Would you return $40,000 to a donor because you don't have time to jump through hoops and need to be available for mothers, babies, and dying people?

Would you pack up your life in a moment to go to Cambodia and make a difference there? 

In this heartfelt episode of Don’t Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Denise Love, a life and death doula whose experiences span the globe from Australian towns to Cambodian villages. 

Denise shares her journey of supporting people through the most profound moments of birth and death, revealing the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. From dealing with terminal illness to creating a life of intention and minimal stress, Denise’s insights are both challenging and enlightening.

We discuss the importance of making conscious choices about living and dying, the impact of stress on our health, and the often-overlooked need for pausing and reflecting on what truly matters. Denise also opens up about her incredible work in Cambodia, where she’s established health centres and brought sustainable solutions to underserved communities. Her stories highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion.

Key Points:

• Facing Mortality: Denise emphasises the significance of asking yourself, "Do I want to live or die?" and making intentional choices about your health and treatment.
• Dealing with Stress: We explore how chronic stress can impact our immune systems and lead to severe health issues, and why it's crucial to reassess and simplify our lives.
• The Doula's Journey: Denise shares her extensive experience as a birth and death doula, including her pioneering work in Cambodia, where she established healthcare facilities and trained local midwives.
• Life and Death Choices: The episode delves into the philosophy of living well to die well, and how Denise’s approach can help people find peace with their end-of-life decisions.

Mentioned Links and Resources:

• Denise Love’s Website
• Books:
  • Where There Is No Doctor
  • The Natural Death Handbook

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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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/

LEARN...

Join us as we dive deep with Kristy and James Thomas, the compassionate founders of 'Feel the Magic,' an organisation dedicated to helping grieving children across Australia. Their journey began from personal losses and has blossomed into a nationwide initiative that offers solace and healing through unique camps and programs. Here's what we covered:

The Birth of Feel the Magic: Hear how a personal tragedy led to the creation of a beacon of hope for grieving children.

The Magic of Grief Camps: Explore the transformative experiences these camps offer, combining emotional support with empowering activities.

Grieving as a Community: Learn about the community's role in supporting bereaved children and the innovative ways 'Feel the Magic' brings people together.

Key Points from Our Conversation:

• Understanding Grief: Kristy and James share insights into how grief can become a catalyst for growth and community building.
• The Role of Camps: Details on how their camps provide a safe space for children to express their grief and learn coping mechanisms.
• Expanding Support: The introduction of virtual programs to reach grieving children in remote areas, ensuring no child grieves alone.

Mentioned Resources:

Feel the Magic website: Feel the Magic

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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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:

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LEARN...

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a family of funeral directors? Join me as I chat with Kelly Scott, the General Manager of T.J. Scott and Son Funeral Directors in the Macedon Ranges.

Kelly shares her unique journey, insights on dealing with death, and the profound importance of family and community in the funeral industry.

Kelly Scott, a fourth-generation funeral director, takes us through the fascinating and often misunderstood world of funeral services. Kelly, who joined the family business over 30 years ago, shares her experiences growing up around the funeral home, how she and her family approach death with sensitivity and respect, and the evolving nature of funerals in modern times.

Growing up in a funeral home might seem unusual to many, but for Kelly, it was just part of life. She recounts her childhood experiences, from family dinners interrupted by the phone ringing to her initial misconceptions about her father’s work. Despite the ever-present nature of death in their lives, Kelly’s family maintained a clear boundary between work and home, respecting the privacy of those they served.

As Kelly delved into the funeral industry, she discovered her passion for helping families during their most difficult times. She talks about the importance of personalised funerals and how small touches, like playing a loved one's favourite music or involving families in the care of the deceased, can make a significant difference. Kelly’s dedication to her work is evident as she describes the joy she finds in supporting families and ensuring that every funeral is a meaningful and comforting experience.

Key Points:

• Childhood in a Funeral Home: 
  • Kelly describes growing up in the only funeral home in Kyneton.
  • Early misconceptions about her father's work and the privacy maintained by her family.
• Joining the Family Business: 
  • Kelly’s journey into the funeral industry, starting with administrative tasks.
  • The natural progression from nursing to funeral directing.
• Personalising Funerals: 
  • The importance of making funerals personal and reflective of the deceased's life.
  • Examples of unique touches, such as custom image-wrapped coffins and incorporating personal items.
• Professional Insights: 
  • Kelly’s role as the President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association.
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the funeral industry and advocating for essential service recognition.

Resources and Links:

• T.J. Scott and Son Funeral Directors
• Australian Funeral Directors Association
• Catherine Ashton’s Guide: “My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?”

Join us for an episode that sheds light on the compassionate side of funeral services and the dedicated professionals who make saying goodbye a little bit easier. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit from these heartfelt insights.

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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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/

LEARN...

Today, we're joined by Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, who brings decades of experience in transforming palliative care practices and perceptions.

