Best Aaron McCall Podcasts (2025)

1
John McCall, ECMO Primer, RN "Look For the Helpers" 1:15:49

5h ago1:15:49

1:15:49

Send us a text John McCall brings us a lively conversation filled with laughter and tears as he shares his journey into ICU nursing, sharing the joy and substantial challenges. John didn't begin a career in nursing until a second career after feeling unsatisfied after a career in business. It seemed the words from an early childhood influence, Mr. …

1
Craig Horky: Dusty Old Man 50:47

15h ago50:47

50:47

Craig Horky (illustrator, graphic designer) shares his story with Aaron McCall and talks about analog habits, unexpected upheaval, and the tension between making a living and making something that lasts. They cover brush pens, weird gigs, creative grit, and the strange freedom that comes with getting fired. Also, he really loves his cats. Keep up w…

1
Amanda Wood, ICU RN, “No, I’m Really Not Fine” 51:14

5d ago51:14

51:14

Send us a text This week’s episode features ICU nurse Amanda Wood. Originally drawn by the fascinating stories of the medical field, she shares openly about the true emotional toll of an acute care setting. In our conversation, Amanda admittedly wonders if she can sustain herself on this career path. After the initial curiosity that drew her in, sh…

1
Mitch Ermatinger: Where the Wild Things Sour 51:24

7d ago51:24

51:24

Mitch Ermatinger (brewer/founder, Speciation Artisan Ales) talks with Aaron McCall about building a life around wild beer—then no longer being able to drink it. They get into the art and science behind fermentation, the gut-punch of a celiac diagnosis, designing what he can’t taste, and staying creative inside sharp limitations. It’s about constrai…

1
Alyssa Gibbs, CRN, “A Call to Care — for Self and Others” 54:18

13d ago54:18

54:18

Send us a text On this week’s episode we welcome another amazing nurse, Alyssa Gibbs. Feeling called to nursing from a young age she’s spent time in Pediatrics, in CVICU and in an emerging role as a Critical Response Nurse (CRN). Alyssa reflects on how she’s learned to handle stressful situations with families and patients and provide calm to the c…

1
Rae Lang: Outsider 57:09

15d ago57:09

57:09

Rae Lang (artist, Woosah Outfitters & Outside Coffee Co.) talks with Aaron McCall about carving a life that’s slower, wilder, and closer to the woods. They get into Rae’s evolution as an artist and business owner, the decision to close her Grand Rapids shop, raising kids with muddy feet, and how success looks different than it used to. It’s about a…

1
Sarah Ream, ED Social Worker, "Seeing the World Through Tears” 1:11:00

20d ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Send us a text This week we’re honored to welcome Sarah Ream to the podcast. With years spent working as an ED Social Worker, she has become accustomed to supporting people in the midst of crisis. But after experiencing the sudden loss of her husband, she learned new ways of being present to herself and others. You might want to grab some Kleenex a…

1
Laura, ED Social Work Manager, “Never Alone” 56:53

28d ago56:53

56:53

Send us a text At a young age Laura was told, “you will see a lot of suffering.” While at first she was upset by this prediction, she now embraces this reality on a daily basis. In this poignant conversation, she shares how she was shaped since birthed to provide comfort and guidance to others in the midst of their suffering. Since she was a child,…

1
Scott Millington: Real AF 49:26

29d ago49:26

49:26

Scott Millington (photographer) has always had an eye for real-life moments—and in photography, he found the language to document them. Scott sits down with Aaron McCall to talk about how the camera gave him purpose, community, and a way to show the world as he sees it. From indie wrestling shows to coffee shops and protests, Scott shares what it m…

1
Ilyse Ring, SLP, “Hey Mom, You Were Right!” 1:12:54

1M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

Send us a text We’re thrilled to welcome Ilyse Ring as she shares about her 30+ years of experience as a speech pathologist . From her educational background in linguistics and women’s studies, Ilyse reluctantly followed a prompt from her mom into speech therapy. Today, she’s still discovering the joy and wonder of helping people find their voice a…

