Your Funeral Coach Talks

Join Lisa Baue on Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast for an insightful conversation with Monica Torres of NXT Generation Mortuary Support. Monica brings a wealth of expertise as an author, public speaker, technical trainer, licensed funeral director and embalmer, certified restorative mortician, desairologist, postmortem reconstructive specialist, and an advocate for overcoming fear in the funeral profession.Monica discusses the deathcare profession's challenges of burnout, compassion fatigue, and mental health. She shares her journey towards better work-life balance and mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-care and leadership in funeral service. This episode offers valuable perspectives and strategies for funeral professionals seeking to enhance their well-being while mentoring the next generation. Tune in to learn how to navigate these personal and professional challenges effectively.

In this episode, Lisa Baue talks with Marguerite Ham about the issue of why younger generations are not staying in funeral service roles for more than five years. They highlight the growing presence of women and non-binary individuals in the profession and stress the importance of leadership in addressing generational needs and expectations. The discussion centers on millennials and their desire for respect, development, and opportunities for advancement. Lisa and Marguerite emphasize the gap between the expectations of younger employees and the support provided by employers, underscoring the need for effective development and leadership training to retain talent in the funeral service and deathcare.

In this episode, host Lisa Baue welcomes Liza Altenberg, a leader in the deathcare profession and author of "Selling with Sensitivity." Liza shares her journey from a different career to finding her passion in deathcare. She discusses the importance of empathy and personal connection in serving families during their tough times. The episode explores the balance between business objectives and compassionate service in the funeral profession. Liza's personal experiences and her approach to leadership and sales in deathcare offer valuable insights for listeners. 

In this minisode, Lisa Baue, Your Funeral Coach, discusses setting realistic and achievable goals in 2024, focusing on young professionals in deathcare and funeral service. She emphasizes the importance of SMART goals and offers practical advice on meditation, mindfulness, and self-care, drawing insights from Dr. Alan Wolfelt's works. Additionally, Lisa touches on gratitude journaling and self-confidence, providing tips for personal and professional growth. This episode is a blend of practical goal-setting strategies and self-care practices, tailored for those in the demanding field of funeral service.

Get ready to supercharge your year! Join Lisa Baue in this episode from Your Funeral Coach Talks where she unveils the secrets to achieving your goals in 2024. As an experienced Owner and CEO in the deathcare profession, Lisa shares game-changing insights on personal and professional growth. Discover the power of SMART goals, reflection, and mentorship. Whether you're a rising leader or a seasoned manager, this episode is your ticket to a year of empowerment and success. Tune in now and kickstart your journey to greatness!

In this episode of "Your Funeral Coach Talks," Lisa Baue chats with Precoa's Tyler Anderson about evolving funeral industry leadership. Lisa aids businesses in mentorship and transitions, while Tyler, rooted in funeral traditions, is now Precoa's Senior VP. Tyler highlights leadership vulnerability and adapting to funeral ceremony changes. They also discuss Precoa's acclaim as a top Oregon workplace and its values of kindness and progression. Tune in now to catch the full episode!

In this enlightening episode, Lisa Baue delves deep into the transformative power of self-confidence within the funeral and deathcare profession. Discover the profound impact of daily journaling and positive self-talk and gain actionable insights on cultivating unwavering confidence in your everyday life. Don't miss these invaluable strategies tailored for our unique industry; tune in now to elevate your professional journey!

Join us on this episode of the Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast! In this compelling conversation, host Lisa Baue sits down with the remarkable Megan Coyle, President and fifth-generation owner of Coyle Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Together, they delve into the inspiring journey of being a woman leader in the funeral profession. Prepare to be moved as Megan opens up about her holistic approach to self-care, addressing her demanding role's physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Drawing from her vast experience, she shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges inherent in this field.Listen in as Lisa and Megan reflect on the remarkable progress made by women in the funeral service industry. Gone are the days when they were mere outliers, outnumbered by their male counterparts. Discover the empowering stories behind this positive shift and gain a fresh perspective on the significance of gender diversity in such a vital domain. Moreover, this thought-provoking conversation explores the universal nature of death itself. Lisa and Megan delve into the importance of cultivating a healthy mindset that enables funeral professionals to better support grieving families with empathy and compassion.Don't miss this captivating episode, where inspiration meets practical wisdom, and discover how the evolving landscape of funeral service embraces female leadership in an increasingly inclusive profession.

