Capturing Essence for Care: Life Stories, Creativity and Meaningful Living

Lisa Joworski, Life Story Resource, Therapeutic Recreation and Digital Storytelling Facilitator
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  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

What if healthcare teams knew what lights you up? Capturing Essence for Care celebrates the everyday moments, passions, and stories that make us who we are—right now, while we're living fully. This podcast explores the many ways we can capture and express our essence: through storytelling, photography, video, music, autobiography, meaningful conversations, creative arts and more. We talk with artists, musicians, storytellers, people living vibrant lives, and experts who help preserve stories. Along the way, we discover how engaging with our creativity and stories isn't just about preservation—it's about nurturing our overall health and wellbeing in the present moment. Why "for Care"? Because life is unpredictable. When we eventually need healthcare support—whether for ourselves or loved ones—having our essence captured means care teams can see us as whole people, not just patients. They'll know what brings us joy, what matters most to us, and how to connect with who we truly are. This podcast is for: Anyone who wants to preserve what makes them uniquely themselvesPeople curious about life story work, personal history, and creative expressionThose who believe our identities matter throughout our entire livesDIY-ers looking to learn how to capture stories themselvesProfessionals interested in person-centered approachesAnyone inspired by hearing how others capture and share their essence Join host Lisa Joworski Lisa is a Recreation and Life Story Resource specialist who brings together storytellers, artists, musicians, advocates, people living with dementia, healthcare practitioners, and life story experts. Each conversation offers insights and practical approaches for the beautiful ways we can honour our own stories and the stories of those we love—not just for memory's sake, but for the fullness of living and for the care we may one day need. Connect with Lisa: Email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/AWEStruckAspirationsEtsy Shop: etsy.com/ca/shop/AwestruckAspirations New episodes release every other week. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation!

  1. JAN 27

    23. Seniors Making a Horror Movie: How Filmmaker Sean Cisterna Turned Rejection Into a Global Movement Against Isolation

    Send us a text Episode Description: What happens when a filmmaker gets rejected from every grant—then discovers a senior citizens fund and pitches the wildest idea imaginable? Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Sean Cisterna shares the inspiring story behind Silver Screamers, his 2025 documentary about a spirited group of seniors who came together to make a horror film called The Rug. The Origin Story: How a flyer about the New Horizons for Seniors Program sparked an unconventional solution to funding rejectionWhy nobody raised their hand when he mentioned "blood and gore"—until 96-year-old Audrey changed everythingThe serendipitous moments that transformed a short film project into an award-winning documentaryBehind the Scenes: What happened at the first script reading (hint: larger fonts were urgently needed!)How a puppeteer, a painter, and a social butterfly brought their real-life skills to create movie magicWhy the insurance company said "no" and how that led to beautiful intergenerational partnershipsFire alarms, smoke machines, and other chaotic moments that make great cinemaThe Bigger Impact: How participants went from "I didn't know I had this in me" to walking red carpets and signing autographsWhy horror audiences and aging research centers are equally enthusiasticPost-screening conversations where people share stories about their grandparents and confront fears about agingSean's upcoming international workshops teaching seniors to make films in Mumbai, Brussels, and beyondKey Themes: Community building and reducing social isolation • Trying something new at any age • Permission vs. direction: letting authenticity shine • Using humour and levity to inspire • Intergenerational collaboration Perfect for: Family caregivers, recreation therapists, activity directors, digital storytellers, anyone interested in creative aging, and anyone who believes it's never too late to surprise yourself. Connect with Sean Cisterna: Instagram & Facebook: @SilverscreamersDocInstagram: @SeanCisternaSilver Screamers is screening throughout 2026—reach out to book a screening!Watch the Silver Screamers Official Trailer Mentioned: New Horizons for Seniors Program • CAG Conference • Toronto After Dark Festival • Fantastic Fest • Hot Docs Cinema Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    48 min

