This episode, I’m joined by Nicole, who shares the story of her stepfather, Shane, who lived with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for more than two years before choosing voluntary assisted dying.

Nicole’s experience also highlights something that isn’t as widely understood when we talk about VAD and that is, access to VAD.

For some children, this may be their first encounter with death and the way we support them through it can help shape how they understand loss for years to come.

Because grief isn't just something adults experience. If we love, we grieve. And that includes the very young.

There may be a particular order of service, certain words that are expected to be spoken, formal clothing, familiar music and a traditional setting. For some families, this structure feels comforting and appropriate. For others, it may not feel like the right way to remember the person who has died.

The truth is that there is no single way to say goodbye.

When someone dies, families are often faced with a long list of decisions at a time when they may feel overwhelmed. One of those decisions is whether to have a funeral celebrant.

Many people have heard the term, but may not be sure what a celebrant actually does. Is their role simply to speak at the funeral? Do they organise the service? Can they help with the ceremony if the family is not religious?

This episode is very personal to me and I would like to dedicate it to my beautiful friend Carol.

Without Carol, this podcast , Deadly Serious Conversations, would not exist. It was Carol who first suggested that I create it and with her encouragement she set everything up for me.    In fact, she is also the reason I am a celebrant as she told me 17 years ago, that she had found the perfect job for me.  

In this episode of Deadly Serious Conversations, I’m joined by Georgie from DonateLife Victoria, an organisation dedicated to saving and transforming lives through organ and tissue donation, here in Australia. Behind this work is a team of people who not only facilitate donation, but also support families through some of the hardest moments they will ever face. This is a great conversation on organ donation……the decisions, the realities, the myths and the incredible impact one person can have.

When someone you care about loses a loved one, finding the right words can feel impossible. This guide explores practical and meaningful ways to support a grieving friend, from what to say (and what to avoid) to why your presence and ongoing support matter more than perfect words.

After 11 years as a funeral celebrant, I've discovered that the greatest lessons don't come from death itself, but from the lives people leave behind. A personal reflection on love, connection, legacy, and why the moments that seem small today often become the memories that matter most.

Growing up in Ireland, it was simply understood that when someone died, people gathered. Looking back, I can see the profound wisdom in the Irish wake tradition and the powerful reminder that, in the end, what matters most is who shows up.

A meaningful funeral is often found in the little details. From favourite songs and treasured hobbies to handwritten recipes and personal collections, these small touches help create a service that feels warm, authentic, and deeply connected to the person being honoured.

A gentle guide to the interment of ashes—how to create a simple, meaningful moment to honour your loved one, without pressure, structure, or expectation.

When someone dies, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through the first steps of organising a memorial service, helping you create something personal, meaningful, and supported.

In this episode of Deadly Serious Conversations, we explore the realities of grief in the workplace and why it’s a conversation we can no longer avoid. Joined by HR consultant Steph Bell, we discuss the challenges of returning to work after loss, the stigma surrounding grief, and how individuals and employers can better support those navigating life after the death of a loved one.

What happens if you don’t have a funeral? Discover the emotional and practical effects, why some families choose no service, and meaningful alternatives to honour a loved one without a traditional ceremony.

Living wakes are a growing trend in funerals, allowing people to say goodbye while still alive. Learn how living wakes work, why they matter, and how they are changing the way we approach funerals in Australia.

A celebrant-led guide to planning a meaningful celebration of life in Melbourne, with ideas, tips and inspiration for funerals and memorials.

Too often, grief is used by others for clicks, likes or sympathy that doesn’t belong to them. It can feel like sensationalising someone’s most vulnerable moments.

This guide outlines grief support resources in Melbourne, including helplines, counselling services and trusted online support for bereavement.