In today's discussion, we delve deep into the holistic approach of palliative care—how it integrates into our healthcare system and what it means for individuals facing life-limiting conditions. Camilla sheds light on how embracing the realities of death can enhance the quality of life and why early conversations about end-of-life care are crucial.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Understanding Palliative Care: Camilla provides insights into the essence of palliative care, which is not merely about managing the end of life but about enhancing the quality of the remaining life through comprehensive care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Breaking Taboos Around Death: We discuss the importance of normalising conversations about death, especially in a post-COVID world where awareness of mortality has heightened. It's about shifting perspectives from fear to acknowledgment and preparedness.
• The Importance of Advanced Care Planning: Learn why it’s critical to plan for the end of life, much like we plan for other major events. This planning includes understanding the trajectory of terminal illnesses, the potential impact of treatments, and ensuring that wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected.

Links and Resources:

• Palliative Care Australia Website: www.palliativecare.org.au
• Resources - Advance Care Planning Australia
• Episode Transcript: Full transcript available at www.dontbecaughtdead.com

Join us as we continue to bring the shadows of death into the light, encouraging everyone to talk openly about the end of life. 

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...

Annie Whitlocke is a death doula with a rich history of embracing life’s trials with an open heart.

Annie shares her profound journey from a turbulent childhood through to her multiple personal tragedies, including loss of multiple husbands and struggles with miscarriages.

These challenges have uniquely equipped her to assist others at the end of their lives. Her story is one of transformation; from pain and isolation to finding her calling in helping others face death with dignity and peace.

Key Points from This Episode:

• Annie's Early Life: Learn about her challenging early years in foster care and the impact of reuniting with a family she didn’t remember.
• Professional Evolution: From working in various caregiving roles to becoming a respected death doula, Annie discusses how her past experiences with loss and recovery informed her career.
• Philosophy on Death: Annie speaks to how her difficult life experiences opened her heart rather than hardening it, allowing her to provide unique support to those at the end of their life.
• The Role of a Death Doula: Discover what it means to be a death doula, the services they provide, and the emotional and practical support they offer to both dying individuals and their families.
• Buddhist Influence on Embracing Death: Annie explores how Buddhist teachings have shaped her understanding of death as a natural part of life. She discusses the concept of death awareness in Buddhism, which encourages living each moment more fully and with greater presence.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Contact Annie Whitlocke here
• The Trauma Cleaner by Sarah Krasnostein - Annie discusses how this book impacted her and her connection to the story through her interview with the author.
• Advance Care Planning: Annie stresses the importance of advance care directives and how they can ensure a person’s wishes are respected at the end of life.
• Buddhist Practices in Death: Insights into how Annie’s Buddhist beliefs inform her practice as a death doula, particularly around the concept of impermanence.
• Compass episode referenced: ‘Goodbye My Dog’
  Grist for the Mill
• Awakening to Oneness
• By: Ram Dass

Whether you're someone dealing with a terminal diagnosis, a caregiver, or just curious about buddhism and the death doula profession, this episode offers valuable insights into the compassionate care needed at life’s end.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through life's final chapter. Remember, discussing and preparing for death isn't morbid—it’s a way to honour our lives and the lives of those we love.

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

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.

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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...

Welcome to another episode of 'Don't Be Caught Dead' where we shine a light on the topic many of us shy away from – death.

This week, we're joined by a special guest, Jackie Slater, an authorised marriage and funeral celebrant. Jackie's spent over 40 years working in the funeral industry, and her journey in this industry is as intriguing as it is inspiring.

In this episode, Jackie unravels her career journey, from starting as a 'Saturday girl' doing admin work for a funeral director, to becoming the manager of a cemetery and crematorium. Along the way, she's seen it all – from good funerals, to the bad and mediocre ones, which led Jackie to become a funeral celebrant herself. She shares her experiences of working with families to create personal, meaningful ceremonies, and the challenges she's encountered in this process.

We also dive into Jackie's role as the president of the Funeral Celebrants Association of Australia, and how this role intertwines with her duties as a funeral celebrant. Jackie shares insights on the shift from traditional, religious funerals to more personalised, secular ceremonies, and the importance of open conversations about death in our families.

Key points from this episode:

• Jackie’s journey from a 'Saturday girl' to a funeral celebrant
• Challenges faced by the families while planning for a ceremony
• The shift from traditional funerals to more personalised ceremonies
• Role of a celebrant in creating a meaningful ceremony

No matter where you are in your understanding or acceptance of death, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights. As always, we're here to encourage open conversations about death, dying, and everything in between.

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...

Do you crave captivating conversation about the things that REALLY matter?

Then you can’t go past listening to a seasoned end of life doula with nearly 40 years of experience, like Helen Callanan. 

Helen is the founder and lead educator at Preparing the Way, an organisation that delivers holistic end-of-life and doula education across Australia and New Zealand. Helen's profound experience and passion for education create a wealth of knowledge that she generously shares with us today.

