15 Nov 2022
Andrew Denton, Founding Director of Go Gentle Australia.
"Death affects 100% of the population, so it's an issue in which we are all invested."
Today's Investing for Life episode covers one of our most taboo topics. But, despite the subject matter, the conversation balances the dark with the light. Host Douglas Isles is joined in the studio by comedian, interviewer, and unwavering campaigner – Andrew Denton (who is quick to point out that Doug "left out sex symbol" among his list of titles.)
While it’s not without a few laughs, their conversation focuses on Andrew’s advocacy and lobbying work around voluntary assisted dying in his role as founding director of Go Gentle Australia.
It’s a deeply emotional subject. Yet, while Andrew concedes championing such a sombre and complex cause has not been without its challenges, his journey has been anything but dark. In fact, it's full of hope, as Andrew shares why he continues to pursue this 'sacred duty' to help Australians ‘walk each other home better at the end of life’.
"I've certainly found [campaigning for voluntary assisted dying] stressful and emotionally really draining. But…this has been the most rewarding and, in many ways, positive thing I've ever done.
"Because I know for a fact that the work I've been engaged in has made a fundamental difference to what could have been a hugely traumatic [experience] - not just to the person, but their immediate family.
“So, if you think of it as a third act, then - wow. What a third act. Way more important to me than the previous two acts, and way more beneficial."
As you'll learn through this conversation, "there is no 'one size fits all' for death", but Andrew shares his own powerful story blending his personal experience and professional skills.
Tune into this discussion to hear:
His changing relationship with death after the painful experience of losing his father, and how that compared with losing his mum;
What is was like hosting Enough Rope - his most challenging and successful interviews, including Michael Parkinson, Bill Clinton and Mark Latham;
His work with Go Gentle, and the meaning he has found in working alongside families, speaking with politicians and influencing those connected to voluntary assisted dying; and
Why he continues to fight to be a source of light and hope in the often dark conversation of death.
You can also learn more about Go Gentle - and donate to their work - via this link: https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/ (https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/)
Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.
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