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What happens when the person you thought embodied “success” dies in a way that completely unravels your definition of it?

That’s where this conversation with Penny Locaso begins.

Penny is a behavioural scientist and leadership coach, but this episode is not corporate theory. We talk about suicide, unanswered questions, grief that doesn’t follow a tidy process, and trauma that lodges itself in the body long after the event is over. Penny shares the story of her uncle’s death — officially classified as suicide, yet filled with ambiguity — and how that moment forced her to confront what success truly meant in her own life.

We also explore intergenerational trauma, divorce, compassion, and the idea that trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you. This is not about erasing pain. It’s about understanding it, acknowledging it, and choosing how you move forward.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain triggers still sit in your chest or your gut, this conversation might resonate with you.

Thank you for listening.

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 SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support 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-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/

Suicide, Success and the Trauma We Carry With Penny Locaso