Ever wondered if there's a kinder way to say goodbye to your loved ones? Most of us are aware of burials and cremations, but have you heard of water cremation?  

Luke Cripps is a Director at Alluvium Water Cremations, established in 2023 with Director Brendan Cooper to bring a gentle, affordable, and eco-friendly method of final disposition to families in Tasmania, Australia. 

Luke has worked in the death space both practically and theoretically in Tasmania for the better part of a decade, and has a particular interest in the intersection of end-of-life practices and what it might mean to live well. 

Built on the founding principles of dignity, transparency, and sustainability, Alluvium Water Cremations are proud to support Tasmanian families to make informed choices around their end-of-life decisions.

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the world of water cremation. Discover how this innovative process is revolutionising the way we approach death care in Australia.

Luke takes us on a fascinating journey through the ins and outs of water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. We explore how this process differs from traditional flame cremation and burial, and why many families are finding comfort in its gentler approach. From the soothing sound of trickling water to the preservation of more remains, water cremation offers a unique and environmentally friendly option for those looking to make mindful choices about their final disposition.

But it's not just about the science. Luke shares the challenges of bringing this new technology to Australia, navigating complex regulations, and the surprising reactions from families. We discuss the importance of informed consent in death care and how water cremation is opening up new conversations about choice and dignity in our final moments.

Key points from the episode:

• Water cremation uses water and alkali instead of flame, resulting in a gentler process that many families find comforting
• The process often returns 20-30% more remains to families compared to flame cremation
• Alluvium Water Cremations is the first fully approved and regulated water cremation service in Australia
• Water cremation can be integrated with traditional funeral services or used as a standalone option
• The environmental impact is significantly lower than traditional cremation or burial
• Luke emphasises the importance of transparency and informed choice in death care

Resources mentioned:

• Alluvium Water Cremations website: www.alluviumwatercremations.com.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...

Have you ever wondered what to say to someone who’s grieving? Or felt unsure about how to handle your own grief? In this episode, I chat with Bryan Petheram, a counsellor and group facilitator from Griefline, about the complexities of grief and how we can better support ourselves and others through loss.

Bryan shares his journey from being a police officer to becoming a grief counsellor, offering unique insights into how our understanding of grief has evolved. We discuss the importance of acknowledging loss, the power of language in grief, and why it’s crucial to avoid platitudes like “at least…” when comforting someone who’s grieving. Bryan emphasises that there’s no “right” way to grieve and explains how grief can change as we age and experience different losses.

We also delve into the practical aspects of grief support, including when it might be time to seek professional help and the various services Griefline offers. Whether you’re supporting a grieving friend or navigating your own loss, this episode provides valuable insights and strategies for dealing with grief in a healthy, compassionate way.

Key points from the episode:

• The evolution of grief understanding: from stages to a non-linear process
• The importance of acknowledging loss and using clear language about death
• Why saying “I’m sorry for your loss” might not be the best approach
• How to support someone who’s grieving: be present, not perfect
• When and why to seek professional help for grief
• The various support services offered by Griefline

Resources mentioned:

• Griefline website: griefline.org.au
• Griefline helpline: Available 8am to 8pm every day of the year
• Let's Talk About Grief! campaign: https://griefline.org.au/2024-grief-awareness-campaign/
• Let’s Talk About Greif Fundraising event https://griefline.org.au/lets-talk-about-grief-fundraising-event/
• E-book: “How to Support a Grieving Friend” by Sal and Im (Good Mourning podcast)
• Good Mourning podcast

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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YOUR NEXT STEP

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IF SOMEONE HAS DIED

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LEARN...

In honour of Dying to Know Day and Loneliness Awareness Week Australia, this week I chat with Associate Professor Michelle Lim, the inaugural CEO and Scientific Chair of Ending Loneliness Together.

Michelle dives deep into the pervasive issue of loneliness and how it affects us all, especially those dealing with the death of a loved one.

Michelle explains that loneliness is often misunderstood and concealed, with one in two Australians feeling lonely yet hiding it. We talk about how to approach conversations around loneliness respectfully, ensuring that we don’t invalidate someone's feelings or assume that what works for one person will work for another.

Michelle’s insights are both enlightening and practical, offering ways to support those who feel isolated.

