Don't Be Caught Dead

FACING DEATH: Moira Kelly's Mission to Save Lives

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-platformLost 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 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/

Life After Death: The Impact of Organ Donation on Families

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-mediaMedia:https://www.mamamia.com.au/autoimmune-hepatitis/DonateLifeVictoria: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-victoriaJessica'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,CatherineAre 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-platformLost 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 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/

Healing Hearts: Navigating Grief After Pet Loss

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 HeartLost Animals, Disappearing Worlds: Stories of ExtinctionPigeonPelicanAnimals in ReligionRemember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineAre 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-platformLost 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 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/

Living Well to Die Well: A Philosophical Perspective

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 WebsiteBlack Dog Institute: Black Dog Institute WebsiteRemember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineAre 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-platformLost 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 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/

Community, Kindness, and Care: Death & Grief with Emma Beattie

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with the inspiring Emma Beattie, founder of Before and After Life, to explore the often-avoided topics of death, dying, and grief. Emma is a trailblazer in reimagining how we prepare for and respond to the realities of caring for those at the end of life. With a background in creative strategy and storytelling, she brings a unique lens to the conversation, drawing from her own experiences of loss and her commitment to fostering compassionate communities.Emma's journey into the world of deathcare began in her childhood in New Zealand, where death was part of everyday life. She shares how her mother’s community work shaped her understanding of death and the importance of being present for one another. As we delve into the nuances of caring, dying, and grieving, Emma highlights the need for a shift in how we approach these topics. She advocates for a more hands-on, participatory approach, encouraging us to engage with our communities and support each other through grief.Throughout our conversation, we touch on the significance of rituals, the healing power of nature, and the importance of open communication about death. Emma’s insights challenge us to rethink our relationships and embrace the uncomfortable conversations that lead to deeper connection. Whether through community initiatives or personal rituals, Emma inspires us to imagine new ways of honouring life and death — reminding us we’re all in this together.Key points from our discussion:Emma Beattie’s background and how it shaped her approach to death and dyingThe importance of community involvement in caring for the dying and grievingHow rituals and nature can play a vital role in the grieving processThe need for open conversations about death to foster deeper connectionsEmma’s insights on how to support one another through the challenges of lossResources Mentioned: Before and After Life Website: https://beforeandafterlife.com.au/  Palliative Care New South Wales: Palliative Care NSW: https://palliativecarensw.org.au/ Compassionate Communities Australia: Compassionate Communities: https://compassionatecommunities.au/ Bay FM 99.9: Bay FM: https://www.bayfm.org/shows/re-gard/Books: Stephen Jenkinson – Die Wise: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Wise-MAre 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-platformLost 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 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/