Episode Details
Back to EpisodesIf I Could Do It Again, I’d Bring Her Home with Annie Caulfield
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If I had my time again, I wouldn’t leave her there… I would have brought her home.
In this episode, I sit down with Annie Caulfield, a Brisbane-based death care practitioner and founder of Grassroots Death Care. Annie’s work is centred around helping families reconnect with death in a way that feels more personal, supported, and deeply human.
This conversation is shaped by Annie’s own lived experience of losing her mum suddenly. What she shares isn’t just reflection… it’s clarity that came after the moment had already passed. The realisation that there were choices she didn’t know she had.
We talk about how death has quietly been handed over to systems over time, and what that has taken away from families and communities. Annie walks us through what it can actually look like to bring someone home, to care for them in their final days, and to be more involved in the process rather than stepping back from it.
This episode isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about understanding that there are options… and that even in the hardest moments, there can still be space for connection, presence, and meaning.
Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine
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.
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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/