Disrupting Death Trailer
Meet our hosts, Kathy Kortes-Miller and Keri-Lyn Durant! A new episode of Disrupting Death will be released every 3rd Friday of every month. Email us at disruptingdeathmaid@gmail.com to subscribe to receive notifications each time a new episode is released. 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/home
01 Sandra Martin
In this first episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have a conversation with Sandra Martin about the history of M.A.i.D in Canada, stories of early M.A.i.D advocates, the importance of leading with an open heart, writing your own obituary, the power of narratives and much more. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide As a journalist for The Globe and Mail, Sandra Martin was known for her books and arts coverage and her perceptive, deeply researched and vividly written obituaries. Sandra Martin is the author of the critically acclaimed national bestseller, A Good Death: Making the Most of Our Final Choices. Winner of the B.C. National Non-Fiction Award and a finalist for both the Dafoe Prize and the Donner Prize in Public Policy, A Good Death was named one of the best books of 2016 by The Globe and Mail, the CBC and several other media outlets. Margaret Atwood has called A Good Death “a timely and deeply felt account of assisted dying: the histories, the issues” and included it on her list of best books about death and dying. A Good Death was published in a revised paperback edition in 2017 with a new chapter on Bill C-14, Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying law (MAID). For more information about Sandra Martin, check out her website! http://www.sandramartinwrites.com/ Links to items mentioned in this episode: Sandra’s Martin’s book: A Good Death: https://www.amazon.ca/Good-Death-Making-Final-Choices/dp/1443435961 Pierre Berton’s Obituary: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-voice-of-canada-is-gone-as-pierre-berton-dies-at-84/article18278395/ On Kim Teske’s Death: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/kims-choice-how-one-family-confronts-a-genetic-time-bomb/article19657030/ On John Hofsess: https://reviewcanada.ca/magazine/2022/04/death-of-an-author/ “By The Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead” by John Hofsess: https://torontolife.com/life/john-hofsess-assisted-suicide/ Atul Gwande’s Book: Being Mortal: https://www.amazon.ca/Being-Mortal-Medicine-What-Matters/dp/0805095152 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/home This episode of Disrupting Death was edited by Sadie Mallon.
02 Jill Bodak
"It's a really deep kind of love, to be willing to let someone go that you're not ready to see go." On this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri speak with Jill Bodak, author of “Loved into Being,” about her experiences grieving, loving and supporting her father following his stroke in 2020, up until his medically assisted death in 2022. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide. Jill Bodak is a Manual Osteopath, Writer, Speaker and Anatomy Educator in Toronto, Ontario. Her debut non fiction work, “Loved Into Being” is a brave and honest depiction of life after stroke through the eyes of a daughter. Jill’s writing navigates the hard and soft spots of her own interior and invites the reader into this private landscape that includes joy, terror, grief and unshakeable love. Jill has a Kinesiology degree from Lakehead University and a Master’s degree in Osteopathic Manual Therapy from The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Now, she studies the Emotionally Integrated Voice pedagogy of Fides Krucker and has a ten-year history in the tradition of Zen meditation. She has taught wellness retreats across the country. Since the onset of her father’s stroke in 2020, Jill has been reading, writing, teaching, and helping him heal. She has used the things she learned on his behalf to help countless others with brain injury, cognitive delay, motor deficits and grief. She continues to run a clinical practice that she loves, helping people find a felt sense of their own bodies that lets them move through the world with more ease. You can buy Jill’s book, “Loved into Being: Reflections on Stroke and Being Indestructible” here: https://anatomyonpurpose.com/product/loved-into-being/ 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.
03 Senator Pamela Wallin
In this episode, the personal IS political, as hosts Kathy and Keri talk about true choice and advanced requests for MAiD with the honourable senator Pamela Wallin. Please note, this episode was recorded on March 8th, 2023. Since this date, there have been changes to the MAiD legislation that may not be alluded to in this episode by the hosts or Senator Wallin. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide Pamela Wallin, O.C., S.O.M. is a Canadian senator, journalist, diplomat, and entrepreneur with a career spanning almost 40 years. Pamela is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and has received many awards for her public service and achievements. Wallin is also a best-selling author of three books, including her autobiography, Since You Asked. She has worked for various media outlets, including CBC radio, the Toronto Star, and CTV, where she hosted Canada AM and became the Ottawa Bureau chief and anchor of the CTV weekend news. In 1992, Wallin became the first Canadian woman to co-anchor the nightly national television newscast Prime Time News. She founded Pamela Wallin Productions in 1995, an independent television company that proved invaluable in her subsequent public service. To learn more about Pamela Wallin, you can visit her website https://pamelawallin.com/ 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.
