Shows
Don't Be Caught DeadReclaiming Agency: Living Beyond DementiaWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Ever been told to just give up and prepare to die after a diagnosis? What if I told you that’s the standard script handed to people with dementia — and it’s completely wrong? Today, I’m chatting with Kate Swaffer, a powerhouse who refused to accept that narrative. She’s here to shake things up, challenge the world’s outdated views on dementia, and show us why living well with this diagnosis is not just possible, but a right.In this episode of Do...2025-06-251h 22Don't Be Caught DeadHolistic Funerals Choices BEYOND Traditional FuneralsWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)In this heartfelt episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I chat with Charmaine Blanch, the founder of Tiare Funerals and Deathcare. Charmaine's mission is to empower families to reclaim their death rights and make decisions that truly reflect their values and culture. With a unique blend of creativity and deep empathy, she offers a holistic approach to funerals that goes beyond the traditional, sterile services many are accustomed to.Charmaine shares her personal journey, which began with the loss of her grandparents at a...2025-06-1842 minDon't Be Caught DeadThe FUTURE of DYING: Can We CHEAT DEATH?We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of Don't Be Caught Dead! Today, we dive deep into the fascinating world of neuroscience and the radical idea of abolishing death with our special guest, Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston. As a neuroscientist and author of The Future Loves You, Ariel explores the potential of brain preservation and the philosophical implications of what it means to be alive. If you've ever wondered about the future of dying and whether we can truly cheat death, this episode is for you!In...2025-06-1155 minDon't Be Caught DeadWho’s Really at Risk? Understanding Elder AbuseWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Have you ever thought about who might be the biggest threat to the elderly in our lives? It’s not just the faceless strangers in nursing homes; it’s often their own family members. In this eye-opening episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I chat with William J. Betts, a legal expert in family violence and elder rights at Peninsula Community Legal Centre. Will sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse. We dive deep into the complexities of estate planning, the importance of ha...2025-06-041h 19Don't Be Caught DeadRITUALS of HEALING: Swimming, Community, and the OCEANWe'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 transformation come to life. Her stunning book, Immerse, shares faces and places shaped by the healing embrace of Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.Fiona’s journe...2025-05-281h 16Don't Be Caught DeadThis Is What Dignity Looks Like: A Daughter’s Story in Support of Voluntary Assisted DyingWe'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 deeply personal journey as she navigated her mother's cancer diagnosis and the complexities of voluntary assisted dying. Barb's story is a powerful reminder...2025-05-2158 minDon't Be Caught DeadFACING the UNTHINKABLE: Death, Dying, and SuicideWe'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 philosopher and educator who dares to tackle the taboo. Together, we explore the profound connections between creativity and the complex emotions surrounding death and suicide.Katrina's insights...2025-05-1458 minDon't Be Caught DeadDANCE with DEATH: Tony Yap's Journey Through GriefWe'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 landscapes of death and dying. Tony shares his unique journey from visual arts to performance, revealing how his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences with loss have shaped his artistic expression.2025-05-101h 13Don't Be Caught DeadWhat Happens to Your WEALTH When You DIE? The TRUTH About Estate PlanningWe'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 simply someone who wants to ensure your loved ones are taken care of, this conversation is packed with practical advice, eye-opening insights, and a few surprises you might not...2025-05-071h 15Don't Be Caught DeadGrief Without Permission: ROSIE BATTY on Challenging SILENCE and Speaking TRUTHWe'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 hope in the darkest of times.In this powerful episode, I sit down with the incredible Rosie Batty, a fierce advocate for...2025-04-301h 06Don't Be Caught DeadDesigning for the Living: Hamish Coates on Cemeteries and CommunityWe'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. With over 20 years of experience, Hamish has transformed the way we think about cemeteries—not just as resting places for the dead, but as vibrant, accessible spaces for...2025-04-2355 minDon't Be Caught DeadThe Doctor Who Feared Death: Leah Kaminsky on Life, Loss and Finding JoyWe'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, particularly with dying patients, have shaped her understanding of life and death, and how writing has become a therapeutic outlet for her fears and emotions.Leah's unique perspective as both...2025-04-0954 minDon't Be Caught DeadWhat Happens to Your Body After Death? A Deep Dive into Whole Body DonationWe'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, ethics, and the profound impact our choices can have on future generations of medical professionals.Jackie's journey into this hidden realm bega...2025-04-0251 minDon't Be Caught DeadEmbracing Grief: The Art of Memorialisation with Chloe Marcela CoelhoWe'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 understanding of death and the grieving process through innovative memorialisation strategies. We explore how personal objects, tactile experiences, and even technology can help us maintain connections with