Undertaking: The Podcast

Innovation is happing everywhere in funeral service, almost. The one sector that is ignored and resists change is the prep room and embalming. Can Ryan and Brian figure out why? Probably not but they give it a go. 

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Weaponized Incompetence, Performance Theater and Recreational Outrage, oh my! Ryan tells stories and Brian tries to remember what he wanted to talk …

Podcast Mystery: This show originally aired on 1/20/23. Some time over the weekend the audio file disappeared. Here we are, back from the grave, or recycle bin, episode 440.

111 children in the United Kingdom lose a …

We've renamed Todd Van Beck's mid-month history cast. Todd's show, now called Funeral Chronicles, kicks off with the story of the unsung heroes of the 1903 Chicago Iroquois Theater Fire. 

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Our pal, Jennifer Bryant-Dixon stops by the show to chat life, funeral service and the challenges life throws at us. 

Today's show is sponsored by:

The Wilbert Group & Wilbert Edu

SuperNova International

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Grant from the podcast, My Funeral Home Stories, stops by the show to talk about indie content creation in podcasting. Ryan is fired up and Brian …

The guys hang out with Ryan's co-worker Shane Williams. Ryan looks to discuss entering funeral service as a second career while Brian just wants to hear what it's really like to work with Ryan Ballard.

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Todd Van Beck kicks off 2023 with volume 2 in his series, Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of President Lincoln.

Today's show is …

After being called out most nights this week, both Ryan and Brian find a moment to finish out 2022 and briefly look forward to 2023 with our special guest Brie Smith, co-host of the new show: The Dirt: With Return Home.

Jason Engler and Barbara Kemmis are back with their series Cremation Then and Now. Today they discuss how cremationists and others educated the public about cremation.

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The Wilbert Group

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Introducing a brand-new show on the Undertaking: The Podcast Network, "The Dirt: with Return Home" and their first guest is Assemblywoman Amy Paulin …

As Ryan Ballard steps away from public service to focus on funeral directing, he chats with Brian about balancing life in funeral service. 

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Answering Service for Directors ASD

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If you think Adkins invented the low carb diet, this again. Meet Undertaker William Banting. He died in 1878. Todd Van Beck has the story!

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Brian and Ryan discuss how funeral professionals interact professionally and personal. Daily, funeral professionals work together for the benefit of families but sometimes bumps in the road arise. 

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Lauren Bowser, funeral director and embalmer from New Jersey explains her journey in funeral service and how she's found balance between work and …

President Abraham Lincoln's funeral was by far the grandest in American history. Todd Van Beck returns to document this historic funeral in his …

Should a customer benefit from their interaction with you, even if they don't ask? From online reviews to the stresses of funeral service, Brian …

In life there are bumps in the road in our work-life, our relationships and even our hobbies. In this year's Thanksgiving Special episode, Ryan and Brian talk about the bumps in their road of life and how together we …

Ryan's 10 year old daughter, Kennedy, has been reading up on Egyptian history and watching everything she can. She's been waiting patiently to be a …

Bre Smith, funeral director and embalmer with Return Home, the world's largest natural organic reduction facility, stops by the podcast booth to talk NOR and their success. 

Check out Return Home here

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How do you discuss embalming? What is officially considered embalming? In Atlanta, Georgia at the CANA convention, Brian is introduced to Jeff Chancellor of Eckels by rogue guest-co-host, Brother Jason Duvall and an …

Is educational funeral content being pulled from YouTube? Today's show is the audio from a video created by Kari The Mortician featuring John T. Hill …

A special early drop for our friends in the United Kingdom. John Adams, President of NAFD in the UK sits down with Brian and Eimer Duffy from FIT …

Ben Schmidt of The Funeral Science Podcast takes over for Ryan Ballard in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Ryan and Brian meet funeral director and embalmer from Long Island, New York, John Bernius.

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Clay Bruggaman, founder of Into Our Kare Innovative Funeral Services stops by the Kellerman Family of Vehicles Booth to discuss his new business venture and a bit on his mortuary service in the Army.

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In Baltimore, Ryan and Brian catch up with Belgian embalmer, Alain Koninckx. 

Connect with Alain here: http://www.alainkoninckx.com/

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Ryan and Brian are set up in Baltimore and discuss their first impressions as the convention starts to develop.

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In Baltimore at the NFDA conference, the guys kick off the show by speaking with funeral director and embalmer, Brandon Cruz about his career and purchasing his funeral homes. 

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Funeral director and embalmer for over 30 years, Joe Falcon, joins the show only to be joined by his brother Robert.

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Does an American Flag used for veteran's funerals belong in a Chinese flag case? It's a good question. Today, Brian talks with Mike Matthews of SpartaCraft. 

Learn more about SpartaCraft at: https://www.spartacraft.com/

From Dublin, Ireland, embalmer and educator, Glyn Tallon sits down at the FNA roundtable. 

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Episode 410 finds the guys still in Springfield, Missouri as they interview entrepreneur, funeral director and embalmer, Michelle Johnston.

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More roundtable recordings at the Fountain National Academy features a DMORT discussion with Randy Emmert from Pierce Chemical and a special announcement from CCMS.

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Barbara Kemmis and Jason Engler are back to share another episode in their series, Cremation Then and Now. Today they discuss Cremation Societies and how memorialization has changed.

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At Fountain National Academy's International Conference, Ryan and Brian kickoff a long night of interviews. 

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Fountain National Academy

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Sherry Quire, Director of Organ Services with the Indiana Donor Network joins the show to discuss all the ways they are innovating to save lives. 

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Handling an estate and need help? The folks from Family Estate Manager are on the show to talk about how they help families with estate work.

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In Atlanta, at the Cremation Association of North America's convention, Brian sits down to record and gets questioned about his keynote speech. 

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Dr. Chris Rumana from the Dechoker company joins the show the tell us about this new life-saving device. Learn more about the Dechoker here: …

From Kentucky, funeral director, embalmer and owner, Jason Duvall shares his story of starting his funeral home against difficult odds.

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Todd Van Beck kicks off September with his series Rest In Peace Mr. President. Today's show features the death and funeral of James Buchanan.

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Todd Harra, author of Last Rites: The Evolution of the American Funeral and staff writer for Southern Calls Magazine is taking over the show.

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The lads continue their interviews with embalmers at the FNA Academy in Springfield, Missouri. Check it out.

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Ryan and Brian record from the floor of the Fountain National Academy's 6th Biannual International Embalming and Reconstructive Surgery Conference. Check it out.

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Brian reviews his first time at a CANA convention. Check it out.

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Believe it or not, Ryan has never been to Brian's house. Today, we sit in Brian's garage and has out life and work. Check it out.

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Licensed since 1983, Ray Visotski, has worn almost every hat in funeral service. Listen to his story here. 

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Barbara Kemmis and Jason Engler return with their series, Cremation Then and Now to discuss the black plastic box or temporary urns. 

Register for CANA's 104th Convention here:

https://www.cremationassociation.org/

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Todd Van Beck presents: Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of President Franklin Pierce.

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FamilyEstateManager.com

The …

Author of Last Rites: The Evolution of the American Funeral, Todd Harra joins the joins the show. Pick up his new book here:

Last Rites: The …

Ryan and Brian are on location in Springfield, Missouri at the Fountain National Academy's International Embalming and Reconstructive Surgery Conference for professional embalmers.

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Cadence has created a website for Canadians who need estate help. Listen to their story here. 

Connect with the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Check out Cadence here: https://cadencecares.ca/

Today's …

Tim Barnett, funeral director and embalmer from Kentucky didn't have this easiest path to earning his license. Hear his story here. 