  2. JAN 13

    22. Year One Reflections: Life Story Methods and Meaningful Living

    Send us a text Life Story Methods and Meaningful Living: Year One Reflections What if capturing your stories today could transform how others care for you tomorrow? After nearly a year and 22 episodes, I'm reflecting on what I've learned about capturing essence—and why this podcast is evolving to focus on meaningful living right now, not just future care. In this episode, you'll discover: Why capturing your essence nurtures well-being in the present moment, not just preservation for laterThe many ways to capture life stories: digital storytelling, guided autobiography, photography, music, and videoHow podcasting became my creative outlet and community connectorKey themes from year one: lived experiences, storytelling tools, visual stories, and person-centred careWhy I'm changing the subtitle to reflect proactive approaches to life story workWhat's coming in year two: returning guests and new conversations about creativity and identityThis podcast serves: Anyone wanting to preserve what makes them uniquely themselvesPeople curious about life story work and creative expressionDIYers learning to capture stories themselvesProfessionals interested in person-centred approachesComing in Year Two: Kristy Wolfe on my storytelling journey (February)Sean Cisterna on Silver Screamers and lifelong learningDr. Cheryl Svensson and Sarah White on the "Second Chances" anthologyDr. Angela Roberts on super agingConnect with Capturing Essence for Care: Text the show using the link in your podcast playerEmail: awestruckaspirations@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/AWEStruckAspirationsWebsite: capturingessenceforcare.buzzsprout.comEnjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share with someone exploring their life story journey! Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    29 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    21. From Love Letter to Legacy: How One Daughter's Thank You Became a Map for Dementia Care

    Send us a text Episode Description In this season finale, I'm joined by Beth Fitzmaurice, whose caregiving story became a digital story transforming how McCormick Dementia Services trains staff and supports caregivers. Beth shares what it was like to care for her mom 24/7 for five years, how digital storytelling helped her find purpose after loss, and why she went from isolated to advocate. This conversation shows how one five-minute video can create ripples of impact far beyond what we imagine. Key Takeaways • How Beth and Lisa co-created a five-minute video now used for staff training, board orientation, and caregiver support groups  • Why simple details—a singing video, a photo showing humor, knowing someone was an x-ray tech—transform care  • The isolation of 24/7 caregiving and how sharing her story helped Beth realize she did the best she could  • Privacy decisions: What Beth shared publicly (Scrabble tiles, family photos) versus kept private (hospital videos)  • McCormick's village approach: Day programs, nurses, social workers, and spa services that enabled home care  • From farewell speech to Calgary Story Slam: How "a journey only love can navigate" resonated with audiences  • The therapeutic power of admitting publicly "I keep thinking I didn't do all I could"  • Finding a video of her mom singing after her death—and wishing she'd shared it with care staff sooner Links & Resources Mentioned Watch the digital story, LOVE 'D'Common Language Story Slam"The Caregiver's Journey" - Beth's story featured in Western Universtiy Alumni Magazine (Spring/Summer 2025 issue on aging and caregiving)Previous episode reference:  Episode 5 with Kristy Wolfe - where Beth's story was first mentionedMcCormick Dementia Services (London, Ontario) - Providing day programs, education, support groups, counselling, and specialized care for persons with dementia and their care partnersFeatured Guest Beth Fitzmaurice cared for her mother 24/7 for five years following her 2019 dementia diagnosis. Her letter of gratitude to McCormick became a digital story featured at Calgary's Digital Story Slam, used for training at McCormick, published in Western University's Alumni Magazine, and shared in support groups. Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    47 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    20. Three Words on a VHS Tape: How Art Bridges What Words Cannot

    Send us a text Join host Lisa Joworski for an inspiring conversation with Juno Award-winning musician and storyteller Meaghan Smith about how songwriting became her way to process emotions and help others tell their stories. In this episode: Musical Storytelling - How Meaghan discovered songwriting at age 12 and now writes personalized songs for life's most significant momentsLearning Through Adversity - Building an award-winning career while unable to read music, playing entirely by ear despite dyslexiaWhen Songs Transform Lives - Two powerful stories: "I Know" about her grandfather that led him to write "I love you" for the first time, and "Hole," written for a widower after a profound creative breakthroughThe Creative Process as Play - Reconnect with childlike creativity—completely present, judgment-free, and authentically yourselfFrom Song to Book - Meaghan's illustrated children's book "It Snowed" and upcoming holiday concerts (December 19-20, 2025 in Nova Scotia)Listen to the songs mentioned in our conversation: "I Know" "Hole"Connect with Meaghan:  Facebook: facebook.com/meaghansmith facebook.com/meaghansmithart facebook.com/mkindpapersmith Instagram: instagram.com/themeaghansmith instagram.com/meaghansmithart instagram.com/mkindpapersmith Tiktok: tiktok.com/meaghansmithmusic tiktok.com/meaghansmithart tiktok.com/mkindpapersmith Buy Meaghan's book and/or share about it!  Meaghan's annual holiday concert: https://bellaroseartscentre.com/event/meaghan-smith/ Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    1 hr

