Michael Claytor and Andrew Hix of Shift Change Radio Hour--How a Radio Show Supports Healing and Creates Community
Art Heals All Wounds
04/02/25
•36m
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Learn how radio shows support healing and create community.
In this episode of "Art Heals All Wounds," Michael Claytor and Andrew Hix, arts in medicine practitioners at the Arts in Medicine program at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL and co-hosts of the Shift Change Radio Hour share the story behind starting this radio show. Michael, a musician, and Andrew, a literary artist, each share their journey of using art as a tool for healing within the hospital environment. They delve into their unique roles – Michael’s involvement with music engagement for patients and Andrew’s focus on storytelling.
The episode highlights their innovative project "Shift Change Radio Hour," a radio show aimed at acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of healthcare workers, especially during the pandemic. They discuss the conception and evolution of this program which focuses on playing song requests from healthcare workers, creating feature stories, and fostering community connections.
Michael, and Andrew share how the show has impacted the community, building bridges between hospital staff, patients, and the local community. They also reflect on the personal impact of the show on their own lives, emphasizing the role of collaboration and the healing power of music and storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
· Origins of Shift Change Radio Hour: The program was initiated to provide support and appreciation for exhausted healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is broadcasted twice weekly in collaboration with a local Gainesville radio station, WMBT 90.1 FM.
· Patient and Staff Interactions: The show is fully request-based, allowing healthcare workers to request songs, which creates a personal and engaging platform for staff and patients alike. This fosters deeper connections and provides a unique arts-based outlet in the healthcare setting.
· Creativity as a Healing Tool: Michael and Andrew share how integrating music and storytelling into healthcare not only benefits patients but also enriches their own lives as practitioners. They emphasize the importance of boundaries and self-care in their roles, as well as the rewarding nature of their work.
· Community Building: The show has successfully created connections between hospital staff, patients, and the broader community, emphasizing the human aspects of healthcare environments.
· Personal Reflections: Both guests express how the show has transformed their approach as artists and their understanding of community engagement through creative media.
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Previous Episode
In this concluding episode of the series focusing on artists and climate change, I’m reflecting on the emotional impact of dedicating multiple episodes to the pressing issue of climate change. Initially optimistic about the potential of governmental agendas to address environmental issues, I’m feeling disheartenment, to say the least, due to political challenges that threaten environmental protection efforts. However, I found renewed hope through community engagement and the creativity of young filmmakers at a film screening event I co-hosted.
Key Highlights:
· My Personal Journey: I share my shift towards a more eco-conscious mindset after focusing on climate-themed episodes.
· Political Disappointment: My optimism about Biden's climate agenda is challenged by political setbacks, including threats to the EPA and public land protections.
· Community and Art as Hope: I highlight a film screening event I co-hosted with filmmaker Kristin Tièche, featuring local films on environmental topics. Young filmmakers offered a refreshing perspective, focusing on community solutions and creative problem-solving.
· Young Filmmakers' Impact: Despite climate challenges, the youngest participants exhibited hope and determination, emphasizing community engagement as a path forward.
· Appreciation and Future Vision: Thank you, listeners for your support! Stay tuned for the next series which will focus on artists in healthcare fields, beginning in early April.
Mentioned Films and Contributors:
1. The Invisible Mammal by Kristin Tièche, focuses on bats.
2. Film by Cynthia Abbott featuring artist Tess Felix and her ocean plastic portraits.
3. Above Ground by Jimmy Ramirez, discusses Oakland's natural waterways.
4. Threads of Change by Ethan Lee, covers fast fashion's environmental effects.
5. What's at Steak by Alisa Ching, Ashlynn Wong, and Sonia Shin, addresses beef overconsumption and global warming.
Acknowledgments:
· Special thanks to the podcast editor, Iva Hristova.
· Gratitude to musicians Ketsa and Lobo Loco for the podcast's music.
· Appreciation for listener donations and engagement throughout the series.
Next Series Preview:
· After a month-long break, the podcast will return in April with a new series focused on artists in the healthcare sector.
Listeners are encouraged to stay connected and join for future episodes as the podcast continues to explore the intersection of art and transformative societal impact.
Don't forget to go to my website and leave me YOUR story of belonging to feature on a future episode!Buy Me a Coffee!
Links to artists mentioned in the episode.
Kristin Tièche, The Invisible Mammal
Cynthia Abbott, Every Second Breath
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Next Episode
Heather Dawn Batchelor – Art Therapy for Dementia
April 16, 2025
•30m
Guest: Heather Dawn Batchelor
Episode Summary:
Learn how art supports memory care and caregiver healing in dementia through creative therapies.
In this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I speak with Heather Dawn Batchelor, an abstract expressionist painter and arts practitioner with Arts in Health Ocala Metro in Florida. Heather shares her personal journey with art, influenced by her artistic family, and her work with Memory Cafe, a program supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers through creative arts.
Key Points:
1. Heather's Background:
o Heather grew up in a creative family, with artist parents.
o Inspired by a ballet production on PBS as a child, she has been chasing the sensation of creative expression through various artistic mediums ever since.
o She pursued art school, studying painting and photography, and connected deeply with abstract expressionism.
2. Art and Healing:
o Heather explains her desire to make the invisible visible, striving to capture spiritual elements through her art.
o Art serves as a form of personal self-care and emotional expression for Heather, especially through challenging times.
3. Memory Cafe:
o Heather leads the Memory Cafe, a program for dementia patients and their caregivers under Hospice of Marion County.
o The cafe offers arts and various activities to engage participants, supporting both dementia patients and caregivers.
o Heather shares moving stories of transformation and empowerment through art, emphasizing the universal need and benefit of creative expression.
4. Impact on Caregivers:
o The program also benefits caregivers, providing them with much-needed support and a creative outlet to process their experiences and stress.
5. Future Plans:
o Heather discusses potential virtual components for Memory Cafe, ensuring accessibility for caregivers and patients unable to attend in person.
6. Personal Connections:
o Heather has a personal connection with dementia, having supported friends and family members, including her father, through the condition.
Links and Resources:
· Heather's Website: heatherdawnbachelor.com
· Arts in Health Ocala Metro: Provides resources and information about programs like the Memory Cafe.
· Marion County Hospice: Hosting the Memory Cafe and supporting dementia care initiatives.
Contact and Feedback:
· Pam encourages listeners to reach out through her website and sign up for her newsletter for updates on the podcast.
Music:
· Featured Music by Ketsa and Lobo Loco
Production Credits:
· Edited by Iva Hristova
Tune in to hear how Heather Dawn Batchelor uses art as a tool for healing and connection in the realm of dementia care and beyond.
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● Art Heals All Wounds Website
● My Instagram
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