The Dishing Doulas Podcast

Episode 09: Leslie Buller-Hayes, Life in the ICU

Episode 09:  Life in the ICU - Leslie Buller-Hayes, ICU Nurse, Death Doula, Stonehedge Transitions
 
Leslie Buller-Hayes is an ICU Nurse and end of life doula who is fueled by a commitment to fostering open, authentic conversations, providing compassionate support, and guiding others towards embracing the natural cycle of life with dignity and peace. In this episode Leslie shares her experiences in the ICU and what happens for families when their loved one is in ICU.  She focuses on the impact when there has been no advance care planning, or no conversations about what matters most to the patient; as well as how some key intentional actions of ICU staff can help make this traumatic situation just a bit easier for families.   
Leslie also talks about how ICU staff also suffer in these experiences and how she takes solace in her involvement in The Three Wishes Project.  A project intended to bring back the human aspects of these experiences, and acknowledges for families that their person mattered, and they are not alone in their loss, while also helping ICU staff in navigating the grief that comes from working in such an intense and emotional critical care environment.   
Leslie undoubtedly believes that given our death is more certain than our next birthday, we all need to have a solid plan in place. 
Leslie IS making a difference for individuals and families and does whatever she can to help us all appreciate the importance of planning and preparation.  Her real-life experiences illustrate why this is so important for all of us. 
 
ABOUT LESLIE BULLER-HAYES: 
Leslie Buller-Hayes is the founder and owner of StoneHedge Transitions: End of Life Doula Services, a compassionate initiative aimed at providing support and guidance to individuals and families navigating all aspects of the often-tumultuous journey of end-of-life.  
She is also a seasoned Registered Nurse (RN) with over three decades of experience, primarily specializing in Critical Care. Her dedication to patient care and her understanding of the complexities of health in times of critical illness have been the cornerstone of her remarkable career.  
Leslie is an advocate for redefining societal attitudes towards death and dying. Recognizing the importance of education and open dialogue, she actively engages in promoting awareness and understanding surrounding end-of-life experiences. As a death educator and change agent, Leslie strives to challenge misconceptions and foster a culture of acceptance and empowerment in facing life's most profound inevitability.  
Leslie is on a mission to transform the narrative surrounding dying and death. Through her multi-faceted roles as a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, advocate, learner, and educator, she continues to inspire positive change, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touches.  
 
Links to be shared:  
http://www.stonehedgetransitions.ca/ 
 https://www.facebook.com/StonehedgeTransitions 
 https://3wishesproject.com/ 
 
LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL 
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics.   
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission. 
 

Episode 8: Jennifer O’Brien, A “SOLO AGER” - WHO ARE THEY AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

EPISODE 08: A “SOLO AGER” - WHO ARE THEY AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? 
Jennifer O’Brien, the Hospice Dr’s Widow, became a “solo ager” in 20??  when her last living family member, her father, died. Starting with the loss of her brother, David many decades ago, then her mother, her husband, Bob and now her father, she is “solo”.   
In her quest as a thought leader and with a deep passion to help others in preparing for end of life, she’s sharing the many challenges she faces as a “solo ager”, the things she must now consider in her own end of life planning, and why we all need to be more aware of how life’s experiences can immediately change how we hope, plan and prepare for the certainty of our own death. 
About Jennifer O’Brien: 
Jennifer O’Brien has helped thousands live and love more fully by recognizing that: at the end of life comes death; family caregiving is both the hardest job and the greatest honor most of us will ever face; and grief is abundant love with no place to go. She is the author of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal, an art journal filled with beauty, practical insights, humor, and heart. The book has won a Nautilus silver award in the Death & Dying/Grief & Loss category, a Next Gen Indie Book gold for Relationships, an Independent Publishers (IPPY) bronze for Gift, and an International Impact Award for its Interior Design. 
For 35+ years she has been a practice management consultant to physicians. She has served as CEO for two large physician practices, authored 55+ pieces published in professional and peer review journals; and spoken to audiences ranging in size from 5-1500.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s degree in organization development from Loyola University – Chicago.  She lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. 
Connect with Jennifer here:  
Website: https://www.hospicedrswidow.com/    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-o-brien-msod-a3b9491/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hospicedrswidow/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hospicedoctorswidow/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hospicedoctorswidow/videos 
 
LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL 
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics. 
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission. 

