PODCAST · health
The Kind Side
by Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
To look on the bright side is to find good things in challenging situations. Working in health, receiving health care, or supporting a patient can be challenging. Small acts of kindness help improve experiences. This podcast features conversations with patients, carers and health care workers that look on the kind side of health. We’ll also help with practical ideas for small acts of kindness so you can help cultivate kindness too!
Episodes
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Healing Hearts: Restoring Trust in Older Persons' Mental Health
In this episode, nurse manager Tinnille Cusack discusses the Healing Hearts initiative — a simple, genuine gesture used to rebuild connection with older people experiencing mental health issues, especially where care has involved loss of autonomy. She shares real examples of how compassion and...
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Healing Hearts: A Refugee Doctor’s Journey of Kindness
In this episode Dr Shab Cook, a refugee-turned-doctor, shares how kindness and acceptance shaped her childhood and medical career. She discusses supporting vulnerable patients and international medical graduates, the ripple effects of compassion in healthcare, and how initiatives like Healing...
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Kindness First: A Registrar’s Story from Wollongong
In this episode we hear from a first-year registrar working in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region about how medical education, workplace culture and everyday acts of kindness shape clinical practice. The conversation touches on patient-centered communication, the supportive culture among junior...
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From Resume to Heart: A Psych Student's Journey with Healing Hearts
In this episode, Neha, a psychology student and volunteer with the Healing Hearts initiative at the University of Sydney, shares how volunteering shifted her focus from boosting her resume to finding meaningful, compassionate work that aligns with her values. She reflects on the CARE framework…
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Healing Hearts: The Quiet Power of Community Nursing
In this episode we speak with Jennifer Good, a community nurse from the Illawarra-Shorehaven Local Health District, about the Healing Hearts initiative: a grassroots, organic practice of giving handmade hearts to patients that fosters connection, recognition, and compassion. Jennifer shares...
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Healing Hearts: The Power of Kindness in Community Palliative Care
In this episode, Hannah Rigney, a community palliative care nurse and Healing Hearts champion, describes how kindness, listening, and small, human gestures shape care for patients and families in the Shoalhaven. She explains how simple actions build trust, dignity, and connection during…
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Healing Hearts: A Nurse’s Touch That Lasts
In this episode, community nurse Emily McBride discusses her role as a Healing Hearts Champion, explaining how simple felt hearts act as tangible symbols of compassion in palliative care. She shares how the initiative supports rapport, trust, grief support and meaningful keepsakes for families…
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Healing Hearts: Compassion at the Core of Mental Health Care
In this episode Adam, Director of Mental Health for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, discusses the launch of a new mental health unit at Shoalhaven Hospital and the Healing Hearts initiative. He highlights how compassion, staff wellbeing and cross-team collaboration create safer,...
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Measuring Kindness: The Data Behind Healing Hearts
This episode features Diya, a volunteer data analyst with the Healing Hearts Initiative, who explains how she measures the program’s impact using surveys, dashboards and ripple mapping. She shares striking results—large gains in calmness and connectedness among nurses who needed it most—and...
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Healing Hearts: A Community Nurse’s Story of Compassion and Listening
Community nurse Caitlyn shares how the Healing Hearts initiative brings compassion into practice: listening deeply, creating small moments of kindness, and supporting patients through clinical care and end‑of‑life journeys. The episode highlights the power of human connection, simple tangible...
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New Beginnings in Illawarra-Shoalhaven: Connection and Care
In this episode of Healing Hearts, Dr. Syeda shares her experience moving from Pakistan to Australia and starting work in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven district. She reflects on how kindness, mentorship, and community support helped her settle, train, and grow as a doctor. The conversation highlights...
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Kindness as Clinical Practice: A Social Work Perspective
In this episode, Surikha Nair—an academic in social work and former mental health clinician—discusses how kindness and human connection shape therapeutic practice and university teaching. She explains that connection is essential to effective care and shares examples from her work as an ED social...
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Healing Hearts: Community, Connection and the Art of Surgery
In this episode Dr Vijay, a third-year surgical registrar, reflects on his journey from medical student to surgeon and how kindness has shaped his practice across rural, regional and metropolitan settings. He discusses treating patients as whole people, adapting to close-knit community care, the...
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Leading with Kindness: Patti Bate-Charlton on Compassionate Medical Leadership
In this episode Siva speaks with Patty Bate-Charlton, District Director of the Medical Workforce, about how kindness has guided her life and leadership in healthcare. She shares how simple, intentional acts—welcoming junior doctors during orientation, offering support through onboarding, and...
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Healing Hearts: Hope, Kindness & the Future of Medicine
In this episode we speak with Dr David Alcorn, Chief Psychiatrist and medical leader in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District, about the role of kindness, connection and mentorship in healthcare. Dr Alcorn reflects on changing medical culture, supporting junior doctors, preventing...
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Connection First: Welcoming Junior Doctors with Kindness
In this episode Megan, who moved from an HR learning and development role into workforce support, explains how she helps onboard junior medical officers and why kindness and human connection are central to that work. She speaks about small daily gestures, team connection, and examples from a...