Join us on this episode of the Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast, as host Lisa Baue engages in a riveting discussion with 3rd generation Funeral Director, Ellen Wynn McBrayer of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory. Ellen not only broke boundaries as the first woman in her family to become a Licensed Embalmer, but she has also contributed immensely to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) since 2007.Honored as one of Georgia's top "40 under 40" by Georgia Trend Magazine in 2009, Ellen was subsequently recognized among the top 5 funeral directors nationwide by American Funeral Director magazine in 2021. Most recently, she received the inaugural NFDA Inspiration Award in 2023 and is a candidate for the 2023 NFDA Board of Directors!In this heartening conversation, Ellen imparts wisdom from her mentors and parents, discusses the future of funeral service, and hints at the possible shifts in the profession.Don't forget to visit our YouTube channel for a visual accompaniment to this enlightening chat!

Join Lisa Baue on the Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast as she sits down with Coleen Ellis, a renowned leader in Pet Death Care. Coleen, is an international speaker and the founder of Pet Angel Memorial Center, Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, and Coleen.Rocks, sheds light on the impactful Jelly Bean game and how it fosters a profound realization. Together, they explore the importance of self-care and navigating others' opinions with unwavering confidence. Tune in to gain valuable wisdom for embracing life's precious moments and nurturing your overall well-being.

Listen in to Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast as Lisa Baue interviews the brilliant Scott Newton, her esteemed Collaborative Network Partner from Graystone Associates. Graystone Associates is an exceptional business advisory firm that specializes in the funeral service industry, consistently ranking among the top independent firms in the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia.In this episode, Lisa and Scott dive deep into the world of business management, imparting invaluable wisdom on training, developing your people, and fostering growth within your enterprise. Prepare to enhance your business acumen and discover the secrets to becoming a better leader and entrepreneur.

Listen in to Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast as she sits down with the Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), Barbara Kemmis. In this episode, Lisa and Barbara delve into the exciting details of CANA's 105th Cremation Innovation Convention in August in Washington, where Lisa will be presenting on the crucial topics of leadership, mentoring, and investing in your staff.But that's not all — Barbara also shares invaluable insights gleaned from CANA's groundbreaking national consumer research. With probing questions about the final resting place of cremated remains and what that means to different audiences, this research offers a fresh and insightful perspective on end-of-life decision-making.

Listen in to Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast as Lisa Baue talks with Sean Fagan, Owner of Leap Tie Marketing. In this episode, they discuss the importance of giving your website a spring cleaning. Whether your website is new or old, there are design best practices and regulatory compliance standards that you should follow to ensure that your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and accessible to everyone. They discuss tips for comparing your website to your competitor's, creating a clear call-to-action, and more!Get ready for our upcoming Spring Newsletter, filled with valuable insights and engaging content! Our Collaborative Network Partners will be sharing informative and interesting articles, and we're excited to feature an article from Sean Fagan with more tips and tricks for refreshing your marketing. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest profession news and trends. Sign up today to receive the Newsletter directly in your inbox by visiting www.yourfuneralcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up-form/.

In this week's episode of Your Funeral Coach Talks, host Lisa Baue sits down with Author, Speaker, and Facilitator, Kevin O'Connor, to discuss his latest book, "Two Floors Above Grief." Through a collection of personal letters written by O'Connor and his family members, the book offers a perspective on life as O'Connor takes us on a journey through his unique upbringing as a funeral home child. Join Lisa and Kevin as they dive into the fascinating details and anecdotes of his upbringing, and explore the themes of grief, family, and legacy that are woven throughout the book. Whether you're a funeral professional or simply interested in exploring the rich history of funeral homes, this episode is not to be missed.Be sure to visit www.kevinoconnorauthor.com to order your copy of "Two Floors Above Grief" and learn more about Kevin O'Connor and his work. 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Coleen Ellis, a recognized leader within the world of Pet Death Care. Coleen is a sought-after international speaker, author, and founder of Pet Angel Memorial Center, Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, and Coleen.Rocks. Coleen shares her journey through different career paths as a woman in the funeral profession, and what lead her to where she is today. Coleen and Lisa share lessons and tips that can support women within the funeral and death care profession.

