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 2RPH

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Series 2, Episode One of Passing Thoughts, Barbara Sullivan speaks with Sam McConkey from Bare Funerals about rethinking how we approach death, funerals, and the moments that follow loss. Together, Barbara and Sam explore the emotional and practical realities of death, questioning long-held traditions and asking what a more honest, humane farewell might look like. It’s a conversation about stripping away fear and ceremony to focus on what really matters: meaning, love, and leaving well.

In Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor considers the impact of the Bondi Massacre and what the summer of 2025 revealed about grief, courage, and community.

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 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 Nine of Passing Thoughts, host Barbara Sullivan shares an in depth conversation with author Casey Beros, about the nature of being a carer to someone in their final stages of life. Casey shares the story of caring for her beloved dad through terminal cancer. In the Before We Go section Rob reminisces about the final album of a musical hero.

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 Seven of Passing Thoughts, Jane Mundy speaks with Bec Lyons, a death doula and educator, about the growing movement of home funerals. Together they explore what it means to reclaim the rituals of death — to slow down, to care, and to find beauty in the final farewell.

Bec shares her experiences guiding families through home-based end-of-life care and ceremonies, describing how intimacy and agency transform grief into something gentle and deeply human. The conversation opens up practical and emotional insights into washing, dressing, and farewelling loved ones at home — acts of love that bring connection back to death.

In the Before We Go segment, Rob Kaldor revisits the acclaimed TV series Six Feet Under — reflecting on how its dark humour and honesty still shape the way we talk about mortality, family, and the absurdity of life itself.

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.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.au
Like 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 Five of "Passing Thoughts," Jane Mundy dives into an enlightening conversation with the passionate members of Cafe Mortal, Marg, Hazel, and Jude. Recorded at Cafe Piatto in McMahon's Point, Sydney, the discussion centers around the group's origins and their ongoing exploration of death, dying, and the social constructs that surround these inevitable aspects of life. The informal atmosphere allows the women to share how their long-standing friendship has fostered an environment of trust, enabling them to discuss profound topics that many shy away from.

The dialogue not only highlights their individual and collective journeys in confronting death but also critiques modern society's sanitization of mortality. The group shares their experiences and intellectual pursuits, touching upon philosophies such as Stoicism, cultural differences in death practices, and their thoughts on end-of-life choices, ultimately promoting a normalization of death discussions. With references to literature and practices that challenge conventional views, they advocate for a life lived fully, understanding that discussions about death can enhance the quality of our living.

Notable Quotes:

• "This was like taking a plunge into the unknown in order to grow in understanding and acceptance of our inevitable death." - Jude
• "I think trust is very important… a real sense of mutuality, that people are genuine in their desire to share." - Hazel
• "Dying can be a very lonely experience… or it can be a wonderful experience." - Marg
• "Death is a natural process, just like birthing." - Jude
• "It’s all about enjoying this phase of our life as well." - Hazel

In the Before We Go Segment, Marg from Cafe Mortal tells us about her erfect funeral.

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.au
Like 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.