In this conversation, Curtis Funk interviews Christine Pepper, exploring her journey from her childhood in Germany to her impactful career at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). They discuss her early life, the challenges of immigration, her education, and the evolution of her career in the funeral service industry. Christine shares …

In this episode of PodCasket, Curtis Funk sits down with Jimmy Lucas—funeral director, family man, and all-around great storyteller—for a candid conversation that spans everything from funeral home beginnings and generational legacy to cattle ranching, scuba diving, and even amateur beekeeping. They dive into the Lucas family's 165-year history in …

In this episode of PodCasket, Curtis Funk sits down with Buddy Phaneuf, a funeral industry leader known for pushing boundaries in deathcare. From revolutionizing online cremation arrangements to integrating AI and chatbots, Buddy shares his insights on how technology and business strategy have transformed funeral service. He discusses his journey f…

In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Kris Seale, a leader in the funeral profession with nearly 40 years of experience. Kris shares his journey from growing up in a funeral home to transforming Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company (FDLIC) into an industry powerhouse. He opens up about the challenges of leading through the COVID-19 pandem…

In this episode, Ryan Thogmartin and Curtis Funk dive into the fascinating, unexpected paths that led them into the world of death care. From Curtis's random encounter at a family birthday party that turned into a nostalgic small-world moment to Ryan's entrepreneurial journey rooted in early life lessons, listeners will gain a unique perspective on…

Tune into this PodCakset episode, where Curtis Funk interviews Thomas Anderson, a fourth-generation funeral director and entrepreneur with a remarkable background in both the funeral and sports industries. Thomas shares his journey from growing up in rural Minnesota, where he unexpectedly took over the family funeral home, to later founding a profe…

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Kenn Peterson, a true legend in the death care industry, to explore his fascinating journey. Starting as a fitness specialist at Hillenbrand Industries, Kenn's career took a transformative turn into the world of pre-need sales and leadership. He shares heartfelt stories, from memorable conversations with…

In this insightful episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Ellery Bowker, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in the funeral industry. Ellery shares his fascinating journey from his early days growing up on a dairy farm to his diverse career in sales and technology. He provides a detailed account of how he ventured into website design, eventually f…

In this episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk sits down with Jake Johnson, an influential figure in the funeral service industry. Jake shares his unique insights into how advancements in AI and robotics are poised to revolutionize the industry. The conversation delves into the history of funeral services, highlighting the pivotal roles played by J…

In this episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk sits down with Dan Isard, a financial expert and consultant who has significantly shaped the funeral service industry. Dan shares his fascinating journey from aspiring stand-up comedian to managing bands like Hall & Oates, and eventually becoming a renowned figure in funeral service consultancy. Dan di…

In this inaugural episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk welcomes Michael "Turk" Turkiewicz, a pioneering force in funeral home technology. Known as the father of funeral home websites, Turk shares his incredible journey from a Midwestern upbringing to transforming the funeral service industry with his innovative company, FuneralNet. Turk recounts …

Introducing PodCasket, the go to podcast for anyone in deathcare. Here we will be interviewing the legends of the funeral industry, learning their stories, their challenges, their accomplishments, and what brought them to funeral service. Whether you work in a funeral home, you're a vendor, you're new to the space, or you are just death curious, th…

Our guest this episode is Lee Webster with New Hampshire Funeral Resources, Education & Advocacy.By Buddy Phaneuf

This week's topic is brain and brain tissue donation. Our guests this episode are Dr. Sabina Baretta and Dr. T. Wilson Wu, both experts on brain tissue donation. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

This episode features Jeff Boucher of Manchester Memorial Company, Inc., who discusses trends in memorialization.By Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest this episode is Frank Mesmer, an attorney who answers our questions related to wills and trusts.By Buddy Phaneuf

In our latest episode, co-hosts Buddy and Madison discuss funeral rules and regulations, such as using third-party caskets and next of kin rights in New Hampshire. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our topic this episode is therapy dogs, and how hospice care and palliative care professionals can be helpful for the dying and bereaved.By Buddy Phaneuf

Our topic is scattering cremated remains at sea and burial at sea. Our guest is Capt. Brad White. He is the founder of New England Burials at Sea.By Buddy Phaneuf

This episode, our guest is Steven Lewis, of M Solomon Casket Company in Rhode Island.By Buddy Phaneuf

On this episode of Dying to Talk, we're joined by our hospice liaison, Colleen Kurlansky, who explains the relationships between funeral providers and hospice caregivers. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest this episode is Father Richard Dion, Pastor of St. Anthony Church in Manchester, who will discuss the Catholic Funeral Rite. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest is Barbara Lafrance, CEO of Home, Health and Hospice Care in Merrimack, NH. Barbara explains the functions of hospice houses.By Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest is Yogesh Pareek, formerly of the Indian Circle for Caring ICC. We discuss Hindu funeral rites and rituals.By Buddy Phaneuf

