Episodes
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In the final episode of #Hashtag Death I share what people really speak about at funerals, as someone who has been involved in more than 900 funerals. This is the end of the road for the podcast, but not the end of conversations around death and dying.
There is a famous poem which is read at a lot of funerals, which goes:
When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me
I want to rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little and not for too long, and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go.
This is the end of the road for #HashtagDeath, a podcast which I created because I had a real passion for conversations about death and dying.
I really hope that as we come to the end of the road, you feel somewhat enlightened, educated, helped or guided about all things death, dying, grief, loss, even life, mental illness, vulnerability and who we all are as people.
I know that it’s a journey I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, I have learned so much from my guests and the vulnerability and insight they have shown has been first class.
No heads bowed low over here, just missing the experience but letting it go, knowing it will always be a wonderful digital diary of the amazing guests and stories I was willing to get told and share with others. Thanks so much for being a part of this journey with me.
Miss you all, letting it go!
SHOW NOTES: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode30/ -
Have you ever wondered what sparks someone to work in the field of death?
In this episode, we chat to my mentor and family death care advocate Sally Cant about her unplanned journey to work in a career surrounded by death and dying - and why that’s not as morbid as it sounds! She also shares how baby boomers have helped pave the way for more open conversations about death, and in turn personalised celebrations.
Sally Cant has done everything there is to do in the Deathcare Space. She’s a Family Death Care Advocate, and to learn what that means, all the layers it includes, tune in and understand what true passion for the family and advocacy looks like. Author, CEO, Trainer, Advocate, Celebrant and Funeral Director, Sally has all the elements to give us such insight into how it all fits together to ensure it’s the family, the loved one, who truly gets looked after in their time of need. Also, you’ll hear about Sally’s own personal perspective on how empathy builds and guides you through your profession, once you have been through something truly challenging.
Sally shares some great experiences about creative funerals, and I’d love to know about the personalised touches you've seen while celebrating a loved one’s life. Share with me over on Instagram at @hashtag_death
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode29/ -
Missing episodes?
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Have you ever wondered how to best approach conversations about mental health?
In this episode, we chat to Georgia and Amanda from the Going Loco podcast. The pair take a light-hearted look at people facing mental health challenges to break down stigmas and barriers, through humour.
In this chat packed full of banter we talk about deaths of loved ones and mental health challenges, and how the two can often go hand-in-hand. The ladies both have lived experiences and share some useful tips to approaching someone who might be struggling.
What has been the most useful thing someone has ever said to you following a mental health challenge or the passing of a loved one? I’d love to continue the conversation over at @hashtag_death
Trigger warning: This episode covers topics including death, and death by suicide.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode28/ -
Curious about the secrets of navigating death, grief, and loss with grace and understanding?
I'm sharing the top ten invaluable lessons I've learned from hosting #Hashtag Death and working in the funeral industry.
In this episode you’ll discover the importance of talking openly about death and dying, as well as the long-term effects of unresolved grief. I emphasise the value of seeking professional support and planning ahead to ease the burden on loved ones during difficult times.
Additionally, I highlight the power of humour and authenticity in honouring the lives of the departed, making funeral arrangements more meaningful and uplifting experiences.
Whether you're facing a loss or simply curious about how to approach these sensitive topics, this episode offers guidance for anyone on their journey through life and loss.
I’d love to know which one of my top ten stood out for you. Continue the conversation over on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hash_tagdeath/
SHOW NOTES: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode27/ -
If you’re curious about emotional intelligence and want to know how to apply it to your life, then this episode is for you!
This week we chat to emotional intelligence expert Amy Jacobson about her early experience with death and how it ended up shaping her life and career before she even worked out the connection.
Amy brings a fascinating insight into life, death and how being scared of death is now a thing of the past for her after some deep work to understand the impact of an event she witnessed in her teenage years.
I’d love to know how Amy’s story related to your own early experiences with death. Continue the conversation over on Instagram at @hashtag_death.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode26/ -
Where do young widows turn to when they find themselves thrown unexpectedly into grieving their partner?
According to the last Australian census, there are more than a million widowed adults in Australia. This is the unfortunate group Michelle Moriarty found herself in after becoming a widow at 38 years old with two young children in tow.
This week I chat to the Grief Connect founder and Agrifutures 2023 Rural Women’s Award Winner about creating support groups and tools to help others on their own grief journey.
This is a chat filled with hope and light, as you hear about Michelle using her platform to educate people about death and grief. I’d love to know what you found most inspiring about her story, share it with me over at @hashtag_death
SHOW NOTES: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode25/ -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave your whole life behind so you can flee to safety?
In this episode we look at the impact of domestic violence on successful career woman Marion Fulker AM. From a young girl suffering at the hands of her former husband, to someone who can now healthily nurture the vulnerable young woman inside her, Marion shares her story about escaping but leaving behind a city she loved so dearly. This is grief in another form.
Marion came from what looked like a very “successful” life, relationship, job and marriage. However, under the façade of flowers and favours was a control which she had to fight and fly halfway around the country to escape.
You’ll hear an amazing tale of resilience in the face of domestic violence, and how this crime can impact women from all walks of life.
Please note: This episode discusses domestic violence. If this raises any issue for you, please reach out to the appropriate helpline.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode24/ -
Have you ever wondered if your grief needs to be wound up in a certain time frame?
In this episode, we chat to grief educator and author Jo Lincolne about the process of grief and how it doesn’t end when the funeral is over. We look at how grief can stay with us for a long time, even returning to grief bomb us decades later.
You’re going to learn how grief walks alongside us and a bunch of resources to extend your learning about death. Come join us for this insightful chat!
