In the episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I had the pleasure of interviewing Arwen Dropmann, a skilled professional organiser with a background in social work.Arwen is a certified social worker and has additional training in grief and loss, disability, chronic illness, hoarding disorder, motivational interviewing, neurodivergent affirming practices, and compassion-focused therapy.We delved into the realm of decluttering, organising, and the emotional connections we have with our belongings, especially when coping with the death of a loved one.In This Episode:Arwen shines a light on the challenges families face when dealing with a loved one's belongings after death.We explore the emotional aspects of decluttering and organising, especially in sensitive situations like handling a deceased person's possessions.Arwen provides practical advice on future preparation, emphasising the importance of organising essential documents and planning for unforeseen events.This episode should enlighten anyone who has grappled with clutter or faced the daunting task of sorting through a loved one's belongings. Arwen's insights highlight the importance of preparing for the inevitable and the emotional journey that accompanies it.Related Links:The Book, ‘The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning’ can be found hereArwen Dropmann's Calm Space Professional organising serviceThe Institute of Professional Organisers websiteMarie Kondo's show and The Home Edit.1800JunkBuried in TreasuresPlease share this episode with anyone who might find it useful or comforting. Subscribe for more enlightening conversations like this one.Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineDiscussing death and grief openly can occasionally be distressing. If you need support, consider contacting our support services and the bereavement organizations listed on our resource hub. These resources are available on our website here: https://criticalinfo.com.au/resources/Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

Welcome to another episode of 'Don't Be Caught Dead'! This week, we delve into an incredibly raw and honest conversation with James Robinson. James courageously shares his personal experiences with loss, grief, and the impact of suicide on his family.In this episode, James opens up about the tragic loss of his older brother, Michael, to suicide when they were just teenagers. This loss, which he describes as a 'huge shock', marked the start of a series of bereavements that profoundly affected James and his family. His recounting of these experiences paints a vivid, heartbreaking picture of the struggle that families face when dealing with the unexpected loss of a loved one.Over the course of our conversation, James also reflects on his parents' passing and the significant toll these losses have taken on him. His story is a poignant reminder of the importance of support and understanding in navigating the journey of grief and loss. The strength and honesty with which James shares his story offer valuable insights and a sense of connection for those grappling with similar experiences.In this episode, we:Discuss James's early loss of his brother to suicide and the devastating impact it had on his familyExplore the coping mechanisms James and his parents adopted in the wake of their lossReflect on James's subsequent experiences of bereavement with the passing of his parentsDelve into the importance of support networks and the role they play in the grieving processStay tuned to hear James's powerful story and the lessons he's learned along his journey of grief and healing. As always, we hope this episode provides comfort, understanding, and a sense of connection to those who need it.Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineDiscussing death and grief openly can occasionally be distressing. If you need support, consider contacting our support services and the bereavement organizations listed on our resource hub. These resources are available on our website here: https://criticalinfo.com.au/resources/Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

Have you ever pondered the experience of facing the end of a loved one's life? In this episode, we share a touching story from Susan Bollard, who grappled with the loss of her husband during the height of the Covid lockdown.Susan, the owner of Showbiz Dance Studio, shares her profound journey through the loss of her husband, Phil. It's a story filled with love, loss, and unexpected lessons learnt along the way. Let's dive into the salient points of this extraordinary conversation.Key Learnings:Susan's life before and after Phil's passing: An exploration of her dance studio and how it transformed into a sanctuary after her loss. The reality of managing a terminal illness: Susan reveals the emotional rollercoaster and difficult decisions faced during Phil's battle with pancreatic cancer. Navigating life after loss: Susan discusses the challenges of adjusting to life without Phil, from managing his affairs to carving out her own path forward. The power of dance: Discover how Susan utilised dance as a therapeutic outlet to rediscover herself and establish a supportive community. Preparing for the inevitable: Insights into the importance of wills, funeral planning, and engaging in difficult conversations.Highlighted Resources:Showbiz Dance Studio WebsiteCritical Info WebsiteWhilst death might be a disconcerting topic, it is a part of life we all must confront. Susan's story stands as a testament to the inner strength and resilience we can unearth within ourselves. Tune in and let's navigate this journey collectively.Keep dancing through life, and don't forget to subscribe for more poignant narratives and insights. See you in the next episode! Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared. Take care,CatherineDiscussing death and grief openly can occasionally be distressing. If you need support, consider contacting our support services and the bereavement organizations listed on our resource hub. These resources are available on our website here: https://criticalinfo.com.au/resources/Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

