The Gritty Nurse

In this episode on The Gritty Nurse, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Dr. William Berk as he shares his transformative journey from a traditional emergency medicine career to exploring the depths of mental health and emotional well-being. After graduating from Brown University and completing his residency at Mount Sinai, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Berk faced the overwhelming challenges of working in a high-pressure environment. He discusses how the emotional toll of the pandemic led him to reevaluate his life choices, ultimately guiding him towards meditation and psychedelic therapies as tools for healing. Dr. Berk emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for healthcare professionals to discuss their mental health and the need for compassion in the medical field.
As he delves deeper into his personal experiences, Dr. Berk recounts a life-altering health scare involving a massive aortic aneurysm, which prompted him to confront his own mortality. This experience further fueled his desire to help others navigate their emotional landscapes. He is currently in India, exploring spiritual practices and the concept of presence, aiming to integrate these insights into his medical practice. The conversation highlights the critical need for healthcare providers to prioritize their mental health and the importance of fostering open dialogues about emotional well-being in the medical community.
William Berk is an ER doctor, assistant professor of medicine, psychedelic researcher & guide, sound meditation & breathwork facilitator.
Keywords
Dr. William Berk, mental health, emergency medicine, meditation, healthcare, emotional well-being, COVID-19, psychedelic therapy, compassion, burnout
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. William Berk
01:23 The Impact of COVID-19 on Emergency Medicine
03:30 Finding Balance: Meditation and Mental Health
07:00 Exploring Psychedelics in Therapy
09:41 Creating Safe Spaces for Healthcare Workers
13:47 The Human Curriculum: Tools for Emotional Wellness
16:59 Embracing Emotions: A Path to Compassion
17:34 Understanding Emotions and Their Impact
20:57 A Life-Altering Diagnosis
25:21 The Journey of Recovery and Gratitude
29:38 Reconnecting with Humanity in Healthcare
34:07 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts 
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782
* Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast
Please remember to LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE!
Stay Connected:
Website: grittynurse.com
Instagram: @grittynursepod
TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482
X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse
Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact
Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!
www.hospitalnews.com

"Normal is a setting on your dryer—not a standard for your health."
In this episode of The Gritty Nurse, we're joined by Shirley Weir, the "Vagina Health Evangelist" and founder of Menopause Chicks. Shirley didn't just start a community of 50,000+ women; she started a revolution against the "Mokita"—the things we all know but refuse to discuss.
As nurses, we see patients every day who dismiss their own suffering because they've been told it's "just part of being a woman." Shirley challenges this narrative head-on. We dive into the systemic gaps in women's health research, the "pleasure gap" in genitourinary care, and the grit required to navigate a healthcare system that was never designed with midlife women in mind.
We're breaking down:
The Perimenopause Pivot: Why your late 30s are the most critical time to start paying attention.

The "Script Tip": A literal sentence you can use when a doctor tries to dismiss your symptoms.

The Investment Phase: How to prioritize brain, bone, and heart health for your "second half."

Systemic Advocacy: Why nurses are the ultimate bridge between clinical research and patient empowerment.

Stop "sucking it up" and start advocating. This isn't just an ending—it's a milestone for celebration and a window for health investment.
Guest Bio: Shirley Weir is a celebrated women's health advocate, author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Menopause Chicks.Since 2012, she has been on a mission to dismantle the silence surrounding perimenopause and menopause, reframing this life stage as a milestone for celebration rather than a season of suffering. Through her private online community of over 300,000 women, Shirley empowers her audience to get curious about their hormone health and provides them with the evidence-based tools they need to advocate for themselves in the exam room.
Find Her Here:
Official Website
MenopauseChicks.com

Social Media Handles
Instagram: @menopausechicks

Facebook: Menopause Chicks (This is her highly active community hub).

LinkedIn: Shirley Weir

YouTube: Menopause Chicks YouTube Channel

Community & Resources
Private Facebook Group: Menopause Chicks Community (The "go-to" private forum with over 60,000 members).