04 Cynthia Clark
Pajama party at a funeral home! Painting a coffin in a schoolyard! In this episode, Cynthia Clark talks about how she “included, consulted and considered” her children in the process of her husband’s medically assisted death and her writing project, “The Many Faces of MAiD.” Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving us a review on Apple Podcast! Cynthia Clark guided her family through the MAiD experience in 2019 when her husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. For nearly a year she was his caregiver & advocate, while simultaneously guiding her children, then 6 and 8 years old, through his decision to have a medically assisted death. It was their family’s mission to normalize death, include the children, and live until it was time to “quit while it was still fun”. Cynthia and her family shared their journey very openly and publicly and continue to use their experience of illness, MAiD, and celebrating death with kids, to help others navigating the MAiD experience with children. Cynthia has a degree in business administration, is a trained coach and seasoned advocate for many causes that she is passionate about. She is a board member of The MAiD Family Support Society (formerly Bridge4you), a member of the planning committee for her local dying with dignity chapter, and an author of an upcoming support book for loved ones living a MAiD experience. In her free time Cynthia enjoys cross country skiing, hiking, writing, and watching her kids play sports. 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.
05 Bridge C-14's Chelsea Peddle & Lauren Clark
In this episode, Kathy and Keri chat with Lauren and Chelsea of Bridge C-14. By providing meaningful connections and access to resources, Bridge C-14 is a non-profit organization that works to help improve the lives of individuals and their loved ones throughout all stages of the assisted death process across Canada. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide Chelsea Peddle is a well-known and respected death doula and counsellor with a focus on children’s grief and a dedicated member of the Bridge C-14 team. She also serves as an advisor with the organization and as one of the co-facilitators of the Meaning Centered Group Therapy Program. Her recent book, Pancakes with Nana is a heartfelt resource for families looking to bring clarity to death, more notably Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in an approachable way. As young readers confront grandparent loss, this read aloud book will bring a sense of togetherness for grieving families. Pancakes with Nana reflects the journey she went on with her own kids when her mother died using MAiD in 2019. It shares the best information available for children's emotional health and ideas to bring families together, told through the heart-warming story of the bond between a grandmother and her grandchild. For more information about Chelsea and her work, please visit her website: www.chelseapeddle.ca In early 2017, Lauren Clark met Jan Ditchfield, the Founder of Bridge C-14, and joined its founding Board of Directors. Lauren took over the organization after Jan stepped down from day-to-day operations in June 2019. Lauren Clark is also a Social Worker at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH). She holds a permanent position in the Medicine Department at the Civic Campus and has been a member of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Team at TOH and with the Champlain Regional MAiD Network. Lauren is deeply passionate about providing individuals touched by MAiD with compassionate, peer support throughout their journey with assisted dying. 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.
06 Rose Finlay
“We are an ecosystem……if our vulnerable citizens are at risk, we are all at risk.” In this episode Kathy and Keri speak with the “wheelchair wonder woman,” Rose Finlay. As an advocate and member of the disabled community, Rose has been using her story to shed light on the ways in which a lack of proper and timely government support results in Canadians with disabilities being “ushered” towards medical assistance in dying. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide Rose Finlay, quadriplegic single mom to three boys, has lived 17 years disabled after suffering a spinal cord injury in her teens. For the last few years as a business owner, Rose has found it increasingly more difficult to keep things afloat. She hasn't been able to find adequate personal care support or get community access in her small, suburban town in Ontario. She now has recurring health issues that are directly related to not having the care she needs. As a last attempt at survival, Rose applied for ODSP. The wait time to receive assistance is between 6 to 8 months, with many appeals taking up to 2 years. However, the wait time to access the MAiD program is only 91 days - based on her permanent disability, poor quality of life and declining health. True to her nature, Rose is using her story to help create awareness about how much work needs to be done to close the cracks that our most vulnerable citizens are falling through. 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.
