NBM Talks: Podcast from the Narrative-Based Medicine Lab

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NBM Talks is a podcast from the Narrative-Based Medicine Lab at Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Listen to engaging conversations with writers, clinicians, scholars, and artists working at the intersection of literature, medicine, and health. Discover the rewarding possibilities that exist when we engage with narrative-based principles and practices in healthcare. Visit our website to learn more about our work and offerings: narrativebasedmedicine.ca

  1. JAN 15

    A Conversation with Jay Baruch

    Jay Baruch, physician, writer, and member of the NBM Lab's International Advisory Board, joins us from Providence, Rhode Island to trace where his interest in story, narrative, and medicine began. Jay shares stories from his career that illustrate how we can keep these interests joined and alive. In particular, he describes the benefits that working narratively has in the emergency room. Jay also shares his writing process and some exciting news about his current writing projects. About Our Guest: Jay Baruch is a writer, emergency room doctor, educator, and Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, where he serves as the Director of the Medical Humanities and Bioethics Scholarly Concentration. His academic and creative work centers on the complexity and uncertainty in patient care and the importance of creativity, interdisciplinarity, and the arts as clinical skills. His latest book of non-fiction essays is Tornado of Life: A Doctor’s Journey through Constraints and Creativity in the Emergency Room (MIT Press, 2022). He’s the author of two short fiction collections: What’s Left Out (Kent State University Press, 2015) and Fourteen Stories: Doctors, Patients, and Other Strangers (Kent State University Press, 2007). *** Follow "NBM Talks" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact and reach of narrative-based medicine with talented guests. Visit the ⁠⁠Narrative-Based Medicine Lab⁠⁠ to learn about our work and offerings.

    41 min

  2. 11/28/2025

    A Conversation with John Launer

    John Launer, educator, writer, and retired family physician and family therapist, joins us from across the pond just outside London, UK to discuss his career and the state of the narrative-based medicine field. John shares examples from his own career where he's witnessed the power of narrative at work in clinical settings, reminding us about the importance of allowing stories to develop, flow, and breathe in order to see patients as human beings first. He also shares thoughts on the possibilities offered by AI in general practice and how it might be a narrative tool. John's recommended reading is Fighting for the Soul of General Practice: The Algorithm Will See You Now by Rupal Shah and Jens Foell. About Our Guest: John Launer is a retired family physician and family therapist, now working as a full-time educator and writer. He is also a member of the NBM Lab's International Advisory Board. John has taught internationally on the application of narrative ideas and skills to medical practice including patient encounters, supervision, and teamwork. His posts include Honorary Lifetime Consultant at the Tavistock Clinic in London and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London. He is the author or editor of ten books including Narrative-Based Practice in Health and Social Care: Conversations Inviting Change and writes a regular column for the British Medical Journal (BMJ). *** Follow "NBM Talks" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact and reach of narrative-based medicine with talented guests. Visit the ⁠Narrative-Based Medicine Lab⁠ to learn about our work and offerings.

    22 min
  3. Conor Mc Donnell reads from "What We Know So Far Is..."

    11/19/2025

    Conor Mc Donnell reads from "What We Know So Far Is..."

    Conor Mc Donnell reads a passage from his new book of poetry What We Know So Far Is... (Wolsak & Wynn, 2025). Filled with vivid imagery, literary allusions, contemplations on the role of language, and cultural references, Conor joins the revival of the long poem movement. Conor kindly recorded this reading to accompany a feature article about this latest publication, available for reading over on the Narrative-Based Medicine Lab. Published by Wolsak & Wynn, What We Know So Far Is… is out now and available for order online and from your local bookstore.

    4 min

  4. 09/24/2025

    "The Tree of Life" by Petal Abdool

    Petal Abdool reads "The Tree of Life," a poem first penned in her youth and completed years later. Listen along and trace the passage of time woven through its lines. *** Follow "NBM Talks" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact and reach of narrative-based medicine with talented guests. Visit the ⁠Narrative-Based Medicine Lab⁠ to learn about our work and offerings.

    2 min

  5. 09/24/2025

    A Conversation with Petal Abdool

    Petal Abdool shares how storytelling and lived experience bring medicine to life: from actors performing King Lear to help psychiatry residents reflect on aging to stepping into a geriatric suit to feel the physical challenges of growing older. She sheds light on how these immersive, hands-on experiences go beyond textbooks to help learners connect more deeply with their patients. About Our Guest: Petal Abdool is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and a geriatric psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She is the Medical Director of the CAMH Simulation Centre and Faculty Lead for Simulation Education Integration at Postgraduate Medical Education, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, where her research focuses on simulation-based medical education and care for seniors experiencing homelessness and living with severe mental illness. *** Follow "NBM Talks" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact and reach of narrative-based medicine with talented guests. Visit the ⁠Narrative-Based Medicine Lab⁠ to learn about our work and offerings.

    20 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    "Bannock as Medicine" by Ryan Giroux

    Ryan Giroux reflects on his journey as a Métis physician, exploring identity, marginalization in Canada, and the struggle of belonging that shaped a resilient and distinct Métis culture in this personal narrative. *** Follow "NBM Talks" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact and reach of narrative-based medicine with talented guests. Visit the ⁠Narrative-Based Medicine Lab⁠ to learn about our work and offerings.

    4 min

  7. 09/03/2025

    A Conversation with Ryan Giroux

    Ryan Giroux shares how his experiences as an Indigenous resident inspired his work to support Indigenous learners in medicine. He discusses creating more inclusive residency training by fostering strong relationships among learners, faculty, and support staff. Through narrative-based medicine, he honours the stories of colleagues and transforms them into meaningful change in medical education and patient care. About Our Guest: Ryan Giroux is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto and a general paediatrician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto focusing on urban Indigenous child health. He serves as the Postgraduate Medical Education Indigenous Health Faculty Lead at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and an Indigenous Educator with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He also serves on the Canadian Paediatric Society’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Health Committee, contributing to national advocacy and education efforts. *** Follow "NBM Talks" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact and reach of narrative-based medicine with talented guests. Visit the ⁠Narrative-Based Medicine Lab⁠ to learn about our work and offerings.

    47 min

  8. 08/20/2025

    "Teachings" by Rory O'Sullivan

    Rory O'Sullivan reads from an original short narrative, "Teachings," which first appeared in Pulse in 2024. *** Follow "NBM Talks" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact and reach of narrative-based medicine with talented guests. Visit the ⁠Narrative-Based Medicine Lab⁠ to learn about our work and offerings.

    5 min
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About

NBM Talks is a podcast from the Narrative-Based Medicine Lab at Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Listen to engaging conversations with writers, clinicians, scholars, and artists working at the intersection of literature, medicine, and health. Discover the rewarding possibilities that exist when we engage with narrative-based principles and practices in healthcare. Visit our website to learn more about our work and offerings: narrativebasedmedicine.ca

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