The Talking Mortality Podcast
Exploring the difficulties and challenges around the issue of human mortality. Individuals, society in general and the medical profession all wrestle with this issue. So let's start talking about it! The podcast is hosted by Dr Calvin J. Lightbody who is a consultant in Emergency Medicine. He has 25 years of healthcare experience and has recently been working to improve the care that hospital patients receive towards the end of life. Comments, feedback and questions welcome on Twitter @DrCJLCoaching .Credit: The intro music is an extract of "luv" by "Little Red Church"
Episodes
12 episodes
Good Grief - To A Better Understanding of Bereavement
Bereavement affects everyone at some point in their life - it is universal but also deeply personal. That said, what do we really understand about the nature of bereavement? Are we, as a society, any good at handling its complexities? Or even j...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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37:36
Why is it so hard to let go at the end?
What is the key to letting go of a loved one at the end of their life?We have a death defying but also sometimes a death denying culture in this country. Death remains inevitable at some point though and this reality can clash with our ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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10:43
Assisted Dying - A Clinician's Perspective
A Bill that would see Assisted Dying legalised is set to go before the Scottish Parliament this year. But what are the implications for medical professionals and their patients? Two consultant doctors discuss this and share their pers...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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29:56
Mairi's Story
A bereaved daughter gives an open, honest and sincere account of her mother's journey with dementia, from diagnosis through to her eventual death at home.We discuss the impact of the illness on her Mum and a hospital admission near the end ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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31:07
Focus on Frailty Part II
A look at frailty from the perspective of a consultant in geriatric medicine. Following on from the previous episode where we explored frailty in the community setting, Dr Helen McKee shares her experience and insights into caring for frail pat...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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33:02
Focus on Frailty
Just over half of our over 65 year old population live with a degree of frailty. So what exactly is frailty? Can it be prevented or controlled? What are the implications of and prognosis with a diagnosis of frailty? What are the benefits of ear...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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33:54
Palliative Care: Myths, Mysteries and Reality
"My doctor has referred me to palliative care - does that mean they've given up on me and I'm going to die?". This is a common and understandable concern for patients who have a life limiting condition when they first hear about the referral.
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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33:46
Dementia - A Realistic Conversation
What is dementia? If someone has dementia, what is their prognosis and outlook for the future? What happens when a patient no longer has the capacity to make decisions about their own healthcare? What about dementia care at the end of life?...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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30:57
Things Go Better With Planning
You wouldn't go on holiday without some degree of planning. It makes sense to pack your case in advance, thinking about what you might need for your trip. An overstuffed case can be burdensome (not to mention expensive!).Similarly when it c...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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29:00
No pill for this ill - Spiritual Pain at the End of Life
A discussion with Rev Tricia Johnston, hospital chaplain, about spiritual pain. We examine what spiritual care is and how it is particularly relevant for patients who are nearing the end of life.Focusing on purely physical aspects of pain c...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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36:49
Critical Illness, Prognosis, Hope & Truthfulness
What is meant by the term "critical illness"? What are the possible outcomes for someone who is deemed to be in such a condition? How can we determine what the prognosis is in such circumstances?Dr Calvin Lightbody is joined by Professor Ro...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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27:13
Addressing the Death Taboo
Why is it so difficult to talk openly about death and dying? There seems to be a "Death Taboo" in our society today. In this episode Dr Calvin Lightbody and Professor Robin Taylor, both hospital consultants in the NHS, discuss the taboo. They e...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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31:55