Grief brings a storm of emotions and that’s normal. In this powerful conversation with Nicola Marshall, we explore what real support looks like after a death: holding space, listening more than we speak, and resisting the urge to “fix”. Nicola shares candidly about losing her son Lucas, how community showed up, and why emotional honesty (for adults and children) is essential to healing.We discuss:• Practical ways friends, neighbours, teachers and employers can support after the funeral.• Why “I’m here” beats perfect words.• Children’s grief: age-appropriate truth, safety and questions.• The body keeping the score and unpicking old trauma.• Human connection vs AI “comfort” — and why presence matters.• Self-care, boundaries, and building a grief-literate society.This is an honest, deeply moving episode that reminds us that grief isn’t to be hidden or hurried, it’s to be honoured.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
April Commons has never met her sister, Lola, who died before birth, but she has always known her.In this powerful conversation, April, just 15 years old, shares what it’s like growing up in a family where grief is open, honest, and part of everyday life.She speaks with remarkable clarity about “secondary grief,” the importance of honesty with children, and why wrapping young people in bubble wrap often does more harm than good.From helping at bereavement retreats to supporting classmates who quietly share their own losses, April shows that young people understand far more than we often give them credit for.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
At nine months pregnant, Lisa learned her daughter Lola had no heartbeat.In this deeply human conversation, she shares how that moment shattered everything and quietly set her on a path to becoming a grief and bereavement coach.She reflects on raising her rainbow baby, April, in a home where grief isn’t hidden but embraced and how rituals, honesty, and community support have helped her family heal.This episode explores the courage to grieve in the open, the importance of bereavement support, and the quiet growth that can come after the unthinkable.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
How do we better support children through grief?
John and Kevin discuss the landmark moment Parliament debated including death, dying and bereavement in the national curriculum.Kevin reflects on the emotional December debate, the personal loss of his father and brother, and how his lived experience fuels his work in Westminster. They explore the impact of grief on young people, why breaking the taboo is vital, and how collective efforts led to real policy change.This episode is a must-watch for: • Educators • Policy makers • Mental health professionals • Parents & carers • Anyone passionate about compassionate education reform🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that matter.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
In this episode, we speak with Emma, Matt, and Michael from Laurelo – Path to Probate. Emma and Matt open up about the heart-wrenching loss of their partners and the raw reality of raising bereaved children. Their stories are honest, emotional, and inspiring, a testament to the resilience of families navigating unimaginable grief.They discuss the brutal moment of breaking devastating news to children, how grief reshaped their lives, and how those experiences led them to support other families through Laurelo’s unique approach to probate. Michael sheds light on the often misunderstood world of probate, what it is, when it’s needed, and how Laurelo aims to make it more humane and supportive.This is a conversation for anyone who has experienced loss, is supporting someone grieving, or for anyone who wants to understand why compassionate support during bereavement matters more than ever.👉 Every 20 minutes in the UK, a parent dies. This is a conversation we must be having.
In this powerful episode of Death, A Changing Industry, we speak with Dr Emma Clare, CEO of End of Life Doula UK and Chartered Psychologist, about the quiet, peaceful side of dying that rarely makes headlines.We explore:– What an end of life death doula really does– How we’ve lost our cultural relationship with death– The rise of direct cremation and its emotional cost– Why community and calmness matter at the end of life– How children process grief better than adults– The true power of being present when someone diesThis honest and heartfelt conversation may change the way you see the end of life – forever.
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🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
The funeral profession is under immense pressure. In this episode of Death: A Changing Industry, we’re joined by Rachel Bradburne of the NAFD, who unpacks the urgent need for regulation, shifting consumer behaviours, and the silent crisis affecting local funeral directors across the UK.This is a frank and powerful conversation about where the sector is headed.We explore:- Why unregulated funeral care risks a “race to the bottom”- The cracks in the death management pathway- Why regulation might be the key to survival for local funeral homes- What defines a funeral in the modern eraWhether you’re in the profession, recently bereaved, or simply curious about what’s next for funeral care in Britain, this is essential listening.
