“ It's brought some hope that maybe it'll be different for the generation, the young disabled girl who's just getting the diagnosis today will be able to see a few examples anyway out there of somebody who had a life and who got to live and thrive.” Dear listeners, this month Kathy and Keri-Lyn are privileged to share a conversation with April Hubbard, a performer, arts administrator, accessibility consultant, and a Mad, Disabled, Queer, White & Mi'kmaw woman based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. April spent 25 years struggling to create space for those with unseen bodies and unheard voices. She is the former Chair of the Halifax Fringe Festival, the co-founder of disabilityX Halifax, the author of the Eastern Front Theatre Accessibility Project Report, and recipient of the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Volunteerism at the 2025 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards. She was a frequent contributor and host on AMI-tv, and a collaborator with the JRG Society for the Arts. She is most proud of her performance career as a circus artist, collaborating alongside her creative soulmate, Vanessa Furlong, and of her blend of drag with activism, using her alter ego, Crip Tease. April spent her life encouraging others to be leaders in designing the society in which they wish to live by challenging assumptions and normalizing the presence of Disabled people in our everyday world. In 2023, April shared publicly her choice to apply for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to combat the loneliness and isolation she faced as an atypical dying person. She hopes that talking about her experience will encourage others to bring their death journey into the light and take away some of the fear and shame around preparing to die in a way that throws out the rules and expectations. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant.
Grief matters because it happens to all of us. In this episode, Kathy and Keri-Lyn are fortunate to converse with Drs. Susan Cadell and Mary Ellen Macdonald, co-creators of Grief Matters, a Canadian organization that aims to improve how people understand and make room for grief, using creative, community-based activities. They use the framework of ‘grief literacy’ to increase knowledge, skills, and actions about all kinds of grief. Grief literacy is about helping community members to better understand their own and other people’s experience of grief. Learn more at www.GriefMatters.ca. Susan Cadell, PhD, RSW (she/her) is a social work researcher and educator. Her research interests include grief, grief literacy and tattoos. She is the co-founder, along with Mary Ellen Macdonald, of Grief Matters, (https://griefmatters.ca/), an organization to promote grief literacy. She is a Professor at the School of Social Work at Renison University College, which is affiliated with University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Her work on tattoos can be viewed at https://storiesfromtheskin.com/. Mary Ellen Macdonald, PhD is an anthropologist and Professor in Palliative Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She holds the J & W Murphy Foundation Endowed Chair in Palliative Care, with the mandate of contributing to palliative and end-of-life care research and practice across Nova Scotia. She has been researching death, dying, and bereavement for two decades, and is particularly passionate about supporting death and grief literacy across the diverse communities in the province. See her TEDxPugwash on ‘Grief, memory, and caring for the dead.’ She writes about this work in academic publications and at www.GriefMatters.ca. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant.
“ She's in her favourite chair. She's surrounded by loved ones. She's got a supportive GP. There's love and laughter, and I can't imagine anything better for the very final moments of your life. And I have to just say I'm just really thankful, one, to be a Canadian and that she has this option, but also that I had the opportunity to be there and that our family got to have these really beautiful final moments with her.” Dear listeners, in this episode Kathy and Keri-Lyn share their conversation with Kim Carlson about supporting Canadians on both the professional and personal sides of the MAiD experience. Kim is a Registered Nurse with 14 years of experience in palliative care, working in a variety of roles, from bedside care to patient care coordinator to nurse clinician Despite initial resistance to MAiD within many palliative care programs, Kim was committed to supporting individuals considering it as part of their end-of-life journey. She was present for her first MAiD provision in early 2017, and with each subsequent experience, her interest deepened, particularly in how the final days and moments are experienced. She became increasingly curious about how loved ones navigate grief after MAiD and how conversations with those who may not agree with MAiD could negatively impact the grieving process. In 2021, when her grandmother chose to have MAiD, Kim experienced firsthand what it means to be a loved one supporting someone through it. She experienced both the beautiful camaraderie of final goodbyes and also the challenges of grief and secrecy. Outside of work, Kim and her partner, Paul Magennis—also a registered nurse—co-author the Substack page MAiD in Canada. This platform enables them to address misinformation about MAiD and ensure that accurate information is widely accessible. It has also given Kim a meaningful space to share her personal journey—from supporting patients through MAiD to supporting her own grandmother. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant.
