Lady of Death

• Legacy Planning: Conversations with a Will & Estate Specialist

  Send us a textWhat happens when you die without a will? Who decides where your possessions go, who raises your children, or even what happens to your remains? The answers might surprise—and disturb—you.Estate planning specialist Nadya Volishina joins Robyn O'Connell to pull back the curtain on what happens when we fail to plan for the inevitable. With alarming clarity, Nadia reveals that half of all Australians currently have no valid will, leaving their families vulnerable to painful disputes, unexpected costs, and outcomes that might directly contradict their wishes.Through candid conversation, Nadia explains why even young people need wills and the importance of charitable bequests for creating meaningful legacies. Particularly moving is the exploration of how proper planning can prevent family conflicts during periods of grief—especially in blended families where competing interests can lead to painful disputes. As Nadia explains, estate planning isn't just about distributing assets—it's an act of love that provides clarity and guidance when your family needs it most.Have questions about estate planning or other end-of-life topics? Email [email protected] to suggest future podcast topics or query the experts directly.Nadya Voloshina:  [email protected]:  respectwills.com.au Have questions about death, dying or the funeral industry? Email [email protected] to have them answered in a future episode.

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• Volunteering at the Hospice: A Journey of Connection and Growth

  Send us a textDeath appears in whispers and shadows throughout our lives, yet we rarely make space to truly understand it. In this enlightening conversation, Robyn O'Connell speaks with her nephew Luke O'Connell about his transformative journey as a hospice volunteer in Busselton, Western Australia.Luke's path into end-of-life care began with personal experiences that subtly guided him toward this sacred space, what started as curiosity evolved into a calling that has fundamentally changed his outlook on life. Through Luke's thoughtful reflections, we discover hospice care extends far beyond our common perception as simply "the place people go to die." We learn about the comprehensive training volunteers receive, the variety of reasons patients enter hospice care, and the remarkable ways this work ripples through every aspect of a volunteer's life. Perhaps most striking are the universal lessons Luke has gleaned about what truly matters. "What I don't hear is anybody saying 'geez, I wish I worked harder and I wish I made more money and I wish I bought that extra jet ski,'" he observes about those nearing life's end. Instead, connections, relationships, and time spent with loved ones emerge as the real treasures we collect through our journey.Whether you're curious about hospice care, contemplating volunteering, or simply seeking perspective on what matters most in life, Luke's insights offer a gentle invitation to approach death not with fear but with openness and compassion. As he says, "Death strips away social barriers - you get to see people as they really are, and it's beautiful."Ready to explore your own relationship with mortality? Listen now and discover how embracing end-of-life conversations might just teach you how to live more fully.Contact Luke:  Busselton Hospice Care Inc:  https://busseltonhospicecareinc.org.au/Have questions about death, dying or the funeral industry? Email [email protected] to have them answered in a future episode.

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• When Time Matters Most: A Conversation about Dying with Dignity

  Send us a textWhat does it truly mean to die with dignity? Behind the clinical terminology and medical frameworks lies a deeply human experience that most healthcare systems aren't equipped to honour. In this powerful conversation, Callie Watt takes us through her 31-year nursing odyssey from remote indigenous communities to emergency departments, and finally to founding Wattletree Health Group – a private nursing service determined to transform end-of-life care.The reality Callie reveals is both sobering and hopeful. While 85% of people express wishes to die at home, our healthcare system remains structured around institutional endings. What makes this conversation truly exceptional is Callie's philosophy on authentic connection. Rather than the clinical detachment we often associate with healthcare providers, she advocates for genuine presence. This approach represents a profound shift from traditional models focused on efficiency rather than experience. Whether you're facing end-of-life decisions, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in how we might better approach our final chapter, this episode offers vital insights into reclaiming death as a dignified, human-centered experience. Join us as we explore what it means to raise the standard of care when it matters most.Callie Watt is the founder of Wattletree Health GroupPhone:  03  9140 0944Email: [email protected]: https://wattletreehealthgroup.com.au/Have questions about death, dying or the funeral industry? Email [email protected] to have them answered in a future episode.

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• From burial to beyond: The world of cemetery operations

  Send us a textIn this candid conversation, cemetery veteran Shane Freeman takes us inside his world as Senior Supervisor of Funeral Services at Lilydale Memorial Park.With refreshing honesty and occasional humour, he walks us through the mechanics of cremation—addressing the questions most people are afraid to ask.  From the technical details to the emotional realities, Shane demystifies the process while maintaining the dignity it deserves.Beyond the mechanics, this episode explores the deeper purpose of cemeteries as sacred spaces where grief finds expression without judgment.The most powerful moments come when Shane reveals the personal toll and rewards of his work. Far from becoming desensitised, his emotion shows when discussing friends he's cremated, demonstrating how professionals in this field maintain their humanity while providing essential services. Whether you're curious about what happens after we die, seeking to understand the grief process, or simply fascinated by professions rarely discussed openly, this conversation will transform how you think about death and those who care for us in our final moments. Send your questions about death care to [email protected]—because talking about death won't kill you, but it might help you live better.Have questions about death, dying or the funeral industry? Email [email protected] to have them answered in a future episode.

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• Embracing Death with Grace: A Funeral Director's Journey

  Send us a textFrom the moment four-year-old Ellese Templeton announced to her aghast mum that she wanted to become a mortician, a remarkable journey began. Twenty years later, Ellese owns Templeton Family Funerals, a thriving boutique funeral home where perfection isn't just a goal—it's a calling.Ellese's path was anything but conventional. Breaking into the male-dominated funeral industry as a young woman proved challenging, leading her to work night shifts handling coroner's transfers while maintaining a day job. With nothing but a sticker declaring her dream and unwavering family support, she launched her business, growing from 20 funerals in her first year to approximately 400 annually today.What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Ellese's philosophy about creating the perfect farewell. Her meticulous attention to detail, like bowls of the deceased's favourite candy—stems from a profound respect for the families she serves. "I am their voice," she explains, describing how she protects grieving families while helping them navigate decisions they're often unprepared to make.Join us for this candid conversation with a woman who has made it her life's work to perfect the art of saying goodbye. Whether you're curious about the funeral industry or seeking wisdom about life's most universal experience, Ellese's journey offers rare insights that will change how you think about death, dignity, and what constitutes the perfect farewell.Contact Templeton Family Funerals:  (03) 9706 [email protected] templetonfamilyfunerals.com.auHave questions about death, dying or the funeral industry? Email [email protected] to have them answered in a future episode.

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