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

What if the future of end-of-life care doesn't lie in hospitals, but within our communities?

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Samar Aoun AM, internationally recognised palliative care researcher, Founder and Chair of Compassionate Communities Australia, and one of Australia's leading voices in grief, bereavement and public health approaches to end-of-life care.

Samar shares how the death of her father and the contrast between community support in Lebanon and Australia inspired her groundbreaking research into grief and bereavement. Her work challenged traditional thinking and demonstrated that 90% of people cope with grief through the support of family, friends and community, while only 10% require professional intervention.

Together, we explore why Australia is facing a demographic "tsunami of death" as the population ages, why our health and aged care systems are struggling to keep up, and how compassionate communities can help people live, die and grieve well.

We discuss the importance of rebuilding death literacy and grief literacy, why caring networks matter, and how simple acts of kindness can transform the experience of caring, dying and grieving.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• How Samar's personal experience following her father's death shaped her life's work
• The groundbreaking grief research that found 90% of people rely on community support
• Why grief has become overly medicalised and what this means for society
• What compassionate communities are and why they matter
• Why Australia is unprepared for the coming "tsunami of death"
• The gap between where Australians want to die and where they actually die
• How the Compassionate Connector program reduced hospital admissions and improved social connectedness
• Why building your caring network before you need it is essential
• The difference between transactional care and relational care in aged care settings
• Practical ways every person can become part of a compassionate community

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

Take care,

Catherine

Connect with Professor Samar Aoun AM

Learn more about Compassionate Communities Australia: https://compassionatecommunitiesaus.org.au/

Learn more about Professor Samar Aoun's work at the Perron Institute  https://www.perroninstitute.org/research/research-groups/samar-aoun/

& the University of Western Australia: https://www.uwa.edu.au/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Professor Allan Kellehear – internationally recognised pioneer of the Compassionate Communities movement and public health approaches to palliative care. His work inspired much of the global compassionate communities movement and Professor Aoun's own research.

Learn more: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/our-staff/k/allan-kellehear/

Professor Bruce Rumbold OAM – Australian researcher, educator and leading advocate for public health approaches to palliative care, bereavement and death literacy.

Learn more: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/bdrumbold

Compassionate Cities: Public Health and End-of-Life Care by Professor Allan Kellehear

Book information: https://books.google.com/books/about/Compassionate_Cities.html?id=wvNOP8hpEk4C

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

Six babies are stillborn in Australia every day. Two babies die within their first 28 days of life, and a miscarriage occurs every three and a half minutes. Yet despite how common pregnancy and baby loss is, it remains one of society’s most misunderstood and least talked about experiences.

In this episode, I sit down with Larissa Reinboth, artist, author, and founder of Possum Portraits, an Australian charity providing free memorial portraits and bereavement support to families following miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.

Originally from Germany and now based in Melbourne, Larissa shares how a conversation with her sister, a midwife, sparked the idea that would eventually become Possum Portraits. What began as a single commissioned illustration for bereaved parents has grown into a national charity supporting families across Australia through art, education, memorial photography training, and grief resources.

Larissa speaks candidly about her own experience of miscarriage, the misconceptions surrounding pregnancy and baby loss, and why society's discomfort with grief continues to leave so many families feeling isolated and unsupported.

We also explore the healing power of creativity, the importance of memory-making after loss, and Larissa’s beautiful children's book, The House in Ollie’s Tummy, which helps families explain pregnancy and baby loss to siblings and young children.

This conversation is compassionate, thought-provoking, and deeply important. It is about grief, remembrance, advocacy, and ensuring that no family has to navigate baby loss alone.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

When I first discovered Tinky’s tiny installations hidden throughout Melbourne’s laneways, I was instantly captivated. What looked like a whimsical miniature scene often revealed something much deeper: sharp observation, dark humour, storytelling, and a unique way of seeing the world. In this episode, I sit down with Melbourne-based artist Tinky, whose miniature street art has transformed overlooked corners, gutters, walls, and public spaces into unexpected moments of delight and reflection.

