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October 22, 2025 59 mins

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Ever wondered if a simple box of fabric and words could unlock the toughest chats about dying? In this episode, I dive into the world of the Bioscope with Chetan Shastri, a Melbourne designer who's turned death into a navigable map – literally. It’s not some dusty chart; it’s a tactile, embroidered toolkit that sparks real talk about end-of-life wishes, from home to hospice, without the awkward silence.

Chetan shares how his Indian roots, from street bioscopes with spinning films to his mum’s hand-stitched embroidery, fused with global adventures in Cambodia’s mass funerals and India’s ‘city of death’ in Varanasi. Back in Australia, he wrestled with our hospital-heavy approach to dying, creating the Bioscope to decolonise death – reclaiming it from white coats and back to heartfelt conversations. We chat about his PhD journey, co-designing with palliative pros at places like Peter Mac and Alfred Health, and how this award-winning tool (shou

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

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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.

Christmas is on its way, and you’d be the Grinch of good planning if you skipped this one!

How about giving the gift of peace of mind with a Critical Info Plan?

You can even wear it proud with a Don’t Be Caught Dead t-shirt.

Or, if you’re in Melbourne, book me to host your very own Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz!

Shop online at criticalinfo.com.au give me a call on 0419 883 443.


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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.

Contact Catherine

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LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-info
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/

Podcast Editor: www.livvimedia.com.au

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/




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