In this conversation on Compassion & Courage, Marcus interviews Nicole Brackett, a nurse and Army veteran, about compassionate care for aging populations, dementia, and the importance of person-centered support at home. They explore strategies for aging in place, caregiver well-being, and innovative approaches in home care.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Learn More about Homewatch CareGivers: https://www.homewatchcaregivers.com
• Learn More about DAA Now: https://www.DAANow.org
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Nicole Brackett, LPN:

Nicole is a U.S. Army veteran with a nursing career spanning over 34 years, specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia care. She co-developed the Homewatch CareGivers Certified Dementia Care Specialist Training Program with Dr. Al Power, a noted geriatrician, author, and dementia care expert. A Certified Eden Educator, Nicole is part of a global movement transforming the culture of care. She actively participates in the Dementia Alliance Optimizing Well-being Committee and its subcommittees, championing initiatives for people living with dementia. Nicole is passionate about training and development to enhance quality care for individuals receiving care in their homes.

Date: 4/6/2026

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode number and title: Episode 180 – The Future of Aging in Place: Compassionate Care Strategies with Nicole Brackett, LPN

In this conversation on Compassion & Courage, Dr. Brian Bausano shares his journey to becoming an emergency medicine physician, highlighting the emotional challenges and the importance of teamwork and compassion in healthcare. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the necessity of building a purpose-driven team, and the coping strategies that help healthcare professionals manage the emotional toll of their work. Dr. Bausano emphasizes the human element in patient care and the role of faith in providing comfort to patients during their most vulnerable moments. Join us in trying to keep clinicians in the field and taking care of themselves and others.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Dr. Brian Bausano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbausano
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Brian Bausano, MD, MBA:

Brian Bausano, MD, MBA is a Professor of Emergency Medicine and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs at Washington University School of Medicine, where he oversees clinical operations across six emergency departments serving more than 255,000 patients annually. With dual expertise in medicine and business—holding an MBA from Washington University's Olin Business School—he brings a unique lens to the intersection of operational excellence and patient-centered care. The first half of Brian's career was dedicated to educating an entire generation of emergency medicine physicians. He founded the Healthcare Administration Leadership & Management (HALM) Fellowship to develop the next generation of physician leaders and serves as Immediate Past President of the Missouri Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Everything Brian does is driven by a singular higher purpose: connecting people to their health, their happiness, and each other. His work proves that operational rigor and empathy aren't competing priorities but reinforcing ones—that building better systems is how we build better human connections. For Brian, emergency medicine isn't just about saving lives in critical moments; it's about creating environments where patients feel seen, teams feel supported, and compassion operates at scale.

Date: 3/9/2026

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode number and title: Episode 179 – Building Purpose-Driven Teams in Healthcare with Brian Bausano, MD, MBA

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus Engel interviews Dr. Toby Campbell, a palliative care physician, discussing the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare. They explore the role of palliative care, the significance of building rapport with patients, and the impact of narrative medicine. Dr. Campbell shares insights on effectively communicating bad news, the necessity of presence in difficult conversations, and coping mechanisms for healthcare professionals. The conversation also highlights the value of curiosity in understanding patients and introduces Dr. Campbell's podcast, 'Extraordinary Conversations,' which delves into the complexities of organ donation and transplantation.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Dr. Campbell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-campbell-md-ms-faahpm-0b372821b/
• Learn more about Extraordinary Conversations Podcasts: https://www.extraordinaryconversationspodcast.com
• Learn more about Palliatively Speaking: https://www.palliativelyspeaking.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Toby Campbell MD, MS, FAAHPM:

I am an experienced, compassionate, visionary healthcare leader focused on enhancing the patient experience with healthcare by ensuring that the care delivered is aligned with their values and preferences while contributing to a goal of delivering the highest quality care. My backgrounds in cognitive science and theater, medical research, internal medicine, medical oncology, and palliative care combine to allow me to be a creative thinker, innovator, and problem solver in complex and matrixed systems. I am driven to bring value to healthcare workers and patients while maximizing value to all the stakeholders in the healthcare system.

