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Last Call: The Hospice Podcast Bar is where end-of-life meets happy hour. Hosted by Hospice Hannah, this unfiltered, darkly funny, and surprisingly heartwarming podcast serves up real stories from the world of hospice—complete with family chaos, ethical dilemmas, caregiver burnout, and the occasional ghost story. Grab a drink and pull up a stool as we talk dying, grieving, and everything your Aunt Carol refuses to discuss at Thanksgiving. Whether you’re a healthcare pro, family caregiver, or just hospice-curious, you’re welcome here. No co-pay required.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
Welcome to a thought-provoking episode where we dive deep into the world of hospice care with the esteemed Barbara Karnes, RN and a pioneer in end-of-life education. Barbara, known for her impactful work and authorship of 'Gone from My Sight,' shares her insights on the evolution of hospice care, the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and the importance of addressing death with honesty and compassion.
Barbara reflects on her early days in hospice, discussing how nurses learned alongside patients about the dying process and the critical role of time in providing supportive care. She emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to focus on the person, not just the disease, and the profound impact of spending quality time with patients and families.
Delve into Barbara's personal experiences, including her work during the AIDS crisis and the lessons learned that continue to shape her approach to hospice care today. We also explore her latest resource, the Approaching Death Support Kit, designed to guide families and professionals through the end-of-life journey.
This episode is a heartfelt call to action for open discussions about death, the importance of advanced directives, and ensuring that from diagnosis to the final moments, caregivers, and families are well-equipped and supported.
If you haven't already, visit bkbooks.com to explore Barbara's work. It's a library of comfort, clarity, and courage.

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Not Too Soon—Not Too Late: Hospice According to Dr. Tyler
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Welcome to this enlightening episode of The Last Call, where host Hospice Hannah delves into the often-avoided topic of end-of-life care. Joined by Dr. Matthew Tyler, a recognized expert in internal and hospice medicine with millions of followers on social media, they explore the realities and misconceptions surrounding hospice and palliative care. Dr. Tyler shares his motivation behind his popular online presence and offers invaluable insights into empowering families to take charge of their loved ones’ care.
Throughout the discussion, they tackle the common barriers patients and families face when accessing hospice care, including the lack of training among healthcare professionals in handling end-of-life conversations. Together, they advocate for a more informed approach and urge listeners to engage in open conversations about healthcare wishes and options.
This episode not only sheds light on the systemic issues within healthcare but also emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions to ensure dignity and comfort in the final chapters of life. Tune in to remove the stigma and fear surrounding end-of-life care discussions, and discover the power of advocating for yourself and your loved ones during these critical times.

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Breaking the Silence: Understanding End-of-Life Secretions
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Welcome to another episode of The Last Call, where we bravely explore topics often left unspoken in hospice care. Join Hospice Hannah as she delves into the misunderstood phenomenon of end-of-life secretions, compassionately addressing why it may sound distressing but isn't a sign of suffering. Learn about the importance of education and preparation for families during these challenging moments, and discover how hospice care can transform fear into understanding.

Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Embracing the Sacred and the Silly: Conversations on Death and Humor
Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Welcome to The Last Call, the hospice podcast bar where we serve deep thoughts with a twist of dark humor. In this illuminating episode, Host Hospice Hannah sits down with Cody Hufstedler, a palliative care chaplain and the host of the DTTY podcast. Together, they delve into the spiritual dimensions of end-of-life care, exploring how people confront faith, doubt, and humor in their final days.
Listen in as they discuss the importance of levity in hospice care, how humor can make tough conversations more approachable, and the common spiritual shifts people experience as they face the end of their journey. Cody shares insights from his extensive experience, shedding light on the idea that people often die just as they've lived, and the transformations they undergo along the way.
This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on how to navigate complex emotions and spiritual questions as life draws to a close, reminding us that even at the end, love and laughter remain crucial elements of the human experience.

Monday Jun 02, 2025
Welcome to the Death Olympics
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Welcome to another captivating episode of The Last Call Hospice Podcast Bar, where your host, Hospice Hannah, invites you to an unforgettable night filled with laughter, revelations, and a touch of the extraordinary. Brace yourself for the first-ever Death Olympics, a unique event celebrating the flamboyant and often humorous departures of life's final act. From grand gestures to shocking confessions, we applaud those who went for the gold, leaving behind stories that are anything but ordinary.
In addition to the main event, Hannah introduces a brand new segment, Haters in the Hospice Lounge, where misconceptions about hospice care are addressed head-on with honesty and a healthy dose of humor. As Hannah reads a particularly passionate message from a skeptical listener, she navigates through the myths surrounding hospice, shedding light on the compassionate care and dignity it brings to those at the end of life's journey.
So, pour yourself a drink and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, as we honor the wild, wonderful, and whimsically human moments that define the unpredictable journey of saying goodbye. Welcome to The Last Call Hospice Podcast Bar - where death isn't a dirty word, but a celebration of life's unique natures.

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Welcome back to The Last Call, the Hospice Podcast Bar, where we explore life's most challenging topics. In this episode, we dive into the controversial and profound subject of medical aid in dying. Our guest, Molly McMahon-Graziano, Director of Outreach for Ohio End-of-Life Options, passionately discusses the nuances and implications of the Death with Dignity movement, offering listeners a clear understanding of medical aid in dying.
Join us as we unravel the political, ethical, and personal intricacies of choosing to die on one's own terms. We tackle misconceptions, explore the eligibility criteria in the United States, and highlight the importance of legislative support for this deeply personal choice. This conversation not only sheds light on the practical aspects but also emphasizes the emotional and psychological relief it brings to families and patients alike.

Friday May 16, 2025
Terminal Lucidity: The Final Gift We Can't Ignore
Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
In this compelling episode of 'The Last Call, The Hospice Podcast Bar,' join Hospice Hannah as we delve into the intriguing world of dying phenomena. With a bedside view, we'll explore terminal lucidity – the sudden clarity before death, often seen as life's last, heartfelt encore – and unravel the emotional and spiritual complexities surrounding it. Learn the theories behind these vivid final moments, from reduced brain inflammation to spiritual interpretations.
As we journey through these sacred encounters, we'll also address the challenging reality of terminal agitation, the emotional turmoil that some experience before the end. Through compassionate storytelling, witness how hospice care supports both the light and the thunder of these life-ending narratives, always ensuring dignity and presence in the transition to the beyond.

Saturday May 10, 2025
Saturday May 10, 2025
Join us for a candid conversation at The Last Call Hospice Podcast Bar, where Hospice Hannah and funeral director Katlyn Taueetia delve into the intriguing world of funerals, myths, and misconceptions. Discover what really happens behind the scenes, from pre-planning to dealing with family dynamics, and get insights into the realities of body donation. With a blend of dark humor and heartfelt discussion, this episode promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining. Whether you're curious about what goes into funeral planning or just in for some morbid fun, this episode has you covered.