--- title: Arrive Where We First Began, A Strategic Path Forward with Dr. Ira Byock description: "In this episode: Dr. Ira Byock, a pioneer in the field, shares insights on the need to reframe the narrative around hospice, emphasizing its role in life completion and the importance of strategic planning for the future." --- [TCNTalks ](https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast) # [Arrive Where We First Began, A Strategic Path Forward with Dr. Ira Byock](https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/arrive-where-we-first-began-a-strategic-path-forward-with-dr.-ira-byock) Written by [Chris Comeaux](https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/author/chris-comeaux) | 12/3/25 3:34 PM In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner reflect on the significance of Hospice and Palliative Care, especially during the holiday season.  They discuss the evolution of the field, the importance of fostering well-being for patients, and the transformative impact of Hospice on healthcare.       Dr. Ira Byock, a pioneer in the field, shares insights on the need to reframe the narrative around Hospice, emphasizing its role in life completion and the importance of strategic planning for the future.  The conversation highlights the overwhelming positive feedback received on Dr. Byock's strategic framework for Hospice and Palliative Care, showcasing the ongoing relevance and necessity of these services in modern healthcare.  In this conversation, Ira Byock discusses the importance of equity in Palliative Care, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and a rethinking of existing frameworks to better serve diverse populations.    He also addresses barriers to quality care, the role of health plans in ensuring quality, and the necessity of implementing clear standards for Hospice and Palliative Care.  Byock advocates for a compassionate approach to dying, celebrating life while acknowledging the challenges of mortality.   [HPC Today Top News Stories November - Cordt](https://www.teleioscn.org/hubfs/Teleios%20Collaborative%20Network/Documents/HPC%20Today%20Top%20News%20Stories%202025.11%20Cordt.pdf) [Teleios Monthly Podcast Articles November 2025 Newsletter](https://www.teleioscn.org/hubfs/Teleios%20Collaborative%20Network/Documents/Teleios%20Monthly%20Podcast%20Articles%20November%202025%20Newsletter.pdf)   [Show Transcript](https://www.teleioscn.org/hubfs/Teleios%20Collaborative%20Network/Documents/Transcript-%20Arrive%20Where%20We%20First%20Began%2c%20A%20Strategic%20Path%20Forward%20with%20Dr.%20Ira%20Byock.pdf)         Guest Dr. Ira Byock  MD, FAAHPM  [Biography](https://www.teleioscn.org/hubfs/Teleios%20Collaborative%20Network/Documents/Ira%20Byock%20MD%20short%20bio%20July%202025.pdf) [mailto:ckassner@hospiceanalytics.com](mailto:ckassner@hospiceanalytics.com)[ Website ](https://irabyock.org) # [5 Questions to Ask Your Elders Over the Holidays](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/well/interviewing-older-relatives-questions.html?unlocked_article_code=1.308.2Vzc.ZiT7Nq1ELafO&smid=url-share) # - NY Times Article - [A Strategic Path Forward for Hospice and Palliative Care:](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/epdf/10.1089/pmr.2025.0030) [A White Paper on the Potential Future of the Field](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/epdf/10.1089/pmr.2025.0030)     Co-Host Cordt Kassner PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics [Contact  ](mailto:ckassner@hospiceanalytics.com) [Biography](https://www.teleioscn.org/hubfs/Teleios%20Collaborative%20Network/Documents/Cordt%20T%20Kassner%20bio.pdf) [Hospice and Palliative Care Today](https://www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com/) Subscribe for free [www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com](https://www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com/)     Host [Chris Comeaux](https://www.teleioscn.org/chriscomeaux) [MLAS, CPA](https://www.teleioscn.org/chriscomeaux) [President / CEO    TCN / TCG](https://www.teleioscn.org/chriscomeaux) [Request More Information](mailto:ccomeaux@teleioscn.org) [The Anatomy Of Leadership](https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Leadership-What-Do-Leaders/dp/B0CP1H4Q9Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13TCTTE4MERHU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k8JMNI42KjHquGeyhSi2yVsqgt34wii5hGbTnBxh7y_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.lb1wV3NFqwfao2camDL9e5NU93vuV9f3YVbZrNXuARs&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+anatomy+of+leadership+by+chris+comeaux&qid=1723572559&sprefix=The+Anatomy+Of+Leadership%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1) **Book On Amazon **       Podcast Quotes       TCNtalks Sponsor [www.dragonflyhealth.com](https://dragonflyhealth.com/)    [View full post](https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/arrive-where-we-first-began-a-strategic-path-forward-with-dr.-ira-byock) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Chris Comeaux" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-04T15:13:22.947Z", "datePublished" : "2025-12-03T15:34:47Z", "headline" : "Arrive Where We First Began, A Strategic Path Forward with Dr. Ira Byock", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 1700, "url" : "https://4731444.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4731444/TCNtalks%20-%20Ira%20Byock%20-%20blog%20Thumbnail%20-%2011.jpeg", "width" : 2550 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/arrive-where-we-first-began-a-strategic-path-forward-with-dr.-ira-byock", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png", "width" : 60 }, "name" : "Podcasts" } } ```