Episode 122:  On this episode, we chat with Kaylee, a mortuary science student who made the unique leap from decorating cakes to preparing loved ones for their final farewell. We dive into her journey from the pastry world to funeral service, the perks of studying mortuary science online, and the interesting mix of skills she brings from both fields.

Kaylee opens up about her passion for helping families through the hardest moments in their lives and her goal to specialize in trade embalming and restoration. We also talk about how the funeral industry is changing and why being adaptable and building genuine connections matters now more than ever.

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – From pastries to a different sort of kitchen.

(15:32) – Online ed for mortuary science.

(21:06) – The biggest challenge in funeral service.

(38:08) – Knowing people makes quite the difference in our line of work.

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Takeaways

• Kaylee transitioned from cake decorating to mortuary science due to burnout.
• Online mortuary education offers flexibility for students with busy lives.
• The funeral industry is evolving, with a growing acceptance of diverse practices.
• Personal experiences, like family loss, can inspire a career in funeral service.
• Creativity from cake decorating can enhance skills in cosmetizing the deceased.
• Support from family and mentors is crucial in pursuing a career in mortuary science.
• The importance of adapting to changes in the funeral industry post-COVID.
• Hands-on experience in a funeral home is essential for mortuary students.
• Building connections within the funeral community can enhance professional growth.
• Kaylee aims to focus on trade embalming and restoration in her career.

Episode 121:  Michael appears on the Get Stiff Podcast!  I usually get to ask the questions.... This week, I answer them.  We talk about the fun stuff I’m into, where I’ve been, where I’m going, and the date I’m projecting for my own death.  JK I don’t want to know that ever :)

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Funeral Home marketing evolution.

(15:32) – Family dynamics are so fun...

(21:06) – The Baby Spirit Foundation journey.

(38:08) – How can funeral directors make their own legacy.

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Takeaways

• The funeral industry is evolving and needs modern marketing strategies.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in the funeral business.
• Asking for feedback from families can significantly improve a funeral home's reputation.
• The Baby Spirit Foundation provides essential support for families experiencing loss.
• Humor can help break down barriers in the funeral profession.
• Being genuine and authentic is key to connecting with families.
• The importance of giving back to the community in the funeral industry.
• Transparency in communication with families is vital during difficult times.
• The need for funeral homes to adapt to the changing needs of families.
• Passion for the work is essential for longevity in the funeral service.

Episode 120:  The Mortuary Show’s first ever LIVE recorded podcast!  Coming to you from Compassion FS Continuing Education Event in Chicago.  Michael has some fun with a dozen directors in-between CE lessons.  Fun stuff (and by fun we mean decapitation stories, decomp, talking to the dead, etcccccc)

The Mortuary Show makes Continuing Education entertaining!!

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Mortuary Marketing

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – CE is fun with the Mortuary Show.

(15:32) – Youngies in funeral service.

(21:06) – We make an impact in the community.

(38:08) – “His head was a block down the street.”

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Takeaways

• Everyone in the funeral industry has a unique story to tell.
• Older generations often have humorous and insightful perspectives.
• The method of 'low and slow' is crucial in embalming.
• Decapitation cases are among the most challenging for funeral directors.
• Going independent in the funeral business can be a rewarding decision.
• It's essential to focus on the client and their needs during services.
• Trying new methods in funeral directing can lead to better outcomes.
• Cherishing moments with loved ones is vital in this profession.
• Building relationships with families is a key part of the job.
• Mentorship and community involvement are important for long-term success.

Episode 119:  As a funeral director, the post-loss side of things in deathcare can be tough... Penny gives us the real deal on how it is BEFORE the loss happens.  Dealing with crazy families (✔️), weird noises and smells (✔️), financial situations (✔️), and the death RaTtTtLleeEe. ENJOY!

@HospiceNursePenny

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Ethics in death care.

(15:32) – How does the dying process REALLY work?

(21:06) – How death anxiety works (Hint: We’ve got a solution)

(38:08) – A not so fun, funeral director.

