The Waiting Room Revolution

S12: Episode 130: Pierre and Sherrie Marchand

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

S12: Episode 129: Christine Aiken & Myrna Norman

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

S12: Episode 128: Chetna Malhotra

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
 
 

S12: Episode 127: Sarah Sunnucks

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

S12: Episode 126: Andrea Warnick

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

S12: Episode 125: Donna Thomson

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

S11: Episode 125: Renee Moor

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/ 

S11: Episode 124: Lucy Hone

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/ 

S11: Episode 123: Ashwin Kaniah

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/ 

S11: Episode 122: Emma Clare

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/