Podcast
Palliative Matters
Hosted by Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow · EN
Hear insights from Palliative & Hospice Care physicians, the late Dr. John Mulder, and Trillium Institute faculty, Dr. Jason Beckrow, as they dive into the world of palliative care. Using real-life examples, they create an open dialogue to address the issues of those facing a life-limiting illness and provide resources, tips, and tools for patients, their loved ones, and medical professionals to provide a higher quality end-of-life experience.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Greatest Hits: The Wisdom & Legacy of Dr. John Mulder
Jan 3000:36:42Tap to summarizeIn this special tribute episode of Palliative Matters, guest host Dr. Gerald Harriman and Dr. Patrick Fitzgibbon honor the life and legacy of Dr. John Mulder—founder of the podcast, pioneer of palliative medicine, mentor, musician, and friend. Through a curated “greatest hits” collection, listeners hear Dr. Mulder in his own words as he reflects on his journey into palliative care, shares powerful patient stories, and illustrates the importance of relational, values-based medicine. Interwoven with reflections from colleagues and moments of music, this episode celebrates the wisdom, compassion, and enduring voice of a physician who continues to teach us why palliative care truly matters.
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Notes From The Field: A Surgeon's Journey to Holistic Palliative Care
Dec 800:42:08Tap to summarizeFormer surgical oncologist Dr. Andrea Wolf joins Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow to share her journey into holistic palliative care. She discusses how trust, human touch, and integrative techniques—like craniosacral therapy—shape her work with complex conditions such as dysautonomia. Dr. Wolf also highlights inspiring patient stories, including avoiding unnecessary surgery and finding relief during cancer treatment.Show notes: https://synchronygr.com/
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Where joy and sorrow meet, joy wins
Nov 500:29:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Palliative Matters, John Mulder sits down with Dr. John Finn, a pioneer in hospice and palliative medicine, to explore the profound human impact of care at the end of life. Dr. Finn shares stories from his early days in oncology and hospice, highlighting the transformative power of honesty, compassion, and presence in patient and family care.From the challenges of modern healthcare to the beauty of a “good death,” this conversation reminds us that even in the face of sorrow, joy can prevail—and that the relationships we nurture at life’s end can teach us lessons about living fully.Join us for an inspiring discussion on how hospice and palliative medicine enrich lives, foster authentic connections, and offer hope and healing when it matters most.
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Exploring Spirituality in End-of-Life Care
Oct 800:44:16Tap to summarizeDid you know that 77% of patients want their physicians to consider their spiritual needs? Spirituality and religion have a significant impact on the quality of life and preferences of care, which align with the fundamentals of palliative medicine. In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Ariel Dempsey to explore the role of spirituality in medicine, its positive and negative manifestations, and how physicians from any background can open the door to whole-person care for their patients.
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The Journey Isn't Linear
Sep 900:35:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Tim Ihrig joined Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow to take an insightful look at the downsides of our medical system. For a system focused on ROI, putting people in hospital beds, and curing diseases, how do palliative care physicians, who have opposite goals, fit into the mix? And what can we learn from them and apply to other fields of medicine to change our system for the better?
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What's Next: Establishing a New Normal
Aug 400:25:42Tap to summarizeWhen cancer patients finish treatment, they ring a bell—signifying the end of a chapter but not the end of their story. As the person transitions to survivorship, there are a myriad of emotional and physical challenges that come about. So, how can we as physicians continue to support our patients through this next phase of their disease journey? In this episode, Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow share personal and professional insights on the importance of continued care and support through this transitional time.
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The Indelible Scourge of Cancer: Survivorship & Implications of Palliative Care
Jul 700:44:48Tap to summarizeCancer is an identity-shaping experience. Survivors are forever changed and carry both physical and mental scars. In this episode, Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow talk with special guest Dr. Joseph McCollum. Dr. McCollum is both a medical oncologist and palliative oncologist who is also a part of a survivorship care clinic. He shares how he and his team are working to integrate palliative care concepts into survivorship care, helping those who have overcome this harrowing experience start putting the pieces back together.
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Defining Hope - The Legacy of Dr. John Mulder
Jun 300:25:22Tap to summarizeThis rereleased episode is dedicated to longtime Palliative Matters host, Dr. John Mulder. The idea of hope is often idealistic and romanticized. For those facing a life-limiting illness, the “hope” of being cured or of life returning to the way it was before a diagnosis can be discouraging. In this episode, Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow explain how they can help people redefine hope by setting clear expectations and realistic goals for patients and their families.
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Management of Disappointment: The Alternate Miracle and True Healing
Apr 7, 202500:26:04Tap to summarizeAs palliative care physicians, Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow have witnessed their fair share of miracles. This, however, rarely means a cure. More often, the miracles that palliative doctors can help cultivate are ones of reconciliation, comfort, and restoration. In this episode, the doctors discuss how they help manage disappointment among their patients and offer them true healing.
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The Essence of Our Patients: Helping Them Define Their Story
Mar 3, 202500:22:05Tap to summarizeDoctors are often trained to focus on the data. Data makes for a strong foundation, but it’s only the first floor. To truly care for a patient, we must look beyond the data—building off of their character, values, history, and goals. As palliative nurse practitioner Barbara Opperwall said, “The story of the patient is their data with a soul.” In this episode, Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow discuss relational medicine, intensive caring, and empowering patients through understanding their stories.
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