We also touch on the significant difference between loneliness and social isolation, and why it’s essential to understand this distinction. Michelle shares her thoughts on how loneliness can still be felt even when surrounded by people, and why meaningful social connections are crucial.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand and support loved ones experiencing loneliness, particularly after a significant loss.

Key Points:

• Understanding the hidden nature of loneliness and how to have non-threatening conversations.
• The difference between loneliness and social isolation.
• The impact of losing an intimate partner and how to support someone through it.

Resources:

• Ending Loneliness Together
• Critical Info

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...

This week is DonateLife Week (Sunday 28 July - Sunday 4 August 2024), and I've had the honour of speaking with Sam Stones from DonateLife Victoria. Sam shares the delicate and important work they do, helping families navigate the difficult decisions around organ and tissue donation when a loved one is dying.

In this episode, Sam walks us through the process of donation conversations, explaining how she approaches families in their most vulnerable moments.

We dive into the rarity of organ donations, the specific conditions required for someone to become a donor, and the emotional and logistical complexities involved. Sam also shares some heartwarming stories about the impact of organ donation, including the long-lasting connections between recipients and donor families.

You'll learn about the practicalities of organ donation, clear up some myths, and understand the entire process.

Sam's insights highlight the incredible generosity of donor families and the profound difference organ donation can make in people's lives.

Lynden’s story – additional details

In this episode, Samantha speaks about her dear friend Lynden, who sadly lost his life in 2023 after a 10-month battle with cancer. As Lynden was very ill, his wife Melissa was key in communicating his decision about corneal donation to medical staff, friends, family, and the Lions Eye Donation Service, also completing the necessary consent paperwork on his behalf. At the time of recording this episode, it had been almost 16 months since Lynden had passed away.  

In this episode, we discuss:

• The process of organ donation conversations with families
• The rare conditions required for organ donation to be possible
• The emotional and logistical complexities of coordinating organ donations
• Heartwarming stories of donor and recipient connections

Resources and Links:

• DonateLife Victoria
• Fiona Coote's Story
• Fact sheet provided

Thank you for tuning in, and I hope this episode helps you understand the vital importance of organ donation.

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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YOUR NEXT STEP

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IF SOMEONE HAS DIED

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LEARN...

Ever wondered what legal documents you need to have in place before you die? Or how to handle your assets and loved ones when the inevitable happens? In this episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I'm joined by Greg Russo, one of Victoria's most experienced and respected succession law solicitors. Greg shares his journey into law, driven by a love for maths and logic, and how he found his passion in succession law—a field where numbers meet human stories.

We dive deep into the essentials of succession law, discussing everything from wills and superannuation nominations to powers of attorney and advanced care directives. Greg explains the importance of having the right documents in place to ensure your assets are managed and your loved ones are cared for when you're no longer able to do so. He also sheds light on how to plan for your financial future and the guardianship of your children if you die or become incapacitated.

Get ready to learn about the nitty-gritty of succession law in a way that's clear, engaging, and relatable. Greg's insights will not only help you understand the legal landscape better but also empower you to make informed decisions about your future.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding the importance of wills and superannuation nominations
• The role of powers of attorney and advanced care directives
• Planning for the guardianship and financial future of your children
• Insights into managing your business and personal assets after death or incapacitation

Resources Mentioned:

• Contact Greg Russo via his website here

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 :-)

The free 3-minute Critical Info Check helps you see what you’ve already got covered — and what your next step could be.

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YOUR NEXT STEP

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Take the free 3-minute Critical Info Check to see what you’ve already got covered — and what your next step could be.

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NEED SUPPORT?

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The Critical Info Resource Hub connects you with organisations and services offering grief, bereavement and other practical support.

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Join Critical Chat Tuesday, a free online conversation every Tuesday at 7pm Melbourne time.

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IF SOMEONE HAS DIED

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LEARN...

Today we’re talking about a revolutionary approach to farewelling our loved ones, pioneered by an extraordinary guest.

Meet Jennifer Briscoe-Hough, the founder and CEO of Tender Funerals Australia. She's been on quite a journey to get to where she is now. She even has had a movie made about her journey! 

From her own personal experience with the death of her mother and the shocking costs of traditional funeral services, she was driven to find a solution that not only made sense financially, but also emotionally and spiritually. She talks about how the seed was planted for Tender Funerals, a non-profit franchise model that offers choice, transparency, and affordability.

