Passing Thoughts

Can you create a digital version of yourself that talks to your loved ones after you die? Connie Mason speaks with Chris Williams, founder of Afterlife AI, about griefbots - AI technology that lets people build interactive digital replicas of themselves for family and friends to communicate with after death. What are the ethical questions? Who is using this, and why? In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor talks to Dr. Predencia Dixon about the Jamaican Nine Nights wake celebration. They explore the cultural significance of this nine-day ritual, the communal support it provides with food and music, and how it helps guide the deceased's spirit to its final resting place. To read more about Nine Nights - here is a link to Predencia's book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guide-Jamaican-Death-Rituals/dp/B0FS7BXW8W Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better. 📧 Contact the team at passingthoughts@2rph.org.au 👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧 🎧 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode Four of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy speaks with Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty. They discuss the latest developments in dementia research and his plans during his year in the role. In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor talks to our presenter Jane Mundy about what it is likre to work on Passing Thoughts and if it has changed her. Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better. 📧 Contact the team at passingthoughts@2rph.org.au 👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧  This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode Two of Passing Thoughts, Connie Mason speaks with Dr. Margaret Ross and Dr. Justin Dwyer about the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for those facing terminal illness. It’s a conversation about bridging the gap between rigorous trials in Melbourne and ancient wisdom in the Amazon to refocus on what truly matters: dignity, perspective, and finding solace in the face of the unknown. In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor explores the vital role music plays in guiding the journey through life’s final chapter. Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better. 📧 Contact the team at passingthoughts@2rph.org.au 👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust and Radio 2RPHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Ten of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy speaks with Anne Marinos about her husband, the beloved entertainer Lex Marinos, and his decision to use Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Anne reflects on the emotional, practical and deeply personal moments that shaped Lex’s final days, offering an open and compassionate exploration of what dignity, choice and love look like at the end of life. Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter — told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better. 📧 Contact the team at passingthoughts@2rph.org.au👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Eight of Passing Thoughts, host Connie Mason shares a heartfelt conversation with Christopher Hall, CEO of Grief Australia, exploring the complex nature of grief and its profound impact on our lives. Together, they unpack the intimate connection between love and loss, reflecting on the truth that we grieve simply because we love. Christopher draws on his deep experience to explain how grief touches both our emotional and physical selves, and why support from others can make such a difference. Through gentle insights and moving stories, he reveals that grief is as unique as our fingerprint — shaped by our relationships, cultures, and the ways we remember. Find out more about Grief Australia at https://www.grief.org.au/ In the Before We Go segment, the unique impact of Oscar the cat is examined.  Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter — told with honesty, compassion, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we often avoid, because facing death and grief might just teach us how to live better. 📧 Contact the team at passingthoughts@2rph.org.au👍 Like us on Facebook and connect with others exploring these conversations. 🎧 This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Six  of "Passing Thoughts," Connie Mason talks with Dr. Matt Morgan, a seasoned ICU doctor and author of “A Second Act: What Nearly Dying Teaches Us About Really Living". The conversation revolves around the profound insights that patients who have experienced cardiac arrest can offer us about living life fully and understanding what truly matters. Matt shares his experiences in intensive care,delving deep into the themes of life, death, and human connection. Matt discusses the transformative impact of a near-death experience, revealing that many of his patients, whether recovering from lightning strikes, drownings, or severe illness have fundamentally shifted their life perspectives. He draws parallels between life and death, suggesting that “we all have two lives,” and inspires listeners to reflect on their own lives while reinforcing that empathy and understanding are crucial components of end-of-life conversations. Matt’s Book, “A Second Act: What Nearly Dying Teaches Us About Really Living” is available at all good book stores. In the Before We Go Segment, Rob speaks with Dave about his unique near-to-death experience.  Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better. Contact the team at: passingthoughts@2rph.com.auLike us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations. This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Four of "Passing Thoughts," Barbara Sullivan explores the intersections of death, dignity, and community with the "Radio Reverend," Bill Crews. Renowned for his tireless work supporting Sydney's homeless, Crews delves into the stories of those who die without traditional family structures and how his foundation provides them with respectful send-offs. This conversation unveils profound insights into social justice, human connection, and the personal impact these experiences have on Crews' own views on mortality. Throughout the discussion, Crews emphasises the importance of honouring every individual's legacy, regardless of their status in life, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by homeless individuals when they pass. He shares poignant anecdotes of tracking down families of the deceased and the relief it brings to reconcile past relationships. In the  “Before We Go” segment we meet Patrick Wild, the "Funeral Fellow," who collaborates with families to celebrate the unique stories of their loved ones. Bill Crews: Known as the "Radio Reverend," Bill Crews has dedicated much of his life to aiding the homeless and disadvantaged communities in Sydney. As an ordained minister with the Uniting Church, he leads the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation, which provides essential services to those in need. Crews is noted for blending compassion with activism, honouring the dignity of individuals, even in death. His work with the foundation ensures that homeless individuals receive dignified funerals, reflecting his belief in human connectedness. Patrick Wild: Patrick Wild, also known as the "Funeral Fellow," is a storyteller and funeral celebrant assisting bereaved families in crafting personalized and meaningful memorial services. With his engaging and empathetic approach, Wilde thrives in bringing to light the true stories and legacies of those who have passed, ensuring their lives are celebrated appropriately. His career evolution reflects a commitment to honoring the deceased in unique and memorable ways Quotes from the Episode: "Dignity is something everyone deserves in death." – Bill Crews "You wouldn't toss your mother or your father or your brother or sister in a hole in the ground." – Bill Crews "The pain is a measure of the love." – Bill Crews "We're all connected, every one of us is connected." – Bill Crews "Everyone's got a great story." – Patrick Wild Resources: Reverend Bill Crews Foundation Bill Crews on 2GB Radio: Engage with Bill Crews and learn more about his work through his segments on 2GB radio. https://thefuneralfellow.com.au The Funeral Fellow: Explore Patrick Wild’s work focusing on creating personalised and heartfelt funeral services. Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better. Contact the team at: passingthoughts@2rph.com.auLike us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations. This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode Two of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy talks with journalist Emma Rossi who shares her unique work as Biography Services Manager at St Vincent’s Hospital’s Sacred Heart Palliative Care team, helping people reflect on and record their life stories. Discover how capturing these memories offers meaning, closure, and connection. Learn more about the service at  https://www.svhs.org.au/support-us/volunteer/sacred-heart-community-palliative-care-biography-service In our Before We Go segment, Alex Hoysted introduces his Death Calc, a thought-provoking tool exploring life expectancy and how awareness of our mortality might inspire us to live more fully. Read Alex’s musings at hoysted.substack.com. Passing Thoughts is a podcast about life’s final chapter, told with openness, curiosity, and heart. It’s a space to talk about what we usually avoid, because facing death just might help us live better. Contact the team at: passingthoughts@2rph.com.auLike us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578856716570 and connect with others exploring these conversations. This series is made with the support of the Wicking Trust.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For too long, death and dying has been a big unspoken taboo. In the Passing Thoughts podcast, we aim to improve death literacy and encourage conversations around life's final chapter. You can catch the first episode on Thursday the 7th of August, 2025. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.