  5. 12/02/2025

    19. The Power of Preserving Identity Through Legacy Videos

    Send us a text Episode Description What if a thirty-minute video could transform how your loved one receives care? Legacy filmmaker Liam Martyn made the shift from commercial videography to founding Everlasting Studios after discovering decades-old family films and realizing how powerfully people come alive when seen in motion. From there, he built a filmmaking practice centred on creating thoughtfully produced interviews enriched with photos and home movies that bridge the gap between healthcare teams and the person behind the chart, building rapport, trust, and shared understanding in clinical settings. You'll hear about his collaborative process—how preparation, clear questions, and promises of consent create safe spaces for candor. But you don't need professional equipment to start. Liam and I discuss how a smartphone and a few well-chosen prompts can preserve priceless history. Even filming a recipe session captures sensory details that become a family's living manual. The message is clear: preserve now, not later. Stories secure identity through change, help families grieve with context, and give clinicians a fuller picture of the person they serve. In This Episode: How legacy videos serve as practical tools in healthcare settingsCreating a safe, collaborative space for storytellingSimple ways to start preserving stories with just a smartphoneWhy filming everyday moments like cooking captures irreplaceable detailsThe role of memory as medicine in caregiving relationshipsPractical tips for organizing and sharing legacy videosGuest: Liam Martyn is the founder of Everlasting Studios, a specialized multimedia service dedicated to preserving family history and legacies. Based in London, Ontario, Liam honed his skills in corporate video production (working with brands like Ryobi and Milwaukee Tool) before pivoting in 2022 to focus entirely on emotionally resonant storytelling with families. Everlasting Studios offers high-quality Legacy Videos, Memorial Tributes, and Digitizing Services. Liam is actively pursuing partnerships with funeral homes and retirement residences to offer these heartfelt multimedia services and ensure cherished memories are beautifully preserved for generations. Website: www.everlastingstudios.ca Other Storytelling Resources Mentioned: Storyworthy by Matthew DicksThe Moth Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    45 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    18. How To End The Loss Of Tradition: Recording Personal Histories To Build Connection Across Generations With Anika Chabra

    Send us a text Show Description Anika Chabra is Co-Founder of Root & Seed, a simple and game-like platform on a mission to bring storytelling back to where it belongs, between generations, across kitchen tables, in workplaces and in caregiver and elder interactions. After two decades in the corporate world, Anika knew there had to be a better way to preserve the essence of who we are, our cultures, our traditions, our recipes, and our relationships. In this episode we explore how personal stories can preserve culture, deepen connection, and transform caregiving, with Anika. From conversation cards to secure audio keepsakes, we share practical ways to honour personhood across home care and healthcare. Key Takeaways The origin of Root & Seed and its mission to end the loss of traditiongrief, mixed identity, and why family stories matterhow conversation cards and a QR-powered app work togetherexamples of intergenerational connection that build empathytraining caregivers to use stories during companion visitsbenefits to person-centred care, activity planning, and moralecreating keepsakes from recorded stories for familiesthe role of spirituality and personhood in care decisionsResources and Links: Root & Seed - Digital and physical tools leverage light-hearted prompts to start the conversations that matter, and to honour the people and places that shaped us. What began as a bridge between generations of loved ones has grown to include caregivers, community members and colleagues too. Offering space for dignity, memory, and meaning to take root. The CBC, Toronto Star and RepresentASIAN featured Root & Seed at launch, followed by Better Homes and Garden and Rolling Stone including R&S conversation cards as best gifts in their well-shopped 2023 and 2024 holiday gift guides. With recognition from AgeWell for fostering intergenerational bonds, The Webby Awards for a private and secure method of connection and The Anthem Awards for health-forward innovation, Root & Seed is carving out a human-first, technology-supported path in a digital world. Root & Seed :  Rootandseed.comRoot & Seed Conversation CardsRoot & Seed PodcastLooking for printable convers Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    31 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    17. Revolutionizing Dementia Care Through VR Training