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Funeral director and embalmer, Greg Woodruff, joins the show to share his story in funeral service in Kentucky. 

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Todd Van Beck is back to launch a limited series called "The Value Purpose and Benefit of the Funeral". In today's first installment, Todd examines the landmark traits of funeral service communication. 

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A heart transplant at eight days old: The life of our guest, Lauren Aggen, was saved by the selfless decision to give the gift of life. Listen to her …

Texas funeral director and embalmer PJ Barnett joins the show to tell her unusual journey into funeral service. 

Connect  with the show at: 

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's sponsors:

Family Estate Manager

Author of Confessions of a Funeral Director and the new book, All The Ways Our Dead Still Speak, Caleb Wilde sits down late at night with Brian and Ryan to discuss his work and his mission to talk about burnout in …

Join Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of CANA and Jason Engler, The Cremation Historian as they kick off their new series, Cremation Then and Now. 

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Brian and Ryan catch up with each other and talk about what's in store for them over the next several weeks.

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Certified Safety Training

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We kick off July with another of Todd Van Beck's series, Rest In Peace Mr. President; the Death and Funeral of Millard Fillmore. 

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Dalene and Jennifer from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards join the show to discuss the National Board Exam.

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The Elvis movie is now in theaters but we've got the story of his death and funeral here. Check it out.

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Lori Sheeler stops by the podcast booth at the IFDA convention. We chat about her journey into funeral service and what her roles are today. 

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Todd Van Beck shares another story from his funeral chronicles series. 

Have a story and want to be on the show? Connect with us at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's show is sponsored by:

Garfield Refining

John R. Braboy Jr., was the President of Mid-America College of Mortuary Science for many years. John died on June 2nd and today Brian chats with …

Andy Clayton, Executive Director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association wraps up the 141st convention with Brian. Check it out.

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Todd Van Beck returns to share the story of the funeral home ambulance service. #podcast #EMT #paramedic Today's sponsors are @INDonorNetwork …

Tyler Tutterow fills in for Ryan Ballard and walks the trade show floor with Brian at Indiana's Funeral Convention.

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The Love Always …

Scott Smith, President-Elect of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association stop by the Undertaking:  The Podcast booth at the IFDA convention to talk shop with Brian.

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We kick off June with another session of Todd Van Beck's series, Rest In Peace Mr. President, the Death and Funeral of President Zachary Taylor. 

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Today's …

Is the National Board Exam still important in funeral service? Or is the exam an unnecessary hurdle to entering the profession. Jack Lechner Jr. from …

One of the youngest funeral home owners we've met, Tyler Tutterow, joins the show at IFDA to talk funeral service.

Have a story and want to be on the show, connect with the guys at:

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Has western culture and marketing infiltrated funeral service? Is there any evidence to prove this claim? Join the conversation at:

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Ron King of Butler Coach died this week. Today we honor our friend and replay his first appearance on the show. 

At the 141st Indiana Funeral Directors Association Convention, we chat with NFDA Secretary Chris Robinson about unregulated body brokers and what …

At the 141st IFDA Convention, we speak with the new IFDA president Jon Ballard.

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ASD Answering Service For Directors

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At the 141st IFDA convention, Ryan and Brian kick the next series of shows.

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Today's sponsors:

Hilton Funeral Supply

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While in Washington for a wedding, Brian chats with Henry Johnston CFSP.

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The Wilbert Group

Indiana …

Todd Van Beck presents his series Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of President James Knox Polk.

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Elliott Stubblefield is the Community Development Coordinator at the Indiana Donor Network and he visits the show to discuss how he connects with the …

Unfortunately, not all funeral companies are legit. Some prey on consumers' inability to tell the difference between a brick and mortar business versus an online broker. The Department of Justice is now stepping in. 

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Ryan and Brian discuss the worries of funeral directors. 

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Today's sponsors: 

Pierce Chemical

Indiana Donor Network

Brian Montalbano has received the gift of life twice. Today he shares his story. 

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Mark J. Lindquist returns to the show to tell us how we can directly help the people of Ukraine.

Donate here: Help For Ukraine

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Todd Van Beck presents the history of horses in funeral service. 

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Today's sponsors: 

Butler Coach

The Wilbert Group

Indiana Donor …

Leslie from episode 201 returns to the show to tell her story of receiving a life-saving transplant. 

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Peter Stefan is known for caring for the Boston Bomber but he will be remembered for the legacy and standard he set for other funeral directors.

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Today's …

Benny and Dr. Nick Capaul from the Let's Talk About Death Podcast join the show to talk about......... lots of things! 

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For Wrestlemania weekend, we drop this special episode with Jason Engler and we talk Paul Bearer and the Undertakers' urn. 

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We kick off the month of April with another episode of Todd Van Beck's series: Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of President John Tyler.

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All the way from Ireland, Conor Clear, funeral celebrant, joins the show and we talk funerals.

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Sydney Powell, a removal tech from Texas is new to funeral service and she joins the show to discuss her journey into a new job.

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There are words or terms that funeral directors are trained not to say. Ryan and Brian go through the list.

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How long has undertaking and funeral directing been around? Today, Todd Van Beck shares the story of the Fossores. 

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Today's …

Dean Lambert from the Love Always Project joins the show to discuss a personal loss and introduces the Love Always Project.

Learn more about the Love Always Project at:

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Have a story to …

It's National Funeral Director and Mortician Day. Thank you to all funeral professionals.

Today, Matt Duffy aka DJ TripleBypass joins the show to discuss his travels in funeral service from Illinois to Japan to Hawaii. 

Kittitas County Coroner Nick Henderson of Washington State returns to the show to chat with Brian about his career and life in funeral service and county government. 

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Brian documents the invasion of Ukraine.

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Today's sponsors:

Indiana Donor Network

Express Funeral Funding

Commander Ona Solberg USN (Ret) died Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at her home in Washington state. Today we honor her, give thanks for her service and …

Todd Van Beck returns to share the story of the death and funeral of President William Henry Harrison.

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Today's show is sponsored by: 

ASD

APLazer

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Robert Nunnaley, funeral director from North Carolina, joins the show to talk about Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

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Have you thought about entering funeral service? This episode is for you! We're proud to be funeral directors. 

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Grant Wood is famous for many works including "American Gothic". His story is intertwined with funeral service. Listen to "The Artist and The …

Micah Truman, founder of Return Home, joins the show to talk about the progress of Natural Organic Reduction and why he's crowdfunding the next phase of Return Home. 

Today's show is sponsored by: 

Indiana Donor Network

Jason Engler, friend of Bill Moody, joins the show to talk about the life and time of Paul Bearer. 

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Indiana Donor …

Brian and Ryan discuss several topics from COVID to products to mystery clots. 

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Indiana Donor Network

Memory Share

Ryan share the reason for his absences and the future of the podcast.

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APLazer

Todd Van Beck is back to share his series, Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of President Martin Van Buren

Learn more about the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

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Looking for help on the National Board Exam? Check out https://nbeexamprep.com/ and listen to today's show with Jesse Pettway.

Today's show is sponsored by:

Indiana Donor Network

https://www.myasd.com/

At NFDA in Nashville, Ryan and Brian met Derwin Williams, funeral home owner and owner of three Coassons. 

Today's show is sponsored by: Indiana Donor Network

Want to be a guest on the show? Connect with us at: 

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We're excited to introduce Janson Engler, Cremation Historian. 

Today's show is sponsored by: 

Butler Coach 

Indhttps://indianadonornetwork.org/transplant-recipients/ iana Donor Network

Ryan Ballard goes solo at NFDA in Nashville to talk with Madeline Lyles and Dana Taylor of After Life Mortuary Services of Memphis, Tennessee. 