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Leading with Kindness: Inside a Rural Hospital’s Heart
Host Frances talks with Stu, Director of Nursing and Operations Manager at a rural coastal hospital, about the hospital’s growth, community-led services, and the challenges of seasonal demand. They discuss kindness in leadership—practical gestures like soup days, mentoring, and wellbeing programs...
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Stella, a daughter's reflections on community palliative care
This episode shares Stella’s personal family journey with community palliative care as they supported her father at home. It highlights the compassionate care, practical support, and dignity the team provided, and how those acts of kindness helped the whole family, including the children. Stella...
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Caitlyn, a community health and palliative care nurse
In this episode Frances chats with Caitlyn, a nurse who moved from ICU to community and palliative care. Caitlyn shares her path into nursing, the variety of work in a community health centre, and the skills she brought from inpatient care. They discuss teamwork, visiting patients at home,...
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Anna, a hospital cleaner on spreading joy and 1000 Hearts
In this episode of The Kind Side, host Frances sits down with Anna, a dedicated cleaner working in the children's ward of a large hospital. Transitioning from 15 years in retail to hospital cleaning, Anna shares how her new role brings her joy and fulfillment, making her feel valued and...
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Sarah a hospital chaplain on spiritual care in health
Welcome to another episode of The Kind Side, hosted by Frances, where she sits down with Sarah, a seasoned hospital chaplain. Despite a technical hiccup that led to the loss of their first recording, Sarah graciously returns to share her experiences and wisdom. In this heartfelt conversation…
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In this Together: Daryl and Lia on compassionate cancer care
Join Frances in this heartfelt episode of "The Kind Side" as she engages in a poignant conversation with patient Daryl and his wife Lia, reflecting on their journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Daryl shares his personal experience with neck cancer, highlighting the critical...
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Finding Compassion: Margaret's poetic journey through mental health
Join us as we listen to Margaret narrate her powerful and moving poem that provides insight into the experience of mental illness and hospitalisation. In this poem, Margaret draws on her personal experiences, revealing the resilience and strength found in moments of vulnerability. Through this...
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Finding joy after loss: Lefta & Biljana, a Macedonian perspective on grief and cancer care
Lefta shares her moving story of love and loss with her husband Frank, and the path to healing, including their experiences with the Australian healthcare system and the importance of community support. Biljana, a multicultural health officer, emphasizes the critical role of cancer screening and...
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Mel's journey from surviving bowel cancer to becoming a multicultural health advocate
In this heartfelt episode, we delve into Mel's inspiring journey of resilience and advocacy following a shocking cancer diagnosis. With a Turkish background and a strong Islamic faith, Mel shares the importance of having spaces within healthcare facilities that allow Muslims to practice their...
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Inside the operating room with Nicole, a clinical nurse specialist
Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into the daily workings of surgical day centres and operating theatres, exploring how multidisciplinary teams provide care that is not only safe but also compassionate. Listen to Nicole, a clinical nurse specialist with over 23 years of experience,...
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Inside the emergency department with Adam, a registered nurse
Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Adam, a dedicated nurse working in an emergency department at a large regional hospital. Listen as Adam shares his journey into nursing, exploring the reasons behind his passion for the profession and the crucial role of communication and teamwork in...
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Susan Pearce AM Secretary NSW Health Leading with Kindness: A Heartfelt Journey in Healthcare
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Susan, the Secretary of NSW Health, as she opens up about her journey from a nurse in Outback New South Wales to leading a healthcare system with over 180,000 staff and a $35 billion budget. Susan shares her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic,...
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Margot and friends, ISLHD Chief Executive Panel Discussion: Why kindness in health is important
Join us for a special panel discussion celebrating the launch of The Kind Side. Podcast co-creators, healthcare worker Frances and consumer Stacey, ask consumer Ross, ISLHD Chief Executive Margot, ISLHD A/Director of Nursing & Midwifery Dan, and ISLHD Staff Specialist Emergency Medicine Dr.…
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Donna's journey of discovery to recover from stroke
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Donna, one of the many Australians who experienced a stroke in 2020. Four years on, Donna opens up about her near-death experience and the journey that followed. She shares her positive mindset and the transition from recovery to discovery, living with…
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Karen, living with positivity and chronic illness
Join host Frances Wood in a remarkable conversation with Karen, a resilient patient at a NSW Health hospital. Despite battling Crohn's disease and undergoing numerous medical treatments for over 20 years, Karen maintains a positive outlook on life. She shares her experiences with intravenous...
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Paul, riding through the adversity of a cycling accident
Join us on this episode of The Kind Side as we delve into an inspiring conversation with Paul, who shares his story of resilience and recovery after a serious cycling accident. Paul was out on a regular ride when an unexpected incident led him to the hospital with multiple injuries. He opens up...
