Best Catherine Ashton Podcasts (2025)

1
This Is What Dignity Looks Like: A Daughter’s Story in Support of Voluntary Assisted Dying 58:04

6d ago58:04

58:04

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens when a loved one faces a terminal illness? How do we navigate the heart-wrenching decisions that come with it? In this episode, Barb Gearing shares her powerful story of love, loss, and the importance of choice at the end of life. In this heartfelt episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit do…

1
Scott Ross (Visual Effects Pioneer, Producer, and Entrepreneur) on Creating Movie Magic and the Future of Hollywood Effects 49:27

7d ago49:27

49:27

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Scott Ross, a pioneering figure in the visual effects industry. As the former general manager of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Senior VP of LucasArts Entertainment, and co-founder of Digital Domain with James Cameron and Stan Winston, Scott Ross s…

1
FACING the UNTHINKABLE: Death, Dying, and Suicide 58:22

14d ago58:22

58:22

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) ⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️ This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including suicide. Listener discretion is advised. What if the key to unlocking the mysteries of death and suicide lies in the delicate verses of poetry? In this thought-provoking episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we sit down wi…

1
S5E16: Cyrus the Great: Inventing Empire and Universal Monarchy 33:41

15d ago33:41

33:41

Cyrus’ exemplary leadership forged a patchwork of ethnicities into an empire that founded Persian rule in the Middle East, Professor Lynette Mitchell explains. Cyrus the Great (or the Elder) is known to many through the Cyrus Cylinder exhibit preserved in the British Museum, which tells us that he was chosen by God for his special virtues to become…

1
DANCE with DEATH: Tony Yap's Journey Through Grief 1:13:52

18d ago1:13:52

1:13:52

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if the act of dancing could help you confront your deepest fears about death? In this captivating episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with the extraordinary Tony Yap, a multidisciplinary artist and dancer whose work delves deep into the realms of psychophysical research, Asian shamanistic …

1
What Happens to Your WEALTH When You DIE? The TRUTH About Estate Planning 1:15:21

20d ago1:15:21

1:15:21

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens to your wealth, your business, and your family when you’re no longer here? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of estate planning, business continuity, and how to protect your legacy with Shannon Smit, chartered accountant, financial advisor, and founder of Smart Private Wealth. W…

1
Mike Marcus (Manager, Producer, & Former Studio Head) on Building Hollywood Networks and Creating Hit Films 43:42

21d ago43:42

43:42

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Mike Marcus, whose impressive 57-year career spans from agency mailroom to MGM Pictures president to management company founder. In his early career as an agent, Marcus built an impressive client roster including Robin Williams, John Landis, and Sidne…

1
Grief Without Permission: ROSIE BATTY on Challenging SILENCE and Speaking TRUTH 1:06:54

28d ago1:06:54

1:06:54

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens when the unimaginable becomes your reality? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I chat with Rosie Batty, a woman who turned her profound grief into a powerful movement for change after the tragic murder of her son, Luke. Join us as we explore the depths of loss, the importance of comm…

1
S5E15: And then what? Thinking Strategy, with Baroness Ashton of Upholland 42:27

29d ago42:27

42:27

Baroness Catherine Ashton, formerly the European Union’s lead for foreign and security strategy, discusses challenges, opportunities and tips for collaborative strategy-making. As the EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton was at the heart of international strategy making between 2009 and 2014 workin…

1
Designing for the Living: Hamish Coates on Cemeteries and Community 55:22

1M ago55:22

55:22

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if I told you that cemeteries could be more than just final resting places? What if they could serve as vibrant community spaces that celebrate life, culture, and nature? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Hamish Coates, a seasoned landscape architect and the principal design…

1
Tony Sella (Marketing Executive and Producer) on Creating Unforgettable Movie Campaigns 48:39

1M ago48:39

48:39

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Tony Sella, the legendary marketing executive behind some of Hollywood's most iconic movie campaigns. During his decades at 20th Century Fox, Sella was the creative force behind unforgettable posters, trailers, taglines, and promotions for films inclu…

1
S5E14: Abdul Haris Nasution: Insurgent Founder of the Indonesian Army 28:56

1M ago28:56

28:56

General Nasution's journey from insurgent to Army commander and strategist fighting against communist insurgents in Indonesia is described by Colonel Dr Almuchalif Suryo. Trained by the Dutch as part of the Netherlands East Indies Army, General Abdel Haris Nasution (1918-2000) fought with them against the Japanese during the Second World War and th…

1
The Doctor Who Feared Death: Leah Kaminsky on Life, Loss and Finding Joy 54:56

2M ago54:56

54:56

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Leah Kaminsky, a physician and award-winning author, to explore the often-taboo subject of death and dying. Leah shares her personal journey from being a terrified doctor to becoming a passionate writer who confronts mortality head-on. We discuss…

