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/

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/