1
Courtney Romero: Sunshine 1:02:01

1M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Courtney Romero (graphic designer, co-founder of Class) didn’t set out to co-found a tech company, but when the opportunity came, she ran with it. Courtney shares her story with Aaron McCall about growing up fast, chasing stability, and refusing to play the starving artist game. From agency life to ed tech, she’s made her own rules, learned how to …

1
Kyle, CVICU RN and Sarah, Labor and Delivery, RN "Bringing a Nurse Home with You" 1:20:01

1M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

Send us a text On this week’s episode the lovely couple Kyle and Sarah join us to share their experience with being a nurse…while being married to a nurse! From a fortuitous meeting in youth group, Sarah and Kyle followed parallel paths to find meaningful work in the nursing field. For Sarah, she’s followed her passion to provide empowering care as…

1
Jon Bailey: Pour Boy 56:24

1M ago56:24

56:24

Jon Bailey—photographer, videographer, and co-owner of Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge—joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about reinvention, embracing uncertainty, and the realities of running an independent coffee shop. His path hasn’t been a straight line—from filming skate videos to shooting weddings to finding his place in coffee—but with grit, …

1
Kyle Cook, Oncology RN, Swiftie, “Serving with Reckless Joy” 1:02:33

2M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Send us a text This week we welcome Kyle Cook to the show, an Oncology RN whose is passionate about the patient experience. In this episode, Kyle reflects on some surprising sources of inspiration that have made him the amazing nurse he is. You’ll love hearing how a blend of key relationships, unique job experiences and a certain star singer have a…

1
Mike Egan: A Brush with Death 47:38

2M ago47:38

47:38

Artist Mike Egan joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about art, death, and building a life on his own terms. Known for his bold, macabre paintings of skeletons, coffins, and religious iconography, his work is unmistakable—equal parts haunting and approachable. Before becoming a full-time artist, Mike worked as an embalmer and funeral director, ex…

1
Jen Smith, LCSW, APHSW-C, "When Grief Work Comes to Work” 1:10:21

2M ago1:10:21

1:10:21

Send us a text Thanks to Palliative Care Social Worker, Jen Smith, for engaging us in the first episode of Season 2 for, "No Really, I'm Fine." Not only is Jen a joy to talk to (and work with), she is also deeply insightful, caring, and takes on her work with passion and kindness. Jen shares insight into how she navigates this challenging work whil…

1
Jenny Berggren: Rawdogging 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

Filmmaker and creative director Jenny Berggren (Wondergold Pictures) joins Aaron McCall for an unfiltered conversation about reinvention, creative freedom, and breaking away from the structures that no longer fit. From growing up making home videos to crafting stories through film and photography, storytelling has always been at the core of who she…

1
Marcel Fable Price: The Poet and The Price 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

Poet, storyteller, and former Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Marcel Fable Price joins Aaron McCall for a raw and deeply honest conversation about creativity, mental health, and the weight of grief. He opens up about loss, the complexity of love and regret, and how storytelling became both a survival tool and a calling. From founding a multimillion-doll…

1
Back for More: Sabrina Dahlgren, Jacob Rosenburg, and Mike Mains 58:09

4M ago58:09

58:09

Ahead of Season 5, we're catching up with singer/actor Sabrina Dahlgren (S3 Ep5), graphic designer Jacob Rosenburg (S2 Ep12), and musician Mike Mains (S1 Ep3) to hear what they’ve been up to since they were first on the podcast. Life keeps moving, and we’re here for all the stories about what’s changed and how their lives, creativity, and perspecti…

1
Back for More: Lydia VanHoven-Cook, Jill Deiters, and Edwin Collazo 59:16

4M ago59:16

59:16

Ahead of Season 5, we're catching up with Lydia VanHoven-Cook (S1 Ep1), Jill Deiters (S1 Ep5), and Edwin Collazo (S4 Ep1) to hear what they’ve been up to since they were first on the podcast. Life keeps moving, and we’re here for all the stories about what’s changed and how their lives, creativity, and perspectives have evolved. Season 5 starts hit…

