Crossing The Alameda - featuring Beth Riffel Cavenaugh

In this episode of Crossing the Alameda, hosts Mike 'Kliner' Kline, Kari Morin, Charles Michelet and A.J. Riebli reconnect with the class of 1991, featuring guest Beth Riffel-Cavanaugh. The conversation explores Beth's journey from Santa Clara to her career in nursing and hospice care, her experiences in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and her insights on life, death, and the importance of relationships. The discussion also touches on the impact of narrative medicine and the transitions of life as children grow up and leave home. The episode concludes with light-hearted Fast Five questions, showcasing Beth's personality and humor.Chapters00:00 Reconnecting with Old Friends03:16 Beth's Journey to Santa Clara05:51 Memories from the Dorm Days08:36 Reflections on College Life11:26 Life After Santa Clara: A New Path14:11 The Transition to Nursing17:06 Experiences in Hospice Care19:58 Writing and Sharing Wisdom22:33 Navigating Family Dynamics and Death25:53 Navigating Family Dynamics in End-of-Life Care28:03 The Beauty of Death and Dying30:29 Embracing Life Transitions and Empty Nest Syndrome31:39 The Intersection of Narrative Medicine and Empathy35:49 The Courage to Pursue New Opportunities39:01 Reflections on a Good Life41:50 Fast Five: Fun and Personal Insights