The Mortuary Show

Latest Episodes:

Death = The Great Equalizer ☠️ Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Mika & Michael get deep... Is your state of mind different because you’re a funeral director? What is it like experiencing death when you see it every day? Life is PRECIOUS folks! One of the ways to enjoy it is listening to the Mortuary Show ;)

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Show Notes:

(12:00) – Funeral service has shifted.

(20:05) – Help yourself so you can help others.

(32:18) – Death gets to us all (sometimes when you least expect it).

(42:12) – Eco friendly caskets & casket sales.

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Takeaways

Funeral directors have a unique perspective on life and death, which can bring a deeper appreciation for every day and the value of human connection.
The funeral industry is going through a transformative period of change, with shifts in funeral rituals and methods of disposition.
Funeral directors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to families during times of loss and grief.
Self-care and mental health are important for funeral directors to maintain their well-being and continue providing compassionate care.
Death is the great equalizer, reminding us of the fragility and preciousness of life. Green burials are becoming more popular, with fully green cemeteries emerging in some areas.
Some funeral professionals dislike selling caskets and find it challenging.
There is a growing excitement for eco-friendly caskets and funeral options.
There is a cultural shift in funeral practices and values, with more people seeking non-traditional options.

What Happened in Colorado? 🏔️ Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

We are in this together! The future of funeral service & the representation of morticians is in our hands... Ciara has great insight as to what happened in CO, and we discuss how to overcome the "negative news" that our industry is vulnerable to.

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

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Show Notes:

(00:30) – Incident in Colorado.

(04:30) – State licensing changes.

(27:39) – How to build trust.

(36:41) – Why young funeral directors are so important.

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Takeaways

Transparency and open communication are crucial in building trust with families.
Discussing death and pre-arrangements is important for individuals and families to have peace of mind.
Young funeral professionals bring a fresh perspective and passion to the industry.
Adapting to changes and striving for excellence are key in the funeral profession.
Building a strong team and community support are essential for success in the industry.

Husband Rides to Wedding in the Hearse 💍 Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

A funeral home wedding (yes, they met in Mortuary School), ceremonial flag waving for veterans, and funeral home renovations. Mark can do it all!

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

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Show Notes:

(02:02) – Funeral Home Wedding.

(11:52) – Dealing with business can be intimidating.

(26:03) – Working with your spouse.

(37:31) – Take some time for yourself.

It's National Funeral Directors Day! 🧑‍💼 Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Today is National Funeral Directors Day! A sincere thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the work that morticians do. We are a selfless group of people that puts the needs of grieving families over our own. Thank you for what you do. Make today GREAT! You deserve it.

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

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Show Notes:

(03:00) – Iowa mass casualty plane crash.

(11:05) – How did funeral directors prepare the remains?

(19:18) – Funeral directors are being honored.

(22:12) – The changing perspective about funeral service.

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Takeaways

Funeral directors deserve recognition and appreciation for their work.
Mass fatalities present unique challenges for funeral directors.
The public should understand the value and importance of funeral directors.
Recognition and gratitude for funeral directors can help attract more people to the profession.

This Funeral Home's Secret Formula for WOW-ing Families 😲 Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Phil's funeral home has a secret.... What's the best way to impress families & get them coming back for life? The answer is different than what you may think.

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠⁠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:

(08:29) – Best way to connect with families.

(20:56) – How do you take your toilet paper?

(31:30) – How to use your funeral director's different strengths.

(36:21) – Community engagement.

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Takeaways

Creating a supportive work environment and fostering camaraderie among staff members is crucial in the funeral service industry.
Applying previous studies and skills to funeral service can bring unique perspectives and enhance the quality of service.
Personalizing services and asking thoughtful questions can create meaningful experiences for families.
Training and development are essential for continuous improvement and growth in the funeral industry.
Engaging with the community and showcasing individual personalities can help funeral homes stand out and build relationships. Creating a fun and special work environment can help employees improve their performance.
Leaders should strive to connect with their team members and their families.
Attending professional development programs like ICCFA University can enhance skills and knowledge in the funeral industry.

Mortician Enlists the Day After 9/11 👊 Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Ed enlists in the Army the DAY after the 9/11 attacks, served as a Mortuary Affairs specialist in Afghanistan & Iraq, and now casually runs a studded trade service in Northern Michigan. This guy does it all!

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠⁠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:

(04:21) – Craziest stories from serving as a Mortician.

(27:17) – Helping families of fallen soldiers.

(37:15) – Driving all over the state for removals.

(40:12) – Decomposed body transfers.

