Ep. 57 - I’m Not Dead if I’m Still Talking: Behind the Film A Butterfly Has Been Released

In this episode, filmmakers Barry Koch and Jason Zamer are joined by Angela Novas, Chief Medical Officer of the Hospice Foundation of America, to discuss A Butterfly Has Been Released. The documentary follows hospice nurse Allyson during the final 39 days of her life with brain cancer. Determined to turn her dying into a teaching moment, she hosts a living funeral, shares deep conversations with loved ones, and chooses a natural green burial—modeling agency and intention through the end of life.

Barry and Jason reflect on the emotional and ethical realities of documenting such an intimate journey, while Angela offers a hospice leadership perspective on what the film reveals about patient autonomy and end-of-life care. Together, they explore how storytelling can reshape conversations about death and grief.

This episode invites palliative and hospice professionals to reflect on what happens when the caregiver becomes the patient—and how narrative can be a powerful vehicle for change.

“A Butterfly Has Been Released” is available for individual and community viewing, with and without continuing education credit at Hospice Foundation of America website.

Barry Koch Barry Koch is a media executive turned end-of-life innovator whose work brings humanity, honesty, and meaning making to life’s final chapter. Through the production of films like A Butterfly Has Been Released and digital projects that enhance deathcare literacy, he sparks important and necessary conversations that families often avoid. As a Co-founder of TGBeyond and longtime hospice volunteer, he champions compassionate care, community healing, and conscious choices at the end-of-life.

Jason Zamer Jason Zamer is a healthcare technology innovator turned documentary storyteller, using film to illuminate the emotional and therapeutic power of end-of-life narratives. With 20+ years designing evidence-based interventions for older adults, he blends science, empathy, and creativity to transform how we communicate about dying. As co-founder of TGBeyond, he creates “deadutainment”—engaging, empowering content that normalizes death conversations—through tools and stories that help families prepare, heal, and connect through life’s final chapter.

Angela Novas Angela Novas is a nationally recognized hospice and palliative care clinician who serves as Chief Medical Officer and consultant for the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA). She moderates and participates in HFA's professional educational panels, provides information about hospice to the public, and is frequently quoted by major media outlets including The Washington Post, AARP, USA Today, and NPR. With advanced training from Harvard and The George Washington University, she leads with clinical rigor, compassion, and a commitment to high-quality end-of-life care.

Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN®, FAANP Dr. Brett Snodgrass has been a registered nurse for 28 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for 18 years, practicing in multiple settings, including family practice, urgent care, emergency departments, administration, chronic pain and palliative medicine. She is currently the Operations Director for Palliative Medicine at Baptist Health Systems in Memphis, TN. She is board certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is also a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. She completed a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama – Huntsville. She is a nationally recognized nurse practitioner speaker and teacher. Brett is a chronic pain expert, working for more than 20 years with chronic pain and palliative patients in a variety of settings. She is honored to be the HPNA 2025 podcast host. She is married with two daughters, two son in laws, one grandson, and now an empty nest cat. She and her family are actively involved in their church and she is an avid reader.