society & culture

DEAD AIR #168 by The Departure

DEAD AIR #168
Hayley West, 94.9 MainFM

‘Wrap our arms around’: Is this the new language of Australian grief? – ABC Religion and Ethics

‘Give me your love, so I can take it with me’: James Valentine’s living funeral – The Age

Strange hours - wonder, dread, and the shape of tiny wings by Chloe Hope, Death & Birds Substack

BOOK: Is This Normal? A book about grief by Joanna Lincolne.

SURVEY: Researchers from La Trobe University and UNSW are currently conducting a national study about funerals and bereavement. Take part HERE

The Australian Death Studies Society interdisciplinary symposium, ‘Death Down Under: Toward an Australian Death Studies’ University of Melbourne on July 10, 2026. Further info ADSS website. Abstracts invited, submitted using this form by 10 May 2026, with acceptance to be announced mid-May. Presenters will be required to be members of the Australian Death Studies Society. Info HERE

Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas, Fri 31 July - Sun 2 Aug. Dark Market applications close 30 May. Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum, Sat 1 Aug, 3mx3m stall, $20. Email: gabrielle@thompsonsfunerals.com.au

Death Doula Mini Conference, Sat 14 – Sun 15 Nov 2026. Radius Art, Hepburn Springs 3461 Vic, Cost: $225 ($50 deposit holds your place). Sat Sat:10am-6pm – presentations, lunch. Sun: 10am-2pm - mini workshops, morning tea. Email: ask.deniselove@gmail.com

TRACKS: I Love You Lena – Elias Rahbani / Pile ou Face – Les Loups Noirs / Laughing on the Outside – Bernadette Carroll / Fahrradsattel - Pisse

DEAD AIR #167 by The Departure

DEAD AIR #167
Hayley West, 94.9 MainFM

Nicole Kidman is training to be a ‘death doula’. What is a death doula? – The Conversation

Before Ruth died, we agreed on her ‘ghost’ sign. Experts say it’s a powerful tool for working through grief – The Guardian

I Investigated Australia's Most Controversial Death Law – Taboo Education, You Tube

Good Grief Lounge, Northern Arts Hotel Castlemaine, Sat 2 May, 11am-2pm. Emma Tranter from BARE funerals, Arts Administrator Selene Bateman talking shrouds, and a chance to create with clay with Asian Medicine Practitioner & ceramicist Lisa McPherson. $10 book HERE.

NDAN presents a panel discussion on restoration, conservation and natural burial. Wed 29 April, 6.30-8.30pm AEST, book HERE

TRACKS: I’m In Your Mind – King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard / Good Fortune – PJ Harvey

DEAD AIR #166 by The Departure

DEAD AIR #166
Hayley West, 94.9 MainFM

In defence of dropping dead: the burden of extended care for aged parents is a heavy new phenomenon – The Guardian

The Contemplative Ground by Hayley West, published in BILLY magazine

Mortician Answers Your Morbid Questions, Lauren the Mortician – YouTube

Reclaiming the Word "Doula": Service, Care & Liberation in BIPOC CommunitiesThe Heart Way

The acclaimed Australian documentary Edge of Life at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday 19 May, 6.30pm. Purchase $31 ($5 donation to APS) ticket HERE Trailer HERE

TRACKS: Being Followed – Rocket Science / Jumpers – Sleater Kinney / All In Good Time – Eddy Current Suppression Ring