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Takeaways

• Family dynamics can complicate hospice care significantly.
• Grief can lead to irrational behavior among family members.
• Education about the dying process can alleviate anxiety.
• The death rattle is a common and distressing sound for families.
• Medications like morphine are used to ensure comfort, not hasten death.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for educating the public about death.
• Acceptance of death can reduce anxiety surrounding it.
• Home hospice care presents unique challenges compared to hospice centers.
• Understanding the normal dying process can help families cope better.
• Penny's experiences highlight the importance of compassion in hospice care.

Episode 118:  These guys put in the WORK.  We’re talking a dozen removals in 24 hours, impossible transfers, and how the industry is getting overhauled by Compassion FS.  You’re not going to want to miss the newest trend in funeral service....

Check out Compassion’s FREE C.E. event at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, IL

Here’s how you can get in on the action:

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Mortuary Marketing

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Show Notes:

(2:45) Innovative Business Model in Funeral Services

(5:54) Work-Life Balance? Its a THING?

(8:56) Our industry is motivated by...

(11:53) The FD Three-Day Work Week....???

(15:00) Unique Experiences in Funeral Service

(18:01) Training and Development for New Directors

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Takeaways

Compassion Funeral Service offers comprehensive staffing solutions.

The funeral industry is evolving with new business models.

Work-life balance is essential for funeral directors' well-being.

Career paths in funeral service can be diverse and fulfilling.

The three-day work week model can enhance job satisfaction.

Unique experiences in funeral service can be both challenging and humorous.

Training programs are crucial for preparing new funeral directors.

Continuing education events are vital for professional development.

Networking opportunities at industry events can benefit all participants.

Compassion Funeral Service is committed to supporting funeral homes and families.

Episode 117:  We're taking a closer look at the community death care movement with funeral director and advocate William Turner Heath. From the growing shift towards personalized, alternative end-of-life practices to the role of death doulas, we’re diving into how the funeral industry is changing—and why it needs to.

We'll talk about how funeral homes can better serve diverse communities, adapt to modern consumer needs, and why some death doulas are steering clear of becoming funeral directors (hint: it’s got a lot to do with industry toxicity). Oh, and did we mention psychedelics in end-of-life care? Yeah, we're going there too.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that’s anything but business as usual.

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – End of life doulas.

(15:32) – Can bridges be built?

(21:06) – What are some of the most adaptive things out there?

(38:08) – Psychedelics.

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Takeaways

• The community death care movement advocates for personalized and alternative end-of-life practices.
• End-of-life doulas play a crucial role in providing holistic care and support during the dying process.
• Funeral homes need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and modernize their services.
• There is a need for better communication and collaboration between funeral directors and end-of-life doulas.
• The traditional funeral industry is facing challenges due to staff shortages and resistance to change. Funeral homes need to be more flexible and adaptable to different types of services
• Cultural humility is important in serving diverse communities
• The community death movement is growing, and there is a need for legal support and guidance
• Death doulas are reluctant to become licensed funeral directors due to the sexism and toxicity in the industry
• Psychedelics are being explored for their therapeutic value in end-of-life care

Our favorite funeral babe does a pageant... Can you guess what her talent was??? If I had to pick mine it would probably be my ability to fall asleep swiftly & effectively (serves me well as a FD). You know her, she's the best. Listen and ENJOY!

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Mortuary Marketing

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-----

Show Notes:

(05:45) – Physical toll being a mortician can have.

(10:32) – Social media vs. the funeral industry.

(21:06) – What's the future going to look like?

(27:08) – How humor can lift us up.

