Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Today’s guest is Andrew Cowart-Oberle who shares his extraordinary story of how he was mauled by chimpanzees and nearly lost his life. In his mission to reduce the prevalence of post-traumatic stress and mental health conditions that arise after trauma, Andrew shares how he created the Trauma Survivors Network, a holistic program that aims to give patients the resources necessary for a successful...

Even with the best intentions, we can cause pain. This episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus and The Hotness talk about being patient and listening first before trying to be compassionate without context. Everyone puts their foot in their mouth at some point, but taking care on the job, or when trying to create a safe-place can go a long way.   Resources for you: More communication tips and...

Today Marcus is joined by Mark Black who shares his story of compassion and courage as a survivor of major medical intervention. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark survived two dangerous open-heart surgeries before he turned one. He continued to live with the condition until he discovered he needed a heart and double-lung transplant. Three years later, he ran his first full marathon. ...

What is the most insignificant thing you’ve done this week? This episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus and The Hotness talk about the little things you do, that may mean the world to others. Those little insignificant actions can change someone’s day and be a driving force for good. Keep practicing compassion, it may not take as much as you think!   Resources for you: More communication tips...

In recognition of Patient Experience Week, today's episode of Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare focuses on the impact healthcare workers have on the patient experience. Special guest Pam Redman offers a fresh perspective on why nursing is her passion and explains how adopting a holistic approach creates a meaningful patient experience. Pam provides insight into being a mat...

What are things you have had to unlearn? This episode of Compassion & Courage talks about times where we need to unlearn and relearn ideas, and why that is a good thing! It is a skill to be able to approach a situation and not be offended when you need to unlearn something. Being able to step back and accept the new information will help keep stress down, reduce anxiety, and help you solve mor...

Marcus is joined by Joe Mull, CSP, to break down what employers need to do to create employee loyalty. Joe shares the three factors that must be in place for a thriving staff. In a twist, Marcus starts off the episode sharing a story of Joe’s compassion and the specific words he said to Marcus in a crisis. The two talk about the people behind the terms “staff” and “work force” to show how employer...

What do you do when you just wake up grumpy? In this week’s episode, Marcus and The Hotness talk about how they deal with bad days. It isn’t always clear why we are in a bad mood, but being able to deal with it, and function with others around us, is an important part of compassion and communication. Come learn tricks and tips on how to deal with your bad day!   Resources for you: More communicati...

What is compassionate accountability? How can it help individuals and organizations? Join Marcus as he hosts Dr. Nate Regier, Ph. D. and the host of On Compassion with Dr. Nate as the two talk pacifism and a challenge of non-violence and what it takes to create a compassionate culture in an organization. Dr. Nate tells a grim tale of being with a trauma survivor before EMS arrived and learn how th...

Episode 101 – Avoiding Burnout and When to Recharge What is your idea of paradise? In this week’s episode, Marcus and The Hotness talk about how they find safe places to recharge. Don’t forget to stay present and don’t get caught up in the idea of a thing. Find quick ways to relax and find that work life balance.   Resources for you: Learn more about the Seeing Eye: https://www.seeingeye.org More...

Yes, THE Jennifer! Hear about the experience of “”I’m Here” from her perspective, plus some incredible leadership advice and reflection on a lifetime of care. The two also talk about retirement of Garrett from Seeing Eye dog service and how compassionate moments can last a lifetime and make a world of difference.   Key topics: 00:00 – Introductions 01:00 – Marcus introduces Jenny Detwiler. 03:17 –...

It’s okay to have conflicting emotions and sometimes it’s the only thing that makes sense. Join us for this episode of Compassion & Courage where Marcus and The Hotness talk about conflicting emotions and tackling self-anger. Thank you for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe! Resources for you: Learn more about the Seeing Eye: https://www.seeingeye.org More communication tips and resources...

Want help demystifying mental health and wellness? Join Marcus as he interviews MJ Murray-Vachon, a therapist and mental wellness expert, and learn how we can create more compassion by navigating our emotions. Learn the skills she’ taught to freshmen football players at one of the best programs in the country and, even more importantly, how you can apply these same perspectives in your own life. W...

