The Nocturnists
The Nocturnists
The Nocturnists podcast offers a unique and poignant exploration of the world of medicine through the eyes of those who live and breathe it every day. This beautifully crafted series shares the personal narratives and intimate experiences of healthcare professionals, revealing the emotional, challenging, and sometimes humorous realities of the medical field. Each episode serves as a portal into the lives of individuals who make life-altering decisions and face complex human emotions with resilience and empathy. Produced by The Nocturnists, a collective passionate about storytelling in medicine, the podcast not only delves into the technical aspects of healthcare but also emphasizes the human connections that underpin the profession. With a wide array of topics, from the impacts of global health crises to the personal toll of caring for the sick, The Nocturnists enriches listeners’ understanding of the depths of medical practice, inviting them to reflect on the personal and profound implications of health and healing.
Episodes
Conversations: Maggie Jackson
In this enlightening episode of The Nocturnists, host Emily Silverman engages with Maggie Jackson, an award-winning author celebrated for her insightful exploration of uncertainty in modern life. Jackson's book, "Uncertain," delves into how uncertainty affects various aspects of life, including medicine. The episode opens with a dramatic recounting of a near-miss surgical error, setting the stage for a profound discussion on the role of uncertainty in medical practice. Jackson shares anecdotes from her research, where she interacted with surgeons and incorporated neuroscience to explain how our brains process uncertainty. The dialogue reveals that embracing uncertainty can enhance cognitive function, increase awareness, and improve decision-making. This conversation is not only about understanding the psychological and physiological responses to uncertainty but also about practical approaches to harnessing it constructively.
Conversations: Uché Blackstock, MD
In this profound episode of "The Nocturnists," host Emily Silverman interviews Dr. Uché Blackstock, discussing her journey in medicine influenced by her family's legacy and personal encounters with systemic racism. Dr. Blackstock shares insights from her book, "Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine," detailing her mother's pioneering role in healthcare and her own experiences that shape her advocacy for health equity. The conversation delves into the societal and systemic barriers that exacerbate racial disparities in healthcare, highlighted by personal anecdotes and broader societal analysis.
Conversations: Luke Lortenzen and Mati Engel
In this insightful episode of "The Nocturnists," host Emily Silverman explores the intersection of filmmaking and spiritual care with guests Luke Lawrenson and Mati Engel. The episode delves into the challenges and rewards of bringing cameras into the intimate spaces of patient care and the unique perspective of a hospital chaplain. The documentary they discuss, "A Still, Small Voice," follows Engel’s journey as a chaplain resident in New York City, providing a deep dive into the emotional and spiritual support provided to patients during critical times. The discussion covers the complexities of capturing such sensitive moments on film, the role of chaplains in the healthcare system, and the personal impacts of their work on their own lives.
Conversations: Rachel Kowalsky, MD
In this enlightening episode of "The Nocturnists," host Emily Silverman converses with Dr. Rachel Kowalsky, a pediatric ER doctor and a talented writer. The discussion centers on how Dr. Kowalsky melds her medical profession with her passion for literature, particularly through her short story "The Delivery Boy." The story, which won the New England Journal of Medicine Fiction contest, provides a unique lens on the ER experience, showcasing the cultural and linguistic challenges faced in medical settings. The episode delves into the nuances of narrative medicine, the importance of storytelling in healthcare, and the personal journey of Dr. Kowalsky from a literature student to a medical professional. Insightful anecdotes and personal reflections enrich the conversation, highlighting the human side of healthcare.
Obituaries From My Father
"Obituaries From My Father" is a deeply emotional and reflective episode of The Nocturnists, featuring a narrative by Auggie Lynn Mark. Auggie shares a perplexing and intimate story set against the backdrop of the early COVID-19 pandemic, where he, a resident doctor, receives mysterious obituaries by mail with no sender information. These obituaries, sent anonymously, bring the omnipresence of death into his home, a place he considers his refuge from the chaos of the hospital. As the story unfolds, Auggie discovers that his father, a retired Lutheran pastor with a penchant for editing local obituaries, is the sender. The episode culminates in a touching conversation between Auggie and his father in Minnesota, discussing their perceptions of death and the personal ways they each keep track of lives lost. This revelation leads to a broader reflection on how Auggie's upbringing in a pastoral family influenced his career and coping mechanisms.