Interdisciplinary Healwell

You can listen to the complete episode on our new podcast The Rub!

To hear the full version of each interview, check out our Patreon!

Witness the dawn of a healthcare revolution with Healwell, where the nurturing power of touch meets the rigor of palliative care. Join the Healwell team of Cal Cates, Kerry Jordan, Laura Bryant-Earner,  Rebecca Sturgeon, and Corey Rivera as we reveal the heartfelt aspirations and bold missions driving our nonprofit organization. Together, we dissect the formidable task of integrating palliative massage therapy into mainstream healthcare, advocating for a future where the art of human connection through touch is not just an afterthought, but a fundamental pillar.

We're not just hands-on practitioners; we're educators, advocates, and most importantly, agents of change, envisioning a world where the healing touch of massage transcends traditional healthcare boundaries. Through our stories, you'll discover how we're crafting a new narrative for massage therapy—one where passion and professional growth coalesce to shape a brighter, more empathetic future.

The episode culminates with a call to join the ranks of those challenging the status quo and fostering a community of growth and camaraderie. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Healwell is a testament to the power of collective action and unyielding dedication to enhancing the human experience. Whether you're a practitioner, a patient, or simply a believer in the transformative potential of compassionate care, your support and participation are the keystones to this healthcare revolution. Thank you for sharing in our journey—a journey toward a more compassionate and inclusive world, one massage at a time.
Support the showCheck out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Let us know what you think! Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon! Check Healwell’s live and online classes Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care" Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring Interdisciplinary!
...

Episode description:
Cal and Corey talk to Laura Lyster-Mensh, death doula in residence at Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC about making death an open topic of conversation.
**********
Resources:
Laura Collins Lyster-Mensh: Author, podcaster, rabble rouser ​and death doula
Life, Death and Grave Robbery in a Historic Cemetery, PhD Thesis by Rebecca Boggs Roberts
Write your own obituary
Death Positive Programming at Congressional Cemetery
Swedish Death Cleaning
Marie Kondo revealed she's 'kind of given up' on being so tidy
Dust to Dust: A Guide to Green Burials at Congressional Cemetery
The Landscape of Health Care in Wards 7 and 8

About Our Guest: 
Laura Lyster-Mensh, MS, is an American writer who has been founding organizations to solve problems all her life, including three international non-profits. She is the author of four books, and has produced four podcast projects, and is currently serving as Death Doula in residence at Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC. She enjoys being old, and doesn’t mind being mortal. 


Healwell Homecoming; Sept 20-21, Arlington, VAIn true Healwell fashion, we’re inviting you to join us as we redefine the status quo, lead with kindness, and have fun doing it. Come as you are and come ready to collaborate, celebrate, and learn! Connect or reconnect with people you’ve met over the years through Healwell!
Come for the classes and stay for the party!
Support the showCheck out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Let us know what you think! Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon! Check Healwell’s live and online classes Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care" Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring Interdisciplinary!
...

Today, Corey is talking with Will Craig, owner of ELDR, a company that provides guidance on approaching end-of-life planning effectively.

ELDR's mission statement:
"We are on a mission to empower and equip people to conclude life smoothly and be remembered well. When you plan in advance of a health crisis, challenging events go more smoothly later, and your life becomes powerfully informed by the reality of its impermanence now."

Show notes:
ELDR website
Respecting Choices website
Peterson Institute for International Economics

About our guest:
Will’s life’s work can be summed up with one simple phrase: Propelling people’s growth to produce meaningful new outcomes. Nothing energizes him like helping someone clarify a problem and find their way to solving it.
He’s fulfilled this calling on a human-to-human level as a teacher, trainer, coach, and father. At the systems level, he’s served as a president, CFO, strategist, and founder. Will says his greatest strength is as a generalist. “I am highly adaptable and listen carefully to help people get their arms around a challenge, break it into bite-size pieces, then set to work with courage and a good plan,” he explained.
As a preacher’s kid, Will grew up in a household where our inevitable death was a regular conversation topic, so planning for it was a no-brainer. Since the subject is so comfortable for him, he can bring a down-to-earth, straightforward approach to his work with clients and end
Healwell Homecoming; Sept 20-21, Arlington, VAIn true Healwell fashion, we’re inviting you to join us as we redefine the status quo, lead with kindness, and have fun doing it. Come as you are and come ready to collaborate, celebrate, and learn! Connect or reconnect with people you’ve met over the years through Healwell!
Come for the classes and stay for the party!
Assoc. Bodywork & Massage Professionals Discover why our members expect more and get more with ABMP.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showCheck out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Let us know what you think! Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon! Check Healwell’s live and online classes Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care" Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring Interdisciplinary!
...