Date: 2/9/2026

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode number and title: Episode 178 - The Art of Compassionate Communication in Healthcare

In this episode of Compassion and Courage, Marcus speaks with MaryCay Durrant about her journey from the corporate world to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of compassionate communication, resilience, and the influence of nature in the workplace. They discuss the significance of orienting oneself to purpose, the power of partnership, and how nature can serve as a model for effective teamwork and leadership. MaryCay shares insights on how to cultivate calm, purpose, and joy in work, and the transformative potential of embracing vulnerability and connection in professional settings.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with MaryCay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycaydurrant/
• Learn more about MaryCay’s work: https://marycaydurrant.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About MaryCay Durrant:

Our guest today is speaker, facilitator, and change leadership and business performance consultant, MaryCay Durrant. For 30+ years, she has helped people reorient, from broken playbooks to systems and paradigms that rekindle the human spirit. From “doing, producing, and performing” to being, partnering and growing. MaryCay does this by illuminating a brilliant model, one that is alive in nature. Her work has touched thousands of senior leaders and at more than 100 companies including Johnson & Johnson, Deloitte, Pepsi, Hyatt, and healthcare leadership teams from academic medicine like The Children's Hospital Los Angeles to community systems like Health First in Brevard County Florida. Her Vibrant W.O.R.K. model is simple, refreshing - and it’s what we all need today. It reorients people to the truth that we are built for change, meaning and optimistic action. And that when we feel stuck or challenged, it’s not failure but feedback. For decades she has been asked to find ways to translate her Vibrancy Model to “every human” as our world has become more and more disconnected and machine-optimized. She has taken the task to heart and is on a mission to illuminate a vibrant path in life for 50,000 people through podcast interviews by the end of 2026. MaryCay’s fresh perspective, practical tools and sense of wonder will help you find and sustain the “congruence” which is calm, purpose and joy we feel called towards in work and life.

Date: 1/9/2026

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode number and title: Episode 177 - Embracing Nature in Healthcare with MaryCay Durrant

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus Engel and co-host Marvelyne Engel talk with Erin Williamson, an LCSW specializing in child trafficking. They discuss the complexities of child trafficking, the hidden nature of victims, and the importance of prevention education. Erin shares insights on how traffickers exploit vulnerabilities in youth, the role of technology in modern trafficking, and the significance of community support. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication between parents and children, the importance of healthy relationships, and the resources available for those affected by trafficking. Erin also highlights the necessity of self-care for those working in this field and encourages listeners to seek support if they have experienced trauma.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-williamson-5b88b58b/
• Learn more about Love146: www.love146.org
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Erin Williamson:

Erin Williamson serves as the Chief Programs & Strategy Officer for Love146. She is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and operation of Love146’s US Survivor Care and Prevention Education programs. Erin has over 20 years of direct service, program management, and applied research experience in the fields of social service and criminal justice, with particular expertise in the areas of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. She has a Masters in Public Administration and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Erin also sits on the US Department of Health and Human Services National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children & Youth in the United States.

Date: 12/15/2025

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode number and title: Episode 176 – Unveiling the Hidden Crisis of Child Trafficking with Erin Williamson LCSW, MPA

In this episode of Compassion & Courage Conversations in Healthcare, Marcus speaks with Dr. Melinda Shultice, who shares her journey from an accidental start in healthcare to becoming a leader and educator. She emphasizes the importance of compassion, active listening, and emotional intelligence in healthcare leadership. Dr. Shultice discusses the challenges of burnout and the need for personal growth, reflecting on her own experiences and the impact of her professors during difficult times. The conversation highlights the significance of being present and the transformative power of human connection in the healthcare field.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Malinda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malinda-shultice-dhs-mpa-lnha-43225052/
• Learn more about M.S. Healthcare Consulting: https://www.malindashultice.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Dr. Malinda Shultice:

Dr. Malinda Shultice is a healthcare leader, educator, and consultant committed to advancing excellence and innovation across the healthcare industry. She serves as a professor at Iowa State University and Barcelona Executive Business School, preparing future healthcare leaders to navigate complex and evolving systems. As the Founder and CEO of M.S. Healthcare Consulting, Dr. Shultice empowers healthcare professionals through leadership development and workforce training designed to strengthen organizations and improve patient outcomes. Before entering academia, she managed continuing care retirement communities, gaining extensive experience in senior living operations, regulatory compliance, and workforce development. These experiences continue to inform her evidence-based approach to leadership education and organizational strategy. Dr. Shultice earned her Doctorate in Health Sciences from MCPHS University in 2022 and remains dedicated to building an adaptable, compassionate healthcare workforce for the future.

