Zenith Virago is a death walker — someone who walks alongside people as they approach the end of life. For more than three decades, she’s supported individuals and families through death, grief, and everything in between — from the bedside to the burial, from the paperwork to the heartbreak. In this powerful and moving conversation, Zenith invites us to see death not as a medical event, but as a human one — something to be approached with presence, love, and participation.

Together, we explore the practical and emotional realities of end-of-life care, what it means to reclaim dying as a natural part of life, and how the “sandwich generation” can begin preparing — for our parents, for our children, and for ourselves. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to do or say when someone is dying, or how to honour them when they’re gone, this episode is full of clarity, comfort, and unexpected strength.

FIND OUT MORE

If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air—you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation.

CREDITS 

Host: Melissa Reader

Guest: Zenith Virago 

Executive Producer: Lize Ratliff

Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au

Zenith Virago is a death walker &mdash; someone who walks alongside people as they approach the end of life. For more than three decades, she&rsquo;s supported individuals and families through death, grief, and everything in between &mdash; from the bedside to the burial, from the paperwork to the heartbreak. In this powerful and moving conversation, Zenith invites us to see death not as a medical event, but as a human one &mdash; something to be approached with presence, love, and participation.
Together, we explore the practical and emotional realities of end-of-life care, what it means to reclaim dying as a natural part of life, and how the &ldquo;sandwich generation&rdquo; can begin preparing &mdash; for our parents, for our children, and for ourselves. If you&rsquo;ve ever felt unsure about what to do or say when someone is dying, or how to honour them when they&rsquo;re gone, this episode is full of clarity, comfort, and unexpected strength.
FIND OUT MORE
If you&rsquo;re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air&mdash;you&rsquo;re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit<a href="https://violet.org.au/"> violet.org.au</a> to start the conversation.
CREDITS&nbsp;
Host:<a href="https://blog.violet.org.au/en/news/violets-ceo-shares-her-personal-story"> Melissa Reader</a>
Guest: Zenith Virago&nbsp;
Executive Producer:<a href="https://www.lizeratliff.com.au/"> Lize Ratliff</a>
Find out more about Violet at<a href="http://violet.org.au"> violet.org.au</a>

Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss.

You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone.

Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss.
You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers&mdash;it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone.

This is the show for all the people who are caught between caring for ageing parents, raising a family, and managing work—all while trying to live a good life. Listen in as some of Australia’s most trusted voices share their stories of Agehood: the tears, the frustration, the goodbyes, but also the laughs and moments of true joy along the way.

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