Tinky shares the remarkable story of how a spontaneous trip to a vintage market and a toy Big Bird figurine unexpectedly launched an entirely new chapter of her life. From battling imposter syndrome and questioning whether she could even call herself an artist, to exhibiting in galleries, collaborating on major projects, and even catching the attention of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, her journey is a powerful reminder that purpose often arrives in the most unexpected ways.

What unfolds is a conversation about creativity, humour, storytelling, noticing beauty in forgotten places, and how art can help us slow down and see the world differently. We also explore the ephemeral nature of street art, the role of dark humour in processing life, and the joy of creating something that makes complete strangers smile.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

When we talk about death, we often focus on what happens after someone dies. But what if we also talked about how we support the people left behind?

In this episode, I’m joined by Robyn O’Connell, an experienced funeral celebrant, grief educator, author, speaker, and founder of the Rebecca Jane Foundation. For more than two decades, Robyn has helped families navigate some of life’s most heartbreaking moments while advocating for more open, honest conversations about death, grief, and child loss.

Robyn shares the deeply personal story of losing her daughter, Rebecca Jane, to SIDS at just nine months old, and how that devastating loss shaped her life's work. We explore what makes a meaningful funeral, why Australia still struggles with grief literacy, how children can be included in conversations about death, and the importance of acknowledging loss rather than avoiding it. This is a compassionate and thought-provoking conversation about love, remembrance, and finding purpose after unimaginable heartbreak.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

What would you do if you were given a second chance at life? And then a third?

For documentary photographer Andrew Chapman, surviving two life-saving transplants has given him a perspective few people ever experience. Rather than turning away from mortality, Andrew has spent decades documenting it, capturing the realities of organ donation, transplantation, and the everyday lives of Australians with honesty, compassion, and extraordinary insight.

Andrew is one of Australia’s most respected documentary photographers, known for spending more than five decades capturing the people, places, and moments that shape Australian life. From politicians and shearers to transplant recipients and operating theatres, his work is driven by a deep curiosity about people and an unwavering commitment to documenting the truth as he sees it.

In this episode, I speak with Andrew about his extraordinary journey through not one but two life-saving transplants, including receiving a liver transplant that saved his life and, years later, a kidney donated by his daughter. We explore how facing death reshaped his perspective, the emotional complexities of accepting a loved one’s organ donation, and why he remains endlessly curious about what comes next.

Andrew also shares the powerful story behind his organ donation photography projects, including documenting both the withdrawal of life support and the life-changing gift of transplantation. His images have not only captured deeply human moments but have directly influenced decisions that helped save lives through organ donation.

This conversation is about storytelling, gratitude, curiosity, legacy, and the remarkable impact one life can have on many others.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

Jean Kittson has spent a lifetime making Australians laugh, but behind the humour is a deeply personal and confronting exploration of death, dying, grief, and the aged care system. In this episode, I sit down with comedian, author, speaker, and Patron of Palliative Care Nurses Australia, Jean Kittson, to talk about how her own fear and avoidance of death transformed into advocacy and education around end-of-life care.

Jean shares how growing up in a family that never spoke about death left her feeling frightened, unprepared, and emotionally disconnected from grief. She reflects on the first time she saw a dead body, the misconceptions she held about palliative care, and the surprising warmth, humour, and humanity she discovered within the palliative care community.

Together, we unpack the realities of navigating ageing, hospitals, residential aged care, advance care planning, and the heartbreaking gaps families can fall through when support systems fail. Jean speaks candidly about the traumatic deaths of both her parents, the emotional toll of advocating for them, and the lessons she wishes every family knew before facing end-of-life decisions.

This conversation is raw, honest, funny in moments, and deeply important. It’s a reminder that planning matters, conversations matter, and that no matter how informed we think we are, none of us should have to navigate death and dying alone.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

In this episode, I’m joined by photographer and visual storyteller Julian Kingma, whose work has captured some of Australia’s most intimate and human stories across decades of journalism, portraiture, publishing, and documentary photography. But it was his deeply personal project The Power of Choice that drew me to his work. Through portraits and conversations with people navigating voluntary assisted dying, Julian documented not just death, but dignity, vulnerability, humanity, and the emotional complexity of choice.

