Undertaking: The Podcast

Ryan walks around a cemetery before a service. The sounds of the cemetery help him relive some memories.  He also gets frustrated with the setup. Rock and Roll friends.   Sponsors: www.indianadonornetwork.org www.gather.app https://www.lovealwaysproject.org/ https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/ https://www.wilbert.com/ www.certifiedsafetytraining.org

  Robert Falcon sits with John Rabold from the Indiana Donor Network and has a conversation.  This is from the Indiana Funeral Direcors Convention from May 2023.  Definately some fun twists and turns in this one.        Sponsors: https://www.wilbert.com/ www.indianadonornetwork.org https://www.garfieldrefining.com/ https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/ https://www.lovealwaysproject.org/ www.gather.app https://matthewsaurora.com/    

NFDA 2023 Las Vegas was a Blurr.  Brian has a quick conversation with a company that has been setting up care centers for funeral homes since 1991.  As government slowly chokes all of small business between regulation and fines, this company can help us stay current with what we need to be doing in the care center to keep Uncle Sam off our back. Rock and Roll !!!   Sponsors: https://www.piercedirect.com/ecommerce/default.aspx www.duncanstuarttodd.com www.myasd.com www.garfieldrefining.com www.indianadonornetwork.org https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.gather.app www.matthewsaurora.com www.certifiedsafetytraining.org www.natlmortuaryshipping.com

Mountain Mornings with Jason Duvall is a story of Appalachian Funeral service.  He talks about the story of the David Mine Disaster of 1967.  Jason has his own history within this story, he has been hesitant to put this out until he felt his account was fully accurate. Here we are. Rock and Roll friends!!! We see you!!!!!   Sponsors: https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.lovealwaysproject.org www.indianadonornetwork.org www.gather.app www.undertakingthepodcast.com www.duvallandmoore.com www.garfieldrefining.com www.matthewsaurora.com www.certifiedsafetytraining.org

"Hey Buddy" !!!!! Brian is bored one night and just gives Ron a call and records it.  It sure is good to hear his voice. This is what they did for so many years, they would game plan and talk about everything.  I have been going through all kinds of content and thought this was fitting to release. Enjoy the Jovial laugh of Ron King.  Rest in Peace my friend.     Sponsors: www.indianadonornetwork.org https://988lifeline.org/ https://www.piercedirect.com/ecommerce/default.aspx https://www.wilbert.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.garfieldrefining.com www.gather.app

This is another one from the vault. This is Glyn Tallon at Vernie Fountains International Conference in Missouri I belive from 2021.  We have a live crowd for this and it is in the middle of a hotel lobby.  We have the opportunity to ask our questions on restorative art.  Glyn also tells his story.      Sponsors: https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.indianadonornetwork.org www.butlercoach.com www.matthewsaurora.com www.tallonmortuaryspecialists.com www.undertakingthepodcast.com  www.gather.app www.garfieldrefining.com

Ryan is leaving the Podcast.  He wants to say a few words to everyone before he goes.  Rock and Roll!!

  This episode Ryan talks about how our body senses things and reacts.  The sense of smell affected Ryan one evening after sitting and going through his fathers things with his mother.  How does the smell of clothes or cologne take you back in time?  How can it be so vivd in that moment. We talk about it.  Rock and Roll!   Sponsors: https://www.piercedirect.com www.indianadonornetwork.com https://gather.app/ www.lovealwaysproject.org https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.undertakingthepodcast.com www.supernovaintl.com  

What a surprising year it has been.  Blake and JB dive into the craziness that is Indiana Football.

  Brother Jason introduces his new show.  He talks about what it is like in rural Kentucky and being a funeral director.  Jason is down near the Appalachian Mountains close to the West Virginia border, his new series will be stories and the history as to how funeral service has been done in that area.  I truly believe we can learn from all people from all walks of life and we can apply it to our everyday.  I want  to hear other professionals experiences to be the best funeral director possible.  Lets walk with brother Jason down a new journey within the Undertaking: The Podcast Network.  Welcome Jason Duvall!!!!       www.duvallandmoore.com   Sponsors:   www.indianadonornetwork.org www.lovealwaysproject.org https://gather.app/ https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.undertakingthepodcast.com www.certifiedsafetytraining.org www.supernovaintl.com

