Funeral Service Insider: The Podcast

Writer and librarian Sharon Verbeten discusses her career covering funeral service and how her “Comfort Kids” project is helping children and families process grief. From grief libraries to story-driven writing, she champions open conversations about death and believes funeral homes play a key role in normalizing those discussions. Click here for complete show notes.

In this week's ICYMI: Matthews International has acquired The Dodge Company for $57 million, expanding its memorialization portfolio. SCI shares some interesting insights with Oppenheimer. In Texas, proposed changes to cremation regulations could slow services and raise costs. New digital obituary platforms are emerging, though concerns remain about pricing and long-term adoption. Finally, scrutiny over funeral home price transparency is growing, as local media spotlight those without online price disclosures. Click here for complete show notes.

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, disconnected tech tools can slow down operations, create inefficiencies, and hinder collaboration. This session explores the power of integrated technology solutions and how they create efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance customer experience. Learn how seamless tech integration eliminates silos, improves data accuracy, and supports business growth. Join us to discover the benefits of a connected tech ecosystem and how to implement it successfully. Click here to register and learn more. 

In this episode, we preview Kates-Boylston's upcoming virtual preneed event, featuring expert insights from Greg Norris and Spencer Larkin. Tony also recaps earnings from SCI, Carriage, and Matthews International, highlighting steady growth in at-need and memorialization revenues despite economic uncertainty.  Matthews also is preparing to finalize a major asset sale while expanding its energy business post-lawsuit.  Additional stories include the 100th anniversary of E.E. Pickle Funeral Home, neighborhood resistance to a Georgia crematory, and the launch of Eazewell, a tech platform backed by NBA stars to improve funeral planning access.  Click here for complete show notes.

Funeral director Alexandra Mosca shares her journey into funeral service and her concurrent career as a writer. Learn how these two worlds intersect and inform her unique perspective.

This week's episode highlights the new Kates-Boylston Compensation Report, a fire at one of New York's oldest funeral homes, an interesting legislative update on crematory temperatures in Oregon, and discuss the increasing trend of partnerships and venture capital investment in funeral tech. 

For Greg Norris, regional director for Homesteaders Life Company, the foundation of a successful preneed sales strategy isn't flashy marketing or an especially persuasive pitch; it's discipline.   Click here for complete show notes.        

This we we speak with Joél Maldonado, "The Grave Woman," and her path into multicultural death care. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding different cultural backgrounds in death care. We also discuss Maldonado's connection to her Gullah-Geechee heritage and its influence on her work promoting culturally relevant death practices.

This episode covers inclusive funeral care with Joelle Maldonado, a grief support initiative from Bob DiPasquale, new NOR offerings at Goes Funeral Care, a cremation pricing spotlight in Florida, and breaking stories from Texas and Virginia. Plus, details on Kates-Boylston's upcoming Technology Think Tank. Tune in for insights, innovations, and important industry updates in funeral service.

Kevon McKay of Mid-States Recycling and Refining discusses the evolution of cremation metal recycling and the importance of education for crematory owners. McKay will present “Keys to a Successful Recycling Program for your Crematory” at the Kates-Boylston Cremation Innovations virtual event, beginning 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. Click here to register.

This week, we talk changing stereotypes, a pet crematory stepping up, Australia's cultural shift toward cremation, and controversial AI memorialization in Malaysia among other stories.   

In this episode, we speak with Ryan Reyes about how making connections can be a natural part of interpersonal interaction. 

Notes from this week's show.  New legislation making it easier for funeral directors to serve trans families regarding death certificates. Discussion of various awards relevant to the funeral service industry, including "Ones to Watch," Green Burial Council awards, and Funeral Service Foundation scholarships. Commentary on a funeral director's appearance on John Mulaney's talk show. Todd Bozell's appointment to the Selected Board and our 2024 feature on him.  NFDA Consumer Preference Study Wake Forest Law Podcast

QWendy Wiener of WRW Legal discusses the importance of double checking and shares some of her vision for the future of funeral service. 

Here's a quick rundown of the week's top stories. All should be well again soon as Poul Lemasters takes over the reins at Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science following Jack Lechner's resignation.  Bio-Response gets a boost from 3 Boomerang Capital's cash infusion.  A vertical cemetery in Australia can be seen as a one-upmanship in green burials. Parting Stone got this cool shoutout in the NY Post, but it also announced its 10,000th customer, which isn't quite a tipping point but still worth mentioning. Here's the (non)story about natural organic reduction not being legal in Louisiana on the heels of NOR passing the Georgia House. Click here for complete show notes.

