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We Need Another Leader: Navigating Difficult Times with Authentic Leadership, Courage and Clarity

The Gritty Nurse

Release Date: 04/24/2025

Why Everything You Know About Food Allergies is Changing: Early Introduction, Testing Myths, and Health Equity with Pediatric Allergist & Immunolgist Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman show art Why Everything You Know About Food Allergies is Changing: Early Introduction, Testing Myths, and Health Equity with Pediatric Allergist & Immunolgist Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman

The Gritty Nurse

Are we diagnosing allergies all wrong? Join pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman as we debunk common myths in allergy management. We dive deep into why patient history matters more than testing, the danger of using Benadryl, and the life-changing impact of early food introduction. Dr. Abdurrahman also discusses the "diversity gap" in Canadian healthcare, explaining why cultural sensitivity and representation are vital for better patient outcomes. Whether you’re a parent, a medical professional, or someone living with allergies, this episode offers a...

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Finlay’s Voice: A Mother’s Fight to Fix Canada’s ER Crisis with Hazel van der Werken show art Finlay’s Voice: A Mother’s Fight to Fix Canada’s ER Crisis with Hazel van der Werken

The Gritty Nurse

How long is too long to wait in an emergency room? For 16-year-old Finlay van der Werken, an eight-hour wait for a doctor proved fatal. In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Hazel van der Werken to share the heartbreaking story of her son, Finlay. After being rushed to an Ontario hospital with what began as a migraine, Finlay was triaged as an CTAS 2 (urgent case) but left in a "constant state of terror" for hours as his oxygen levels plummeted. By the time he was finally seen, he was in septic shock. Hazel discusses the systemic...

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96% Vote to Strike: Seattle Children’s Nurses Fight for Safety w/ Kara Yates & Therese Hill show art 96% Vote to Strike: Seattle Children’s Nurses Fight for Safety w/ Kara Yates & Therese Hill

The Gritty Nurse

In this critical episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, Amie Archibald-Varley hosts Kara Yates, RN (WSNA Union Co-Chair) and Therese Hill, BSN, RN(Membership Officer) to discuss a historic turning point for nursing in Washington. This conversation goes beyond the headlines, exploring the dire conditions that led nurses to the negotiation table. We expose how stalled contract negotiations have endangered patient safety, fueled critical staffing shortages, and allowed workplace violence to escalate—all while the hospital remains highly profitable. But since the episode, things have...

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Dying to be Seen: The Gritty Truth Is We ALL Need To Fight for Canadian Medicare show art Dying to be Seen: The Gritty Truth Is We ALL Need To Fight for Canadian Medicare

The Gritty Nurse

As we kick off 2026, the stakes for Canadian healthcare have never been higher. In this powerful season premiere (SEASON 7 baby!) of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with nurse, advocate, and author Cathy MacNeil to discuss her provocative and timely book, Dying to be Seen: The race to save medicare in Canada.  Far from just a collection of anecdotes, Cathy’s work is heavily evidence-informed, blending raw frontline experiences with rigorous research into the systemic structures of Canadian healthcare. As Medicare stands at a breaking point, Cathy provides...

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Nursing Ratios & Union Power with Michael Hurley President of Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE show art Nursing Ratios & Union Power with Michael Hurley President of Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE

The Gritty Nurse

What does it mean to lead a movement? Michael Hurley, a veteran advocate and President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU/CUPE), joins Amie Archibald-Varley, The Gritty Nurse to discuss the grit required to protect the healthcare workforce. In this high-stakes episode, we pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to fight for frontline workers. Michael emphasizes that the current crisis in recruitment and retention isn’t an accident—it’s a policy failure. He highlights his work on the front lines of union leadership, focusing on the necessity of staffing ratios and...

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Sepsis, Equity, and the Fight for a National Standards In Canada with PhD. Candidate & Prominent Researcher Fatima Sheikh show art Sepsis, Equity, and the Fight for a National Standards In Canada with PhD. Candidate & Prominent Researcher Fatima Sheikh

The Gritty Nurse

In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with researcher Fatima Sheikh, a PhD candidate at McMaster University, to unpack the urgent crisis of sepsis. This conversation goes beyond the bedside, focusing on the social and structural determinants of health that fuel sepsis prevalence and worsen patient outcomes. Fatima argues for recognizing sepsis as a critical public health issue that begins in the community, not the hospital. Key topics discussed: The need for a national action plan to address policy gaps in sepsis care and prevention. The...