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode23/ -
If you have been trying to navigate life in a world where your loved one isn’t present anymore, this insightful episode is one not to miss.
In this episode, we chat to marriage celebrant Dilhari Gustavino about her experience following the death of her father. Family dynamics, physical distance and grieving together are all touched on in this chat with a wonderful storyteller.
You’re going to hear about after death experiences, learning about signs from the other side and believing in other realms. I’d love to know if this caught you in the feels too - let me know at @hashtag_death
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode22/ -
How do you transition through recovery after the loss of a baby, when being a mother is all you've ever wanted?
In this episode, pregnancy loss educator Sharna Southan shares with us the moment she was told her baby didn’t have a heartbeat.
We look at coping with loss, the rollercoaster of carrying a rainbow baby and turning a passion into a business to assist mothers navigating trauma.
Please note: this episode talks about pregnancy loss and miscarriage.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/episode21/
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How do adoptees cope with loss of identity and figuring out who they are?
In this episode, we chat to adoptee Lloyd about his experiences with adoption, the rollercoaster of emotions and eventually finding his birth family.
Having an understanding of where you come from can change your identity in a split second. We’re chatting with Lloyd about his experiences of rediscovering his full identity as an adult and the juggle to keep two families content when they met. Come and explore the topic further on Instagram at @hashtag_death
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/hashtagdeathepisode20/ -
Curious about the journey from heartbreak to inspiration?
In this episode, baby loss mentor Rochelle Olsen unveils the answer to the question: how one person’s story of loss can become a lifeline for others navigating the same path.
We look at the grief and pain surrounding newborn death and how it is something that is often less understood by others. Rochelle explains how her loss sparked a whole journey to assist others in their time of need.
Please note: In this episode we discuss infant death and miscarriage. If these topics bring up any issues for you, we encourage you to skip this episode and/or seek support.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/hashtagdeathepisode19/
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Bugs can play an important role in solving crimes! This week we delve into the topic of bug life and more with forensic scientist Dr Paola Magni.
She is a world-leading researcher, expert witness, media commentator and corporate speaker, with a huge passion for science. We also chat about a special project to highlight the impact of domestic violence which hits home for Paola with the sheer number of cases she has worked on involving women.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/hashtagdeathepisode18/
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Imagine being able to contact loved ones who have passed! Today we chat to Annmarie Lord, a psychic medium and life coach who helps people connect with loved ones, as well as guiding other mediums to expand their businesses.
We discover what mediums do, how they contact the spirit world and listen to some fascinating stories about contact from the other side.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/hashtagdeathepisode17 -
Presentation expert Paula Smith flips things on their head this week as she interviews me!
Paula helps to unravel my ‘why’ and we chat about my first experiences with death as a child, which led me on a path to being a marriage and funeral celebrant. From the family farm to a podcast about dying, tune in to get to know me more.
SHOW NOTES: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/16-mywhy-welcome-to-2024-and-get-to-know-why-i-do-this/ -
Today we talk about the unsung heroes of this world – carers. I chat with Adam Birch, a Carer Support Counsellor from Carers WA. He sheds light on the often-overlooked role of carers who put their loved ones first, sacrificing their own lives.
We touch on the staggering number of unrecognised carers in the community and discuss the importance of self-care for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
SHOW NOTES: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/15-handlewithcare-carers-need-to-be-cared-for-too-this-holiday-season-dont-forget-those-who-care-all-year-round/ -
How do you cope at Christmas when your special person is no longer alive and there’s an empty chair at the table?
As the ‘festive’ season approaches, the hype and advertising can become overwhelming. This episode I fly solo as we look at many of the emotions around Christmas - from sadness and overwhelm to happiness and guilt, and everything in between.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/hashtagdeathepisode14/ -
Throughout life we can encounter a number of mini-deaths, such as the ending of a marriage. This week we chat to life success coach Rayne Bryant about navigating Christmas with split families.
From following Rayne on Instagram and Facebook for many years, I was so drawn to her positive take on solo parenting, split families and just owning your own shit!
In this inspirational chat, you’ll learn a lot about not only the ‘death of a marriage’ and the grief and loss of the nuclear family unit, but also how to bounce back with a unique mindset, positive attitude and realistic boundaries around it all.
SHOW NOTES: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/13-life-death-of-a-marriage-with-rayne-bryant/
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How can you better plan for death, and truly know how your loved ones want to be celebrated?
Lisa Herbert is the author of The Bottom Drawer Book, which is an after-death action plan to help people talk about and plan for death.
We chat with Lisa about the book and its humble beginnings, from cemetery wandering to agriculture and how these contributed to her writing about death.
Show notes: https://forevernow.com.au/podcasts/hashtagdeathepisode12 -
As a token of gratitude for your unwavering support, I'm shaking things up this holiday season. Brace yourselves for a double treat: not only will I be dropping episodes every week in December and January, but I'm also introducing a special series every second or third week called #Life.
What is #Life, you ask? It's a dive into those mini-deaths and unexpected grief events we encounter—think the demise of a business, the end of an opportunity, or the unraveling of a marriage and family unit.
This series aims to explore the challenges that don't necessarily involve the loss of a person but bring about a unique kind of grief.
Join me as we navigate through relatable stories of overcoming unexpected obstacles and finding resilience in the face of life's curveballs. Get ready for two months of weekly episodes.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
Show notes: #Hashtag Death #Hashtag Death Instagram: @hashtag_deathWays to work with Ingrid: forevernow.com.auIngrid Reiger’s Facebook: @forevernowcelebrantIngrid Reiger’s Instagram: @ingrid_forevernowcelebrant - Show more