The guys are back with their thoughts on this weeks game.  There have been alot of headines this week for the colts and quite honestly I personally think every week we are rolling the dice in hope of good news.  Blake and JB go deep with a guest and explain some of the happenings from the week and the future for the weekend.   Sponsors: https://www.lovealwaysproject.org/ https://www.wilbert.com/ www.gather.app www.certifiedsafetytraining.org www.indianadonornetwork.org https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/

Our good friend Ben Schmidt talks about what the new embalmer looks like this day and age.  Its an interesting take that I am glad is recorded.  We all may not think the same way but the goal is to serve the families.  The new gereation of funeral service does look different, that is because funeral service is changing. We see you friends.  Rock and Roll!      https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.undertakingthepodcast.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-funeral-science-podcast/id1556255596 Sponsors: www.indianadonornetwork.org www.natlmortuaryshipping.com www.supernovaintl.com www.gather.app www.lovealwaysproject.org  

  Ryan and Kennedy sit down for the first few minutes and talk about what they are thankful for.  The last 15 min Ryan talks about mental health with funeral directors.  We See You! Peace comes in many forms and sometimes witnessing it can be a moment that is beneficial.  Enjoy your Holiday.     Sponsors: https://www.wilbert.com/ https://matthewsaurora.com/https:/ www.natlmortuaryshipping.com https://www.garfieldrefining.com/ www.certifiedsafetytraining.org www.indianadonornetwork.org    

Robert Falcon corners Sharon at the Indiana Funeral Directors convention this last May.  She had recently done some work on the book that is linked below. Embalming: History, Theory, Practice is a book that will mold young funeral directors for the future. Robert has a chance to talk with her and gets the story of her walk within funeral service. Rock and Roll!         https://cphs.wayne.edu/mortuary-science/news/sharon-gee-mascarello-wraps-up-24-year-wayne-state-university-career--41187   https://www.amazon.com/Embalming-History-Theory-Practice-Sixth/dp/1260010074/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1345802796864126&hvadid=84112745836365&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=162754&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-84113021352531%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=9838_10709715&keywords=embalming+history+theory+and+practice&qid=1698165663&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0   Sponsors: https://indianadonornetwork.org/ https://certifiedsafetytraining.org/ www.familyestatemanager.com https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.undertakingthepodcast.com www.familyestatemanager.com www.gather.app

Blake and JB are back to explain things that I dont understand about the Indianapolis Colts they also have a guest they introduce. Ryan opens and closes the episode with some sponsors then rants for a bit.  Ryan gets emotional in the closer.    Sponsors: www.indianadonornetwork.org www.lovealwaysproject.org www.garfieldrefining.com www.undertakingthepodcast.com   https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667

This Episode I talk about the phrase "one more time" and the importance of it.  I talk about my friends disappearing and dealing with mental health. "The We See You" movement is referenced. Its ok to not feel ok, get a mentor. Be better to yourself so you can be better in the profession. Rock and Roll!         Sponsors: https://indianadonornetwork.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.gather.app www.wilbert.com  

  Duane Hills Joins the podcast to talk about his book "One Block West of the Whitehouse".  He talks about his experiences managing Joseph Gawler's Sons Funeral Home in Washington D.C. In the show notes below is a link to his new book that can be pre-ordered. This man has some great stories for funeral service.  I hope he continues to write them down.  Enjoy!       https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.undertakingthepodcast.com https://funeralhistorygroup.com/product/one-block-west-of-the-white-house-joseph-gawlers-sons-undertaker-of-the-presidents/ https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/district-of-columbia/washington/joseph-gawlers-sons-llc/2216   Sponsors: www.expressfuneralfunding.com https://indianadonornetwork.org/ https://certifiedsafetytraining.org/

Its different, lifes different, the seasons are different, the content can be different at times. Sometimes its a good break to listen and just enjoy. I as a funeral director find that I have to listen to football more than watch. Blake and Jordan Talk football,  they have been gone for a few weeks and they explain why.  Ryan has questions in the opener and closer.  Is Ryan a Unicorn?  Ryan opens and closes the episode.      Sponsors:   https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.indianadonornetwork.org www.garfieldrefining.com www.lovealwaysproject.org

