Episode Details

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Do you crave captivating conversation about the things that REALLY matter?

Then you can’t go past listening to a seasoned end of life doula with nearly 40 years of experience, like Helen Callanan. 

Helen is the founder and lead educator at Preparing the Way, an organisation that delivers holistic end-of-life and doula education across Australia and New Zealand. Helen's profound experience and passion for education create a wealth of knowledge that she generously shares with us today.

In this revealing episode, Helen explains how she has managed to bring life to stories of death through her work and passion. We delve into her journey of creating Preparing the Way and how her mission of empowering all people with choice at the end of life has shaped the way she operates. We also explore how she managed to design and deliver the world's first nationally accredited  Certificate IV in End of Life Doula Services, a feat that required rigorous work and dedication.

Helen shares fascinating insights into the world of end-of-life care, including how she has adapted her training methods in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She also discusses the importance of having open conversations about death and the critical role of end-of-life doulas in our society. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the field of end-of-life care, or anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to face death consciously and compassionately.

The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.

Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.

Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes.

 Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events 

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/