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Takeaways

• Trade and freelance work is popular in the funeral industry, offering flexible schedules and potentially higher pay.
• The physical demands of the job can take a toll on funeral directors, especially as they get older.
• Melissa participated in a pageant as a personal challenge and to step outside of the funeral industry.
• Social media can be a valuable platform for sharing experiences and connecting with others, but it also comes with challenges and judgment.
• The funeral industry is filled with memorable and sometimes shocking stories that could be compiled into a book. Dealing with shipping delays and time constraints is a common challenge in the funeral industry.
• The funeral industry needs more data and statistics to address issues such as lack of employment and education.
• Outsourcing and storefront funeral homes may become more prevalent in the future.
• Maintaining authenticity and trust with the public is crucial for the funeral industry.
• Humor can be a valuable tool for educating and engaging the public about funeral practices.

Time to adapt!! We know that if we’re not growing, were dying (yes, pun is always intended).  Lee, President of ICCFA, and Michael give some great thoughts, tips, and recommendations on how all of our firms can take things to the next level.  Lee also gives advice to implement corporate level success to the small family firm.  You’re getting some KNOWLEDGE today.

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Mortuary Marketing

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – From small to corporate.

(15:32) – Cremation statistics that’ll surprise you.

(21:06) – Be the leader of your firm.

(38:08) – ICCFA – Get involved!

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Takeaways

You know what hasn’t gotten an upgrade in quite sometime?  Tombstones.  Toss a QR on there? Why NOT!  These awesome entrepreneurs have a lot in the bag that can help our FH & sales. Enjoy the ladies of Life’s QR, Jen & Julie!

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Mortuary Marketing

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Share your story.

(15:32) – Create your legacy before its too late.

(21:06) – Memory pages that’ll go on forever.

(32:08) – How you can boost your FH’s sales.

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Takeaways

• Life's QR uses QR codes on headstones to create beautiful tributes and share the legacies of loved ones.
• They offer a white glove service to funeral homes, providing display cases, signs, brochures, and media kits to help promote their products.
• They sell directly to the public and have partnerships with social media influencers and celebrities.
• The QR codes allow families to leave messages, photos, and videos that can be accessed anytime, creating a lasting memory. Life's QR allows families to create digital memorial pages for their loved ones, which can be accessed by scanning a QR code.
• The QR codes can be placed on headstones, urns, or other memorial items.
• Jen and Julie are working on a new product line for honoring veterans and bringing history back to cemeteries.
• Preserving and sharing memories is important, and technology can enhance the memorial experience.

Nicky tells us the overwhelming moving story of her near-death experience (yes, she went to the other side) and how it moved her to get into funeral service to help others.  Nicky comes to us all the way from Sydney, Australia and boy o boy is there some wisdom each & every one of us can take from her perspective.

-----

Mortuary Marketing

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – From chemical company to compassionate care.

(15:32) – What is it like on the other side?

(21:06) – The experience of heaven.

(32:08) – Family & memories are everything to us.

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Takeaways

• Working in the funeral industry can present unique challenges depending on the climate, such as extreme heat or cold.
• Community involvement and participation in funeral rituals can provide comfort and support to grieving families.
• Near-death experiences can have a profound impact on individuals, leading to personal and professional transformations.
• Having conversations about death and being prepared for end-of-life decisions can alleviate stress and provide peace of mind for individuals and their families. Live in the present and don't put off things because we don't know if today is our last day.
• Clear communication and language are crucial in end-of-life conversations.
• Grief support and validation are essential for individuals experiencing loss.
• Funeral directors should slow down, build relationships with families, and provide personalized and participatory funeral services.
• Capturing memories through photographs and keepsakes can bring comfort and healing.

There's no way... Listen to the hilarious story on how Jennifer (The Mulling Mortician) saw a body's "arms" flail in the air. Mortuary affairs in Europe & Africa, full restoration of a skull, and passion for RA. ENJOY! :)

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Mortuary Marketing

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Different cultures, different funerals.

(15:32) – Full skull transformation.

(21:06) – Education's place in embalming & development.

(32:08) – Dead body moves arms while dressing.

