Presentations by the Producers

As professional educators, co-producers Mike Bernhagen and Terry Kaldhusdal strongly believe that empowering others is a social and civic responsibility.  That being said, they offer three kinds of presentations designed to engage American communities in the end-of-life conversation.

Consider the Conversation: Moving Beyond Politics in Order to Change the Culture of Medicine

On September 22, 2011, Mike Bernhagen was privileged to follow Dr. Diane Meier, Director of the Center to Advance Palliative Care in New York City, as a speaker at Agrace HospiceCare's 16th Annual End-of-Life Forum in Madison, Wisconsin.  Following his 90-minute presentation, Mike received a sustained standing ovation from an audience of nearly 400 at the Alliant Energy Center in the state's capitol city. 

In this presentation, Mike and/or Terry talk about the origins of "death panels" and inspire us to take the lead in changing the culture of medicine via the sharing of their personal experiences with loss and a screening of the film.

Consider the Conversation:  A Theatrical Film Presentation and Community Conversation

Photograph by John Sibilski

The premiere of Consider the Conversation at the Oconomowoc Arts Center was a resounding success as evidenced by a sold out show, the profound audience reaction and requests for additional screenings.  Therefore, Mike and Terry are now pleased to offer a theatrical experience for interested parties.  This engagement includes a musical prelude featuring either the live or recorded music of Steve Price, RN; an introduction of the film by Terry Kaldhusdal; a big screen presentation of the documentary; and either an audience talk back session involving the producers or a live panel discussion moderated by Mike Bernhagen.

Among the many beautiful comments provided by audience members following their premiere was this one:

"I went to see Mike Bernhagen and Terry Kaldhusdal's documentary CONSIDER THE CONVERSATION tonight, and I was blown away.  I was expecting to see some healthcare professionals giving some useful tips about hospice care and death and dying.  Instead I saw a profoundly moving and poignant look at facing death and how we can all help each other go out the way we would want to go out.

I was expecting to be seated in a classroom with 80 other people.  Instead I arrived to a sold out show with an audience of nearly a thousand, many of whom I could hear quietly crying at the end of the movie.  It is brilliant, thought provoking, and dare I say it, comforting.  I stand in awe of what you two have done.  Seriously, BRAVO!!!" 

Venues hosting this event to date:

•  2/5/11 - Oconomowoc Arts Center, Oconomowoc, WI - underwritten by ProHealth Care.
• 5/19/11 - Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts, Sheboygan, WI - underwritten by Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
• 6/13/11 - Three Stages at Folsom Lake College, Folsom, CA - underwritten by Marshall Medical Center and the Sacramento News & Review.
• 10/15/11 - Mayo Clinic Health System Auditorium, Eau Claire, WI - underwritten by Mayo Clinic Health System Home Health & Hospice, Tri-County Medical Society, Hospice Education Institute, Grace Lutheran Foundation, and Spiritual Care Services at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.
• 10/19/11 - Graff Main Hall Auditorium, La Crosse, WI - underwritten by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in collaboration with Gundersen Lutheran Health System, the Mayo Clinic Health System (Franciscan Healthcare) and WKBT-TV.

Consider the Conversation: Unplugged

Photograph by Todd Hochberg

Over the course of the past year and a half, Terry Kaldhusdal and Mike Bernhagen have given a number of "Consider the Conversation Unplugged" presentations to a variety of medical audiences in the Midwest.  During these talks, the pair shared the intimate story of their personal calling to the project, provided a synopsis of lessons learned, and showed several completed clips from the film.

Some of the venues where Terry and Mike have spoken include:

•  3/25/10 - Wisconsin Assisted Living Association Annual Spring Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI.
• 4/1/10 - Faith in Action Partnering for Excellence in End-of-Life Care Conference, Oconomowoc, WI.
• 5/12/10 - Dane County Committee on Aging, Madison, WI.
• 7/21/10 - Continuing Care Coordinators of Southeastern Wisconsin, West Allis, WI.
• 9/14 /10 - 99th Annual Fall Clinic of Columbia St. Mary's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI. 
• 9/15/10 - 3rd Annual End-of-Life Coalition of Southeastern Wisconsin Conference, Waukesha, WI.
• 10/14/10 - Chicago End-of-Life Care Coalition Special Event, Chicago, IL.
• 10/28/10 - HOPE of Wisconsin Annual Fall Conference, Stevens Point, WI.
• 1/14/11 - Wisconsin Medical Society Council on Health Care Ethics, Madison, WI.
• 4/8/11 - Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Medical Society, Madison, WI.
• 4/19/11 - Annual Spring Conference of Unity Hospice, Green Bay, WI.
• 11/30/11 - November meeting of the Wisconsin Chapter of the World Presidents' Organization, Chenequa, WI.

The following is just a small sample of written feedback provided by conference attendees on evaluation forms: 

"Excellent, excellent film - was involved with Moyers PBS project and found this one more moving."

"I have seen many such works - this is one of the best approaches.   Thank you."

"It's the BEST film I have ever seen on the subject!"

"Great job!  What a needed film - can't wait to see it broadcast."

"Validated my thoughts."

"Very captivating film and reminder to discuss these issues."

"Very excellent presentation - not only the USA but the world needs to see this and know that no one needs to die alone."

"Phenomenal!"

"Thank you for taking on this difficult task of embracing the truth about death, dying, and our resistance in society for seeing this truth. May you blessed by your work."

"Awesome!! Keep up the work so all can hear and know."

"Amazing! Powerful work. Keep up the great work."

"What a moving and touching story - empowering!"

"Remarkable: honest, powerful, and life-giving."

"WOW."

"The personal stories of Terry and Mike were phenomenal. Very touching."

"Very well presented. Great advocates for hospice care. I look forward to seeing their movie in its entirety."

"Engaging - profoundly."

"Please bring this presentation to the conference every year."

"This presentation is the most moving and valuable I have ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing."

"Phenomenal subject for this conference. Phenomenal presentation. Must see for medical community and family care."

"Next year: Keynote Speaker!"

"The best, most interesting session I've seen."

For more information on any of these opportunities, please send a message via our Contact Us page.