Many people assume the Irish wake is just an excuse for a drinking session, but in reality, it’s so much more than that. The traditions surrounding death in Ireland run deep, woven into the fabric of the culture and community.   The dead are honoured with great reverence, and the grieving are embraced, supported, and given the space to mourn in a way that is both personal and communal. 

Every life is a collection of stories—big and small, joyful and heartbreaking, ordinary and extraordinary. These stories shape who we are and how we’re remembered.

Eastern Palliative Care runs an award-winning biography programme where their volunteers work one one-on-one with clients to allow them to record and tell their life story. 

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you had a loved one die overseas?  Or, perhaps it is their wish for their body to be transported back  to their home country?  Today I am chatting to Ghislaine from a family-run business based in Melbourne called Repatriation Solutions to discuss the implications of moving someone’s body to another country after they die.

One of the most important choices you have is selecting the right celebrant to lead the ceremony. And here’s something many people don’t realise—you don’t have to go with the only option presented to you by a funeral director. You have the right to choose your own celebrant.

Funerals are deeply collaborative, and I am just one link in a chain of incredible people who make it all happen. Behind every funeral, there’s a network of compassionate, skilled, and often unseen professionals working tirelessly to support grieving families. Some of these incredible professions include:


- Hearse drivers who handle their role with quiet dignity, ensuring every journey is taken with care.
- Morticians who gently prepare loved ones, treating them with utmost respect.
- Funeral directors who guide families through some of the hardest days of their lives, attending to every detail.

- Florists who carefully craft beautiful arrangements and flowers

- Chapel attendants who ensure venues are set up with care and respect and all the audio visuals work perfectly and seamlessly. 
Musicians, caterers, livestreamers and countless others bring their talents to create meaningful ceremonies.

Whether you’re planning to farewell a loved one or attending to show your support, a bit of preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the day. Here are some tips to help you stay grounded and focused when it matters most.

Two of the key professionals who may support you are the funeral celebrant and the funeral director. While their responsibilities can overlap, each has a unique role in creating a meaningful farewell for a loved one. Understanding these differences can help families make informed choices and ensure their needs are met during this significant time.

Miscarriage occurs in one in four pregnancies.   
 Six babies are stillborn in Australia every day, with one in 120 births being a stillborn baby or a newborn death.These statistics are a reality that often leaves people unsure how to respond, creating an uncomfortable silence.Today, I am honoured to speak with Nicole Hasseldine. 

Welcome to another episode of Deadly Serious Conversations, where today we are joined by Dr. Susan Palmer from Gather My Crew, an incredible organisation dedicated to helping people rally around loved ones during times of crisis.

Memorial ceremonies are a deeply personal way to honour and celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away. In Melbourne, there are several beautiful and unique locations that offer a serene backdrop for these ceremonies. Whether you're looking for a peaceful garden, a historic mansion, or a venue by the water, Melbourne provides a variety of options that can cater to different tastes and preferences.

When I am helping a family who may have kids attending a funeral, I will explain that the concept of a funeral is often very abstract to children.  Often they don’t know what a funeral is or what to expect.

This may be an unpopular opinion but I don't like using the word eulogy. It gives the impression of a formal tone, which can lead people to focus on listing accomplishments or events, like they’re reciting a CV. Instead, a more personal and heartfelt approach to storytelling captures the essence of a person's life, sharing their quirks, relationships, and memorable moments. It’s about conveying who they truly were, not just what they did

When working with Fiona the Funeral Celebrant, you can expect compassion, support, and an individualised approach to honoring your loved one. Fiona brings a decade of experience as a funeral celebrant, offering a deep understanding of grief and the importance of creating meaningful ceremonies. She helps families take the lead in family-led funerals, giving them agency and structure while handling logistics behind the scenes, allowing them to be fully present.

 Today on Deadly Serious conversations I have a wonderful chat with Danielle from Sage Executor Solutions about the role of an executor of a will and some of the things that  are important to know to make the process easier, less stressful and more efficient.

Today, I have a special episode featuring Dan from 'All about me films'- a Melbourne-based company dedicated to preserving life stories on Film for future generations.
We delve into the importance of storytelling for family history and how it gives us a sense of belonging that can shape who we are today.
This episode reminds us that we continue to exist long after we are no longer physically here, living on through the stories and memories we leave behind.
So whether you're looking to preserve your own story or would like to encourage your loved ones to document their story,  this episode will inspire you to see the value in capturing part of your family's history.

Have you ever wondered what happens if someone dies overseas? Their body may be ‘repatriated’. Repatriation refers to the process of returning someone’s body after they have died to their home country for burial or cremation.

They may be repatriated if they have died suddenly overseas or perhaps someone may wish their body to be laid to rest in their homeland, close to family and ancestral roots.

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, especially amidst the emotional challenges of losing a loved one. Having a checklist can help streamline the process and ensure that nothing important is overlooked during this sensitive time.

Toxic positivity around death refers to the imposition of excessively positive attitudes or sentiments that can invalidate or minimize the complex and often painful emotions that people experience when dealing with death and grief. It involves an overemphasis on maintaining a cheerful or optimistic outlook, which can suppress genuine emotional expression and create additional emotional burdens for those grieving