Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Marcus tells the story of a student nurse whom he admires greatly. Out of the mouth of a teenager comes one of the greatest quotes that Marcus has heard from anyone, much less a 2nd semester student nurse.  The Hotness and Marcus then discuss how to be more aware of the tough times we’re all struggling through. Times are tough, no doubt, but Marcus & Marvelyne remind us that we’re all survivor...

For Valentine's Day, we thought we'd answer one of the most asked questions of all: how did Marcus and The Hotness meet? Not only the story of meeting, but their connection through a mutual friend, the founding of their friendship, long distance dating and finally blending a family together.  Enjoy this intimate look at their history and an incredible story, to boot.   Key topics: [0:45]...

Marcus is joined by Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, M.D., MSc, professor of medicine at Harvard University. Dr. Iezzoni shares her journey into medicine and about the physical challenges she experienced during medical school that ultimately led to a diagnosis of M.S. Dr. Iezzoni tells how, in the days prior to the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, her education and training in medicine were n...

Marcus shares a tale from a 90s novel that presents a story of holding grudges. Rather than seeing grudges as a strength or a commitment, Marcus unpacks the story of the drunkard and the pig to help us let go of the things we cannot control. Key topics: [1:41] “The Tortilla Curtain” by T Coraghessan Boyle [3:10] Carrying grudges [5:20] Practicing forgiveness Resources for you: Learn more about T.C...

Marcus and The Hotness discuss the idea of altruism and take a stab at answering the question: Is it a sacrifice if I enjoy it?  Key topics: [0:46] Is it bad to feel good about doing good? [5:51] If we’re not happiest when we’re creating, we’re happiest when we’re serving [7:00] The best thing to do when we’re feeling “blah” [7:31] The benefits of working with kids Resources for you: Connect with...

Marcus and The Hotness announce her newly awarded Doctorate of Humane Letters. They discuss the sacrifices and life of work history that brought about this recognition. Marcus and The Hotness talk about the recognition, the ceremony and the graduates...and she makes Marcus promise to call her Dr. Hotness. Key topics: [2:46] The Hotness became “Dr. Hotness” over the weekend [3:50] What is an honora...

Marcus interviews Dr. Sharon Pappas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive of Emory Health.  Dr. Pappas shares her journey into nursing and the lessons she has learned throughout her career. They discuss the current state of nursing in the country, what leaders can do to create a winning culture and how leaders can listen and encourage staff.  Key topics: [1:37] Dr. Sharon Pappas’ journey i...

Marcus and the Hotness recount their adventures at the 2021 combined Magnet and Pathway to Excellence Conferences in Atlanta.  Marcus shares that the best part of the conference for him was not keynoting for these 6,000 nurses, but rather seeing the happiness and celebrations of the nurses in attendance throughout the week.   The Hotness tells her perspective from watching backstage and Marcus tel...

If you haven’t heard of John O’Leary, then this episode is going to be a fantastic experience.  Key topics: [2:12] Who is John O’Leary? [2:48] How Marcus and John met [4:14] John’s childhood [5:30] When life as he knew it, changed, for John [6:21] How much of the trauma does John remember? [8:28] The countless miracles that fill John’s story of folks who did their job well [11:30] The many gifts o...

In this episode, Marcus and The Hotness tell their adventures turning “After This…” into a seven minute short film. They explain why the movie was only seven minutes and how to distill a 300 page memoir into the time it takes to eat a fast food meal.  The Hotness shares how they were first approached with the idea, then the proposal and screenplay process, casting for actors and shooting and produ...

On this episode of the C&C podcast, Marcus shares the story behind “The Drop”; a short film based on his memoir from 2010. He tells the real parameters of when he was dropped off, the fears and doubts and insecurities he felt when he first learned of The Drop.   Marcus raps on about navigation and orientation, giving credit to his parents, specifically his father, for instilling a sense of dir...

Professional artist and entrepreneur, Juan ‘One’ Sepúlveda, shares time in the studio with Marcus. They discuss the courage it takes to take a leap of faith, to follow one’s passion and to deepen human understanding through art.  Marcus asks Juan to describe his painting, Opportunity, and they use Narrative Medicine techniques to interpret the images. They also talk about how their friendship has...