Episode 7: Vanessa Callison-Burch, The Many Faces of Grief Support – How Help Texts makes a difference

Vanessa Callison-Burch - The Many Faces of Grief Support – How Help Texts makes a difference
Help Texts is an online text messaging grief support tool created by its Founder, Emma Payne, after her spouse died by suicide and she saw how many around her simply didn’t know how to offer support. 
Though originally focused on supporting grief because of a death, Vanessa shares how Help Texts has intentionally set about providing this unique means of support to not only a griever, but those supporting them.   
Recognizing there are many forms of grief, learn how Help Texts accesses their own expert professional advisory team to craft meaningful and valuable messages of support – that are personal and valuable; and how their support has now expanded to pregnancy loss, pet loss, healthcare providers, caregivers, plus wellness and resilience.
The Help Texts team lives at the intersection of technology and mental health and is on a mission to make expert text support accessible for all.  
 
ABOUT VANESSA CALLISON-BURCH:
Vanessa Callison-Burch is Head of Product – Help Texts
Vanessa is a Silicon Valley product manager with the heart of a hospice volunteer. As a leader on Facebook’s Compassion team, she was the product manager responsible for shaping how Facebook cares for the accounts of people who have passed away. She has a BA from Stanford University and additionally graduated from Upaya Zen Center’s Buddhist chaplaincy training program with a focus in end-of-life care. Vanessa is excited to continue to explore the intersection of technology and compassion by supporting the Help Texts team as head of product.
 
Access Help Texts through the Death Doula Network International Community with $10 savings at: https://helptexts.com/ddnint
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LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics.
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission.

Episode 06: Michelle Tyliakos, Knowing What’s Probable, Inviting What’s Possible – a Story of Love, Connection and Vitality

Michelle Tyliakos - Knowing What’s Probable, Inviting What’s Possible – a Story of Love, Connection and Vitality 
Michelle would say they had an average family life.  A family of 6, kids going to school, struggling to make ends meet, running a business, and always wanting more time with her husband.  Average, at least, until her husband Steve was diagnosed with a rare heart cancer.   Throughout Steve’s illness, they committed to face it all with love, connection and vitality. For over 1.5 years they navigated the health care system, knowing what was probable, yet inviting what was possible as they explored alternative care options, advocating and asking questions so they could make the best decisions for Steve. 
In December of 2021 Michelle became a widow, raising 4 children on her own.  With Michelle’s storytelling she shares what was most helpful for her; what she wants others to learn from her story and how this time with her husband was the worst time and yet the most beautiful time of their lives together.
ABOUT MICHELLE TYLIAKOS:
Michelle is a birth doula, prenatal educator, marine repair business owner and mother of 4 kids. 
Michelle's passion for advocacy and medical rights shines brightly, fueled by her personal journey of supporting her husband through the challenging terrain of a rare form of heart cancer. As a widow and a mother of four children, she has experienced the depths of adversity firsthand. Yet rather than allowing it to dim her spirit, Michelle invites others who have faced life's challenges to join her in crafting a future filled with brightness and hope, all while navigating the meaningful and everyday moments of life.With unwavering dedication, Michelle is committed to continually enhancing perinatal education in ways that profoundly impact families, birth workers, and medical professionals alike. Through her work, she aspires to uplift and empower all those involved in the birthing process, ensuring that informed choice and holistic care are at the forefront.
Join Michelle as she fearlessly champions the rights of individuals and families, and together, let's forge a path towards a future that embraces resilience, joy, and the transformative power of education. 
Connect with Michelle: 
IG: Michelle_tyliakos   or : MypowerfulbirthWebsites www.michelletyliakos.com    www.mypowerfulbirth.com   
or email me!  michelle@michelletyliakos.com
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LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics.
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission.