07 Helen Long, CEO of Dying with Dignity Canada
In this episode Kathy and Keri speak with Helen Long, CEO of Dying with Dignity Canada, an organization whose mission is to ensure access to quality end of life choices and care through advocacy, education and support. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide Helen began her career in the not-for-profit sector, working with organizations including ALS Canada, and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, and Child and Family Services in her local community. Prior to joining Dying With Dignity Canada as CEO in early 2020, Helen was the President of the Canadian Health Food Association, the leading trade association in the natural health sector. With a long track record of informed engagement, Helen led DWDC through the successful passage of Bill C-7, amending Canada’s medical assistance in dying legislation. She has kept DWDC engaged in the subsequent work of the Special Joint Committee, advocating on behalf of people across Canada, educating stakeholders, and engaging supporters on the most pressing issues related to end-of-life rights today. Please visit dyingwithdignity.ca to learn more about this wonderful organization. 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.
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08 Dr. Stefanie Green
“Assisted dying has really opened the door, not just to dying, but to living.” In this episode Kathy and Keri speak with Dr. Stefanie Green, author of the book “This is Assisted Dying.” Dr. Green sheds light on how Canadian clinicians are engaging thoughtfully with medical assistance in dying Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide Dr. Stefanie Green spent 10 years in general practice and another 12 years working exclusively in maternity and newborn care before changing her focus in 2016 to medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Dr. Green is the co-founder and immediate past president of the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) and co-lead of its Canadian MAiD Curriculum Project. She is a medical advisor to the BC Ministry of Health MAiD oversight committee, moderator of CAMAP’s national online community of practice, and has hosted several national conferences on the topic. Beyond her clinical practice, she frequently speaks about MAiD to a wide range of audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Green is clinical faculty at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria and, most recently, is the author of the internationally bestselling book THIS IS ASSISTED DYING, a memoir about her first year providing assisted dying in Canada. 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.
09 Gaye Hanson
Shamanism and Medical Assistance in Dying? In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri engage in an insightful conversation with Gaye Hanson, a shamanic practitioner who combines her expertise as a healthcare policy analyst, researcher, and grief expert with her shamanistic knowledge. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide Gaye Hanson is a nurse leader of Cree ancestry with a life-long commitment to community service. She lives in Whitehorse, Yukon and is the mother of one amazing daughter, mother-in-law to a courageous young man and grandmother to two beautiful girls. Gaye is a shamanic practitioner of close to 30 years of experience offering individual, couple and small group sessions, workshops and supported drumming circles. She is also President of Hanson and Associates, an Indigenous management consulting company founded in 1994. As a consultant, she works with Indigenous governments and non-government organizations in program design, delivery and evaluation. Her passions include development of Indigenous and land-based healing programs in areas of loss, grief and grieving; trauma; addictions; wellness and well-being. Gaye is a spirit-led helper who holds a treasured shamanic tradition along with degrees in Nursing and Public Administration. 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.
10 Tania Stilson
“Fear death less and love life more” In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri speak with Tania Stilson about her father, John Warren, who advocated for Canadians’ access to MAiD right up until the evening before he accessed it himself. Trigger warning: Themes of death, dying and suicide Fact Check: Tania mentions that to qualify for Bridge C-14 support services, individuals need to have completed at least one MAiD assessment. This is accurate for Bridge C-14 1:1 peer support. However, it's important to note that their drop-in sessions and Facebook group are inclusive and welcome anyone in the stages of considering MAiD, in the process of applying, already approved, or found ineligible. Tania Stilson has been sharing the perspective of her family’s MAiD journey (Track 2) since her Dad’s passing in January 2023. She and her Dad shared the belief that, like most good things in life, a good death is worth thinking and talking about. Unique to the story is that her father, John Warren, was a long-time advocate of Medical Assistance in Dying. He sat as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Dying with Dignity Canada from 2011 – 2015, and was responsible for writing letters, opinion pieces, blog posts and being interviewed by radio stations nation-wide. This included the historical events of the Carter Case, which eventually led to the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in 2015. Also unique, is that John’s passing was NOT deemed a reasonably foreseeable natural death, although all other criteria were, of course, met. His MAiD journey was a Track 2 vs. Track 1 experience. An event, according to the latest MAiD in Canada Report (2021), that currently occurs in only 2.2% of the MAiD provisions. Tania’s lived experience has led her to feel that Canadians who know that MAiD is a legal choice, falsely believe it is only for those who are terminally ill. She wants to help to further develop the conversations around all options, and help expand the support, knowledge, and on-going narrative so that Canadians are empowered to discuss the care options that will best align with their values. You can learn more about John Warren’s story here: https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/lethbridge-news/2023/04/21/sacpa-hears-about-one-mans-journey-to-a-death-by-choice/ And watch Tania speak at the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OH57bh0FG4 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.