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We all know death is coming for us, yet most of us avoid talking about it like it’s the plague. In this episode, I sit down with Baci Hillyer for an honest, heartfelt conversation about why facing our mortality head-on, including the controversial topic of assisted dying, can change the way we live.

Baci and I dive into the uncomfortable yet essential topic of death, why we fear it, why we avoid it, and what happens when we finally look it in the eye. We explore her personal journey of working in the end-of-life space, the emotional truths she’s uncovered, and the unexpected freedom that comes from preparing for something we can’t escape.

One of the big conversations we have is around Voluntary Assisted Dying, what it means, who it’s for, and why it sparks so much debate. Baci shares her perspective from both personal and professional angles, inviting listeners to think deeply about choice, autonomy, and compassion at the end of life.

This episode is about more than just dying, it’s about living well. We unpack the role that grief plays in shaping us, how our culture’s discomfort with death harms us, and practical steps you can take right now to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the inevitable. There’s laughter, raw honesty, and a shared belief that talking about death is one of the most life-affirming things you can do.

If you’ve ever found yourself dodging the “D word”, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what it means to live and die well.

We discussed:

• Why avoiding death talk robs us of deeper living
• How Baci found her calling in end-of-life work
• The surprising emotional freedom in facing mortality
• Voluntary Assisted Dying what it means and why it matters
• Practical steps for preparing for death
• How grief shapes our lives in ways we don’t expect
• Cultural shifts we need to make around dying
• Why preparing for death is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones

Connect with Baci Hillyer:

• Instagram
• Website
• Watch a video to learn about Baci

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 :-)

What if I told you that talking about death could be one of the most empowering conversations you ever have? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Dr. Annetta Mallon, a leading expert in grief loss education and end-of-life care, to explore the profound impact of embracing death and the importance of open dialogue around it.

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with Dr. Annetta Mallon, a leading expert in grief loss education and end-of-life care. With over three decades of experience as a psychotherapist, Annetta dives deep into the complexities of grief, loss, and the importance of personal storytelling. We explore the multifaceted roles of an end-of-life doula, the significance of advanced care planning, and how to navigate the often-overlooked challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community in death care.

Annetta shares her personal journey through grief, having lost her mother and beloved dog within a short span of time. She candidly discusses the raw emotions that accompany such losses and the importance of self-care in the grieving process. We also touch on the concept of "found family" and how it plays a crucial role in supporting individuals during their most vulnerable moments. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while death is an inevitable part of life, the way we approach it can make all the difference.

Join us as we break down the barriers surrounding death and dying, encouraging open conversations about these essential topics. Whether you're seeking guidance on advanced planning or simply looking for a deeper understanding of grief, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Key points from our discussion:

• Understanding the seven non-medical roles of an end-of-life doula.
• The importance of advanced care planning and how it can ease the burden on loved ones.
• Navigating grief and loss, including the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community.
• The significance of self-care and community support during the grieving process.
• Creative ways to memorialise loved ones and honour their legacies.

Connect with Annetta

Gentle Death Education and Planning Dr Annetta Mallon

Instagram

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 :-)

What if the way we say goodbye could heal both our hearts and the planet?

In this profound episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we sit down with Zimmi Forest, fibre artist, environmentalist, and creator of handwoven eco-coffins that challenge everything we think we know about death. Zimmi doesn’t just make baskets; she crafts vessels that reconnect us to nature, turning invasive weeds into beautiful, biodegradable farewells.

From foraging materials in the wild to guiding families through the emotional process of weaving a loved one’s final resting place, Zimmi’s work is a powerful reminder that death doesn’t have to be disconnected from life’s natural cycles. Whether you’re curious about sustainable funerals or simply seeking a fresh perspective on mortality, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink the way we honour those we’ve lost—and how we might one day be honoured ourselves.

Key points from our discussion:

• Eco-conscious farewells: Why Zimmi swaps toxic funeral materials for invasive plants like cat’s claw vine.
• The healing power of making: How weaving a coffin can transform grief into a sacred, communal act.
• Beyond cremation: The surprisingly poetic case for natural burials (and what most people don’t know about ashes).
• Death’s dirty secret: The greenwashing in funeral industries—and how to spot it.
• Finding beauty in decay: Zimmi’s journey from artist to death educator, one handwoven stitch at a time.

Connect with Zimmi

Instagram

Website

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 :-)

What happens when your worst nightmare becomes your greatest gift to strangers? Adele shares the moment her son's death transformed into hope.

In this heartfelt episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Adele, a mother who faced the unimaginable loss of her son, Dan, in 2020. Dan's tragic accident not only shattered Adele's world but also led to a powerful legacy of life through organ and tissue donation. Join us as we explore the profound impact of Dan's life and death, the importance of having conversations about organ donation, and how grief can transform into a celebration of life.

Adele shares her memories of Dan, a passionate musician with a heart of gold, who brought joy to everyone around him. From his childhood band practices with neighbourhood kids to his love for ska music and his time playing with Area-7, Dan's spirit shines through in every story. As we delve into the harrowing moments following Dan's accident, Adele recounts the surreal experience of receiving the news that no parent should ever have to hear. Her journey through grief is raw and real, highlighting the importance of cherishing every moment and the power of love and connection in the face of loss.

This episode is not just about loss; it's about legacy. Adele's decision to honour Dan's memory through organ donation has given life to others, and she reflects on the profound impact this has had on her family. We discuss the importance of having open conversations about death and dying, and how preparing for the inevitable can bring peace of mind. Adele's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring bonds that connect us, even in the face of unimaginable grief.

Key points from our discussion:

• The importance of discussing organ donation and end-of-life wishes with loved ones.
• How grief can transform into a celebration of life and legacy.
• The profound impact of organ donation on both the donor's family and the recipients.
• Tips for supporting someone who is grieving and navigating the complexities of loss.