“ Ignorance is not a safeguard.” In this episode, a very fortunate Kathy and Keri-Lyn sit down with Dr. James Downar, a Critical Care and Palliative Care physician in Ottawa, for a conversation about the data around MAiD and access to palliative care. Dr. Downar graduated from McGill Medical School and completed residency training in Internal Medicine, Critical Care and Palliative Care at the University of Toronto. He has a Master’s degree in Bioethics from the Joint Centre for Bioethics at the University of Toronto. He is currently Professor and Head of the Division of Palliative Care at the University of Ottawa, where he holds a Clinical Research Chair in Palliative and End of Life Care. He is an adjunct professor at the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at the Queensland University of Technology. He is the current President of the Canadian Critical Care Society and co-chair of the Pan-Canadian Palliative Care Research Collaborative. He has authored more than 160 peer-reviewed publications and was the principal investigator on more than 30 peer-reviewed grants on topics such as medical aid in dying; communication and decision-making for serious illness; palliative care in the critical care setting; grief and bereavement; and the treatment of psychological and existential distress in advanced illness. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation medal for contributions to Palliative Care in Canada, and in 2021 he received the Award of Excellence from the Ontario Medical Association’s Section on Palliative Medicine. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant.
In the context of any kind of illness, whether it's the child's illness, a family member's illness, somebody's sudden death or MAiD, if we recognise that children have these rights to access information and to express themselves, it's very hard to justify not giving them a choice about having information. In this episode, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the great pleasure and privilege of speaking with Ceilidh Eaton Russell, a Certified Child Life Specialist and a Grief Counsellor with a PhD in Family Relations and Human Development from the University of Guelph. Ceilidh is a Lecturer in Child Life and Paediatric Psychosocial Care at McMaster University, a Research Fellow with the Association for Child Life Professionals, and Child Life Lead for Canadian Virtual Hospice. Since 2001, Ceilidh has worked as a clinician and a researcher in children’s hospital and community-based palliative care and grief settings, supporting children, young people, and families living with serious illness, dying and death. Ceilidh’s clinical work weaves together her background and training in child and family development, psycho-education, creative and therapeutic play, and informs her approach to understanding and supporting each child and young person’s unique perspective, strengths, needs, and priorities as they navigate experiences of grief and loss. Her research focuses on children’s, adolescents’ and parents’ grief experiences, relationships, and communication in the context of serious illness, death, and grief. She has written handbooks for families about communication with a dying child, as well as supporting grieving children and young people. In her work with Canadian Virtual Hospice, she led the creation of therapeutic activity books for children living with their own or someone else’s serious illness, dying, and death. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
This month’s episode of Disrupting Death has Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the pleasure of speaking with Paul Magennis, a Registered Nurse and educator on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in British Columbia and co-creator of MAiD in Canada, a Substack newsletter that tackles misinformation and promotes education about medical assistance in dying. With over seven years of experience in MAiD, Paul has the expertise to provide fact-based education to healthcare professionals and the public. He has taught the nuances of MAiD to health care professionals at every level--including guest lecturing to medical students and residents--ensuring they understand the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of MAiD. Beyond the clinical setting, Paul is a writer and public educator tackling misinformation and disinformation about MAiD. He and his partner, Kim Carlson—also a Registered Nurse—run MAiD in Canada, a Substack newsletter that breaks down complex issues, addresses public misconceptions, and engages with the latest policy discussions. Their work has become a trusted resource for those seeking clear, evidence-based information. Paul’s advocacy extends beyond writing. He offers free speaking engagements in an effort to ensure as many people have access to accurate and compassionate information about MAiD as possible. Whether addressing fears stirred by viral misinformation or exploring the legal landscape of assisted dying in Canada, Paul is committed to fostering informed, respectful conversations about this deeply personal and evolving issue. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