1
What Happens to Your Body After Death? A Deep Dive into Whole Body Donation 51:52

2M ago51:52

51:52

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if I told you that your body could continue to teach long after you take your last breath? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Jackie Dent, the author of The Great Dead Body Teachers, to unravel the fascinating and often misunderstood world of whole body donation. This isn’t j…

1
Shane Black (Writer, Director) on Redefining Action Movies and Embracing Authenticity 55:50

2M ago55:50

55:50

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Shane Black, one of Hollywood's highest-paid screenwriters, who redefined action films with witty dialogue, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. From Lethal Weapon to The Nice Guys, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Iron Man 3, Shane discusses his journey…

1
S5E13: Modernising the Royal Navy: Admiral Lord Fisher RN 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Admiral John (Jacky) Fisher radically transformed the Royal Navy in terms of its people, doctrine, equipment and structures. Dr Richard Dunley explains how. Few service chiefs have had such a profound effect on their service as Admiral of the Fleet, Baron Fisher of Kilverstone, Chief of the British Royal Navy in 1904-1910, and again in 1914-1915, b…

1
Embracing Grief: The Art of Memorialisation with Chloe Marcela Coelho 55:17

2M ago55:17

55:17

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if the objects we hold dear could help us navigate the complex journey of grief? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Chloe Marcela Coelho, a passionate death scholar and creative practitioner who dives deep into the intricate dimensions of death, grief, and design. Chloe's wor…

1
Orpheus and the Art of Grief: A Poet's Perspective 55:04

2M ago55:04

55:04

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Have you ever wondered how poetry can help us face grief and mortality? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, poet, philosopher and scholar Luke Fischer shares how poetry allows us to sit with loss and navigate life’s deepest challenges. Luke talks about his personal journey, the influence of philos…

1
Mike Medavoy (Legendary Agent, Producer, & Studio Executive) on an Extraordinary Hollywood Journey 40:23

2M ago40:23

40:23

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes an industry titan-- film producer and studio executive Mike Medavoy. With a career spanning over five decades, Medavoy has been closely involved with over 300 feature films, with seven winning Best Picture Oscars. From agent to studio chief to producer,…

1
S5E12: Toussaint Louverture and the Strategy of Dynamic Adaptation with Professor Charles Forsdick 32:53

2M ago32:53

32:53

Professor Charles Forsdick tells the story of Toussaint Louverture, who led Haiti’s successful and highly adaptive slave revolt against the 18th century’s great powers. Toussaint Loverture was a force of nature. A former slave, he led the revolt in Saint Domingue between 1791– 1802 that resulted in Haitian independence. As a self-taught military co…

1
FACING DEATH: Judith Leeson AM on EMBRACING Our Mortality 57:21

3M ago57:21

57:21

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this heartfelt episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with the remarkable Judith Leeson AM, a passionate advocate for those living with disadvantage and a champion for end-of-life planning. At 90 years young, Judith shares her incredible journey, from her early memories during the Great Depress…

1
The Power of Compassion with Dr Hayley D Quinn 53:37

3M ago53:37

53:37

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we dive deep into the often-avoided topic of death, grief, and the importance of compassion in navigating these challenging experiences. Join me as I chat with Dr Hayley D Quinn, an anti-burnout business coach and former clinical psychologist, who shares her ins…

1
Chris Landon (Writer, Director, Producer) on Growing Up in Hollywood & Creating "Feel-Good Horror" 50:26

3M ago50:26

50:26

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Chris Landon, the acclaimed writer, director, and producer known for films like Happy Death Day, Freaky, Disturbia, and most recently, Heart Eyes. Son of television legend Michael Landon, Chris has carved his own path in Hollywood, specializing in…

1
S5E11: Jean Monnet and the Strategy of International Defence Cooperation 40:10

3M ago40:10

40:10

Jean-Marc Lieberherr examines Jean Monnet’s vital role in securing US arms for Britain and France during the Second World War and in driving international cooperation. A committed internationalist, long before becoming one of the founding fathers of the EU, Jean Monnet played a crucial role in enabling cooperation between countries in two world war…

1
Embracing Mortality: Hayley West on Art, Death, and Community 1:09:14

3M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What happens when you mix art, death, and a whole lot of creativity? You get Hayley West – a multi-talented artist, librarian, death literacy advocate, and aspiring doom metal vocalist. In this episode, Hayley takes us on a journey through her fascinating life, where death isn’t just a topic—it’s a mus…

