Disrupting Death

MAiD Times Two: Disrupting Death with Chris Reid

“When we're brought into this world more often than not … there's all this love coming for birthing in a human being to this world, right? And I felt like that same kind of energy  was given to them on their way out.”
This month, your hosts of Disrupting Death sit down with Chris Reid, a storyteller, military veteran, and founder of Stretch Creative, about his experiences in 2024 when two very important people in his life chose to access MAiD, and within eight days of one another. 
Stretch Creative is a content agency that partners with freelance creatives to produce meaningful and impactful narratives. Drawing on his experience as a submariner, Chris brings discipline, adaptability, and a unique perspective to his work. At Stretch, he is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community among freelance writers, editors, and designers, ensuring they feel supported and valued while delivering exceptional content for clients.
Chris is also a devoted husband and stepfather, roles that inspire his passion for creating work rooted in empathy and connection. In April 2024, he experienced the profound loss of both his mother and grandmother, who chose MAiD within eight days of each other. This life-changing event became the catalyst for his first documentary, exploring the complexities of MAiD and its emotional impact on families.
While Stretch occupies much of his time, Chris remains dedicated to sharing stories that matter, building communities, and inspiring meaningful conversations through storytelling.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.

MAiD and Mature Minors: Disrupting Death with Dr. Sydney Campbell

This month, Kathy and Keri-Lyn are very excited and privileged to explore the issue of mature minors in relation to MAiD legislation with Dr. Sydney Campbell, PhD. Sydney Campbell is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, having recently completed her PhD in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto wherein she generated conceptual and empirical evidence to inform ongoing discussions related to Medical Assistance in Dying for mature minors in Canada. As a whole, Sydney’s work aims to advance perspectives on the participation and engagement of young people, rethinking policy action and analysis with a child-inclusive lens, and improving children’s overall health and well-being in several facets of their lives, including in end-of-life contexts. In April of 2024, the Canadian College of Health Leaders is pleased to announce that Sydney Campbell, PhD was been named the recipient of the 2024 Healthcare Management Forum Article of the Year Award for her article entitled “Re-examining medical assistance in dying for mature minors in Canada: Reflections for health leaders”. Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.

MAiD and The Modern Trauma Toolkit: Disrupting Death with Dr. Christine Gibson

This month’s episode of Disrupting Death has Kathy and Keri-Lyn speaking with Dr. Christine Gibson, aka TikTokTraumaDoc, about her experiences with MAiD and her book, The Modern Trauma Tool Kit. A Family Medicine physician with academic expertise in medical education and holistic care, with twenty years of clinical experience. Through extensive additional specialty training, has become a local and national leader in education and practice related to health inequity and trauma healing. As Christy Gibson MD, she is a Mental Health Influencer on Tiktok as @tiktoktraumadoc and has published a book with Hachette Go / John Murray for The Modern Trauma Toolkit. The book is available in paperback, digital, and audio formats. It is an accessible, solutions-focused look at the stress of modern times.She is involved in collaborative research both locally and globally. A strong leader and advocate, promotes healthy communities in Canada and overseas. As founder, ED, and consultant through Global Familymed Foundation she works with Universities in resource-poor environments in strengthening and building capacity for primary care postgraduate training; with involvement in projects in Laos, Nepal, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and throughout East Africa.Locally, Chirstine integrates comprehensive, strength-based healing with social justice for those most vulnerable to poor outcomes due to social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences. She uses Social Innovation approaches towards enhancing agency and resilience, at both community and individual levels. She founded The Healing Centred Cooperative in 2020, which successfully ran a music and breath program for immigrants through the City of Calgary’s Change Can’t Wait Mental Health and Addiction grant. More recently, she co-founded Safer Spaces Training which trains professionals to create psychological safety at work. The Belong Foundation is a group of free training programs with similar intent.Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.

MAiD Grief & Bereavement: Disrupting Death with Marney Thomspon and Robin Farr

In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Marney Thompson, Director of Bereavement Services at Victoria Hospice and an executive member of the Canadian Grief Alliance, and Robin Farr, of the MAID Family Support Society, about MAiD grief and bereavement around the holidays.  Marney Thompson is the Director of Bereavement Services at Victoria Hospice and an executive member of the Canadian Grief Alliance. She is the recent recipient of the King Charles Coronation Medal in recognition of her contribution to the field of bereavement care. She is an experienced conference presenter, clinical co-lead of the BC Psychosocial ECHO project, and a counsellor in private practice.In addition to these roles, she is also co-author of the award-winning book, “Transitions in Dying and Bereavement,” and a number of peer-reviewed articles related to psychosocial palliative care, medical assistance in death, and prolonged grief.  In 2012, she was part of the international “Train the Trainers” pilot project with the Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia University and has continued to work and study in this area of grief. Robin Farr supported her father through MAID in 2021 and then joined MAID Family Support Society to help fill the gap in support for others doing the same for a loved one. She acts as program manager for the organisation in addition to volunteering as a peer supporter and serving on the board of directors. In her other life, Robin leads HR for a mental health company; she lives in Calgary with her two children and her dog.  Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant and Sadie Mallon.
 