”I think we need to know that the possibilities are out there, that MAiD's not just a medical procedure, that even though this healthcare professional is coming with their kit and their medications and all of their social authority that they bring with them, that we get to slow it down and do some important things to remember our person.” This month, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the pleasure and privilege of sitting down with Kelley Korbin to talk about her father’s death, the role of rites and ceremonies around MAiD, and writing it all down. Kelley Korbin is a Vancouver-based communications professional. Her writing has appeared in the Globe and Mail, CBC, Ski Canada Magazine, and The Jewish Independent Newspaper along with countless crisis communication plans, corporate annual reports, and press releases. She did, however, draw the line at ghostwriting goodbye letters from her father to his six grandchildren. Like many people who’ve experienced MAID, Kelley found her dad’s 2022 death and the parade of lasts that preceded it to be a transformative and surprisingly healing rite of passage. As a palliative care volunteer for Vancouver Coastal Health and a MAID Family Support Society peer support volunteer, Kelley feels privileged to spend much of her spare time supporting dying people and their friends and family. She is writing a reported memoir about her father’s last days, entitled Exit Stage Rite: Lessons for a Brand New Way of Dying. Kelley holds a BA in cultural anthropology from the University of British Columbia, an MA in Journalism from Western, and is currently pursuing an MFA in creative nonfiction at the University of King’s College in Halifax. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
“When we're brought into this world more often than not … there's all this love coming for birthing in a human being to this world, right? And I felt like that same kind of energy was given to them on their way out.” This month, your hosts of Disrupting Death sit down with Chris Reid, a storyteller, military veteran, and founder of Stretch Creative, about his experiences in 2024 when two very important people in his life chose to access MAiD, and within eight days of one another. Stretch Creative is a content agency that partners with freelance creatives to produce meaningful and impactful narratives. Drawing on his experience as a submariner, Chris brings discipline, adaptability, and a unique perspective to his work. At Stretch, he is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community among freelance writers, editors, and designers, ensuring they feel supported and valued while delivering exceptional content for clients. Chris is also a devoted husband and stepfather, roles that inspire his passion for creating work rooted in empathy and connection. In April 2024, he experienced the profound loss of both his mother and grandmother, who chose MAiD within eight days of each other. This life-changing event became the catalyst for his first documentary, exploring the complexities of MAiD and its emotional impact on families. While Stretch occupies much of his time, Chris remains dedicated to sharing stories that matter, building communities, and inspiring meaningful conversations through storytelling. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
This month, Kathy and Keri-Lyn are very excited and privileged to explore the issue of mature minors in relation to MAiD legislation with Dr. Sydney Campbell, PhD. Sydney Campbell is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, having recently completed her PhD in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto wherein she generated conceptual and empirical evidence to inform ongoing discussions related to Medical Assistance in Dying for mature minors in Canada. As a whole, Sydney’s work aims to advance perspectives on the participation and engagement of young people, rethinking policy action and analysis with a child-inclusive lens, and improving children’s overall health and well-being in several facets of their lives, including in end-of-life contexts. In April of 2024, the Canadian College of Health Leaders is pleased to announce that Sydney Campbell, PhD was been named the recipient of the 2024 Healthcare Management Forum Article of the Year Award for her article entitled “Re-examining medical assistance in dying for mature minors in Canada: Reflections for health leaders”. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
This month’s episode of Disrupting Death has Kathy and Keri-Lyn speaking with Dr. Christine Gibson, aka TikTokTraumaDoc, about her experiences with MAiD and her book, The Modern Trauma Tool Kit. A Family Medicine physician with academic expertise in medical education and holistic care, with twenty years of clinical experience. Through extensive additional specialty training, has become a local and national leader in education and practice related to health inequity and trauma healing. As Christy Gibson MD, she is a Mental Health Influencer on Tiktok as @tiktoktraumadoc and has published a book with Hachette Go / John Murray for The Modern Trauma Toolkit. The book is available in paperback, digital, and audio formats. It is an accessible, solutions-focused look at the stress of modern times. She is involved in collaborative research both locally and globally. A strong leader and advocate, promotes healthy communities in Canada and overseas. As founder, ED, and consultant through Global Familymed Foundation she works with Universities in resource-poor environments in strengthening and building capacity for primary care postgraduate training; with involvement in projects in Laos, Nepal, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and throughout East Africa. Locally, Chirstine integrates comprehensive, strength-based healing with social justice for those most vulnerable to poor outcomes due to social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences. She uses Social Innovation approaches towards enhancing agency and resilience, at both community and individual levels. She founded The Healing Centred Cooperative in 2020, which successfully ran a music and breath program for immigrants through the City of Calgary’s Change Can’t Wait Mental Health and Addiction grant. More recently, she co-founded Safer Spaces Training which trains professionals to create psychological safety at work. The Belong Foundation is a group of free training programs with similar intent. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Marney Thompson, Director of Bereavement Services at Victoria Hospice and an executive member of the Canadian Grief Alliance, and Robin Farr, of the MAID Family Support Society, about MAiD grief and bereavement around the holidays. Marney Thompson is the Director of Bereavement Services at Victoria Hospice and an executive member of the Canadian Grief Alliance. She is the recent recipient of the King Charles Coronation Medal in recognition of her contribution to the field of bereavement care. She is an experienced conference presenter, clinical co-lead of the BC Psychosocial ECHO project, and a counsellor in private practice. In addition to these roles, she is also co-author of the award-winning book, “Transitions in Dying and Bereavement,” and a number of peer-reviewed articles related to psychosocial palliative care, medical assistance in death, and prolonged grief. In 2012, she was part of the international “Train the Trainers” pilot project with the Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia University and has continued to work and study in this area of grief. Robin Farr supported her father through MAID in 2021 and then joined MAID Family Support Society to help fill the gap in support for others doing the same for a loved one. She acts as program manager for the organisation in addition to volunteering as a peer supporter and serving on the board of directors. In her other life, Robin leads HR for a mental health company; she lives in Calgary with her two children and her dog. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn lean in to learn from Dr. Konia Trouton, BSc MD CCFP MPH FCFP, about the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) [https://camapcanada.ca/] and providing MAiD in non-medical settings. Dr. Trouton is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Practice at UBC, and a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at University of Toronto. She completed medical training at the Queen’s University in 1990, residency in Calgary and is a Master of Public Health through Harvard University. She has been committed to social justice and patient choice throughout her career. Dr Trouton has worked in several provinces and territories in public health and reproductive care. She participates in many research and teaching initiatives. In 2016, she added MAiD to her practice as an assessor and provider. She co-founded the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) and is the current President. She is involved in the development and leadership of several regional and national initiatives in MAiD, including the Canadian MAiD Curriculum. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the privilege of learning about the role of the Office of the Chief Coroner in medical assistance in dying (MAiD) from Dr. Dirk Huyer, Chief Coroner for Ontario since March of 2014. Dr. Huyer received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1986. He has served as a coroner in Ontario since 1992, serving as Regional Supervising Coroner between 2008 and 2013. He has been directly involved in over 5,000 coroner’s investigations. Dr. Huyer has specific expertise in the medical evaluation of child maltreatment and has worked with the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Program at the Hospital for Sick Children. He is also an Assistant Professor with the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. Since early 2016, Dr. Huyer has been actively involved in Ontario’s response to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). He led the implementation of the reporting and oversight process followed by the Office of the Chief Coroner. Dr. Huyer has continued involvement with MAiD, bringing perspective of the post-death review process to policy tables and professional meetings. The approach to MAiD deaths has continued to evolve under Dr. Huyer’s leadership, with successful implementation of a team of specialised nurse investigators dedicated to MAiD review and oversight, along with a recent enhancement of the review process through the newly formed MAiD Death Review Committee. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, and an End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life and for those who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri chat with Dr. Julia Brassolotto about rural healthcare challenges and how media shapes our perceptions. Don't miss this insightful conversation! Julia Brassolotto is an Associate Professor in the Public Health program at the University of Lethbridge. She is a qualitative researcher and a social scientist. Her research program looks at care for older adults, with a focus on continuing care, community, and end-of-life contexts. Broadly, her research interests include aging and care work, death and dying, social determinants of health, and health care ethics. Julia began learning about MAiD during her M.A. in Philosophy and Bioethics. During her Ph.D. in Health Policy and Equity, she became interested and engaged in health services research. Years later, these interests converged, and she led a SSHRC-funded project on MAiD in rural Alberta. Findings from that study are available at www.maidinsights.com. She is the Principal Investigator of a new SSHRC Insight project that will use a feminist political economy lens to examine notions of autonomy and vulnerability in MAiD discourse and practice. For additional information about Dr. Brassotto’s work, please click on the links below: Project website: www.maidinsights.com Publications on MAiD: https://www.maidinsights.com/publications Recent press: https://www.mylethbridgenow.com/45634/news/u-of-l-researchers-receive-insight-and-insight-development-grants/ Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life, and for those who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.
