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

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 how her experiences in medicine, particularly with dying patients, have shaped her understanding of life and death, and how writing has become a therapeutic outlet for her fears and emotions.Leah's unique perspective as both a doctor and a writer allows her to weave together the complexities of human experience, history, and the inevitability of death in her novels and poetry. We delve into her creative process, the importance of honesty in conversations about death, and how her own family history has influenced her work. Leah's insights remind us that while death is a natural part of life, it can also be a catalyst for deeper connections and a more meaningful existence.Join us as we unpack the layers of grief, the significance of storytelling, and the power of confronting our fears. Leah's journey is a testament to the idea that by embracing death, we can truly learn to live.Key points from our discussion:●      Leah's transition from a fearful doctor to a writer exploring death and dying.●      The importance of honest conversations about death, especially with children.●      How personal experiences with loss and family The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes. Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events  Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events 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 SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport 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.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/