Patricia Lockard

NurseTalk was the brainchild of two spirited RNs, Casey Hobbs and Maggie McDermott, who—after three decades of scrubs and stethoscopes—decided to turn their laughter into a national platform.

With the infectious tagline "laughter is the best medicine," the dynamic duo teamed up with entertainment pro Pattie Lockard and award-winning sound designer June Miller. They crafted a pitch demo and hit the ground running, spreading their vision to anyone who would listen (even if a few called them "crazy" behind their backs!).

Despite encountering a chorus of skepticism from radio stations—"Why not a doctor show?" “Is it just advice?”—the fearless nurses persevered. They self-produced "Nurse Talk" for ten incredible years, making waves in major cities across the U.S. and spreading joy worldwide via the internet. They found a great ally in the country’s largest nurses’ union, and their mini-podcasts were featured daily on Sirius XM’s Thom Hartmann Program. The show received three National Communicators Awards for best new comedy/talk and best new writers.

Not only did they tackle serious topics while keeping the laughs rolling, but they also created the funny tongue in cheek "Square Needle Award,"  presented each week to someone in the news who may have done more damage than good. Though Maggie eventually stepped back, she left behind a legacy. The talented NP Shayne Mason joined Casey as the Co-host in 2013.

During the challenges posed by COVID-19 show sponsors were unable to continue funding. "Nurse Talk" ceased production in 2020 but the show lives on in spirit, inspiring new advocates fighting for accessible and affordable healthcare for all