In this episode of Touching Lives, host Kim Kirkman is joined by The Reverend Barkley Thompson, Rector of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, for a meaningful conversation about how we approach conversations around death, dying, and hospice care.

Together, they explore why hospice is often misunderstood, how fear and stigma shape the way people think about end-of-life care, and why reframing these conversations can bring peace, clarity, and compassion to patients and families.

Rather than something to avoid, they discuss how death can be acknowledged with dignity—and how hospice care supports not only patients, but entire families navigating one of life’s most difficult seasons. This conversation invites us to rethink how we speak about death, and how those conversations can ultimately lead to more meaningful living.

The LifeTouch Health Podcast continues with a powerful three-part conversation exploring the full spectrum of care—from personal healthcare decisions, to understanding hospice and palliative care, to the impact of community support.

In Segment 1, Dr. Bell joins host David Edwards to discuss why healthcare decisions matter, the importance of advance care planning, and how having a plan in place can ease the burden on families during difficult times.

In Segment 2, Dr. Bell and Nikki Taylor break down the often-confused differences between hospice and palliative care. They explore how each serves patients differently, why timing matters, and how LifeTouch Health provides a seamless continuum of compassionate care.

In Segment 3, Margaret Willis and Kim Kirkman from the LifeTouch Health Foundation highlight the role of community in sustaining care through events like Party at the Plaza. They share how community support directly impacts patients, families, and the services provided across Arkansas.

Together, these conversations offer insight, clarity, and connection—showing how thoughtful planning, informed care, and community support all work together to truly touch lives.

In this episode, we look back at the early years of Arkansas Hospice and the evolution into LifeTouch Health.

Join Dee Brazil-Dale, co-founder of Arkansas Hospice, and Sharon Aureli, chair of the board of directors and wife of our late co-founder, Michael Aureli, for a meaningful conversation about the foundation of hospice care in Arkansas, the growth of the mission, and the lasting impact of compassionate service.

This episode honors the people, vision, and commitment that helped shape LifeTouch Health into what it is today.