Ever wondered what it's like to chat with ghosts for a living? Join me as I sit down with Jenny Tomkins, the fascinating mind behind Sorrento Ghost Tours, who stumbled into the world of the paranormal quite by accident. What started as a way to stay awake for late-night mum taxi duties has turned into a 14-year journey of discovery, scepticism, and ultimately, belief.

Jenny shares how she's developed her own sensitivities over the years. She recounts incredible experiences, from ghostly encounters in haunted houses to the surprising ways spirits communicate through modern technology. But it's not all spooks and spectres - Jenny's tours have also unveiled forgotten histories, including poignant stories of Indigenous spirits still making their presence felt.

This episode is a deep dive into the world of ghost tours, clairvoyance, and the thin veil between our world and the next. Jenny's journey from non-believer to ghost whisperer will challenge your perceptions and maybe, just maybe, make you question what lies beyond our everyday reality. Whether you're a sceptic or a true believer, Jenny's stories will leave you with a newfound curiosity about the unseen world around us.

Key points from our discussion:

• The accidental birth of Sorrento Ghost Tours - from mum taxi to ghost guide
• Jenny's personal journey from sceptic to believer
• The role of clairvoyants in developing ghost tour routes
• Unexpected ghostly communication through modern technology
• The importance of historical research in validating paranormal experiences
• Dealing with sceptics and managing different levels of belief
• The ethics of ghost tours and 'moving spirits on'
• Indigenous spirits and the importance of respecting sacred sites
• The development of personal sensitivity to the paranormal over time
• The varying ways people perceive and interact with spirits
• The impact of running ghost tours on personal beliefs and life outlook

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:20 The Accidental Birth of Sorrento Ghost Tours
05:10 From Sceptic to Spirit Whisperer
10:45 Ghostly Communication Through Modern Tech
15:30 The Role of Clairvoyants in Ghost Tours
19:50 Historical Research Validating Paranormal Experiences
25:15 Managing Sceptics and Different Beliefs
30:30 The Ethics of Ghost Tours and Moving Spirits On
35:45 Indigenous Spirits and Sacred Sites
40:10 Developing Personal Sensitivity to the Paranormal
45:20 How Ghost Tours Impact Personal Beliefs
50:00 Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Sorrento Ghost Tour Resources: 

Website: https://www.sorrentoghosttours.com.au 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorrento_ghost_tours/ 

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Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up 200 years in the future, in a young, healthy body with all your memories intact? This isn't science fiction - it's the ambitious goal of cryonics, and it's happening right here in Australia.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Peter Solapides, founder, director, and chairman of Southern Cryonics. Peter shares the fascinating journey that led him to establish Australia's first cryonics facility in Holbrook, New South Wales. 

From the intricate process of patient suspension to the complex legal and ethical considerations, we delve deep into the world of cryonics and its potential to revolutionise our approach to death and dying.

Peter's enthusiasm is infectious as he explains how cryonics works, dispelling common misconceptions and painting a picture of a future where death might be merely a temporary state. 

We discuss the demographics of cryonics supporters, the challenges of long-term planning, and the profound philosophical questions that arise when we consider the possibility of extending human life far beyond its current limits.

Key points from our conversation:

• Cryonics involves preserving a person's body at extremely low temperatures after legal death, with the hope of future revival
• Southern Cryonics completed their first cryonic suspension in May 2024
• The process involves a team of medical professionals and specialised equipment
• Cryonics supporters tend to be science enthusiasts, secular, and optimistic about the future
• The cost of cryopreservation is typically covered by life insurance policies
• Legal and ethical considerations include next-of-kin rights and the definition of death
• The facility in Holbrook can currently house 40 patients, with potential to expand to 600
• Maintenance costs are surprisingly low, mainly involving regular liquid nitrogen top-ups

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Resources: 

Find out more about Peter and Cryonics here: https://southerncryonics.com/ 

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Ever wondered what it's like to plan a funeral in a golf course or use a combi van as a hearse? Today, we're diving deep into the world of personalised farewells with Mon Jones, a funeral director at The Last Hurrah.

Mon's journey into the funeral industry was unexpected, but it's clear she's found her calling. The Last Hurrah isn't your average funeral home - it's a family affair that's reimagining how we say goodbye to our loved ones. From cardboard coffins that families can decorate together to funerals held in unconventional venues, Mon and her team are breaking the mould of traditional services.

