Cremation Nation 🚩

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. ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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. ----- 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 :)   ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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. ----- 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!! ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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.” ----- 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 ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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. ----- 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: ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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 ----- 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. ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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. ----- 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! ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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. ----- 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. ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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! ----- 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! ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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. ----- 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 Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- 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. ----- 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.