Listen in as Lisa Baue from Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by Erin Creger of Envision Strategic Partners and one of the founders of Death Care Collective. Death Care Collective is a safe space for women to connect, be vulnerable, and to feel seen and heard. Erin shares her story about what drove her toward the funeral service profession. Lisa and Erin discuss how the Death Care Collective came into fruition and the support and opportunities it offers to women in funeral service. 

Calling all Professional Women!Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by Melissa Posey Loose, MA, LFD, CCO of National Funeral Directors Association as they discuss the exciting details of the upcoming NFDA Professional Women's Conference! We are honored to be one of the sponsors for the 2023 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Professional Women's Conference taking place May 5-7 in San Antonio, Texas. There is an exciting lineup of speakers sharing a wide range of topics, scholarship opportunities, engaging discussions, networking, and more! To register for this inspiring conference, visit www.nfda.org/pwc 

This month for Women's History Month we honor women from the past and present who are making history as leaders in the Death Care profession. Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by Kim Medici Shelquist as she shares some of her leadership lessons and tips. Kim is the former Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning for Homesteaders Life Company, a role she retired from late last year. She currently consults on the company's ForGrief.com initiative.  

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Sean Fagan, Owner of Leap Tie. Lisa and Sean discuss best practices in marketing and specializing in funeral service. Sean shares the importance of tracking marketing and knowing who is interacting with your ads and how to build a relationship out of that analysis.   

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Kristen Ernst, MA LPC from the Center for Hope and Healing as they discuss the importance of rest. Kristen shares mindfulness tips and tricks and how you can implement them into your practice.  

In honor of National Vision Board Day last weekend, listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Marguerite Ham, Owner of Igniting Success. Lisa and Marguerite discuss the importance of a guiding word or phrase to help you get started, and how to develop and use your vision board to its full potential! Share your 2023 vision boards and tag us on social media!To read Marguerite's Vision Board Guide & see our 2023 vision boards, visit www.yourfuneralcoach.com/how-to-make-a-vision-board-by-marguerite-ham/ 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by Barbara Kemmis, the Executive Director of Cremation Association of North America (CANA) as they discuss CANA's upcoming Cremation Symposium in February and their new CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist program. Barbara shares how CANA provides accessible research-based continuing education that is focused specifically on cremation to reach employees who may not have access to continuing education in-person and online. Barbara and Lisa examine some of the myths and biases of why people choose cremation and discuss the benefits of the new certification program for the profession and the arranging directors.Learn more about the CANA-Certified Cremation Specialist program Register for CANA's 2023 Cremation Symposium 

Worried about FTC compliance and new regulations? There are bigger things to worry about this coming year. Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Sean Fagan of Leap Tie as they discuss your real risk factors with your online image, how your staff handles the phone when shoppers call, and how you appear to the consumer looking for your services.

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Marguerite Ham. Lisa and Marguerite discuss showing appreciation in the workplace and how to improve workplace culture. Lisa shares about the “Great Resignation” in our country and how it is had a hard impact on the funeral and death care profession. Marguerite encourages and motivates leaders to become more present and show appreciation to their valuable staff.

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Sean Fagan, Owner of Leap Tie. Lisa and Sean discuss what makes Leap Tie unique from other marketing companies and how they focus their business, marketing, and sales experience exclusively on the death care profession. Sean shares about the early years of Leap Tie and gives an insider's perspective on how to build and grow a business through remarkable marketing.  

