In Episode Six  of "Passing Thoughts," Connie Mason talks with Dr. Matt Morgan, a seasoned ICU doctor and author of “A Second Act: What Nearly Dying Teaches Us About Really Living". The conversation revolves around the profound insights that patients who have experienced cardiac arrest can offer us about living life fully and understanding what truly matters. Matt shares his experiences in intensive care,delving deep into the themes of life, death, and human connection. Matt discusses the transformative impact of a near-death experience, revealing that many of his patients, whether recovering from lightning strikes, drownings, or severe illness have fundamentally shifted their life perspectives. He draws parallels between life and death, suggesting that “we all have two lives,” and inspires listeners to reflect on their own lives while reinforcing that empathy and understanding are crucial components of end-of-life conversations. Matt’s Book, “A Second Act: What Nearly Dying Teaches Us About Really Living” is available at all good book stores.

In the Before We Go Segment, Rob speaks with Dave about his unique near-to-death experience. 

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better.

Contact the team at: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations.

This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Five of "Passing Thoughts," Jane Mundy dives into an enlightening conversation with the passionate members of Cafe Mortal, Marg, Hazel, and Jude. Recorded at Cafe Piatto in McMahon's Point, Sydney, the discussion centers around the group's origins and their ongoing exploration of death, dying, and the social constructs that surround these inevitable aspects of life. The informal atmosphere allows the women to share how their long-standing friendship has fostered an environment of trust, enabling them to discuss profound topics that many shy away from.

The dialogue not only highlights their individual and collective journeys in confronting death but also critiques modern society's sanitization of mortality. The group shares their experiences and intellectual pursuits, touching upon philosophies such as Stoicism, cultural differences in death practices, and their thoughts on end-of-life choices, ultimately promoting a normalization of death discussions. With references to literature and practices that challenge conventional views, they advocate for a life lived fully, understanding that discussions about death can enhance the quality of our living.

Notable Quotes:

• "This was like taking a plunge into the unknown in order to grow in understanding and acceptance of our inevitable death." - Jude
• "I think trust is very important… a real sense of mutuality, that people are genuine in their desire to share." - Hazel
• "Dying can be a very lonely experience… or it can be a wonderful experience." - Marg
• "Death is a natural process, just like birthing." - Jude
• "It’s all about enjoying this phase of our life as well." - Hazel

In the Before We Go Segment, Marg from Cafe Mortal tells us about her erfect funeral. 

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better.

Contact the team at: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations.

This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Four of "Passing Thoughts," Barbara Sullivan explores the intersections of death, dignity, and community with the "Radio Reverend," Bill Crews. Renowned for his tireless work supporting Sydney's homeless, Crews delves into the stories of those who die without traditional family structures and how his foundation provides them with respectful send-offs. This conversation unveils profound insights into social justice, human connection, and the personal impact these experiences have on Crews' own views on mortality.

Throughout the discussion, Crews emphasises the importance of honouring every individual's legacy, regardless of their status in life, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by homeless individuals when they pass. He shares poignant anecdotes of tracking down families of the deceased and the relief it brings to reconcile past relationships.

In the  “Before We Go” segment we meet Patrick Wild, the "Funeral Fellow," who collaborates with families to celebrate the unique stories of their loved ones.

Bill Crews: Known as the "Radio Reverend," Bill Crews has dedicated much of his life to aiding the homeless and disadvantaged communities in Sydney. As an ordained minister with the Uniting Church, he leads the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation, which provides essential services to those in need. Crews is noted for blending compassion with activism, honouring the dignity of individuals, even in death. His work with the foundation ensures that homeless individuals receive dignified funerals, reflecting his belief in human connectedness.

Patrick Wild: Patrick Wild, also known as the "Funeral Fellow," is a storyteller and funeral celebrant assisting bereaved families in crafting personalized and meaningful memorial services. With his engaging and empathetic approach, Wilde thrives in bringing to light the true stories and legacies of those who have passed, ensuring their lives are celebrated appropriately. His career evolution reflects a commitment to honoring the deceased in unique and memorable ways

Quotes from the Episode:

• "Dignity is something everyone deserves in death." – Bill Crews
• "You wouldn't toss your mother or your father or your brother or sister in a hole in the ground." – Bill Crews
• "The pain is a measure of the love." – Bill Crews
• "We're all connected, every one of us is connected." – Bill Crews
• "Everyone's got a great story." – Patrick Wild

Resources:

• Reverend Bill Crews Foundation
• Bill Crews on 2GB Radio: Engage with Bill Crews and learn more about his work through his segments on 2GB radio.
• https://thefuneralfellow.com.au
• The Funeral Fellow: Explore Patrick Wild’s work focusing on creating personalised and heartfelt funeral services.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better.

Contact the team at: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations.

This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Three of Passing Thoughts, Connie Mason talks with Professor Ken Hillman about the challenge of navigating the medical system for those who are dying. 

In our Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor looks at the life and music of satrist, Tom Lehrer.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better.

Contact the team at: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations.

This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Two of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy talks with journalist Emma Rossi who shares her unique work as Biography Services Manager at St Vincent’s Hospital’s Sacred Heart Palliative Care team, helping people reflect on and record their life stories. Discover how capturing these memories offers meaning, closure, and connection. Learn more about the service at  https://www.svhs.org.au/support-us/volunteer/sacred-heart-community-palliative-care-biography-service

In our Before We Go segment, Alex Hoysted introduces his Death Calc, a thought-provoking tool exploring life expectancy and how awareness of our mortality might inspire us to live more fully. Read Alex’s musings at hoysted.substack.com.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better.

Contact the team at: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations.

This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the opening episode of Passing Thoughts, we feature the extraordinary Teresa Plane, former NSW Senior Australian of the Year and pioneer of modern palliative care in Australia. In conversation with Barbara Sullivan, Teresa shares profound insights from her 40-year career, including why talking about death matters, how palliative care can be a time of healing and growth, and how her personal grief shaped her life's mission.

With warmth and wisdom, Teresa challenges taboos and offers guidance on how to live meaningfully—right to the very end. She shares moving stories of humour, dignity, and connection in dying, and explains why children, families, and communities must be part of the conversation around death.

In our “Before We Go” segment, Rob shares a touching story from Japan, where a trombone became a unique farewell symbol for a life well lived.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter—told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid. Because facing death just might help us live better.

Teresa Plane's podcast Aging with Attitude can be found at https://www.2rph.org.au/ageing-with-attitude/  - you can contact the team from Passing Thoughts [email protected] 

Passing Thoughts has been made with the support of the Wicking Trust. Make sure you join our Facebook Group  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For too long, death and dying has been a big unspoken taboo. In the Passing Thoughts podcast, we aim to improve death literacy and encourage conversations around life's final chapter.

You can catch the first episode on Thursday the 7th of August, 2025. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.