In this episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Verley engages in a deep conversation with guest Jayne Gallays about the intersections of neurodivergence and feminism. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly women, and the societal expectations that shape their lives. The conversation also touches on the role of men in feminism, the impact of patriarchy, and the importance of building community and advocating for change. Crucially, Amy and Jayne discuss the manosphere and the necessity of educating young boys on the damaging messages often promoted within these spaces. Jayne emphasizes the need for intersectionality in discussions about feminism and neurodivergence, highlighting the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in advocacy and support one another in their journeys.

Where to find Jane: Twitter/Threads/Instagram: @calamityjayne4

Where to Listen / Watch to THE GRITTY NURSE

• Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...

• Watch on YouTube – / @thegrittynursepodcast

Stay Connected:

• Website: www.grittynurse.com
• Instagram: @grittynursepod
• TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
• X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse

Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com

Does discussing death actually help us live better? In this episode of the The Gritty Nurse Podcast, Host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Penny Hawkins Smith—better known to her millions of followers as Hospice Nurse Penny—to find out.

Penny is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and a "death influencer" who uses social media to combat death anxiety and misinformation. She joins us to share her incredible journey from the ICU to hospice care and to discuss her new memoir, Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living.

Together, we break down the critical (and often misunderstood) differences between hospice and palliative care, debunk common myths about morphine and the dying process, and dive into the "gritty" reality of end-of-life advocacy. Penny also opens up about the mysterious side of dying—including "visioning" and the unexplainable phenomena nurses witness at the bedside.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or just someone looking to understand mortality better, this conversation is an honest, educational, and surprisingly uplifting look at the end of life.

• Hospice vs. Palliative Care: What is the actual difference, and when should you ask for a consult?

• The "Death Influencer" Phenomenon: How Penny uses TikTok and Instagram to educate millions and fight death phobia.

• Controversial Topics in Death Care: We tackle the hard questions about withholding food/fluids, pain management, and the stigma surrounding hospice.

• Mysterious Experiences: Penny shares stories of "visioning" (seeing deceased loved ones) and terminal lucidity.

• Influencing Death: A look inside Penny's new memoir and how her personal struggles with addiction shaped her compassionate approach to nursing.

• Advocacy in Action: How nurses can lead the charge in normalizing conversations about death.

• Book: Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living by Penny Hawkins Smith

• Follow Penny: @HospiceNursePenny on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

• Website: https://www.hospicenursepenny.com/

Listen now to learn why talking about death is the key to a better life.

Where to Listen / Watch to THE GRITTY NURSE

* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

* Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Stay Connected:

• Website: grittynurse.com

• Instagram: @grittynursepod

• TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast

• X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse

Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

www.hospitalnews.com

Two Black women. Two different states. One shared, terrifying experience: being ignored by the very people sworn to care for them.

Why are Black women in 2025 still screaming to be heard? In this episode of The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley, a former L & D nurse and Maternal Health Expert (Masters in Women's Health) breaks down the viral birth stories of Karrie Jones (Dallas) and Mercedes Wells (Indiana)—two harrowing cases of medical racism & gaslighting that have shaken the nursing & medical world. We analyze the 54-million-view footage, dissect the latest maternal mortality stats, and discuss actionable steps for nurses to become better allies.

From Karrie's screams being dismissed during intake to Mercedes being discharged only to give birth in her car eight minutes later, we are breaking down exactly what went wrong. We discuss the failure of the nurse and nursing teams, the weaponization of hospital policies, and the "weathering" effect that is keeping Black maternal mortality rates 3.5x higher than white counterparts.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Receipts: A minute-by-minute breakdown of the viral videos from Dallas Regional and Franciscan Health.

• The Stats: Why 2025 data shows the gap is widening for Black maternal morbidity.

• Medical Racism & Medical Gaslighting 101: How nurses can spot implicit bias in real-time and the "fight languages" needed to advocate for patients.

• The Momnibus Act: An update on the legislative fight for health equity.

Key Takeaways for Nurses:

1. Pain is Subjective, Vital Signs Are Not: If a patient says the baby is coming, believe them.

2. Documentation is Defense: How patients are using video to protect themselves when the chart doesn't tell the whole story.

3. Silence is Complicity: Your duty to intervene when a colleague dismisses a patient.

Resources & Links:

• Learn: CDC "Hear Her" Campaign

• Act: The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act Status

• Tool: Irth App (Yelp for Black birth experiences)

Join the Conversation: Have you witnessed medical gaslighting on your unit? Share with me your stories!

#GrittyNurse #BlackMaternalHealth #KarrieJones #MercedesWells #NurseTwitter #HealthEquity #MedicalGaslighting #NursingEducation #PatientAdvocacy

In this essential episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley engages in a critical discussion with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), about the vital role of caregivers in Ontario.

This conversation illuminates the significant challenges faced by these essential, yet often overlooked, members of the healthcare team. Listeners will gain insight into the dynamics of caregiving and the crucial support available through the OCO.

• Caregiver Recognition: Understand why caregivers must be recognized as essential members of the healthcare team in Ontario.

• Tailored Support: Learn about the need for tailored support and resources specifically designed for diverse caregiving communities.

• Burnout Prevention: Discover the importance of organizations implementing caregiver-friendly policies to prevent caregiver burnout and improve their experience.

• Political Awareness: The episode stresses the significance of political awareness and advocacy to drive systemic change for caregivers.

Amy Coupal is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), a charitable organization dedicated to supporting Ontario's 4 million caregivers. A visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Amy is passionate about mobilizing change through knowledge exchange and building collaborative initiatives. She brings a deep personal understanding of the benefits and challenges of the role, having been a caregiver for most of her life, supporting her brother who had Cerebral Palsy, her mother throughout her cancer journey, and now her father through older adulthood.

