Before You Go

Before You Go Fri, 22 May 2026 02:05:12 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2540685 en-gb © 2026 Before You Go yes 3b38ce3c-bf4f-55c9-b30d-e94dfe02df0a Westerleigh Group episodic false Podcast hosted by Matt Brook invites a range of guests to have open and honest conversations about death, grief and the way we remember - topics which are worth talking about before you go.

This podcast has been made by Westerleigh Group, one of the UK's leading providers of cremation and funeral services, produced in collaboration with Empica.

Before You Go Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byg.podcast/

Website: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/WesterleighGroup/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westerleigh-group

IG: https://www.instagram.com/westerleighgroupuk/

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Westerleigh Group https://storage.buzzsprout.com/qysrm23ronlhgqhrrirmtltyka0n?.jpg Before You Go The Cost of Waiting: Why Wills & Power of Attorney Matter with Michelle Seddon The Cost of Waiting: Why Wills & Power of Attorney Matter with Michelle Seddon In this episode of Before You Go, we’re joined by Michelle Seddon, a Partner in the Private Capital team at Clarke Willmott, specialising in wills, probate, estate administration and lifetime planning.

With more than 15 years’ experience in private client law, Michelle shares why so many people still delay planning for death, the growing complexity of modern family estates, and how recent changes to inheritance tax could impact families across the UK.

The conversation also explores the emotional side of bereavement law, Michelle’s work supporting Death in Service benefit schemes, and the real-life stories that show why having a will in place matters more than many people realise.

Compassionate, insightful and positively challenging, this episode looks at how planning ahead can protect the people we love most.

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Westerleigh Group website

]]> In this episode of Before You Go, we’re joined by Michelle Seddon, a Partner in the Private Capital team at Clarke Willmott, specialising in wills, probate, estate administration and lifetime planning.

With more than 15 years’ experience in private client law, Michelle shares why so many people still delay planning for death, the growing complexity of modern family estates, and how recent changes to inheritance tax could impact families across the UK.

The conversation also explores the emotional side of bereavement law, Michelle’s work supporting Death in Service benefit schemes, and the real-life stories that show why having a will in place matters more than many people realise.

Compassionate, insightful and positively challenging, this episode looks at how planning ahead can protect the people we love most.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

LinkedIn

Instagram

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-19215266 Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:00 +0100 1810 full false Rethinking Death, Dying, and Community Care with Dr Emma Clare Rethinking Death, Dying, and Community Care with Dr Emma Clare In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by Dr Emma Clare – Chartered Psychologist, End of Life Doula, and CEO of End of Life Doula UK.

Emma shares her unique journey into end-of-life care, from working as a domiciliary carer to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in death literacy and community-led support. With honesty and compassion, she explores what it truly means to support someone at the end of life – and why these conversations matter more than ever.

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Westerleigh Group website

]]> In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by Dr Emma Clare – Chartered Psychologist, End of Life Doula, and CEO of End of Life Doula UK.

Emma shares her unique journey into end-of-life care, from working as a domiciliary carer to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in death literacy and community-led support. With honesty and compassion, she explores what it truly means to support someone at the end of life – and why these conversations matter more than ever.

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Westerleigh Group website

Facebook

LinkedIn

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-19102372 Fri, 08 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100 1857 2 1 full false Ginger Golf on turning loss into a world record challenge Ginger Golf on turning loss into a world record challenge Known by many as Ginger Golf, Josh Simpson speaks to Matthew Brook in this episode of the Before You Go podcast about finding purpose in pain and grief after the loss of a loved one.

After the death of his mother, and wanting to honour her memory, Josh channelled his grief into a world record-breaking golf challenge - playing over 580 courses in a single year - while also raising money for charity.

He emphasises that grief can be a catalyst for positive change, noting that everyone experiences it differently and that those individual journeys should be respected. He also explores funeral planning and stresses the importance of normalising conversations around death.

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Westerleigh Group website

]]> Known by many as Ginger Golf, Josh Simpson speaks to Matthew Brook in this episode of the Before You Go podcast about finding purpose in pain and grief after the loss of a loved one.

After the death of his mother, and wanting to honour her memory, Josh channelled his grief into a world record-breaking golf challenge - playing over 580 courses in a single year - while also raising money for charity.