Episode description: Corey talks with Heather Costigan and Cindy Bramble from Project Talk about their research and the power of a game to change the conversation.

Guest Links:

Published Research:
Low Skepticism and Positive Attitudes About Advance Care Planning Among African Americans: a National, Mixed Methods Cohort Study

Association of Participation in an End-of-Life Conversation Game With Advance Care Planning Behavior and Perspectives Among African American Individuals

Success of a Community-Based Delivery at Recruiting Individuals from Underserved Communities for an Observational Cohort Study of an Advance Care Planning Intervention

Links:

Project Talk
Become a Project Talk Host!

Hello Game
Conversation Project

Conversation Project Video

Hospice Foundation of America


Healwell Homecoming; Sept 20-21, Arlington, VAIn true Healwell fashion, we’re inviting you to join us as we redefine the status quo, lead with kindness, and have fun doing it. Come as you are and come ready to collaborate, celebrate, and learn! Connect or reconnect with people you’ve met over the years through Healwell!
Come for the classes and stay for the party!
Support the showCheck out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Let us know what you think! Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon! Check Healwell’s live and online classes Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care" Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring Interdisciplinary!
...

Episode description:
Corey talks with Isabella Carr, the Deathfat Doula about the word "fat," death, and dying as a fat person.

Links:
Deathfat Doula
The Fat Lip Podcast
Maintenance Phase Podcast
The Appalachian Retreat + Spa
Two Whole Cakes: Leslie Kinzel
NAAFA- National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance
Shilo George
Fategories: Understanding the Fat Spectrum from Fluffy Kitten Party

Guest bio:
Isabella Carr is a writer, theologian, and deathworker specializing in end-of-life care, education, and advocacy for deviant bodies. Isabella is currently a graduate student at Harvard Divinity School and studied under Death Doula LA. Her doula and research focus is a material and theological project called Deathfat: Fat Funerals and Futurities. As a doula, Isabella focuses on providing clear and compassionate care to ensure fat people are able to access the best care possible. Isabella graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in religion and wrote her thesis on fat sexuality and religion. She has spent much of her professional career working with marginalized communities and is dedicated to accessibility and autonomy in life and death.
Healwell Homecoming; Sept 20-21, Arlington, VAIn true Healwell fashion, we’re inviting you to join us as we redefine the status quo, lead with kindness, and have fun doing it. Come as you are and come ready to collaborate, celebrate, and learn! Connect or reconnect with people you’ve met over the years through Healwell!
Come for the classes and stay for the party!
Support the showCheck out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Let us know what you think! Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon! Check Healwell’s live and online classes Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care" Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring Interdisciplinary!
...

Corey talks with Cal about Cal's experience and interest in death and dying, the two classes they facilitate about it, and about their last day teaching Healwell's hospital based massage therapy class during which Corey causes Cal to cry a little, and has already apologized for it.

Links:
Opening to the Mystery
A Year to Live
Check out this amazing blog post Cal wrote: "Motels, T-shirts and Evil"

Guest bio:
Cal is one of Healwell’s founders and its Executive Director.

Cal speaks around the world on a variety of topics related to integrative medicine, emotional self-care for practitioners and the mechanics and politics of introducing massage therapy into clinical settings.

They* have been participating in research, teaching and developing curriculum for massage therapy courses focused on hospital-based practice, oncology massage and end of life care since 2007. Cal is passionate about elevating the profession of massage therapy and also about broader and more seamless integration of massage therapists into mainstream healthcare.

*Cal is non-binary and uses the pronouns they, their, and them when being referred to in the third person.
Healwell Homecoming; Sept 20-21, Arlington, VAIn true Healwell fashion, we’re inviting you to join us as we redefine the status quo, lead with kindness, and have fun doing it. Come as you are and come ready to collaborate, celebrate, and learn! Connect or reconnect with people you’ve met over the years through Healwell!
Come for the classes and stay for the party!
Support the showCheck out our new podcast! The Rub: a podcast about massage therapy

Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still support Healwell and the cool things we make by donating here!

Other ways to help and join in:
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Let us know what you think! Send us an email: podcast@healwell.org Find bonus content from Interdisciplinary and early release episodes for our current show: "The Rub" on Patreon! Check Healwell’s live and online classes Continue the conversation with a two-week free trial of the Healwell Community Merch! Find your Healwell fashion here Find a copy of Rebecca Sturgeon's book: "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care" Thank you to ABMP for sponsoring Interdisciplinary!
...