TEDx Talk: The Mokita of Menopause

* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts 
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782
* Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast
Stay Connected:
Website: grittynurse.com
Instagram: @grittynursepod
TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482
X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse
Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact
Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!
www.hospitalnews.com

Nursing is not a destination; it is a foundation. For too long, we have been told that leaving the bedside is 'leaving nursing,' but the truth is the exact opposite. By stepping into nontraditional roles—in tech, policy, research, and entrepreneurship—we aren't abandoning our profession; we are expanding its power. The future of healthcare depends on nurses who are brave enough to redefine where their expertise belongs.
In this episode of the Gritty Nurse Podcast, Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Ellie Kirkpatrick, RN, FNP, a seasoned Nurse Practitioner and the visionary creator behind The Nontraditional Nurse. With over a decade of clinical experience, Ellie has navigated the highs and lows of the profession—from the intense demands of the bedside to the liberating possibilities of specialized and remote roles.
Amie and Ellie dive deep into the evolving landscape of nursing, tackling the heavy reality of burnout and the psychological shift required to "want more" without feeling like you're starting over. They explore:
Career Evolution: Ellie's personal journey from RN to FNP and her transition into the nontraditional space.

The Bedside & Beyond: Why exploring roles in utilization management, informatics, and even "space nursing" is vital for professional longevity.

Technology & AI: How nurses can lead the charge in healthcare innovation and the critical need for the nursing voice in tech development.

Advocacy & Education: The urgent need for nursing curricula to adapt to a profession that is no longer confined to the four walls of a hospital.

Whether you are a new grad feeling the "thankless grind" or a veteran nurse looking to fill your cup again, this episode serves as a roadmap for finding a career path that respects your health, your growth, and your expertise.
Connect with Ellie Kirkpatrick
Website: The Nontraditional Nurse – Find resources, job paths, and career clarity.

Podcast: The Nontraditional Nurse Podcast

Social Media: Follow Ellie for daily inspiration and unconventional career tips.
LinkedIn: Ellie Kirkpatrick

Instagram: @thenontraditionalnurse


Keywords
nursing, non-traditional roles, burnout, career transition, nursing education, AI in healthcare, networking, mentorship, nursing podcast, diverse opportunities
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to Non-Traditional Nursing
01:50 Ellie's Nursing Journey and Experiences
04:52 The Impact of Burnout on Nurses
07:48 Transitioning to Non-Traditional Roles
10:33 Exploring Diverse Nursing Opportunities
13:30 The Role of Technology in Nursing
16:08 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
18:57 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship
21:42 The Non-Traditional Nurse Podcast
24:32 Advocating for Non-Traditional Clinical Rotations
27:30 The Future of Nursing Education
30:11 Final Thoughts on Non-Traditional Nursing
* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts 
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782
 
* Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast
Stay Connected:
Website: grittynurse.com
Instagram: @grittynursepod
TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482
X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse
Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact
Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!
www.hospitalnews.com

Nursing and the arts are both built on the raw, unspoken language of the human soul; one heals the body through rhythm and care, the other heals the spirit through melody and expression—but both require a radical empathy that can only be sustained when we protect our own light, because you cannot pour from an empty vessel when you've given the very best of yourself away to your work
In this powerhouse episode of The Gritty Nurse, Host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Catherine Harrison, the official sponsor for mental health at the JUNOS and a renowned music industry leadership and mental health consultant. With a unique dual background in both healthcare and the arts, Catherine bridge's the gap between these two high-pressure worlds to reveal striking parallels in burnout, mental health challenges, and the urgent need for systemic change.
As a seasoned mental health strategist, Catherine shares her insights on why community support is the ultimate antidote to professional exhaustion. We dive deep into the evolving landscape of creativity—including the impact of AI on human connection—and discuss how professionals in both healthcare and the music industry can reclaim their voices to advocate for a healthier, more sustainable future.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Healing Power of Music: How rhythm and melody serve as vital tools for emotional resilience.
Healthcare vs. The Music Industry: Understanding the shared stressors and the "burnout epidemic."
Mental Health & Catherine's Work: Catherine's role in elevating wellness conversations on a national stage.
Human Connection in a Digital Age: Why AI cannot replace the essential human element in care and creativity.
Advocacy & Leadership: Strategies for professionals to drive cultural shifts within their organizations.
Whether you are a nurse on the frontlines or a creative navigating the industry, this conversation is a call to action to prioritize your well-being and lead with empathy.
"Superstition" performed by Stevie Wonder. Written by Stevie Wonder. ℗ 1972 Motown Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
"Redemption Song (Orchestral Version)" performed by Bob Marley & The Chineke! Orchestra. Written by Bob Marley. ℗ 2022 Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd., under exclusive license to Island Records.
Keywords
music industry, mental health, burnout, nursing, creativity, AI, community, healing, leadership, professional development
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Catherine's Background
02:43 The Intersection of Music and Mental Health
07:27 Burnout in High-Pressure Professions
12:35 The Calling vs. Profession Debate
18:01 The Value of Music in Society
20:14 The Role of AI in Human Connection
26:19 Navigating Burnout and Mental Health
34:44 Finding Voice and Community in Challenging Times
38:54 The Healing Power of Music
Where to Connect with Catherine Harrison
Official Website: catherineharrison.com