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What happens when someone dies overseas? Tune in to find out. Plus a short bonus on Japanese funeral culture. 

Today's show is sponsored by:

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Want to know how to leverage social media to your and your families advantage? FIT Social teaches you how instead of selling you generic content. Plus, Brian shares a Facebook tip to reach more people.

Ryan Ballard goes solo to chat about legacy and his vision for funeral service. 

We welcome in 2022 with Todd Van Beck's series, Rest In Peace Mr. President, the Death and Funeral of President Andrew Jackson.

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Comedian Samantha Bee hosts a show call Full Frontal. Recently she took a shot a "Big Funeral". Ryan and Brian review a few clips and play "fact or …

Andy Clayton, Executive Director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association joins the show to discuss a state associations role in helping local …

While in Miami with Nelson Sanchez of Frigid Fluid, the guys stop by the beach to record with their feet in the sand.

Brian's childhood hero, Andre Dawson joins the show to talk funeral service and as a bonus, he shares how he became a Chicago Cub.

Today's show is sponsored by:

Indiana Donor Network: https://indianadonornetwork.org/

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Funeral history presented by Todd Van Beck. We be you didn't know this. 

Today's show is sponsored by Indiana Donor Network:

https://indianadonornetwork.org/

Want to be on the show? Visit: …

Episode 319, Death of a Child, features Jeff Brose, funeral director and embalmer from North Dakota. Jeff shares the story of the death of his son. 

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Ronald Taylor II, second generation funeral director from Washington D.C. pops by to talk about how he's using vehicles differently. 

Want to me a guest? Connect with the guys at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

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In Nashville, Larry Stuart Jr. stops by the booth to debate in some of the discrepancies in advertising in funeral service. 

To learn more about Larry Stuart Jr. visit: 

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Todd Van Beck is back to present another edition of his series, Rest In Peace Mr. President, The Death and Funeral of President John Quincy Adams.

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Ahmed Gaballah, founder of Sokna, joins the show on day two in Nashville, Tennessee to explain the modern Egyptian funeral. 

Learn more about Sokna at: 

https://sokna.com/

Today's show is sponsored by National Mortuary …

Eddie Pitt from Cooper Professionals, joins the show in Nashville, Tennessee to spread the word about how African-American funeral homes can …

For this Thanksgiving Special, we are joined by Dr. Damon de la Cruz to talk about how we handle talking about work during the holidays. 

Today's …

Our booth hosts, Platinum, MK and K2 vehicles, join us on the show to talk about how they help funeral homes by providing the highest quality vehicles. 

What is MorTrack? This show tells it all. Check them out at:

https://www.cairnstack.com/mortrack

Learn more about the show at:

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Today's show is sponsored by Butler Coach:

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Mike Squires, founder of Southern Calls magazine joins the show at NFDA in Na shville to tell the story of how this magazine came about. 

To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Check …

Here's a bit of funeral history presented by Todd Van Beck. What do microphones have to do with the Porti-boy embalming machine? Tune in to find out.

English war cemeteries raise the bar for caring for our veterans and our dead. Sarah Nathaniel from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission joins the show to share the story of the CWGC how we've cared for our dead. 

Mark Harrison from Certified Safety Training wakes up the guys to scare the hell out of them about OSHA regulations.

To learn more visit: …

Our friend and funeral director, Randy Nash Jr. returns to the show to talk about what he's been up to. 

Josh McQueen from Passare stops by the booth at NFDA to share a milestone in funeral service software.

Todd Van Beck returns to share another episode of Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of James Monroe. 

Ben Schmidt, funeral director, embalmer, educator and podcast host, joins the show to discuss his show, The Funeral Science Podcast.

Today's show is sponsored by: 

Platinum Funeral Coach: http://platinumfuneralcoach.com/

Sonny Falcon, the Fajita King, inventor of the fajita, is remembered by his son and funeral director, Robert Falcon. 

Brian takes a second during a very busy time to discuss the future of the show.

Learn more about the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's show is sponsored by: 

Indiana Donor Network: …

Recording from Nashville, Tennessee, Ryan and Brian discuss their why of why they work as funeral directors.

We're closing in on 300 episodes and today we're setting up and podcasting from NFDA in Nashville. 

http://platinumfuneralcoach.com/

Our buddy Leili McMurrough joins the show to talk the job market in funeral service.

Today's show is sponsored by:

Indian Donor Network: https://indianadonornetwork.org/

Memory Share: https://www.memoryshare.com

Learn …

Are funeral professionals commission driven? Possibly. The guys go down the rabbit hole to discuss this common misconception.

To learn more about the …

David Speaks, The Funeral Guy, joins the show to talk about how he can help funeral directors and funeral home connect and find the perfect job for the perfect candidate.

To learn more about The Funeral Guy Speaks …

Nathan Morris, funeral director and host of the podcast, You'll Die Trying, joins the show to discuss funeral service.

Check out Nathan's podcast at:

Todd Van Beck is back to share the story of the death and funeral of President James Monroe.

To learn more about the show visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's sponsors: 

Express Funeral Funding: …

Jamie Meredith of C&J Financial joins the show to discuss how their company helps funeral homes process life insurance for families.

To learn more about C&J Financial visit: http://cjf.com/

Check out …

Todd Van Beck takes us back in time to explore the huge efforts undertaken by the funeral directors and embalmers of Canada as they work to recover the dead from the wreck of the Titanic.

To learn more about the show …

Kim's husband died after a battle with brain cancer. As a widow with two children, she couldn't find the support she needed. This trouble drove Kim …

Embalmers pour fluids from corpses down drains but Texas officials didn't know. Brian goes solo to examine an article by USA Today plus Dr. Damon de …

At 9:37 a.m. 20 years ago, American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. That day, Commander Ona Solberg was inside that building. This is …

There's no fire, but there is a chat. Ryan takes a walk in a cemetery to chat about their importance and how peaceful they can be.

To learn more …

Eileen Hollis has used social media, specifically TikTok, to educate consumers about funeral service and to share her story about the life of a …

Todd Van Beck presents the Death and Funeral of President Thomas Jefferson in another episode is his series, Rest In Peace, Mr. President.

To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

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Elizabeth Nester from Columbus, Ohio joins the show to talk abut her journey into funeral service.

To learn about abut the show visit:

…

At the 141st Ohio Funeral Directors Convention, Ryan and Brian visit with Shaina Haakinson, a funeral service student, about her concerns with entering the funeral service job market. 

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Ryan and Brian visit the 141st annual OFDA Convention in Ohio. 

Learn more about the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's show is brought to you by: 

Garfield Refining:

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Ryan and Brian go deeper into self-care and also bust an embalming myth with a surprise guest. 

Check out the podcast at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's show is sponsored by:

MortuaryMall.com: …

Ryan goes solo today to discuss self care and the importance of focusing on yourself. 

Learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast at:

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On sale today, a brand new book called "It's Your Funeral" by Kathy Benjamin. Today, Kathy joins the show to talk about her work and why she wrote about funerals. 

Learn more about the show at: …

We're often told that Undertaking began during the civil war. In reality, Undertakers about been around much longer. Here's a story of one …

After the death of her husband, Melissa searched for support in many places. Later, she wrote about her experience in Filled With Gold, A Widow's …

Ryan goes solo again to talk about some of the most difficult moments in funeral service.

Learn more about the show at: …

Todd Van Beck presents the second show in his series, Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of John Adams.

To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's show is brought …

Brian and Ryan are back by themselves to discuss burials and why Brian wants a pile of dirt near the grave.

To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's show is sponsored by:

Pierce …

Ben Whitworth, CFSP, of the MazWell Group, joins the show to chat with Brian about funeral service in the United Kingdom. 