1
Andrea Reynolds, RN, "Life and Death, That's Where She'll Be" 1:06:54

5M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Send us a text No Really (really), Andrea Reynolds is fine! Andrea brings her unique journey into nursing. Andrea has a passion for taking on challenges in this field, and is fascinated by complex procedures and machines. She works as an ECMO Primer (we are delighted to learn what this job entails!) and does not back away from difficult situations.…

1
Aaron Metcalf, Chaplain, BCC, “Confessions of an Amazing Storyteller” 59:28

6M ago59:28

59:28

Send us a text Oh Fine listeners, this week’s episode includes two special features! First, we welcome our lovely guest host Jyoshin Clay, an ordained Zen Buddhist priest and Chaplain extraordinaire. Welcome Jyoshin! Why a new host? Because this time, Aaron Metcalf finds himself in the hot seat. With a mix of vulnerability and humor, Aaron shares h…

1
Dr. Brian (please) Beldowicz, Trauma MD, "Unsanctioned Empathy" 1:09:27

6M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Send us a text Oh friends! Dr. Brian Beldowicz, "just call me Brian Please" brings a lively conversation to us about his long career as a trauma MD both in the military and in a trauma 1 hospital setting. We explore topics around compassion, empathy, doing your part, and a wonderful way of engaging the stories of other people. Brian brings compassi…

1
Bailey Sell: Transfigure 59:07

6M ago59:07

59:07

Bailey Sell (screen printer, graphic designer, Transfigure Print Collective) shares his story with Aaron McCall and discusses the love/hate relationship between creativity and time, the roles that identity and community play in creativity as well as queer and trans initiatives, and the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with building a brand…

1
Andee Holman, Nurse Manager, "More Than The Heart" 1:21:35

6M ago1:21:35

1:21:35

Send us a text Nurse manager Andee Holman joins us today and processes her many years of nursing in many, many, different rolls leading up to her desire to work as a manager. Andee brings great stories, reflections, and heartfelt care into her work. She has developed a passion for supporting healthcare workers and talks about her projects in "code …

1
Mary Bloom, House Supervisor: "Fluttering Eyes, Flickering Lights, and...Was That a Coincidence??" 1:20:55

7M ago1:20:55

1:20:55

Send us a text "Was that a coincidence?" we get to hear Mary Bloom, RN and House Supervisor, ask on this episode as she explores her long career in nursing and her evolving trust in her intuition and growing awareness that there is more to life and medicine than we can see. Mary is joined by her longtime friend and fellow house supervisor, Erin Smi…

1
Daphna Sebbane: Hell Bent 52:39

7M ago52:39

52:39

Daphna Sebbane (graphic designer, illustrator) joins Aaron McCall to share her story, discussing her multicultural upbringing and creative inspiration rooted in mysticism, tattoo art, and the occult. Daphna opens up about developing her distinct artistic style, prioritizing mental health, and the influence of music and travel on her work and person…

1
Karen Rose Goria, RN, "Florence Nightingale is Smiling Down on Me!" 1:25:34

7M ago1:25:34

1:25:34

Send us a text Fasten your seatbelts listeners! Karen Rose brings passion, perspective, and wisdom in this episode you don't wanna miss! Karen Rose shares her fascinating journey of discovering her passion and acumen for nursing - from her education to sociology, to her excavating nursing passion from implicit messages of inadequacy heaped on her b…

1
Sean Cook: Golden Retriever 1:05:18

7M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

Sean Cook (wedding photographer) shares his story with Aaron McCall, diving into his struggles and growth with social anxiety, the lengths he goes to capture meaningful images, and how his camera has served as a conduit, a security blanket, and a paycheck. And if you listen closely, you'll hear the sound of two grown men with a friendly, yet petty,…

