This podcast features Jacqui Williams, an End-of-Life Doula, and Leah of Cornerstone Funerals. Jacqui shares her experiences and insights as an experienced professional in the field. 

Together, we explored the importance of compassionate support, advocacy, and facilitating difficult conversations about end-of-life care, emphasising the non-medical nature of the doula's role and its complementary function to traditional healthcare services. 

The discussion also touched on the challenges of navigating mortality conversations, the significance of documenting one's wishes, and the potential impact of doulas in various care settings, including support for those considering voluntary assisted dying.

Key Questions:

* How can Doulas assist individuals and families in dealing with the complex dynamics during end-of-life transitions?

* What steps can individuals take to ensure their wishes are documented and communicated effectively?

* How can End of Life Doulas help clients navigate conversations with healthcare professionals?

Discussion points

* The importance of advanced care planning and legal documentation for clients.

* Why clients are encouraged to document their wishes and discuss their end-of-life preferences.

* Jacqui shares examples of how Doulas can help clients navigate healthcare conversations.

* The value of community education initiatives to increase awareness about end-of-life options and resources.

You can reach out to Jacqui via her website. 

W: endoflifetransitions.com.au

Life is a tapestry of unique stories—some joyful, others bittersweet, all worth honouring. In this podcast, celebrant Helene, with her background as a nurse, mother, wife, and daughter, invites you into heartfelt conversations about grief, celebration, and the beauty of human connections.

Discover how funerals can be as vibrant as the lives they honour—filled with laughter, cherished memories, and personal touches that reflect a loved one's true spirit.

Helena shares real-life examples of how creativity and authenticity can make memorials unforgettable, from pink coffins and Abba music to handwritten recipes and tattoos of loved ones' handwriting.

Explore the profound impact of vulnerability, honesty, and shared stories in relationships. Helena’s journey from nursing to funeral directing illustrates the power of creating safe spaces for emotions and memories to flourish.

Celebrate life, embrace grief, and preserve legacies with us. Tune in to find inspiration, laughter, and comfort in stories that remind us what it truly means to live—and to remember.

You can reach out to Helena, via her website: thecelebrantcafe.com.au

Join us on this Honouring Life Podcast, "Facing MND Together a powerful and eye-opening podcast featuring real conversations about life with Motor Neurone Disease. In our latest episode, Alicia from MND Queensland shares insights into the biggest challenges facing individuals and families affected by MND, from accessing support services to navigating end-of-life planning.

💡 What you'll learn:

• The vital services MND Queensland provides, including equipment, allied health, and advocacy.

• The gaps in care for those diagnosed over 65—and the fight for change.

• The emotional and physical toll on carers, plus new programs to support them.

• The importance of planning ahead for end-of-life care and bereavement support.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a movement to educate, advocate, and connect. Listen now and be part of the change.

To Donate to MND Queensland: Donate

Learn more about MND Queensland and how you can get involve to support the vital work they provide. www.mndqld.org.au

I educate and empower families with knowledge and tools to provide comfort-focused care and teach them how to be responsive to the changing needs of the person living with dementia.  Help loved ones find meaningful ways to communicate and connect as needs evolve. Understanding how dementia affects the senses, for example, can make a world of difference in daily interactions, creating a more positive experience for everyone involved.

In the community, I run dementia awareness presentations, covering information on normal ageing in comparison to dementia, modifiable risk factors, how our senses are affected by dementia, and some communication strategies.

I also offer workshops to organisations to help upskill and educate staff working with people with dementia or other cognitive impairments. It is more personalised to the needs of staff working with clients living with dementia.

If you would like to know more, please contact - Leah Keating, at LK Dementia Doula Services, on 0431 387 537 or email: leahkeating2019@gmail.com

You can find me on FB  

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565196534934

or LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-keating-11523768/

Podcast Summary:

In this practical and insightful episode of the Honouring Life podcast, Leah Marmulla is joined by estate lawyer Amy McDowell from Lady Bird Estate and Wills to demystify the legal side of end-of-life planning.

Together, they unpack the essential documents and decisions that form the foundation of a strong estate plan — in clear, everyday language that’s easy to follow.

Topics covered include:

• What makes a will legally valid, and why does proper witnessing matter?

• The difference between estate and non-estate assets, including what happens to superannuation and company shares.

• The role of the executor and why legal guidance can prevent major headaches.

• What happens under Queensland’s intestacy laws when there’s no will?

• The tricky terrain of blended families and how to avoid conflict by clearly justifying your choices.

• How debts are managed after death, and why a well-prepared plan can ease the process.

• Why an Enduring Power of Attorney is essential for both health and financial matters.

• Key differences across Australian states — including de facto recognition and testamentary trusts.

• Amy also explains why online or DIY wills may fail and how they can lead to confusion, delays, or disputes if they don’t adequately reflect your unique situation.

• Take-home messages:

• Update your will after significant changes like marriage, divorce, or having children.

