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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 family violence prevention and a beacon of resilience following the tragic murder of her son, Luke. Rosie’s journey through grief, PTSD, and healing is nothing short of inspiring. She shares her candid reflections on the societal perceptions of grief and the importance of having open conversations about death and loss. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while we may not be ready to face death, we can certainly prepare ourselves to navigate the complexities of grief and healing.

Rosie’s story is one of profound loss, but it’s also a testament to the strength of the human spirit. After losing her son, she found herself thrust into the public eye, sparking a national conversation about domestic violence. Through her memoir, Hope, Rosie reflects on her journey, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned along the way. She discusses the importance of community support, the complexities of friendships during grief, and the need for honest conversations about our feelings surrounding death. Rosie’s insights remind us that while grief can feel isolating, we are not alone in our experiences.

Join us as we explore the nuances of grief, the power of storytelling, and the importance of being present in our lives. Rosie’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope and light to be found.

Key points from our discussion:

• The importance of open conversations about death and grief.
• How community support can play a crucial role in healing.
• The complexities of friendships during times of loss.
• The power of storytelling in processing grief.
• Recognising that grief is a personal journey with no set timeline.

Read more about Rosie:

2015 Australian of the Year

Rosie Batty AO's Address to

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Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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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 the living. We dive deep into the fascinating world of cemetery design, exploring how these spaces can reflect cultural diversity, promote community engagement, and even combat climate change.

Hamish shares his journey from traditional landscape architecture to the unique challenges of designing cemeteries. He discusses the importance of creating spaces that honour the deceased while also serving the needs of the living. From the intricacies of soil types and drainage to the innovative use of art and nature, Hamish reveals how thoughtful design can change perceptions of death and dying. We also touch on the growing demand for natural burials and the future of cemetery spaces in an ever-evolving urban landscape.

Join us as we explore the intersection of life, death, and design, and discover how cemeteries can become places of beauty, reflection, and community connection.

Key points from our discussion:

● Cemeteries are primarily spaces for the living, offering comfort and community.

● The design of cemeteries must consider cultural practices, environmental sustainability, and community needs.

● Innovative burial methods, such as composting, are emerging as alternatives to traditional practices.

● The importance of engaging with local communities and traditional owners in the design process.

● The future of cemeteries may involve transforming them into multifunctional green spaces.

Where to Find Hamish Coates:

● Greater Melbourne Cemeteries Trust: GMCT Website

● LinkedIn: Hamish Coates

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Are your affairs in order? Critical Info helps you organise essential documents in just 10 minutes a day. Sign up now for early access! → criticalinfo.com.au/critical-info-platform

Lost a loved one? Our guide walks you through the next steps, from the first hours to the months ahead. Download it here → criticalinfo.com.au/product/my-

Contact Catherine

Business Website:

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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, 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 a doctor and a writer allows her to weave together the complexities of human experience, history, and the inevitability of death in her novels and poetry. We delve into her creative process, the importance of honesty in conversations about death, and how her own family history has influenced her work. Leah's insights remind us that while death is a natural part of life, it can also be a catalyst for deeper connections and a more meaningful existence.

Join us as we unpack the layers of grief, the significance of storytelling, and the power of confronting our fears. Leah's journey is a testament to the idea that by embracing death, we can truly learn to live.

Key points from our discussion:

● Leah's transition from a fearful doctor to a writer exploring death and dying.

● The importance of honest conversations about death, especially with children.

● How personal experiences with loss and family history shape our understanding of mortality.

● The role of writing as a therapeutic process in confronting fears.

● The connection between history, storytelling, and our relationship with death.

Leah’s Book Mentioned:

1. The Waiting Room
2. The Hollow Bones
3. We’re All Going to Die

Her website is: https://leahkaminsky.com/

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Are your affairs in order? Critical Info helps you organise essential documents in just 10 minutes a day. Sign up now for early access! → criticalinfo.com.au/critical-info-platform

Lost a loved one? Our guide walks you through the next steps, from the first hours to the months ahead. Download it here → criticalinfo.com.au/product/my-

Contact Catherine

Business Website:

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/