Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

What adventures did Marcus and The Hotness come across? Plenty! Listen in to hear Marcus talk about the greatest inventions that he, as a person who is blind, thinks are life changing. Then, the two share some of the weirdest road stories they’ve had in a while. First, hear about the first time Marcus has been pulled over in years, then listen as The Hotness tells how she littered along the highwa...

In this touching episode, Marcus interviews Jonathan Bartels, RN the creator of The Pause. Jonathan shares the experiences that helped form The Pause, and how it originated in the ED. It did not stop there and is now practiced around the globe. This selfceare practice is just a single tool in the kit of healthcare providers and the two share other ways for healthcare workers to take care of themse...

First, this title isn’t what you’re thinking…but it does have an emphasis on interpersonal relationships. Marcus relays the story of one of his single friends making arrangements for a date. Rather than meeting in the middle, this gentleman makes the practice of giving the gift of going to the other person. This leads to a discussion of generosity versus scarcity and how, when you meet in the midd...

Marcus interviews the brilliant and talented student nurse, Leigh Dittman. Leigh shares her story of being a lifelong patient with OI3, aka brittle bone disease. Throughout her life, bone breaks, and hospitalizations have been the norm for Leigh. She shares about her growing up years as a patient at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and how that lead the two to meet. Leigh tells how her lived exper...

You want stories from the road? You’ve got ‘em! In this touching episode, Marcus and The Hotness tell about a recent early morning flight and some excited passengers at the gate. Tears fall when Marvelyne overhears the bond these passengers share and immediately regrets her annoyance when she wanted to rest. The two remind us that we never really know what others are going through (or what they ha...

In this episode, Marcus interviews Jeanette Altman, a social worker in Florida. Jeanette tells of a youth camping experience for youth with parents who are suffering from substance abuse disorder. The nationwide program helps create support and bonds for youth who love their parents and, therefore, love an addict, with everything that entails. Jeanette tells how a participant’s struggle story does...

Join us for this insightful episode of Compassion & Courage, where The Hotness asks Marcus a series of fan questions!  Key topics: 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Has Marcus had a favorite seeing-eye dog? 05:42 – What is Marcus’ favorite part of traveling? 11:40 – If Marcus’ was stranded on a desert island, what piece of art would he bring? 14:18 – What is Marcus’ message to humanity?  15:57 – Th...

Cindy Smalletz, occupational therapist and much more, joins Marcus on this episode to define occupational therapy (OT) and how it intersects with Narrative Medicine during a patient’s journey.  Having both graduated from the Narrative Medicine Master’s program at Columbia University, Marcus and Cindy talk about their experience with Narrative Medicine in healthcare and what they have done since th...

Today, Marcus and The Hotness are walking you through how to subscribe to the “Compassion & Courage” podcast easily. Follow the steps below to subscribe to the show! Open the podcast app on your phone Search “Marcus Engel” or “Compassion & Courage” in the search bar Hit the “subscribe” or “follow” button If you’re feeling generous, please leave a review   Key topics: [1:19] Step by step in...

Dr. Dominic Vachon joins Marcus to talk compassion training for future clinicians. They discuss Dominic’s early life and his discernment to enter the helping professions as a medical psychologist. They talk about the Ruth Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care in Medicine at the University of Notre Dame, about the Compassionate Care in Medicine minor and how the science of compassion actually wo...

You’ve heard about Jenny, you’ve heard about Barb, but Marcus brings it even closer to home by talking about his two favorite nurses…ever.  Key topics: [0:49] Why Marcus has so many favorite nurses [2:30] If Marcus HAD to pick his favorites… [6:01] The pride of having a nurse in one’s family [7:42] The biggest thank you to all nurses and healthcare professionals for ALL you do! Resources for you:...

In this very special Hospital Week episode, Marcus interviews plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Tim Jones. Dr. Jones spent hundreds of hours operating on Marcus. He shares what it was like to witness the destruction to Marcus’ face, the plan to reconstruct it and the struggles faced when treating an angry, young patient dealing with grief and loss.  Marcus shares some memories of the compass...