Ryan is pulling content he has had for a while, and putting it out there.  This is another floor walk epsiode with Brian and Robert Falcon (Observations from a Hearse).  They walk the floor at the Indiana convention this last May and run into one of Ryans classmates.  She teaches the boys some knowledge too! https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.undertakingthepodcast.com   Sponsors: https://indianadonornetwork.org/ www.supernovaintl.com www.hiltonfuneralsupply.com  

Tracy Ballard talks with Ryan about what she went through the day that Marty Ballard died Feb 6, 2023.  She had some hard conversations that I was not around for.  We need to remember that our experiece is ours alone, my wife experienced something completely different than me. Lets hear Tracy tell us a little about herself and her story.  I think there are other mothers out there that can relate.  It was exciting to have her as a guest.  Rock and Roll!     Sponsors: www.indianadonornetwork.org www.gather.app www.natlmortuaryshipping.com https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.undertakingthepodcast.com

Ryan opens and closes the episode and explains the chaos.  Walking the floor at conventions can be very high energy at times. This is Grants first time at a funeral directors convention and he could feel the vibe in the air.  Its just a good back and forth of two people walking and talking. Enjoy!    www.undertakingthepodcast.com https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 Sponsors:   www.lovealwaysproject.org https://indianadonornetwork.org www.myasd.com    

  Ryan is on a drive a few days after his dads birthday.  He decides to record his thoughts , its a short episode. Sometimes the conversation can seem very odd but lets remember its real in grief. We see You Movement!!!!!! Ryan talks about the expectation for these episodes in the intro and outro.      Sponsors:  www.undertakingthepodcast.com https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 www.lovealwaysproject.org https://indianadonornetwork.org/ www.natlmortuaryshipping.com

Well, this is a short episode, and quite honestly I need more info.  Its an intersting concept and would love to hear more about membership and its privelges.  This is a tear down interview on the convention floor (you can hear them tearing down in the background) where Brian talks to 55.com about the membership package.    Sponsors: https://www.youtube.com/@undertakingthepodcast1667 https://indianadonornetwork.org/ www.butlercoach.com www.matthewsaurora.com www.undertakingthepodcast.com

Ryan starts his series off with a tough one but probablly a much felt feeling by all.  He has a beer with his dad on his dads birthday.  RB talks accountability and also plays a recording of feelings in the moment. Rock and Roll and share if you relate.  #realtalk    Sponsors: https://www.garfieldrefining.com/ https://indianadonornetwork.org www.wilbert.com    

Jason dives deep into something Ryan is passionate about. Ryan opens and closes the episode but Jason goes on this journey solo. Jason Duvall gets direct into how we treat each other professionally and in general. Ryan talks about we see you and the movement. Rock and Roll Friends!!!   Sponors: https://indianadonornetwork.org www.natlmortuaryshipping.com https://gather.app    

Ryan digs through the vault and finds an episode that was never released. Lets talk embalming, conventions and ICCFA 2023! Robert Falcon and his interview with Observations from a Hearse.

Lots of laughs with Jeff Grimm from Kachina Funeral Supply at Indiana's funeral convention. Check out KachinaFuneralSupply. Today's show is supported by: Pierce Chemical: www.piercedirect.com/ Garfield Refining: www.garfieldrefining.com/

With a Titanic matchup this Sunday in The House That Peyton Built, is the return of Jonathon Taylor enough to end a 5 game losing streak against our AFC South rival? Find out what Blake & JB have to say on this week's preview episode of Undertaking: The Colts. "My favorite thing is trying to convince them that they can win." -Dick Butkus, 1942-2023 Today's show is supported by Indiana Donor Network: https://indianadonornetwork.org/

JB and Blake have post-game coverage of Rams at Colts. As we ponder the loss, the Tennessee Titans loom in the distance.  Today's show is supported by: Indiana Donor Network: https://indianadonornetwork.org/

While grilling, Robert Falcon chats with Brian Waters on their observations from Las Vegas and the NFDA annunal convention.  Brian sees Starlink for the first time and thing it's a UFO and Robert talks mentorship. Today's show is supported by: Garfiend Refining: https://www.garfieldrefining.com The Wilbert Group: https://www.wilbert.com/

Brian learns details of the death of John the Baptist. Not long after, sitting with Pastor Roger Spitler of Eaton Church of God, Brian has questions. Listen in. Today's show is supported by: Indiana Donor Network: https://indianadonornetwork.org/ ASD Answering Service for Directors: https://www.myasd.com/