Have you ever pondered over what it's like to confront death each day? Today we offer a captivating chat with Bradley Lett, who was raised in a family that ran a funeral business, a tradition he's upheld for two decades. It's a voyage through the complexities of life, death, and all that lies in between. So, let's delve into the show!Episode Summary:The Privilege of Funeral Directing: Bradley Lett, a veteran Funeral Director, imparts his profound experiences and the honour he carries in assisting families during their toughest times. Bradley candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of working closely with his Sale community, emphasising the emotional aspects of serving families he personally knows.Options:The Privilege of Funeral Directing: Bradley Lett, a veteran Funeral Director, imparts his profound experiences and the honour he carries in assisting families during their toughest times.Growing Up Amidst Death: Bradley contemplates his extraordinary childhood, being raised in a family deeply rooted in the funeral business. It's a viewpoint few of us have the opportunity to hear about!Family Business and Personal Journeys: We explore his path from training to be a fitter and turner to taking over the family business. It's a narrative of unforeseen twists and heartfelt decisions.The Fine Balance between Personal and Professional: Bradley candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of working closely with his community, emphasising the emotional aspects of serving families he personally knows.Preparing for the Unexpected: He underscores the significance of discussing and preparing for death, despite the discomfort it entails, and how his professional experiences mould his personal outlook on death and mourning.A Personal Touch in Funerals: From the importance of personalised funerals to the evolving trends in the industry, Bradley affords us a glimpse into the art of making each service unique and poignant.The Effect of COVID-19 on Funerals: A moving narration of how the pandemic has transformed the paradigm of farewells and the importance of adaptability in times of crisis.Contemplating Life and Legacy: Bradley's sincere conversation about planning his own funeral and the wisdom garnered from decades in the funeral industry.Key Insights:The role of a funeral director extends beyond organising a service; it hinges on compassion, understanding, and reverence for each unique journey.The significance of open discussions about death and preparations, irrespective of how uneasy it may seem.The influence of COVID-19 on funeral services and the emotional strain it exertDiscussing death and grief openly can occasionally be distressing. If you need support, consider contacting our support services and the bereavement organizations listed on our resource hub. These resources are available on our website here: https://criticalinfo.com.au/resources/Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

