Before You Go

In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa Dicker, General Manager at Bristol Dementia Action Alliance, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to live well with dementia.

Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis and decline, Lisa shares how her work centres on helping people stay connected, supported, and engaged in their communities for as long as possible.

We explore the often-overlooked reality of anticipatory grief, the importance of early emotional support for families and carers, and how dementia-friendly communities can transform everyday life.

Lisa also reflects on the misconceptions that still exist around dementia, and why changing perceptions, alongside improving funding and access to support, remains vital for the future of care.

This is an episode about connection, dignity, and rethinking how we support people to live well at every stage of the dementia journey.

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In this episode of Before You Go, we speak with Mireille Hayden, Health Psychologist and founder of Gentle Dusk, an organisation dedicated to improving emotional and psychological wellbeing in end-of-life care.

Mireille shares her remarkable journey into the bereavement sector, from her early work as an end-of-life care commissioner to founding Gentle Dusk in 2011, and how her experiences working across the NHS, hospices, and charities shaped her approach to compassionate care. She reflects on her work supporting healthcare professionals, including the development of training programmes and wellbeing practices designed to help staff cope with repeated exposure to death and dying.

In this deeply personal conversation, Mireille also opens up about her own lived experience of grief and uncertainty, and how it influenced the creation of practical end-of-life planning resources in partnership with the NHS and Memorial Woodland Trust. We explore the importance of emotional resilience in the sector, the need for better wellbeing support for staff, and why open conversations about death and dying remain essential in modern society.

This is a powerful discussion about compassion, humanity, and finding calm within some of life’s most difficult moments.

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In this episode of Before You Go, we speak with Kirsty Simmonds, National Sector Lead for Connect2FuneralServices, about the vital role training and apprenticeships play in shaping the future of funeral care.

Kirsty shares her journey into the bereavement sector, discusses the misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships, and explains how professional development is helping funeral businesses build confident, compassionate teams. We also explore the growing demand for personalised funerals, the importance of supporting professionals who encounter grief every day, and why it's time to challenge the taboos that still surround death and bereavement.

A thoughtful conversation about people, purpose, and preparing the next generation of funeral professionals.

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In this episode of Before You Go, we’re joined by Michelle Seddon, a Partner in the Private Capital team at Clarke Willmott, specialising in wills, probate, estate administration and lifetime planning.

With more than 15 years’ experience in private client law, Michelle shares why so many people still delay planning for death, the growing complexity of modern family estates, and how recent changes to inheritance tax could impact families across the UK.

The conversation also explores the emotional side of bereavement law, Michelle’s work supporting Death in Service benefit schemes, and the real-life stories that show why having a will in place matters more than many people realise.

Compassionate, insightful and positively challenging, this episode looks at how planning ahead can protect the people we love most.

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In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by Dr Emma Clare – Chartered Psychologist, End of Life Doula, and CEO of End of Life Doula UK.

Emma shares her unique journey into end-of-life care, from working as a domiciliary carer to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in death literacy and community-led support. With honesty and compassion, she explores what it truly means to support someone at the end of life – and why these conversations matter more than ever.

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Known by many as Ginger Golf, Josh Simpson speaks to Matthew Brook in this episode of the Before You Go podcast about finding purpose in pain and grief after the loss of a loved one.

After the death of his mother, and wanting to honour her memory, Josh channelled his grief into a world record-breaking golf challenge - playing over 580 courses in a single year - while also raising money for charity.

He emphasises that grief can be a catalyst for positive change, noting that everyone experiences it differently and that those individual journeys should be respected. He also explores funeral planning and stresses the importance of normalising conversations around death.

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Christmas is often seen as a joyful season, but for many, it can bring sadness, memories, and the weight of loss. In this episode, we speak with Father Norman, a retired Anglican priest who has supported countless people through grief.

He shares gentle advice on coping during the festive period, reminding us that we never need permission to grieve, even on Christmas Day. 

We explore ways to include the memory of loved ones in Christmas traditions, how to handle the pressure to “be cheerful,” and how friends and family can provide meaningful support without forcing feelings or comparisons.

Fr. Norman also reflects on the powerful message that there is no “right way” or timeline for grief, and that the real Christmas story holds both struggle and hope.

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On this episode of Before You Go, Jennifer Muldowney — known to many as The Glam Reaper — shares the personal experiences that led her into the world of bereavement care. From navigating loss to planning beautifully bespoke celebrations of life, Jennifer offers an insider’s view into how families in the US are reshaping what a funeral can be. 

Instagram: @jennifermuldowney

Website: Muldowney Memorials

Facebook: Jennifer Muldowney

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In this episode of Before You Go, host Matthew Brook engages in a heartfelt conversation with Danny Lesslie, a widower and author of the memoir 'Thank You Cancer.' They explore the profound themes of grief, love, and the journey of healing after loss. Danny shares his personal experiences of navigating life after the death of his wife, Raffaella, and how writing and reflection became essential tools in his healing process. 

The discussion delves into the complexities of grief, the importance of holding space for those who are grieving, and the coexistence of joy and sadness. Danny emphasises the significance of open conversations about death and the legacy of love that continues beyond loss.

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Matt sits down with Ross Hickton, Managing Director, 4th-generation Funeral Director, and National President of SAIF 2025/26.

They discuss the evolution of independent funeral care, what it means to lead a family business through generations, and Ross’s vision for the future of the funeral profession.

From personal reflections to industry-wide challenges, this conversation offers a rare and insightful look at tradition, innovation, and leadership within one of the UK’s most compassionate sectors. 

Facebook: Ross Hickton

LinkedIn: Ross W Hickton

Website: Hickton Family Funeral Directors | Across The West Midlands

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