Before You Go

Westerleigh Group
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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/

Episodes

  1. 12/26/2025

    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. Before You Go Instagram Westerleigh Group website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    25 min

  2. 12/12/2025

    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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    22 min

  3. 11/28/2025

    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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    25 min

  4. 11/14/2025

    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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Before You Go Instagram Westerleigh Group website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    34 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    34 min

  6. 10/17/2025

    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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Before You Go Instagram Westerleigh Group website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    29 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    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 videosFacebook: Odlings Ltd | Kingston upon Hull | FacebookTikTok: Odlings Ltd. (@odlings_ltd) | TikTokBefore You Go Instagram Westerleigh Group website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    33 min

  8. 10/03/2025

    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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    32 min

  9. 10/03/2025

    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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    30 min

  10. 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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    1 min

  11. 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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    28 sec

  12. 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 Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

    1 min

Trailers

About

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/

Information

  • Creator
    Westerleigh Group
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Before You Go
  • Show Website
    Before You Go