The Real DNR Pod

Carly Hickey, Sandra Andreychuk, Michael Hickey
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Medicine

Welcome to The Real DNR Podcast - a science-backed, candid roundtable hosted by a healthcare ethicist, an ICU physician, and a registered nurse. Together, we bring honest conversations to the topics most people avoid: aging, caregiving, serious illness, and end-of-life planning. Here, DNR means Decisions, Not Regrets. We believe the most meaningful care happens before a crisis, through open conversations, thoughtful planning, and understanding what matters most. Each episode blends medical, nursing, and ethics expertise with expert interviews and real lived experiences, so you can feel more informed and prepared as a future patient, caregiver, or decision-maker. Whether you’re supporting aging parents, navigating the sandwich generation, planning for your own future, or moving through grief, this podcast offers a safe and honest space to learn, reflect, and talk about what matters most.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 4: Say it before they have to guess: The importance of ACP

    In this episode, Carly and Sandra discuss the critical topic of advance care planning (ACP). They explore the importance of understanding one's values and wishes, and the necessity of having early conversations about healthcare values and preferences. The conversation delves into the complexities of capacity in decision-making, the emotional impact on families, the significance of financial planning in relation to aging and the necessity of documenting wishes to guide future healthcare decisions. We’ll show you how a little proactive planning can add greatly to your peace of mind and quality of life. If you enjoyed this episode please rate ⭐, review, subscribe and share! We want everyone to be having these conversations and we deeply appreciate your support. Chapters 05:08 The Importance of Capacity in Decision Making 09:22 Why ACP Matters 14:01 Domains of Decision Making 18:40 Financial Planning 21:36 The Flexibility of ACPs 23:35 Navigating Health Decisions and Advanced Directives 27:08 Myths and Misconceptions of ACP 30:44 The Importance of Early Planning and Environmental Considerations 35:57 Preparing for Difficult Conversations in Healthcare 39:43 Transformative Conversations and Family Connections 45:56 Practical Steps for ACP Resources Dying with Dignity Canada - https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/ ACP Canada - https://www.advancecareplanning.ca/ FAQs - Sandra FAQs - Carly Connect with us: E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com Join our newsletter here Disclaimer: The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their healthcare team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

    Episode 4: Say it before they have to guess: The importance of ACP

  2. Oct 8

    Episode 3: Before the crisis: Naming the person who speaks for you - choosing your SDM

    In this episode we explore the critical role of substitute decision makers (SDMs) in healthcare. We touch on legal frameworks, power of attorney, decision-making hierarchies, and practical advice for choosing the right person to be your SDM.  This episode will help bring understanding to: Honouring patient’s wishes Appointing multiple decision makers Knowing your rights as a patient or an SDM If you enjoyed this episode please rate ⭐, review, subscribe and share! We want everyone to be having these conversations and we deeply appreciate your support. Connect with us: E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com Follow Carly on @aceplanningco Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning Join our community here Follow us on Instagram Disclaimer: The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

    Episode 3: Before the crisis: Naming the person who speaks for you - choosing your SDM

  3. Sep 24

    Episode 2: DNR does not mean do not care: Understanding code status

    This episode explores the complex world of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, their history, misconceptions, and the importance of communication in end-of-life care. Join us as we discuss patient autonomy, family dynamics, medical ethics, end of life care, and how to navigate these sensitive decisions with compassion and clarity. If you enjoyed this episode please rate ⭐, review, subscribe and share! We want everyone to be having these conversations and we deeply appreciate your support. List of terms: DNR = Do Not Resuscitate DNR-C = Do Not Resuscitate Confirmation Form AND = Allow Natural Death Resuscitation = “the act or an instance of reviving someone from apparent death or from unconsciousness” (Merriam Webster Dictionary, 2026) Code status = “Code status describes the type of life-saving actions you would want a healthcare team to take if your heart stopped beating or you stopped breathing while they were present” - Ontario Renal Network Code Status Conversations Code = Often identified as “Code Blue”  ICU = Intensive Care Unit ED = Emergency Department Connect with us: E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com Follow Carly on @aceplanningco Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning Join our community here Follow us on Instagram Disclaimer: The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

    Episode 2: DNR does not mean do not care: Understanding code status

  4. Sep 10

    Episode 1: Real Decisions, Real Stories: Why the Real DNR Podcast Exists

    Welcome to the very first episode of The Real DNR Podcast - a science-backed, candid roundtable hosted by a healthcare ethicist, an ICU physician, and a registered nurse. In this inaugural episode we introduce ourselves, share how this podcast came to be, and dive into a meaningful discussion on advance care planning, end-of-life decision-making, and supporting families through some of their most challenging moments. We draw from our professional experience as well as personal stories, with the aim of creating a space that empowers listeners with knowledge, clarity, and compassion as they navigate complex healthcare choices. We discuss the importance of: ●      Starting conversations about end-of-life wishes early. ●      Consulting with healthcare professionals about advance directives. ●      Planning for caregiving transitions before crises occur. If you enjoyed this episode please rate ⭐, review, subscribe and share! We want everyone to be having these conversations and we deeply appreciate your support. Connect with us: E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com Follow Carly on @aceplanningco Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning Join our community here Follow us on Instagram Disclaimer: The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

    Episode 1: Real Decisions, Real Stories: Why the Real DNR Podcast Exists

  5. Trailer

    Trailer

    Welcome to The Real DNR! Connect with us: E-mail us at therealdnrpod@gmail.com Follow Carly on @aceplanningco Follow Sandra at @quality_life_planning Join our community here Follow us on Instagram Disclaimer: The information shared on The Real DNR Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any employer, hospital, academic institution, professional body, or affiliated organization. Content discussed on this podcast reflects Ontario and Canadian health-care, legal, and ethical contexts and may not apply in other jurisdictions. Listening to this podcast does not create a professional, therapeutic, nurse-client, physician-patient, lawyer-client, or other professional relationship. This podcast is designed to support thoughtful conversations and help listeners feel more informed and confident when speaking with their health-care team, family, substitute decision-makers, and other qualified professionals. Any stories, anecdotes, or clinical examples shared on this podcast have been adapted and de-identified to protect privacy and maintain patient confidentiality. Always seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals regarding your own health, legal, or personal circumstances.

  • 1 Trailer
    4 Episodes

Trailer

About

Welcome to The Real DNR Podcast - a science-backed, candid roundtable hosted by a healthcare ethicist, an ICU physician, and a registered nurse. Together, we bring honest conversations to the topics most people avoid: aging, caregiving, serious illness, and end-of-life planning. Here, DNR means Decisions, Not Regrets. We believe the most meaningful care happens before a crisis, through open conversations, thoughtful planning, and understanding what matters most. Each episode blends medical, nursing, and ethics expertise with expert interviews and real lived experiences, so you can feel more informed and prepared as a future patient, caregiver, or decision-maker. Whether you’re supporting aging parents, navigating the sandwich generation, planning for your own future, or moving through grief, this podcast offers a safe and honest space to learn, reflect, and talk about what matters most.

Information

  • Creator
    Carly Hickey, Sandra Andreychuk, Michael Hickey
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Carly Hickey, Sandra Andreychuk, Michael Hickey
  • Show Website
    The Real DNR Pod

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