The Mortuary Show

Latest Episodes:

Dead Body Moves?? 😵 Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

There's no way... Listen to the hilarious story on how Jennifer (The Mulling Mortician) saw a body's "arms" flail in the air. Mortuary affairs in Europe & Africa, full restoration of a skull, and passion for RA. ENJOY! :)

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Different cultures, different funerals.

(15:32) – Full skull transformation.

(21:06) – Education's place in embalming & development.

(32:08) – Dead body moves arms while dressing.

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Takeaways

Working at the US Army Regional Mortuary involves handling deaths and coordinating the movement of remains in Europe and Africa.
International repatriation can be challenging due to different regulations and cultural practices surrounding death and burial.
Jennifer Lares received extensive training at the European School of Embalming Skills, which included reconstructive and restorative techniques.
Jennifer now works as an educator, providing training and educational content for funeral professionals.
Her goal is to create content that is relevant and accessible, helping funeral professionals improve their skills and knowledge. Skull reconstruction involves using wire and plaster to connect the pieces.
The process requires drilling holes, tightening the wire, and adding plaster.
Excising tissue during the dissection of the face requires careful precision.
Restorative art is about giving families something rather than achieving perfection.
Jennifer enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge within the funeral service community.
She has worked in various funeral homes and has had diverse experiences.
Jennifer shares a funny story from her internship involving moving arms and a plastic sheet.
Her business, Mulling Mortician, can be found on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Handling Obesity in Funeral Service ⚰️ Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

Josh handles remains over 700lbs. A tough thing for everyone involved: the deceased, family, and us in funeral service. Michael gets in to how he takes care of embalming obese cases, Josh’s best tips for transferring large bodies, edema, fight outbreaks. Lots to discuss today!!

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Obesity & removals.

(15:32) – How to appropriately ask for estimated weight.

(21:06) – Edema in the prep room.

(32:08) – A fight breaks out at the FH.

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Takeaways

Handling cases of deceased individuals who weigh over 700 pounds presents unique challenges in the funeral service industry.
Gathering as much information as possible before the removal, including the layout of the house and the approximate weight of the deceased, is crucial for planning and ensuring a safe transfer.
Delicate and respectful communication with the family is essential when discussing weight-related considerations.
Having extra staff on hand for larger cases is necessary to ensure the safety of both the staff and the deceased.
Funeral homes and businesses may need to upcharge for larger cases due to the additional staff and resources required. Handling large and obese cases in the funeral industry requires specialized equipment and techniques, such as pulleys and Reeves cots.
Positioning is crucial in the embalming process for larger bodies to ensure proper preservation and a lifelike appearance.
Dealing with physical altercations between family members is a challenging aspect of working in the funeral industry, and maintaining professionalism and composure is essential.
Communication and teamwork are key in successfully handling difficult situations and ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Best Songs at a Funeral 🎵 Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Farewell Finder.... it's the new thing coming to funeral homes near you. Get in on convos with the founder, Jolene.

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Mortuary Marketing

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Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Let's break the taboo.

(15:32) – I'm not your counselor.

(21:06) – How a company can expand.

(32:08) – Farewell Finder time.

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Takeaways

Farewell Finder aims to simplify end-of-life arrangements and be a digital destination for consumers.
They collaborate with funeral homes to offer online arrangements and digital memorial pages.
The company's goal is to bridge the gap between current funeral practices and modern consumer needs.
Farewell Finder plans to start regionally and expand nationwide.
Their favorite features include curated playlists and a community page for sharing recipes and memories.

AI Caskets 🤖 Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

Things always get a little weird when we talk to Professor Ben Schmidt. AI casket displays & designs, Louis Vuitton & Apple designed urns/caskets, & how the Egyptians probably embalmed. Enjoy :)

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

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Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Direct to consumer casket debate.

(15:32) – Forced transparency.

(21:06) – AI casket branding.

(32:08) – The evolution of embalming chemicals.