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Why Boys Need Anti-Manosphere Education: Feminism, Neurodivergence, and Challenging Patriarchy show art Why Boys Need Anti-Manosphere Education: Feminism, Neurodivergence, and Challenging Patriarchy

The Gritty Nurse

In this episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Verley engages in a deep conversation with guest Jayne Gallays about the intersections of neurodivergence and feminism. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly women, and the societal expectations that shape their lives. The conversation also touches on the role of men in feminism, the impact of patriarchy, and the importance of building community and advocating for change. Crucially, Amy and Jayne discuss the manosphere and the necessity of educating young boys on the...

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Hospice Nurse Penny on Hospice Nurse Penny on "Influencing Death," End-of-Life Myths, and The Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care

The Gritty Nurse

Does discussing death actually help us live better? In this episode of the The Gritty Nurse Podcast, Host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Penny Hawkins Smith—better known to her millions of followers as Hospice Nurse Penny—to find out. Penny is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and a "death influencer" who uses social media to combat death anxiety and misinformation. She joins us to share her incredible journey from the ICU to hospice care and to discuss her new memoir, Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living. Together, we break down the critical (and...

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Screaming to be Heard: The Urgent Fight to Save Black Moms and Their Babies (Karrie Jones and Mercedes Wells Horrifying Experinces with Birth in the US) show art Screaming to be Heard: The Urgent Fight to Save Black Moms and Their Babies (Karrie Jones and Mercedes Wells Horrifying Experinces with Birth in the US)

The Gritty Nurse

Two Black women. Two different states. One shared, terrifying experience: being ignored by the very people sworn to care for them. Why are Black women in 2025 still screaming to be heard? In this episode of The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley, a former L & D nurse and Maternal Health Expert (Masters in Women's Health) breaks down the viral birth stories of Karrie Jones (Dallas) and Mercedes Wells (Indiana)—two harrowing cases of medical racism & gaslighting that have shaken the nursing & medical world. We analyze the 54-million-view footage, dissect the latest maternal...

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Are You A Caregiver in Crisis? Discussing Support & Solutions with Ontario Caregiver Organization CEO Amy Coupal show art Are You A Caregiver in Crisis? Discussing Support & Solutions with Ontario Caregiver Organization CEO Amy Coupal

The Gritty Nurse

In this essential episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley engages in a critical discussion with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), about the vital role of caregivers in Ontario. This conversation illuminates the significant challenges faced by these essential, yet often overlooked, members of the healthcare team. Listeners will gain insight into the dynamics of caregiving and the crucial support available through the OCO. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Caregiver Recognition: Understand why caregivers must be recognized as essential members of...

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More Episodes

In a world grappling with constant change and unprecedented challenges, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical. Whether it's navigating turbulent times in the workplace, steering through personal storms, or fostering resilience in our communities, strong leadership is the compass that guides us forward.

Join us for a vital conversation on "We Need Another Leader," where we delve into the essential qualities and actionable strategies for leading with impact during difficult times. This week, we're honoured to welcome Dr. Laura Desveaux, a seasoned leadership expert, to share her invaluable insights.

Laura brings a wealth of experience in empowering individuals and organizations to thrive amidst complexity. We'll explore how to cultivate crucial leadership skills such as clear communication, decisive action, empathetic support, and the ability to inspire hope when the path ahead seems uncertain. Discover practical tools and perspectives to help you step into your leadership potential, no matter your role, and make a positive difference in your workplace, your life, and your community. Are you ready to become the leader we need?

Guest Bio: Dr. Laura Desveaux is a highly respected leadership coach, consultant, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations unlock their leadership potential. Holding a PhD and the prestigious CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) and ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credentials from the International Coaching Federation, Laura brings a deep understanding of human behavior and effective leadership principles. Her work focuses on fostering authentic leadership, building high-performing teams, and navigating change with resilience and clarity. Laura is passionate about empowering others to lead with courage, empathy, and a commitment to creating positive impact in the world.

Laura is a senior leader in the healthcare sector. Her career focuses on closing the gap between current performance and what science and experience tell us is possible. She realizes this passion through her current role at Trillium Health Partners, where she helps scientists, clinicians, and professionals identify and unlock their potential. As a Scientist, her work tackles healthcare’s most persistent problems. Her team works to understand what makes initiatives successful and how to scale them. This includes examining the drivers behind what people do, how and why things work, and the conditions that lead to success (and failure). This approach provides insights into what works best, for whom, and in what circumstances and helps inform how to effect change at both individual and system levels. She holds cross-appointments at the University of Toronto and Women's College Hospital.

In 2018 Laura founded Women Who Lead- a non-profit network that provides programming to support career advancement and leadership development for emerging and established women leaders. It equips women with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Most importantly, it is a platform for partnership and inspiration that elevates and amplifies the contributions of women and the broader community. Visit the Women Who Lead website here. Laura is an award-winning Scientist with focused post-graduate training in behavioural science. She obtained both her PhD and her Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.

 https://lauradesveaux.com

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