TIME'S UP: Facing Death and Finding Your LIFE LIST

Are you making the most of your time before death catches us all? In this heartfelt episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I chat with Kate Christie, Australia’s leading time management expert, about how loss and grief can be the wake-up call we need to live intentionally. Kate shares her personal story of losing her ex-husband to pancreatic cancer and how that tragedy reshaped her approach to time, priorities, and what she calls a “life list” — not a bucket list — focusing on what truly matters while we’re still here.Kate’s journey from juggling a demanding corporate career and motherhood to creating a business that helps others reclaim their time is inspiring and deeply relatable. We dive into the guilt many of us feel balancing family and work, and how reframing time as an investment rather than something to manage can transform your life. She offers practical tips on identifying what you most value, setting achievable goals, and making space for the things that bring you joy and meaning — before it’s too late.This episode is a powerful reminder that death is the great equaliser, but it also urges us not to wait for tragedy to live fully. Whether you’re facing grief, juggling life’s demands, or just want to live with more purpose, Kate’s insights will help you start your own life list today.What you’ll hear in this episode:Kate’s personal story of loss and how it inspired her to rethink time and prioritiesThe difference between a bucket list and a life list — why it’s about living now, not waiting until the endHow to identify what you most value with three simple questionsThe guilt many working parents face and how to overcome itPractical strategies to invest your time wisely and say no to what doesn’t serve youThe importance of vulnerability and sharing stories of grief to heal and connectKate’s tips for self-care and carving out time for what matters, including her new passion for surfing!Resources & links mentioned:New book 'The Life List: Master Every Moment and Live an Audacious Life'Connect with Kate ChristieFacebookInstagramLinkedInTiktokCheck out her website and books Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. 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/