Damon Wenig explains his view of funeral service as "high-stakes hospitality," highlighting the shift from traditional customer service to delivering an exceptional customer experience.

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we talk with Calvin Amato about his path into the funeral profession. Starting out in hospitality management, Calvin shares how growing up in a small town and spending time living in a funeral home during college sparked his interest in the field. Now certified as a cremation operator, death doula, and funeral celebrant, Calvin brings a fresh and compassionate approach to funeral service as he looks to complete his schooling. Click here for complete show notes.

These are the stories we mention in this episode: Pet Cremation Experience LinkedIn Industry Listing Wake Forest Law Review NOR as a Service Cemetery Software Webinar Memorial Day Preparations Mother's Day and Pregnancy Loss Memorialization Kate-Boylston Resources and Events Click here for complete show notes.

Stephanie Castagnier Dunn chief SBA revenue officer for Phoenix SBA a Community Bankshare Company talks about the state of the American small business economy, business loans for refinancing, real estate, and buy-outs, and strategies for structuring deals that benefit all parties while preserving business legacies.

Here are the stories we mention in this episode: Unclaimed Remains Catholic Church on Alkaline Hydrolysis Georgia NOR COVID Story Shepherd Memorial Auction Stephanie Peterson: Painful personal experience shaped ability to help with grief journey After a bad funeral, this Iowa woman became a funeral director to do better for others Covid quadrupled the number of bodies coming into my funeral home   Click here for the full show notes.

Mitch Smith explores the future of preneed funeral planning through the lens of shifting consumer expectations and digital transformation. Click here for complete show notes. 

Tanya Marsh talks about the findings in a recent academic survey into the transformation of funerary and disposition practices in the U.S. Discover insights from Marsh's survey on consumer interest in alternative burial methods and the implications of these trends for the future of funeral service. Click here for full show notes.

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we discuss the Succession Planning Roundtable, a preview of the next column from Steve Lang, and get updates on the continued push to legalize alkaline hydrolysis in Indiana. Mishandled remains in Illinois, and unclaimed remains sorted. A creative columbarium initiative in Nebraska and a Liberty Bell lost and found.   

88% of executives say consumers are changing faster than their businesses can keep up, making it more important than ever for funeral homes to stay relevant. In this session, you'll discover why reimagining the preneed journey will help you address two of the biggest challenges facing the profession today. Click here for more information.

 A.J. Orlikoff, Interim President of Historic Congressional Cemetery, discusses his role in promting cemeteries beyond burial spaces into community gathering and even leadning centers.

Greg Grabowski of Hospice Insights joins us to discuss new ways to engage with hospice and to work toward having funeral directors move further up the continuum of care chain.  Building a Comprehensive Hospice CRM: "We do lots of engagements throughout the course of the day. We download every little single idea that we have that have worked.”  The Role of Social Workers in Hospice Care: "One of the elements of a social worker is that you listen to what patients and families need, and you never put your own personal viewpoint on it."  Bridging the Gap in End-of-Life Care: "There's no reason why eventually funeral directors can't say, now that I've proved value, when you talk to families ... you might want to say, "This is a really great funeral home. They partner with us. They do great care." Click here for complete show notes.

Matthews International shareholders voted to keep the current board of directors, defeating Barrington Capital's attempt to change the company's direction. The U.S. Postal Service is updating its mailing requirements for cremated remains, mandating the use of USPS-provided shipping supplies for domestic and international shipments starting March 1. In Michigan, the Quakenushes won their lawsuit against Brooks Township, but new ordinances now block them from opening a conservation cemetery. Meanwhile, Washington State's Jefferson Land Trust is exploring the possibility of establishing a conservation burial ground to support its conservation efforts.   Click here for complete show notes.

Funeral director Kim Zavrotny, Funeral Professionals Peer Support Program Director (USA), discusses her work with that organization and looks to the future. 

In this episode we discuss takeaways from the latest earnings report from SCI and their strategies for pre-need sales growth, kick off what it likely to be a long conversation about outdated state funeral laws, highlight an iconic Black funeral director, and celebrate a heroic act by a Rhode Island funeral director.    Click here for complete show notes.

Madeline Lyles of After Life Mortuary Services talks about her program encouraging teend to go into mortuary science and her hope for funeral directors struggling with the stresses of the job. 

