Voices of Hospice Leadership Podcast

In this episode of the Voices of Hospice Leadership Podcast, Brian Frantz talks with Katie Quine, hospice leader, coach, and founder of Leaders on Edge, about one of the biggest challenges in hospice today: burnout and staff retention.Katie shares insights from her experience in hospice leadership, including why staffing stability is directly connected to census growth, how leaders can recognize early signs of disengagement, and what it really takes to build a culture where teams feel supported.If you are a hospice owner, administrator, or leader trying to improve retention, strengthen your culture, and better support your field staff, this conversation is for you.In This Episode:Why staffing stability is a growth strategy Early signs of burnout and disengagement What hospice staff need beyond pay and benefits How leaders can better support field clinicians Why relationships matter more than metrics alone Practical ways to improve retention before staff check out How to hire people who are truly called to hospice work About Katie QuineKatie Quine is a hospice leader, coach, and founder of Leaders on Edge. Her work focuses on helping healthcare leaders build the capacity to handle pressure, lead more effectively, and better support their teams.https://www.leadersonedge.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadersonedge/Subscribe for more conversations on hospice leadership, growth, staffing, and strategy.Schedule your free strategy session today.#HospiceLeadership #HospiceCare #BurnoutPrevention #StaffRetention #HealthcareLeadership #HospicePodcast

In this episode, Brian sits down with Angie Oujiri, Director of Hospice for Vivie, serving families across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. With over 15 years in home health and palliative care, Angie brings a rare perspective on why so many hospice appropriate patients are hiding in plain sight  inside home health caseloads. You'll learn how better conversations, earlier education, and stronger partnerships between home health and hospice teams can transform both care quality and census growth.Key TopicsWhy patients who are eligible for hospice often land in home health firstThe emotional barrier to hospice and how to meet families where they areHow to have informed, compassionate conversations about end-of-life optionsThe single most important question clinicians can ask every patientWhy home health teams are an underutilized referral source for hospiceBuilding a new hospice program within a larger integrated care organizationFacility partnerships, seamless care, and team communication toolsGrowing census in a new market through collaborationFeatured Guest Angie Oujiri, Director of Hospice, Vivie is a care provider offering an integrated set of care services, including home health, care management, senior living, rehabilitation, hospice, and more. With a dedicated team of over 2,300 employees, Vivie serves more than 13,000 individuals annually across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.Rooted in a foundation of faith and focused on transforming the way people live, age, and thrive, Vivie tailors its support to meet the unique needs of every person. By prioritizing people first and fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation, Vivie strives to deliver exceptional care.Resources & LinksVivie: https://vivie.org/Connect with Angie on LinkedInHospice Care MarketingIf your hospice is not showing up where families search, you are leaving admissions on the table. We help hospice teams strengthen Google Maps visibility, generate reviews, and turn education into referrals. Call (877) 959-5849 or visit www.hospicecaremarketing.comSchedule your free strategy session today.#Hospice #HospiceCare #HomeHealth #PalliativeCare #HospiceLeadership #EndOfLifeCare #CensusGrowth #HospiceMarketing #Minnesota #HealthcareLeadership

