Don't Be Caught Dead
Don't Be Caught Dead is a podcast about the conversations most of us avoid — until we’re forced to have them.
Each episode brings you honest, accessible conversations with experts across end-of-life, health, legal, financial, and care industries, alongside people with lived experience, to help you better understand your end-of-life choices and how to prepare a practical backup plan if you fall ill, become incapacitated, or die.
Hosted by Catherine Ashton, award-winning speaker and founder of Critical Info, the podcast is grounded in lived experience — created so other people don’t have to go through what her family went through.
From wills, powers of attorney, funerals, and estate administration, to caring, grief, sudden illness, and navigating systems when life doesn’t go to plan, Don’t Be Caught Dead exists to build confidence, clarity, and preparedness — before a crisis hits.
Don't Be Caught Dead
Finding Purpose in Melbourne’s Forgotten Laneways with Tinky
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When I first discovered Tinky’s tiny installations hidden throughout Melbourne’s laneways, I was instantly captivated. What looked like a whimsical miniature scene often revealed something much deeper: sharp observation, dark humour, storytelling, and a unique way of seeing the world. In this episode, I sit down with Melbourne-based artist Tinky, whose miniature street art has transformed overlooked corners, gutters, walls, and public spaces into unexpected moments of delight and reflection.
Tinky shares the remarkable story of how a spontaneous trip to a vintage market and a toy Big Bird figurine unexpectedly launched an entirely new chapter of her life. From battling imposter syndrome and questioning whether she could even call herself an artist, to exhibiting in galleries, collaborating on major projects, and even catching the attention of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, her journey is a powerful reminder that purpose often arrives in the most unexpected ways.
What unfolds is a conversation about creativity, humour, storytelling, noticing beauty in forgotten places, and how art can help us slow down and see the world differently. We also explore the ephemeral nature of street art, the role of dark humour in processing life, and the joy of creating something that makes complete strangers smile.
Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine
Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform.
It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.
It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.
Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.
Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.au
No credit card needed.
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 '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<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a
Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/