In this episode of Palliative Talks, host Kath Murray sits down with Nadine Valk—an experienced palliative care leader, coach, and mindfulness educator. Nadine reflects on her 30-years experience, emphasizing the importance of compassion, presence, and team cohesion in supporting those with life-limiting illness. Together, they discuss how reframing “difficult conversations” as “tender conversations” opens space for meaningful connection, the essential role of personal support workers, and the power of curiosity and active listening in transforming care.

In this thought-provoking conversation, hospice nurse and educator Kath Murray speaks with Rami Shami, a longtime palliative care provider and advocate, about how we can bring humanity, dignity, and cultural humility into end-of-life care. Drawing from decades of experience, Rami shares reflections on presence, vulnerability, and what it means to walk alongside someone in their final chapter. Together, they explore the emotional landscape of caregiving, trauma-informed care, the importance of honoring autonomy, and how small acts of compassion can make a lasting impact. With rich stories and deeply personal insights, this episode invites listeners to reflect on how we show up—for ourselves, and for others—when it matters most.

Kath Murray sits down with Dr. Daphna Grossman, a palliative care physician with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Grossman shares compelling examples from her work with dementia and chronic disease, emphasizing the importance of early conversations, symptom assessment tools, and the critical role of care partners and personal support workers. This episode offers a warm, practical, and eye-opening guide to how thoughtful, wholistic care can be transformative and accessible, demonstrating how small shifts—like simple reframes—can have a big impact.

In this heartful conversation, Kath Murray speaks with Dr. Ben Robert, a long-term care physician and palliative care advocate, about what it truly means to integrate a palliative approach across care settings. Dr. Robert highlights how this approach goes beyond managing symptoms to focus on what matters most to individuals. He also sheds light on cachexia, a complex condition often misunderstood by families, where weight loss and decreased appetite occur despite nutritional intake. Together, they explore the importance of relational care, the vital role of personal support workers, and how to normalize frailty, decline, and death with compassion and clarity. Through poignant metaphors, practical stories, and personal reflections, this episode offers a meaningful look at how caregivers and healthcare providers can support quality of life at every stage.

This meaningful conversation between Kath Murray and Mahoganie Hines—a clinical nurse specialist, educator, and passionate advocate for equitable palliative care—explores what it truly means to take a palliative approach, from diagnosis through bereavement. Together, they discuss the importance of honoring the whole person and their family throughout the care journey. Mahoganie shares powerful stories, including a resident’s final wish to attend her son’s wedding, and reflects on the small, compassionate acts that uphold dignity and affirm personhood at the end of life. They delve into the concept of “total pain,” the value of holistic and equitable care, and the profound beauty of being present for others during life’s most vulnerable moments—the very heart of palliative care.

In this episode, Kath Murray welcomes renowned palliative care leader Phil Larkin to explore the transformative power of compassion in palliative care. Together, they illustrate that every team member’s contribution is essential in creating a holistic, compassionate care environment that goes far beyond treating physical symptoms. Their engaging conversation, enriched with powerful metaphors and personal stories of resilience, offers a heartfelt reminder that every little act of kindness can build a safe harbor and transform the caregiving experience.

In the inaugural episode of Palliative Talks, we flip the script as Jennifer Mossop introduces and interviews our host, Kath Murray. Kath, a hospice palliative care nurse and founder of Life and Death Matters, shares her journey and passion for palliative care and bringing a palliative approach to long-term care, emphasizing how it improves the quality of life for residents, supports families, and empowers staff.

As the first guest in this new series, Kath sets the stage for future conversations by highlighting the importance of normalizing discussions about death and fostering compassionate, holistic care. Her insights offer a thoughtful foundation for understanding how palliative care enhances living fully until the end.