What sets The Last Hurrah apart is their commitment to truly personalised farewells. Mon shared fascinating insights into their process, from the initial family meeting to the final ceremony. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about listening intently to every story, every throwaway comment, and weaving these details into a ceremony that genuinely reflects the person who has died.

Key Takeaways:

●      The importance of slowing down the funeral planning process - there's often more time than families realise

●      How The Last Hurrah incorporates children into the funeral process, including decorating coffins and creating quiet spaces at services

●      The value of transparency in pricing and offering affordable options like cardboard coffins

●      Creative ways to personalise funerals, from unconventional venues to unique rituals

●      The annual tree planting event that keeps families connected long after the funeral

Mon's advice for families facing a loss is simple yet powerful: take a breath, slow down, and remember that there's no 'right' way to do this. It's about creating a farewell that feels true to your loved one and helps you begin your grief journey.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Resources:

Contact Mon via here website: https://www.lasthurrahfunerals.com.au/ 

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In this deeply moving episode, we explore the heart-wrenching journey of Sarah Eagle, a neurodivergent public speaker and consultant, who lost her brother Ben to schizophrenia. Sarah's story is a powerful testament to how profound loss can lead to transformative change and a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy.

Sarah takes us through the harrowing experience of Ben's disappearance in the Australian bush and the subsequent search that ended in tragedy. She shares the raw emotions of grief and the pivotal moment when she chose to channel her pain into purpose. This decision led her on a series of extraordinary journeys, including a 600-kilometre walk along the Bibbulmun track and a solo pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, all in memory of Ben and to raise awareness for mental health.

As Sarah's story unfolds, we discover how her own late diagnosis of autism and ADHD became a turning point, offering her a new perspective on her experiences and shaping her approach to helping others. Her work now focuses on supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, using innovative approaches like Polyvagal Theory and what she terms 'sensory lifestyle medicine' to create understanding and foster better communication.

Key Points from the Episode:

• The challenges of supporting a loved one with schizophrenia and navigating the mental health system
• How grief can be transformed into a force for positive change and community building
• The importance of self-care for carers and family members of those with mental health issues
• The impact of a late diagnosis of neurodivergence on understanding oneself and past experiences
• Innovative approaches to mental health support, including Polyvagal Theory and sensory lifestyle medicine
• The power of walking and pilgrimage as a means of processing grief and raising awareness

Sarah's journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is potential for growth, healing, and positive impact. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with loss or struggling to support a loved one with mental health challenges.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Resources:

Connect with Sarah Eagle via her website here: https://joydiving.space/

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

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LEARN...

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the heart of Aboriginal funeral traditions with Kaneesha Wise from the Aboriginal Advancement League and the Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service. Kaneesha shares powerful insights into the cultural significance of Aboriginal funerals, the challenges faced by families, and the vital role of community support in honouring the deceased.

From the importance of returning to Country for a proper burial to the intricate beliefs surrounding the journey to the Dreaming, Kaneesha paints a vivid picture of Aboriginal death customs.

Kaneesha emphasises the holistic approach taken by Aboriginal organisations in supporting not just the individual, but the entire family network during times of loss.

She also opens up about her personal experiences with grief, sharing touching anecdotes about keeping loved ones' memories alive through simple yet meaningful gestures.

Key Takeaways:

- The Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service provides culturally strong, community-based funerals and support for grieving families
- Aboriginal funeral traditions often involve Smoking ceremonies, gum leaves, and totems to help the deceased's journey to the Dreaming
- Financial challenges are a significant hurdle for many Aboriginal families in providing proper funerals
- Community support and presence are more valuable than material offerings during times of loss
- The importance of talking about deceased loved ones to keep their memory alive, especially for young children
- The Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service needs community support to continue providing essential services

Resources Mentioned:

Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service. Contact the Aborigines Advancement League for donation details: https://aal.org.au/programs/victorian-aboriginal-funeral-service-2/ 

Pay the Rent: An organisation supporting Aboriginal communities with funeral expenses. Find out more here: https://paytherent.net.au/formob-funeralsupport/ 

Aboriginal Advancement League. Provides various support services for the Aboriginal community. Find out more here: https://aal.org.au/ 

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared. 