o...2025-03-2655 minDon't Be Caught DeadOrpheus and the Art of Grief: A Poet's PerspectiveWe'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 nature, death and extinction shape his writing. His exploration of the Orpheus myth is particularly moving, showing how ancient stories continue to...2025-03-1955 minDon't Be Caught DeadFACING DEATH: Judith Leeson AM on EMBRACING Our MortalityWe'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 childhood, disability, and career development. We dive deep into the importance of having open conversations about death and dying, and how these discussions can empower us to take control of our futures.2025-03-1257 minDon't Be Caught DeadThe Power of Compassion with Dr Hayley D QuinnWe'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 relationships with ourselves and others, especially during times of loss.Dr. Hayley opens up about her journey from burnout to empowerment, highlighting the significance of self-compassion and the...2025-03-0553 minDon't Be Caught DeadEmbracing Mortality: Hayley West on Art, Death, and CommunityWe'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 hosting a radio show called Dead Air, Hayley’s work challenges us to think differently about mortality and how we engage with it. Whether you’re curious about...2025-02-261h 09Don't Be Caught DeadBridging Life and Death: Tamil Mourning Traditions ExplainedWe'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 Nyana about her father's passing and the profound impact it had on her life. We explore the rituals that accompany death in Tamil culture, from the...2025-02-191h 17Don't Be Caught DeadENCORE: Meet the Coffin Confessor: From Troubled Past to Funeral CrasherWe'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 ConfessorIn this gripping episode, I sit down with Bill Edgar, a man whose life story reads like a Hollywood script. From his tumultuous childhood as the son of a notorious gangster to becoming Australia's most talked-about funeral crasher, Bill's journey is nothing...2025-02-121h 02Don't Be Caught DeadENCORE: Secure Your Legacy: Clear Legal Advice from Greg RussoWe'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 law, driven by a love for maths and logic, and how he found his passion in succession law—a field where numbers meet human stories.We dive deep into th...2025-02-051h 35Don't Be Caught DeadENCORE: NAIDOC 2024: Celebrating Indigenous Stories and Heritage with Aunty Jill WestWe'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...2025-01-291h 20Don't Be Caught DeadENCORE: Eco-Friendly Farewells: Water Cremation's Splash in the Death Care IndustryWe'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 to families in Tasmania, Australia. Luke has worked in the death space both practically and theoretically in Tasmania for the better part of a de...2025-01-221h 11Don't Be Caught DeadENCORE: The Future of Funerals: Insights from Kelly Scott, President of Australian Funeral Directors AssociationWe'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 fa...2025-01-201h 24Don't Be Caught DeadENCORE: Reclaiming death back into our own hands and hearts with Deathwalker Zenith ViragoWe'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. Our conversation was enlightening and funny, ranging from the significance of graveyards in England, ceremonies for the LGBTQ community, how to support children through grief.2025-01-081h 04Don't Be Caught DeadENCORE: Cheating Death: The Cryonics Revolution in AustraliaWe'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 Southern Cryonics. Peter shares the fascinating journey that led him to establish Australia's first cryonics facility in Holbrook, New South Wales. From the intricate process o...2025-01-0159 minDon't Be Caught DeadENCORE: Navigating Life After Loss: A Daughter's Tale with Libby NeeshamWe'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 with neurodiversity.🌹 In this episode:Libby opens up about the different ways she grieved the death of each of her parents and the lessons she learned along the...2024-12-2551 minDon't Be Caught DeadDeath, DNA, and Family Secrets: How Trauma Lives in Our GenesWe'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's journey of discovery began when she found an old leather suitcase filled with documents after her mother's death. These papers revealed her father's hidden Jewish heritage and his harrowing escape from...2024-12-181h 05Don't Be Caught DeadDeath, Diversity, and Inclusion in Care with Tonina Gucciardo-Masci and Nikolaus RittinghausenWe'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 Engagement Manager at Palliative Care Victoria, and Nikolaus Rittinghausen, Manager at the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing. Both are working tirelessly to ensure that aged and palliative care...2024-12-111h 05Don't Be Caught Dead200 Hours of Death Admin: Why Executors Deserve More Support with Danielle PhillipsWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Did you know it can take over 200 hours to manage the responsibilities of an executor? For Danielle Phillips, losing both parents during COVID wasn’t just heartbreaking—it became a crash course in navigating the overwhelming task of estate administration. This week, we uncover how she turned personal tragedy into Sage Executor Solutions, a lifeline for families facing the chaos after losing a loved one. Becoming an executor is more than signing your name on a...2024-12-0451 minDon't Be Caught DeadFacing Life’s Toughest Moments: Can Social Support Make the Difference?We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Are you feeling disconnected in our modern world? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the heart of social health with Joe Sehee, Executive Director of Social Health Australia. Joe shares his Joeurney from green burial advocate to champion of human connection, revealing how we can combat loneliness and transform end-of-life care.Joe takes us on a fascinating exploration of 'community companioning', a revolutionary approach to supporting those facing life's toughest challenges. From terminal illness to bereavement, learn how this...2024-11-271h 07Don't Be Caught DeadAfter the Worst Has Happened: Tales From a Funeral Director, Richard GoslingWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)In this episode, we dive into the journey of Richard Gosling—a man who left the safe world of civil service to become a funeral director, driven by a desire to connect with others on the deepest level. Join us as Richard shares stories of courage, unexpected life changes, and how facing death can bring new appreciation to life. Richard Gosling didn’t follow a conventional path to become a funeral director. His journey took root after experiencing his own famil...2024-11-2059 minDon't Be Caught DeadDo You Really Want to Be a Carer? The Question Nobody AsksWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Imagine caring for someone for over 20 years without anyone ever asking if you want to be their carer. It sounds unthinkable, right? In this episode, we delve into this powerful, often unasked question and explore what it truly means to support someone at the end of their life, without sacrificing your own.Join me as I chat with Inge McGinn, a Senior Counsellor and Caseworker from Peninsula Home Hospice, who has over 25 years of experience working in palliative care. Inge’s unique journey to th...2024-11-131h 01Don't Be Caught DeadHonouring Life Through Trees: The Legacy of Mornington GreenWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)In this episode, I chat with Luke Roberts of Mornington Green, a unique final resting place that's revolutionising how we approach death and remembrance. Imagine a lush, 34-acre property that feels more like a botanical garden than a cemetery. That's Mornington Green - a place where loved ones' ashes are infused into the roots of trees, creating living memorials that grow and change with the seasons.Luke, a former lawyer, shares how his brother's experience with grief led to the creation of Mornington Green...2024-11-0646 minDon't Be Caught DeadGhosts, Graves, and Gossip: Uncovering Sorrento's Haunted HistoryWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Ever wondered what it's like to chat with ghosts for a living? Join me as I sit down with Jenny Tomkins, the fascinating mind behind Sorrento Ghost Tours, who stumbled into the world of the paranormal quite by accident. What started as a way to stay awake for late-night mum taxi duties has turned into a 14-year journey of discovery, scepticism, and ultimately, belief.Jenny shares how she's developed her own sensitivities over the years. She recounts incredible experiences, from ghostly encounters in haunted...2024-10-3054 minDon't Be Caught DeadCheating Death: The Cryonics Revolution in AustraliaWe'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 Southern Cryonics. Peter shares the fascinating journey that led him to establish Australia's first cryonics facility in Holbrook, New South Wales. From the intricate process o...2024-10-2358 min
Gresham College LecturesHow do we secure Europe? - Catherine AshtonWatch the Q&A session here: https://youtu.be/YltPv0VUFgQWith the ongoing war in Ukraine, long-term planning for security in Europe is essential. What will be the role of NATO, EU enlargement, and the support of the UK to ensure a Europe of peace and prosperity? Against the backdrop of Russian aggression, potential changes in US policy and rising populism, what elements will constitute a new European security architecture?This lecture was recorded by Baroness Catherine Ashton on 7th October 2024 at Mercer's Hall, London.Baroness Ashton is a distinguished fellow at the...2024-10-2243 minDon't Be Caught DeadNo Rules, No Rush: The Last Hurrah's Philosophy on Modern FuneralsWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Ever wondered what it's like to plan a funeral in a golf course or use a combi van as a hearse? Today, we're diving deep into the world of personalised farewells with Mon Jones, a funeral director at The Last Hurrah.Mon's journey into the funeral industry was unexpected, but it's clear she's found her calling. The Last Hurrah isn't your average funeral home - it's a family affair that's reimagining how we say goodbye to our loved ones. From cardboard coffins that families...2024-10-1649 minDon't Be Caught DeadFrom Schizophrenia to Leading A Walk For Life: Transforming a Brother's Death into PurposeWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)In this deeply moving episode, we explore the heart-wrenching journey of Sarah Eagle, a neurodivergent public speaker and consultant, who lost her brother Ben to schizophrenia. Sarah's story is a powerful testament to how profound loss can lead to transformative change and a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy.Sarah takes us through the harrowing experience of Ben's disappearance in the Australian bush and the subsequent search that ended in tragedy. She shares the raw emotions of grief and the pivotal moment when she...2024-10-0956 minDon't Be Caught DeadDeath, Dreaming, and Community: Aboriginal Funeral Traditions UnveiledWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the heart of Aboriginal funeral traditions with Kaneesha Wise from the Aboriginal Advancement League and the Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service. Kaneesha shares powerful insights into the cultural significance of Aboriginal funerals, the challenges faced by families, and the vital role of community support in honouring the deceased.From the importance of returning to Country for a proper burial to the intricate beliefs surrounding the journey to the Dreaming, Kaneesha paints a vivid picture of Aboriginal death...2024-10-0257 min