A mob of restless Rams is approaching the Circle City. As the Colts prepare to defend their home turf, quarterback Anthony Richardson takes another step to clear consussion protocol. His biggest task, to date, looms ahead - avoiding 99 problems for 60 grueling minutes. This show is supported by National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation: https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/

If you're like us and missed the Colts - Ravens game, tune in to Blake and JB as they break-down the action from Sunday's game in Baltimore. Today's show is supported by the Wilbert Group: https://www.wilbert.com/

Robert Falcon joins the Undertaking Network with his Observations from a Hearse. Today we look back at NFDA in Las Vegas. Robert kicks off the trade show with Brian Waters, followed by an interview with Salvador Perches. Don't miss this show.  Today's show is supported by ASD Answering Service for Directors: https://www.myasd.com/

Colts at Ravens: An unkindness of #Ravens await the Boys in Blue - and so does a tropical storm. Blake and JB take flight to give you every key matchup, injury, and expectation for this Sunday's matchup in Charm City.  Saddle up boys n girls! #ForTheShoe #Colts Today's show is supported by Express Funeral Funding: https://www.expressfuneralfunding.com/  

Mentor, friend, and employer of Ryan Ballard, John Henderson of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle, Indiana visit with the show about his upcoming speaking tour with the Indiana Funeral Directors Association.  Today's show is supported by our friends at:  Gather, The Future of Funeral Home Software: https://gather.app/ MemoryShare: Professional Funeral Home Support for LiveStreaming & Delayed Broadcast: https://www.memoryshare.com/ Learn more about Ryan, Brian and the entire Undertaking Network at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/  

Blake and JB react to the Colts' impressive AFC South road victory. From Minshew Mania takeover to Head Coach Shane Steichen channeling his inner Bill Belichick, hear why all signs are pointing upward to a bright future in Indianapolis Colts Nation, with a couple MASSIVE head nods to AR5 and Ryan Kelly for setting the example looking out for their own health - both mentally and physically.

Indianapolis Colts travel to Houston and Blake Waters with Jordan Brock have the scoop. 

Did you miss opening day? Catch up on the Indianapolis Colts with Blake Waters of the Undertaking Network. 

Playing amateur reporter, funeral director and embalmer, Brian Waters chases down the scoops on the NFDA trade show floor in Las Vegas. Celebrating the Network's first "International Day", Brian talks with National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation, Funeral One and SOKNA, while discussing the hot topics and announcements of the day. In the end, Brian get's invited into funeral services Skunk Works.  Don't miss this show from one of the creators of the Undertaking Network. 

Brian walks the trade show floor to visit some friends including James Fletcher of Matthews Aurora, our friends at Pierce Chemical (with Formula 496) and Craig from ASD updates us on the news of the week.  Each day, over 10,000 funeral homes are supported by Answering Service for Directors and today we let them know, we've got their back when they need us. 

Coming in hot from Las Vegas, Brian drops his nephew's show, Undertaking the Colts with Blake Waters.

Alexandra Jo of the Death Curious Podcast, joins Brian on Undertaking: The Podcast as they go down the rabbit hole to consider how we communicate  and how death care professionals can listen with intention to understand. You can hear their first conversaton over at Death Curious https://deathcurious.com/  

Someone has been listening! Who could it be?  Finally, from the shadows, not seen in 40 years...... Maybe 30, but a long time. Just listen. 

Right, after a bit of announcements by Brian, the show is returned to its previous host, Mr. Benjamin Whitworth CFSP, MBIE and best of all, a proper chap and embalmer.  Allow us the opportunity to be redirected by another undertaker who cares. This is a show worth sharing.  Learn more about the British Institute of Embalmers here: https://www.bioe.co.uk/  They're sorry for Brian, it's in the minutes. Hear more TVB stories here: https://www.toddvanbeck.com/ Donate to the Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship here: https://www.ccms.edu/alumni-and-support/supporters/ Do you follow RavenPlume Consulting? Check them out and find more Undertaking: The Podcast content here: https://ravenplume.com/