Check out the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Learn more about the MazWell Group …

Ryan Ballard shares his thoughts while taking some time off at the lake. 

Check out the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Today's sponsors: 

Investors Heritage Life Insurance: https://investorsheritage.com/

For years there has been much confusion around Legacy.com and how they operate. Today, John Heald joins the show to talk about how Legacy can help spread the word when a death occurs.

Check out the show at: 

…

Ebone Dukes, Program Director for Funeral Service Technology at Northwest Mississippi Community College joins the show to discuss education in …

Dillon Dickey, funeral director and embalmer with Mid South Mortuary Service of Memphis, Tennessee, joins the show to discuss his journey into funeral service. 

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

…

Most in funeral service have an origin story, a story that led them into this career. Today, Todd Van Beck shares his story.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: 

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

…

Brent Taylor of Brent Taylor Paul McCarver Funeral Directors joins the show to discuss how they're changing funeral service in Memphis, Tennessee.

To …

85 years old, 61 years in funeral service, 44 years with Pierce Chemical, Bobby Herring joins the show to chat embalming and a lifetime of funeral …

Stanley May, fellow funeral director and embalmer died on June 11, 2021. Today we take a minute to remember Stan and thank him for the care he gave to so many in his community. 

To read Stan's complete obituary visit: …

Todd Van Beck returns to the show to feature a series called Rest In Peace Mr. President; the death and funeral of President George Washington.

To learn more about the show visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

…

Mike Everest from Portals to the Past returns to the show to discuss the bloodiest day in the British Army as we remember the Battle of the Somme. 

To learn more about Portals to the Past visit:

…

At the end of the natural organic reduction tour, Ryan and Brian collapse in their beds and review the previous days discussions. 

To learn more …

Return Home is open for business! Terramation or Natural Organic Reduction is now legal in three states and Micah Truman joins the show to discuss how Return Home helpw complete the life cycle. 

To learn more about …

Brie Smith, funeral director and embalmer with Return Home, Washington state's largest natural organic reduction facility. 

To learn more about Return Home visit: https://www.returnhome.com/

To learn more about …

On our final day in Washington state, we visit with Steve Calson, operations director of Return Home, the state's largest natural organic reduction facility. 

To learn more about Return Home visit:

…

Last time Henry was an employee. Since our last episode with Henry, he has become an owner. In this show, we chat about the process of purchasing a funeral home and how Henry's adapting to the new laws in Washington …

While on the road in Washington state, we met Logan Woody, a funeral director and embalmer intern at Johnston and Williams Funeral Home. We jumped at the chance to get a new perspective. 

Check out the podcast at: …

While touring natural organic reduction facilities in Washington state, the guys sit down with Kittitas County Coroner, Nick Henderson.

Check out Kittitas County Washington at:

https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/

Learn more …

We visited Herland Forest in Washington state to discuss Natural Organic Reduction. On this episode we visit with Walt Patrick and The Green Reaper, Elizabeth Fournier.

For more information about Herland Forest visit:

…

New markets are emerging in funeral service with alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. While in Washington state, we discuss all this …

Andy Clayton, Executive Director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association stops by to review the success of the 140th convention.

For more information about Indiana Funeral Directors Association visit: 

…

At the IFDA 140th convention, Jay Oglesby of Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions stops by the podcast booth to discuss how they were able to supply …

Dominick Astorino spoke at the Indiana Funeral Directors Association's 140th convention about the importance of viewing and restorative art. We catch up with him on the trade show floor.

For more information about …

Indiana Funeral Directors Association hosted their 140th convention this week and the lads take their new mobile equipment for a walk as they visit the vendors and suppliers. 

To learn more about the Indiana Funeral …

Steve Webster of First Call Plus, discusses alkaline hydrolysis and how he's introducing this process to business. 

For more information about …

Katrina Spade, founder and CEO of Recompose, joins the show to discuss the journey into natural organic reduction and how Recompose works.

To learn more about Recompose visit:

https://recompose.life/

To learn more about …

Washington State Senator, Jamie Pedersen joins the show to talk about passing the Natural Organic Reduction bill.

To lean more about Senator Jamie Pedersen visit:

https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/pedersen/

To learn more …

We continue our discussion about the job market in funeral service with Steve Johnson, CFSP.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Steven Johnson, CFSP, embalmer, funeral director, educator and innovator from the state of New York joins the show to discuss, D.E.A.D! Death Education Assessment Drills.

To learn more about D.E.A.D! visit: 

…

Tracy Harding, award winning author of the children's book, Anna's Big Wish, joins the show to tell the story behind the book.

To learn more about Anna's Big Wish visit:

https://annasbigwish.com/

To learn more about …

Peter Cheney bought his funeral home at 27 years old. He also has a unique hobby, distilling. Recently, Peter won a competition on Moonshiners: …

John Rabold, the voice of Undertaking: The Podcast, visits the show for the first time. John works with Indiana Donor Network to help ease the …

Mackenzie Hughey, Funeral Director Liaison with the Indiana Donor Network joins the show to discuss her role in helping funeral directors manage …

As we continue Donate Life Month, we bring you the story of Tristan and her mother, Tammy. We also speak with Courtney, Manager of Aftercare Support with the Indiana Donor Network. 

To learn more about Indiana Donor …

ASD, Answering Service for Directors, helps almost 50 percent of funeral homes in the United States. During COVID, this task became monumental. Craig from ASD joins to show to discuss their struggle to help families and …

Choosing organ donation for a family member happens at a time of great loss and confusion. Family Advocates, Erin Wilson and Jenna Wise, work with …

Jake Vandenberg, host and creator of Undertaker 365, joins the show to talk shop with the guys. 

To learn more about Undertaker 365 visit:

https://www.undertaker365.com/

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast …

Connecting donors, families and funeral homes can be extremely difficult. Sara Valentine of the Indiana Donor Network joins the show to explain how …

Jerrit Clayton, 115th President of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, died on March 24, 2021. Today we honor his service to funeral service.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: 

…

Judi, a double-lung transplant recipient and her son Zach, join the show to discuss the value of organ donation and how life can be saved with one simple decision. 

To learn more about organ and tissue donation visit:

…

Emmy Award winning special effects makeup artist, Dean Jones, joins the show to discuss his journey into funeral service cosmetics. 

For more information about PMRC visit:

https://www.postmortemcosmetics.com/

For more …

Nelson Sanchez, director of sales for Frigid Fluid Company and host of the Don Frigid Podcast joins the show to discuss his role at the company and …

How do funeral homes protect your family's data? Can funeral homes trust the companies that help us? It's up for debate.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: 

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Meg Aubrey has a unique journey into funeral service. Follow her at the Funeral Girl and hear her story here.

To learn more about Undertaking: The …

Ryan and Brian share their opinions on the best way to choose a funeral home. 

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Jason Simmons, the bearded preneed guy, joins to show to talk about thinking differently and preplanning funerals. 

To learn more about Jason Simmons …

Talking about death isn't always easy, using proper terminology can help. Jamie Sarche returns to the show to discuss how we approach tough …

Are funeral directors getting vaccinated? 

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Are families getting the death certificates they desperately need? The guys hash out what's been happening since the last discussion about Indiana's new death certificate system.

To learn more about Undertaking: The …

Calista Anderson joins the show to discuss online grief support. 

To learn more about Living Beyond Grief visit:

https://www.livingbeyondgrief.net/

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

…

The lads play "Quiz the Lawyer" with educator, lawyer and host of the podcast: Death, et seq., Tanya Marsh.

To learn more about Tanya Marsh and Death, et seq. visit:

https://deathetseq.com/

To learn more about …

Dr. Damon De La Cruz, author of Turning Art Into Science, joins the show to discuss the chemistry within embalming. 