What struck me most throughout this conversation was the care Julian brings into every room he enters. Before the camera comes out, there is listening. There is trust. There is presence. He shares how this project transformed him personally and professionally, challenging the way he approached storytelling and deepening his understanding of grief, fear, compassion, and human connection.

We also talk about the changing media landscape, the ethics of documenting vulnerable moments, and what it means to witness someone’s final chapter with honesty and humanity. This episode is thoughtful, emotional, and incredibly important.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

What happens when a veteran crime journalist revisits one of Australia’s most haunting unsolved murders?

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Rule, one of Australia’s most respected crime reporters and storytellers, to talk about the unsolved murders of Margaret and Seana Tapp. Andrew shares what first drew him to the case decades ago, the troubling missteps in the original investigation, and why this story has continued to stay with him throughout his career.

We explore the complexities of storytelling when real families, reputations, and unanswered questions are involved. Andrew reflects on the ethical responsibility of journalists and podcasters covering true crime, the difference between suspicion and proof, and how human behaviour, relationships, and risk can shape criminal investigations.

As someone who personally knew Seana and Margie, this conversation is deeply personal for me. Together, we discuss how cases can remain unsolved for decades, why witnesses sometimes only speak years later, and the emotional weight carried by families still searching for answers.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Listen to Andrew's episodes about the Tapp murders:

The Tapp tragedy revisited: Part 1

The Tapp tragedy revisited: Part 2

Connect With Andrew Rule

Read more about his work and life: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/andrew-rule

Listen to his podcast: Life & Crimes with Andrew Rule https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/life-and-crimes-with-andrew-rule/id1260800644

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Travis Hamilton, a visionary entrepreneur, ‘recovering banker’, and co-founder of Candour Funerals. After decades working in international finance and navigating addiction, trauma, and two near-death experiences, Travis found himself pulled toward purpose-led work centered around mortality, consciousness, and meaningful living.

We talk about the moments that transformed his life, including a terrifying white-water rafting accident where he became trapped underwater and fully believed he was dying. Travis shares how those experiences shifted his relationship with fear, death, and what it means to truly live. We also explore his journey through sobriety, trauma healing, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, and how those experiences deepened his understanding of connection, grief, and human consciousness.

Our conversation moves into the funeral industry itself, why death remains such a taboo topic in Western culture, and why Travis believes open conversations about mortality can actually help us live more consciously. He also shares the extraordinary story of honouring his father’s final wish for a full-body burial at sea, including the emotional and logistical realities behind making that happen in Australia.

This episode is deeply reflective, vulnerable, and expansive. It’s about transformation, healing, legacy, and the importance of having conversations we so often avoid.

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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

I’ve had many conversations about death, grief, and what it means to be prepared… but this one felt different.

Barry Du Bois is someone many Australians know from television. A builder, presenter, and now a powerful mental health advocate. But beyond the public image, Barry carries a deeply personal story shaped by cancer, loss, resilience, and a defining belief: “I won’t have anybody else narrate my story,” even when faced with a terminal diagnosis.

What struck me most in this conversation wasn’t just what Barry has been through… it was how he chooses to live because of it.

This episode explores what it means to face mortality head-on, draw strength from connection, and learn to live fully, one small, intentional step at a time, even in life’s hardest moments.

A little extra support for our listeners
If this conversation resonated with you, Barry has generously shared a range of free resources to help you feel more prepared, less overwhelmed, and supported through life’s more complex moments.

His work through The Art of Untangling Lives focuses on preparation, legacy, and easing the burden on loved ones.

Barry also offers a short, practical online program, 5 Days to a Calmer, Stronger You, designed as a gentle starting point for people who may appear to be coping on the outside, but don’t always feel that way underneath.

You can explore his resources at: barrydubois.com

As a special offer for our listeners, you can use the code BAZ10 to get 10% off his paid courses and guides.

Barry is also releasing a new guide, “The Big C: Preparation for Treatment”, which supports individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis and the steps that follow.

Follow Barry and continue the conversation:
Instagram: @Baz_DuBois
Facebook: Barry Du Bois

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

Take care,
Catherine

Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. 

It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.

It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.

Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.

Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au

No credit card needed.

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/