Almost 30 years ago, back in 1983, Edward Calahan CFSP opened his own funeral service company. He started small – in fact, Calahan Funeral Service was based out of an existing funeral home in Chicago. When the owner of that firm suggested that Edward take his passion for excellence in service out into the wider world –he took the suggestion to heart. Join Brian on the road in Springfield, Illinois where he meets Edward and Shirley Calahan. Brian trys to examine the differences between rural and metro funeral homes as well as the differences in ourselves and our communities.  This is an important show folks. As we all look to grow in our work and in our lives, we find ourselves so focused on one thing and often it's our differences.  Listen closely as the Calahan's give their attention to the light in the darkness of death, our similarities.  The isolation of funeral service highlights our differences. Some times we simply need another person or undertaker, to redirect us.  Learn more about the Calahan Family at: https://www.calahanfuneralhome.com/ Connect with Undertaking: The Podcast at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/ Have you heard My Funeral Home Stories? Listen: HERE Today's show is sponsored by: The Kellerman Professional Vehicles: https://kellermanprofessionalvehicles.com/ Find us at NFDA next to these beautiful vehicles.  Butler Coach Company: https://www.butlercoach.com/

Everyone take a breath; the Undertakers are here, and football season kicks off in September. Sport is intended to be fun and exciting but when our people are not seen, valued, or appreciated, things get rough. As we step away from the heaviness of death care for one little show, Brian introduces his nephew, Blake Waters, an Air Force Veteran, and fan of the Indianapolis Colts. Together, the two Undertake what is going on with our home team. Check it out! Follow Undertaking: The Podcast on Twitter  Follow Blake: @blake_a_waters or Brian @watersbc and the show @UndertakingPC    

Recording from the sandy beaches of Cancun, Mexico at this year's Frigid Embalm Better International Conference, Brian Waters meets Dominic and his brother Damien Jude, undertakers and embalmers from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Embalmers often feel isolated for their trade too. It's not that we love it, it's because people ask for it. Let's learn from our brothers from Malaysia.  This episode is sponsored by the Kellerman Family of Vehicles Group and Butler Coach Company.  Learn more about them here:  Kellerman Professional Vehicles Butler Coach And Pierce Chemical and the Wilbert Group: Learn more at: PierceDirect.com

In the first minutes after you die, your family is extremely vulnerable. First impressions matter and can set the tone for the next few days, two years down the road.  When people feel vulnerable, they are sensitive and resistant to pressure, influence, and sometimes even action. Often the bereaved simply need to be seen to be understood.  Undertakers talk amongst themselves about how to connect with our neighbors and most often we learn from our mentors that the best thing we can do is to answer the call, show up, and simply acknowledge another's' experience. Connection is at the heart of funeral service and as we seek new ways to help our neighbors in our own communities, we are looking to improve funeral service from the inside as well. Join us as we unpack the nature of the Coroner in Indiana. Connect with the show at https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/ Do you know Pierce Chemicals? Check them out at PierceDirect.com Today's show is also supported by Butler Coach Company: ButlerCoach.com Kellerman Family of Vehicles  https://kellermanprofessionalvehicles.com/  

Brian catches up with Ryan for the week and they revisit the voice of their mentor, Todd Van Beck. As they discuss the upcoming tributes to Todd in Vegas, both decide to re-air episde #377 for a second examination of Todd's "Funeral Chronicles" on "Visibility".  The topic of isolation, anxiety, and grief will gain much visibility itself, when undertakers gather at the big show in Vegas.  Allow us to bring in Mr. Van Beck to redirect our focus to visibility: why we discuss it, why we seek it, and finally what we do with it when one has this "visibility."  Today's show is dedicated to the memory of all mentors, known and unknown.  To support the Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship or to connect with one of our friends at the Cinncinnati College of Mortuary Science, click HERE Mr. Van Beck will be highlighted in the next edition of Southern Calls Magazine. This magazine is available to anyone and solid piece to add to any library. To subscribe, click HERE. Are you a funeral professional seeking others to share experiences with? Join Brian as he visits his friends at the Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group. If you're not doing anything, Tuesday night, August 15th, hop on up and bring a friend. For times and information click  HERE.

Working in death care can be isolating and anxiety is very real. Having a network of friends has been vital to our growth in knowledge, but most importantly, it make anyone feel a little less alone.  Undertaking is hard enough, we need not make our lives worse by keeping ourselves separated. Champion someone else and see how it feels.  Today's show is sponsored by The Wilbert Group: https://www.wilbert.com/giving-back/ National Mortuary Shipping: https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/