1
Preston Meurlott, Travel RN, “COVID Care, a Teardrop Camper and the Hero’s Quest” 54:50

7M ago54:50

54:50

Send us a text Thank you to Preston for joining us on the podcast today! Preston is a travel nurse from Florida who shortly after beginning his career traveled to New York where he worked during peak Covid pandemic, only to go back to Florida at peak Delta wave! Whoah! In this episode he explores these experiences and also shares his love of travel…

1
Mark Condupa: An Empty Chair 1:13:30

7M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Mark Condupa (songwriter, singer, writer) shares deeply personal stories with Aaron McCall as they discuss creativity born out of love and grief, the effects of trauma on creativity and decision-making, and the role music plays in our day-to-day lives. Keep up with Mark Condupa: LinkedIn: Mark Condupa Writer/Producer/Editor/Host: Aaron McCall aaron…

1
Caterina DeMoret, Assistant Nurse Manager, “Finding Purpose in Serving Others” 1:02:11

7M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Send us a text Based on listener request, this week we welcome Assistant Nurse Manager Caterina DeMoret. Following her own life-threatening medical crisis, Caterina found a new sense of calm and purpose in her new career as a nurse. After nearly burning out her first year, she learned how to focus on the needs of others and find the support she nee…

1
Josie & Michael Herman: Characters 1:22:43

7M ago1:22:43

1:22:43

Josie Eli Herman and Michael Alan Herman (actors, writers, podcast creators, Acorn Arts & Entertainment, The Call of the Void, Silvertongues) share their stories with Aaron McCall as they discuss collaboration in creativity and in marriage, the humanity and empathy that goes into writing and performing, and the perspective needed to take acting fro…

1
Dr. Matthew Staropoli, "This Resident Life" 1:04:52

7M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Send us a text MD Resident Dr. Matthew Staropoli joins the podcast today for a lively discussion of the unique experiences medical residents go through. Dr. Staropoli brings stories from his training as well as stories of why he chose this challenging field. He also shares struggles to find time to cope amidst a very busy schedule and how he utiliz…

1
Alyssa Pacheco: Mirror Mirror 1:06:50

8M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Alyssa Pacheco (poet, author, artist) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the deeply personal nature of her work. Alyssa opens up about the influence of her family dynamics, the vulnerability in her words, and how her lived experiences serve as a form of discovery, expression, and a vehicle for creativity. Keep up with Alyssa Pacheco…

1
Tonya Bonifer, Physical Therapist, "Find My Eyes" 1:00:05

8M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Send us a text We’re excited to return this week with Tonya Bonifer, who works as a physical therapist in a Neurotrauma ICU. Blending tenderness and tenacity, Tonya reflects on how she guides patients through the marathon experience of physical recovery following life threatening situations. You’ll hear how she embodies hope in her literal “dream j…

1
Nicholas Hartman: Macabre & Medicated 1:05:39

8M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Nicholas Hartman (painter, illustrator, Chapel of Ghouls) shares his story with Aaron McCall and opens up about his death anxiety as well as other mental health challenges and how those things present themselves in his work. Nick balances a macabre energy with infectious positivity while discussing the humanity of art and an appreciation for the da…

1
Leigh Ann Cobb: Awkward Art Kid 1:05:57

8M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Leigh Ann Cobb (photographer) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss going from an awkward art kid to an awkward art grown-up, what it takes to keep her sense of self and identity in check, and the relationship between Leigh Ann and the camera, the camera and her subjects, and more importantly, Leigh Ann and her subjects. Keep up with L…

1
Marley Soden: Good Bones 1:02:40

8M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Marley Soden (letterer, illustrator, muralist) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss breaking off from agency life, her need for control in creativity and presentation, playing with food, and how she uses TikTok and Instagram as their own mediums. Keep up with Marley Soden: marleysoden.com TT: @marley.makes.things IG: @marley.makes.thi…

1
Edwin Collazo: Sins In Booth 6 1:14:30

9M ago1:14:30

1:14:30

Edwin Collazo (brewer, business owner, City Built Brewing Company) shared his story with Aaron McCall and 70-something other people at City Built Brewing Company for a LIVE recording session to kick off season 4. Edwin opened up about how creativity presents itself, the life experiences that led him to open a brewery, and his relationship with his …