Do not forget to Comment, Like and SUBSCRIBE on Apple and Youtube!

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

www.hospitalnews.com

Where to Listen / Watch

* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

* Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

In this compelling and candid episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with a truly inspiring guest: Emily Edwards, RN, founder of Nomad Care Consulting.

Emily, a healthcare expert, shares the deeply personal and often frustrating journey of her own Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. She details the challenges of being a patient in the very system she knows so well, often feeling unheard, dismissed, and invalidated while searching for answers.

This is more than a story about chronic illness; it's a powerful masterclass in self-advocacy. Emily opens up about the immense emotional toll of MS and the sheer resilience required to keep pushing for proper care.

What you'll learn in this eye-opening conversation:

• The shocking reality of receiving a major diagnosis as a practicing RN.

• Why self-advocacy is crucial—especially when dealing with complex or chronic conditions.

• How to push past dismissal and demand validation from your care team.

• The psychological and emotional landscape of living with MS.

Join us for this essential conversation that will redefine how you view the patient experience and inspire you to find your own voice in the healthcare world.

Where to Listen / Watch
* Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782
* Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Leave a comment, Like and SUBSCRIBE!

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!
www.hospitalnews.com

More about Emily Edwards:

Emily Edwards, RN is a Registered Nurse and a highly respected expert in the dementia care space, as well as the founder of Nomad Care Consulting.

With an expansive knowledge of older adult mental health and dementia, Emily's expertise is built on years of experience, including her roles as a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant, a Long Term Care Behavioural Supports Coordinator, and an RN Team Lead for a specialized dementia care team.

Emily's unique strength lies in her ability to take complex healthcare topics and translate them into actionable, manageable pieces, empowering families and caregivers to navigate the intricate healthcare system and discover effective, non-pharmacological care approaches. She is dedicated to helping people cultivate a life worth living for both their loved ones and themselves.

Support Emily!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-emily-rest-recover-return-better-than-ever

Where to find Emily:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyedwardsbscn/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatnomadnurse/

Websites: https://www.nomadcare.ca/

https://nomadcare.kit.com/uncover?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn4bcyAvxUxhHr4TaDy1Yu6iH5VLVO7BbOmNemtDU08WrU1KmVDxw1pvoTLvg_aem_UCvO6EjkIb0Su1nZw0HNFg

In this hauntingly hillarious episode, The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley and guest Co-Host, Matthew Shepherd, discuss why every nurse has a ghost story and the rituals nurses follow religiously. From haunted hospital basements to eerie night shifts, this Halloween special explores the myths, rituals, and real-life experiences that make the nursing profession both fascinating and frightening. Tune in for a mix of humor, horror, and heartfelt stories that will leave you questioning what goes bump in the night. Did you have an unlucky room? Do you prepare a room when a code is called in the emerge and you work in ICU? Tell us your rituals or if you have a ghost story or heard one!

Please Like and SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts and Youtube!!

Takeaways

• Every nurse has a ghost story.
• Nursing rituals often serve as coping mechanisms.
• The 'Q word' is taboo on night shifts.
• Full moons are believed to affect hospital activity.
• The rule of threes is a common superstition.
• Some hospital rooms are deemed unlucky.
• Opening windows for spirits is a practiced ritual.
• Nurses' intuition is a valuable tool.
• Shared experiences create community among nurses.
• Humor helps nurses cope with the supernatural.

Where to Listen / Watch

* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

* Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

www.hospitalnews.com

Are workplace tensions dragging down your patients' care?

You know the feeling: the passive-aggressive emails, the hallway whispers, the moments of silence when communication breaks down. In healthcare, these conflicts aren't just frustrating—they're dangerous.

On this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amy-Archibald Verli dives deep into the often-avoided topic of conflict in healthcare with special guest, Lena Morgan.

Lena, a former midwife, transitioned her career to become a leading expert in communication and conflict resolution. She sits down with Amy to introduce her groundbreaking framework: "Fight Languages."

In healthcare settings, unresolved tension doesn't just make for a bad day—it can directly impact patient care and lead to burnout among professionals. Lena shares her personal journey from the high-stakes environment of midwifery to developing her framework, driven by the need to give healthcare workers practical tools for better communication.

• Understanding "Fight Languages": Get an overview of Lena's system for categorizing different conflict styles and how identifying your own and others' styles is the first step toward resolution.

• The Critical Impact of Conflict: We discuss real-world examples of how unresolved professional disagreements, miscommunications, and personal clashes can create dangerous cracks in the delivery of care.

• A Path to Healthier Workplaces: Lena offers concrete strategies focused on empathy, validation, and active listening that healthcare professionals can use immediately to transform difficult conversations into constructive ones.

• Fostering Better Outcomes: The conversation emphasizes that learning to navigate conflict isn't just about feeling better; it's about improving patient safety and cultivating healthier, more sustainable work environments for everyone on the care team.

If you've ever felt stuck in a communication loop or wished you had a better way to address tension with a colleague, this episode will give you the language and the framework to move forward. Don't just survive conflict—learn how to "fight" it.

Please do not forget to LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!

Tune in for essential strategies to improve your communication skills and transform your professional relationships!

Where to Listen / Watch

* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

* Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

www.hospitalnews.com

More About Lena

Lena Morgan is a retired midwife, communications expert, and author of The Fight Languages, a powerful communication system that helps people translate conflict and spark connection. Driven by a passion for advocacy and empowerment, she created The Overflow Effect, HealHer, and WOLFmother. All transformative programs designed to help people reclaim their power and voice in every stage of life. Lena partners with families, leaders, and organizations to foster stronger, more connected communities through better communication. Learn more at lenamorgan.com.

Connect with Lena