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Explore every episode of the podcast TCN Talks

Dive into the complete episode list for TCN Talks. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
From Good to Better with Andrew Molosky12 Nov 202500:55:28

In this week’s special joint episode of TCNtalks and Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Andrew Molosky, President and CEO of Chapters Health System. Together, they explore what it means to lead with perseverance, authenticity, and vision in times of change.

Andrew shares powerful insights on cultivating culture, navigating uncertainty, and the role of vulnerability in leadership. The conversation provides a thoughtful examination of how clarity of mission and purpose can guide teams through even the most challenging seasons.

Guest:
Andrew Molosky, President and CEO of Chapters Health System

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President and CEO of TELEIOS



Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Future of Hospice Care: Opportunities and Challenges 05 Nov 202501:02:57

Top News Stories October 2025
In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner discuss the top news stories of October, focusing on AI in healthcare, innovations in hospice care, and the impact of personal experiences on healthcare practices.  

They explore the ethical implications of AI surrogates in life-or-death decisions, the importance of equitable access to hospice care, and the role of technology in improving care delivery. 

The conversation also highlights the significance of personal stories in shaping healthcare perspectives and the ongoing challenges in the hospice industry.



Co-host:
Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Path to the Future May be the Un-obvious 06 Aug 202501:11:50

The Path to the Future May be the Un-obvious - Top News Stories, July 2025 

The future of hospice care hangs in the balance as providers navigate a perfect storm of challenges and opportunities. From financial pressures closing hospice houses to unprecedented Medicare fraud schemes, from technological disruption to changing consumer expectations – the hospice field stands at a critical inflection point that demands both reflection and action.

Join hosts Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner as they delve into the latest trends and challenges in Hospice and Palliative Care, discussing key trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the field. 

This episode covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of healthcare layoffs, disruptive innovations, and the importance of disaster preparedness. 

They also discuss the evolving landscape of Hospice Care, the role of technology, and the significance of maintaining an authentic brand in the field.  Join us.

Host
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS

Cohost
Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-path-to-the-future-may-be-the-un-obvious-top-news-stories-july-2025


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

I’m Worried About My Staff Is There Something I Can Do?12 Aug 202200:26:23

In this podcast, Chris interviews Lara McKinnis, MS, MT-BC, Music Psychotherapist and Professional Development Specialist for TCN about the alarming trend of staff exhibiting the effects of trauma due to the last two years of overwhelm largely impacted by COVID, at work and at home.  In Spring 2021, TCN launched TCNtalks with a series of podcasts related to mental health and wellbeing tools for leaders and their staff.  Now that we are living in a post-pandemic world with lasting implications and ongoing challenges from COVID, we are hearing more and more from leaders that they are worried and concerned about their staff.  This discussion seems even more timely now that we are in 2022. 

We have heard leaders say, “I know something is wrong, but I don’t know what to do for my team.”  Well, you have come to the right place to help you begin to understand that trauma is real.  And its impacts on your team and you are just as real.  Lara discusses the definition of trauma, names the primary responses you are probably observing but perhaps could not put words to with your team or with yourself, and then shares what can we do to help promote healing.  Earlier this year Quint Studer was on TCNtalks and his parting comment nailed where we are, “tools for mental health or emotional health are no longer nice to have tools for leaders, they are essential.”  Join us, this is timely and relevant.

Guest:
Lara McKinnis,
MS, MT-BC, Music Psychotherapist
and Professional Development Specialist for TCN


Host:
Chris Comeaux
CEO / President of Teleios Collaborative Network

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Rising Tide of NonProfit Mergers27 Jul 202200:28:36

In this podcast, Chris interviews Andrew Molosky and Chuck Lee regarding their recent merger of Chapters Health System and Cornerstone Hospice.  Andrew is the President and CEO of Chapters Health System & Chuck Lee is the Chief Administrative Officer and President of Hospice Operations and Board Chair of all Hospice Affiliates for Chapters Health System.  Andrew’s and Chuck’s organizations coming together (Chapters and Cornerstone) are early movers in what is sure to be a trend throughout the non-profit hospice sector. 

Andrew and Chuck share why their organizations chose to come together, and they share some of the quick wins they are looking for their organizations.  They also share some of the challenges they anticipate and their vision for the future.  Finally, they share some advice for others considering combos of their own.  This is a great educational listen for leaders and team members who are considering or might be considering or should be considering combinations of their own.   Join us.

Guest:

Andrew Molosky, President and CEO of Chapters Health System
Chuck Lee, Chief Administrative Officer and President of Hospice Operations and Board Chair of all Hospice Affiliates for Chapters Health System

TCNtalks Host:

Chris Comeaux, President and CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network


Quotes:

An effective strategic vision creates shared purpose, inspires passion and interest, conveys values, and guides decision-making and strategy. 
– Disney Institute

 

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. 
– T.S. Eliot

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Ongoing Perfect Storm - Headed Our Way11 Jul 202200:26:24

In this podcast, Chris interviews Carole Fisher.  Carole is the President of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI).  These are challenging times for community-owned, mission-driven nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations, and there are more storm clouds gathering.  Carole shares from her unique perspective the elements of this perfect storm that we are already in and continues to head our way.  This is a great listen for leaders and team members of the hospice and palliative care movement.  This episode will inform and also challenge listeners with what we will need to be prepared to navigate today and tomorrow.  Join us.

Quote:
Transition differs from change.  Change is a shift in people's situations; transition is the psychological reorientation that they make to come to terms and deal effectively with the change.   - William Bridges 

Our Guest:  Carole Fisher, President of NPHI
www.hospiceinnovations.org

Our Host: Chris Comeaux, CEO & President of TCN
www.teleioscn.org/tcntalks


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Leveraging Innovation to Improve Serious Illness Care Delivery24 Jun 202200:23:37

In this podcast, Chris interviews Christopher Morrissette.  Christopher is the COO of Serious Illness Care and Chief Strategy Officer for Teleios Collaborative Network.  This is a great listen to understand the challenges facing our country due to the rising costs of healthcare and why palliative care and serious illness care is part of the solution.  Christopher lays out how innovation, technology, and serious illness care will play a role in a brighter future for healthcare. 

Our Guest

Christopher Morrissette
COO of Serious Illness Care and Chief Strategy Officer
Teleios Collaborative Network

Bio

Christopher Morrissette, MBA over 20 years of extensive operational experience within Serious Illness Care including Palliative Care, hospice, homecare and long-term care. Christopher joined TCN when founded in 2017 and has supported the development of serious illness care models, payer strategy, Business Intellegence and the formation of the Clinically Integrated Network. 

Tools from this podcast:
Some applicable stats:

The year 2030 marks a demographic turning point for the United States. 

  • Beginning that year, all baby boomers will be older than 65 years of age.
  • This will expand the size of the older population so that one in every five Americans is projected to be of retirement age.
  • The Gross Domestic spending on healthcare was 19.7% according to 2020 data. Previously, GDP was 17% for the prior 10 years.
  • US national healthcare expenditure reached $4.1 trillion in 2020, or $12,530 per person, and is estimated to reach $6.2 trillion by 2028, per the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • This is a growth of over 50%, apply same calculation to GDP and we could be looking at minimum ¼ of the US Economy spent on Healthcare for a mediocre product.



Our Host

Chris Comeaux
CEO / President of Teleios Collaborative Network


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

WHAT DO LOVE & STRATEGY HAVE TO DO WITH CAHPS SCORES?26 May 202200:21:09

In this podcast, Chris interviews Janelle McCallum, Chief Clinical Operations Officer of TCN to discuss a very thought-provoking subject:   

What do Love & Strategy have to do with CAHPS scores? 