You’ve probably heard of the term ‘doula’ before, often used in the context of those who support birthing mothers. But do you understand the role of a death doula?In this episode, we demystify the often misunderstood role of an end of life doula, a role that Rebecca Lyons embodies with passion and dedication.Rebecca shares her personal journey that led her into the funeral industry and eventually to her current role as a doula and independent funeral director.Learn about the broad and diverse responsibilities of a doula, from practical logistics to the deeply emotional 'heart work'.Hear about Rebecca's experiences and challenges whilst advocating for a more personalised and family-centric approach to death care.Be inspired by Rebecca's commitment to raising death literacy and promoting open conversations about end-of-life matters.In this episode, we explore the invaluable role of a doula, delve into the importance of clear communication amongst the care team, and discuss the concept of 'home funerals'. We also touch on Rebecca's work as an independent funeral director and her efforts to reimagine what a funeral can be.Tune in to hear Rebecca's unique perspective on dying and death, and be prepared to view end-of-life care in a whole new light. Key Talking Points:The Role of an End-of-Life DoulaThe Importance of Communication in End-of-Life CareUnderstanding 'Home Funerals'Rebecca's Work as an Independent Funeral DirectorRaising Death Literacy and Promoting Open Conversations Mentioned Resources:Zenith Virago, Deathwalker Training https://www.zenithvirago.com/deathwalker-trainingNDAN - Natural Death Advocacy NetworkAustralian Home Funeral Alliancehttps://preparingtheway.com.au/https://www.deniselove.net/Bec’s TED Talk - https://youtu.be/_oQz_8v52a0?si=IEIycmfKtZ42DRF_Libby Maloney - https://naturalgrace.com.au/Dr Pia Interlandi - https://www.piainterlandi.com/garments-for-the-grave/Dr Kerry Noonan - https://www.deathliteracy.institute/kerrie-noonanDr. Alan Kellehear Dr.Julian Abel and Helen Kingston - https://compassionate-communitiesuk.com/our-team/The Compassion Project. A Case for Hope & Humankindness from the Town That Beat Lonelinesshttps://bjgp.org/content/70/701/605Geeveston Public Cemetery - https://www.geevestonpubliccemetery.com.au/ Don't forget to follow and leave a review if this episode resonates with yoDiscussing death and grief openly can occasionally be distressing. If you need support, consider contacting our support services and the bereavement organizations listed on our resource hub. These resources are available on our website here: https://criticalinfo.com.au/resources/Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

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 way.She reflects on her journey into motherhood and how it has shaped her understanding of life and death.We delve into the importance of having open conversations about end-of-life matters and the impact it has on our lives.Libby's story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of grief and the strength we find in the most challenging times. Her insights are not just about coping with loss but also about growing from it, embracing life, and cherishing the memories of those we've lost.Don't forget to follow and leave a review if this episode resonates with you. Your support helps us continue these meaningful conversations.Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,Catherine 🌟Discussing death and grief openly can occasionally be distressing. If you need support, consider contacting our support services and the bereavement organizations listed on our resource hub. These resources are available on our website here: https://criticalinfo.com.au/resources/Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

Today's conversation is one that's close to my heart, and I believe it will touch yours too.I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with my best friend and medical advisor to Critical Info, Dr. Renee Stamation. As an emergency doctor, she faced incredibly challenging life-and-death moments during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic.🩺 In this episode:Dr. Stamation shares her firsthand experiences from the frontline, weaving a tale of resilience, compassion, and the emotional toll of being a healthcare worker during a global crisis.She opens up about profound moments of connection in the midst of the pandemic, like being the last person to comfort patients in their final moments.We discuss the invisible burdens our healthcare heroes carry and the misconceptions often held by those outside the medical profession.Dr. Renee's stories are not just about the struggles; they highlight the human spirit, the kindness, and the unforgettable bonds formed in the hardest of times. Her insights are both heartbreaking and inspiring, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of those who have been our pillars during this pandemic.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the true impact of the pandemic on those who fought on the frontlines.Don't forget to hit follow and leave a review if you find these stories as moving as I do. Your support helps us keep these important conversations alive.Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care, Catherine 🌟Discussing death and grief openly can occasionally be distressing. If you need support, consider contacting our support services and the bereavement organizations listed on our resource hub. These resources are available on our website here: https://criticalinfo.com.au/resources/Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

Welcome to the trailer for "Don't Be Caught Dead"! 💀I'm excited to give you a glimpse of what's to come in this podcast.This podcast delves into the delicate balance between life and death, the defining moments that shape us, and the conversations we often avoid but need to have. My mission is to change that.I'm Catherine Ashton, the founder of Critical Info, and I'm here to revive stories of death. Because while you may not be ready to die, at least you can be prepared.🌟 Here's a sneak peek 👇Experience the profound and often unspoken moments at the edge of life.Join me as I reflect on witnessing the elusive transition from life to death.Get a taste of the depths we'll explore, as we embark on life's final journey and discover its teachings.🚀 Mark your calendars! We officially launch on 22nd February 2024.Prepare yourself for a series of soul-stirring and thought-provoking episodes that will revolutionise your perspective on life... and death.Contact CatherineBusiness Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-infoLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/ Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/