When Richard lost his wife Kerry, his world changed overnight. Left to raise three children alone, he chose a path of openness, connection, and empowerment, inviting his children into the heart of grief rather than shielding them from it.From sealing their mum’s coffin to placing birthday cards inside, every act became a moment of healing. In this emotional conversation, Richard reflects on Kerry’s final days, the power of giving his children agency in death, and how their shared grief has shaped their strength.This isn’t just a story of loss. It’s a story of love, bravery, and what it means to honour someone properly.
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🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
From losing his father at just eight years old to leading a team of over 1,000 funeral colleagues, Lee shares how grief shaped his purpose and how the funeral sector is evolving.Whether you work in the funeral profession or have ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes, this episode offers rare insight with authenticity and heart.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
In this deeply moving episode of Death, a Changing Industry, we sit down with Stuart Anderson, MP for South Shropshire, to explore his extraordinary life journey.From childhood bereavement and military service to battling PTSD and eventually becoming a Member of Parliament.Stuart shares his raw and personal experiences of grief, loss, and resilience, including the impact of losing his father at the age of eight, being shot during military training, and how he found purpose in serving others through politics.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
We welcome Ross Hickton, President of SAIF (The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors), to discuss the biggest challenges facing the funeral sector today.🙌
OUR SPONSORS
National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/
Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/
Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com
Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/
Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
What does a funeral really mean in today’s world? In this deeply moving episode, we speak with Kelly Scott, President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association, about the evolving nature of farewells, the quiet power of community, and why unattended cremations may leave families emotionally adrift.With over 35 years of experience in a family-run funeral home, Kelly opens up about the profound impact of rituals, the emotional toll of the job, and the importance of being present for one another, even in silence. 🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
What role does architecture play in how we grieve?Professor Hilary Grainger OBE joins us to explore how crematoriums shape our experience of loss, remembrance, and even our own mortality.From ritual to reflection, and from landscape to legacy, we uncover how these often-overlooked buildings hold deep cultural and emotional significance.Whether you’re in the funeral profession, a student of architecture, or simply curious about how society navigates death, this conversation will change the way you see these sacred spaces.🙌
OUR SPONSORS
National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/
Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com
Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/
Howden: https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en
MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
We welcome Linda Magistris, founder and CEO of The Good Grief Trust.
After the sudden loss of her partner, Linda turned heartbreak into action, creating a national support network to ensure that no one in the UK grieves alone.
She shares her story, the founding of the Trust, the importance of early bereavement support, and her work with the NHS, police, and funeral sector.
We also explore the impact of National Grief Awareness Week and how grief is still one of the last taboos in modern society.
Steve Phillip’s world changed with one phone call. In this powerful conversation, we learn how Steve has turned his loss into a mission for change. Through The Jordan Legacy, he’s working to support mental well-being and prevent future tragedies.
Suicide rates are higher than reported, and those in the funeral industry see the truth first-hand. In this episode, we sit down with Scott Munn, a 12th-generation funeral director and co-founder of Men With Issues, a mental health support group in Scotland. 🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
In a unique twist, this episode flips the script as host John Adams becomes the guest for the first time. Interviewed by Kirstie Hurst-Knight, John shares his personal journey—from his childhood and military service to his empowering work in the funeral industry—and his mission to make bereavement education a national priority. This candid conversation offers powerful insights into resilience, community, and preparing the next generation to face life’s challenges.
🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/
In this different episode, we explore one of life’s most challenging yet universal experiences: grief. From personal stories of loss to the misconceptions surrounding how we cope, this episode is a raw, honest, and vital discussion that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss. Join us as we tackle society’s greatest taboo, share lessons learned, and highlight how healing and hope can emerge from the darkest moments.
Nicola Marshall shares her journey through the unimaginable—the tragic death of her 12-year-old son, Lucas.
She speaks openly about her grief, the moments she wanted to give up, and how she ultimately found purpose and hope through helping others.
This heartfelt conversation touches on coping with loss, the importance of building a supportive tribe, and why we need to change our relationship with death.
Nicola also discusses her work in grief therapy and her powerful TEDx talk on identity after loss.
Join us as we discuss the historic collaboration between The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). We welcome the President of SAIF, Declan Maguire and the Immediate Past President of the NAFD, Barry Pritchard. This conversation delves into the key collaboration between the two associations, setting a new direction for the future of the funeral sector. Declan and Barry reflect on the challenges, the shared vision for regulation, and what the future holds for bereavement care in a rapidly evolving space. 🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/