In this episode, filmmakers Barry Koch and Jason Zamer are joined by Angela Novas, Chief Medical Officer of the Hospice Foundation of America, to discuss A Butterfly Has Been Released. The documentary follows hospice nurse Allyson during the final 39 days of her life with brain cancer. Determined to turn her dying into a teaching moment, she hosts a living funeral, shares deep conversations with loved ones, and chooses a natural green burial—modeling agency and intention through the end of life.

Barry and Jason reflect on the emotional and ethical realities of documenting such an intimate journey, while Angela offers a hospice leadership perspective on what the film reveals about patient autonomy and end-of-life care. Together, they explore how storytelling can reshape conversations about death and grief.

This episode invites palliative and hospice professionals to reflect on what happens when the caregiver becomes the patient—and how narrative can be a powerful vehicle for change.

“A Butterfly Has Been Released” is available for individual and community viewing, with and without continuing education credit at Hospice Foundation of America website.

Barry Koch Barry Koch is a media executive turned end-of-life innovator whose work brings humanity, honesty, and meaning making to life’s final chapter. Through the production of films like A Butterfly Has Been Released and digital projects that enhance deathcare literacy, he sparks important and necessary conversations that families often avoid. As a Co-founder of TGBeyond and longtime hospice volunteer, he champions compassionate care, community healing, and conscious choices at the end-of-life.

Jason Zamer Jason Zamer is a healthcare technology innovator turned documentary storyteller, using film to illuminate the emotional and therapeutic power of end-of-life narratives. With 20+ years designing evidence-based interventions for older adults, he blends science, empathy, and creativity to transform how we communicate about dying. As co-founder of TGBeyond, he creates “deadutainment”—engaging, empowering content that normalizes death conversations—through tools and stories that help families prepare, heal, and connect through life’s final chapter.

Angela Novas Angela Novas is a nationally recognized hospice and palliative care clinician who serves as Chief Medical Officer and consultant for the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA). She moderates and participates in HFA's professional educational panels, provides information about hospice to the public, and is frequently quoted by major media outlets including The Washington Post, AARP, USA Today, and NPR. With advanced training from Harvard and The George Washington University, she leads with clinical rigor, compassion, and a commitment to high-quality end-of-life care.

Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN®, FAANP Dr. Brett Snodgrass has been a registered nurse for 28 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for 18 years, practicing in multiple settings, including family practice, urgent care, emergency departments, administration, chronic pain and palliative medicine. She is currently the Operations Director for Palliative Medicine at Baptist Health Systems in Memphis, TN. She is board certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is also a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. She completed a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama – Huntsville. She is a nationally recognized nurse practitioner speaker and teacher. Brett is a chronic pain expert, working for more than 20 years with chronic pain and palliative patients in a variety of settings. She is honored to be the HPNA 2025 podcast host. She is married with two daughters, two son in laws, one grandson, and now an empty nest cat. She and her family are actively involved in their church and she is an avid reader.

Health care inclusivity is more than a framework, it’s a daily practice that shapes learning, teamwork, and patient outcomes. In this episode of HPNA’s Palliative Perspective, Jill, Vanessa, and Jenn—longtime collaborators in nursing professional development and creators of Disruptor Diaries—explore what health care inclusivity truly means across education, clinical practice, and the workforce.

Drawing from lived experience in cardiovascular, neuro-trauma ICU, emergency nursing, home health, and hospice and palliative care, the guests discuss inclusive and active learning environments, the importance of belonging, and how thoughtful, aware interactions can transform both professional development and patient care. They also share the “why” behind their self-published learning guide Healthcare Education: Strategies for Inclusive Learning, created to fill a critical gap in healthcare education during a complex political and organizational landscape.

This conversation invites listeners of all roles to reflect: Am I creating an inclusive environment? What is important to this person? And why does inclusivity matter now more than ever?

Jillian Russell, MSN, RN, NPDA-BC® Jillian is a nursing professional development specialist dedicated to upholding and advancing the Nursing and Nursing Professional Development Scope and Standards of Practice. A passionate advocate for excellence in nursing education and professional growth, she leverages innovative, evidence-based strategies to support nurses at every stage of their careers. Committed to fostering inclusive learning environments, Jillian ensures that all learners—regardless of their background, experience, or learning style—feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. She actively works to break down barriers to learning by promoting equitable access to resources, cultivating psychological safety, and amplifying diverse perspectives in healthcare education.

Jennifer Bodine, DNP, MHA, RN, NPDA-BC®, CEN Jenn is a nursing professional development specialist committed to ensuring equitable professional growth for all. With a nursing background, she recognizes the vital need for inclusive learning environments that support all

healthcare professionals, regardless of their setting. Jenn brings a thoughtful, learner-centered approach to professional development. Driven by a passion for equity and lifelong learning, Jenn believes that when healthcare teams feel seen, supported, and valued, they are better equipped to collaborate, innovate, and deliver patient-centered care.

Vanessa Cameron, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CEN, CNL Vanessa is a nursing professional development specialist, a physically disabled nurse, a PhD candidate researching ableism in healthcare, and a dedicated disability advocate. Her journey over the past six years has centered on unlearning exclusionary practices, with a deep focus on ableism and disability equity since becoming disabled herself. Lived experience has made her a stronger nurse, educator, and advocate. Through this Inclusive Learning Guide, she shares insights from both personal and professional perspectives—empowering you to cultivate inclusive learning environments that promote equity in healthcare and improve patient and community outcomes. While her background is in nursing and continuing professional development, this guide is designed for use across all learning spaces, from academia to interprofessional settings.

Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN®, FAANP Dr. Brett Snodgrass has been a registered nurse for 28 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for 18 years, practicing in multiple settings, including family practice, urgent care, emergency departments, administration, chronic pain and palliative medicine. She is currently the Operations Director for Palliative Medicine at Baptist Health Systems in Memphis, TN. She is board certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is also a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. She completed a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama – Huntsville. She is a nationally recognized nurse practitioner speaker and teacher. Brett is a chronic pain expert, working for more than 20 years with chronic pain and palliative patients in a variety of settings. She is honored to be the HPNA 2025 podcast host. She is married with two daughters, two son in laws, one grandson, and now an empty nest cat. She and her family are actively involved in their church and she is an avid reader.