He emphasises that grief can be a catalyst for positive change, noting that everyone experiences it differently and that those individual journeys should be respected. He also explores funeral planning and stresses the importance of normalising conversations around death.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-18354808 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000 1485 9 full false Father Norman on navigating Christmas after loss Father Norman on navigating Christmas after loss Christmas is often seen as a joyful season, but for many, it can bring sadness, memories, and the weight of loss. In this episode, we speak with Father Norman, a retired Anglican priest who has supported countless people through grief.

He shares gentle advice on coping during the festive period, reminding us that we never need permission to grieve, even on Christmas Day.

We explore ways to include the memory of loved ones in Christmas traditions, how to handle the pressure to “be cheerful,” and how friends and family can provide meaningful support without forcing feelings or comparisons.

Fr. Norman also reflects on the powerful message that there is no “right way” or timeline for grief, and that the real Christmas story holds both struggle and hope.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Christmas is often seen as a joyful season, but for many, it can bring sadness, memories, and the weight of loss. In this episode, we speak with Father Norman, a retired Anglican priest who has supported countless people through grief.

He shares gentle advice on coping during the festive period, reminding us that we never need permission to grieve, even on Christmas Day.

We explore ways to include the memory of loved ones in Christmas traditions, how to handle the pressure to “be cheerful,” and how friends and family can provide meaningful support without forcing feelings or comparisons.

Fr. Norman also reflects on the powerful message that there is no “right way” or timeline for grief, and that the real Christmas story holds both struggle and hope.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

LinkedIn

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-18342330 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 1317 8 full false The Glam Reaper: Jennifer Muldowney on funerals in the US The Glam Reaper: Jennifer Muldowney on funerals in the US On this episode of Before You Go, Jennifer Muldowney — known to many as The Glam Reaper — shares the personal experiences that led her into the world of bereavement care. From navigating loss to planning beautifully bespoke celebrations of life, Jennifer offers an insider’s view into how families in the US are reshaping what a funeral can be.

Instagram: @jennifermuldowney

Website: Muldowney Memorials

Facebook: Jennifer Muldowney

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> On this episode of Before You Go, Jennifer Muldowney — known to many as The Glam Reaper — shares the personal experiences that led her into the world of bereavement care. From navigating loss to planning beautifully bespoke celebrations of life, Jennifer offers an insider’s view into how families in the US are reshaping what a funeral can be.

Instagram: @jennifermuldowney

Website: Muldowney Memorials

Facebook: Jennifer Muldowney

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-18262385 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 1518 7 full false Danny Lesslie on grief, parenting and the healing power of writing Danny Lesslie on grief, parenting and the healing power of writing In this episode of Before You Go, host Matthew Brook engages in a heartfelt conversation with Danny Lesslie, a widower and author of the memoir 'Thank You Cancer.' They explore the profound themes of grief, love, and the journey of healing after loss. Danny shares his personal experiences of navigating life after the death of his wife, Raffaella, and how writing and reflection became essential tools in his healing process.

The discussion delves into the complexities of grief, the importance of holding space for those who are grieving, and the coexistence of joy and sadness. Danny emphasises the significance of open conversations about death and the legacy of love that continues beyond loss.

Danny's Instagram

Danny's LinkedIn

Danny's Website

Westerleigh Group website

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> In this episode of Before You Go, host Matthew Brook engages in a heartfelt conversation with Danny Lesslie, a widower and author of the memoir 'Thank You Cancer.' They explore the profound themes of grief, love, and the journey of healing after loss. Danny shares his personal experiences of navigating life after the death of his wife, Raffaella, and how writing and reflection became essential tools in his healing process.

The discussion delves into the complexities of grief, the importance of holding space for those who are grieving, and the coexistence of joy and sadness. Danny emphasises the significance of open conversations about death and the legacy of love that continues beyond loss.

Danny's Instagram

Danny's LinkedIn

Danny's Website

Westerleigh Group website

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-18177981 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0000 2052 6 full false Ross Hickton on leading SAIF and honouring a 4th-generation legacy Ross Hickton on leading SAIF and honouring a 4th-generation legacy Matt sits down with Ross Hickton, Managing Director, 4th-generation Funeral Director, and National President of SAIF 2025/26.

They discuss the evolution of independent funeral care, what it means to lead a family business through generations, and Ross’s vision for the future of the funeral profession.