Episode SummaryIn this episode, you sit down with Raphael Akobundu, NP and CEO of Blue Monarch Hospice, serving families across North County San Diego. You unpack the difference between being eligible for hospice and being emotionally ready, common myths like 24/7 in-home care, and how clear communication with families and facilities reduces crisis decisions. Raphael also shares practical playbooks for reviews, referral partnerships, and what actually drives census growth in a competitive market.Key TopicsEligibility vs readiness and how to guide families through bothWhat hospice covers vs what it does not coverTypical visit cadence and how it increases as needs changeThe 24/7 misconception and how to set expectationsSwitching hospices and discharge when patients stabilizeBuilding referral partnerships that lastWhy medication workflows between facilities and hospices need standardizationOwner insights on compliance, costs, and growthFeatured GuestRaphael Akobundu, NP, CEO, Blue Monarch HospiceLocally owned, clinician-led hospice serving North County San Diego. Emphasis on small-team communication, right-sized caseloads, and high-touch family support.Pull Quotes“Eligibility and readiness are different conversations. Your job is to meet families where they are.”“Communication and clear expectations with facilities prevent most issues before they start.”“Great care is your best marketing. Reviews and referrals follow.”Resources And LinksBlue Monarch Hospice, North County San DiegoConnect with Raphael on LinkedInHospice Care Marketing: SEO, Maps, and Reviews SupportShow CTA For Hospice ProvidersIf your hospice is not showing up where families search, you are leaving admissions on the table. We help clinician-led teams strengthen Google Maps visibility, generate reviews, and turn education into referrals. Call (877) 959-5849 or visit www.hospicecaremarketing.comSchedule your free strategy session today.#Hospice #HospiceCare #HospiceEligibility #Caregiving #PalliativeCare #NorthCounty #SanDiego #HealthcareLeadership #CensusGrowth #HospiceMarketing

Why This Episode Matters for Hospice LeadersWhen families hesitate, your census suffers. In this episode, you’ll learn practical language and field-tested frameworks to move families from fear to clarity, earn clinician buy-in, and empower your team to follow through without getting “salesy.”What You’ll Learn (At A Glance)Eligibility Vs. Readiness: How to guide families without pressureThe “Hospice Bank Account” Analogy: A simple way to explain the Medicare benefitDemystifying Meds: Reframing morphine myths into quality daysClinician Education That Works: Micro-trainings and data points that earn buy-inLeadership & Growth: “Trust but verify,” ride-alongs, and operational follow-throughEpisode Highlights & TakeawaysUnderstand Eligibility Vs. Readiness In Hospice AdmissionsFamilies often say “We’re not ready.” Samuel shows you how to separate readiness (emotional) from eligibility (clinical) using questions, checklists, and empathetic phrasing so decisions feel confident, not coerced.Use The Medicare “Hospice Bank Account” To Educate FamiliesExplain that the hospice benefit is something families have already paid into. This bank-account analogy makes coverage, DME, and supplies easy to grasp and reduces cost anxiety.Replace fear-driven narratives with a clear plan for comfort and goals (e.g., attending a reunion, one last fishing trip). Families remember outcomes, not jargon.Win Clinician Buy-In With Data And Follow-UpShort, focused lunch-and-learns, readmission impact, and timely feedback loops help physicians and NPs recognize hospice-eligible patterns sooner and refer with confidence.Lead Field Marketing with Trust and Accountability“Trust but verify” your marketers. Ride along, remove operational blockers, and keep promises (equipment, supplies, weekend availability). Empowered teams deliver better experiences and more qualified referrals.Guest Bio: Samuel PowellWith over 18 years in customer service and more than a decade in sales and marketing, I’ve dedicated my career to helping organizations strengthen their impact through leadership, compassion, and connection. Using both my professional experience and my personal experience, I am passionate about hospice teams and the way they can elevate their marketing, inspire their people, and create meaningful experiences for every family they serve.Connect With Samuel:Guest Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-powell-9628a6145/Company: https://www.powellmarketinginnovation.com/Resources For Hospice Owners & AdministratorsFamily Education Toolkit Ideas: Eligibility checklist, “bank account” one-pager, DNR explainerClinician Micro-Training Topics: Eligibility indicators, readmission reduction, handoff scriptsField Marketing Framework: Visit cadence, value-based touchpoints, follow-up templatesNeed More Qualified Hospice Referrals?If your hospice isn’t showing up in Google’s Map Pack or you want more high-intent calls, our team can help, from Google Business Profile optimization and reviews to local SEO and conversion-focused websites.Hospice Care Marketing (HCM): hospice-only expertise, full-funnel strategy, and results you can measure.FAQ: Hospice Leadership & MarketingLearn MoreIf you’re a hospice leader looking for strategies to better support families, let’s connect: Schedule a Free Strategy or call (877) 959-5849.#hospicecaremarketing #HospiceLeadership #EndOfLifeCare #FamilySupport #HospiceMarketing #VoicesOfHospice