After many trials and errors trying to figure out why CAHPS scores did not seem to reflect what we often have heard about our “great hospice care,” Janelle McCallum created a framework called “The 5 Gems of Quality”.  It is based on two paths:  Love and Strategy.  Both matter when it comes to excellent CAHPS outcomes.  

Join us to learn more.



Our Guest

Janelle McCallum, Chief Clinical Operations Officer for Teleios Collaborative Network

Our Host

Chris Comeaux, President & CEO, Teleios Collaborative Network

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

AI Applications in Serious Illness Care05 May 202200:20:48

In this podcast, Chris interviews Jeremy Powell.  Jeremy is the founder and CEO of Acclivity Health which is one of the few companies applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in the hospice and palliative care space.  

Jeremy shares ways his company is working to help improve quality as well as utilizing technology and data to get patients the right care at the right place at the right time.  Going forward, every aspect of healthcare is going to be impacted by technology and AI, so this is a great listen to begin to understand the applications and the possibilities.  Join us.

Guest: Jeremy Powell, President & CEO of Acclivity
www.acclivityhealth.com

Host: Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of TCN


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Robots Are Coming ..... Oh My19 Apr 202200:26:16

In this podcast, Chris interviews Jack Neil.  He is an anesthesiologist, but his real passion is computer programing.  Jack has an interesting perspective on artificial intelligence (AI), so much so Jack’s company he founded, Hank AI, has a tag line “Help the Humans.” 

Jack defines what is Artificial Intelligence and then shares where he sees AI being applied in healthcare over the next five years and then beyond the five-year timeframe.  Going forward, every aspect of healthcare is going to be impacted by technology and AI, so this is a great listen to begin to understand the applications and the possibilities.  Also, at the end of the podcast, Chris asks Jack about what his favorite book is.  His answer has some pearls which foretell the timeline where we will probably see dramatic change brought on by AI and technology.  Join us.

Podcast Host:
Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network
www.teleioscn.org

Our Guest:
Jack Neil, Founder and CEO of Hank AI



QUOTE:

“One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men.  No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”   - Elbert Hubbard


BIO

Dr. Jack Neil is a pediatric anesthesiologist, computer scientist, proud father of 2 (soon to be 3), and husband to his incredibly tolerant angel wife - Kristen. He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology's Committee on Informatics and Information Technology, founding member of the ASA’s working group on Artificial Intelligence, member of the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation's Committee on Technology, and member of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation's Health IT Committee. He is Founder and CEO of Hank.ai - a company focused on creating data's front door and reducing digital work via automation. A physician and software developer by training, his mission is to create and support innovative technology solutions that maximize efficiency and free humans from screen-based tasks in healthcare and beyond.




Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Grow, Sow, Flow and No01 Apr 202200:31:49

Do your Hospice and Palliative Care Boards know what they need to know?  Today?  What about the tomorrow that is quickly headed our way?

In this podcast, Chris delivers a monologue about what board members of nonprofit hospice and palliative care programs need to know over the next 3 to 5 years for service on their local community hospice board.   Chris unpacks these problem areas:

  • The External Forces in Healthcare Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond 
  • The Economic Challenges Impeding Revenues - Coming Rate Cuts
  • The Need for Hospice Services Going Forward
  • The Reality and Impact of Heightened Scrutiny
  • The Role of Workforce Recruitment and Retention on Mission Fulfillment
  • The Opportunities that Await by Leveraging Technology, Innovations, and Imagination
  • The Crucial Role of Vision and Courage in Strategic Planning and Positioning
  • The Sustainable Models and Tools for Equipping Non-Profit Serious Illness Providers
  • The Role, Responsibility, and Requirements of being a High-Performance Board Member

Then Chris offers up a prescription for board members to challenge their hospice and palliative care programs to be working on:  

Grow, Sow, Flow, and No

The prescription is definitely catchy.  Join us and please pay this podcast forward to hospice and palliative care board members in your organization and programs everywhere.  Also let us know any questions you have after listening to the podcast.  This episode is one you won’t want to miss.

TCNtalks Host

Chris Comeaux, President & CEO
Teleios Collaborative Network

Chris's Bio

Quotes:

If any one idea about leadership has inspired organizations for thousands of years, it's the capacity to hold a shared picture of the future we seek to create. 

– Peter Senge

 

 

 

 

 

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

EDI - The Journey Before Us23 Feb 202200:21:36

In this podcast, Chris interviews Marisette Hasan, President & CEO of The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care (TCC).  In honor of Black History month, Chris discusses with Marisette what hospice and palliative care organizations short term and long term can do to focus their organization’s journey for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI).

Marisette shares great ideas about how our organizations can begin to work on the diversity of our workforce, leadership, and Boards.  She also shares some great wisdom on how hospice and palliative care programs can reach underserved communities.

Here’s a hint, it is something that harkens us back to our roots.  It’s about caring for and approaching key aspects of our communities and engaging them and listening to them.  It’s a great discussion and is chock full of great wisdom and practical steps hospice and palliative care teams and our EDI committees can utilize to focus and accelerate their organizations EDI journey.  Join us.

Guest: Marisette Hasan, she is President & CEO of The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care (TCC).  mhasan@cchospice.org

Quotes:

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"History despite its wrenching pain cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”  Maya Angelou 

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

And That's The Way It Is04 Feb 202200:26:22

In this podcast, Chris interviews Mark Cohen. Mark is the Publisher & Editor of Hospice News Today and a Principal with Cohen-Fyfe Communications. Mark shares how his background in journalism even having worked in the White House on communications and briefings as well as his experience in marketing and messaging in hospice over 20+ years, has positioned him to create the Hospice News Today.

In the interview, Chris draws the comparison of how when he was growing up Walter Cronkite was the most trusted name in broadcasting and was considered a trusted source on the state of our country/world/etc. Mark’s Hospice News Today has become the trusted news source for the hospice and palliative care industry, although Mark has some wisdom to share about calling it an industry so you probably won’t see me use that word much anymore.  

Chris asks Mark to share what he thinks are the top topics that hospice and palliative care leaders and staff need to know based on the frequent topics that arise in his daily news briefing. Mark also shares some leading topics that he sees, and Chris asks him to provide some editorial perspective based on what he sees in press on hospice and palliative care throughout the country. This is a great listen as Mark’s perspective is very well informed. Join us.

Contact:  mbcohen@cohenfyfecomm.com

Bio
Mark Cohen, Publisher & Editor of Hospice News Today, Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Read bio here:

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Complexity of Multi-Service Organizations30 Jul 202501:10:06

What does it take to lead in one of the most complex corners of healthcare?
In this crossover episode with TCNtalks and Anatomy of Leadership, we delve into the complexities of leadership in healthcare, particularly in Hospice and multi-service settings. 

Rebecca Ramsay and Mark Jarman-Howe, two dynamic leaders who are navigating the evolving world of Hospice and multi-service healthcare with vision and heart,  share their experiences in managing diverse service lines, emphasizing the importance of culture, workforce resilience, and community engagement.

Rebecca and Mark discuss the challenges of balancing mission and margin while fostering innovation and collaboration. The conversation underscores the importance of strategic planning, mentorship, and understanding regulatory frameworks to navigate the healthcare landscape effectively.  

Highlights:

  • Leading through culture and community
  • Managing diverse service lines under pressure
  • Innovating within regulatory constraints
  • The power of mentorship and planning for long-term impact

 This episode is a powerful listen for anyone passionate about healthcare leadership.

Guest: 

Rebecca Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer of Housecall Providers in Portland, Oregon 

Mark Jarman-Howe, Chief Executive of St Helena Hospice, based in Colchester, England

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

WELL-BEING14 Jan 202200:24:06

In this podcast, Chris hosts one of his greatest mentors, Quint Studer.  Quint’s talents and gifts have helped to shape healthcare for over 40 years across the US and even the world.  