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Takeaways

• Working at the US Army Regional Mortuary involves handling deaths and coordinating the movement of remains in Europe and Africa.
• International repatriation can be challenging due to different regulations and cultural practices surrounding death and burial.
• Jennifer Lares received extensive training at the European School of Embalming Skills, which included reconstructive and restorative techniques.
• Jennifer now works as an educator, providing training and educational content for funeral professionals.
• Her goal is to create content that is relevant and accessible, helping funeral professionals improve their skills and knowledge. Skull reconstruction involves using wire and plaster to connect the pieces.
• The process requires drilling holes, tightening the wire, and adding plaster.
• Excising tissue during the dissection of the face requires careful precision.
• Restorative art is about giving families something rather than achieving perfection.
• Jennifer enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge within the funeral service community.
• She has worked in various funeral homes and has had diverse experiences.
• Jennifer shares a funny story from her internship involving moving arms and a plastic sheet.
• Her business, Mulling Mortician, can be found on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Josh handles remains over 700lbs.  A tough thing for everyone involved: the deceased, family, and us in funeral service.  Michael gets in to how he takes care of embalming obese cases, Josh’s best tips for transferring large bodies, edema, fight outbreaks.  Lots to discuss today!!  

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Obesity & removals.

(15:32) – How to appropriately ask for estimated weight.

(21:06) – Edema in the prep room.

(32:08) – A fight breaks out at the FH.

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Takeaways

• Handling cases of deceased individuals who weigh over 700 pounds presents unique challenges in the funeral service industry.
• Gathering as much information as possible before the removal, including the layout of the house and the approximate weight of the deceased, is crucial for planning and ensuring a safe transfer.
• Delicate and respectful communication with the family is essential when discussing weight-related considerations.
• Having extra staff on hand for larger cases is necessary to ensure the safety of both the staff and the deceased.
• Funeral homes and businesses may need to upcharge for larger cases due to the additional staff and resources required. Handling large and obese cases in the funeral industry requires specialized equipment and techniques, such as pulleys and Reeves cots.
• Positioning is crucial in the embalming process for larger bodies to ensure proper preservation and a lifelike appearance.
• Dealing with physical altercations between family members is a challenging aspect of working in the funeral industry, and maintaining professionalism and composure is essential.
• Communication and teamwork are key in successfully handling difficult situations and ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Farewell Finder.... it's the new thing coming to funeral homes near you. Get in on convos with the founder, Jolene.

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Mortuary Marketing

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Let's break the taboo.

(15:32) – I'm not your counselor.

(21:06) – How a company can expand.

(32:08) – Farewell Finder time.

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Takeaways

• Farewell Finder aims to simplify end-of-life arrangements and be a digital destination for consumers.
• They collaborate with funeral homes to offer online arrangements and digital memorial pages.
• The company's goal is to bridge the gap between current funeral practices and modern consumer needs.
• Farewell Finder plans to start regionally and expand nationwide.
• Their favorite features include curated playlists and a community page for sharing recipes and memories.

Things always get a little weird when we talk to Professor Ben Schmidt. AI casket displays & designs, Louis Vuitton & Apple designed urns/caskets, & how the Egyptians probably embalmed. Enjoy :)

-----

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Direct to consumer casket debate.

(15:32) – Forced transparency.

(21:06) – AI casket branding.

(32:08) – The evolution of embalming chemicals.

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Takeaways

• Funeral homes need to adapt to new ways of doing things and marketing to stay relevant in the changing face of funeral service.
• Providing options for families and focusing on the value of the service provided is crucial for funeral homes.
• Transparency is important in the funeral industry to build trust with families.
• Direct-to-consumer casket sales, like those offered by Titan Casket, provide families with more options and customization.
• Funeral homes can consider offering more vibrant and customizable caskets to meet the changing preferences of families. AI artist Hio John Malour created branded caskets that resemble popular brands like Louis Vuitton and Apple.
• Go As You Please in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializes in personalized caskets and offers packages for different funeral services.
• Personalization is becoming increasingly important in funeral services.
• The future of funeral service is expected to be more consumer-driven.
• The history of embalming fluids includes the use of arsenic and alcohol before the adoption of formaldehyde.

