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Why People Delay Writing a Will and How to Break the Cycle With John Malouff
We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)
In this episode, I’m speaking with John Malouff, psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of New England. John has spent much of his career researching procrastination, self-regulation, and the science of why people avoid the very tasks that could make their lives easier.
And that includes one of the most important tasks many of us put off for far too long: end-of-life planning.
We talk about why so many people delay writing a will, completing an advance care directive, or having conversations about their wishes. Often it isn’t about laziness or indifference. It’s fear, uncertainty, and the simple fact that we don’t see other people openly doing it.
John shares practical psychological insights into why procrastination happens, what motivates people to take action, and how even small prompts can help us move from avoidance to preparation.
Because while death itself may be confronting, the real impact often comes from what happens before and after it.
Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine
The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.
Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.
Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes.
Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events
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/
View all episodes
By Catherine AshtonWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)
In this episode, I’m speaking with John Malouff, psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of New England. John has spent much of his career researching procrastination, self-regulation, and the science of why people avoid the very tasks that could make their lives easier.
And that includes one of the most important tasks many of us put off for far too long: end-of-life planning.
We talk about why so many people delay writing a will, completing an advance care directive, or having conversations about their wishes. Often it isn’t about laziness or indifference. It’s fear, uncertainty, and the simple fact that we don’t see other people openly doing it.
John shares practical psychological insights into why procrastination happens, what motivates people to take action, and how even small prompts can help us move from avoidance to preparation.
Because while death itself may be confronting, the real impact often comes from what happens before and after it.
Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine
The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.
Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.
Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes.
Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events
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/