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Anita, solving puzzles with sonography
Anita was inspired to become a sonographer by an experience she had as a child. Now Anita is hoping to inspire the next generation of puzzle-solving sonographers. Anita joined podcast host Frances Wood on a shift break in the sun at the hospital when she works. She shares her passion for her…
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Dan's story, working in Aboriginal health
Dan shares his experiences in and perspectives on kindness in health as a Principal Aboriginal Health Worker. Dan started his career in sexual health and now works in chronic care. Dan is passionate about helping Aboriginal communities to improve and maintain their health. He shares some of the...
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Charlotte a hospital pharmacist
Charlotte is a pharmacist working at a hospital. She spoke with podcast host Frances during her shift. Charlotte shares why she wanted to become a pharmacist and the journey from studying to working. Charlotte explains how she works with patients, carers, doctors and nurses to ensure medications...
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Edna a hospital senior doctor
Edna is a senior doctor who also helps to teach junior doctors. Edna spoke with Frances at the hospital where she works, reflecting on why she wanted to become a doctor and her journey to becoming a staff specialist in medicine. Edna shares how she juggles caring for patients in and out of...
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Lee a hospital stores officer
Lee likes to brighten people's days by smiling and taking the time to have a chat with patients, their loved ones and his colleagues. Lee spoke with Frances during a short break in his shift as a stores officer at a local hospital. Lee shares the important role health care workers like him play…
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Nick a hospital wardsperson
Nick loves being part of a team that cares for aged care patients, especially those with dementia. Nick spoke to Frances before starting his shift as a wardsperson at a local hospital. Nick helps our nurses and doctors however he can, and cares deeply about being a calming reassuring presence for...
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Nora living with gratitude and kidney failure
Nora is a mother-of-four who lives with kidney failure. She spoke with Frances at her chairside while receiving renal dialysis treatment as an outpatient. Nora comes to hospital three times a week for the life-saving treatment and talks about how she juggles her health care with being a mother…
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Phoebe a cancer services clinical support officer
Pheobe is passionate about inclusive supportive cancer care. She sat down with podcast host Frances in a quiet room at the cancer care centre where she works. Phoebe is proud to work in administration as part of a team of health professionals caring for people with cancer. Phoebe talks about what...
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Rose a broken leg but resilient spirit
Rose fell and broke her leg on a public holiday, relying on the kindness of strangers to support her and her three young children to get help. Rose spoke with podcast host Frances at her hospital bedside whilst recovering from emergency surgery. Rose reflects on her experiences coming to hospital...
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Ross living positively with chronic illness
Ross sat down with podcast host Frances at a community health centre after his visit with a wound care nurse. Ross lives with chronic illness and limited mobility. He shares his journey from feeling angry about the challenges he faces, to choosing to live positively and make friends with his…
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Sam a stoma patient and nurse
Sam has a stoma, a small opening in the abdomen used to remove bodily waste into a collection bag. Sam is also a nurse and cares for patients with stomas. She spoke with podcast host Frances in the hospital ward where she works. Sam explains why some people like her need stomas, and how they are...
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Sofia a multicultural health officer with a refugee background
Sofia spoke with podcast host, Frances at our local health district head office where she works as a multicultural health officer. Sofia reflects on her journey arriving in Australia as a refugee to studying at university and working in health to help improve the lives of other people from...
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Taara a hospital junior doctor
Taara took a short break during her shift on a cancer care ward to talk with podcast host Frances about what it's like to be a junior doctor working in a hospital. Taara shares why she wanted to become a doctor, how junior doctors like her rotate through different parts of the hospital to learn,...
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Tim a hospital midwife and nurse
Tim is a second-generation midwife and nurse who spoke with podcast host, Frances at the local hospital where he works. Tim shares what inspired him to become a nurse and then train to be a midwife and retrieval nurse, helping to care for critically unwell patients as they are flown to hospital....
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Tony caring for a wife with mental illness
Tony is a loving husband of a beautiful wife who lives with mental illness. Tony sat down with podcast host, Frances at a local hospital to share his experiences and insights. During their conversation, Tony reflects on his role partnering with health care workers to support his wife at home and...
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Caitlin a hospital physiotherapist
Caitin is a physiotherapist working at an innovative transitional aged care ward. Caitlin spoke with Frances during her break outside the hospital where she works. Caitlin talks about how she decided to become a physiotherapist as a child when experiencing the magic of physiotherapy after…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
To look on the bright side is to find good things in challenging situations. Working in health, receiving health care, or supporting a patient can be challenging. Small acts of kindness help improve experiences. This podcast features conversations with patients, carers and health care workers that look on the kind side of health. We’ll also help with practical ideas for small acts of kindness so you can help cultivate kindness too!
HOSTED BY
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Kind Side have?
The Kind Side currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Kind Side about?
To look on the bright side is to find good things in challenging situations. Working in health, receiving health care, or supporting a patient can be challenging. Small acts of kindness help improve experiences. This podcast features conversations with patients, carers and health care workers that...
How often does The Kind Side release new episodes?
The Kind Side has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Kind Side?
You can listen to The Kind Side on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Kind Side?
The Kind Side is created and hosted by Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
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