We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)
What if the way we say goodbye could heal both our hearts and the planet?
In this profound episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we sit down with Zimmi Forest, fibre artist, environmentalist, and creator of handwoven eco-coffins that challenge everything we think we know about death. Zimmi doesn’t just make baskets; she crafts vessels that reconnect us to nature, turning invasive weeds into beautiful, biodegradable farewells.
From foraging materials in the wild to guiding families through the emotional process of weaving a loved one’s final resting place, Zimmi’s work is a powerful reminder that death doesn’t have to be disconnected from life’s natural cycles. Whether you’re curious about sustainable funerals or simply seeking a fresh perspective on mortality, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink the way we honour those we’ve lost—and how we might one day be honoured ourselves.
Key points from our discussion:
- Eco-conscious farewells: Why Zimmi swaps toxic funeral materials for invasive plants like cat’s claw vine.
- The healing power of making: How weaving a coffin can transform grief into a sacred, communal act.
- Beyond cremation: The surprisingly poetic case for natural burials (and what most people don’t know about ashes).
- Death’s dirty secret: The greenwashing in funeral industries—and how to spot it.
- Finding beauty in decay: Zimmi’s journey from artist to death educator, one handwoven stitch at a time.
Connect with Zimmi
Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine
Are your affairs in order? Critical Info helps you organise essential documents in just 10 minutes a day. Sign up now for early access! → criticalinfo.com.au/critical-info-platform
Lost a loved one? Our guide walks you through the next steps, from the first hours to the months ahead. Download it here → criticalinfo.com.au/product/my- Contact Catherine Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/
Business Website: https://dontbecaughtdead.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094865491683
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critical_info_org/
LinkedIn Business Page: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/critical-info
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ashton-73254528/
Podcast Editor: https://www.livvimusic.com/
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!