Chris starts the podcast thanking Quint and wondering aloud how many organizations that have won Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work can trace the roots of their journey of great cultures back to Quint and his work in healthcare over the years.  

This is a great podcast to listen to as we start our 2022 together.  Chris asked Quint two questions: “what advice do you have for hospice and palliative care staff as they start a new year after being war weary due to COVID?”  Quint’s answer is full of wisdom as he gives 3 simple but powerful questions for team members to wrestle with.  

Then Chris asks Quint, “What advice do you have for leaders in the hospice and palliative care industry?”  Quint’s answer is why the title of “well-being” was chosen for this podcast.  Join us as this podcast is well worth your time as you will listen to one of the greatest leaders, speakers, and teachers in healthcare of all time.

Host: Chris Comeaux, President and CEO of TCN
Guest: Quint Studer, Founder of the Studer Community Institute

Quint Studer Profile:

Quint Studer is a lifelong student of leadership. He is a healthcare worker and a mentor to many. He has worked with individuals at all levels of leadership to help them become better leaders and create high-performing organizations. Along the way, he has discovered and refined many high-impact leadership behaviors, tools and tactics

He knows leadership is not easy and wants to simplify it for others. He has a gift for translating complex business strategies into simple, doable leader behaviors that allow organizations to achieve long-term success and profitability.

Quint is a teacher at heart. In fact, he began his leadership journey working with special needs children a job he loved and held for ten years. He entered the healthcare industry in 1984 as a Community Relations Representative. He then went on to hold leadership positions at Mercy Health System in WI and Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago, IL, where their initiatives in patient care led to their winning Hospitals Magazine’s Great Comeback award. In 1996, he became president of Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL, leading that organization to the top 1% of hospitals nationwide in patient and employee satisfaction.

In 2000, after numerous requests by organizations for assistance, Studer Group was formed. Over the years the outcomes firm won multiple awards, including the 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. By the time the firm was sold in 2015, it had 250 employees and had helped more than a thousand healthcare organizations move toward higher performance.

Through his work at Studer Group, he served as a role model for hundreds of CEOs and other administrative leaders around the county. During this time, he was honored to receive several accolades for his leadership. Inc. magazine named Studer their Master of Business, making him the only healthcare leader to have ever won this award. Modern Healthcare, along with its sister publication Advertising Age, also honored him with the first Healthcare Marketing Visionary IMPACT award in 2014. Around the same time, Becker’s Hospital Review recognized him as one of the 40 smartest people in healthcare.

Quint made a lasting contribution to healthcare by connecting patient care to the concept of customer service. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center Vice President of Patient Experience Cyndi Tierney was quoted as saying that Quint put patient experience “on the map.”

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Important Need to Know for Non-Profit Hospice Boards (Episode 2)16 Dec 202100:20:02

In this podcast (Episode 2 of 2) Chris continues his interview with Kent Anderson, President/CEO, Ohio’s Hospice.  Kent is one of the most strategic minds in the hospice and serious illness world.  In this riveting 2-part series Kent shares a great framework for nonprofit Boards in the hospice and palliative care space to consider.  In this episode Chris asks Kent to elaborate how Boards can do two things which seem in opposition to one another which is ensure risk is mitigated while at the same time funding and approving innovations and strategic investments.  Kent’s closing comments are inspiring to hospice and palliative care staff and Board members alike.  Join us, this will be time well spent for hospice and palliative care leaders and staff and please pay it forward to your Boards.  It will be well worth 20 minutes of their time.

Quote:
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."  - Peter Drucker

TCNtalks Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN
www.teleioscn.org

Guest:
Kent Anderson, President / CEO, Ohio's Hospice
www.OhiosHospice.org

Bio:

KENT ANDERSON, FACHE, MBA/MHA

As CEO of Ohio’s Hospice, Kent Anderson leads a compassionate team intensely focused on celebrating life and helping people live their final days on their own terms, with dignity and quality. 

Kent views his most important role as making sure the organization’s compass is pointed true north. Ohio’s Hospice takes an approach to care that deeply values both the spiritual and emotional needs of each patient, as well as the physical ones.

As the son of a retired lieutenant colonel, Kent learned that leadership is about influence — and to lead is to serve, to never come from a place of position or title. He loves the community of engagement and compassion we’ve built within the Ohio’s Hospice organization.

Kent is a healthcare executive with over 20 years of senior leadership/executive experience in home-based multi-site healthcare operations, from start-up operations to daily census management of 2000 plus patients.

Kent proudly served in the United States Army as UH-60 “Blackhawk” combat helicopter pilot, where he graduated as the Honor Graduate of his flight school training class.  He also served as Company Executive Officer, Company Operations Officer and Assistant Operations Officer for the Combat Aviation Battalion.

Away from work, Kent is always up for learning and enjoys everything from courses on wine tasting to spontaneous weekend road trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

Kent is married to his wife, Teri and they have two children, son Joshua, a member of the United States Air Force and daughter Rebecca, a graduate of The Ohio State University. They also have two Sheep-a-doodles, Bexar, and Buckeye. 

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Important Need to Know for Non-Profit Hospice Boards (Episode 1)30 Nov 202100:20:41

In this podcast (Episode 1 of 2) Chris interviews Kent Anderson, President / CEO, Ohio’s Hospice.  Kent is one of the most strategic minds in the hospice and serious illness world.  In this riveting interview Kent shares a great framework for nonprofit Boards in the hospice and palliative care space to consider.  There was so much great content this will be a two-part series.  Chris and Kent also discuss the hyper competition coming at hospice and palliative care programs and how Boards can perform their fiduciary duty while at the same time endorsing nimbleness and innovation which is crucial for hospice and palliative care programs to be relevant for where the puck is headed in healthcare.  Join us and pay this podcast forward to your Boards.  It will be well worth 20 minutes of their time.

Quote:
If any one idea about leadership has inspired organizations for thousands of years, it's the capacity to hold a shared picture of the future we seek to create. - Peter Senge

TCNtalks Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN
www.teleioscn.org

Guest:
Kent Anderson, President / CEO, Ohio's Hospice
www.OhiosHospice.org

Bio:

KENT ANDERSON, FACHE, MBA/MHA

As CEO of Ohio’s Hospice, Kent Anderson leads a compassionate team intensely focused on celebrating life and helping people live their final days on their own terms, with dignity and quality. 

Kent views his most important role as making sure the organization’s compass is pointed true north. Ohio’s Hospice takes an approach to care that deeply values both the spiritual and emotional needs of each patient, as well as the physical ones.

As the son of a retired lieutenant colonel, Kent learned that leadership is about influence — and to lead is to serve, to never come from a place of position or title. He loves the community of engagement and compassion we’ve built within the Ohio’s Hospice organization.

Kent is a healthcare executive with over 20 years of senior leadership/executive experience in home-based multi-site healthcare operations, from start-up operations to daily census management of 2000 plus patients.

Kent proudly served in the United States Army as UH-60 “Blackhawk” combat helicopter pilot, where he graduated as the Honor Graduate of his flight school training class.  He also served as Company Executive Officer, Company Operations Officer and Assistant Operations Officer for the Combat Aviation Battalion.

Away from work, Kent is always up for learning and enjoys everything from courses on wine tasting to spontaneous weekend road trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

Kent is married to his wife, Teri and they have two children, son Joshua, a member of the United States Air Force and daughter Rebecca, a graduate of The Ohio State University. They also have two Sheep-a-doodles, Bexar, and Buckeye. 