A fun one today that goes all over the place! Krissy spends her timing working for a tissue donation org andddd an intuitive medium. Moral issues with tissue donation, the power of spirits, how meditation & intention work in the death industry, and more. A LOT MORE.

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Dive into the paranormal.

(15:32) – How to connect with spirits.

(21:06) – Can you really train your mind??

(32:08) – Simplify your life.

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Takeaways

• Organ and tissue donation can be a morally complex issue, with concerns about consent and the treatment of donors and their families.
• There is a need for more extensive education about organ and tissue donation to ensure that individuals fully understand what they are consenting to.
• The speaker's experiences as a recovery coordinator highlight the challenges and ethical dilemmas involved in the organ and tissue donation process.
• The speaker's journey as an intuitive medium has allowed her to connect with spirits and provide guidance and messages to others.
• Being open to intuition and trusting one's gut can lead to a more fulfilling and mindful life. Meditation doesn't have to be a long, formal practice. It can be done in various ways, such as walking meditations or even quick moments of mindfulness throughout the day.
• Believe in the signs and guidance you receive from the universe. Trust that they are real and meaningful.
• Retrain your brain to think positively and focus on the outcomes you desire. Negative thoughts attract negative experiences, so choose to think positively and manifest positive outcomes.
• Simplify your life and embrace the support of your spiritual team. You are never alone, and you can always call on your guides and loved ones for help and guidance.
• Celebrate your accomplishments and live in the present moment. Don't always strive for the next thing, but appreciate what you have and the journey you're on.

Let's get real... Funeral directors deserve more. We do the work that 99.9% of the world's population would not want to do. We do it with grace, dignity, and empathy for the families going through loss. Michael and Joe get into all of that, COVID funerals, work life balance, and the value of the mortician.

-----

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Laughter is grief's destroyer.

(15:32) – Retirement decision is more bitter sweet.

(21:06) – COVID funerals.

(26:08) – Valuing your employees.

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Takeaways

• The importance of supporting and valuing funeral directors
• Creating a healthy work-life balance in the funeral service industry
• Proper compensation for funeral directors
• Building morale in the workplace
• The need for a shift in the industry's mindset and practices The funeral industry has been greatly impacted by the rise of cremation and the need for personalized services.
• Competition in the industry is increasing, and funeral homes need to adapt and provide meaningful and valuable services to families.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for funerals, with restrictions on gatherings and limited opportunities for families to say goodbye.
• It is important to ensure that funerals honor and celebrate the lives of the deceased, providing closure and support for the grieving.
• Valuing and engaging employees is crucial for the success of funeral homes.
• Joseph Fritsch is contemplating retirement and considering a career change to become an advocate for final expense insurance.

The dreaded walk-in...... A thing of the past? Kinda. How do we handle the stress, what makes a good funeral story, and shirtless digging by the graveside. Thanks to Josh D!

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-----

Show Notes:

(06:18) – Relationships with families.

(15:32) – Funeral service. Reward vs Challenge.

(21:06) – Catering to clients.

(32:08) – Josh's most unusual funeral story...

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Takeaways

• Being a funeral director requires adaptability and the ability to handle unexpected situations.
• Building relationships with families is crucial in the funeral industry.
• Funeral directors have a high level of responsibility and must always be on their A-game.
• The job can be emotionally and physically draining, but the rewards make it worthwhile.
• Word of mouth and positive reviews are important for the success of a funeral home.
• Funeral directors serve a diverse range of clientele and must be able to cater to different needs and preferences. Treat every family with the same respect and attention to detail, regardless of their financial situation.
• Separate personal life from work and focus on taking care of the families in front of you.
• The job of a funeral director can be emotionally challenging, but it also provides a unique perspective on life and the importance of family.
• Funeral directors often encounter unusual and memorable situations, such as a man jumping into his wife's grave or a family distributing vials of cremated remains as party favors.