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Takeaways

Funeral homes need to adapt to new ways of doing things and marketing to stay relevant in the changing face of funeral service.
Providing options for families and focusing on the value of the service provided is crucial for funeral homes.
Transparency is important in the funeral industry to build trust with families.
Direct-to-consumer casket sales, like those offered by Titan Casket, provide families with more options and customization.
Funeral homes can consider offering more vibrant and customizable caskets to meet the changing preferences of families. AI artist Hio John Malour created branded caskets that resemble popular brands like Louis Vuitton and Apple.
Go As You Please in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializes in personalized caskets and offers packages for different funeral services.
Personalization is becoming increasingly important in funeral services.
The future of funeral service is expected to be more consumer-driven.
The history of embalming fluids includes the use of arsenic and alcohol before the adoption of formaldehyde.

Paranormal Activity Surrounds Death 😱 Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

A fun one today that goes all over the place! Krissy spends her timing working for a tissue donation org andddd an intuitive medium. Moral issues with tissue donation, the power of spirits, how meditation & intention work in the death industry, and more. A LOT MORE.

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Dive into the paranormal.

(15:32) – How to connect with spirits.

(21:06) – Can you really train your mind??

(32:08) – Simplify your life.

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Takeaways

Organ and tissue donation can be a morally complex issue, with concerns about consent and the treatment of donors and their families.
There is a need for more extensive education about organ and tissue donation to ensure that individuals fully understand what they are consenting to.
The speaker's experiences as a recovery coordinator highlight the challenges and ethical dilemmas involved in the organ and tissue donation process.
The speaker's journey as an intuitive medium has allowed her to connect with spirits and provide guidance and messages to others.
Being open to intuition and trusting one's gut can lead to a more fulfilling and mindful life. Meditation doesn't have to be a long, formal practice. It can be done in various ways, such as walking meditations or even quick moments of mindfulness throughout the day.
Believe in the signs and guidance you receive from the universe. Trust that they are real and meaningful.
Retrain your brain to think positively and focus on the outcomes you desire. Negative thoughts attract negative experiences, so choose to think positively and manifest positive outcomes.
Simplify your life and embrace the support of your spiritual team. You are never alone, and you can always call on your guides and loved ones for help and guidance.
Celebrate your accomplishments and live in the present moment. Don't always strive for the next thing, but appreciate what you have and the journey you're on.

Funeral Directors Are Underpaid 💰 Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Let's get real... Funeral directors deserve more. We do the work that 99.9% of the world's population would not want to do. We do it with grace, dignity, and empathy for the families going through loss. Michael and Joe get into all of that, COVID funerals, work life balance, and the value of the mortician.

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Laughter is grief's destroyer.

(15:32) – Retirement decision is more bitter sweet.

(21:06) – COVID funerals.

(26:08) – Valuing your employees.

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Takeaways

The importance of supporting and valuing funeral directors
Creating a healthy work-life balance in the funeral service industry
Proper compensation for funeral directors
Building morale in the workplace
The need for a shift in the industry's mindset and practices The funeral industry has been greatly impacted by the rise of cremation and the need for personalized services.
Competition in the industry is increasing, and funeral homes need to adapt and provide meaningful and valuable services to families.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for funerals, with restrictions on gatherings and limited opportunities for families to say goodbye.
It is important to ensure that funerals honor and celebrate the lives of the deceased, providing closure and support for the grieving.
Valuing and engaging employees is crucial for the success of funeral homes.
Joseph Fritsch is contemplating retirement and considering a career change to become an advocate for final expense insurance.

The Walk-In Family 👪 Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

The dreaded walk-in...... A thing of the past? Kinda. How do we handle the stress, what makes a good funeral story, and shirtless digging by the graveside. Thanks to Josh D!

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias:

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Show Notes:

(06:18) – Relationships with families.

(15:32) – Funeral service. Reward vs Challenge.

(21:06) – Catering to clients.

(32:08) – Josh's most unusual funeral story...

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Takeaways

Being a funeral director requires adaptability and the ability to handle unexpected situations.
Building relationships with families is crucial in the funeral industry.
Funeral directors have a high level of responsibility and must always be on their A-game.
The job can be emotionally and physically draining, but the rewards make it worthwhile.
Word of mouth and positive reviews are important for the success of a funeral home.
Funeral directors serve a diverse range of clientele and must be able to cater to different needs and preferences. Treat every family with the same respect and attention to detail, regardless of their financial situation.
Separate personal life from work and focus on taking care of the families in front of you.
The job of a funeral director can be emotionally challenging, but it also provides a unique perspective on life and the importance of family.
Funeral directors often encounter unusual and memorable situations, such as a man jumping into his wife's grave or a family distributing vials of cremated remains as party favors.