Date: 11/17/2025

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode number and title: Episode 175 – Experiences Shape our Purpose and Drive with Dr. Malinda Shultice

keywords

healthcare, leadership, compassion, emotional intelligence, active listening, personal growth, burnout, resilience, healthcare management, teaching

In this episode of Compassion & Courage Conversations in Healthcare, Marcus speaks with Dr. Steven Goldberg, Chief Medical Officer of HealthTrackRx. They discuss the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare, the challenges of antibiotic resistance, and the innovations in infectious disease testing. Dr. Goldberg shares personal stories of compassion in medicine, emphasizing the significance of listening to patients. The conversation also touches on the future of personalized medicine and the need for accessible healthcare for all.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/segrxmd/
• Learn more about HealthTrackRx: www.HealthTrackRx.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Dr. Steven Goldberg:

Dr. Steven Goldberg is a visionary healthcare leader recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare in 2020, ranking #39. With a strong commitment to population health and financial performance, he has established himself as a Chief Clinical Executive with a national reputation for excellence.

Dr. Goldberg has a proven track record of transforming clinical operations to contribute multimillion-dollar gains to organizational profitability through enhanced revenue, margin improvement, and clinical outcomes. He has successfully led large teams of up to 1,500 full-time employees, focusing on boosting employee engagement and morale while fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment.

His strategic acumen shines in large, complex organizations where he drives initiatives that yield significant business results. An energetic and sought-after communicator, Dr. Goldberg combines a meticulous attention to detail with a collaborative approach, making him a respected figure in healthcare leadership.

Date: 10/20/2025

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Episode number and title: Episode 174 – Improving the Science of Diagnosis with Steven Goldberg, MD, MBA

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus Engel speaks with Trisha Choi about her journey from being a patient to a healthcare professional, emphasizing the importance of compassion in patient care. They discuss personal experiences of kindness, innovative self-care practices at conferences, leadership lessons, and the significance of forgiveness and recovery in personal and professional growth.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Trisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishachoi
• Learn more about The Bahay Kubo: www.bahaykuboretreat.com
• Reach out to Trisha on social media: @gametollhouse FB & Instagram
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Trisha Choi:
Trisha Choi is a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in patient experience, leadership coaching, and organizational transformation. Her career has spanned various roles in top institutions, including Duke University Hospital, Cone Health, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where she has made a lasting impact on patient care, team development, and system-wide policy creation.

At Duke University Hospital during the pandemic, Trisha led initiatives that maintained top decile patient experience scores for three years, managing a team of 100 across eight departments while coaching C-suite leaders and ensuring service excellence. She was instrumental in building cross-hospital collaboration and prioritizing care and kindness for both patients and staff. Trisha's role as Senior Manager of Patient Experience at Cone Health expanded her expertise in managing surge plans and developing communication tools for the broader healthcare community.

Her extensive experience at New York-Presbyterian spanned over 17 years and included roles in patient experience, volunteer management, and program development, including the build of the Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department unit and residency programs at Weill Cornell and Columbia Medical Centers.

With a background in Public Relations, Marketing, and Personal Assistance to celebrities, Trisha's transition to healthcare is marked by a unique blend of leadership and service excellence. She holds a Master of Arts in Change Leadership from Columbia University and a B.A. in Health Education from the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

Date: 8/25/2025
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode number and title: Episode 173 – The Journey from Patient to Advocate with Trisha Choi, MA, CPXP

keywords
healthcare, patient experience, compassion, leadership, self-care, forgiveness, recovery, narrative medicine, change management, resilience