1
Dr. Rattan, Trauma Surgeon, "The Risk of Empathy" 58:55

10M ago58:55

58:55

Send us a text As we come to the midway point of season 1, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Rishi Rattan. In this episode, Rishi reflects on what empathy means to him and the sacred moments he experiences by honoring the humanity of his patients, even in the face of death. He opens up about the surprising moment he decided to become a surgeon, when he …

1
Lea Cassidy, RN "Stewarding Trauma" 1:06:52

10M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Send us a text Thanks so much to Lea Cassidy for sitting down with us for a spirited conversation about what brought her into this important work and what she is learning as she continues to engage the challenge of being a night shift ICU nurse. Lea reflects on her journey with ADHD in this episode and how she harnesses this as a super power to wor…

1
Amber Gray: Mama Likes Her Ghosts 1:00:53

10M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

In this BONUS episode, we officially welcome Amber Gray to the Bad Idea Social Club team. She's a multi-faceted creative with a background in graphic design, creative direction, photography, performance art, and probably 20 other things. Amber shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss their history together, the bullshit that comes with pr…

1
Ken King, RT "Jesus Ken! Humor and Normalizing Patient Experience" 58:53

10M ago58:53

58:53

Send us a text Oh friends! Ken "Jesus Ken!" King brings us a heartfelt conversation about his work as a respiratory therapist. Ken offers insight into his patient interactions and into how he strives to bring some normalcy into a very abnormal setting. Ken is all things air - which it turns out is important to living - and shares his journey into t…

1
Alysa and Genelle - Friends in the Workplace...They'll Be There For You!!!! 55:16

11M ago55:16

55:16

Send us a text It's the "Smithsters"!!!!!!!! Besties Alysa Smith and Genelle Smith (no relation, what?) join us on the podcast today for an episode that brings a lot of laughter, joy, and heartfelt care. Genelle is an ICU nurse, and Alysa is an emergency department and together they are an unstoppable force of wisdom and humor. These two have conta…

1
Jasper, 911 Dispatch, Three Dimensional Coping 1:08:06

11M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

Send us a text "911 What's your emergency? " Hopefully these are words you have never had to hear, but if you have, you'll be glad if Jasper Bawcom is on the other line, waiting and ready to dispatch services to you! Jasper brings deep reflection into his work, as well as powerful stories from his unique and high paced work. Jasper is insightful, c…

1
James Victore: The Weight Of The Chorus 1:05:52

11M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

To wrap up season 3, James Victore (artist, graphic designer, art educator, creative coach) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they get into discovering your voice as an artist and a person, the line between creative block and being bored, and finding your way back to yourself after getting lost. Keep up with James Victore: yourworkisagift.com I…

1
Adam Haight, LCSW Palliative Care, "Soul Purpose" 1:11:12

11M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Send us a text This week we have the great opportunity to speak with Adam Haight, who is a Palliative Care social worker. Adam brings a lot of depth and reflection in this conversation as he explores what brought him to this unique work and what continues to offer him meaning as he engages people in very difficult conversations on a daily basis. We…

1
Dan Wiltshire: Left-Handed House Cat 58:45

11M ago58:45

58:45

Dan Wiltshire (motion designer, Chop & Hue) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the energy that creativity gives and takes, catching influence from film and thin air, and overcoming physical and emotional setbacks to keep artful energy moving forward. Keep up with Dan Wiltshire: IG: @daniel_wiltshire_ch chopandhue.com IG: @chopandhue…

1
Chelan Metcalf, RN "Violence in the Room" 1:14:46

11M ago1:14:46

1:14:46

Send us a text This week we welcome the delightful and insightful Chelan Metcalf! Chelan is a nurse in on an acute med-surge floor and did her RN training in the thick of covid. She brings laughter and tears in this episode as she explores her unique (and deeply moving) call to this vocation and also explores an event of being assaulted while at wo…

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Aaron McCall Podcasts

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