Before I Go cover art

Before I Go

Before I Go

By: Vision Quest Communications Inc. Director Mentor: Kelly Steele
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ABOUT BEFORE I GO…Embracing the Journey of MAiD: “Death is not an ending but a change of worlds.” Indigenous nations have a long history with ceremony and tradition around death. A member of the Gitxaala Nation in BC, Marion Brown has Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a chronic progressive condition that will, as with other members of her family, eventually take her life. And so, Marion has made the decision to use the MAiD program when she feels the time is appropriate. An experienced documentary producer and interviewer in her own right, Marion will turn the microphone around on herself. Along with family and many professional experts, she and her daughter Danielle will share this extraordinary journey with you. By openly discussing the experience of choosing medical assisted dying through an Indigenous lens, along with wisdom and stories – about family & ancestors, history & trauma, healing & love – Marion and Dani hope that their journey will provide unique and thoughtful perspectives, encourage your own conversations with those close to you, and perhaps provide some comfort. After all, living & dying are the human experiences we all share. Join us bi-weekly for some of the most profound and thought-provoking conversations of a lifetime. *****CONTENT WARNING***** Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support. *****RESOURCES***** Mental Health Support Resources: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chat NIHB Mental Health Services regional office First Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.ca MAiD Resources: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying Centre for Education and Research on Aging https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/ https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/ https://camapcanada.ca/ https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf Grief & Loss Support Resources: https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/ https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org https://livingmyculture.ca/ Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027 Residential School Support Resources: https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Families https://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419Vision Quest Communications Inc. Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Before I Go: Season 2 Trailer

    Before I Go: Season 2 Trailer
    Jun 21 2026
    Season 2 of “Before I Go” returns with mother–daughter duo Marion and Dani as they continue to normalize the conversations most people avoid: about death, grief, illness, and the systems that shape our care. Building on the profound impact of Season 1, they go deeper into the emotional cost of caregiving, what it means to be an Indigenous patient and caregiver within a healthcare system marked by medical racism, and the hard questions around MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) and why so few Indigenous people are able to access it.This season, Marion and Dani open up about the toll of sharing their story so vulnerably, the miracle drug that changed Marion’s prognosis, and the unexpected losses that still found their family. Through honest conversations, they explore intergenerational trauma, environmental and medical racism, emotional and medical justice, and the quiet, everyday heroism of caregivers who pour themselves into the people they love.“Before I Go” doesn’t promise easy answers. Instead, it offers a space to feel seen, heard, and held, one listener at a time. If you’ve ever navigated illness, loss, or the weight of caring for someone else, Season 2 is an invitation to keep asking hard questions and to remember to care for your own mind, body, and spirit along the way.*****CONTENT WARNING*****Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support. Mental Health Support Resources:https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chatNIHB Mental Health Services regional officeFirst Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.caMAiD Resources:https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying Centre for Education and Research on Aging https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/ https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/ https://camapcanada.ca/ https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf Grief & Loss Support Resources:https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org https://livingmyculture.ca/ Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027 Residential School Support Resources:https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Familieshttps://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 Produced with the participation of the Indigenous Screen Office, in partnership with YouTube Canada.
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    3 mins
  • MEANING, PURPOSE & JOY

    MEANING, PURPOSE & JOY
    Oct 25 2025
    Dedicated to our brother and uncle, Bill Blue.Hard to fathom that this is the final episode of Season 1…what an incredible journey. Today, Marion and Danielle begin by talking about the illness their brother/uncle is facing, the pain of this reality, and processing difficult emotions. Dani addresses the difficulty of being a caregiver, recognizing the strength it takes to carry that burden. “Why me…just because I can?” She has the most beautiful answer - “No, it's because of love."Marion talks about their family’s growth, and generational healing - about creating new neuropathways for change and how cycles can be interrupted. And the courage it takes to continue to stand even when life knocks you down. The two women also talk about how the podcast began on a personal level, but became educational and advocational. The episodes were not all about MAiD, but addressed the intersection of environmental, medical, legal, and educational racism and the lack of agency that impacts Indigenous people every day. The conversation then moves to the knowledge and wisdom shared by our wonderful guests! We celebrate how they have each shaped their spaces, and we hold our hands up to them, and these conversations that have changed us. And finally, this podcast began as Marion planned the end of her life. She will continue to do so, but was able to share that she has been offered a new medical therapy. It is not a cure, but it is slowing the progression of the disease and giving her more quality time with us. We even have an update at the very end of the podcast! Such a positive conclusion to Season 1, this fills us with gratitude and hope. Thank you, dear listeners, for walking on this journey with us. We look forward to being together again for Season 2! Until then, take care of yourselves, and know that we see you. *****CONTENT WARNING*****Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support. Mental Health Support Resources:https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chatNIHB Mental Health Services regional officeFirst Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.caMAiD Resources:https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying Centre for Education and Research on Aging https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/ https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/ https://camapcanada.ca/ https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf Grief & Loss Support Resources:https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org https://livingmyculture.ca/ Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027 Residential School Support Resources:https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Familieshttps://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • PART 2 - BECOMING WHAT YOU'VE NEVER SEEN.

    PART 2 - BECOMING WHAT YOU'VE NEVER SEEN.
    Oct 11 2025

    Today, in the second part of our conversation, Marion and Dani talk with Myrna McCallum about choices. About the trauma we carry, and how it informs all of our choices. About recognizing that the legacy of being a survivor of trauma means finding the strength to consciously choose to face each day. Myrna shares her path to making new and better choices, what led her to advocacy work in the legal system, and her belief that the practices of medicine and of law have a responsibility to be trauma-informed, to stop the cycle of pain and racism. And finally, Dani, Marion, and Myrna talk about gratitude for the time they have spent together and how open, honest, and authentic conversations can be centring, inspiring, and healing. Thanks for listening. Please take care of yourselves, and if you need to, make use of the resources listed on our podcast main page.


    Episode-Relevant Links:

    https://angelasterritt.com/

    https://greystonebooks.com/products/unbroken?srsltid=AfmBOoqhuCNYtQusjdLaUrhMK40ubfBurFr4fRpCXe7mfEIpHuc6w42K

    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-trauma-informed-lawyer/id1514824294

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    53 mins
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