1
Bridging Life and Death: Tamil Mourning Traditions Explained 1:17:58

3M ago1:17:58

1:17:58

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Have you ever wondered how different cultures navigate the complex emotions surrounding death? In this episode, we dive deep into the rich tapestry of Tamil traditions and personal experiences of grief with Nyana Tanzer, who shares her heartfelt journey of loss, love, and the importance of community in…

1
David Permut (Oscar® & Emmy® Nominated Producer) on Movie Maps, Making Movies That Matter, and Discovering New Talent 46:47

3M ago46:47

46:47

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with acclaimed producer David Permut, the visionary behind films like Face/Off, Hacksaw Ridge (Academy Award nominee for Best Picture), Dragnet, and most recently, Rustin. His films have garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, and he is known for …

1
S5E10: Creating Destruction: US Industrial Mobilisation in the Second World War 32:48

3M ago32:48

32:48

Professor Mark Wilson explains how governments, industry and the military collaborated to forge the US’s ‘arsenal of democracy’ during the Second World War. The prevailing myth is that the miracle of US industrial production was achieved by individual business leaders who were freed from the dead hand of government. The truth is more nuanced. The i…

1
ENCORE: Meet the Coffin Confessor: From Troubled Past to Funeral Crasher 1:02:32

3M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) ⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️ This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including sexual abuse, childhood trauma, and suicide. Also includes course language. Listener discretion is advised. - From Troubled Past to Funeral Crasher: Meet Bill Edgar, Australia's Infamous Coffin Confessor In this gripp…

1
ENCORE: Secure Your Legacy: Clear Legal Advice from Greg Russo 1:35:09

4M ago1:35:09

1:35:09

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Ever wondered what legal documents you need to have in place before you die? Or how to handle your assets and loved ones when the inevitable happens? In this episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I'm joined by Greg Russo, one of Victoria's most experienced and respected succession law solicitors. Greg sha…

1
Elizabeth Gabler (President of Sony 3000 Pictures) on the Art of Book-to-Screen Movie Magic 52:04

4M ago52:04

52:04

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Elizabeth Gabler, known for transforming literary works into cinematic successes. From her early days as an agent's assistant to becoming president of Fox 2000 and now Sony 3000 Pictures, Gabler shares insights from her remarkable career developin…

1
S5E9: Empress Matilda: Chess Grandmaster of Siege Warfare with Dr Catherine Hanley 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

Fighting for her rightful inheritance of the English crown, Empress Matilda (1110–1125) proved to be a grandmaster in the Anarchy’s bloody chess game. The war of dynastic succession in 12th century England and Normandy is known as the Anarchy. (1135-1154). Barons and nobles of all ranks joined in the family quarrel over the succession to Henry I. M…

1
ENCORE: NAIDOC 2024: Celebrating Indigenous Stories and Heritage with Aunty Jill West 1:20:04

4M ago1:20:04

1:20:04

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In honour of NAIDOC week 2024, the theme: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander …

1
ENCORE: Eco-Friendly Farewells: Water Cremation's Splash in the Death Care Industry 1:11:52

4M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Ever wondered if there's a kinder way to say goodbye to your loved ones? Most of us are aware of burials and cremations, but have you heard of water cremation? Luke Cripps is a Director at Alluvium Water Cremations, established in 2023 with Director Brendan Cooper to bring a gentle, affordable, and eco…

1
S5E8: Transforming a Nation: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 34:42

4M ago34:42

34:42

Modern Turkey was forged by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk from the Ottoman Empire’s collapse. In this episode, Dr Mesut Uyar joins us to discuss Atatürk’s legacy of strategic leadership. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the most important Turkish political leader since the Ottoman Empire’s expansion was checked at Vienna in 1683. A career officer educated from th…

1
ENCORE: The Future of Funerals: Insights from Kelly Scott, President of Australian Funeral Directors Association 1:24:53

4M ago1:24:53

1:24:53

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a family of funeral directors? Join me as I chat with Kelly Scott, the General Manager of T.J. Scott and Son Funeral Directors in the Macedon Ranges. Kelly shares her unique journey, insights on dealing with death, and the profound importance of family and com…

1
Brad Furman (Director/Producer/Writer) on his Journey from the Basketball Court to Film Sets 47:59

4M ago47:59

47:59

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes director and producer Brad Furman, known for films like The Lincoln Lawyer, The Infiltrator, Runner Runner, The Take, and City of Lies. The episode opens with Furman reading a touching tribute letter he wrote after the passing of his friend, filmmaker J…

1
ENCORE: Reclaiming death back into our own hands and hearts with Deathwalker Zenith Virago 1:04:36

5M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode, I speak with a pioneer in the death care industry, Zenith Virago. Zenith is the founder and executive officer of the Natural Death Care Centre Charity Australia. She is a death walker, a celebrant, and an educator. Zenith has been empowering people to have healthier, healing bereavemen…

