Authentic Presence - Exploring the heart of living and dying

Jayne Demakos, therapeutic harpist and music-thanatologist (music and end-of-life care), in conversation with Kirsten DeLeo. More about music thanatology: https://www.mtai.org/

Being kind to ourselves doesn't come easily. Especially for those of us who are caregivers. This short podcast offers you inspiration and a practical method to practice self-kindness because we all deserve it. authentic-presence.org

Annie Blampied-Radojcin is a hospice chaplain and interfaith minister in East Sussex/UK. She shares what’s it been like to serve patients and families during the pandemic and how she meets the new challenges.  authentic-presence.org

Facing the darker winter months in the middle of a pandemic is hard, especially when we are dealing with a loss. Treating ourselves kindly when we hurt doesn’t come easily. Kirsten DeLeo sat down with John Douglas, a meditation teacher, Authentic Presence trainer and therapist from West Cork/Ireland to explore how we can find self-compassion in our grief.

Kirsten DeLeo talks with Deanna Cochran, a longtime hospice nurse and a pioneer in the doula movement in the US.  Deanna currently chairs the End-of-Life Doula Advisory Council of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). She is a graduate of the Authentic Presence, a training program in the contemplative approach to end-of-life care. Deanna is the author of Accompanying the Dying: Practical, Heart-Centered Wisdom for End-Of-Life Doulas and Health Care Advocates. Topics What it means to journey alongside a dying person The role of the doula in modern hospice/palliative care and the doula initiative of the NHPCO Serving as a doula during Covid-19 and advice for anyone who wants to become a doula at this critical time A look into the future beyond 2020

In this first episode, Erica Conery shares her experiences working as a night nurse at Albany Medical Centre/ NY in a ICU designated for Covid 19 patients. The interview was recorded on April 20, 2020. Erica was interviewed by Kirsten DeLeo, a faculty member of  Authentic Presence. This podcast is part of authentic-presence.org, a program offering training in contemplative care with a special focus on end-of-life care.