Tom Nondorf, editor of American Cemetery & Cremation joined us on “Funeral Service Insider: The Podcast” this week to discuss some of the stories and the magazine's continuing coverage of what cemeteries can be and how they can continue to thrive. The Future of Cemeteries: "Cemeteries are not anathema to cremation and there's a way in which they walk hand in hand through memorialization and that's a big part of the puzzle." Revitalizing Cemeteries through Creative Engagement: "You have to start with the visual, start with the visceral, start reaching out to people and letting them know you want to be something else." On Monument Maker Charles Minozzi: "He started when he was 13 years old. His dad … sent him to his uncle who was in the shop and said, “Your uncle's gonna find something for you to do." The Evolution of Memorialization: "The vessels, the different buildings you can build now to house cremated remains, aka ashes at, cemeteries. There's so much that can be built now, and there's a company called Global Bronze."

In this episode we explore the ongoing arbitration saga between Matthews and Tesla over the dry cell technology, alongside the intricate proxy fight involving Barington Capital. In addition, we shed light on a burgeoning scandal at Heaven Bound Cremation Service and discuss pivotal industry updates, including new roles on the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors. From the contrasting hearse stories in Cuba to a cemetery auction in North Carolina, we bring you the news shaping the future of the funeral service industry. Join us as we explore these stories and more, right here on Funeral Service Insider.

In this bonus episode, Manager of Funeral Revenue and Merchandising at Service Corporation International Lacyn Barton talks about how she found her place in fuenral service and ways she lives her passions. 

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we look at Carriage's quarterly earnings report and the AI reporting on it. We also dive into how memorialization boosts cremation revenue, strategic succession insights, H.E. Turner's recognition, a quick SGK Brand Solutions update and the question of funeral industry inclusivity challenges. Click here for complete show notes.  

In this episode, we tease a new column by Steve Lang set to debut in the Feb. 6 FSI, and address the recent reporting on Indiana's state issues. We also talk about a recent crematory approval in Illinois over NIMBY concerns and look at a scandal in Maryland that is being very, very, very well covered.

Tanya Scotece, Program Coordinator of Funeral Service Education at Miami Dade College, discusses some of her challenges as a death care educator and her reasons for accepting a position on the KB Advisory board.

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we speak with Jim Luff from Aurora Payments about the complexities of the Credit Card Competition Act and its implications for the funeral industry. Empowering Merchants: "This gives merchants a choice in the fees that they pay, something that's never been offered in the past … every time a merchant accepts a Visa or Mastercard for payment, approximately 2% to 3-and-a-half percent is charged to the merchant and effectively erodes their profitability."  Funeral Industry Dilemma: “If you're in a small community and there's a total of three funeral homes and the other two don't (charge a credit card fee) and you're the only one doing it, well, that's not going to look good. On the flip side, if you get together with those other two and you say, “Hey, we're all going to do this so we quit giving away our profit. Now you have what's known as collusion, and that is a federal offense.”  Retail Revolution: “The act has gained the support of over 200 state and regional business associations, as well as the International Franchise Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of Theater Owners, Grocers, Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation. Currently, more than 2,000 retailers, platforms, and small businesses have signed a petition urging lawmakers to continue with the bill and keep it intact and not let modifications take place.”  Government Oversight on Credit Card Processing: “The fact is in 2012, the Durbin Act passed, and that is what gave us the ability to do surcharging and cash-discounting now. So there's more evolution coming on this, as we continue to see the government encroach on monitoring credit card processing operations, which I don't think is a bad thing. I just don't want to see consumers who place great value in a particular card … (to see) the terms of that change.”  Click here for complete show notes.

In this episode, we consider proposed tariffs on caskets from China, Mexico, and Canada, a critical legal battle in the 7th Circuit Court over regulations in Indiana. We'll also explore Utah's move toward natural organic reduction and those implications and discuss the latest in the proxy fight between Matthews and Barington.   There's also a ton going on at Kates-Boylston, including a Jan. 30 webinar and a number of events you would do well to catch.   Click here for complete show notes.

Katie Hill of Mortuary Lift Company, an inaugural Kates-Boylston advisory board member, shares her company origin story and her hope for the future of death care. Click here for complete show notes.

In this episode, we consider accusations of fraud and misconduct in South Carolina, Indiana's two front battle against the future, a restructuring in Pennsylvania and some positive listener feedback. Show Notes:   https://www.kates-boylston.com/fraud-in-south-carolina-fights-in-indiana-and-a-restructuring-in-pennsylvania/article_ed2a463e-d47a-11ef-be30-8f21708dd4bf.html

In this bonus episode Kahlen Knapik of National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation discussed the Kates-Boylston Advisory Board and shares his take on the future of funeral service.  

