The Waiting Room Revolution

S11: Episode 115: Shameem Kizar & Kerry Adams

In this episode, we chat with Shameem and Kerry, a dynamic Dietitian and Speech-Language Pathologist duo who have spent nearly two decades working together in a multidisciplinary ALS clinic. In this episode, they share how humor, empathy, and proactive planning shape their approach to patient care.  We also explore common misconceptions about their professions and how the “hope for the best, plan for the rest” philosophy guides their work. 
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 114: Hospice Nurse Penny

This episode features our conversation with influencer and author Hospice Nurse Penny aka Penny Smith. We chat about how she uses her platforms to advocate for normalizing death and addressing death anxiety. Learn more about her work here: https://www.hospicenursepenny.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/ 

S10: Episode 113: The Future of the Revolution

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

S10: Episode 112: Invite Yourself

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 

S10: Episode 111: Connect the Dots

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

S10: Episode 110: Anticipate Ripple Effects

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

S10: Episode 109: Customize Your Order

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

S10: Episode 108: Know Your Style

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

S10: Episode 107: Zoom Out

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

S10: Episode 106: Walk Two Roads

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