Have you ever focused on the negative and ignored the positive? Join Marcus and The Hotness discuss the psychology of “done is better than perfect.” Don’t forget to be someone else’s cheer leader and be kind to yourself! Resources for you: Learn more about the Seeing Eye: https://www.seeingeye.org More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freere...

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus interviews Our Heart Speaks founder, Keith Rafal, MD. The two talk about extending compassion and building a community that can be mindful. Come join two experts in the field of compassion and listen to their own story of growth and how they are applying it patients and families.  Key topics: 00:00 – Introductions 00:40 – Marcus Shares a quick st...

In this episode, Marcus interviews Jennifer Krippner, the CXO of the Institute for Healthcare Excellence to learn: -How a premature birth led to a desire to give back to healthcare. -What docs, nurses and the rest of us can learn from the trainings Jennifer shares with physicians. -How being present is our first step towards compassion. Key topics: 00:00 – Introductions 00:50 – Marcus goes into a...

Everyone welcome James to the C&C podcast family! Join Marcus and The Hotness in introducing James to the world and Team Marcus. In the episode Marcus talks about the James and the wonderful organization, The Seeing Eye, that has helped pair service dogs with people for almost 100 years. Come see James take the limelight and start his professional career! Watch this episode on YouTube: https:/...

Part 2 of the Hottness getting the scoop on the next adventure - Marcus heading off to The Seeing Eye to pick up a new pup! How does it really work? Is it like “the Bachelor” with a group of dogs begging to be “the one?!?” What really goes into training and the best (and scariest!) parts of bringing home a new pup. Plus an update on Elliot and how he’s doing in retired life!   Resources for you: M...

Listen in as Dr. Caprini shares how he helped invent a device that helped save Marcus’ life. Dr. Joseph Caprini, a vascular surgeon, shares how a disappointing military assignment spurred a career studying blood and vascular medicine. What’s it like to have something named after you? Tune in and find some inspirational stories of how being open can lead to more compassionate interactions. Key topi...

Part 1 of the Hottness getting the scoop on the next adventure - Marcus heading off to The Seeing Eye to pick up a new pup! How does it really work? Is it like “the Bachelor” with a group of dogs begging to be “the one?!?” What really goes into training and the best (and scariest!) parts of bringing home a new pup. Plus an update on Elliot and how he’s doing in retired life!  Resources for you: Mo...

Marcus welcomes Nicole Rakowski and how a hike nearly turned deadly and what Nicole saw while thinking she was dying. Find out how collaboration between strangers saved her life and what her experience teaches about patient experience. The two trauma survivors discuss pain and when to throw Maslow’s pyramid out the window. Before the two-talk patient experience in hospitals, they touch on Nicole’s...

Join Marcus and the Hotness - and learn what Marvelyne OTHER nick name is… and why in the “adventure of the day”! M & M will talk about the vastly different ways they use to manage stress - and why that can stress the other one out! Find out what first attracted Marcus to Marvelyne - and why is that important for everyone. The secret to good gift giving, and learning compassion thru the major...

In this extremely heartfelt interview, Marcus has the honor of sharing time and stories with Lt Col Dru Aycock, RN, USAF. Want real stories of compassion during the heat of battle? Or, want to learn how to evacuate hospitals full of patients during a disaster? Of Course you do! Hear how a love of video games became a tool of distraction and compassion when being fired upon. Hear about Dru’s Master...

Do you know what you want for the future? On this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus and The Hotness talk about planning for where you are going and not where you are. Invite your goals to start living with you today and be grateful for them today. Resources for you: More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/ Learn more ab...

When we think about compassion in healthcare, you may not think of security officers in the same sense as nurses or docs but, you’d be wrong! Join Mike Cummings to hear about his decades in healthcare security, why he chose to change the name of his security department to represent greater compassion and how organizations can utilize compassion training with (literally) everyone who is patient fac...