From personal reflections to industry-wide challenges, this conversation offers a rare and insightful look at tradition, innovation, and leadership within one of the UK’s most compassionate sectors.

Facebook: Ross Hickton

LinkedIn: Ross W Hickton

Website: Hickton Family Funeral Directors | Across The West Midlands

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Matt sits down with Ross Hickton, Managing Director, 4th-generation Funeral Director, and National President of SAIF 2025/26.

They discuss the evolution of independent funeral care, what it means to lead a family business through generations, and Ross’s vision for the future of the funeral profession.

From personal reflections to industry-wide challenges, this conversation offers a rare and insightful look at tradition, innovation, and leadership within one of the UK’s most compassionate sectors.

Facebook: Ross Hickton

LinkedIn: Ross W Hickton

Website: Hickton Family Funeral Directors | Across The West Midlands

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-18103728 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000 2064 1 5 full false James Crossland on the role of audio-visual media in funeral services James Crossland on the role of audio-visual media in funeral services Matt has a conversation with James Crossland, founder of Obitus to talk about how personalisation and AV are reshaping the way we say goodbye.

From the rise of the Super Venue to creating moments that truly reflect the person we’ve lost, it’s a powerful reminder that funerals can be just as individual as the lives they celebrate.

It’s a great conversation about innovation, emotion and what happens when we start to think differently.

Facebook: @Obitus

Obitus website: Audio Visual Solutions for Funeral Personalisation - Obitus

Westerleigh Group website

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Westerleigh Group website

]]> Matt has a conversation with James Crossland, founder of Obitus to talk about how personalisation and AV are reshaping the way we say goodbye.

From the rise of the Super Venue to creating moments that truly reflect the person we’ve lost, it’s a powerful reminder that funerals can be just as individual as the lives they celebrate.

It’s a great conversation about innovation, emotion and what happens when we start to think differently.

Facebook: @Obitus

Obitus website: Audio Visual Solutions for Funeral Personalisation - Obitus

Westerleigh Group website

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-18021619 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0100 1738 1 4 full false Emma Britton on being a funeral celebrant living with stage 4 'ALK Positive' lung cancer Emma Britton on being a funeral celebrant living with stage 4 'ALK Positive' lung cancer Matt has a heartfelt conversation with Emma Britton, funeral celebrant based in Bridgwater in Somerset. Emma trained with the United Kingdom Society of Celebrants in 2020 and has been working as a celebrant since then supporting over 800 bereaved families.

Prior to becoming a celebrant Emma worked as BBC local radio presenter for 13 years across Somerset and Bristol.

Emma's life was turned upside down in April 2025 when despite being a non-smoker, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 'ALK Positive' lung cancer, a rare genetic cancer that is incurable but hopefully manageable thanks to modern medicine.

Facebook: @emmathecelebrantuk https://www.facebook.com/emmathecelebrantuk

X: @celebrant_emma https://x.com/celebrant_emma

Instagram: @celebrant_emma https://www.instagram.com/celebrant_emma

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Matt has a heartfelt conversation with Emma Britton, funeral celebrant based in Bridgwater in Somerset. Emma trained with the United Kingdom Society of Celebrants in 2020 and has been working as a celebrant since then supporting over 800 bereaved families.

Prior to becoming a celebrant Emma worked as BBC local radio presenter for 13 years across Somerset and Bristol.

Emma's life was turned upside down in April 2025 when despite being a non-smoker, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 'ALK Positive' lung cancer, a rare genetic cancer that is incurable but hopefully manageable thanks to modern medicine.

Facebook: @emmathecelebrantuk https://www.facebook.com/emmathecelebrantuk

X: @celebrant_emma https://x.com/celebrant_emma

Instagram: @celebrant_emma https://www.instagram.com/celebrant_emma

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-17897881 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100 1930 1 2 full false Duncan Reynolds on the importance of choosing how to memorialise a loved one Duncan Reynolds on the importance of choosing how to memorialise a loved one Join Matt for his conversation with Duncan Reynolds, Managing Director of Odlings in Hull - a wholesale masonry business set up over 150 years ago.

Listen to their conversation about memorial options, common misconceptions about memorialisation and its environmental sustainability.

Instagram: Odlings 1870 (@odlings1870) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Odlings Ltd | Kingston upon Hull | Facebook
TikTok: Odlings Ltd. (@odlings_ltd) | TikTok

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Join Matt for his conversation with Duncan Reynolds, Managing Director of Odlings in Hull - a wholesale masonry business set up over 150 years ago.

