Episode Details

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Richard Gosling—a man who left the safe world of civil service to become a funeral director, driven by a desire to connect with others on the deepest level. Join us as Richard shares stories of courage, unexpected life changes, and how facing death can bring new appreciation to life.

Richard Gosling didn’t follow a conventional path to become a funeral director. His journey took root after experiencing his own family’s health crises and realising the vital role that those who manage death play in the lives of the grieving. With humour and insight, Richard recounts his career shift and why he felt the need to serve people in their most vulnerable moments.

Through Richard's stories, we uncover what goes on behind the scenes in a funeral home. From coaxing out meaningful details to creating unique rituals, Richard reminds us that every goodbye is an opportunity to celebrate a life. He also shares his thoughts on why we need to stop shying away from conversations about death and instead embrace them as part of our human experience.

Highlights:

• Richard’s path from civil service to funeral director, sparked by personal family experiences
• The surprising and rewarding challenges in helping families honour their loved ones
• How funeral directors balance empathy with emotional boundaries for self-care
• Insights into voluntary assisted

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/