Don't Be Caught Dead

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) The ocean has a raw, powerful way of healing us—body, mind, and soul. In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I'm joined by Fiona Basile, an internationally acclaimed photographer and writer who discovered that open water swimming is far more than just a hobby. It’s a lifeline, a community, and a space where stories of resilience and tr...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens when a loved one faces a terminal illness? How do we navigate the heart-wrenching decisions that come with it? In this episode, Barb Gearing shares her powerful story of love, loss, and the importance of choice at the end of life. In this heartfelt episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Barb Gering, who shares her deepl...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) ⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️ This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including suicide. Listener discretion is advised. What if the key to unlocking the mysteries of death and suicide lies in the delicate verses of poetry? In this thought-provoking episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we sit down with the brilliant Katrina Jaworski, a phil...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if the act of dancing could help you confront your deepest fears about death? In this captivating episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with the extraordinary Tony Yap, a multidisciplinary artist and dancer whose work delves deep into the realms of psychophysical research, Asian shamanistic trance dance, and the emotional landscape...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens to your wealth, your business, and your family when you’re no longer here? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of estate planning, business continuity, and how to protect your legacy with Shannon Smit, chartered accountant, financial advisor, and founder of Smart Private Wealth. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or s...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens when the unimaginable becomes your reality? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I chat with Rosie Batty, a woman who turned her profound grief into a powerful movement for change after the tragic murder of her son, Luke. Join us as we explore the depths of loss, the importance of community, and the strength it takes to find...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if I told you that cemeteries could be more than just final resting places? What if they could serve as vibrant community spaces that celebrate life, culture, and nature? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Hamish Coates, a seasoned landscape architect and the principal designer at Greater Melbourne Cemeteries Trust....

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Leah Kaminsky, a physician and award-winning author, to explore the often-taboo subject of death and dying. Leah shares her personal journey from being a terrified doctor to becoming a passionate writer who confronts mortality head-on. We discuss how her experiences in medicine, particu...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if I told you that your body could continue to teach long after you take your last breath? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Jackie Dent, the author of The Great Dead Body Teachers , to unravel the fascinating and often misunderstood world of whole body donation. This isn’t just about science; it’s about legacy, et...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if the objects we hold dear could help us navigate the complex journey of grief? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Chloe Marcela Coelho, a passionate death scholar and creative practitioner who dives deep into the intricate dimensions of death, grief, and design.  Chloe's work is all about enhancing our unders...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Have you ever wondered how poetry can help us face grief and mortality? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead , poet, philosopher and scholar Luke Fischer shares how poetry allows us to sit with loss and navigate life’s deepest challenges. Luke talks about his personal journey, the influence of philosophy on his work, and how themes of natu...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this heartfelt episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with the remarkable Judith Leeson AM, a passionate advocate for those living with disadvantage and a champion for end-of-life planning. At 90 years young, Judith shares her incredible journey, from her early memories during the Great Depression to her extensive career in early chil...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we dive deep into the often-avoided topic of death, grief, and the importance of compassion in navigating these challenging experiences. Join me as I chat with Dr Hayley D Quinn, an anti-burnout business coach and former clinical psychologist, who shares her insights on how compassion can transform our...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens when you mix art, death, and a whole lot of creativity? You get Hayley West – a multi-talented artist, librarian, death literacy advocate, and aspiring doom metal vocalist. In this episode, Hayley takes us on a journey through her fascinating life, where death isn’t just a topic—it’s a muse.  From interactive art installations to host...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Have you ever wondered how different cultures navigate the complex emotions surrounding death? In this episode, we dive deep into the rich tapestry of Tamil traditions and personal experiences of grief with Nyana Tanzer, who shares her heartfelt journey of loss, love, and the importance of community in the face of death. Join me as I chat with Nya...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) ⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️ This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including sexual abuse, childhood trauma, and suicide. Also includes course language. Listener discretion is advised. - From Troubled Past to Funeral Crasher: Meet Bill Edgar, Australia's Infamous Coffin Confessor In this gripping episode, I sit down with Bill Edgar,...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Ever wondered what legal documents you need to have in place before you die? Or how to handle your assets and loved ones when the inevitable happens? In this episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I'm joined by Greg Russo, one of Victoria's most experienced and respected succession law solicitors. Greg shares his journey into...

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 wh...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Ever wondered if there's a kinder way to say goodbye to your loved ones? Most of us are aware of burials and cremations, but have you heard of water cremation?   Luke Cripps is a Director at Alluvium Water Cremations, established in 2023 with Director Brendan Cooper to bring a gentle, affordable, and eco-friendly method of final disposition t...

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...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode, I speak with a pioneer in the death care industry, Zenith Virago. Zenith is the founder and executive officer of the Natural Death Care Centre Charity Australia. She is a death walker, a celebrant, and an educator. Zenith has been empowering people to have healthier, healing bereavement with few or no regrets for over 30 years. Ou...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up 200 years in the future, in a young, healthy body with all your memories intact? This isn't science fiction - it's the ambitious goal of cryonics, and it's happening right here in Australia. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Peter Solapides, founder, director, and chairman of...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode, I'm bringing you a conversation that's both emotional and enlightening.  I had the pleasure of reuniting with an old high school friend Libby Neesham, who shared her incredibly personal experiences with the death of her parents, her unique approach to motherhood, and her valuable insights on dealing with grief as someone...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if the unexplained feelings of grief, anxiety, or disconnection you carry aren't entirely your own? In this compelling episode, I sit down with Michelle Scheibner, author of 'Hush', to explore how the secrets and trauma of our family history can echo through generations, impacting our lives in ways we never imagined. Michelle&a...

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) How do we ensure that every individual, regardless of their cultural or spiritual background, receives dignified and inclusive care at the end of their life? Today, we tackle this vital question with two incredible guests who are championing change in aged and palliative care. In this episode, I sit down with Tonina Gucciardo-Masci, Community Enga...