Passing Thoughts

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

In this episode, Connie Mason speaks to Amanda Simons from Carer Gateway. Amanda shares her personal story of being a carer, as well as the vital support services Carer Gateway provides to those looking after a loved one. To find out more about Carer Gateway, visit https://www.carergateway.gov.au/.

In the Before We Go segment, we speak with Mel Harrison from the podcast "Disability Fail 101" — well worth a listen at https://www.2rph.org.au/disability-fail-101/.

Connect With Us

📧 Email: Contact the team at [email protected]

👍 Community: Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations.

This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

Rob Kaldor visits the Sydney headquarters of a groundbreaking new charity: the Shifra Centre. Rob sits down with founder Irene Fihrer, a clinical psychologist who started the organisation following the deeply challenging passing of her mother. They discuss the critical gap in psychosocial and spiritual end-of-life support and how the Shifra Centre uses a multidisciplinary approach alongside frameworks from Jewish mourning traditions to provide holistic care for the dying. Find out more info about the Shifra Center https://www.shifracentre.org.au/

In the Before We Go segment, Barbara Sullivan reflects on the changing landscape of obituaries. She highlights a memorable, brutally honest tribute to Jenni Kelly. 

Connect With Us

• 📧 Email: Contact the team at [email protected]

• 👍 Community: Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations.

This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you create a digital version of yourself that talks to your loved ones after you die? Connie Mason speaks with Chris Williams, founder of Afterlife AI, about griefbots - AI technology that lets people build interactive digital replicas of themselves for family and friends to communicate with after death. What are the ethical questions? Who is using this, and why?

In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor talks to Dr. Predencia Dixon about the Jamaican Nine Nights wake celebration. They explore the cultural significance of this nine-day ritual, the communal support it provides with food and music, and how it helps guide the deceased's spirit to its final resting place. To read more about Nine Nights - here is a link to Predencia's book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guide-Jamaican-Death-Rituals/dp/B0FS7BXW8W

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]

👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧

🎧 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode Five of Passing Thoughts, our special guest presenter is world reknowned song-writer and performer Ilan Kidron. Ilan takes us through a unique sonic journey as he sits with Cat as they write a song together to commemorate her late sister Carla. The episode culminates in the playing of the song "Dancing in the Mirror".

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]

👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧

 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode Four of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy speaks with Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty. They discuss the latest developments in dementia research and his plans during his year in the role.

In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor talks to our presenter Jane Mundy about what it is likre to work on Passing Thoughts and if it has changed her.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]

👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧

 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode Three of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy speaks with Dr. Catherine Joyce and Christina Matthews about the essential roadmap of advance care planning. It’s a conversation about bridging the gap between clinical medical instructions and deeply personal values to refocus on what truly matters: autonomy, peace of mind, and the "blessing" of ensuring your voice is heard when you can no longer speak for yourself.

In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor explores the concept of a living funeral and the unexpected comedic risks of a "living wake," as seen through the lens of Larry David.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]

👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧

 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode Two of Passing Thoughts, Connie Mason speaks with Dr. Margaret Ross and Dr. Justin Dwyer about the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for those facing terminal illness. It’s a conversation about bridging the gap between rigorous trials in Melbourne and ancient wisdom in the Amazon to refocus on what truly matters: dignity, perspective, and finding solace in the face of the unknown.

In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor explores the vital role music plays in guiding the journey through life’s final chapter.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]

👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations.

🎧 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode One  of Passing Thoughts, Barbara Sullivan speaks with Sam McConkey from Bare Funerals about rethinking how we approach death, funerals, and the moments that follow loss. Together, Barbara and Sam explore the emotional and practical realities of death, questioning long-held traditions and asking what a more honest, humane farewell might look like. It’s a conversation about stripping away fear and ceremony to focus on what really matters: meaning, love, and leaving well.

In Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor considers the impact of the Bondi Massacre and what the summer of 2025 revealed about grief, courage, and community.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter — told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]
👍 Like us on Facebook 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 Ten of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy speaks with Anne Marinos about her husband, the beloved entertainer Lex Marinos, and his decision to use Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Anne reflects on the emotional, practical and deeply personal moments that shaped Lex’s final days, offering an open and compassionate exploration of what dignity, choice and love look like at the end of life.

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter — told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]
👍 Like us on Facebook 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 Nine of Passing Thoughts, host Barbara Sullivan shares an in depth conversation with author Casey Beros, about the nature of being a carer to someone in their final stages of life. Casey shares the story of caring for her beloved dad through terminal cancer. In the Before We Go section Rob reminisces about the final album of a musical hero. 

Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter — told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better.

📧 Contact the team at [email protected]
👍 Like us on Facebook 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.