ABOUT THIS EPISODE
205 Hospice Explained: Chaplain J.S. Park on Grief Myths, Family Dynamics, and Self-Care
Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews hospital chaplain J.S. Park about his work in a 1,000-plus bed level-one trauma hospital providing a non-anxious, non-judgmental presence, grief support, end-of-life planning, and family advocacy. Park describes guiding families from first contact through bedside crises and how the emotional toll follows him home. He discusses his book As Long As You Need, which addresses multiple forms of loss and challenges the myth that people should "move on," emphasizing that grief is non-linear and something people "move with." He previews We Are Made of Us (out October 20, 2026), focused on family-of-origin dynamics, inherited trauma, boundaries, and ancestry, and explains facilitating tense family situations by honoring each person's role. They also discuss therapy, self-care as "life itself," meaning beyond productivity, and multigenerational caregiving.
00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer
00:29 Meet Host and Guest
01:33 Chaplain Life in Trauma Care
05:26 The Emotional Toll and Self Care
06:59 Book As Long As You Need
10:00 Grief Myths and Reality
13:24 New Book We Are Made of Us
17:22 Family Conflict at the Bedside
24:46 Intergenerational Trauma and Treasure
28:07 Self Care Beyond Work
31:23 Worth Beyond Productivity
33:33 Caring for Elders Full Circle
37:19 Closing and Where to Buy
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Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information
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Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com
1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,
This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.
