Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of abuse, violence, and forensic nursing. Please prioritize your well-being before listening.

With 50 years in nursing and decades at the forefront of forensic care, Liz Louden — president of the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association — pulls back the curtain on a field most people don't know exists.

We explore what forensic nursing really is, why survivors of violence are so often failed by the healthcare system, and what it takes to close that gap. From sexual assault to human trafficking to death investigation, Liz makes the case for why every emergency department in Canada needs a forensic nurse examiner.

A powerful conversation for anyone in healthcare — or anyone who cares about how we treat people in their most vulnerable moments.

In this special re-release, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Ila, in honour of her passing on April 20, 2026.

Ila was not only an incredible leader, but also my friend. She inspired me on many levels—through her courage, her perspective, and the way she showed up so fully for the people around her.

In this episode, she shares her perspective on leadership, resilience, and what it really means to show up for others in complex, demanding environments. Her words carry a depth that feels even more meaningful now.

As you listen, you’ll hear the clarity, honesty, and strength that defined her. This conversation is a reminder of the impact one person can have—through how they lead, how they connect, and how they care.

I’m deeply grateful to have known Ila, and to share this conversation again in her memory.

In this episode of Central Line, Leah Wuitschik sits down with Kelly Baskerville, a nurse leader with 25 years of experience across frontline care, education, and system-level leadership in continuing care.

Now the Executive Director of the Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research, Kelly shares how her career in gerontology unfolded—and why working with older adults is among the most complex and overlooked work in healthcare.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: leadership is a long game, and you can’t do it alone.

Together, Leah and Kelly explore what it really takes to sustain yourself over time—why connection matters, how to find your people, and the role community plays in navigating pressure, uncertainty, and change.

They also get practical about what holds people back from reaching out—and how to start building meaningful connections, even when it feels uncomfortable.

This episode is a reminder that the leaders who last aren’t the ones who go it alone—they’re the ones who stay connected.