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by the CEO of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, Rob Paterkiewicz. They discuss Selected's recent Annual Meeting held in Washington, DC. Rob highlights the outcomes of the event and how members were able to reconnect and celebrate the year. Lisa and Rob talk about the programs Selected offers for affiliated suppliers, members, and guests and what makes them unique. 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by Training & Development Manager, Melissa Posey Loose, MA, LFD, CCO of National Funeral Directors Association. They discuss the upcoming NFDA International Convention & Expo in Baltimore on October 9-12. They discuss the upcoming NFDA International Convention & Expo in Baltimore on October 9-12. Melissa also highlights the education and activities that will be available. 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is joined by members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes at their Annual Meeting recently held in Washington, DC. They shared what they love most about being a member and other insights.

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Marguerite Ham, owner of Igniting Success. This week they discuss caring for yourself and caring for others. Marguerite shares ways to combat stress and tips for what you can do to improve your workplace culture and help your employees feel more fulfilled and satisfied in their workplace. 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by experienced trainer and manager Kyle West of Graystone Associates. In the new series Making Funeral Service Sexy Again, Kyle and Lisa talk about how funeral service needs a new image and discuss some major changes to make to become more appealing to future employees and client families. 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by her newest Collaborative Network Partner, Coleen Ellis, a recognized leader within the world of Pet Death Care. Coleen is a sought-after international speaker, author, and founder of Pet Angel Memorial Center, Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, and Coleen.Rocks. Coleen shares her ideals and perspectives as a Thanatologist and how the death of a pet can teach children and adults how to mourn. Lisa and Coleen discuss the importance for companies to embrace the client's experience and learn to better support families and loved ones.To learn more about Your Funeral Coach, visit www.yourfuneralcoach.com 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by Barbara Kemmis, the Executive Director of Cremation Association of North America (CANA) as they discuss the newest cremation research conducted by CANA along with the post-pandemic results. They also chat about the growing trends that will affect our profession as well as some opportunities for growth in serving the future cremation customer.CANA is celebrating its 104th Cremation Innovation Convention on August 17-19th in Atlanta, GA. The event brings innovative cremation professionals together to share ideas, learn from experts, and see the newest products and services from suppliers.To learn more about CANA's 104th Cremation Innovation Convention, visit www.pheedloop.com/cana22/site/home/

Listen in as Lisa speaks to Funeral Director/Owner/CEO Nathan Morris. Lisa and Nathan discuss his background as a musician turned Funeral Director and Embalmer. Nathan shares about his popular podcast called You'll Die Trying, his newly published music and upcoming concert on August 6th that will benefit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and how he is an activist and proponent of the need to “Revolutionize the Profession” and so much more. To listen to this episode, visit www.yourfuneralcoach.com/podcasts/ or anywhere you get your podcasts!  To learn more about Nathan's August 6th concert or to buy tickets go to www.nathanmorrismusic.com 

Listen in as Lisa speaks to Kyle West of Graystone Associates about leadership and how to grow businesses by having effective programs to develop yourself and others. They discuss building a positive culture of openness to the perception of others. Kyle recommends you surround yourself with people who will disagree with you and tell you how they feel about you and your performance. Kyle shares that getting to know your people and their gifts and bringing out the best in others is one of the best things to do in business. He recommends that investing more time with staff and creating relationships is critical.  Retention programs are essential, and this episode discusses creating fulfilling and fun moments in the workplace. Information on the importance of having regular Town Hall meetings vs staff meetings is recommended to keep communication and open dialogue high. Visit us at yourfuneralcoach.com 

Join Lisa Baue and Kristen Ernst, MA, LPC as they discuss the need for employers and managers to make staff their first priority in the Caring for Your Staff Series from Your Funeral Coach Talks. Making staff's needs your number one goal this year is imperative to improving retention, becoming the employer of choice, and growing your business. Listen in as Lisa and Kristen share ideas about how to create a better culture of appreciation and stress relief programs Their guidance and advice will teach you how to help your staff feel better cared for and fulfilled in their most meaningful work in funeral service. 

