Episode 77 of The Health Exchange Podcast explores one of the most universal yet least understood parts of life: death. Dr. Jamie Rutland sits down with hospice nurse and educator Julie McFadden to discuss what hospice care really is, what dying actually looks like, and why end-of-life conversations are often delayed until it's too late. Drawing from years of experience in both intensive care and hospice settings, Julie shares powerful patient stories, explains how the body naturally prepares for death, and challenges the idea that death should be viewed as a medical failure. The conversation also examines the emotional realities faced by patients, families, and healthcare providers, the importance of honest communication and symptom management, racial disparities in end-of-life care, physician-assisted dying, and how accepting mortality can ulti ...