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"
- Update frequency
- every 76 days
- Average duration
- 30 minutes
- Episodes
- 12
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
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…
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…
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 docto…
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 M…
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 expe…
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 diagn…
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 conditi…
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? Wha…
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 t…
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.
Focu…
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 C…
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 cons…