Listen in as Lisa and Marguerite Ham discuss why having a vision statement is important both in business and personally. Discover how to set your own vision statement and be sure it's aligned with your business vision. Learn how to engage your staff and help them discover their personal vision statements, make them a reality, and set smart goals together to accomplish them. 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by her Collaborative Network Partner, Kristen Ernst, MA LPC from the Center for Hope and Healing as they discuss the importance of taking better care of yourself and your team by setting wellness goals. Wellness is a popular topic today that funeral service and owners need to pay attention to as they care for themselves and their team members. They discuss setting wellness goals and how to use them to help relieve stress in the workplace and one's personal life. By finding ways for employees to take breaks, exercise regularly, and focus on healthy eating, employers and managers who wish to be successful in the future will need to help their company's culture by putting wellness and mindfulness programs into their workplace to support their staff as a top priority. Visit us at www.yourfuneralcoach.com/podcasts/

Lisa talks with one of her collaborative partners, Marguerite Ham, owner of Igniting Success, a leadership training company focusing on professional development. This week they touch on the 4 attitudes for leadership, tips to have a better attitude as a leader, and more! Find us at yourfuneralcoach.comCheck out Marguerite at www.margueriteham.com

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by her newest Collaborative Network Partner, Scott Newton from Graystone Associates. They discuss how he and his team help owners and managers improve communications and provide high-quality training and support to over 100 funeral service firms in our profession. Having a great training program is another element of your business that is wanted and needed to support your people! 

Listen in as Lisa Baue of Your Funeral Coach is joined by Barbara Kemmis, the Executive Director of Cremation Association of North America (CANA) as they discussed how she came to the Association and how she grew CANA 11 years ago to become the successful Association it is today. Barbara shares that CANA has almost 10 Women Presidents in their Association history. She talks about her early mentors, her incredibly efficient team serving 3,300 members, her most admired woman in history, and the newest book she is reading about women and examining their relationship with power. This is part of Your Funeral Coach Talks “Elevating Women in Funeral Service” podcast series that honors Women's History Month this March.

Listen in as Lisa Baue, Your Funeral Coach is joined by Monica Torres of NXT Generation Mortuary Support as they talk about women in funeral service, women business owners, and the key to success, along with supporting and training women in our profession. This is part of Your Funeral Coach Talks “Elevating Women in Funeral Service” podcast  series that honors Women's History Month this March. SocialsTwitter:             @LisaBaue                              @coldhandshostsInstagram:      @yourfuneralcoach           @coldhandshosts

Lisa talks with one of her collaborative partners, Marguerite Ham, owner of Igniting Success. This week they talk about resilience, International Girl's Day, their own childhood experiences, and how they have grown into successful women in business.Find us at yourfuneralcoach.comCheck out Marguerite at www.margueriteham.com

This week, host Lisa interviews Alicia Carr, a women business owner of Kelco Supply Company. Alicia shares about who and what inspired her to become the woman she is today and the importance of listening to the needs of their ever-changing customers. These last three years Alicia enrolled, graduated from mortuary school, passed her National Boards, and is now serving her internship to become licensed and better understand the profession she serves. 

In this week's episode from Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast, I interview Rob Paterkiewicz, CEO of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, headquartered in the greater Chicago area, as part of our Leadership Series. Rob shares his thoughts on the key to his success as a leader and the key to growth at Selected.  He speaks a great deal on the culture improvement he brought to the association and why it's critical for leaders to instill this into their organizations and companies. Rob also speaks about the changes in funeral service and some of his vision for the future.

Host Lisa Baue talks with John Schmitz, CPA, and Financial Business Expert in the funeral, cremation, and cemetery profession. Lisa and John discuss what companies need to do more of and less of to be successful—with a little added tax advice on this upcoming year. To learn more about Your Funeral Coach, visit www.yourfuneralcoach.com

Join Lisa and her guest/Collaborative Partner Kristen Ernst, MA, LPC, of the Center for Hope and Healing www.hopeandhealingcounseling.com as they discuss what those who mourn need most and what funeral homes, cremation companies, and cemeteries can do to help them. 

Lisa talks with one of her collaborative partners, Marguerite Ham, owner of Igniting Success. This week they talk about effective staff recognition and how to avoid employee dissatisfaction and turnover. Find us at yourfuneralcoach.comCheck out Marguerite at www.margueriteham.com