• Please choose your executors and attorneys carefully, and then let me know your wishes clearly.

• Professional legal advice matters — it ensures your documents are valid, secure, and aligned with your intent.

• Good planning takes the pressure off your loved ones during an already emotional time.
  
  Whether creating your first will or revisiting your plan after life changes, this episode offers clarity and confidence to help you protect what matters most.

Lady Bird Wills and Estates can be contacted: 

www.ladybirdwillsandestates.com.au

Ph Direct 1300 945 570 (1300 WILLS+)   

Podcast Summary:

In this episode of the Honouring Life podcast, Leah Marmulla is joined by Cathie Spicer, a passionate advocate for carers and representative of Carer Gateway service providers. Cathie shares her dual role in directly supporting carers through Care Support Planning and in raising community awareness about the wide range of free services available to carers across Australia.

Together, Leah and Cathie explore:

Who is considered a carer — including family, friends, and others supporting someone frail, living with disability, mental illness, or nearing end of life

The breadth of support carers provide — from emotional and financial assistance, to transport, advocacy, and more

The services available through Carer Gateway — including counselling, coaching, peer groups, emergency respite, and more

The importance of self-care and support for carers at all stages — and how seeking help is a strength, not a weakness

The emotional and practical challenges carers face — especially in managing multiple roles, supporting loved ones with dementia, or helping ageing parents who are reluctant to accept help

Support for young carers, including connections through schools and services like Kookaburra Kids

Cathie also shares insight into partnerships with organisations like Violet, which provide additional guidance and comfort during end-of-life and bereavement.

Take-home messages:

You are a carer if you’re emotionally, practically, or medically supporting someone.

You’re not alone. Help is available, and it's free through Carer Gateway.

Get support early. Even a simple conversation can open up new options and ease the burden.

Looking after your own well—being is vital—not just for you but also for the person you care for.

Whether new to caring or deep in the journey, this episode offers practical support, heartfelt encouragement, and a reminder that help is always within reach.

These services can be accessed in person, over the phone or online through this website.

Call 1800 422 737 to find out if you are eligible to access services offered by our dedicated team of Carer Gateway service providers across Australia.

In this episode of the Honouring Life podcast, Leah Marmulla is joined by Jeff White, Partner and Director at Morgans Milton of Springfield, for a grounded and insightful conversation about retirement, estate planning, and the changing landscape of aged care in Australia.

Together, they unpack:

• Why early planning for retirement and estate distribution matters — especially for families supporting aging parents.

• Common misconceptions around superannuation and Centrelink, and potential impacts on future financial stability.

• The tax implications of superannuation for beneficiaries, including what adult children may not realise.

• What recent and upcoming aged care reforms could mean for the middle-income earners, and how to prepare.

• The role of self-managed super funds, charitable giving through Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs), and how financial strategies can align with personal values.

This episode is for anyone considering retirement choices, navigating Centrelink clearly, or ensuring that end-of-life financial planning supports family and legacy.

Key questions explored:

• What are the biggest challenges when transitioning into retirement?

• How does superannuation affect adult children as beneficiaries?

• What should clients prioritise when planning for their financial future?

Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping loved ones, this conversation offers practical guidance and plenty of take-home wisdom.

To contact Jeff White ⁠directly ⁠

Download their ⁠Life Begins at ⁠.... Brochure and start checking or planning your future now.

Understanding Centrelink: Advocacy, Aged Care & Empowerment
In this episode of the Honouring Life podcast, Leah Marmulla is joined by Narelle Cooper, founder of Kappa Services and a dedicated Centrelink specialist, to unpack the complexities of navigating Centrelink, aged care systems, and financial responsibilities.

Together, they explore the emotional and practical challenges clients face, the importance of accurate asset reporting, and the growing demand for skilled advocates to assist with Centrelink processes. Narelle shares her journey from financial planner to full-time advocate and offers insights into real-life scenarios involving gifting, superannuation, and property ownership.

The episode also delves into:

• Changing home care and aged care legislation

• Cultural attitudes toward ageing and independence

• The impact of rising property values on pension eligibility

• Extra service fees in aged care and recent regulatory shifts

• The new $25,000 end-of-life support package (from Nov 1)

With a shared focus on compassion, clarity, and proactive planning, Leah and Narelle stress the value of family involvement, informed decision-making, and financial literacy when navigating Centrelink and aged care pathways. This episode is a practical resource for families, carers, and professionals alike.

Narelle's 5 Take Home Messages

1. Receiving a Centrelink payment carries responsibilities – update your records regularly… once a year.

2. If you feel overwhelmed dealing with Centrelink, seek professional support – you don’t have to manage it alone.

3. Significant changes to aged care rules are coming – stay informed and prepare ahead.

4. Under the current rules, individuals already receiving a Home Care Package or residing in Residential Aged Care may remain.

5. For all the complexities of Centrelink and the aged care system, this is still a fantastic country with support when you need it.