Professional Consulting (Revelios): revelios.com


Soundcheck Collective: soundcheckcollective.ca


LinkedIn: Catherine Harrison on LinkedIn
Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts 
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782
* Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast
Stay Connected:
Website: grittynurse.com
Instagram: @grittynursepod
TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482
X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse
Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact
Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!
www.hospitalnews.com

In a profession often defined by rigid standards of appearance, Jesse Barmby is rewriting the rules. A Registered Nurse with 15 years of experience, Jesse—widely known as the "Tattooed Nurse"—joins the conversation on the Gritty Nurse Podcast with Host Amie Archibald-Varley, to pull back the curtain on what it really means to be a professional in modern healthcare.
Beyond the Ink: Redefining Professionalism
Is a nurse defined by the starch in their scrubs or the skill in their hands? Jesse dives deep into the misconceptions surrounding body art in the hospital, challenging the outdated stereotype that tattoos somehow diminish clinical excellence. We explore:
The "Look" of Care: Why patients often find more connection with a nurse who looks like a "real person" rather than a clinical blank slate.

The Professionalism Paradox: Breaking down why the healthcare industry often prioritizes aesthetic conformity over diverse, lived experience.

The Power of Presence: How Jesse's practice in Buddhism and spirituality informs his mental health approach, proving that compassion isn't skin deep—it's soulful.

Stereotypes vs. Shared Humanity
What do people get wrong about "the way we look"? Jesse shares how his tattoos have actually served as a bridge, not a barrier, creating a unique space for shared experiences and rapport-building with patients from all walks of life.
From the challenges of nursing stereotypes to the necessity of authentic diversity, this episode is a masterclass in providing compassionate, spiritual care while staying true to your identity.
Keywords
nursing, tattoos, mental health, Buddhism, professionalism, diversity, healthcare, spirituality, patient care, resilience
 
Takeaways
Jesse Barmby has been a registered nurse for 15 years.
He incorporates Buddhist principles into his nursing practice.
Tattoos can create connections with patients from diverse backgrounds.
Professionalism in nursing should not be based on appearance.
Mental health struggles are common among healthcare professionals.
Diversity in nursing includes various forms of identity, including tattoos.
Buddhism has been transformative for Jesse's mental health.
Shared experiences can foster comfort and trust in patient care.
The healthcare system needs to evolve in its perception of professionalism.
Compassionate care is rooted in understanding and acceptance.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jesse Barmby and His Journey in Nursing
02:34 The Impact of Tattoos in Nursing
04:56 Challenging Perceptions of Professionalism
07:35 Buddhism and Mental Health
10:05 The Role of Spirituality in Nursing
12:46 Personal Experiences with Mental Health
15:10 The Importance of Diversity in Nursing
17:59 The Significance of Tattoos in Patient Care
20:18 Conclusion and Reflections on Personal Growth
Find Jesse & His Book Here:
IG @cocheeeze
www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPCQJGDC
 
* Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts 
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782
* Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast
Stay Connected:
Website: grittynurse.com
Instagram: @grittynursepod
TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482
X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse
Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact
Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!
www.hospitalnews.com