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The Gritty Nurse

The Gritty Nurse is back, and NO TOPIC is off-limits! Launching in September 2025 with host Amie Archibald Varley, this podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of nurses and others who work in healthcare to explore the most pressing issues they face. Join Amie as she continues to take a deep dive into powerful and often uncomfortable topics. Though shared experriences, storytelling and the discussions surrounding the intersection of power, we will navigate the challenges facing healthcare nationally and internationally--as of course--challenge the status quo. The show's core belief remains unwavering: that compassion is the through understanding diverse narratives and perspectives is KEY. Amie will continue to explore hot-button issues like mental health, social justice, women's health, and the daily challenges within the nursing profession. The Gritty Nurse is more than just a podcast—it's a community where nurses and healthcare workers can feel heard, empowered, and recognized as the community leaders they truly are. Change is HERE.

Apr 29, 2021

In this episode, Amie and Sara discuss poverty and homelessness, a national and international health crisis wth the one and only Cathy Crowe. If you are a healthcare provider, you know the name Cathy Crowe- but do you know of her tireless years of activism, political action and advocacy in “street” health? Are you...


Apr 22, 2021

In this episode, Amie and Sara talk pain management with the Canadian Medical Association President-Elect Dr. Alika Lafontaine.  We discuss the subjectivity and management of pain in racialized communities and marginalized individuals. We focus on issues related to pain from the perspectives of the care provider and the...


Apr 15, 2021

In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss the "urban legends" surrounding whether nurses can speak to the media. John Reiterowski, a Canadian Lawyer, joins us to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by nurses, such as: Can I be fired for talking to media?; What are my rights/legal obligations? We also discuss...


Apr 8, 2021

In this episode, Amie and Sara explore "The Dirty Shades of Blue": The bullying, misogyny, gender discrimination and sexual harassment that is rampant in not only healthcare, but policing. Our guest, a Toronto Policer Officer recounts her struggles with bullying and sexual harassment by the people who are meant to...


Apr 2, 2021

In this 2 part episode, we discuss what it is like to have autism from those who have autism. With our guests, Ben Goodes (17 years old) and Tristan Varley (9 years old), we ask them what life is like on the spectrum and how individuals can be more understanding and inclusive (total time 17mins 45 sec).

In the second...