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Lessons In Leadership12 Nov 202100:20:43

In this podcast Chris interviews Matt Challberg, the founder and CEO of Tallio.  Matt started to publish the “Leadership Letter” in mid-2019, which consists of interviews with some of the top leaders in the home health, hospice, and palliative care industry in the U.S.  Over these past 3 years Matt has harvested valuable leadership insights and he pays them forward in this great discussion with Chris.  Please join us if you are a leader today and join us if you see leadership in hospice and palliative care in your future, which my hope for all of our listeners because even good IDG team members are leaders as they lead the patient and family on the journey of their care plan.  Enjoy!

Our Guest: Matt Challberg, Founder and CEO of Tallio
www.tallio.co

Host: Chris Comeaux, CEO and President of TCN
https://www.teleioscn.org/chriscomeaux




Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Benefits Of Benefits19 Oct 202100:20:52

In this podcast Chris interviews Jason Bradshaw who is an Employee Benefits Consultant with USI Insurance Services.  Chris and Jason discuss the strategy of employee benefits amidst the challenging environment of a tight labor force.   Jason shares the challenges facing employers and what he sees organizations doing to address those challenges as well as some innovative ideas in the market place.  This is a good listen for both leaders and staff because benefits is a key area that it truly takes a village to understand the challenges and potential solutions.  And here is a hint as to the content, communication is key between the organization leaders and staff to navigate these challenges.  Join us for this interesting podcast on the “Benefits of Benefits.”

Guest:  Jason Bradshaw, Employee Benefits Consultant with USI Insurance Services

Quote:  “You need a culture that high-fives small and innovative ideas.”
- Jeff Bezos


Jason Bradshaw’s Profile:

Jason Bradshaw is an Employee Benefits Consultant with USI InsuranceServices, in the Charlotte, NC office and has over 17 years of experiencein the insurance industry.  Jason is responsible for the strategy and oversightof all facets of an employer’s group benefit plans, from seamless implementationof new benefits, to the analysis, review and maintenance of existing plans.    Jason also focuses on full market analysis, innovative cost strategies,employee communications, and lifting day-to-day burdens off the HR team.  
 
Prior to joining USI Insurance Services in 2017, Jason primarily worked for BlueCross Blue Shield of NC where he served as Account Manager and was responsible for the retention, servicing and strategy for existing clients and brokers.

www.usi.com

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Make A Difference10 Sep 202100:19:33

In this podcast Chris interviews Andy Baxter, the founder of the Cunniff-Dixon Foundation.  The Cunniff-Dixon Foundation was founded out of Andy’s endeavor to make a difference after having experienced one of life’s greatest challenges.  His wife Carley died after a three-year battle with breast cancer.  Reflecting on that experience as he talked to others Andy realized his wife’s experience of care and passing peacefully at home was a unique one thankfully due to the oncologist they were blessed with Dr. Peter Dixon.  Hence the Dixon in the Cunniff-Dixon Foundation name.  

Andy shares that story and the focus and mission of the foundation including some of their more recent work in the area of Advanced Directives with their co-developed tool “Planning my Way.”  Andy also pays forward to hospice and palliative care professionals what he learned during his wife’s illness as well the learning from his foundation’s great work in the hospice and palliative care space.  

Andy has great wisdom to share so tune in because there are some great pearls in this episode of “TCNtalks.” Join us. 

Guest: Andy Baxter

Host: Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

Andy Baxter Bio:

Matthew A. (Andy) Baxter was born in New York City in 1942, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Yale University and the Amos Tuck School of Business, he had a career in finance in New York. In 2005, his wife Carley Cunniff died from breast cancer. Baxter created the Cunniff-Dixon Foundation, honoring his late wife and Dr. Peter Dixon, the physician who had guided Andy and Carley through the last stages of her life.

The mission of Cunniff-Dixon is to enrich the physician-patient relationship at the end of life, to educate individual physicians and inspire them to provide the kind of care at the end of life that we all wish for ourselves and our loved ones. 

To that end, the foundation has sponsored continuing medical education symposiums on end-of-life care, has co-sponsored with The American College of Surgeons a curriculum on end-of-life care for surgical residents, and has sponsored the Hastings Cunniff-Dixon Physician awards. Since 2007, these awards have been given to 39 physicians from across the United States. The awards are now granted every other year, with 3 awards to early career physicians, and 1 each to a mid-career physician and a senior clinician. The recipients of these awards, together with the selection committee that determines the recipients, collectively represent the best and the brightest of palliative care leadership in this country, and perhaps the world.

Since 2018, the Foundation has been working on its contribution to advance care planning. Planning My Way ….A Guide for Future Health Care Decisions is an educational resource designed to help patients and patient families with advance care planning.

Cunniff-Dixon Foundation 
www.cunniffdixon.org

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

COVID 19 UPDATE26 Aug 202100:59:34

In this podcast guest host, Janelle McCallum, interviews TCN’s Dr. John Morris, Pulmonologist & Serious Illness physician about the most important things to know about COVID-19 today.

By popular request, he is now available to a wider audience as he brings data and wise clinical discernment to the complicated topics regarding COVID and vaccinations.  His background in critical care and palliative care makes him a perfect translator to interpret and help guide us during these confusing times.


Guest Host: Janelle McCallum
www.teleioscn.org/janellemccallum

Guest: John Morris, MD
www.teleioscn.org/johnmorris

www.teleioscn.org/tcntalks

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Wisdom of Being a Woman……Leader19 Aug 202100:16:53

In this podcast, Chris interviews Dr. Rebecca Heiss, PhD, and CEO/Founder of icueity, LLC.  Rebecca is a stress physiologist and uses her background in science to create a space for women to become the leaders they were meant to be and to realize and live their purposes beyond the fear, stress, and anxiety that tends to take them off course.  In this podcast, Chris discusses with Rebecca her program “the Fearless Accelerator.”  While this might seem to apply to only women who have leadership positions today in the hospice and palliative care space you will quickly see the wisdom Rebecca has to share applies to women working throughout hospice, palliative care, serious illness space, and every facet of life.  

 Join us - this podcast will inspire you, and also make you want to go and learn more about the wisdom Rebecca is sharing.  For the men in our listening audience while you might think you can skip this one, if you have a woman in your life, it is informative, and also the wisdom applies to you as well.  You will enjoy this one so please join us. 

TCNtalks Host:  Chris Comeaux, MLAS, CPAPresident / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network.

Guest: Dr Rebecca Heiss, CEO / Founder icueity, LLC.  Keynote Speaker & Author

www.rebeccaheiss.com

TheFearlessTheory.com/FearlessAccelerator

www.icueity.com





Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Voice of the Patient22 Jul 202100:21:34

Guest:

Keith Taylor, the founder of strengthafterstroke.com

In this podcast Chris interviews Keith Taylor.  Keith was a thriving businessman and then had a huge curveball thrown his way as he had a stroke.  Keith was struggling during that time with his cause and purpose because the aftereffects of the stroke upended his life and his career.  Now several years later Keith has turned that challenge into a new purpose helping people who have had strokes recover via his unique BASE program and via Keith’s coaching.  Chris invited Keith because as hospice and palliative care professionals we often don’t get to hear the voice of the patient, their story, and their perspective.  Keith’s story is an inspiring one and also an informative one to many of us who dedicate so much of our time and talent to caring for others.  Give this a listen as it will be informative and also inspirational.  Join us. 

