The Waiting Room Revolution
This podcast can help anyone dealing with serious illness. Over the years, we have cared for and interviewed thousands of patients and families who tell us they felt overwhelmed and ‘in the dark’ during their illness journey. Yet we sometimes heard stories where individuals felt prepared, in control and ‘in the know.’ What was the difference between these experiences? The answer is the 7 keys. Join your hosts Dr. Samantha Winemaker, palliative care doctor, and Dr. Hsien Seow, health care researcher, as they share real-life stories to explain the 7 keys to being hopeful and prepared when facing serious illness. For more information visit: waitingroomrevolution.com Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa.
This podcast can help anyone dealing with serious illness. Over the years, we have cared for and interviewed thousands of patients and families who tell us they felt overwhelmed and ‘in the dark’ during their illness journey. Yet we sometimes heard stories where individuals felt prepared, in control and ‘in the know.’ What was the difference between these experiences? The answer is the 7 keys. Join your hosts Dr. Samantha Winemaker, palliative care doctor, and Dr. Hsien Seow, health care researcher, as they share real-life stories to explain the 7 keys to being hopeful and prepared when facing serious illness. For more information visit: waitingroomrevolution.com Our theme song is Maypole by Ketsa.
Episodes

Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
S11: Episode 121: Stephanie Muskat
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
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

Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
S11: Episode 120: Heike Fabig and Richard Boele
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
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/

Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
S11: Episode 119: Dr. Tammy Pegg & Jane Goodwin
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
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/

Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
S11: Episode 118: Stéphane Alexis, Terrance Ho & Rosie Paulyk
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
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/

Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
S11: Episode 117: Bec Lyons
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
This episode features our conversation with Funeral Director and End-of-Life Doula Bec Lyons, from Tasmania, Australia. We chat about her unique approach to death care, emphasizing home funeral service and natural burial methods. We also chat death literacy and reimagining funerals to be more personal and community focused. Learn more about Becs work HERE.
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/

Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
S11: Episode 116: James Norris
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
In this episode, we welcome James Norris, founder of the Digital Legacy Association and pioneer in end-of-life technology, to explore the vital topic of digital legacy. James shares the personal story that inspired his mission, explains why planning for our digital lives is more important than ever, and offers practical advice for safeguarding memories, messages, and digital assets. To learn more about James' work visit: https://www.jamesnorris.me
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/

Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
S11: Episode 115: Shameem Kizar & Kerry Adams
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
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/

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
S11: Episode 114: Hospice Nurse Penny
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
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/

Tuesday May 20, 2025
S10: Episode 113: The Future of the Revolution
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
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

Tuesday May 13, 2025
S10: Episode 112: Invite Yourself
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
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



