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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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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

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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-

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Business Website:

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

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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

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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/

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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 began with her grandparents, who donated their bodies to science, igniting a curiosity that led her to explore the intricate relationship between death and anatomy. As she delved deeper, she uncovered a tapestry of stories that reveal how body donors play a crucial role in medical education, the evolution of dissection practices, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in this sensitive field. From the historical significance of anatomy to the contemporary challenges faced by medical students, Jackie shares insights that will change the way you think about death and the human body.

Join us as we discuss the importance of memorialising body donors, the shift in societal attitudes towards death, and the need for open conversations about our end-of-life choices. This episode is a compelling invitation to confront our mortality and consider how we can contribute to the future, even after we’re gone.

Key points from our discussion:

• Whole body donation vs. organ donation: Understanding the differences and processes involved.
• The historical evolution of anatomy and dissection practices across cultures.
• The significance of body donor memorials and the humane anatomy movement.
• The ethical complexities surrounding body donation and anatomical museums.
• Personal reflections on the impact of body donation on families and medical students.

Find more about Jackie here

Get your copy of The Great Dead Body Teachers here

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/

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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 our loved ones after they’ve passed.

Chloe shares her journey into the world of thanatology, sparked by her own experiences with grief after losing her mother at a young age. We discuss the importance of memorialisation and how it can take many forms—from patchwork quilts made from a loved one’s clothing to the inclusion of ashes in jewellery and tattoos. Chloe highlights the significance of engaging all our senses in the grieving process and how these tangible connections can provide comfort and healing.

We also touch on the ethical considerations in the death care industry, the misconceptions surrounding grief, and the need for more open conversations about death. Chloe’s insights challenge the traditional narratives around grief and encourage us to embrace our memories and connections with those we've lost.

Key points from our discussion:

- Understanding the role of memorialization in the grieving process.
The importance of tactile and sensory experiences in remembering loved ones.

- Exploring innovative ways to memorialize through design and technology.
The ethical considerations in the death care industry and the need for open conversations about death.

- Challenging misconceptions about grief and embracing the journey of remembrance.

Find more about Chloe:

Chloe’s website https://www.chloemarcelacoelho.com

Instagram: @chloe.m.coelho https://www.instagram.com/chloe.m.coelho

Vestiges of Memory - Grief unpacking project on my website: https://www.chloemarcelacoelho.com/vestiges-of-memory


Join us for a heartfelt conversation that aims to demystify death and inspire you to think creatively about how to honour your loved ones.

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/

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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 help us process grief.

Whether you're a poetry lover or new to it, this conversation will inspire reflection on death, creativity, and language.

Key highlights:
● The role of poetry in grief
● Luke's personal and creative journey
● The Orpheus myth and mortality
● How poetry keeps language alive
● Tips for expressing grief creatively

Learn more about Luke:
Profile Link

Discover the Orpheus and Eurydice myth:
A great place to start is Metamorphoses by Ovid — particularly Books X and XI. Read Book X online:
Metamorphoses (Book X) – Ovid

List of all the works mentioned by Luke Fischer during the episode:

1. A Gamble for My Daughter (poetry collection)
2. A Personal History of Vision (poetry collection)
3. Paths of Flight (poetry collection)
4. The Blue Forest (children's book)
5. The Poet as a Phenomenologist: Rilke and the New Poems (monograph)
6. Rilke's Sonnets to Orpheus: Philosophical and Critical Perspectives(co-edited volume of essays)
7. Goethe Yearbook (co-edited special section on Goethe and Environmentalism)
8. Beyond Existentialism: The Orphic Unity of Life and Dea

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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/

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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.

Judith's insights are both profound and practical. She reflects on her own experiences with advance care planning, including the challenges she faced when navigating her husband Brian's recent Alzheimer's diagnosis. Judith emphasises the need for deeper literacy around death and dying, advocating for a shift in how we approach these conversations in our families and communities. With her unique blend of wisdom and warmth, Judith inspires us to embrace our mortality and plan for a dignified end of life that reflects our values and wishes.

Key points from our discussion:

- Advance Care planning is an investment in your future and should be a living document that evolves over time.
- Open conversations about death can foster understanding and connection within families.
- It's essential to choose a substitute decision-maker who truly understands your values and wishes.
- Death literacy should be integrated into the national educational curriculum to normalise discussions around dying.


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

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-leeson-am-8a497613/
Website: https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/

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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, 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 three flows of compassion: from ourselves to others, from others to ourselves, and the often-overlooked self-compassion. We discuss how these elements play a crucial role in both personal and professional realms, particularly for women entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple responsibilities. With practical tips and heartfelt anecdotes, Dr. Hayley encourages us to embrace our authentic selves and to have those difficult conversations about death and dying that can alleviate future suffering.

As we navigate the complexities of grief, Dr. Hayley reminds us that there is no right way to grieve and that being kind to ourselves is essential. We explore the importance of preparing for the unexpected, discussing how having open conversations about our wishes and plans can ease the burden on our loved ones when the time comes. This episode is a gentle nudge to face the uncomfortable truths about death while fostering a compassionate approach to ourselves and those around us.

Key points from our discussion:

• Understanding the three flows of compassion: self-compassion, compassion for others, and receiving compassion.
• The importance of having open conversations about death and dying to prevent additional suffering.
• Practical tips for self-care and checking in with ourselves during times of grief.
• The significance of aligning our lives and businesses with our core values.
• How compassion can transform our relationships and enhance our well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Hayley's podcast: https://drhayleydquinn.com/podcast/
• Welcome to Self®: Time to Thrive Group Business Coaching https://drhayleydquinn.myflodesk.com/timetothrivewaitlist
• Book:

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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/