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Takeaways

Ed's interest in funeral service began in high school when he chose to research what happens to us after we die.
After completing mortuary school, Ed enlisted in the army and served in mortuary affairs, handling the transportation and care of fallen soldiers.
Ed faced challenges in coordinating with casualty affairs officers and organizing services for fallen soldiers, but found it rewarding to provide a dignified send-off.
Ed experienced the effects of PTSD from his time in the military and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and processing trauma.
After leaving the military, Ed started his own trade service in northern Michigan, providing transportation and embalming services for funeral homes in the area. Funeral home owners face challenges such as lack of time, staff shortages, and inexperienced licensed personnel.
Dealing with unique cases is a common occurrence in the funeral industry, with various conditions and circumstances presenting themselves.
Managing the medical examiner contract involves being on call and ready to respond within a short timeframe.
Transportation and time constraints can be challenging, especially when dealing with cases that require travel to distant locations.
Funeral directors often encounter difficult and memorable removals and transfers, including decomposed bodies and challenging environments.
Despite the challenges, many funeral directors find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work, driven by a genuine love for their profession and the opportunity to serve their community.

Brain Delivered in an Ice Cream Bucket 🍦 Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Some WILD stories on who's suing who in funeral service. Our favorite Mortuary Lawman, Mr Sharkey, shares some of his best stories (those he's allowed to tell). A brainy ice cream sunday, illegal body transferring over county lines, wage differences among FDs state to state, and more.

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠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:

(03:16) – Cash flow & insurance policies.

(09:36) – How does insurance impact your business?

(16:07) – Get off the phone.

(25:25) – The best way to fund a funeral.

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Takeaways

Operating funeral homes on state borders can be challenging due to the need to understand and comply with different laws in different jurisdictions.
When a death occurs in one state but the funeral home is located in another state, the law of the state where the death occurred usually applies.
Dealing with old cremated remains requires following state-specific regulations, which may involve notifying the family and finding a permanent resting place.
Disinterment, reinterment, and exhumation are legal processes that require court orders and specialized equipment to ensure the dignified treatment of the deceased.

Morticians Experience Grief 💔 Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Our dear funeral friend Brittany wrote a book! She is a funeral director soooo technically it's only a chapter, but that's like writing the Lord of the Rings series with our schedules. And she gives us some goodies ⬇️

FREE Grief Workbook

(Thanks Brittany!)

Link for the book: "The Grief Experience: Tools for Acceptance, Resilience, and Connection"

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

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

Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Show Notes:

(02:06) – Writing a book as a mortician.

(08:24) – Run when you grieve.

(17:01) – Funerals are for the living.

(18:00) – Be the real you

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Grief is a universal experience, and it is important to have open conversations about it.
Collaborative approaches to grief can provide diverse perspectives and support.
Setting goals can be a helpful way to navigate grief and find purpose.
Funeral directors play a crucial role in guiding families through the grieving process and creating meaningful experiences.
Obituaries can be a powerful way to honor and remember loved ones.
Coming together to celebrate and remember the deceased is an important part of the grieving process.
Authenticity and empathy are essential qualities for funeral directors to connect with families.
The book 'The Grief Experience' offers a range of perspectives and tools for acceptance, resilience, and connection.

Preparing for Mass Casualty 👮 Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

How can you possibly prepare for a mass shooting, environmental disaster, or plane crash as a mortician? Michaelene (@Quietus_Bee) gives her unique perspective on this & more as a Thanatologist.

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

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

Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Show Notes:

(06:19) – Teaching Thanatology and Death Companioning

(12:31) – Preparing for Mass Casualty Situations

(21:25) – The Importance of Self-Care in the Funeral Industry

(28:56) – Getting Emotional on the Job.

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Takeaways

Thanatology is the study of death, dying, and bereavement, going beyond basic mortuary science programs.
Funeral directors should think outside the box and consider the psychology of individuals experiencing grief.
Addressing difficult topics, such as abortion and abuse, with empathy and understanding is crucial in funeral service.
Self-care is essential for funeral professionals to prevent burnout and provide better support to families.

A Mortician's Vacation 🌴 Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

This week's episode is brought to you by The SCCFA:

Get your early-bird tickets to "The Southern" TODAY!

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How does one build a cremation society? How about doing it from hundreds of miles away? Pierce goes deep into how he built up their family business, the importance of systems/training, & how association conferences can lift your game up.

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Mortuary Marketing

Increase your funeral home’s business! Guaranteed to get you more death calls.

⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠

Want to start today?

Email: conor@mortuary-marketing.com

-----

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

Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

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