It’s tough getting a business off the ground.  Especially a business that requires 24/7 care, physical, emotional, mental labor/challenge, and clients that are not happy they need to use you.  Former NFDA President, Randy Anderson has been through it all.  Soak it up, this guy knows his stuff!

-----

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⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Family-owned challenges.

(15:32) – How & why to get started.

(21:06) – Excellence is the standard.

(32:08) – How to manage a business.

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Takeaways

• Involvement in professional organizations like NFDA can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities for funeral homes.
• Funeral homes need to adapt to changing industry trends and meet the evolving expectations of clients to stay relevant.
• Developing leadership skills and fostering a positive work culture are crucial for the success of funeral homes.
• Caring for people and providing exceptional service should be the driving force behind every funeral director's career. Passing on the family business requires open communication and timing.
• Striving for excellence is attainable by making the best out of what you have.
• Creating meaningful experiences for families can leave a lasting impact.
• Building lasting relationships with families and colleagues is rewarding.
• Balancing work and personal life is essential for overall well-being.
• Young business owners should join national organizations and focus on business management.
• Learning from others, especially experienced funeral directors, is valuable.
• Family support and guidance can contribute to a successful career.
• Expressing gratitude and honoring the work of funeral directors is important.

What are the most important things we can do to keep our industry alive?  Adapt, get involved, focus on the benefits family receive, use positive press.  Tom Parmalee of Funeral Vision knows the ins & outs and all the future trends we are nearly approaching.  Listen up funeral home owners & directors!

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email:  conor@mortuary-marketing.com

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Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias:

⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – The most interesting funeral press story ever.

(15:32) – Debating whether funeral prices should be mandatory for a website.

(21:06) – Community involvement is not dead (and probably never will be).

(32:08) – Talk to a family about how they personally benefit.

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Takeaways

• Funeral Vision provides news and information to the funeral profession, helping professionals stay informed and connected.
• Sharing stories and information is crucial for the growth and improvement of the funeral industry.
• Transparency in pricing can benefit both funeral homes and families, but there are challenges and debates surrounding its implementation.
• Negative press coverage can unfairly portray the funeral industry, and it is important to counteract these perceptions by promoting the positive aspects of the profession. Active community involvement and promotion are essential for funeral homes to build trust and attract clients.
• Live streaming can be a valuable touchpoint for showcasing the care and service provided by funeral homes.
• Sharing personal stories and testimonials can resonate with potential clients and demonstrate the benefits of funeral services.
• Writing should focus on emotional connection and highlight the benefits of funeral services rather than just features.
• The Funeral Vision job board aims to address the staffing crisis in the funeral profession.
• Providing value and building an audience are key to long-term success in the funeral industry.

Something almost all of us have been through.... The dreaded FUNERAL BURN OUT.  Yohan & Michael talk about their journeys through it, how to overcome, & best strategies for reducing the likelihood of it happening again.  Great value for all of our young directors out there: Put yourself first sometimes!!

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email:  conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias:

⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Supportive coworkers make the job what it is.

(15:32) – The pressure of time in funeral service.

(21:06) – How to stay focused.

(32:08) – How a personal brand makes a difference in any industry.

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Takeaways

• Working in the funeral service industry can be emotionally and physically draining, leading to burnout over time.
• Having supportive coworkers and a positive atmosphere within a funeral home is crucial for the well-being of funeral directors.
• Time constraints and the need for immediate action are common in funeral service, adding to the stress of the job.
• Despite the challenges, many funeral directors find fulfillment in their work and are passionate about helping families during difficult times. Caring and going above and beyond can make a significant difference in the lives of grieving families.
• Managers play a crucial role in motivating staff and creating a positive work environment.
• Following your passion and dreams is essential in the funeral service industry.
• Building relationships with families and providing personalized services is key to making a lasting impact.
• Celebrating life and sharing unique stories can bring comfort and healing to families.
• Establishing a personal brand and pursuing your dreams can lead to success in the funeral service industry.