To find Dr. Damon's book visit: 

http://www.tuesdayeveningpublications.com/

To learn more about …

New York City photojournalist, Andrew Kelly of AndrewKellyPhoto.com and Reuters, joins the show to talk about what he saw and felt during the pandemic.

To learn more about Andrew Kelly visit: 

…

Jason Johnston CFSP, joins the show to discuss his his journey into funeral service. 

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Katey Houston and her grief therapy dog Abe joins the show. And the guys discuss what happens when a coroner refuses to transport bodies.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

…

Jamie Sarche joins the show to talk about Jewish funeral rituals and customs.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Kates-Boylston Publications has been serving funeral service since 1877 with American Cemetery & Cremation, Funeral Service Insider, Funeral Service Extra, Funerals of the Famous and Brian's all-time favorite, …

Is Ryan a little sideways? The guys chat about price, value and and a casket from Costco. No, they don't come is packs of six. 

To learn more about the show visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice believe in life-long learning through personal and professional development. For those that join the academy and meet its qualifications, they earn the CFSP, …

Rob Goff, Executive Director of the Washington State Funeral Directors Association interviews Brian and Ryan for their show, Member Talks. 

To learn more about the Washington State Funeral Directors Association visit: 

…

Sometimes it's not okay to post. Kari Northey returns to the show to discuss social media and funeral service.

To learn more about Kari visit: 

…

Andy Clayton, Executive Director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association returns to the show to give an update into the debacle of the new Indiana death certificate system called DRIVE.

To learn more about the …

Michael and Kim from Funeral Professionals Peer Support join the show to discuss the groups origins and how people can get involved locally. 

To …

Funeral directors go to great lengths to help families obtain death certificates. Ryan and Brian discuss the challenges of getting others to fulfill …

The US Honor Flag is a single flag with a unique story. Chris Heisler joins the show to share the flag's origin story and this one flag has impacted Americans all across the country.

To learn more about the US Honor …

Welcome 2021 and bugger off 2020. Ryan and Brian review the products they tried over the past year. Check it out.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Ryan and Brian discuss the ins and outs of funeral tributes. Check it out.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: 

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Merry Christmas everyone. To all the funeral professionals working today, we thank you and so do your families. Make some memories today folks.

To …

Todd Van Beck returns to the show to discuss the failure of the Loewen Group. 

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

To learn more about Todd Van Beck visit:

…

Does funeral service in America have a unified voice? Ryan and Brian break down the different associations that represent funeral service.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

…

Ryan and Brian review their experience with Covid-19 thus far. 

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

The boys are back in Nashville, Tennessee to talk more with Todd Van Beck about the value, purpose and benefit of the funeral. 

To learn more about Todd Van Beck visit:

http://www.toddvanbeck.com/

To learn more about …

The guys are joined by Leslie and her sister Michelle. Michelle received a kidney transplant years ago, now, her sister Leslie, has been placed on the donor list.

To register as a organ donor visit:

…

In 1963, Jessica Mitford wrote the book "The American Way of Death", later she would debate funeral service with Todd Van Beck. Today, Todd joins the …

Michelle Carter, The Death Expert, joins the show to talk about how she uses social media to further her mission to promote conversation and planning for death.

To learn more about Michelle visit:

…

Funeral directors are often faced with ethical dilemmas and most often with very little time to make a proper decision. Ryan and Brian examine a situation with a grave and how funeral directors approach this situation.

…

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Make someone's day and tell them you love them.

To learn more about the show visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Often Military Funeral Honors are unable to be provided. We talk with Sgt. Andreas Allcock Ret., to give us some perspective on why some honors don't happen.

To learn more about the show visit:

…

The boys return to Detroit, Michigan to find Dominick Astorino. They discuss his passion for embalming and education. 

To learn more about Dominick visit:

http://www.dominickastorino.com/

To learn more about the show …

Cincinnati Bengals Chaplain, LaMorris Crawford, joins the show to talk about life, love and how we celebrate funerals. 

To learn more about LaMorris visit:

http://www.lamorriscrawford.com/

Learn more about the show at:

…

In part two of our discussion with Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America, we discuss a study of the opinions of cremation consumers. Tune in to see what they said.

To learn …

Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America returns to the show to talk about cremation, direction cremation and COVID. 

To learn more about CANA visit:

…

Tony Karsnia, President of the Professional Car Society died this week. Tony was an excellent funeral director and an even better person. He will be missed. 

Tony talked with the Ryan and Brian back in January 2020. …

Are burials too expensive? Ryan and Brian go down the rabbit hole to discuss the ins and outs of burials.

To learn more about the show visit:

…

Patrick Huey, licensed funeral director and embalmer in Texas, is a highly respected and skilled restorative artist. Patrick joins Ryan and Brian to discuss his journey and his passion for embalming and education.

To …

On today's show, Ryan and Brian discuss moving a body and the strange situations funeral directors sometimes find themselves in.

To learn more about the show visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Welton Hong, founder of Ring Ring Marketing, joins the show to discuss everything a funeral director needs to understand about marketing.

To learn more about Ring Ring Marketing visit: 

https://www.ringringmarketing.com/

The living partake in many types of facial fillers including Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. But is there something similar for the dead? In this episode the guys discuss feature building and Brian wonders why Ryan is …

Natural Organic Reduction, Human Composting or Terramation, whatever you call it, it's legal and happening in Washington State. Tune in as we chat with Micah Truman, founder of Return Home.

To learn more about the …

Clothing the dead can be time consuming, difficult, and physically demanding. It can also be confusing for families. Ryan and Brian have a back and …

Ryan and Brian dive into a list of questions that listeners have sent in over the past few months. 

Have a question? Check out undertakingthepodcast.com and send us a message.

We're talking body art today, body art for the living that is. Many prospective funeral directors have asked and today we're talking about what to expect from a potential employer. 

To learn more about Undertaking: The …

We've had many questions come to us in the past two years. Many have asked, "why do they look like this?" In this episode, Ryan and Brian discuss situations that cause a change in appearance before or after death. 

To …

In another episode in the Life Through Loss Series, Ryan and Brian talk with licensed funeral director and embalmer, Randy Lankford. The trio discuss National Suicide Prevention Month and Randy bravely shares his …

Tom Jokinen, author of Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker-In-Training, joins the show. Tom talks about his work as an apprentice funeral director and what he learned along his journey in writing his book. 

Pick up …

Jolene Hill, a funeral director from Australia, joins the show to talk about Your Life Talks, a creative way to spark end of life planning and …

A grave camera? Yes, exactly. With AFTR, you can virtually visit your loved one's grave, anytime, anywhere. 

To learn more about AFTR visit:

https://www.aftr.live/

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

…

The Memorial Frame was invented by Geraldine Doris Grenci but she died before it came to market. Her son, Angelo Grenci, joins the show to talk about how he's carrying on her legacy by continuing her vision.

To learn …

Brian and Ryan, remember 9/11 by sharing their story of where they were and what they were doing September 11th, 19 years ago.

To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Funeral director and embalmer Anna Marie Foster joins to the show to discuss her journey into funeral service. 

To learn more about the show visit:

https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/

Ron King of Butler Coach Company returns to the show to discuss all the new products for 2020 from Platinum, MK, K2 Vehicles and Coasson. 

To learn more about Butler Coach visit:

https://www.butlercoach.com/

To learn …

Shane Ritchie, founder of NecroMetics, joins the show to share a personal story of life, death and the importance of viewing. We also discuss NecroMetics, the newest company to offer cosmetics to the funeral industry. 