Take care,

Catherine

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

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LEARN...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Emily Kisvarda, an integrated healer, alchemist, author, teacher and spiritual guide, to discuss her profound journey through grief and loss. Emily shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband and brother-in-law within two weeks, followed by her mother’s passing just three years later. 

Despite these heartbreaking experiences, Emily found strength and resilience, using her gifts and spiritual awareness to heal herself and guide others.

Emily’s journey through trauma became the catalyst for unlocking her intuitive gifts and diving deep into the world of energy healing. We explore how grief shifted her perspective on life and death, opening doors to new realms of consciousness and a connection to the spiritual world. 

Through her work with crystals, energy healing, and ancestral wisdom, Emily has learned to embrace both the physical and metaphysical aspects of healing.


Join us as we explore:

- How Emily navigated the devastating loss of her husband and how it shaped her spiritual journey
- The role of energy healing and crystals in her personal transformation
- Emily's insights into ancestral connections and the lessons we can learn from them

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine

Resources mentioned:

"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score 
“The Body is the Barometer of the Soul” https://www.amazon.com.au/Body-Barometer-Soul-Annette-NoontilL/dp/0646197215 

Emily’s Details: 

Website: https://phoenixgateway.com.au/ 

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

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LEARN...

⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️
This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including sexual abuse, childhood trauma, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

-

From Troubled Past to Funeral Crasher: Meet Bill Edgar, Australia's Infamous Coffin Confessor

In this gripping episode, I sit down with Bill Edgar, a man whose life story reads like a Hollywood script. From his tumultuous childhood as the son of a notorious gangster to becoming Australia's most talked-about funeral crasher, Bill's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. 

But what exactly is a Coffin Confessor?

Imagine someone crashing a funeral to deliver messages from beyond the grave - that's Bill's job, and he does it with unwavering dedication.

Bill's past is a tapestry of hardship and resilience. A victim of horrific childhood sexual abuse, he's fought tirelessly against the institutions that failed him. 

This struggle has shaped his unique perspective on life, death, and everything in between. 

As the Coffin Confessor, Bill gives voice to the deceased, ensuring their final words - whether loving or scathing - are heard. It's a role that requires a strong moral compass and the courage to face grieving families with potentially shocking revelations.

Key Insights from Our Conversation:

● Bill's philosophy on death: "We're all going to die. It doesn't matter what you do, we're going. Nothing's going to stop it. It's coming."
● The importance of preparation: Bill emphasises the need to be ready for death, both emotionally and practically.
● Confronting uncomfortable truths: Bill's work often involves revealing secrets at funerals, challenging the notion that we should only speak well of the dead.
● Elder abuse awareness: Bill sheds light on the often-hidden issue of elder abuse in aged care facilities.
● Advocacy for abuse survivors: Through his Facebook page "Lost Boy of TSS", Bill continues to support victims of institutional abuse.
● The Afterlife Delivery Service: A unique extension of his work, delivering messages and gifts from the deceased to their loved ones.
Bill Edgar's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to confront our past, speak our truth, and prepare for the inevitable. His work as the Coffin Confessor challenges us to think differently about death, encouraging open conversations and honest reflections on our lives and relationships.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,
Catherine

Resources: 
Contact Bill Edgar here: https://www.billedgar.com.au/


Dying with Dignity Resources:

Find out more here: https://www.dwdv.org.au/ 

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

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LEARN...

In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I’m sitting down with the incredible Justine Phillips, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and founder of Heart Matters Australia. Justine shares her jaw-dropping story of being clinically dead for 93 minutes – yes, 93 minutes – before her heart miraculously restarted. It’s a story of resilience, survival, and the determination of her family and paramedics who refused to give up on her.

We talk about the life-saving importance of CPR and defibrillation, and how knowing these skills can literally mean the difference between life and death. Justine also opens up about the emotional toll her cardiac arrest had on her family, especially her children, who had to perform CPR under the guidance of emergency operators.

During our conversation, Justine clears up the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest (there’s more to it than you might think!) and busts some common myths around these critical health issues. Through her organisation, Heart Matters Australia, she’s on a mission to educate communities on how to perform effective CPR and use defibrillators, all with the aim of saving lives and reducing trauma for families in the aftermath of cardiac events.

We also dive into the bigger picture – how surviving a near-death experience has changed her outlook on life, shifted her priorities, and led her to embrace breathwork as a way to process what happened. This is more than a survival story; it’s a powerful reminder that we all need to know how to help in an emergency.

