In this episode, Simon Waller sits down with Michelle Newell to explore the important - yet often uncomfortable - topic of Death and Dying. But far from being morbid, this enlightening conversation is thoughtful, moving, and surprisingly uplifting.
Sparked by Michelle’s future scenario imagining her own hyper-personalised death experience in 2062, the discussion weaves through evolving death practices, the power of memorialisation, and the meaning of legacy - including the fascinating practice of transforming loved ones into diamonds.
Together, Simon and Michelle reflect on cultural attitudes toward death, emerging trends in the death-care industry, and why we need to create space for more open, human conversations about mortality.
Ultimately, Simon’s key takeaway from this episode is that by taking the time to thoughtfully consider death, we create the space to more fully appreciate and value life.
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Michelle Newell snippet from the show
00:31 – Introduction to Episode 3 of The Future With Friends
02:21 – Introducing Michelle Newell from The Storytelling Business
08:21 – Michelle’s scenario on death and dying
13:10 – The process of creating scenarios, and why she chose death and dying as a theme
16:49 – Environmental concerns around dying and different types of burial
20:33 – The role of generative AI in storytelling
26:36 – Satire, dark humour, and Simon shares one of his favourite sci-fi authors
28:15 – A note from our “future” sponsors
28:58 – Simon shares a personal story about “the best death ever”
33:03 – How storytelling helps us connect
34:26 – How much is the death industry worth?
36:03 – The people who died before us, and how they become part of the land
37:27 – Incorporating Indigenous customs into body disposal
39:28 – Wildcards: the possible negative effects of natural burial
40:22 – Are we becoming more comfortable talking about death and dying?
42:32 – Composting and the future of human remains
47:16 – Memorialisation: diamonds and legacy
53:23 – Digital afterlife and the future of remembrance
56:26 – Contradictions in death: embracing vs. defying it
1:01:58 – Cultural perspectives on death and dying