Episode 5: Barbara Karnes, What She Didn't Know About the Grief of a Widow

Barbara Karnes RN, What She Didn't Know About the Grief of a Widow
Barbara Karnes, RN, is an internationally respected speaker, educator, author, and thought leader on matters of end of life. She is a renowned authority on the dying process and a leading educator for families, and healthcare professionals, so we might think she would have known exactly what to expect when her husband Jack died last September. Well to her surprise, she has had a lot to learn as a new widow and has come to appreciate how the grief of a widow looks very different than any other grief. In her own words, Barbara says “I thought I knew about grief, but I didn’t know about this grief.” 
Barbara is opening to a vulnerable conversation about her experiences as a widow, and some of the things she didn’t fully appreciate or understand until now. Through her storytelling, Barbara hopes to help those working in end-of-life care to become more educated and compassionate in the ways they support caregiver partners who will soon become widows/ers, or new widows. This is a unique form of loss, and therefore their needs are different too.  
With a belief that life is our teacher, Barbara is committed to embracing her new role as a “single” and is learning every day how to discover who she is in this new place in her life. 
 
About Barbara Karnes, RN:
Barbara Karnes, RN Award Winning End of Life Educator, Award Winning Nurse, NHPCO Hospice Innovator Award Winner 2018 & 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year   
Barbara Karnes, RN, is an internationally respected speaker, educator, author, and thought leader on matters of end of life. She is a renowned authority on the dying process and a leading educator for families, healthcare professionals, and the community at large. 
Barbara's award-winning DVDs and books about death and dying are changing lives - in this country and around the world. In her work, Barbara compassionately explains stages of the dying process, living with a life-threatening illness, pain management, and how people grieve. She explains how important it is to take care of yourself as a caregiver and offers guidelines for professionals.   
Barbara has held both clinical and leadership positions, including staff nurse, clinical supervisor, and executive director at Hospices and Home Health Care agencies.   
Since 1994, Barbara has traveled the country speaking about end-of-life issues and the stages of dying at national and state hospice and palliative care organization conferences, state associations, colleges, nursing schools, hospitals, and hospices. She is the expert that hospice and other healthcare professionals count on to teach them how to explain the dying process to families. 
Barbara has dedicated the last 40 years of her life to the education, care, and support of dying people and their loved ones. The most useful and important things that she's learned along the way have been distilled into her materials. 
 
Purchase Barbara Karnes Educational Materials in Canada from www.ddnint.com - Exclusive Canadian Distributor 
Or  in the USA www.bkbooks.com 
https://www.facebook.com/barbarakarnesrn 
www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrn 
LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics.  
 
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission.

Episode 4: Gabby Jimenez, Medical Aid in Dying and the Experience of a Hospice Nurse/Doula

Medical Aid in Dying and The Experience of a Hospice Nurse/Doula 
Gabrielle Jimenez (“Gabby”) is a hospice nurse, end-of-life doula, death and dying educator, author, and blogger. She also has a large FB community that embraces the conversation about death, dying, and grief. Her goal is to teach and inspire others to do this work, and to help change the fear and uncertainty that has a tendency to hover around death. 
Gabby shares her experiences with supporting individuals and loved ones through Medical Aid in Dying in California.  We will hear why she feels this is an important choice for some people, and how, after sitting bedside at over 100 MaiD deaths, she believes we can find acceptance and peace in a person’s choice if we stay open to understanding what it takes for someone to make this decision, and we can bring ourselves to not walk away even when it might be hard for us to support our loved one’s choice.  Gabby will share insights that may challenge our current perspectives along with what this privilege has taught her over the years.  
ABOUT GABRIELLE (GABBY) JIMENEZ 
Gabrielle Jimenez (“Gabby”) is a hospice nurse, end-of-life doula, death and dying educator, author, and blogger. She also has a large FB community that embraces the conversation about death, dying, and grief. Her goal is to teach and inspire others to do this work, and to help change the fear and uncertainty that tends to hover around death. She believes that education is key, and even if it just relieves the fear of one person sitting at the bedside of someone who is dying, that could make a difference for them. Working in this field has increased her appreciation for all of the magic and wonder life has to offer, and while she is present for a lot of death, what she really sees is strength, bravery, love, faith, culture, tradition, and in most cases, a life very well lived. She aspires to have a well-lived life and encourages those around her to do the same. 
Website: www.thehospiceheart.net  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehospiceheart.net/ 
Instagram: https://l.facebook.com/l.php? 
 
LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests and topics.
 
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission. 
 

Episode 3: Helen Bauer, Hospice Care: The Challenges for Families, Embracing Personal Agency and How Death Doulas Can Help

Hospice Care:  The Challenges for Families, Embracing Personal Agency, and How Death Doulas can help ease the Journey 
Helen Bauer of The Heart of Hospice Podcast shares her experiences as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse, exploring the many challenges patients and families may face when they enter Hospice.  
We uncover some of these challenges and Helen offers tips and guidance that can be invaluable in supporting individuals and families to embrace personal agency and advocacy in their healthcare and navigate the hospice experience based on what matters most to them.
ABOUT HELEN BAUER: 
Helen Bauer has been a nurse for over 30 years, specializing in hospice and end of life care since 2009. She's a Certified Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse with experience in patient care, nursing management, quality, and compliance.  Her passion for advocacy at end of life can be heard on The Heart of Hospice podcast talking about hospice philosophy, how to get the most from your hospice experience, and advance care planning.  Over the years, Helen's helped hundreds of families and hospice professionals navigate their hospice journeys by providing support, education, and encouragement.     
Website:  www.theheartofhospice.com       
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theheartofhospice
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theheartofhospice
Twitter - @thehearthospice           LinkedIn - The Heart of Hospice 
 
LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for feedback and suggestions for podcast guests and topics.
 
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission.

Episode 2: Greg Howe and Teri Portugal Gooden, Patty Howe's End of Life Story - A Story of Life and Living

Patty Howe’s End of Life Story – A Story of Life and Living
Greg Howe shares the experience of supporting his wife Patty through her end of life choices in rural Alaska, including her choice for VSED, a home vigil, a celebration and home burial.
Sharing Patty's intention to live until she died, and the experience of Greg as her partner in life and death; as well as her death doula Teri who traveled from California to walk with them both in the final days of Patty’s life.  This really is a story about life and living right to the end – a true example that death can be our greatest teacher. 
Greg Howe – Husband to Patty Howe 
They lived in a Mongolian yurt in Alaska, since August 2021 when Patty joined her husband Greg on the cancer journey. They would tear life apart together to see they still fit while living in a temple of sorts created with song. They are once again in the wind.  
They would settle in Willow Alaska, for their final journey together – where Patty would die in the warmth of their home, with her beloved Greg, and her death doula Teri at her side.   
And where her body would be lovingly given back to the earth surrounded by Spruce trees, a little birch, and Patty’s aspen – while on a clear day, she’ll be able to look out yonder to the mountain. 
Patty left this physical earth on December 3, 2023, and left an incredible story of love and living that needs to be told.  
Follow Patty and Greg's Story:
www.youtube.com/@TranscendentalMovers2plus2 
 