In this revealing episode, Helen explains how she has managed to bring life to stories of death through her work and passion. We delve into her journey of creating Preparing the Way and how her mission of empowering all people with choice at the end of life has shaped the way she operates. We also explore how she managed to design and deliver the world's first nationally accredited  Certificate IV in End of Life Doula Services, a feat that required rigorous work and dedication.

Helen shares fascinating insights into the world of end-of-life care, including how she has adapted her training methods in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She also discusses the importance of having open conversations about death and the critical role of end-of-life doulas in our society. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the field of end-of-life care, or anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to face death consciously and compassionately.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Helen's journey to becoming an end-of-life doula and the creation of Preparing the Way.
• How Preparing the Way developed the world's first nationally accredited Certificate IV in End of Life Doula Services.
• The impact of Covid-19 on doula training and how it has led to unexpected positive outcomes.
• The importance of bringing conversations about death into the open and the role of doulas in this process.

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

Take care,

Catherine

Mentioned resources:

• Preparing the Way
• Natural Grace Holistic Funerals

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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LEARN...

This episode focuses on the escalating issue of funeral poverty and debt.

I speak with Kieran Worthington and Kevin Hartley, who discuss their mission to provide dignified funerals for those who might not be able to afford one.

The conversation begins with a poignant question: where were Kieran and Kevin last year when our friend's children had to crowdfund their father's funeral?

As it turns out, they were always there, offering their services to those in need, only we weren't aware of them.

Regrettably, many are unaware of their services when they need them the most.

This episode aims to increase awareness about their services.

Kieran and Kevin highlight the challenges that small charities face in making a significant impact, especially in a large city like Melbourne. They have been working for 27 years, striving to reach as many people as possible to inform them about the support they can provide in times of need.

Throughout the conversation, we delve into the various facets of their work and the people they assist. Their mission isn't solely about helping those living on the streets or without any money. They also support those who are barely managing, individuals on the brink of their financial limits. A funeral expense can push them over, and that's when Kieran and Kevin step in.

In the podcast, we discuss:

• How Kieran and Kevin's work contributes to the community.
• The challenges they face in creating awareness about their services.
• The types of people they've been helping and how their demographic is shifting.
• The future of funerals and the changes they anticipate.

We hope this episode provides you with a new perspective on funerals and the financial considerations that often accompany them. Remember, it's not morbid to think about death, but rather a part of life. Let's not be caught dead unprepared.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review 'Don't Be Caught Dead' on your favourite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes.

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

Take care,

Catherine

Contact Kieran and Kevin’s Charity:

Bereavement Assistance

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

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YOUR NEXT STEP

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Find the After-Death Guide:

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

LEARN...

In this episode, I speak with a pioneer in the death care industry, Zenith Virago. Zenith is the founder and executive officer of the Natural Death Care Centre Charity Australia. She is a death walker, a celebrant, and an educator.

Zenith has been empowering people to have healthier, healing bereavement with few or no regrets for over 30 years. Our conversation was enlightening and funny, ranging from the significance of graveyards in England, ceremonies for the LGBTQ community, how to support children through grief.

And we even managed to talk about vaginas!

I'm sure you'll enjoy hearing from Zenith as much as I did.

In this episode, we cover:

• Zenith's journey into becoming a 'Death Walker'
• The importance of community in death care
• The enlightening experience of founding the Natural Death Care Center charity
• The impact of generosity in the world of death care
• Zenith's exploration of death care in the UK
• The role of ceremony in complex death situations

Stay tuned for this enlightening episode and remember, let's break the taboo around talking about death. 

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

Take care,

Catherine

Contact Zenith:

Zenith Virago, Deathwalker Training

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...

What happens when some family members see dollar signs in death? How do you navigate such a fraught situation?

In this episode, we're discussing family ties, estates, and confronting death, a topic many avoid.

I'm sharing a personal and painful story about Grace. After her mother Patricia's death, she discovered her sister had allegedly taken $350,000 from Patricia's account. This led to a legal fight put Grace through many challenging situations.

This episode isn't just about a financial family feud. It's a warning about the importance of understanding legal matters, especially concerning powers of attorney and discussions about death and inheritance. It's about preparing for what's inevitable – both legally and emotionally.

We look at 

• The stark reality of elder financial abuse and how it can fracture families.
• The unexpected legal loopholes and pitfalls when dealing with powers of attorney.
• The emotional toll of grieving amidst a legal battle and feeling betrayed by those closest.

Links:

1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) is a free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse with the phone service in their state or territory.

The phone line has been set up in collaboration with state and territory governments.

Doyle Guide https://doylesguide.com/

 Remember: Always seek professional legal advice on your own specific situation.

 And if there's one thing I want you to take away from this episode, it's this: while we may not be able to control death, we can certainly prepare for the aftermath with wisdom and foresight. Let's not be caught dead without having those tough, necessary chats.

If Grace's story resonates with you, or if you've been through something similar, drop me a line. I'm here to listen, share, and support. Until next time, stay savvy and speak openly.

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.

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Take the Check:

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

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https://criticalinfo.com.au/events

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/

LEARN...