The Last Breath — A Podcast About Death And Dying

Latest Episodes:

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 17 – Kevin Toolis - A Handshake for the Dead May 10, 2026

Show notes

Kevin Toolis - A Handshake for the Dead. For the last episode of the second series of Hospice Waikato’s Last Breath, we are finishing as we began, with a special international guest. In this interview, BAFTA-winning filmmaker and journalist Kevin Toolis reflects on the traditional Irish wake as a living ritual through which communities process grief together. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 16 – Linda Thompson - Bugger This, I'm Not Done Yet May 03, 2026

Show notes

Linda Thompson found out she had stage 4 cancer in November 2025 and was given six to twelve months to live. Intelligent, vivacious, and filled with curiosity and wonder, Linda decided straight away that she was not going to be a cancer warrior, whatever time she has left, is for living and doing the things she likes best. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 15 – When a Parent Takes Their Own Life Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

In this interview Aroha Croft talks about the experience of losing a parent to suicide. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 14 – Gil is a funeral director Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

Gil is a Funeral Director and in this episode she takes us behind the scenes and explains what a Funeral Director does, everything from paperwork through to embalming. But as she explains, above all else, her vocation is about care. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 13 – Perspectives with Gary Verberne, Matt Hicks and Dr Somas Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

As a society we seldom talk about death but as I have learned, given an opportunity, people have a lot to say on the topic. For Series 2 of The Last Breath, I have asked all sorts of people to share their perspectives on death, dying and grief, assisted dying, faith and the afterlife. In this episode guitarist Gary Verberne, Filmmaker Matt Hicks and retired GP Somas, share their perspectives and experiences. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 12 – Louise Williams - Caring for a Child with Complex Medical Needs Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

Louise Williams - Caring for a Child with a Life Limiting Condition. Hospice Waikato’s Rainbow Place provides free, specialist palliative care to children and young people up to the age of 21 with advanced, incurable, or life-limiting conditions.18 year old Cameron Williams is one of those children. In this insightful interview, Louse Williams talks about her life caring for a child with complex medical needs. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 11 – Josh Bangs - A Sacred Calling Mar 29, 2026

Show notes

Josh Bangs - A Sacred Calling Josh Bangs is a registered nurse and works in the community caring for the dying, a vocation he describes as a sacred privilege. In this wide ranging conversation talks about his vocation, life, death and what it means to be a good person.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 10 – Sophie Leckey - A Personal Account of Assisted Dying Mar 22, 2026

Show notes

Facing a painful death from lung cancer Verna chose assisted dying. In this insightful and penetrating interview, Sophie talks about being witness to her grandmother's death. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 9 - Mel Brooks - Everything Belongs Here Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

Mel Brooks - Everything Belongs Here Mel Brooks is 81 and living with advanced prostate cancer. In this gentle, wide-ranging conversation, he reflects on his life and speaks candidly about his impending death. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

The Last Breath Series 2 Ep 8 – Paul Turney - The Long Echo of Loss Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

Paul Turney was 17 when his older brother Michael died in a sudden accident. The loss reshaped Paul’s life, and in this interview he reflects on grief, memory, and what it means to carry loss across time. Hospice Waikato, in association with Free FM, presents The Last Breath – A Podcast About Death And Dying.

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