Here are the key points from our chat:

• Justine survived a sudden cardiac arrest and was clinically dead for 93 minutes.
• Her son performed life-saving CPR, guided by emergency services.
• We discuss the key differences between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest, and why CPR and defibrillation are so important.
• Justine founded Heart Matters Australia to promote CPR education and make defibrillators more accessible.
• She’s experienced some major life changes since the cardiac arrest, including a shift in her priorities.
• She’s used breathwork to recall and process her near-death experience (NDE).
• Justine advocates for open, honest conversations about death and end-of-life planning.

Remember, you may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,
Catherine

Resources
You can reach Justine through her website: Heart Matters Australia

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

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LEARN...

In this episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead", I sit down with Jane Morris, President of Dying with Dignity Victoria, to unpack the complex journey of voluntary assisted dying legislation in Australia. From its controversial beginnings to its current stringent implementation, we delve into the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing struggles in the fight for end-of-life choices.

Jane takes us on a captivating historical journey, starting with the formation of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria in 1974. We explore pivotal moments like the groundbreaking Rights of the Terminally Ill Act in the Northern Territory in 1995, and the tireless advocacy of Dr Rodney Syme. The conversation paints a vivid picture of the societal and political battles fought over decades, culminating in Victoria's landmark legislation in 2017.

But the story doesn't end there. Jane provides an eye-opening look at the current state of voluntary assisted dying in Victoria, detailing the stringent eligibility criteria and complex process individuals must navigate. We discuss the controversial 'gag clause' that prevents doctors from initiating conversations about VAD, and the logistical challenges faced by rural residents. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of where we stand and the work that still needs to be done to ensure dignified end-of-life choices for all Australians.

Key points from our discussion:

• The history of Dying with Dignity Victoria, dating back to 1974
• The Northern Territory's pioneering but short-lived euthanasia legislation in 1995
• Dr Rodney Syme's significant contributions to the cause
• Victoria's current VAD legislation: eligibility criteria and process
• The 'gag clause' and its impact on patient awareness
• Challenges faced by rural residents in accessing VAD
• The role of Dying with Dignity Victoria in providing witnessing services
• The VAD process; Two verbal requests, Assessments by two doctors, written request, witnessed by 2 independent witnesses and then a permit is issued

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Dying with Dignity Resources:

Find out more here: https://www.dwdv.org.au/ 

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

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YOUR NEXT STEP

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LEARN...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode covers the topic of suicide

In a world where mental health struggles often go unspoken, three young blokes from Melbourne are turning their personal tragedies into a powerful force for change. Meet Ben Farish, one of the founders of Speak and Share, a charity that's taking Australia by storm with its mission to normalise mental health conversations and prevent suicide.

Born from the depths of their own mental health battles during the COVID lockdown, Ben and his mates, Nathan and Mason, transformed their pain into purpose. 

After losing a close friend to suicide, experiencing family upheaval, and grappling with grief, these three teachers realised the dire need for open, honest conversations about mental health. 

What started as a simple Instagram account sharing funny skits with positive mental health messages has now blossomed into a medium-sized charity running programs in schools, sporting clubs, and workplaces across Australia.

But Speak and Share isn't just another mental health organisation. With their iconic sunflower logo symbolising strength and community, and their sought-after merchandise drops, they've created a movement that's as cool as it is crucial.
 
Their approach is all about prevention, starting conversations early, and creating a world where speaking about mental health is as natural as talking about the weather.

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability is infectious: Ben emphasises the power of being honest and open about your struggles, which encourages others to do the same.
• Create comfortable spaces for tough conversations: Whether it's going for a walk or grabbing fish and chips, find environments where people feel at ease to open up.
• Early intervention is key: Speak and Share focuses on educating young people about mental health strategies before crises occur.
• Collaboration over competition: Despite the challenges, Ben stresses the importance of mental health organisations working together towards common goals.
• Self-care is crucial: Even for mental health advocates, maintaining personal wellbeing through activities like exercise, journaling, and podcasts is essential.

Get Involved:

• Donate to Speak and Share: Visit www.speakandshare.com and click the donate button (tax-deductible).
• Follow their journey: Check out their Instagram @speak__share for updates, events, and inspiring content.
• Spread the message: Start conversations about mental health in your community and be the change you want to see.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

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