At the celebration of National Nurses Week ‘22, Marcus tells of his roots of loving nurses: family. Growing up around three aunts who were all practicing nurses, Marcus first learned what a noble and unique profession nursing is. Then, as he says, the introduction to Jennifer and Barb and the hundreds of other healthcare professionals he interacted with post trauma solidified his admiration. Marcu...

Join Marcus as he interviews a veteran emergency nurse, Mike Hastings, MSN, RN, CEN for stories and insight on how to be compassionate in difficult situations.  Mike shares his history as an EMT and then a nurse, always providing comfort to those who are experiencing a medical emergency. Mike also shares how, during 2020, he was the president of the Emergency Nurses Association and led the members...

In this episode, The Hotness shares a tale about a recent cross country flight, some mischief by Elliott on the plane and the wasted worry that accompanied the entire situation. This reminds us to prepare, but to remember that when we catastrophize, it causes undue worry. Key topics: [0:38] Where does Elliott sit on the plane? [2:54] A funny story of Elliott and a seat mate on a recent plane ride...

On this episode of C&C, Marcus interviews Kevin Yoo, a designer, entrepreneur and creator of wearable technology.  Kevin shares his journey into design, his love of art and design and how we can integrate design to create better experiences for patients and caregivers alike.  Kevin shares the inspiration for WearWorks’ Wayband technology and how it benefits not only people living with a visual...

The Hotness tells a story from a recent medical procedure and how her doctor showed an amazing amount of compassion.  She tells how, upon arriving at the hospital, she learned that her procedure would be multiple hours and require general anesthesia; something she wasn’t expecting. She then tells how the doctor witnessed her tears, reminded her that they would have no problems and reiterated these...

Marcus and The Hotness tell of their recent loss of their dog, Smooch. They talk about the decision to help Smooch transition across the Rainbow Bridge and their confusion and overwhelm upon returning home. During the evening, Marcus asks to watch the news and cannot emotionally handle more loss and suffering for one day.   The two talk about how grief, and if not given freedom, becomes pressure o...

Join Marcus for this touching and beautiful conversation with nurse, Cheryl A. Flowers, MSN, MSM-HCA, RN, CMSRN. They discuss Cheryl’s lifelong knowledge that she wanted to be a nurse, her first job in nursing and the evolution of her career.   Cheryl tells the story of a traumatic and life changing injury, how she has adapted and grown from it, letting go of expectations and accepting what is.  C...

Reminding us to be curious not critical is what this episode is all about. Marcus and The Hotness share their differing takes on a recent poker game. Marcus tells how the dealer constructed the game in a strange way, a fellow player’s response to the changes and compared that with his own reaction.  Marvelyne shares her take and how she thinks she would have handled the situation, too, and we’re a...

After sharing some things they’re excited about, Marcus reflects on the use of AI in our daily lives and how he embraces it. He shares tales of how in home artificial intelligence has been a bonus in his life and how he has trained it for life benefit. Marvelyne points out how AI is also training us as humans.   These discussions follow the parallel of how we can chose our words in every day discu...

Marcus is joined by Dr. Tara Nichols, an Advanced Practice Nurse, academic and pain management expert. They discuss what is the definition of pain, how it manifests in different people and how there are no cost solutions to pain control. Dr. Nichols shares her model of pain management and the two discuss how human comfort, recognition and validation all act as elements for pain control.  Key topic...

On this episode of the C&C podcast, Marcus and Marvelyne talk about safe spaces. Physical, mental and emotional safe spaces are necessary for each of us to survive and thrive.  Marcus shares how we can reframe our questions and discussions to be more supportive and to be that safe space for others.   Key topics: [2:48] The importance of safe spaces and how we’re lacking in them these days [4:5...

Marcus and The Hotness discuss a recent encounter they witnessed in a medical office and how the clerk took the opportunity to practice compassion.  They talk about foreign language, about non-judgmental awareness in everyday life and communication, and share ways we can listen with empathy.    Key topics: [2:20] Healthcare has its own language that patients typically are not fluent in [4:54] Offe...

Marcus interviews Keith Kirkland, co-founder of WearWorks, a wearable technology company creating products and language for all.  Keith shares his background in engineering, and then fashion, before moving into design that can have a greater impact on the public. Keith talks about how his dreams of creating a wearable smart suit that could teach him Kung-Fu then morphed into the creation of the Wa...