BASE = Belief Attitude Strength Energy 

Wisdom Quote:

Too many hospices take for granted and assume that they are providing excellent care.  However, the quality, constancy, and perceived value is completely determined by the individuals performing the visits.  Most patients will not complain even if they have had a less than ideal experience. – Andrew Reed

www.strengthafterstroke.com

Links to references:

https://www.facebook.com/strengthafterstroke/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9s3-mzBOgZ-sxHio442ksg

https://www.instagram.com/strengthafterstroke/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/strengthafterstroke/



Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Innovations: A Look Behind And A Look Ahead25 Jun 202100:20:02

In this podcast Chris interviews Dr. Janet Bull whom he  has worked with throughout much of his career at Four Seasons.  In this podcast Dr. Bull reviews innovations, she is most proud of and what she learned from them throughout her illustrious career in hospice and palliative care.  Dr. Bull also shares a creative thinking framework:  Ideation, Inspiration, and Implementation which all of us can use.   Finally,  Dr. Bull takes our listeners through a visualization exercise with a look towards the future.  You will enjoy this one so please join us. 

Dr Janet Bull's Bio

Janet Bull, MD, MBA, FAAHPM is the Chief Medical Officer Emerita/Chief Innovations Officer at Four Seasons Compassion for Life and holds a consultant assistant professorship at Duke University Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the AAHPM, board certified in hospice and palliative medicine and holds a hospice medical director certification.  Janet has authored or coauthored several papers on  palliative care operations, telehealth, billing issues, and quality data reporting. She helped develop the QDACT (Quality Data Assessment Collection Tool), co-directed the Global Palliative Care Quality Alliance, and is on the board of the Palliative Care Quality Collaborative. She directs the research department at Four Seasons and has served as the Principal Investigator on over 45 clinical trials in hospice and palliative medicine. She is Program Director of the Palliative Care Immersion Course and a principal of Four Seasons Consulting Group, which offers consulting services in hospice, palliative care, and research.  Janet was the recipient of the Sharon O. Dixon Award in 2007, the Cuniff-Dixon Hastings Award in 2012, and the Josephino Magno Distinguished Physician Award in 2013. In 2014, she was recognized as one of the Top 30 Visionaries in the Field award by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) and served as Principal Investigator on the 2014-17 Center of Medicare Innovations Grant demonstrating the value of palliative care.  She was President of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) in 2017 and was as a core team member on the development of the Alternative Payment Model for Serious Illness Care for AAHPM..  

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

A Strategic Path Forward for Hospice and Palliative Care with Dr. Ira Byock23 Jul 202501:02:20

Is Hospice Care losing its soul?  Dr. Ira Byock thinks so, and after months of soul-searching work, he's offering us the roadmap back to our roots.

In this episode, Dr. Ira Byock discusses the current state of Hospice and Palliative Care, emphasizing the need for reform and improvement in the field.  He and Chris spend time unpacking Dr. Byock’s recently released seminal work, “A Strategic Path Forward for Hospice and Palliative Care: A White Paper on the Potential Future of the Field

This conversation tackles the uncomfortable truth: corporatization is eroding the core values of our field.  Dr. Byock highlights the challenges posed by the corporatization of healthcare, particularly in hospice and palliative care, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality care for patients and their families.  Dr. Byock presents a strategic framework that all of us in hospice and palliative care can draw from to chart a path forward. That framework includes:

  1. Publishing clear clinical and programmatic standards
  2. Making meaningful data readily available
  3. Driving quality-based competition
  4. Embracing the field’s authentic brand of expert care that fosters well-being for patients and their families

This episode is more than a discussion—it’s a wake-up call for every leader, clinician, and team member in Hospice and Palliative Care.  Listen now.  Share it with your Board.  And be part of the movement to safeguard the future of this essential work.

Guest: Dr. Ira Byock, MD, FAAHPM, is a leading palliative care physician, author, and public advocate for improving care through the end of life

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/a-strategic-path-forward-for-hospice-and-palliative-care-with-dr.-ira-byock

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Thrive Even Amidst Adversity09 Jun 202100:19:14

In this podcast Chris interviews Meridith Elliott Powell who is an internationally known business strategist, keynote speaker, and award-winning author with expertise in business growth, sales, and leadership strategies.  She has just released her new book Thrive:  Strategies to Turn Uncertainty to Competitive Advantage.  In this podcast Chris discusses Meridith’s new book and how this book applies to hospice and palliative care leaders and staff not just at the organization level but at the individual level as well.  There is one thing certain as we move forward, the future is uncertain but that does not have to be a negative and Meridith shares how history results in opportunity and innovation even amidst adversity and maybe even because of it.  Meridith shares great wisdom from her many years of coaching, Leaders and staff alike will enjoy the pearls.

www.meridithelliottpowell.com
www.valuespeaker.com

Guest: Meridith Elliott Powell
Host: Chris Comeaux

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

An Imagined Locker Room Talk from the Pioneers of the Industry27 May 202100:22:01

In this podcast Chris interviews Patrice "Patti" Moore, APRN, MSN President and Founder of The Watershed Group.  This is a podcast all hospice leaders and staff would benefit from listening to.  Patti is the bridge between the Pioneer Generation of leaders who helped lead hospice from its infancy in the 1980’s into the present day leaders like Chris and others.  From this unique perspective Patti answers this one question Chris asks her, “Patti imagine a locker room talk between 5 Pioneers of hospice and the present day leaders in hospice and palliative care and the new up and coming leaders, what wisdom would those pioneers have to share?”  Patti’s choice of 5 pioneers and her very informed answer is packed with pearls and is definitely worth the listen because sometimes you have to look back to go forward.  Join us, this will be an episode you don’t want to miss.

Host: Chris Comeaux, President and CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network
Guest: Patrice "Patti" Moore APRN, MSN President and Founder | The Watershed Group

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Using Your Armor12 May 202100:20:23

In this podcast Chris interviews Dawn F. Landry who recently wrote about her “care coaching” (her self-defined term about caregiving) journey in her first book ARMORED.  Dawn and Chris graduated high school together 33 years ago in rural, south Louisiana.  In this interview Dawn shares her unique wisdom and experience having been a Corporate Executive Coach and having gone through several health battles and caregiving experiences with her husband Daran.  Due to these unique circumstances of events and life experiences, Dawn weaves her gift of storytelling, her coaching tools, and her experience as a caregiver into an incredible working guide and memoir that benefits caregivers everywhere, including in the hospice and palliative care world.  Join us.

Dawn F. Landry is an award-winning and respected business professional. She has spent over half of her 28-year career in Houston's corporate real estate industry, excelling in business development and marketing leadership positions within the region's largest economic development organization, as well as international commercial construction companies. In February 2017, Dawn founded Authentizity, LLC, as an independent B2B growth strategist and a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach to provide consulting, training, and coaching services that optimize technical teams' engagement and productivity. 

In 2020, she authored, self-published, and released her bestselling book, ARMOREDARMORED is a memoir, a love story, and ultimately a practical leadership guide to managing crisis on your own terms. Equipped with her leadership and technical services career, and with strategic thinking and communication abilities, Landry successfully supported her husband, Daran, through three major life-threatening illnesses. Unconventional, imperfect, determined, yet humorously self-aware, Landry proves that by leaning into our individual backgrounds and capabilities, we all have the power within us to courageously motivate and be an advocate for those under our charge.

ARMORED is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/author/dawnflandry, as well as at www.dawnflandry.com.  URL:  www.authentizity.com and www.dawnflandry.com





 

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

We Were Friends, Now I Am Your Leader, Now What?28 Apr 202100:21:44

In this podcast Chris interviews Christine Lau RN, LCSW, APHSW-C.  They talk about a frequent challenge hospice and palliative care staff face now that our industry is 40+ years old which is – “We were friends and now I am their leader.”  Christine shares from her experience through almost 20 years of going from staff level positions in multiple disciplines and growing into leadership positions how truly embracing a paradigm of servant leadership, setting some rules or boundaries, open and honest conversations, and utilizing role descriptions all are part of how to be successful in this transition.  This is a great listen for staff and leaders throughout the hospice and palliative care industry.  Join us.