RN leader Ashleigh Lugar (Merrill Gardens) shares how “not matching energy,” empowering staff, and early hospice education turn high-emotion moments into better outcomes for residents and families plus the top 5 signs it’s time to consider hospice in assisted living.Today’s guest is Ashleigh Lugar, RN, Regional Director of Health Services at Merrill Gardens. With 20 years in senior living and hospice, Ashleigh breaks down compassionate leadership, the difference between delegating and empowering, and how to reframe hospice as a layer of support, not a last resort. We cover simple language families understand, what makes a hospice a great partner to assisted living/memory care, and the top 5 indicators it’s time to talk hospice.Resources mentioned: • Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves• Merrill Gardens (senior living; Ashleigh supports TX, MS, AL regions)Subscribe: Voice of Hospice Leadership PodcastContact: Hospice Care Marketing for websites, SEO, and growth for hospice providersConnect with Asleigh & Her WorkLearn more about Merrill Gardens: https://www.merrillgardens.com/Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-lugar-rn-391b04233How This Episode Helps Hospice ProfessionalsAshleigh Lugar, RN is Regional Director of Health Services at Merrill Gardens, supporting assisted living and memory care communities across Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. She’s spent 20 years in senior living and hospice with a passion for leadership, education, and family support.Learn MoreIf you’re a hospice leader looking for strategies to better support families, let’s connect: Schedule a Free Strategy or call (877) 959-5849.#HospiceLeadership #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #HospiceEducation #CompassionateCare #EmotionalIntelligence #HealthcareLeadership #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceSEO

Welcome to another episode of the Voices of Hospice Leadership Podcast. In this conversation, host Brian Frantz sits down with Kait McEwen, founder of Peaceful Passage, to explore how her work complements hospice services and provides families with much needed support during the end of life journey.Kait brings a unique, non-medical perspective that focuses on advocacy, logistical planning, and guiding families through what can often feel overwhelming. She describes her role as “walking alongside hospice,” filling in the gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover and helping families navigate emotional and practical challenges.Key Highlights from This EpisodeThe Inspiration Behind Peaceful Passage: Kait shares how her career path led her into end of life support and why the work feels sacred.Collaborating with Hospice Teams: How she advocates for patients, supports families, and complements social workers and clinical staff.Common Family Challenges: From financial stress to emotional overwhelm, Kait explains how she brings structure to chaos.A Story That Inspired Her: Kait recalls a caregiving experience with a veteran that reaffirmed her mission to guide families into hospice care.Shifting the Conversation on Death: How she uses openness, mindfulness, and compassion to break through cultural taboos around dying.The Future of Peaceful Passage: Kait’s vision for keeping her work sacred and intimate while still expanding awareness and resources.Connect with Kait & Her WorkLearn more about Peaceful Passage and Kait’s support offerings: peacefulpassage.orgFollow Kait’s journey and insights on Instagram: _peacefulpassageConnect on LinkedIn: Kait McEwenHow This Episode Helps Hospice ProfessionalsHospice providers understand clinical and emotional complexity. Kait brings a unique lens, non-medical advocacy, empathetic logistics, and emotional grounding. Listening in, you’ll gain new ideas to strengthen caregiver and family support within your hospice offerings.Learn MoreIf you’re a hospice leader looking for strategies to better support families, let’s connect: Schedule a Free Strategy or call (877) 959-5849.