This episode, we're discussing pet grief and resources for those who have lost a pet or are about to. Our guest is Wendy Van de Poll, MS, CEOL, the founder of Center for Pet Loss Grief, LLC. Guest linkBy Buddy Phaneuf

This episode is Creating Meaningful Memorials with Music, Eulogies and Stories, and our guest is the Rev. Doug Rickard, a Presbyterian minister and funeral celebrant. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

This episode is about leaving final instructions for your loved ones before it's too late. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

In this episode, Buddy, Madison and Mandy discuss mortuary school and why someone chooses to become a funeral professional. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

In this episode, Buddy, Mandy and Madison discuss federal funeral laws and New Hampshire-specific funeral laws and regulations. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest is Dr. Sanders Burstein, Medical Director, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, who talks about advance directives and end of life planning. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest this episode is Lee Webster, former President of the National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA), who explains the rise in home funerals. National Home Funeral Alliance Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest this episode is Jeff Bouchet, owner of Manchester Memorial Company Inc. We discuss trends and memorialization. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Funeral Celebrants This week our guest is Victoria Schneider, a professional funeral celebrant. In this episode, we also discuss non-traditional funerals. Guest bio: Victoria Schneider counsels families in the role of In-House Celebrant and musician as they prepare funeral/memorial services for their loved ones. She has served at over 3,000 funeral…

Pet Passages This week our guest is Steven Purdy, a Funeral Director with Purdy Funeral Service. Steven is going to discuss Purdy's sister company, Pet Passages in Dover, NH. We talk about pet death and pet cremation and options for families who lose a pet. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Medical Examiners This week our guest is Kim Fallon, of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in NH. Our episode is about the role of state medical examiners. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

We're discuss the heroin crisis in New Hampshire, specifically the role the medical examiner plays. Our guest this episode is Wayne DiGeronimo, former forensic investigator at Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest this episode is Kevin Koch, President of FINE Mortuary College. We discuss mortuary college and what it takes to become a licensed embalmer and funeral director. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

This week's episode is about Jewish funeral traditions and our guest is Rabbi Beth Davidson of Temple Adath Yeshurun in Manchester, NH. Guest bio: In 2005 Rabbi Beth Davidson came to Temple Adath Yeshurun. In addition to her commitments within the Jewish Community, Rabbi Davidson is currently the President of the Greater Manchester Clergy Associati…

Our guest this episode is Tika Acharya, who discusses Bhutanese funeral traditions. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest this episode is Leanne Tigert, who discusses home hospice care. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

In this episode, we discuss cremation jewelry options. Some people choose to memorialize their loved ones by wearing a piece of jewelry that includes a small portion of cremated remains. Artisans use the granules of cremated remains to create unique and beautiful pieces of art, such as necklaces, bracelets and charms. Our guest today is Vangie Coll…

This episode is about Hindu funerals and the Hindu funeral rituals. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

This week's topic is brain and brain tissue donation. Our guests this episode are Dr. Sabina Baretta and Dr. T. Wilson Wu, both experts on brain tissue donation. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

Our guest this episode is Melanie Peffer, who served as donation liaison for New England Organ Bank. There are lots of misconceptions about organ donation and we hope to clear some of those up with this episode. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

This episode's subject is paying for a funeral, including some funeral payment misconceptions and some creative ways that people can pay for a funeral. We think the best way to do it is pre-planning, whether it's using existing life insurance, setting up a payment plan or paying in one lump sum. We actually have a funeral cost estimator on our webs…

This episode is about how children grieve. Children grieve differently than adults. Our guest is Chuck Johnson, the spiritual bereavement coordinator for the VNA of Manchester, NH. Episode resources: How to support a grieving child through shared grief NH group helping children grieve and grow Should children go to funerals? Contact us: phaneuf.net…

This episode, our topic is pagan funeral rites. We’ve had a few pagan funeral services at Phaneuf. Our guest is Elizabeth Webster, who is a pagan funeral celebrant and an expert on pagan funerals and ceremonies. Contact us: phaneuf.net [email protected] Buddy Phaneuf

This episode is about green burials and the green burial movement. Our guest is Lee Webster, green burial advocate and former President of the Green Burial Council International. Episode resources: 5 Need to Know Things About Green Burials or Natural Burials Americans seek green burial and green funeral options Green funeral, burial, and cremation …

Welcome to the first episode of Dying to Talk. This podcast is a light-hearted and upbeat discussion of those topics no one really wants to talk about. Each episode we choose a subject that is related to funeral services, the cremation process or death and dying. In this episode, we're looking at some of the common myths and legends around the proc…