This week, Marcus poses the question, what do you think or say when you enter a room full of people? “Here I am!” or, “There you are.”?   How you answer may tell you whether or not you have a servant’s heart. Marcus admits he isn’t always the person saying, “There you are”, but that he admires and tries to emulate those that do.   The Hotness brings up that philosophical question, can compassion b...

Have you ever noticed that often the people we are the most attracted to are also those who are the most humble? Humility is a character trait appreciated by nearly everyone.   Marcus shares a story from his hospitalization about an interaction with a high level health professional who never even mentioned he was a doctor. He tells how this humility helped him recover and how it made him want to w...

This week, Marcus interviews Rev. Allen Siegel, a hospital chaplain at an east coast academic facility. As we know, the pandemic has impacted chaplains deeply, just like clinical professionals.  Rev. Siegel shares a bit of that journey through Covid, as well as his path into healthcare. Then, the conversation turns to Rev. Siegel’s recently published article in the Journal of Radiology Nurses, a f...

Marcus tells a travel story of coming home from a long trip, being exhausted and ready for relaxation when there’s an event at the airport gate. A ground ops agent has commandeered the PA and is singing “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Marcus tells a bit of his cynicism that it’s not the most wonderful time of year for everyone. It’s just not.  The Hotness and Marcus talk about how much...

You want cute dog stories? You’ve got ‘em!  Marcus and The Hotness talk about the unique relationship between Seeing Eye dogs and those who are NOT their handlers. I.E., Does Elliott only love Marcus? Does he only play with Marcus? Or, does he love his mama, too? The answer to that should be apparent, but Marcus tells how that relationship differs with each dog.  Marvelyne chimes in with her memor...

Dr. Scott Ellner, DO, MPH, trauma surgeon and CEO of Billings Clinic, joins Marcus to talk about leading with compassion and staying positive through major challenges in healthcare. Dr. Ellner describes witnessing a trauma first hand as a college student that inspired him to medicine. Patient safety and leadership are true passions for Dr. Ellner and the discussion explores how healthcare leaders...

In this episode, Marcus and The Hotness describe how some recent experiences of hearing stories have fed their souls. Yes, there is research that backs up how our compassion deepens when we get to hear the stories of others.  As Marcus returns to some in-person speaking engagements, the part of his work he’s missed the most is hearing the stories of healthcare professionals. As they chat, Marcus a...

Marcus and The Hotness discuss how the world seems lately…and how kindness doesn’t seem to be top of mind for many folks. When attempting to be kind, Marcus encourages us to first lower our expectations.  Whether it’s a personal choice to walk in kindness, or it’s a reminder on the door of a diner, the pair share how we can lean into the difficulties of the moment to create a more compassionate ou...

Marcus welcomes Barb to the podcast. Yes, the one and only Barb! Barb shares her journey into nursing that came from an experience with her father when she was still in high school and then shares stories from her 42 years of bedside nursing. You’ll hear some stories from “I’m Here” and “The Other End of the Stethoscope”…but from Barb’s perspective. Nurse and patient, in conversation about loss, s...

Marcus begins with asking a few random questions of The Hotness…and yes, she panics and blurts out something equally random and the fun ensues. He asks what things she has done lately that are compassionate, only to unpack what is the difference between something compassionate and something nice.  The two discuss how, to receive compassion or give compassion, one must first be present to the momen...

What do you want on your tombstone? Even just posing this question as a thought experiment can lead to a deeper knowledge of one’s self. Depending on how we want our life memorialized can create action items in the near term. If we want to be remembered as a loving spouse, friend or sibling, thinking about the end of life can help us work towards fulfilling that legacy now. Key topics: •[1:14] The...

This week, Marcus interviews Jeff Solheim, MSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, TCRN, FAEN, FAAN.  Their discussion centers around different avenues of emergency nursing, healthcare missions to developing nations, solo foreign travel, nursing professionalism and a touching story of nursing in a pediatric facility that has lead to a world of good.  Trauma junkies and adventure lovers alike will love Jeff’s stories...

Marcus and The Hotness share laughs about one of their first dates. And, after they’re both thoroughly embarrassed, Marcus tells a story of coffee, Elliott and how we should spend our time looking for surprises.  Key topics: [1:55] Do you like surprises? [2:20] When Marcus first realized Marvelyne doesn’t like surprises [5:16] Surprises can cause anxiety in some of us [9:18] Living with the attitu...