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What would you do if you were given a second chance at life? And then a third?

For documentary photographer Andrew Chapman, surviving two life-saving transplants has given him a perspective few people ever experience. Rather than turning away from mortality, Andrew has spent decades documenting it, capturing the realities of organ donation, transplantation, and the everyday lives of Australians with honesty, compassion, and extraordinary insight.

Andrew is one of Australia’s most respected documentary photographers, known for spending more than five decades capturing the people, places, and moments that shape Australian life. From politicians and shearers to transplant recipients and operating theatres, his work is driven by a deep curiosity about people and an unwavering commitment to documenting the truth as he sees it.

In this episode, I speak with Andrew about his extraordinary journey through not one but two life-saving transplants, including receiving a liver transplant that saved his life and, years later, a kidney donated by his daughter. We explore how facing death reshaped his perspective, the emotional complexities of accepting a loved one’s organ donation, and why he remains endlessly curious about what comes next.

Andrew also shares the powerful story behind his organ donation photography projects, including documenting both the withdrawal of life support and the life-changing gift of transplantation. His images have not only captured deeply human moments but have directly influenced decisions that helped save lives through organ donation.

This conversation is about storytelling, gratitude, curiosity, legacy, and the remarkable impact one life can have on many others.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,
Catherine

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.

No 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 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/