    Send us a text Episode Description Dr. Marie Savundranayagam's innovative virtual reality training program is transforming dementia care by teaching healthcare providers person-centred communication skills in an immersive, judgment-free environment. Her research and personal caregiving experience have shaped a program that helps frontline workers see beyond the condition to connect with the whole person, improving care outcomes while rekindling caregivers' passion for their profession. Key Takeaways: Be Epic VR uses conversational artificial intelligence to create realistic practice scenarios with diverse avatarsPersonal caregiving experience with her father who had Parkinson's disease inspired Marie's research focusResearch identified "missed opportunities" where caregivers failed to respond to personal conversation openingsCultural humility approach acknowledges we can never fully understand others' experiences but remain open to learningThe program gives gentle feedback when learners miss opportunities, avoiding shame while encouraging growthVirtual reality training reduces fear of making mistakes, allowing participants to practice difficult scenariosManagers report staff show increased confidence and better person-centred care after trainingResearch shows significant measurable improvements in communication approaches after completing the programFuture research will examine potential implicit bias in how we communicate with people of different backgroundsEven in rushed healthcare environments, small communication changes can make meaningful differencesLearn more about Be EPIC:  https://www.uwo.ca/fhs/care/be_epic/index.html Contact Marie:  msavund@uwo.ca @SamkatzCHARU on X @samkatzcharu on Instagram Sam Katz CHARU on LinkedIn Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    1h 2m

  8. 10/21/2025

    16. The Waiting Room Revolution with Dr. Samantha Winemaker: How to Show Up as a Whole Person in Healthcare

    Send us a text Dr. Sammy Winemaker shares how patients can present themselves as unique individuals to the healthcare system rather than becoming "a cog in a wheel." We explore practical ways to ensure your personhood remains at the center of your healthcare journey, even when time with providers is limited. • Healthcare systems value efficiency and standardization, which can wash away personhood from patient care • Patients need to actively present themselves as unique individuals with specific needs and preferences • Dr. Winemaker encourages patients to tell providers "this is what you need to know about me" • Working in home-based palliative care provides rich environmental cues about patients' lives and personalities • Information is a patient's superpower - the more you extract from the healthcare system, the better • There's a difference between being aggressive and assertive - learn to be assertively engaged in your care • Dr. Winemaker's "My Big Picture" tool summarizes who you are, what matters to you, and your communication preferences • Healthcare professionals also need human connection - they often feel like "robots on a conveyor belt" • Being seen as a whole person isn't just nice - it's essential to receiving appropriate care To learn more about Dr. Winemaker's approach, visit The Waiting Room Revolution where you can find more information about their book "Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest" and the accompanying workbook. Connect with Dr. Sammy Winemaker Other resources mentioned:   Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov  Thank you for listening! Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast? Text the show using the link above or send Lisa an email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com Interested in learning more? Check out my Etsy Shop Visit my YouTube channel or website Intro and outro music with thanks: Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.

    28 min
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About

What if healthcare teams knew what lights you up? Capturing Essence for Care celebrates the everyday moments, passions, and stories that make us who we are—right now, while we're living fully. This podcast explores the many ways we can capture and express our essence: through storytelling, photography, video, music, autobiography, meaningful conversations, creative arts and more. We talk with artists, musicians, storytellers, people living vibrant lives, and experts who help preserve stories. Along the way, we discover how engaging with our creativity and stories isn't just about preservation—it's about nurturing our overall health and wellbeing in the present moment. Why "for Care"? Because life is unpredictable. When we eventually need healthcare support—whether for ourselves or loved ones—having our essence captured means care teams can see us as whole people, not just patients. They'll know what brings us joy, what matters most to us, and how to connect with who we truly are. This podcast is for: Anyone who wants to preserve what makes them uniquely themselvesPeople curious about life story work, personal history, and creative expressionThose who believe our identities matter throughout our entire livesDIY-ers looking to learn how to capture stories themselvesProfessionals interested in person-centered approachesAnyone inspired by hearing how others capture and share their essence Join host Lisa Joworski Lisa is a Recreation and Life Story Resource specialist who brings together storytellers, artists, musicians, advocates, people living with dementia, healthcare practitioners, and life story experts. Each conversation offers insights and practical approaches for the beautiful ways we can honour our own stories and the stories of those we love—not just for memory's sake, but for the fullness of living and for the care we may one day need. Connect with Lisa: Email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/AWEStruckAspirationsEtsy Shop: etsy.com/ca/shop/AwestruckAspirations New episodes release every other week. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation!

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