…

This week near Detroit, a young woman was pronounced dead and transported to a funeral home where their employees found that she was, in fact, alive. 

Pedro Acosta, founder of TrueBonds.co joins the show to introduce his company and how TrueBonds can help funeral homes and consumers. 

To learn more about TrueBonds visit: https://truebonds.co/

To learn more about …

In the third episode of our Life After Loss Series, we talk with Taylor McLean as we remember the life of Bryan Clauson. At the end of the show, we …

In our second Life Through Loss Series, Eileen Robertson Hamra, author of "Time To Fly", joins the show to talk about the death of her husband and how she worked through her grief journey.

To learn more visit: …

Ryan and Brian answer listener questions about Covid-19.

Patrick and Andy, from Express Funeral Funding are back on the show to talk about how they can help funeral homes and families get paid.

To learn more about Express Funeral Funding visit:

…

Karl Wenzel, founder of the Canadian School of Advanced Prep, joins the show to talk about Genelyn Canada, the newest embalming supply company in …

Lacie Brueckner and Katherine Pendergast, Authors of the new book: In Loving Memory: A Child's Journey to Understanding Funerals and Starting the Grieving Process, join the show to discuss how to talk to children about …

Bill Johnston, Founder of Post and Boost, a Facebook Marketing company, joins the show to discuss how using social media is key to a funeral home's success. 

To learn more about Post and Boost visit:

…

Angela Hershey, founder of the Indy End of Life Collective and an End of Life Doula, joins the show to talk about care of and for the dying. Find her …

Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of CANA, the Cremation Association of North America, joins the show to chat about their upcoming virtual convention. 

To learn more about CANA visit:

…

Jon Lefrandt, CEO and founder of The Domani Group joins the show to talk about aftercare and grief support in the digital age.

To learn more about The Domani Group visit:

https://www.thedomanigroup.com/

Jake Smith, a funeral director, an embalmer, educator, and forensic anthropologist, joins the show to discuss decomposition and other related funeral …

The second half of season three of My Funeral Home Stories returns Thursday. Creator of the show, Grant, returns to Undertaking: The Podcast to chat about the making of season three plus a load of other interesting …

Shawna Rodabaugh, an educator with Fayetteville Tech in North Carolina, joins the show to talk embalming and anatomical donation. 

To learn more …

Evan C. Loomis, funeral director and embalmer, joins the show to talk life, legacy, and funeral service in Buffalo, New York.

Larry Stuart Jr., of Cremation Strategy and Consulting, returns to the show to talk about CANA's 102nd annual convention that is going virtual as …

Julie Schultz recently celebrated the 28th anniversary of receiving a life-saving transplant. Join us was we hear her story. 

To learn more about …

Dr. Jason Troyer and counseling psychologist found his way from working in education to bringing his talents to funeral service. Have a listen as we …

Annmarie Rudolph of Queens, New York joins the show to talk about her experience with COVID-19. 

Emily Albrecht, the Funeral Law Lady, joins the show to chat about mortuary law and what funeral directors need to understand. 

Ryan and Brian's very first guest from episode 2, Nathan McCullough of Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, returns to the show to reverse roles and …

On today's show, we've got the creator of the very first grief app, Care First, Mr. Scot Bradford. Have a listen as we follow his grief journey to a …

Ryan and Brian rehash their experience since the last episode where they documented their world and COVID-19. 

Richard Neal, owner of Rosewood Classic Coach joins the show to discuss the amazing vehicles they manufacture. 

To learn more about Rosewood Classic Coach visit:

https://www.rosewoodclassiccoach.com/

Many have volunteered and many have risked their lives to help their fellow funeral directors and embalmers in New York. Nate Calvert was one of …

Ford Stokes and Brandy Seats, hosts of the Active Wealth Radio Show from Atlanta, Georgia, join the show to discuss financial planning. 

To learn more about their show visit:

https://activewealthshow.com/

Zach Chatterton, founder of Gather, joins the show to talk about how funeral home software should work and how it can make a difference in the lives …

Kyle Fogarty, founder of Midwest Streams, joins the show to discuss livestreaming and video production of funerals. 

To learn more about Midwest Streams visit:

Midweststreams.com

Can cremated remains be transformed into a diamond? Absolutely! Katy from Eterneva joins the show to discuss the process and how funeral directors …

Dr. Tanya Scotece of Miami Dade College of Mortuary Science joins the show. 

To learn more about Miami Dade College visit: 

…

Worsham College of Mortuary Science has been educating the next generation of funeral directors and embalmer since 1911. Program Director Leili …

President and CEO of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Jack Lechner, Jr., returns to the show the talk about education in funeral service and …

Kari Northey, funeral director, embalmer, as well as producer and host of a hit YouTube channel on funeral service information, returns to the show to catch up with the guys. 

To learn more about Kari visit:

…

COL Jack Lechner, Jr. RET, joins the show to talk about his career in funeral service as well as his time with the Army Mortuary Affairs and Arlington National Cemetery.

Mark Bowser, author, public speaker and leadership consultant, joins the show to discuss sales in funeral service.

To learn more about Mark visit:

…

Operation Kenya, the mission to bring embalming education to Africa is complete and Dominick Astorino joins the show to give the details. 

To learn more about Dominick visit:

http://www.dominickastorino.com/

Mortician and stand-up comic, Morty Stein joins the show to discuss funeral service and how public speaking led to stand-up comedy. 

To learn more abour Morty visit:

Mortythemortician.com

Randy Nash Jr., President of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, joins the show to discuss his journey into funeral service.

The lads needed a breath of fresh air and a bit of positivity. Who did they look to? None other than Mark J. Lindquist, author of Passion. 

To learn more about Mark visit:

https://www.markjlindquist.com/

The guys speak with J.M. Bernaudo from Long Island about the situation with COVID-19 in New York.

The topic of suicide is always a difficult discussion. The guys welcome Ann Moss Rogers, author of Diary of a Broken Mind, to the show to discuss her …

Brian and Ryan discuss the happenings with COVID-19 over the past few days. 

Caleb Wilde, author of Confessions of a Funeral Director joins the show to discuss burnout and stress in funeral service.

To learn more about Caleb visit: 

https://www.calebwilde.com/

The lads chat with Scott Smith, long-time funeral director and county coroner, about balancing both jobs. 

Ryan and Brian discuss the fast-paced changes with COVID-19 and how that's affecting funeral service.

Funeral Director and author, J. Kevin Watts, joins the show to discuss his new book, Dead Serious: My Life As A Funeral Director.

Ryan and Brian discuss the happenings of the last week with COVID-19 and their affects on funeral service. 

Paige and Tracy are back to talk about the challenges of supporting their family, their career and their funeral director husbands. They guys also quiz Tracy about what she's learned about Covid-19.

Ryan and Brian's wives, Tracy and Paige join the show to talk about what it is like to be married to funeral directors. 

The Watermelon Oreo Test is here! Ben Schmidt of Worsham College of Mortuary Science joins the show to discuss products and services and how they are …

Recording from the Statehouse, Tom Sproles, funeral director in Indiana, chats with the guys about Hospitality in funeral service.

Melissa Unfred, AKA the Modern Mortician, specializes in green funeral service. She joins the show to discuss ways funeral directors can help families reduce their carbon footprint of their death rituals.

To learn more …

Recording from Indiana Funeral Directors Association Day at the Statehouse, the guys chat with Ryan's uncle, Jon Ballard, Vice President of IFDA. 

An aspiring funeral director and embalmer, Hannah, a certified crematory technician in Washington state, joins the show to share her journey in funeral service.

Buyer beware. Not all companies are created equal. Shopping for cremation on the internet can be a coin toss at best. The guys break it down in this episode. 

Coronavirus is all over the news and people are asking questions. Embalmers and funeral directors have questions too. We talk it through in this episode. Plus a special visit by Andy Clayton, Executive Director of the …

In our final episode from NFDA 2019, we chat with Sandy from Resomation America. Alkaline hydrolysis is now legal in 20 states. In this show, we get …

On October 24, 2016, Matt Luecking of Terre Haute, Indiana was murdered. His brother Eric joins the show to share Matt's story and to share a story of forgiveness, grief and honor. 

To learn more about this story visit:

Curtis Rostad of the Foresight Companies stops by to talk consulting, OHSA, prep room safety and even Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. 

Tony Karsnia of the Professional Car Society stops by the show to discuss hearses, ambulances and funeral service. 

At NFDA 2019, David Priest of Doric Burial Vault stopped by to share their story.

Have you heard of collecting DNA after death? What can be done with it? Who collects it? We get our questions with Ryan Lehto of DNA Memorial - learn …

Listen and learn along with the guys as they speak with Frank Hastings Jr. of Vital ICE. 

Monica Torres of NXT Generation Mortuary Support joins the show for a second time. 

Check out NXT Gen Mortuary Support at: 

https://www.nxtgenmortuarysupport.com/

Larry Stuart Jr. of Cremation Strategies and Consulting stops by the Kellerman Family of Vehicles booth at NFDA 2019 to chat about all kinds of …

We chat with Monica Torres who owns and operates NXT Generation Mortuary Support. Monica provides continuing education classes to funeral directors and embalmers but also attends events where consumers can learn about …

National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation stops by the show to chat about the services they offer plus a special introduction to Sepio Guard.

Mortuary school is challenging. We chat with educator Ben Schmidt of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and author of the new Restorative Art …

Andy Clayton, Executive Director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, stops by the Kellerman Family of Vehicles Booth to chat with Ryan and Brian about funeral service. 

Ryan and Brian review their activities in 2019 plus a review of the new products they've tried. 2020 is right around the corner and the lads discuss what's in store for Undertaking: The Podcast.

At NFDA in Chicago, Lance Ray of Pierce Chemical stops by the show, not to talk Pierce Chemical and embalming, but to share the story of the death of his father. 

Wallace Hooker joins the show to discuss his presentations at NFDA as well as his thoughts on funeral directing and embalming in general.

Todd Carlson, Executive Vice President of Sales and Chief Sales Officer with Funeral Directors Life joins the podcast to chat about the current state of funeral service, the future and Funeral Directors Life.

During NFDA 2019 in Chicago, Ryan and Brian chat with author, educator and leader in funeral service, Jzyk Ennis PH.D. Pick up his books - Embalming Standards of Care and Embalming And Renal Failure - A Silent Danger …

During NFDA 2019, host Brian Waters and special guest host, Henry Johnston, chat with Luke Frieberg about eFuneral and how they can help funeral homes help consumers make purchases online. 

At NFDA in Chicago, Ryan and Brian chat with Josh McQueen about Passare and how Passare can help funeral directors be more efficient and how Passare can help families network with funeral homes.

At NFDA in Chicago, Ryan and Brian chat with Curt Dailey with Federated Funeral Directors of America. 

Ryan and Brian chat with long-time embalmer, educator and inspiration to many, Jack Adams.

Brian and Ryan share their thankfulness in their second Thanksgiving Special. 

The lads practice a speech about funeral directors and their relationship with organ and tissue recovery. 

While at NFDA in Chicago, Ryan and Brian meet Holly Barker, the founder of Grief Anonymous. Holly has a powerful story and grief journey. Hear her …

Ryan and Brian get together to answer questions collected from the mortuary science students of Miami Dade College.

At NFDA in Chicago, Ryan and Brian chat with their hosts, Mike, Joe and Steve Kellerman, the manufacturers of Platinum, MK and K2 vehicles. 

While at NFDA in Chicago, Brian and Ryan met David from Maritime Burials. Tune in as the guys learn about burial at sea. For more information about burial at sea visit: MaritimeBurials.com

Funeral director and embalmer from Austin, Texas, Robert Falcon stops by the show at NFDA in Chicago.  We discuss everything from funeral directing to shoes to the death of his mother.  

Are you a student enrolled in mortuary school? Are you considering a career in funeral service? This episode is for you. Tanya Scotece, Ph.D., from …

Harry Lee Waterfield, President and CEO of Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company passed away in September.  His son, Garth, stops by the show to tell us about his father's life, his death and how his family chose to …

As the lads travel back from Chicago and the NFDA convention, they discuss all the great people they met and all the exciting stories that will be coming soon.

Brian gives an update on day two of the National Funeral Directors Association Conference. 

We're at NFDA 2019 in Chicago. Hear a quick run down of day one of the convention.

Courtney Gould Miller from MKJ Marketing stops by the show to discuss marketing in funeral service.

Brian travels to a civil war reenactment to chat with Regimental Embalming Surgeon, Craig Malone about the history of embalming during the civil war.

Last week, Ryan talked about his wishes for his funeral, today, Brian discusses what's in store for him after his death. 

While attending DeathCon 2019 in Leavenworth, Washington, Ryan and Brian sit down with fellow funeral director Jess Wakefield.  Everyone's journey in funeral service is different and Jess was put to the test early.  …

In today's episode, Ryan prearranges his funeral.  His answers may surprise you.

In our second conversation with Henry Johnston, we chat about cemeteries, earning the CFSP designation, being a funeral director in Washington and lots of other topics. 

Ryan and Brian use the "Talk of a Lifetime" card game to ask some personal question of each other with the hope of maybe learning a little more about their friendship.

Dominick Astorino stops by the show to give an update on Operation Kenya, the mission to bring embalming education to the country of Kenya in Africa. Check it out.

Grant from the hit podcast, "My Funeral Home Stories" stops by the show to talk shop and how he decided to put together his podcast. Check it out on iHeartRadio, iTunes, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

The boys talk with J Mario Bernaudo, creator of the Mortuary Magic Store and many innovations to support his fellow embalmers.  J Mario takes us down the path from his first invention to his latest offering. Check it …

While visiting the state of Washington, Ryan and Brian seek out fellow embalmer and funeral director, Henry Johnston to discuss his career.

For National Grief Awareness Day, Ryan and Brian chat with counselor Kayla Hall from Torchlight Counseling Services.

Will your body serve a purpose after death? Does human composting have to happen in an industrial setting? Ryan and Brian chat with Walt Patrick from Herland Forest Cemetery about operating a cemetery in a …

Ever wonder what happens with all the remaining metals after a cremation or alkaline hydrolysis? Melissa Polis from Garfield Refining talks about an …

At DeathCon2019 in Washington state, Ryan and Brian chat with Cameron Axelson from LifeNet Health about how they're saving lives with tissue recovery and transplantation. 

New book alert! Westminster John Knox Press released this week the new book, Near The Exit: Travels With The Not-So-Grim Reaper by Lori Erickson. The author, Lori Erickson, stops by the show to chat about this exciting …

Kicking off DeathCon 2019 in Washington State, Ryan and Brian chat with Rob Goff, Executive Director of the Washington State Funeral Directors Association. 

Author of Speaking of the Dead, Chelsea Tolman stops by the podcast to chat with Brian about writing her book, blog and starting a trade service. …

Ryan and Brian chat with Dana Goodell from the Embalmers Supply Company about what is on the mind of today's embalmers.  From time delays, to methylene blue to hexyethylphenoform, this is one conversation you don't want …

What's a Viking funeral? Not the Minnesota Vikings - the real Vikings.  In this episode Brian chats with Mike Everest from Portals to the Past.

Brian and Ryan chat about what's in store for the podcast, from YouTube to speaking engagements, the boys discuss everything that's happening. 

In an unscheduled breaking news episode, Brian's discusses the fate of Missouri's Jedi Disposition Act and a corporate partner and friend of the …

Want to be cremated like Darth Vader? Soon this may be possible in Missouri.  How will this work? Will there be chaos? We discuss how this will probably work in practice and whether or not the sky will fall on funeral …

In this episode of the podcast, Brian travels to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to visit the cemetery and battlefield.  He chats with Greg Goodell, Curator of the Gettysburg Military Museum. 

In our second chat with Thomas Lynch, we discuss the essential elements of funeral service and other topics.  His books, The Undertaking, The Good Funeral, Bodies In Motion and At Rest and Whence and Whither are all …

Ryan and Brian talk about Pride Month and the hurdles funeral directors face while serving our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community. 

Brian and Ryan discuss everything about obituaries.

We travel to Kalamazoo, Michigan to chat with Kari Northey.  Kari has been educating consumers on YouTube for over two years.  With over 200 videos, she has reached over 4.1 million views.  

In this episode we give an update on our fundraiser for Operation Kenya.

Preplanning, prefunding, prearranging - whatever you call it, that's what we are talking about in this episode with Frank Downing, funeral director and director for sales development in Indiana for Funeral Directors …

In episode number 50 we chat with John Henderson, fellow funeral director, embalmer and mentor to Ryan.

Brian and Ryan discuss the struggles of balancing work life and life as a parent.

Brian and Ryan grab a quick chat at the close of the 139th Indiana Funeral Directors Convention.

We chat with Kelsey from the Indiana University School of Medicine about whole body donation- how it works and how funeral directors can be involved. 

Aftercare.com helps funeral directors keep in touch with their families months after services are complete.  Listen how Aftercare.com can make this easier than you think. 

Brian and Ryan talk caskets with Chris Boots, founder of CJ Boots Casket Company.

Who loves paperwork?  We chat with Barbie from CRaKN to learn how a software company can help funeral directors save hours of paperwork per family and entire work weeks per year - just in paperwork.

Brian and Ryan discuss how funeral directors can find help with processing insurance claims with James and Jackie from C&J Financial, plus an exciting announcement about Operation Kenya.

Thinking of buying a funeral home? We talk with Tyler Tutterow who purchased his funeral home at age 25.  Later in the episode we kickoff Operation Kenya-the fundraiser to bring embalming education to Kenya.

We talk with Bio-One Fort Wayne about biohazard clean-up services-how it works and who can help.

Funeral directors, do you ever have problems placing obituaries in newspapers?  In this episode Brian and Ryan are surprised to learn about an awesome new service from a company called Memoriams by Ancestry.  

Recording from the floor of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association 139th Convention, Ryan and Brian chat with Garth and Jay from Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company.

Recording from the trade show floor, Brian and Ryan chat with actor, author, motivational speaker and seasoned National Anthem singer, Mark J. Lindquist.  You can find his book: Passion! 8 Steps to Reignite Yours, on …

We travel to northern Michigan to meet Thomas Lynch author of The Undertaking to discuss his new book, Whence and Whither: On Lives and Living.

Ryan and Brian discuss many of the frustrations they hear from funeral directors about organ and tissue donation. Many times funeral directors express themselves in unprofessional ways.  Although there are situations …

Is a hearse a station wagon? Is a coasson a trailer? In this episode of the show, Brian chats with Ron Stoll, creator and CEO of Coasson Inc.  

In this episode of the podcast Brian goes solo to review the new book, Speaking of the Dead by Chelsea Tolman.

For National Donate Life Month, Ryan and Brian discuss the differences between organ and tissue donation.  To learn more or register as a donor visit: DonateLife.net.

The guys sit down with Ryan's father, Marty Ballard, who is not only a funeral director but an ordained minister.

In this special edition of the podcast, Ryan and Brian go on Facebook Live to discuss more of the positives of being a funeral director.  Here is the audio from that live podcast.

The guys discuss their recommendations for those looking at or those starting a career in funeral service.

We talk shop with David Hicks, national sales manager with Pierce Chemical.  

Many funeral directors fail to change because they fear the public will reject their change.  In reality, it is the funeral directors themselves that reject change.  We chat with Aaron Scott, a funeral director that …

In this special edition of the podcast, Ryan and Brian chat with Lacy Robinson, director of member development at NFDA.  

Is it too expensive to die?  We hear that sometimes.  Ryan and Brian go back down the rabbit hole to discuss a broad range of financial issues that …

Do funeral directors agree about everything? Heck no.  Ryan and Brian discuss some of the usual topics that can get heated between funeral directors..

Ryan and Brian finish their review of the Secrets that Funeral Directors Won't Tell.

Ryan and Brian visit the Indiana Statehouse with the Indiana Funeral Directors Association to what's happening in Indiana government. 

Are there secrets that your funeral director won't tell you?  The internet says there are.  Ryan and Brian review an article pulled from the internet …

In this episode we have the "Talk of a Lifetime" with Brian's father, Ted Waters.  Ted has been in funeral service since 1968, served as an embalmer in the Navy and has owned a funeral home since 1981.

Ryan and Brian hit the road to bring Dominick Astorino, CFSP, MBIE to the podcast.  In downtown Detroit, we talk about the passion to learn, the role …

At the Indiana Mid-Winter Conference we chat with several different funeral directors about what's special to them.

We chat with Aaron Calloway and Andy Buckman from Express Funeral Funding on how their business can help funeral homes expedite life insurance claims.  

In this episode we give our opinions on the best ways to gather information about a funeral home and how to choose one that's right for you.

Ryan and Brian sit down with embalmer, Carrie Parsons to discuss embalming, restorative art, women in funeral service and how we grow in this profession.

In our first episode of 2019 we look back at all the products that we tried for the first time in 2018.

Brian and Ryan revisit how the podcast came to be in 2018 and what we're looking forward to in 2019.

In this episode we discuss grief and the holidays.  We chat with counselor Kayla Hall of Torchlight Counseling Service about how we can cope with our …

Ryan and Brian chat about how they have grown as funeral directors since they became licensed.  

Special guest Carrie Parsons helps Brian and Ryan answer questions from their listeners.

Brian and Ryan chat with Ron King from Butler Coach Company.

Brian and Ryan give thanks for all the people that have helped them along the way and later, get very personal about their lives and loss.

Brian and Ryan chat with embalmer, educator and mentor to many, Vernie Fountain.

While in London, Brian sits down with the author of Cheerful Sacrifice, Jonathan Nicholls to discuss Veterans/Remembrance Day and why we honor our …

Ryan and Brian sit down with the Executive Director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, Andy Clayton.

The lads are interviewed by mortuary science student, Logan McDonald. Ryan uses the word "networking" too many times in one  sentence and tries to convince the world that Brian is angry.

In this episode we talk about Jzyk Ennis, Ph.D. new book, Embalming and Renal Failure: A Silent Danger For Embalmers.

Pick up the book here:  https://amzn.to/2Eo9W3R

Ryan & Brian discuss everything they learned at the International Embalming and Reconstructive Surgery Conference for Professional Embalmers at the Fountain National Academy.

Ryan and Brian sit down with Nathan McCullough, licensed Indiana Funeral Director and Funeral Service Consultant with Matthews Aurora Funeral …

Indiana Funeral Directors Ryan Ballard and Brian Waters introduce their new podcast.  

Indiana Funeral Directors Brian and Ryan talk about all things funeral.

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Get ready for Undertaking: The Podcast.  Indiana Funeral Directors, Ryan and Brian discuss all things funeral.

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