Radical Nurse Talk

Conversations That Matter

Radical Nurse Talk

Conversations That Matter

Radical Nurse Talk Logo

A podcast about nurses’ communication in serious situations and illness as a radical act of care.

Patricia Strachan

The Radical Nurse Talk podcast was created to highlight nursing expertise in navigating the challenges and possibilities when communicating with patients and families in serious illness and serious health situations. Over three seasons and 35 episodes we challenged old nursing stereotypes and ideas that have continued to cloud the real knowledge and skill that lies beneath nurses’ talk when they support patients and families in the toughest of times. We know that communication always matters – even a word or phrase uttered in a moment of care can live with a patient or family for a lifetime. Nurse talk in serious illness is challenging. And it can change lives. In other words, it can be radical.

We encourage you to have a listen and be inspired!

– Patricia H. Strachan RN, BScN, MSc., PhD

A note to our new visitors: Our podcast will continue to be available across all major podcast platforms for most of 2026. As the year progresses, we will be transitioning to a new long-term home on YouTube, where the show will be available permanently by the end of 2026. We appreciate your continued support of our content!

“Radical, because language is powerful: we know it can make a big difference for patients and their families who are coping with severe health issues. Even one word or nonverbal gesture can change a life, be carried forever in a memory about a life and/or death.“

rad·i·cal
/ˈradək(ə)l/

Oxford English Dictionary

  1. (especially of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.
  2. advocating or based on thorough or complete political or social change; representing or supporting an extreme or progressive section of a political party.
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Building and Navigating Connections with Indigenous Patients – Radical Nurse Talk

This episode of Radical Nurse Talk features Dr. Aric Rankin sharing his nearly 20 years of experience working in Indigenous health care across remote and urban settings. The conversation explores building trust and therapeutic relationships with Indigenous patients through humility, cultural respect, and ongoing learning. Dr. Rankin highlights the influence of place and history on care delivery and stresses the importance of supporting Indigenous self-determination and health equity. This episode offers valuable insights for health professionals seeking to enhance their practice and meaningful connections in Indigenous contexts. Visit radicalnursetalk.com for more information and to access resources.
  1. Building and Navigating Connections with Indigenous Patients
  2. How can we talk about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)?
  3. Be Prepared Guides: How can we talk about palliative care emergencies?
  4. How can ‘nurse talk’ help people with chronic illness live better and avoid the ED?
  5. Digging Deep: How can we connect in the moments of care?