In our discussion, Jenny shares the story of how Tender Funerals came into existence, the challenges faced along the way, and the beautiful meaning behind the term ‘undertaker'. She also touches on the industrialisation of the funeral business and how Tender Funerals aims to bring back the personal touch often lost in the process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding more about the funeral industry and looking for a more personalised, meaningful approach to saying goodbye.

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

Take care,

Catherine

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Jenny’s personal experience with her mother’s death and how it inspired the creation of Tender Funerals.
• Insights into the funeral industry and how it has evolved over time.
• The unique approach of Tender Funerals, a non-profit franchise model that offers choice, transparency, and affordability.
• The meaning and significance of the term ‘undertaker’.
• The concept of paying for funerals from estates, and the financial challenges many face when dealing with a loved one’s death.

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

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YOUR NEXT STEP

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LEARN...

In honour of NAIDOC week 2024, the theme:  Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
 
Also, because I simply love what this wonderful woman has to share, we explore the experience and philosophies of Aunty Jill West, a Bunurong and Palawa woman, who generously shares her fascinating life story and the lessons she's learned from dealing with death.

In our chat, Aunty Jill talks about her dual heritage, her father's untimely death at 53, and how it made her reflect on her own mortality. She highlights the importance of understanding and accepting where we come from, and how it shapes our identity. Her father, a man of 'supreme intelligence', had a profound impact on her, and she continues his work, walking next to his footsteps.

Aunty Jill discusses the impact of the 1967 referendum on her family and the Aboriginal community at large. She gets candid about her father's journey to become a teacher, a university lecturer, and a doctor of Indigenous philosophy, despite facing numerous obstacles and systemic discrimination. It's an eye-opening conversation that gives us a glimpse into the resilience and determination of the Aboriginal community.

In today’s episode:

• Aunty Jill discusses the importance of understanding and accepting one’s heritage, highlighting how this acceptance can help alleviate the burden of historical guilt and contribute to personal and community healing.

• We delve into Aunty Jill’s personal journey through grief following the sudden death of her father, exploring how her Aboriginal heritage and customs provided her with the frameworks to cope and find strength.

• The significance of cultural rituals in mourning and remembrance is touched upon, giving us a poignant view of how Indigenous practices can deeply influence the healing process.

Key Points from Our Conversation:

• Heritage and Healing: Aunty Jill emphasises the strength found in accepting and knowing one's heritage, which for her, was key in navigating life’s challenges, particularly in dealing with the death of loved ones.

• Grief as a Path to Healing: She shares her intimate experiences with grief, illustrating how the Aboriginal concepts of Dreaming and Dreamtime provide a comforting perspective on death and the continuation of spiritual existence.

• Cultural Strength in Mourning: We get an insight into the powerful role of Aboriginal mourning rituals that not only honour the deceased but also fortify the bonds among the living.

Resources Mentioned:

• Open House Melbourne Symposium
• Bunurong Memorial Park

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

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LEARN...

Ever wondered what an anthropologist who studies death really does? Join me as I chat with Dr Hannah Gould, a fascinating cultural anthropologist who dives deep into the diverse rituals and beliefs surrounding death across the globe. 

In this episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I have the pleasure of welcoming Dr Hannah Gould, an anthropologist with a unique focus: the stuff of death and the death of stuff. 

Hannah's research delves into how different cultures approach death, dying, and the material world that surrounds these universal experiences. We explore what it means to be a modern anthropologist and how her upbringing and education led her to this intriguing field.

Hannah shares her journey from aspiring philosopher to passionate anthropologist, driven by a chance class and a profound love for understanding human behaviour. We discuss how death is both a universal and culturally distinct experience, shaped by rituals, stories, and practices that vary dramatically around the world.

This conversation covers everything from Hannah's personal experiences with death in her family to the broader societal implications of how we handle death. We also touch on the often overlooked but vital roles played by those in the death care industry and the ongoing need for better regulation and appreciation of these essential services.

What we cover:

• Introduction to Hannah Gould and her work as a cultural anthropologist.
• The transition from studying philosophy and linguistics to anthropology.
• Exploring the universal and diverse nature of death rituals across cultures.
• Personal anecdotes about family travel and early encounters with different cultures.
• Reflections on societal attitudes towards death and the death care industry.
• The impact of COVID-19 on the funeral industry and death care practices.
• Insights into the need for better regulation and support for those working in death care.