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Imagine that the Pain is the doorway15 Apr 202100:20:40

In this episode of TCN Talks, Lara McKinnis brings together her training in psychotherapy, music therapy, and somatic therapy in a beautiful way.  Chris and Lara discuss what is going on with our hospice and palliative care team members in terms of trauma.  Lara unpacks that we all have these “shadow” parts of us that are underlying and further that we are indoctrinated not to digest and process these parts.  But, if we do process them, then the journey has a positive and powerful influence on us and how we show up in all aspects of our life.  TCN has begun to refer to this as the “Art of showing up.”  How we show up has always been a challenge; however, we continue to learn just how much COVID has exposed all the ways we have not been dealing with the parts of us that we don’t want to see.  This is a great discussion regarding how each of us can go where society and tradition have told us not to go, our emotions and our body.  By exploring that territory, the pain truly can be the doorway to healing. Healing our deeper wounds has the potential to transcend every aspect of our life, far beyond our work as hospice and palliative care professionals.  Join us.

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

COMPASSION, SELF-COMPASSION, MINDFULNESS01 Apr 202100:22:31

In this podcast Chris interviews Dr. Rohini Kanniganti furthering two prior podcasts where we discussed what is going on with our healthcare workers out of care and concern for them dealing with the strains the pandemic has brought on. 

Dr. Kanniganti brings her wisdom, presence, and thoughts around compassion, self-compassion, and mindfulness.  Dr. Kanniganti believes these three states of being are being essential to healthcare workers living their cause and purpose, not just now due to the pandemic, but at all times due to the nature of the work in healthcare and especially for hospice and palliative care workers.  Just listening to Dr. Kanniganti has a calming effect on you, the key is where does that come from?  And how do we harness that wisdom for daily presence in our roles?  Hint:  it is not about doing more stuff and it has something to do with institutionalized love.

Host
Chris Comeaux, MLAS, CPA, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

Guest
Dr. Rohini Kanniganti 


 

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Resiliency, Hope, and Gratitude are the Answer02 Mar 202100:24:12

In this podcast Chris interviews Dr. Elizabeth Burpee, a Hospice and Palliative Medicine who also works in Research with Four Seasons.  We continue to see staff stressed and some even describing what they are experiencing in hospice and palliative care as burnout.  Dr. Burpee was already researching prior to COVID via Project Echo what is occurring in the hospice and palliative care field and through that research sees that Resiliency is the key.  She shares strategies and resources that are making a difference for many in the field.  She also shares how hope and gratitude are key to the path of resiliency.

Host
Chris Comeaux, MLAS, CPA, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

Guest
Elizabeth K Burpee, MD, Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Medicine Research & Clinical Physician

RESOURCES:

CAPC
https://www.capc.org/covid-19/emotional-ppe/

ELNEC
https://www.aacnnursing.org/ELNEC/COVID-19

TEND
https://www.tendacademy.ca/

Grief website
https://grief.com/

Tiny Survival Guide
https://traumastewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Survival-Guide-PDF.pdf

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Covid Vaccine - Straight Forward Answers11 Feb 202100:21:40

In this podcast Chris Comeaux interviews Dr. John Morris, Pulmonologist and Hospice & Palliative Care physician about the COVID vaccine.  Dr. Morris has conducted several informational webinars for hospice and palliative staff throughout the TCN network.  Here is a common comment we have heard after those webinars, “Staff was concerned and not planning on getting the vaccine and after the webinar by Dr. Morris staff were asking how do I move forward to get the vaccine?”  In this podcast Dr. Morris gives straight forward answers regarding why it is important to get vaccinated.  He also debunks several myths being passed along via social media and the internet.  

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

From Burnout to Breakthrough19 Jan 202100:25:27

In our initial TCN Talks podcast Chris interviews John Locke.  John is with DHG where he heads up their executive coaching program.  John has unique experience and training in the area of applying learning from how high performance athletes take care of themselves to perform at a higher level.  Surprisingly there is simple applicable wisdom that hospice, palliative care, and serious illness professionals can apply to their daily lives to maintain their edge and live their cause and purpose which is timely, relevant information due to the challenges COVID have brought all of us working in healthcare.

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

No BS Marketing with Dave Mastovich16 Jul 202500:53:18

What if everything you thought you knew about marketing was completely wrong? Dave Mastovich, founder and CEO of MASSolutions and author of the Amazon bestseller "No Bullshit Marketing," challenges conventional wisdom in this eye-opening conversation about the true nature of effective marketing. 

Dave emphasizes the need for organizations to understand their customers deeply and to gather insights systematically to craft compelling marketing strategies. The discussion also highlights the significance of storytelling in marketing and how aligning the organization's purpose with customer needs can lead to more effective marketing outcomes. 

Chris and Dave also discuss the importance of aligning client expectations with strategic execution, the necessity of authentic messaging, and the unique challenges faced in healthcare marketing.  

The conversation concludes with actionable insights on leveraging customer voices and the power of compound messaging to drive growth.  Join us, this is a great listen.

Guest: Dave Mastovich,  founder and CEO of MASSolutions

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership/no-bs-marketing-with-dave-mastovich

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Plans of Care, Ethics, Robotics, and more! Top News Stories, June 202502 Jul 202501:04:18

What makes Hospice special isn't magic—it's the masterful implementation of coordinated care plans that align interdisciplinary teams with patient priorities.  This month's deep dive into June's most critical Hospice and Palliative Care developments explores how this "secret sauce" remains simultaneously the heart of our philosophy and our most common survey deficiency.  

In this episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics, discuss relevant top news stories in Hospice and Palliative Care for June.

They also explore technology's dual-edged potential, suggesting that AI and robotics should enhance, rather than replace, the human elements of Hospice Care.  As Daniel Pink notes, "if a robot can replace you, you should be"—allowing us to focus our irreplaceable human capacity on meaningful connection rather than routine tasks.

Dr. Ira Byock's strategic framework for hospice's future emerges as perhaps the most significant development of the month, offering four concrete paths forward: establishing clear clinical standards (like appropriate caseload sizes), creating meaningful data transparency, driving quality-based competition, and embracing our authentic brand as specialists in fostering well-being through the end of life. 

Subscribe to TCNtalks for monthly insights.  Additionally, we explore leadership strategies for growth and the necessity of a strategic path forward in Hospice and Palliative Care, emphasizing the importance of quality and ethical practices in the field.  We respect your time while keeping you informed on what truly matters.  Join us.


Guest:
Cordt Kassner
PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

Host:
Chris Comeaux
President / CEO of TELEIOS


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/plans-of-care-ethics-robotics-and-more-top-news-stories-june-2025

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Redesigning Healthcare: A Path to Value-Based Care25 Jun 202500:52:57

Is America’s Healthcare System Beyond Repair?  Rita Numerof Doesn’t Think So.

In this powerful crossover episode of TCNTalks and Anatomy of Leadership, Chris Comeaux sits down with healthcare strategist and thought leader Rita Numerof, Co-founder and President of Numerof & Associates.  Together, they pull back the curtain on one of today’s most urgent crises: the deeply flawed business model driving healthcare in America.

Rita offers a bold diagnosis, explaining how misaligned incentives, opaque pricing, and outdated payment systems have derailed care.  But she doesn’t stop there.  With clarity and conviction, she lays out a path forward: a market-based model that ties payment to performance, empowers consumers, and demands transparency and accountability from every player—from providers to payers to policymakers.

The episode dives into:

  • Why the current system resists change—and how to break through
  • The role of technology in reshaping care delivery
  • How insurance companies contribute to the dysfunction
  • What real consumer responsibility in healthcare could look like

Rather than offering quick fixes, Rita champions systemic reform with optimism and urgency.

