VAD: Choice, Compassion, and the End of Life
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About this episode
We all know death is coming for us, yet most of us avoid talking about it like it’s the plague. In this episode, I sit down with Baci Hillyer for an honest, heartfelt conversation about why facing our mortality head-on, including the controversial topic of assisted dying, can change the way we live.
Baci and I dive into the uncomfortable yet essential topic of death, why we fear it, why we avoid it, and what happens when we finally look it in the eye. We explore her personal journey of working in the end-of-life space, the emotional truths she’s uncovered, and the unexpected freedom that comes from preparing for something we can’t escape.
One of the big conversations we have is around Voluntary Assisted Dying, what it means, who it’s for, and why it sparks so much debate. Baci shares her perspective from both personal and professional angles, inviting listeners to think deeply about choice, autonomy, and compassion at the end of life.
This episode is about more than just dying, it’s about living well. We unpack the role that grief plays in shaping us, how our culture’s discomfort with death harms us, and practical steps you can take right now to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the inevitable. There’s laughter, raw honesty, and a shared belief that talking about death is one of the most life-affirming things you can do.
If you’ve ever found yourself dodging the “D word”, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what it means to live and die well.
Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine
Show notes
Guest Bio
End-of-life Doula, Advocate, and Storyteller
Baci Hillyer describes herself as a radical realist dedicated to educating and motivating end-of-life preparation in a death-phobic society. She believes how we meet death shapes how we truly live.
As an end-of-life doula, advocate, and storyteller, she works to socialise death by fostering open, compassionate dialogue that transforms apprehension into meaningful action. Her mission is to help others find greater peace, clarity, and purpose in both living and leaving well.
Her journey began not as a professional, but as a daughter, sister, and teenager cracked open by loss — walking with the wounds of death for over 37 years. That deeply personal experience led her to become a certified end-of-life doula and a committed volunteer in palliative care and with Dying with Dignity Victoria.
Through powerful talks, soul-grounded storytelling, and practical resources, she educates, advocates, and awakens action — encouraging individuals to prepare for the inevitable holistically, lovingly, and without delay.
Summary
We discussed:
- Why avoiding death talk robs us of deeper living
- How Baci found her calling in end-of-life work
- The surprising emotional freedom in facing mortality
- Voluntary Assisted Dying what it means and why it matters
- Practical steps for preparing for death
- How grief shapes our lives in ways we don’t expect
- Cultural shifts we need to make around dying
- Why preparing for death is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones
Transcript
Resources
Connect with Baci Hillyer:
- Instagram: @_deadicate_
- Website: www.deadicate.com
- Make Death Admin Easy with The Critical Info Platform
A simple system to sort your personal paperwork for when your information becomes critical.
- 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. Purchase it here.
- Support Services
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.
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