1
S5E7: H.R. McMaster on National Security Strategy Making 39:49

5M ago39:49

39:49

H.R. McMaster shares his extensive experience of strategy-making and strategic leadership as a military officer, academic and former United States’ national security advisor. ‘The Iconoclast General’, H.R. McMaster has a distinguished record serving his country. Commissioned from West Point into the armoured cavalry, he retired as a Lieutenant Gene…

1
ENCORE: Cheating Death: The Cryonics Revolution in Australia 59:54

5M ago59:54

59:54

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up 200 years in the future, in a young, healthy body with all your memories intact? This isn't science fiction - it's the ambitious goal of cryonics, and it's happening right here in Australia. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Peter Solapides, fou…

1
Catherine Paura (Veteran Entertainment Strategist) on Transforming Movie Marketing and Audience Research 51:26

5M ago51:26

51:26

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with his good friend, mentor, and colleague, Catherine Paura, a pioneering force in entertainment research who co-founded National Research Group (NRG) in 1977. As an accomplished entrepreneur, Paura helped establish the foundation for modern movie res…

1
ENCORE: Navigating Life After Loss: A Daughter's Tale with Libby Neesham 51:00

5M ago51:00

51:00

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) In this episode, I'm bringing you a conversation that's both emotional and enlightening. I had the pleasure of reuniting with an old high school friend Libby Neesham, who shared her incredibly personal experiences with the death of her parents, her unique approach to motherhood, and her valuable insigh…

1
Death, DNA, and Family Secrets: How Trauma Lives in Our Genes 1:05:31

5M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) What if the unexplained feelings of grief, anxiety, or disconnection you carry aren't entirely your own? In this compelling episode, I sit down with Michelle Scheibner, author of 'Hush', to explore how the secrets and trauma of our family history can echo through generations, impacting our lives in way…

1
Brian Grazer (Oscar and Emmy-Winning Producer) on Curiosity, Creativity, and Human Connection 44:07

5M ago44:07

44:07

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews legendary producer Brian Grazer. As co-founder of Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard, Grazer's films and television shows have earned 47 Oscar nominations and 242 Emmy nominations, with his movies grossing nearly $15 billion globally. Known for hit…

1
S5E6: Trenchard and the Royal Air Force: Creation, Innovation and Power with Dr Harry Raffal 34:00

5M ago34:00

34:00

The world’s first independent air force owes its survival and shape to its ‘father’, Hugh Trenchard. We explore how with the RAF Museum’s Dr Harry Raffal. Described as ‘the architect and patron saint of modern air power’, Marshal of the RAF Viscount Hugh Trenchard (1873–1956) was the first Chief of the Air Staff (January–April 1918 and 1919–1930). …

1
Death, Diversity, and Inclusion in Care with Tonina Gucciardo-Masci and Nikolaus Rittinghausen 1:05:03

6M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) How do we ensure that every individual, regardless of their cultural or spiritual background, receives dignified and inclusive care at the end of their life? Today, we tackle this vital question with two incredible guests who are championing change in aged and palliative care. In this episode, I sit do…

1
200 Hours of Death Admin: Why Executors Deserve More Support with Danielle Phillips 51:34

6M ago51:34

51:34

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Did you know it can take over 200 hours to manage the responsibilities of an executor? For Danielle Phillips, losing both parents during COVID wasn’t just heartbreaking—it became a crash course in navigating the overwhelming task of estate administration. This week, we uncover how she turned personal t…

1
David Friendly (Academy Award-Nominated Producer and Former Journalist) on His Journey from Newsweek to Hollywood Success 55:09

6M ago55:09

55:09

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews David Friendly, whose remarkable career transition from journalism to film production led to an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture with Little Miss Sunshine. David worked with industry giants like Ron Howard and Brian Grazer before establishing…

1
S5E5: Santa Cruz De Marcenado - Spain's Clausewitz 30:27

6M ago30:27

30:27

The 3rd Marquess of Santa Cruz de Marcenado (1684–1732), soldier, diplomat and scholar, pioneered humanist ways to prevent or suppress insurgencies in his Military Reflections. In his time, Marcenado was the most widely read Spanish author on war. He drew on his own rich experiences of the Spanish War of Succession to complement his erudition based…

1
Facing Life’s Toughest Moments: Can Social Support Make the Difference? 1:07:44

6M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-) Are you feeling disconnected in our modern world? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the heart of social health with Joe Sehee, Executive Director of Social Health Australia. Joe shares his Joeurney from green burial advocate to champion of human connection, revealing how …

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Catherine Ashton Podcasts

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