World Class Specialist Talks Dying on Latest Podcast Episode

In the latest extended episode of Ending Life Well, Can we talk?– Opening Up Conversations About Dying we get the low down from Dr Mannix about the seemingly daunting conversations faced when a person is dying.

Podcast producer and palliative care nurse Denise van Aalst, who has created 23 episodes for the Otago Community Hospice podcast Ending Life Well, says Dr Mannix’s practical experience shows us that whether we like it or not, sometimes we have to take a deep breath and get into a conversation that we might have preferred to avoid.

“We often find when someone is dying they, or their family, struggle to talk about it. People may be reluctant to start a conversation or they may want to talk but just don't know how. This interview with Dr Kathryn Mannix shares some stories from her own experiences and offers ways to initiate a conversation, or perhaps a way to be comfortable with letting that conversation go,” says Ms van Aalst.

Dr. Kathryn Mannix is a high-profile palliative care physician from the UK dedicated to supporting public understanding and discussion of dying, as well authoring two books - 'With the End in Mind' and 'Listen, How to Find the Words for Tender Conversations'.

Ending Life Well was launched last year in a bid to provide accessible information for family carers who have been thrown in the deep end caring for loved ones who are dying. There are now 23 episodes, with recent episodes diving into specialist areas:

Ep 18: Relationships and Intimacy at the End of Life

Ep 19: Children and Grief

Ep 20: Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults Going Through Grief

Ep 21: Moving Into Aged Care - Practical Tips

Ep 22: Moving Into Aged Care - The Emotional Impact

“Supporting this huge workforce of carers – unpaid, untrained and in unchartered territory, is one of our most important roles as a specialist provider. With this podcast series we can provide reliable advice and information for carers who may not have the time or headspace to read the on-line resources available to carers.”

Ending Life Well has been informed by the Kōwhai Programme - a well-established Otago Community Hospice carers education programme - created in response to research done, with carers of people with terminal illness, in collaboration with the University of Otago in 2010.

The series is available on all good podcast apps or via https://otagohospice.co.nz/patient-services/kowhai-programme/carers-podcast/