 

🎧 Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation.  It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of healthcare.


Guest: Rita Numerof, Co-founder and President of Numerof & Associates

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/redesigning-healthcare-a-path-to-value-based-care


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Healthcare Customer of the Future11 Jun 202500:53:43

In this episode of TCNtalks, Marcus Escobedo, Vice President of Communications at the John A. Hartford Foundation, joins Chris Comeaux to discuss the future of healthcare for aging populations. 


Marcus shares how the Foundation’s Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative transforms care for older adults through the evidence-based 4Ms framework: focusing on what matters to older adults, medication management, cognitive health, and mobility.


The conversation dives into the impact of ageism in healthcare and the importance of reshaping language and practices to serve older adults better. Marcus and Chris explore how healthcare systems can elevate the voices of older adults, address the unique challenges of the workforce, and promote age-friendly practices that honor each person’s dignity and preferences.


They also tackle communication barriers surrounding serious illness and hospice care, offering valuable insights and resources for enhancing these vital conversations. Given the growing demographic of baby boomers, who comprise most of those served in healthcare, this episode is essential listening for anyone committed to creating better systems for aging with grace and dignity.


Guest: 
Marcus Escobedo, MPA, Vice President of Communications at the John A. Hartford Foundation

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-healthcare-customer-of-the-future

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Storm Clouds on the Horizon for Reimbursement Top News Stories, May 202504 Jun 202500:53:15

What happens when artificial intelligence meets end-of-life care?  How do we reconcile private equity's profit motives with hospice's mission-driven ethos?  These questions took center stage in this month's roundup of hospice news with host Chris Comeaux and guest Cordt Kassner.


The May edition of TCNtalks' top news stories reveals a healthcare sector at a fascinating crossroads.  AI has emerged as both a tantalizing promise and a practical challenge for hospice providers.  As Chris notes, "We live in a time where people use sensationalized language for everything," yet the revolutionary potential of AI in healthcare deserves the hype. Meanwhile, some hospices struggle with basic internet connectivity, creating what Chris calls a "weird dichotomy" reminiscent of the 1920s when modern conveniences existed alongside homes without electricity.


In this episode of TCN Talks, hosts Chris Comeaux and Cord Kastner reflect on Memorial Day and discuss significant news stories from May, including the complexities of thanking veterans for their service, the role of artificial intelligence in hospice care, and the importance of honest conversations about racism in healthcare.


They also explore the leadership skills necessary for healthcare CEOs, the challenges of dementia care, and the implications of private equity in the healthcare sector.  Chris also introduces a new initiative called Brain Bookmarks, which aims to provide quick leadership insights.  Join us.


Guest: 
Cordt Kassner,  PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/storm-clouds-on-the-horizon-for-reimbursement-top-news-stories-may-2025

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Navigating the Future: HOPE, Wage Index, and CMS Quality Measures21 May 202501:00:04

What happens when ancient philosophical questions about "the good life" collide with modern healthcare regulations?  In this compelling episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux welcomes hospice leaders Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios, and Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC,  for a deep dive into the regulatory crossroads facing hospice providers.

In this episode,  we discuss the FY 2026 Proposed Rule, which focused on implementing the HOPE initiative, and two RFIs (Requests for Information) that were part of it.  Also, discuss how important it is for us in the hospice field to give CMS feedback via these RFIs.  These will impact the Future Quality Measure Concepts for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program, and CMS is asking for input on three concepts for the  HQRP Hospice Quality Reporting Program:

- The Challenges of Interoperability,
- The Evolving Quality Measures related to Patient Well-Being 
- Nutrition, including Safe Eating Habits, Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity  appropriate for end-of-life care

Last, they discuss a separate RFI related to the Advanced Digital Quality Measurement (dQM) in the HQRP (Hospice Quality Reporting Program) and the data standards of Health Level Seven® (HL7®) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR®).

Annette and Judi have a wealth of experience and knowledge.  This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations to become more educated about the tracks being laid with the proposed 2026 Wage Index.  This show is timely and relevant, so join us.


Guest:

Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios 

Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC 


Host:

Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/navigating-the-future-hope-wage-index-and-cms-quality-measures

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

A Whole New Mind with Daniel H. Pink14 May 202500:45:04

In this episode, Daniel H. Pink, the world-renowned author of seven bestselling nonfiction books, discusses his interdisciplinary approach to understanding human motivation and the evolving work landscape in the AI age.

Pink emphasizes the importance of empathy, creativity, and the need for individuals to augment machine intelligence rather than compete with it.  He also explores the role of technology in healthcare, particularly in Hospice Care, and the significance of human connection and listening in providing care.

The discussion highlights AI's potential to enhance human capabilities while also addressing its challenges.  Daniel and Chris Comeaux also explore the essential skills and mindsets needed for hospice leaders to future-proof their organizations, particularly in the face of advancing AI technologies.

The discussion culminates in a reflection on the evolving nature of leadership in an AI-driven world, urging leaders to remain curious and focused on their core values.

Join us, this is a great listen.


Guest:
Daniel H. Pink,  Author of the NY Times Bestselling book A Whole New Mind

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/a-whole-new-mind-with-daniel-h.-pink

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Strategies for Managing Rising Healthcare Premiums with Jason Bradshaw29 Oct 202500:48:02

In this episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux welcomes back Jason Bradshaw, a seasoned benefits consultant with USI Insurance Services. 

Together, they unpack why healthcare premiums are rising, where volatility is coming from, and how employers can regain control without gutting benefits. Jason shares practical funding models, transparency tools, and a playbook for building a cost culture that actually moves behavior.

Also, they delve into the complexities of the U.S. healthcare insurance market, discussing the key drivers of rising premiums and the challenges employers face in managing costs while maintaining competitive benefits.

Jason shares insights on innovative plan designs and funding models, emphasizing the importance of developing a cost culture within organizations. Tune in to explore strategies for balancing affordability and sustainability in healthcare benefits.. 

Guest:
Jason Bradshaw, Benefits Consultant with USI Insurance Services

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Addressing Workforce Challenges: Hospice in the News, April 202507 May 202500:59:46

What defines quality in end-of-life care?  How are hospice organizations navigating workforce challenges?  And why has medical aid in dying become such a critical conversation?  These questions take center stage in this data-driven exploration of April's most impactful Hospice and Palliative Care news stories.

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner discuss the top news stories from April, focusing on hospice and palliative care.  They explore personal aspirations, data insights, the impact of spiritual care, emerging categories in news reporting, and key themes such as reimbursement and workforce challenges. 

The conversation also touches on mission moments, regulatory changes, technology innovations, and the evolving nature of leadership in healthcare, particularly in the context of AI and human skills. 

The conversation also explores the increasing demand for senior living and the legislative changes impacting hospice care, including the ban on for-profit hospices in New York and the introduction of psilocybin access in New Mexico.  Cordt closes the show with a Master's Class reviewing the National Hospice Locator, a valuable tool for finding high-quality hospice care anywhere in the country.  Join us.


Guest: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Breaking Barriers: Ketamine's Role in Hospice Medicine with Dr. Rohini Kanniganti30 Apr 202500:48:40

Ketamine – a medicine long used as an anesthetic – is finding a powerful new purpose in hospice and palliative care settings.  Dr. Rohini Kanagante, a physician with expertise spanning both Hospice Care and Integrative Psychiatry, unveils the remarkable potential of this medication in our latest episode of TCNtalks.

 Chris Comeaux invites Dr. Rohini Kanniganti, a hospice physician, to delve into the incorporation of ketamine in hospice and palliative care.  They examine the notion of total pain, how ketamine aids in addressing pain and mental health challenges at the end of life, and the practical applications and regulatory factors involved in its use. 