Resources Mentioned:

DonateLife - Learn more about organ donation and how to register.

Area 7 Band links:

https://www.instagram.com/area7.ska/

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 :-)

What does it mean to TRULY save a life? For humanitarian Moira Kelly, the answer was simple—give a part of herself.

In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we dive deep into the extraordinary life of Moira Kelly, a remarkable humanitarian whose journey has been defined by compassion, courage, and the gift of life. From her early dreams of working alongside Mother Teresa to her recent act of becoming a living kidney donor to Krishna, one of the conjoined twins she brought to Australia, Moira's story is a testament to the power of love and selflessness. Join us as we explore her incredible experiences, the challenges she faced, and the profound impact she has made on countless lives.

Moira's journey began with a childhood fascination for humanitarian work, inspired by the legendary Mother Teresa. After years of dedicated service in various countries, including Albania and Bangladesh, she became a beacon of hope for children in need. Her work with the Children First Foundation and the Moira Kelly Creating Hope Foundation has transformed the lives of many, but it was her recent decision to donate a kidney to Krishna, one of the conjoined twins she helped separate, that truly exemplifies her unwavering commitment to making a difference.

As we discuss the emotional rollercoaster of navigating chronic illness, organ donation, and the importance of community support, Moira shares invaluable insights on facing death, embracing life, and the legacy we leave behind.

Key points from our discussion:

• Moira's early inspirations and her journey to humanitarian work.
• The challenges and triumphs of bringing conjoined twins Krishna and Trishna to Australia for life-saving surgery.
• The emotional and physical journey of becoming a living kidney donor during the COVID pandemic.
• The importance of organ donation and how it can change lives.
• Moira's vision for the future and her ongoing projects to support vulnerable communities.

Resources Mentioned:

DonateLife - Learn more about organ donation and how to register.

Moira Kelly Creating Hope Foundation - Find out how you can support Moira's ongoing humanitarian efforts.

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

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 :-)

What if someone else's tragedy could become your lifeline?

In this powerful episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we dive deep into the life-altering journey of Jessica Chappel, a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation. Jessica's story is one of resilience, hope, and the profound impact of a second chance at life. After being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, she faced the unimaginable reality of needing a liver transplant. Join us as Jessica shares her raw and emotional experiences, from the moment she received the life-changing call to the challenges of navigating chronic illness and the waiting game for a donor.

Jessica's journey is not just about her survival; it's about the lives intertwined with hers—the family who grieved a loss so she could live, and the community that rallied around her during her darkest days. She reflects on the importance of open conversations about death and dying, the emotional toll of chronic illness, and the incredible support system that helped her through it all. This episode is a powerful reminder of the gift of life and the responsibility we carry to honour those who have given us a second chance.

Key points from our discussion:

• Jessica's initial health struggles and the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis.
• The emotional realities of waiting for a transplant and the impact on her family.
• The moment she received the call about her donor and the whirlwind that followed.
• The importance of organ donation and how it transforms lives.
• Jessica's commitment to advocacy and raising awareness about the donor community.

Resources:

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/donatelifeweek-media

Media:

https://www.mamamia.com.au/autoimmune-hepatitis/

DonateLifeVictoria: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-victoria

Jessica's socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chappellhill/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-chappell-strategiccommunications2911/

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 heartfelt episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I sit down with Barbara Allen, the visionary behind Australia's first animal chaplaincy program at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital from 2005 to 2011. Barbara shares her profound insights on the often-overlooked grief that accompanies the loss of our beloved pets. We delve into the emotional complexities of pet loss, exploring why the death of an animal can hit us harder than we expect, and how society's mixed messages can leave us feeling isolated in our grief.

Barbara's new book, "Broken Heart, Shared Heart, Healing Heart," serves as a compassionate guide for those navigating the turbulent waters of pet loss. She discusses the importance of normalising grief, offering practical advice for supporting those who are grieving, and the significance of rituals and memorials in honouring our furry companions. With her unique blend of compassion and knowledge, Barbara encourages us to embrace our emotions and recognise the deep bonds we share with our pets.

Key points from our discussion:

• The emotional impact of pet loss and why it can be so profound.
• How to support someone grieving the loss of a pet.
• The role of rituals and memorials in the grieving process.
• The importance of normalising grief and seeking help when needed.
• Barbara's personal journey and the lessons learned from her beloved animals.

For more information about Barbara:

Books:

Broken Heart, Shared Heart, Healing Heart

Pigeon

Pelican

Animals in Religion

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 thought-provoking episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Dr. Simon Longstaff, a philosopher and the first executive director of the Ethics Centre. We dive deep into the complexities of life, death, and everything in between. Simon shares his unique journey, from his early days on Groot Island to his profound connection with the Anindilyakwa people, and how these experiences have shaped his understanding of ethics, community, and the essence of a good life.

We explore the idea that a good death is intrinsically linked to a good life, and how our experiences—both joyful and challenging—contribute to who we are. Simon offers insights into the ethical dilemmas surrounding voluntary assisted dying, the importance of truth and compassion in our final moments, and the role of community in shaping our understanding of life and death. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while we may not be ready to die, we can certainly prepare ourselves for the inevitable.

Key points from our discussion:

• The significance of community and kinship in understanding life and death.
• The ethical complexities surrounding voluntary assisted dying and suicide.
• How our experiences shape our perspectives on death and dying.
• The importance of living authentically and with intention to ensure a good death.
• The impact of technology and AI on our understanding of mortality and memory.

Resources Mentioned:

Ethics Centre: Ethics Centre Website

Black Dog Institute: Black Dog Institute Website

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/