Connect with Hannah 

• Dr Hannah Gould's website: Hannah Gould - Anthropologist
• Redesigning Deathcare Conference October 27-29 2022 https://www.redesigningdeathcare.org/
• Stephanie Longmuir 

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 :-)

The free 3-minute Critical Info Check helps you see what you’ve already got covered — and what your next step could be.

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YOUR NEXT STEP

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LEARN...

In this episode, we're peeling back the layers of holistic death care with Libby Moloney, a pioneer in sustainable and meaningful funeral practices. We explore what it means to handle death not just with professionalism, but with heart and innovation.

Libby shares her journey into holistic funeral care, emphasizing the importance of viewing each life (and death) in its unique context. From the tragic suddenness of accidents to the natural conclusion of a long life, she explains how Natural Grace helps families navigate these diverse experiences with empathy and personalisation. Our discussion isn't just about the mechanics of funeral care but about its profound emotional and spiritual dimensions.

Key points covered include:

• The significance of holding space for grief and how it transforms the experience of death for families.
• An insightful exploration of holistic funeral practices that honour the life and values of the deceased.
• The impact of cultural sensitivity and personalisation in funeral care, making it a deeply personal and healing process.

Resources and links mentioned:

• Natural Grace official website: www.naturalgrace.com.au
• Dying to Know Day, an initiative aimed at improving death literacy: www.dyingtoknowday.org

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 :-)

The free 3-minute Critical Info Check helps you see what you’ve already got covered — and what your next step could be.

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YOUR NEXT STEP

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IF SOMEONE HAS DIED

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Find the After-Death Guide:

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LEARN...

Just imagine being a young child, navigating through the unimaginable loss of a loved one. Feelings of isolation, confusion, and profound sadness can be overwhelming, right? 

Now imagine a place where these children can come together, share their experiences, and learn that they aren't alone in their grief. 

This week on 'Don't Be Caught Dead', I, Catherine Ashton, bring you a conversation with two inspirational women who are doing just that.

Shelly Skinner, founding director and CEO of Lionheart Camp for Kids, and Lauren Breen, a professor at Curtin University specialising in the psychology of grief and loss, join me to share their incredible work. 

At the Lionheart Camp, children, teens, and adults are given the space and support to understand and process their grief. Shelley's vision - to ensure all children are provided with the necessary care after losing someone close - is a mission she carries out with absolute dedication.

Lauren, with her focus on understanding grief experiences and promoting grief literacy, brings the academic perspective, providing insights on how grief impacts individuals and families. Together, they published "What Bereaved Children Want to Know About Death and Grief" in the Journal of Child and Family Studies. Their work is creating a ripple effect, paving the way for a more accepting and understanding society where grief is seen as a normal part of life, rather than a taboo.

Key points discussed in this episode include:

• The founding of Lionheart Camp for Kids and its mission
• The importance of normalising grief and providing a supportive community for kids dealing with loss
• Shelly's personal experiences with loss, which drove her to create the camp
• The research and writings of Lauren Breen on the psychology of grief and loss
• The significant role of education and peer support in coping with grief

Resources Mentioned:

• Lionheart Camp for Kids
• Finding Fwebbers - Children’s Book
• Raw to Roar Program
• Lionheart Camp for Kids partners with Curtin University, under the leadership of Board member Professor Lauren Breen, to undertake research around childhood grief. That research can be found on the following link: https://lionheartcampforkids.com.au/research

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 :-)

The free 3-minute Critical Info Check helps you see what you’ve already got covered — and what your next step could be.

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Go to gettingstarted.criticalinfo.com.au

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YOUR NEXT STEP

Don’t try to do everything at once.

Take the free 3-minute Critical Info Check to see what you’ve already got covered — and what your next step could be.

Take the Check:

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NEED SUPPORT?

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The Critical Info Resource Hub connects you with organisations and services offering grief, bereavement and other practical support.

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Join Critical Chat Tuesday, a free online conversation every Tuesday at 7pm Melbourne time.

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IF SOMEONE HAS DIED

If someone you love has died, our After-Death Guide — My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now? — provides practical guidance to help you navigate what needs to happen next.

Find the After-Death Guide:

https://criticalinfo.com.au/product/my-loved-one-has-died/

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