Dr. Kanniganti shares her experiences and insights on how ketamine can offer relief to patients in hospice care, highlighting the significance of meticulous administration and a comprehensive approach to patient care.  They explore the ethical considerations of ketamine use, its potential future acceptance in hospice environments, and the necessity of empowering staff and leaders to improve patient care.  

The conversation highlights the importance of a compassionate approach to end-of-life care, emphasizing the well-being of patients and their families in conjunction with this innovative treatment method.

This is a great listen for your clinical staff and leaders.  Join us - this is a timely and relevant event.

Guest:  Dr. Rohini Kanniganti, MD, MSPH, HMDC, Hospice Physician 

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/breaking-barriers-ketamines-role-in-hospice-medicine-with-dr.-rohini-kanniganti

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Rebecca Ramsay on Home-Based Primary Care16 Apr 202500:54:08

In this episode of TCN Talks, host Chris Comeaux interviews Rebecca Ramsay, CEO of House Call Providers. Rebecca shares her unique journey in healthcare and emphasizes the importance of nonprofit organizations in delivering quality care. 

Rebecca discusses the evolution of House Call Providers, the significance of home-based primary care, and the interdisciplinary approach required to meet the needs of patients with complex conditions.

She also advocates for hospice organizations to expand into home-based primary care, highlighting the growing demand and the gaps in current services.  Chris and Rebecca explore the challenges of maintaining a stable workforce, the complexities of payment structures, and the importance of a steady referral stream for viable home-based primary care.  

Rebecca shares her vision for the future of care, emphasizing the need for integrated services and support for caregivers. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of healthcare.  This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and hospice and palliative care organization boards.   Join us; this is timely and relevant. 


Guest:  Rebecca Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer of Housecall Providers 

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/rebecca-ramsay-on-home-based-primary-care

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Transforming Healthcare: Hospice in the News, March 202502 Apr 202501:01:22

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Dr. Cordt Kassner, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics, leverage their data and extensive experience to identify key hospice headlines, articles, research, and social media posts that are driving change and transforming end-of-life care and healthcare in America.

They share personal experiences with hospice care, emphasizing the importance of social work and discussing the challenges of healthcare reimbursement. The conversation also touches on MedPAC recommendations, new social media trends, and highlights from recent research articles. 

The hosts explore pressing issues in healthcare, such as workforce challenges, patient demographics, regulatory changes, and the impact of technology.  They address the implications of the aging baby boomer population for healthcare services, the influence of corporate interests on healthcare spending, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these challenges. 

Their discussion underscores the need for innovative solutions and the role of technology in improving care delivery.  It also emphasizes the importance of preparing for upcoming Medicare and home-based care changes.  The episode concludes with a Masters Class from Chris on what leadership is and why it is so needed during these times.  Join us.


Guest: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/transforming-healthcare-hospice-in-the-news-march-2025


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Healing of America with T.R. Reid26 Mar 202500:53:48

In this crossover show of TCNalks / Anatomy Of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux interviews NY Times bestselling author T. R. Reid.  They discuss T. R. Reid’s experiences and insights from researching healthcare systems around the world, particularly focusing on the need for universal coverage and the various models of healthcare delivery.

T.R. emphasizes the importance of a key principle in any functional healthcare system at a national level: healthcare for everyone.  He wrote about this in his NY Times bestselling book The Healing of America.  Some of the key discoveries in the book are the inefficiencies of the U.S. healthcare system compared to others worldwide and the potential benefits of adopting a government-run healthcare model similar to Medicare and the VA.  Reid also critiques the profit-driven nature of American health insurance and advocates for reforms prioritizing patient care over profits.

T.R. and Chris then discuss the unique window of opportunity in 2025 and the need for a new framing of universal healthcare, suggesting alternatives in language around 'Medicare for All.'  T.R. emphasizes the importance of price controls in reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency in healthcare systems.  Reid also addresses the role of innovation in healthcare, arguing that high costs do not necessarily lead to better medical advancements.  He cites several excellent examples of recent innovations, all from outside the U.S.  

This is a great listen as the U.S. spends more on healthcare, yet we are not even in the top 10 in the world.  It’s hard to make one aspect of healthcare successful, like Hospice and Palliative Care, if the broader ecosystem it resides in is flawed and unsustainable.  Join us; this is very timely.


Guest: T.R. Reid, Author of the NY Times Best Selling book The Healing of America

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President/CEO of TCN/TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-healing-of-america-with-t.r.-reid

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Challenges Ahead with Jeanne Chirico19 Mar 202500:43:48

This show is dedicated in memory of Tali Sutton, who unexpectedly died the week of February 3rd.  Tali was an upcoming leader in hospice and palliative care in New York State as CEO of CareFirstNY.

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux speaks with Jeanne Chirico, the President and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS), about the unique challenges and opportunities facing hospice care in New York State.  Many of us think of New York City when we think of New York yet the entire state with New York State is a picture of many of the challenges we will face in healthcare for the country as a whole in the future.

Chris and Jeanne started the show remembering Tali Sutton, who unexpectedly died the week of February 3rd.  Tali was an upcoming leader in hospice and palliative care in New York State as CEO of CareFirstNY. 

Jeanne shares her extensive background in hospice and palliative care, highlighting the complexities of providing care in a state with diverse cultural and economic landscapes.  The conversation delves into regulatory challenges, workforce issues, and the importance of advocacy in ensuring quality end-of-life care.  Jeanne emphasizes the need for innovative service lines and the role of technology in adapting to changing customer demographics.  The episode concludes with a call to action for hospice leaders to engage in advocacy and community partnerships to navigate the future of healthcare effectively and to do that at a grass roots level.

This episode is a great summary of the challenges facing all hospice and palliative care programs.  This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Board’s of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.


Guest:  Jeanne Chirico, , HPCANYS President/CEO

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-challenges-ahead-with-jeanne-chirico

Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What's Driving Change in End-of-Life Care for February 202505 Mar 202500:51:47

The latest episode dives into important topics affecting hospice and palliative care today, shedding light on key trends from February’s news. Our hosts emphasize how personal experiences shape their perspectives on the challenges and innovations within the field. 

• Overview of TCN Talks and its purpose 
• Discussion on meaningful personal experiences in hospice care 
• Key February news stories impacting hospice leadership 
• Overview of workforce challenges faced in hospice 
• Exploration of technology's role in hospice care advancements 
• Insights into improving access to high-quality end-of-life care 
• Predictions for the future of hospice and palliative care 
• Importance of continuous learning and innovation in leadership 
• Encouragement for audience engagement and dialogue 


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Innovations in Serious Illness Care with Bree Owens19 Feb 202500:45:55

In this episode of TCN Talks, host Chris Comeaux interviews Bree Owens, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of The Holding Group. They discuss Bree’s journey in the healthcare field, particularly in palliative care. 

Bree shares insights on having learned the importance of having meaningful conversations with patients and families about their care options, which led her to the unique model of The Holding Group.  Her organization has held space, hence the name The Holding Group, for a patient-centered approach, helping patients and their families find the right care at the right place at the right time. Bree emphasizes the significance of informed consent and the role of social workers in facilitating these discussions to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Chris and Bree also delve into the evolution and current state of palliative care, highlighting the challenges and innovations in the field.  Bree emphasizes the importance of integrating social work into healthcare, particularly in serious illness and dementia care.  They also discuss the upcoming GUIDE model, which aims to provide comprehensive support for dementia patients and their caregivers.

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of Hospice and Palliative Care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.


Guest: Bree Owens, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Co-Founder of The Holding Group 

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG


Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

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