In the final part of this three-part episode, hosts Kathy and Keri speak with Krystle Scofield and Maureen Leier, facilitators of the digital story workshops. We also hear from six participants who created digital stories about their experiences accompanying someone on their MAiD journey. These participants were recruited by MAID Family Support Society, a not-for-profit corporation and charity that offers one-to-one peer support for those supporting someone choosing MAID or grieving a MAID loss. You can learn more about the digital story creators showcased in this episode and watch their stories on our website: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/copy-of-digital-stories-1 or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4r28EMwF2cj86Tq-_uEGm4VXy_iyH9wc. You can also learn more about the facilitators, Krystle Scofield and Maureen Leier, here: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/the-team. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.
In part two of this three-part episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Lang, the lead facilitator of the two digital storytelling workshops. We also hear from six participants who created digital stories about their experiences accompanying someone on their MAiD journey. These participants were recruited by Bridge C-14, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families and loved ones through every stage of assisted death. You can learn more about the digital story creators showcased in this episode and watch their stories on our website: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/copy-of-digital-stories or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4r28EMwF2ciKL_INHgp171ujizFInv8O. Dr. Mike Lang is a health researcher, award-winning filmmaker, Digital Storytelling facilitator, and adjunct assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary, Canada. He has directed and produced three feature-length documentaries, two short documentaries, and three web series about the human health experience in addition to numerous health education curricula. Mike has also published 21 academic articles and facilitated the creation of over 900 digital stories (short films) with a diverse cross-section of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals around the world. His professional and research focus is on using digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking in education, advocacy, research, and a therapeutic capacity within healthcare and wellness contexts. Connect with him on all socials @mikelangstories or via www.mikelangstories.com or commonlanguagedst.org. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.
In part one of this three-part episode of Disrupting Death, hosts Kathy and Keri have the honour of sharing information about their research in medical assistance in dying, a component of which is digital storytelling, and Keri sits down with Diane Sims, the project’s only (to date) participant who herself has opted for MAiD. Please consider viewing Diane's digital story entitled "MAiD: A Servant In Deed" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SftHzya8yI Diane Sims is a prolific and published author, journalist, and social justice advocate, particularly for people living with disabilities and Canadians considering medical assistance in dying (MAiD). She has worked for the London Free Press, CBC Radio North, and the Manitoulin Expositor as managing editor, as well as for various federal and provincial cabinet ministers as a speech writer. Diane lives in Stratford, Ontario, with her husband, Dennis, and their cats. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of- life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri speak with Dr. Jyothi Jayaraman, joining us to share her views on an issue of great interest to both her and us: forced transfers. Dr. Jayaraman reached out to Disrupting Death to highlight her ongoing quest to eradicate forced transfer of MAiD recipients from institutions refusing provision. In addition to conversation about forced transfers in general terms and the specific choice made by Dr. Jayaraman, this episode also includes discussion about the forced transfer of Samantha O’Neill in April of 2023. https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/woman-with-terminal-cancer-forced-to-family-upset-by-st-pauls-hospital-maid-policy Dr. Jyothi Jayaraman, MBBS, MD CCFP (PC) is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Practice (Division of Palliative Care) at the University of British Columbia. She practised as a family doctor and palliative care physician for 20+ years. In 2016, Dr. Jayaraman became a MAiD practitioner. She retired from family practice in 2021. In February of 2023 she resigned from her job as a palliative Care physician in hospice over the issue of forced transfers. Dr. Jayaraman continues to be a MAID Assessor and Provider. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com This episode of Disrupting Death was edited by Sadie Mallon.
