The Waiting Room Revolution

In this episode, Hsien speaks with Canadian dementia advocates Christine Aiken and Myrna Norman, who share how they moved from isolation and fear after diagnosis to lives filled with purpose, community, and hope. They debunk common myths about dementia, describe simple but powerful person-centered practices families and communities can adopt right away, and show how support groups, creativity, and inclusion help people with dementia continue to live well and thrive. 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

In this episode, Hsien chats with Ontario Funeral Director Sarah Sunnucks about what really happens after someone dies and why funeral pre‑planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Sarah shares the hidden legal and administrative burdens families face, powerful stories of when planning was (and wasn’t) done, and emerging options like green burial. 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

Donna Thomson, longtime caregiver, advocate, and author, returns to share a very different story: her own diagnosis of high‑grade bladder cancer. In this episode, she talks about the shock of shifting from caregiver to patient, how she advocated for herself to get answers, and the anxiety of living with a high risk of recurrence. Donna describes how the 7 Keys workbook became her “cognitive lifeboat,” helping her and her husband clarify their priorities, plan for aging, and navigate conversations about fear, privacy, and support. She also shares how her yoga community, her caregiving work, and projects like the Caregiving Essentials course and The Courage to Care book continue to sustain her through treatment and beyond. Visit Donnas website here: https://www.donnathomson.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

This episode features our conversation with resilience expert Dr. Lucy Hone. We discuss grief, living with loss, and practical tools for navigating tough times. Lucy shares personal stories and research-backed insights offering hope and empowering advice for anyone facing adversity. Learn more about Lucys work here: https://www.drlucyhone.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/

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

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Season 10 of the Waiting Room Revolultion Podcast where we will be looking back (and forward!) to the start of it all: the Seven Keys! This episode we will be recapping the journey so far. Some topics we cover in this episode are: how the podcast has spread the movement around the globe, how our book Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest has connected to so many communities, what we've learned and so much more! 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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/

This episode features our conversation with Tilly Stevens, a health and well-being coach from New Zealand. We chat about her work with Coping with Loss and her training as an end-of-life doula. She tells us about the challenges in New Zealand's palliative care system, including funding and variability in services, her experiences with resilient grieving and the importance of acknowledging and accepting loss and the importance of community educators. To learn more about her work visit: www.itallmatters.co.nz 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 Map Project, or to see our resources. https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/