In this episode, we continue our conversation between American Cemetery & Cremation editor Tom Nondorf and Funeral Service Insider editor Tony Russo. In part one we concentrated on the ins and outs of cemetery news. Click here for complete show notes. 

In this episode, we dive into some significant shifts in the industry, including Matthews International's $350 million transaction and a potential board shakeup. We'll also discuss SCI's recent acquisitions in Arizona and a growing trend of consolidation. We'll also touch on Thacker's acquisition of Southern Legacy Casket, the Hart Island Project, Toledo's first black-owned funeral home in decades, and a controversial license restoration case in Utah.  Click here for complete show notes.

Publisher Sofia Goller talks about her advosory board initiative as Kates-Boylston looks to the future of death care.  Click here for complete show notes.

This week, Tom Nondorf, editor of American Cremation & Cemetery magazine co-hosts the first of a two-part year-in-review episode. The Unique Cemetery Overlooking Sanford Stadium: “They sell plots because the University of Georgia plays pretty good brand of college football. People want to see it. And so, you know, they have that crazy brand of a Southern football fan. So, some people buy plots where they can be kind of overlooking a slight view of the stadium.” On Contributing Writer Tui Snider: “And then one of (the books) was by this woman, Tui Snider, out of Texas, who is just amazing at researching cemeteries and the different symbols you find on headstones. She just emailed me from Norway where she is going to be looking at cemeteries there and doing her thing for a couple months going around Europe.” Carving a Legacy: “(Slate headstone carver J. David Gillespie) goes up to Boston and studies under a woman who's an expert up there about carving slate letters in the old-school way, basically doing perfect imitations of the type of headstones that exist in cemeteries up in New England and then just starts doing that as his living.” The Cemetery Cleanup Exposé Dilemma: “You'll see them every few weeks. You know, somebody went to the cemetery to find a teddy bear and a vase that they left on a grave, and it had all been thrown into a pile somewhere. The stories were always the same, you know? Somebody calls a local news station ... it's just so easy to make everybody look bad.” Click here for completel show notes.

 ICYMI provides commentary on the week's funeral service news.  This Episode Is Sponsored by Passages International Click here for complete show notes.

In this episode we have update on Barington Capital, commentary on the FTC's revived report, continued success in celebrations of life, and more. Kates-Boylston Holiday Subscription Offers Barington Announces Board Picks FTC Still Naming and Shaming a Year Later Recent ‘SendOff' Funerals Make News Ohio Funeral Directors Expand Event Offerings with Alcohol

From the pages of American Cemetery and Cremation we bring you a Christmas travel story that ends where all stories must.  Click here for the full story.

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we speak with Angela Woosley, a funeral director who has taken a solo approach to the business, catering to families with requests other funeral directors often won't accommodate. Modern Funeral Preferences: What I was hearing was not, “Oh, we really want this mahogany casket and this expensive, lined outer barrel container!” and “Absolutely, I love seeing embalmed people. They look so natural and lifelike, and certainly not like a mannequin!” Rethinking Traditions: Everything we do with the dead, when you think about it, is really unpleasant. Everything. So, whatever we find for that particular family or person or client that resonates and feels good for them, for that person, that's what we should be doing. Celebration of Life: What truly matters about that person is not that they became a beautiful corpse, but that they lived a beautiful life and made an important imprint on other people's lives. Honoring Tradition: We took her out of her casket and placed her on a mattress and box spring that the family had gotten together. They brought red velvet ropes to separate her from grievers because her mom didn't want people to cry on her (which is unlucky), and it was just the way that she wanted. Breaking Down Barriers in Grief Support: The less we gatekeep and the more that we invite families in and partner with them rather than “serve” them or “guide” them or “direct” them, I think the more satisfied they'll be with our services and the better their grief will be as well.

Here are the stories we reference in this week's In Case You Missed It. Holiday Subscription Special Major Investor Calls for Matthews Shake-up, Will Nominate New Board Mercy University and Pierce Colleges of Funeral Service Agreement Park Lawn Expands Presence in Illinois Response to Park Lawn Expansion White Marsh Saga Continues No Jail for Casket Thief

Welcome to another episode of "Funeral Service Insider," the podcast In this week's episode, we're bringing you the highlights of notable events and discussions from recent weeks. HR & Leadership Forum Registration Kates-Boylston Announces Newly Formed Advisory Board Termination Gone Wrong Amigone Funeral Home Crematory Ordered to Close Under New York Law Unclaimed Remains Stories Unfortunate Time for a Repair