Dans cet épisode, et un changement dans le format habituel, Keri-Lyn et Alyssa Laflamme discutent avec Patrick Durivage et ont une riche discussion sur les soins palliatifs et l'AMM au Québec à travers le point de vue d'un travailleur social. Travailleur social au programme de soins à domicile du CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Patrick Durivage s’intéresse aux soins palliatifs dispensés aux personnes âgées en contexte à domicile. Il dispense des formations aux professionnels de la santé et des services sociaux sur les problématiques vécues par les personnes en fin de vie et par les personnes proches aidantes. En tant que praticien-chercheur, M. Durivage collabore avec des partenaires universitaires sur de nombreux projets de recherche dans le domaine. Il est coauteur de publications sur les soins palliatifs à domicile et fait des présentations sur le sujet lors de congrès nationaux et internationaux. Nommé par son ordre professionnel, il est commissaire à la Commission de fin de vie du Québec qui examine toute question relative aux soins de fin de vie et veille à l’application des exigences relatives à l’aide médicale à mourir. Il est également membre du Conseil des soins palliatifs de McGill, qui vise à sensibiliser le public aux soins palliatifs. Music for Disrupting Death a été créé par la toujours charmante Sarah McInnis. Sarah est musicothérapeute, auteure-compositrice, multi-instrumentiste et Doula de fin de vie. En 2021, Sarah a lancé The Legacy Song Project, écrivant des chansons originales pour les personnes en fin de vie et pour les personnes qui ont perdu des êtres chers. Pour en savoir plus sur Sarah, visitez son site Web https://sarahmcinnis.com Cet épisode de Disrupting Death a été édité par Alyssa Laflamme et Sadie Mallon.
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri chat with Marcy Lane, author of A Mercy of Widows, a debut novel that “interweaves the tapestry of real emotion with the threads of a captivating narrative.” We invite you to sit back and listen as the conversation unfolds about MAiD, grief, Canada’s legal system, and why dogs are simply the best! At 60, Marcy has transmuted the trials of her own life—including being widowed twice to cancer—into a wellspring of resilience that pours into her character-driven storytelling. Marcy's journey is marked by academic distinction with three degrees, a reflective mind, and a heart devoted to the causes she believes in. Her 24 years at the helm of a charity speak to a lifetime commitment to making a difference, paralleled by the deep empathy she extends to her characters. Grief's shadow, particularly the complex grief Marcy faced following her second loss, has led to a profound understanding of the human condition, an understanding that breathes life into her tales. A Mercy of Widows is not autobiographical, but the emotions within are a mirror to grief—real, raw, and unfiltered. Now nestled in a cozy cottage in southwestern Ontario with her dogs, Bug and Lucy, Marcy finds solace and inspiration by Lake Erie. Her home is a sanctuary where she crafts stories that navigate through life's thorniest issues with grace and depth. Marcy’s writing is not just an exploration but a tribute to the resilience and complexity of ordinary folks, shining a light on the silent struggles and unsung triumphs that define us all. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com This episode of Disrupting Death was edited by Sadie Mallon.