 

CAMAP & the choreography of MAiD: Disrupting Death with Dr. Konia Trouton

 
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn lean in to learn from Dr. Konia Trouton, BSc MD CCFP MPH FCFP, about the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) [https://camapcanada.ca/] and providing MAiD in non-medical settings. 
Dr. Trouton is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Practice at UBC, and a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at University of Toronto. She completed medical training at the Queen’s University in 1990, residency in Calgary and is a Master of Public Health through Harvard University. She has been committed to social justice and patient choice throughout her career.
Dr Trouton has worked in several provinces and territories in public health and reproductive care. She participates in many research and teaching initiatives. In 2016, she added MAiD to her practice as an assessor and provider. She co-founded the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) and is the current President. She is involved in the development and leadership of several regional and national initiatives in MAiD, including the Canadian MAiD Curriculum.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Coroners and Medical Assistance in Dying: Disrupting Death with Dr. Dirk Huyer

In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the privilege of learning about the role of the Office of the Chief Coroner in medical assistance in dying (MAiD) from Dr. Dirk Huyer, Chief Coroner for Ontario since March of 2014.
Dr. Huyer received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1986. He has served as a coroner in Ontario since 1992, serving as Regional Supervising Coroner between 2008 and 2013. He has been directly involved in over 5,000 coroner’s investigations.
Dr. Huyer has specific expertise in the medical evaluation of child maltreatment and has worked with the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Program at the Hospital for Sick Children. He is also an Assistant Professor with the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto.
Since early 2016, Dr. Huyer has been actively involved in Ontario’s response to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). He led the implementation of the reporting and oversight process followed by the Office of the Chief Coroner. Dr. Huyer has continued involvement with MAiD, bringing perspective of the post-death review process to policy tables and professional meetings. The approach to MAiD deaths has continued to evolve under Dr. Huyer’s leadership, with successful implementation of a team of specialised nurse investigators dedicated to MAiD review and oversight, along with a recent enhancement of the review process through the newly formed MAiD Death Review Committee.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, and an End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life and for those who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

MAiD in the Media and in Rural Communities: Disrupting Death with Dr. Julia Brassolotto

In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri chat with Dr. Julia Brassolotto about rural healthcare challenges and how media shapes our perceptions. Don't miss this insightful conversation! 
Julia Brassolotto is an Associate Professor in the Public Health program at the University of Lethbridge. She is a qualitative researcher and a social scientist. Her research program looks at care for older adults, with a focus on continuing care, community, and end-of-life contexts. Broadly, her research interests include aging and care work, death and dying, social determinants of health, and health care ethics.
Julia began learning about MAiD during her M.A. in Philosophy and Bioethics. During her Ph.D. in Health Policy and Equity, she became interested and engaged in health services research. Years later, these interests converged, and she led a SSHRC-funded project on MAiD in rural Alberta. Findings from that study are available at www.maidinsights.com. She is the Principal Investigator of a new SSHRC Insight project that will use a feminist political economy lens to examine notions of autonomy and vulnerability in MAiD discourse and practice.
For additional information about Dr. Brassotto’s work, please click on the links below:
Project website: www.maidinsights.com
Publications on MAiD: https://www.maidinsights.com/publications
Recent press: https://www.mylethbridgenow.com/45634/news/u-of-l-researchers-receive-insight-and-insight-development-grants/
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life, and for those who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Digital Stories Part 3: MAiD Family Support Society

In the final part of this three-part episode, hosts Kathy and Keri speak with Krystle Scofield and Maureen Leier, facilitators of the digital story workshops. We also hear from six participants who created digital stories about their experiences accompanying someone on their MAiD journey. These participants were recruited by MAID Family Support Society, a not-for-profit corporation and charity that offers one-to-one peer support for those supporting someone choosing MAID or grieving a MAID loss.
You can learn more about the digital story creators showcased in this episode and watch their stories on our website: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/copy-of-digital-stories-1 or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4r28EMwF2cj86Tq-_uEGm4VXy_iyH9wc.
You can also learn more about the facilitators, Krystle Scofield and Maureen Leier, here: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/the-team.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Digital Stories Part 2: Bridge C-14 Participants

In part two of this three-part episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Lang, the lead facilitator of the two digital storytelling workshops. We also hear from six participants who created digital stories about their experiences accompanying someone on their MAiD journey. These participants were recruited by Bridge C-14, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families and loved ones through every stage of assisted death.
You can learn more about the digital story creators showcased in this episode and watch their stories on our website: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/copy-of-digital-stories or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4r28EMwF2ciKL_INHgp171ujizFInv8O.
Dr. Mike Lang is a health researcher, award-winning filmmaker, Digital Storytelling facilitator, and adjunct assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary, Canada. He has directed and produced three feature-length documentaries, two short documentaries, and three web series about the human health experience in addition to numerous health education curricula. Mike has also published 21 academic articles and facilitated the creation of over 900 digital stories (short films) with a diverse cross-section of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals around the world. His professional and research focus is on using digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking in education, advocacy, research, and a therapeutic capacity within healthcare and wellness contexts. Connect with him on all socials @mikelangstories or via www.mikelangstories.com or commonlanguagedst.org.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Digital Stories Part 1: Diane Sims

In part one of this three-part episode of Disrupting Death, hosts Kathy and Keri have the honour of sharing information about their research in medical assistance in dying, a component of which is digital storytelling, and Keri sits down with Diane Sims, the project’s only (to date) participant who herself has opted for MAiD.
Please consider viewing Diane's digital story entitled "MAiD: A Servant In Deed" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SftHzya8yI
Diane Sims is a prolific and published author, journalist, and social justice advocate, particularly for people living with disabilities and Canadians considering medical assistance in dying (MAiD). She has worked for the London Free Press, CBC Radio North, and the Manitoulin Expositor as managing editor, as well as for various federal and provincial cabinet ministers as a speech writer. Diane lives in Stratford, Ontario, with her husband, Dennis, and their cats.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of- life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.