying, challenging healthcare norms, misconceptions about hospice and medical assistance in dying (MAID), how patients and families can reclaim power in their healthcare experience & much more. Our Workbook: Applying the 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis is available at select retailers now! Visit our website for more information: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/  Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa and is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Welcome to Season 10 of the Waiting Room Revolultion Podcast where we will be looking back (and forward!) to the start of it all: the Seven Keys! This episode we will be recapping the journey so far. Some topics we cover in this episode are: how the podcast has spread the movement around the globe, how our book Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest has connected to so many communities, what we've learned and so much more! 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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our interview with Dr. Sabina Keen. Dr Keen is a geriatrician from McMaster University. We chat about frailty and dementia, with a focus on what patients and families need to know along the journey from the perspective of an expert. For more information visit: 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 Ruth Richardson, a seasoned hospice palliative care nurse educator who has dedicated her career to empowering patients, families, and healthcare providers through her compassionate and holistic approach. She shares her strategies for breaking down misconceptions about palliative care, equipping patients to advocate for themselves, and creating community-based learning experiences that foster resilience and connection. We also discuss her work educating the public, supporting grieving communities, and inspiring the next generation of nurses! To learn more about Ruth's work visit: https://champlainpalliative.ca/about-us/ 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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features our conversation with Catherine Cummings, CEO of the International Alliance of ALS and Motor Neuron Disease Associations. We chat all about ALS- the challenges of diagnosis, the economic impact on patients and caregivers and the variability in care quality globally. Catherine shares her personal experience as a caregiver. To learn more about the International Alliance visit their website here: https://www.als-mnd.org/   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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our conversation with Bill Harder, Theresa Radwell and Penney Gaul from the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley in Alberta. We discuss the society's mission to provide quality-of-life support through holistic care, emphasizing community partnerships and volunteer-driven initiatives. They highlight innovative programs like the dementia care team, which pairs volunteers with families to support both the person with dementia and their caregiver. The society's work has gained significant community support, evidenced by high attendance at their public talks and positive feedback from clients. To learn more about their work: https://pcsbv.ca/ 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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features our conversation with Dr. Barbara (Bunni) Bresver, Dr. Roz Doctorow & Peter Macaulay from Dying with Dignity Canada- Toronto Chapter. We chat about the mission and work of Dying with Dignity Canada, which focuses on protecting end-of-life rights, advocacy, support, and education for Canadians. We also chat about how the generational shift in provider-patient dynamics and the emotional impact education can have. To learn more about Dying with Dignity Canada visit: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/   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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our conversation with Dr. Zachary White, Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication Studies at Furman University in South Carolina. We discuss his journey into caregiving research and advocacy, challenges and insights into caregiving communication and how healthcare providers can navigate uncertainty to be present with patients and families. To learn more about his work visit: https://www.mastersincommunications.com/school-interviews/dr-zachary-white-queens-university-of-charlotte 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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ 

This episode features our conversation with Sheli O'Connor, Director of Community Engagement and Partnership at Hospice Waterloo Region. We discuss her passion for community development, the importance of continuous community engagement in healthcare and in advance care planning to empower individuals in healthcare decisions, and innovative community engagement strategies. To learn more about her work visit: https://advancecareplanning.hospicewaterloo.ca/ 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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/