As I Will It

Meet Benji ! Benji is an old friend and I am so happy he agreed to chat with me. Benji has ad a series of significant health traumas over the past decade. We talk health, trauma, and health anxiety in the conversation that explores near death experiences, resilience, mental health, and the struggle to live life in the present. Thanks so much Benji! *This episode contains stories of medical trauma and anxiety.

Meet Doug! Doug is a brother, husband, father, grandfather, outdoorsman, and friend. Doug is always keen to talk about all things pertaining to end of life and follows the evolution of Canada's MAiD laws closely. Listening to Doug talk about his life and the deaths of his mother and brother, both by suicide, as well as his father following a lengthy Alzheimer's battle, it is clear that Doug's interest and advocacy comes from a desire to prevent the suffering he witnessed in his loved ones. Doug also lives his life fully, spending hours in nature daily, reading, and with his beloved family. His story is one of many that can help inform robust conversations around Medical Assistance in Dying and ongoing changes to legislation. Please note: this episode deals with topics including depression, death by suicide, substance use, chronic illness, and MAiD.

This is Phyllis' final interview with the As I Will It Podcast. She passed away on October 18, 2024 and is sorely missed. She requested her 'last hurrah' be recorded before this date, as she had some final words for all the folks out there. To be remembered always, Phyllis Eileen Brodie Lynch. We have our last opportunity to learn from this amazing woman. ** This episode contains discussions about death and dying, and medical assistance in dying (MAiD).

Meet Andy! We were lucky enough to sit down with Andy at the Toronto School of Art to hear about his life as an artist in Toronto from when he moved there in 1975 until now. Andy tells us about living in Toronto, trying to make a living as an artist, before the AIDS crisis began, and the way life changed suddenly as he and loved ones started to become sick. He has experienced the death of 2 partners and the love and support of his community in managing the caregiving, loss, and grief. We are so grateful to Andy for sharing with us his fascinating and heartbreaking story of life, death, resilience, and art. A prolific artist, Andy's work can be found on instagram @andy_fabo Note: this episode deals with topics relating to death and dying, the AIDS crisis, grief, and partner loss.

Meet Shannon! We are so lucky to be able to learn from Shannon .. she experienced the sudden loss of her mother, Louise, who is her best friend, 5 years ago. Shannon shares her experiences with traumatic loss, profound grief, and what she has learned about the importance of continued connection to our loved ones after they have died. Shannon also shares strategies and tools she has used during dark times, and provides insight into what we, as a society, get wrong about grief. We are so lucky to be able to learn from Shannon. TW: this episode deals with sudden, violent loss, and impaired driving.