In this episode of Voices of Hospice Leadership, Brian Frantz sits down with Sannie Lee, Area Director of Sales at Suncrest Care in Sacramento. Sannie shares how a “boots on the ground” approach—built on visibility, consistency, and a strong internal culture—has helped Suncrest stand out in a crowded market.From avoiding “muffin marketing” to building real relationships with referral partners, Sannie dives into what it takes to grow hospice census the right way. Whether you're an owner, executive, or leader looking to scale your impact, this episode is packed with real-world insight from the front lines.Topics Covered:The “Suncrest Difference” and what makes their care model uniqueWhy consistency in referral relationships is everythingThe role of community events and local partnershipsBuilding culture through intentional hiringAdvice for hospice owners ready to growTune in and discover why hospice is truly a place where the heart meets healthcare.https://www.linkedin.com/in/sannielee/Interested in being a guest on the show? Reach out today!_____________________________________ Get our book: https://www.hospicecaremarketing.com/bookSchedule your Leadflow Acceleration Session by going to https://www.hospicecaremarketing.com/schedule  _____________________________________ Connect with us: https://www.youtube.com/@hospicecaremarketinghttps://www.facebook.com/hospicecaremarketinghttps://x.com/HospiceCareMktghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hospice-care-marketing/https://www.instagram.com/hospicecaremarketing/ _____________________________________#HospiceMarketing #Hospice #MarketingPlan #LeadGeneration #HospiceCareMarketing #LocalService #BusinessPlanning #GrowthStrategy

In this powerful episode of The Voices of Hospice Leadership, host Brian Frantz sits down with Keely Vacca, Hospice Administrator at Elara Caring, to explore the personal and professional journey that led her into hospice leadership. From early inspiration during nursing school to guiding teams through the challenges of end-of-life care, Keely shares what continues to drive her passion for this meaningful work.Topics include:The emotional rewards and realities of hospice careLeadership insights from the front linesHow to cultivate compassion and resilience in a demanding fieldWhether you’re a seasoned provider or just beginning in hospice care, Keely’s perspective is one you won’t want to miss.Tune in and discover why hospice is truly a place where the heart meets healthcare.https://www.linkedin.com/in/keely-vacca-msn-rn-9a0143102/ Interested in being a guest on the show? Reach out today!_____________________________________ Get our book: https://www.hospicecaremarketing.com/bookSchedule your Leadflow Acceleration Session by going to https://www.hospicecaremarketing.com/schedule  _____________________________________ Connect with us: https://www.youtube.com/@hospicecaremarketinghttps://www.facebook.com/hospicecaremarketinghttps://x.com/HospiceCareMktghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hospice-care-marketing/https://www.instagram.com/hospicecaremarketing/ _____________________________________#HospiceMarketing #Hospice #MarketingPlan #LeadGeneration #HospiceCareMarketing #LocalService #BusinessPlanning #GrowthStrategy

In our very first episode, host Brian Frantz sits down with Lisa Glynn, R.N., and Co-Founder of Golden Rule Hospice, to discuss what sets her hospice agency apart in the highly competitive Atlanta market. Lisa shares her journey in hospice care, the founding of Golden Rule Hospice, and how the company has grown over the past nine years.They dive into the challenges of marketing hospice services, the power of online presence and reviews, and the importance of building strong relationships with families, patients, and referral partners. Lisa also shares the unique services Golden Rule Hospice offers, including their industry-leading patient retention, transitional care program, and commitment to maintaining a compassionate, dedicated team.If you're a hospice provider looking to grow your business or a healthcare professional interested in the industry, this episode is packed with insights on branding, patient care, and the future of hospice.Tune in to hear Lisa's inspiring story and learn how strategic marketing and a commitment to quality care can make a difference in the lives of patients and families.https://goldenrulehospice.com/https://www.facebook.com/goldenrulehospice/Interested in being a guest on the show? Reach out today!_____________________________________ Download our book: https://www.hospicecaremarketing.com/bookSchedule your Leadflow Acceleration Session by going to https://www.hospicecaremarketing.com/schedule  _____________________________________ Connect with us: https://www.youtube.com/@hospicecaremarketinghttps://www.facebook.com/hospicecaremarketinghttps://x.com/HospiceCareMktghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hospice-care-marketing/https://www.instagram.com/hospicecaremarketing/ _____________________________________#HospiceMarketing #Hospice #MarketingPlan #LeadGeneration #HospiceCareMarketing #LocalService #BusinessPlanning #GrowthStrategy 

Welcome to the Voices of Hospice Leadership Podcast. Check out this episode to learn who we are, what you can expect from this podcast and why you should listen.