Advice to Funeral Home Owners 💭 Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

It’s tough getting a business off the ground. Especially a business that requires 24/7 care, physical, emotional, mental labor/challenge, and clients that are not happy they need to use you. Former NFDA President, Randy Anderson has been through it all. Soak it up, this guy knows his stuff!

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Family-owned challenges.

(15:32) – How & why to get started.

(21:06) – Excellence is the standard.

(32:08) – How to manage a business.

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Takeaways

Involvement in professional organizations like NFDA can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities for funeral homes.
Funeral homes need to adapt to changing industry trends and meet the evolving expectations of clients to stay relevant.
Developing leadership skills and fostering a positive work culture are crucial for the success of funeral homes.
Caring for people and providing exceptional service should be the driving force behind every funeral director's career. Passing on the family business requires open communication and timing.
Striving for excellence is attainable by making the best out of what you have.
Creating meaningful experiences for families can leave a lasting impact.
Building lasting relationships with families and colleagues is rewarding.
Balancing work and personal life is essential for overall well-being.
Young business owners should join national organizations and focus on business management.
Learning from others, especially experienced funeral directors, is valuable.
Family support and guidance can contribute to a successful career.
Expressing gratitude and honoring the work of funeral directors is important.

A Vision into the Funeral Industry 🔭 Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

What are the most important things we can do to keep our industry alive? Adapt, get involved, focus on the benefits family receive, use positive press. Tom Parmalee of Funeral Vision knows the ins & outs and all the future trends we are nearly approaching. Listen up funeral home owners & directors!

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – The most interesting funeral press story ever.

(15:32) – Debating whether funeral prices should be mandatory for a website.

(21:06) – Community involvement is not dead (and probably never will be).

(32:08) – Talk to a family about how they personally benefit.

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Takeaways

Funeral Vision provides news and information to the funeral profession, helping professionals stay informed and connected.
Sharing stories and information is crucial for the growth and improvement of the funeral industry.
Transparency in pricing can benefit both funeral homes and families, but there are challenges and debates surrounding its implementation.
Negative press coverage can unfairly portray the funeral industry, and it is important to counteract these perceptions by promoting the positive aspects of the profession. Active community involvement and promotion are essential for funeral homes to build trust and attract clients.
Live streaming can be a valuable touchpoint for showcasing the care and service provided by funeral homes.
Sharing personal stories and testimonials can resonate with potential clients and demonstrate the benefits of funeral services.
Writing should focus on emotional connection and highlight the benefits of funeral services rather than just features.
The Funeral Vision job board aims to address the staffing crisis in the funeral profession.
Providing value and building an audience are key to long-term success in the funeral industry.

Funeral Burn-Out 🥵 Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Something almost all of us have been through.... The dreaded FUNERAL BURN OUT. Yohan & Michael talk about their journeys through it, how to overcome, & best strategies for reducing the likelihood of it happening again. Great value for all of our young directors out there: Put yourself first sometimes!!

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Mortuary Marketing

Elevate your funeral home’s online presence.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias:

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Show Notes:

(07:45) – Supportive coworkers make the job what it is.

(15:32) – The pressure of time in funeral service.

(21:06) – How to stay focused.

(32:08) – How a personal brand makes a difference in any industry.

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Takeaways

Working in the funeral service industry can be emotionally and physically draining, leading to burnout over time.
Having supportive coworkers and a positive atmosphere within a funeral home is crucial for the well-being of funeral directors.
Time constraints and the need for immediate action are common in funeral service, adding to the stress of the job.
Despite the challenges, many funeral directors find fulfillment in their work and are passionate about helping families during difficult times. Caring and going above and beyond can make a significant difference in the lives of grieving families.
Managers play a crucial role in motivating staff and creating a positive work environment.
Following your passion and dreams is essential in the funeral service industry.
Building relationships with families and providing personalized services is key to making a lasting impact.
Celebrating life and sharing unique stories can bring comfort and healing to families.
Establishing a personal brand and pursuing your dreams can lead to success in the funeral service industry.

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