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

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

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 :-)

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

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, 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

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 :-)

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

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 :-)

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

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 :-)

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

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 :-)

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

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 :-)

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

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 :-)

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

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 :-)

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

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/