Listen to their conversation about memorial options, common misconceptions about memorialisation and its environmental sustainability.

Instagram: Odlings 1870 (@odlings1870) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Odlings Ltd | Kingston upon Hull | Facebook
TikTok: Odlings Ltd. (@odlings_ltd) | TikTok

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Matthew Brook Buzzsprout-17897187 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100 1976 1 3 full false Dr Bill Webster on grieving - the most difficult and often misunderstood experience of life Dr Bill Webster on grieving - the most difficult and often misunderstood experience of life In this episode Matt talks to Dr Bill Webster - semi-retired grief counsellor and Executive Director of Centre for the Grief Journey.

After losing his wife in 1983 and finding himself struggling with grief as well as with the task of being a single parent to his two sons, who were only 9 and 7, Bill decided to enter a doctoral programme at the University of Toronto in Thanatology. This led him to develop a model of community grief support and something he's been advocating since his graduation 35 years ago.

Welcome to GriefJourney.com - Grief Journey

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> In this episode Matt talks to Dr Bill Webster - semi-retired grief counsellor and Executive Director of Centre for the Grief Journey.

After losing his wife in 1983 and finding himself struggling with grief as well as with the task of being a single parent to his two sons, who were only 9 and 7, Bill decided to enter a doctoral programme at the University of Toronto in Thanatology. This led him to develop a model of community grief support and something he's been advocating since his graduation 35 years ago.

Welcome to GriefJourney.com - Grief Journey

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Matthew Brook Buzzsprout-17897180 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100 1804 1 1 full false Duncan Reynolds- Trailer Duncan Reynolds- Trailer

Join Matt for his conversation with Duncan Reynolds, Managing Director of Odlings in Hull - a wholesale masonry business set up over 150 years ago.

Listen to their conversation about memorial options, common misconceptions about memorialisation and its environmental sustainability.

👉 Listen to the full episode on Friday 3rd October.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]>

Join Matt for his conversation with Duncan Reynolds, Managing Director of Odlings in Hull - a wholesale masonry business set up over 150 years ago.

Listen to their conversation about memorial options, common misconceptions about memorialisation and its environmental sustainability.

👉 Listen to the full episode on Friday 3rd October.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-17930706 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100 31 trailer false Emma Britton- Trailer Emma Britton- Trailer Matt sits down with Emma Britton, better known as Emma the Celebrant.

Emma trained with the United Kingdom Society of Celebrants in 2020 and has been working as a celebrant since then supporting over 800 bereaved families.

Prior to becoming a celebrant Emma worked as BBC local radio presenter for 13 years across Somerset and Bristol.

Emma's life was turned upside down in April 2025 when despite being a non-smoker, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 'ALK Positive' lung cancer, a rare genetic cancer that is incurable but hopefully manageable thanks to modern medicine.

👉 Listen to the full episode on Friday 3rd October.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Matt sits down with Emma Britton, better known as Emma the Celebrant.

Emma trained with the United Kingdom Society of Celebrants in 2020 and has been working as a celebrant since then supporting over 800 bereaved families.

Prior to becoming a celebrant Emma worked as BBC local radio presenter for 13 years across Somerset and Bristol.

Emma's life was turned upside down in April 2025 when despite being a non-smoker, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 'ALK Positive' lung cancer, a rare genetic cancer that is incurable but hopefully manageable thanks to modern medicine.

👉 Listen to the full episode on Friday 3rd October.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-17930698 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100 28 trailer false Dr Bill Webster - Trailer Dr Bill Webster - Trailer Matt sits down with Dr. Bill Webster — a grief counsellor who turned personal loss into a lifelong mission to support others. From heartbreak to hope, hear how his journey shaped a model of grief support that’s been changing lives for over 35 years.

👉 The full episode drops on Friday 3rd October — stay tuned.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Matt sits down with Dr. Bill Webster — a grief counsellor who turned personal loss into a lifelong mission to support others. From heartbreak to hope, hear how his journey shaped a model of grief support that’s been changing lives for over 35 years.

👉 The full episode drops on Friday 3rd October — stay tuned.

Before You Go Instagram

Westerleigh Group website

]]> Westerleigh Group Buzzsprout-17930330 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0100 32 trailer false