Teri Portugal-Gooden (The Death Doula) 
As founder of Infinite Passage LLC, and a Certified Doulagiver Professional, my mission is to empower individuals and their loved ones with holistic support and guidance through their End-of-Life journey.    
Teri Portugal-Gooden is an End-of-Life Doula who is deeply passionate about supporting individuals during their final journey. From a young age, Teri felt a calling to care for the elderly and was actively involved as a volunteer, providing comfort and companionship at the bedside of many patients during their last moments.  Having spent over 40 years in the entertainment industry as the owner of a successful production catering company, Teri made the decision to retire and dedicate herself to serving in the end-of-life space. This career transition allowed Teri to channel her compassionate nature and extensive life experiences into a meaningful and fulfilling role as an End-of-Life Doula. Teri's unique background in the entertainment industry has equipped her with invaluable skills such as empathy, active listening, and the ability to create a peaceful and supportive environment. She understands the importance of honoring each individual's unique journey and strives to provide personalized care and assistance to both the dying person and their loved ones. As an End-of-Life Doula, Teri works closely with individuals and their families to navigate the complexities and emotions that arise during this challenging time. She offers emotional support, companionship, and practical guidance, ensuring that each person's end-of-life wishes and needs are honored and respected. Teri's commitment to her role as an End-of-Life Doula extends beyond the physical presence. She continually seeks to expand her knowledge and skills through ongoing education and training, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in end-of-life care and support. With a warm and compassionate demeanor, Teri Portugal-Gooden is dedicated to providing comfort, solace, and guidance to those at the end of life. Her unwavering commitment to this calling makes her an invaluable presence during this sacred journey. 
https://www.infinite-passage.com/ 

Episode 01: DDNI's first podcast, How It All Began, with Jo-Anne Haun and Karen Hendrickson

An Introduction to the Death Doula Network International DISHING DOULAS PODCAST - Seriously, Let's Talk!
Jo-Anne Haun and Karen Hendrickson are co-founders of the Death Doula Network International and are now bringing a variety of topics, personal stories, and experts to their New DISHING DOULAS PODCAST, to help influence change in our approach to our shared mortality, end of life planning and education, one conversation at a time.  
Hear how they both found themselves doing work in the death caring field as death doulas and end-of-life consultants and how their personal experiences with tragic loss have enabled them to do this work with deep compassion and the intention of helping to alleviate fears and create sacred memories for everyone involved.
Living in different cities 4 hours apart, learn how COVID became a catalyst to their business partnership and the birth of Death Doula Network BC, now Death Doula Network International, spanning the globe and offering a supportive community that includes all types of death caring professionals, enhancing and strengthening the value of service each of them can offer.
About Jo-Anne Haun:
Jo-Anne is a professional End of Life Doula, Death Educator, and Consultant. She is co-founder of the Death Doula Network International and also runs her own Death Doula practice called End of Life Alternatives. Jo-Anne has extensive experience in communications, negotiations, and conflict resolution all with a focus on supporting others through difficult times and loss. As a member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, and the National End of Life Doula Alliance, Jo-Anne is committed to a regulated and monitored scope of practice and applies the utmost integrity and ethics in her work. Through her continuing work in personal development and volunteer services, Jo-Anne has gained training and experience in emotional intelligence, workshop development, public speaking, and group facilitation. Jo-Anne’s volunteer experience includes responsibilities with the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, Westside Health Network Society, Dying with Dignity Canada, MAiD Family Support Services, and Bridge C14. She also volunteers in community support as a Therapy Clown - “Licensed for laughter and clowning”, volunteering with two local groups visiting residents in care facilities and hospitals. Jo-Anne’s passion is people, and she has found her gifts are working with people in palliative care and at the end of life.
About Karen Hendrickson:
Karen Hendrickson is a professional coach in Life, Death, and all the messy in-between. She is co-founder of Death Doula Network International and also runs her own practice, called Take the Journey, Coaching for Success.
Karen's professional career in leadership and human resources has provided extensive training and expertise in communications, coaching, relationship management, and conflict resolution. With expertise in emotional intelligence, public speaking, and facilitation of large and small groups, Karen is well-versed in the human dynamic, and what it takes to support others through change, challenges, and difficult times.As a Death Doula and Consultant, Member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), and the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), Karen is committed to a regulated and monitored scope of practice. Karen has met the NEDA proficiency requirements and completed training as a Grief & Loss Support Group Facilitator, as well as hospice volunteer training. Her volunteer experiences have included NEDA, Threshold Choir, Dying with Dignity Canada, and Bridge C14. 
LEARN ABOUT THE DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL
Contact us at admin@ddnint.com for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics. 
Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission.