The Life After ICU Initiative
Stories & conversations

Podcasts

Hear from survivors, families, clinicians, and advocates about critical illness, medical trauma, and the work of recovery.

Now available · Our podcast

Surviving Discharge

A Life After ICU Initiative Podcast

Hosted by Michael Paul Patrick

Building the bridge from intensive care to life after.

Honest stories and conversations with survivors, families, clinicians, and researchers exploring PICS, ICU memories, physical recovery, mental health, identity, and life beyond discharge.

Episodes

Episode 1 · October 7, 2026 · 1 hour 2 minutes

The Week I Don’t Remember

A car accident. Cervical spine surgery. An unexpected complication, ARDS, and a week in a coma. Michael shares his ICU-survival story—and the hallucinations, nightmares, and delirium that began after he woke up and was extubated.

From the challenges of recovery to writing, survivor advocacy, and founding the Life After ICU Initiative, this premiere explores why surviving discharge is only the beginning.

Content note: Critical illness, ICU delirium, hallucinations, nightmares, and emotional distress.

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Episode 2 · October 21, 2026 · 1 hour 7 minutes

What Is PICS?

With Dr. Brian Peach

What is Post-Intensive Care Syndrome—and why does it matter after you leave the hospital? Michael Paul Patrick joins Dr. Brian Peach for a conversation about PICS and life after critical illness.

Following Michael’s story in the premiere, this episode offers a starting point for understanding the physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges that can follow an ICU stay, helping survivors and families put experiences into words and begin seeking support.

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Other Important Podcasts

Explore conversations about ICU recovery and related experiences of medical trauma.

SCCM Podcast · Episode 396 · October 6, 2019

Post-ICU clinics & peer support

Kyle Enfield and Kimberley Haines discuss setting up post-ICU clinics and peer support groups. This 2019 conversation offers background on SCCM’s THRIVE work; check providers directly for current programs.

Listen on SCCM →
SCCM Podcast · Episode 549 · September 25, 2025

PICS and long-term quality of life

Marilyn Bulloch and Bram Tilburgs discuss physical, cognitive, and mental health concerns after intensive care, related research, and the role of survivor conversations.

Listen and read the transcript →
ICU care & survivorship

Walking Home From the ICU

From Dayton ICU Consulting, conversations with survivors and healthcare professionals explore ICU experiences, sedation, delirium, mobility, and recovery after critical illness.

Browse episodes
Birth trauma & recovery

Birth Trauma Stories

A podcast centered on birth trauma stories, offering another perspective on medical trauma and the experiences people carry into recovery.

Visit the podcast
Connect with the initiative

Let’s build the bridge together.

For awareness, resources, and community connections, contact Michael Paul Patrick.

Michael@LifeAfterICU.org(407) 801-0175

Please avoid sending medical records or sensitive health information. This contact is not a clinical or emergency service.