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We live in an era of peak accumulation, and families are inheriting more than just memories—they are inheriting mountains of unwanted belongings. This "clutter crisis" is adding unprecedented logistical stress to the grieving process, leaving families exhausted before they even reach the arrangement room. How can funeral professionals help bridge the gap between grief and garbage? In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with psychologist Katarina Blom and professional organizer Ella Engström, experts from The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. They explore the deep psychological anchors of our possessions, the cultural differences in how we handle estates, and the physical roadblocks families face when clearing out a home. Gabe, Katarina, and Ella discuss how modern funeral homes can evolve from traditional service providers into "Legacy Curators." Listeners will learn how to identify clutter burnout during the arrangement conference, the practical value of the "Legacy Box" model, and how to build a trusted referral network to act as the "General Contractor of Grief." Whether you're looking for fresh preneed talking points or innovative at-need service opportunities, this episode provides actionable strategies to offer families the ultimate final gift: peace of mind. Key Takeaways: The psychological impact of physical and digital clutter on the grieving process. Shifting the funeral director's role to include post-service transition support. How to implement the "Legacy Box" to help families curate memories for visitations. Strategies for vetting local clean-out partners and organizers. Bonus from Ella:  After recording, Ella reached out with some additional information... Here are some thoughts that can help families or individuals get started with the process.  Whether you're sorting through your own belongings or going through a loved one's things, these questions can be a gentle way in. One of the key principles of death cleaning is that it's not just about things, it's about sharing meaning and memories while you still can. That's what makes it so much more than organizing. If you're sorting through your own belongings: 1. Start with one room, one category, not everything at once. 2. Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it make my heart sing? 3. Have I used this item in the last 12 months? 4. If I didn't have this — would I buy it again today? 5. When I hesitate about something, I ask myself: do I really want to deal with this again later or can I make the decision now? 6. If I'm still not sure, can I give myself 30 or 60 days before deciding? (The Dilemma Box method) 7. What do I actually want to pass on, and to whom? 8. Is there someone in the family who would truly treasure this? 9. What would make this home easier for the people I love, if they one day had to go through it? 10. What do I want my belongings to say about the life I lived? Key reminder: if the things you own start draining your energy instead of adding value, that's a sign it's time to take action. If you're helping a family member or going through a loved one's belongings: 1. What does this object mean to me — or what did it mean to them? 2. Am I keeping this out of love, or out of guilt? 3. What would feel like truly honoring this person — keeping everything, or keeping what really matters? 4. Is there someone in the family who would treasure this more? 5. Am I in charge here? (Yes you are. You have the right to make these decisions.) Remember: the memories of a loved one live in your heart, in the stories you share, and in the love they gave you — not in the objects they left behind. And letting go isn't about forgetting the past — it's about making space for the present and for what's ahead. Dare to have conversations with each other while you still can. It's actually a beautiful thing to discover what truly matters to the people you love. You might be surprised by what you find out. And remember: sorting through your own things is one of the greatest gifts you can give the people you love. Sparing them from that burden is an act of love and that's really what döstädning is all about.

On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this segment, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Darren Crouch, President of Passages International. Darren provides a concise overview of what Passages International is all about and their mission to lead the funeral profession in sustainable, eco-friendly death care options. Gabe and Darren discuss the rapidly increasing consumer interest in green funeral services and how shifting values are directly impacting the decisions families make in the arrangement room. Darren also highlights the specific role Passages plays in meeting this demand, offering innovative solutions like biodegradable urns and meaningful, earth-friendly options for cremated remains. If you're looking for a quick, insightful look into the future of sustainable funeral service and how your firm can adapt to modern consumer focus, this 5-minute spotlight is for you. Listen to more episodes and find additional resources at nfda.org/abrushwithdeath. Learn more about Passages International

When a family walks through your doors, are they getting a five-star experience, or are they just another transaction? Consumer demands in death care are shifting rapidly—families don't just want products anymore; they want genuine hospitality, ethical options, and a truly meaningful experience. In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Darren Crouch, President of Passages International and a 2025 TIME100 Climate leader, to discuss how to navigate this changing landscape, the green movement, the strategies to apply in the selection room, and why the profession must proactively offer green funeral options to avoid repeating the mistakes of the early cremation era. Whether you are looking to elevate your customer service or expand your eco-friendly offerings, this episode provides a practical blueprint for funeral directors ready to lead the market.

Is the funeral profession actually facing a labor shortage, or is it facing a reality check? Despite mortuary school enrollments increasing by over 22%, funeral homes nationwide are constantly struggling to keep staff. On this episode of A Brush with Death, Gabe Schauf sits down with educator and funeral director Dr. Lucia Dickinson to explore the structural misalignments driving the retention crisis. Gabe and Lucia look past outdated assumptions about work ethic and tackle the uncomfortable truths behind the data: the gap between modern living expenses and entry-level compensation, the hesitation to invest in human capital, and why the outdated "Ideal Worker" model is failing a shifting demographic. Discover actionable strategies for modernizing compensation, scheduling, and workplace culture to stop the revolving door at your firm.

Katey Houston is not your traditional funeral director, and that is a big part of why she was named the 2025 Inspiration Award Winner. In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with the Director of Family Care at Return Home to hear her journey into the funeral profession, discuss her work in Natural Organic Reduction (Terramation), and explore why authenticity matters. Katey explains how her unique background shaped her approach to serving families and why she believes the future of the profession belongs to the bold. This is an essential listen for anyone looking for advice on mentorship, legacy, and how to succeed as a woman in a non-traditional funeral service role. The Inspiration Award is sponsored by NGL. Click here to learn more about NGL Click here to learn more about the Inspiration Award

40 years ago this month, Christine Pepper walked through the doors of the National Funeral Directors Association for the first time. The profession she entered then looked vastly different from the one we know today. In this episode, Gabe Schauf sits down with the NFDA CEO to mark this significant milestone and look beyond the resume. Christine reflects on her four-decade journey, discussing how she navigated the shift from a male-dominated industry to a workforce increasingly led by women. She shares her perspective on the evolving relationship between funeral directors and the media, the weight of leading through complex times, and her vision for what lies ahead. It is a candid look at the past, present, and future of death care from the person who has had a front-row seat to it all. 🔗 Learn more: www.nfda.org/abrushwithdeath 🎙️ Host: Gabe Schauf 📍 Presented by the National Funeral Directors Association

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Derrick Husmann and Jake Johnson of Johnson Consulting Group, for part two of the "Funeral Rescue" series. Together, they walk through the Four Pillars of Funeral Home Success — the framework Jake and Derrick use when helping firms regain stability and rebuild momentum. The discussion looks at each pillar through a practical lens, examining how leadership, culture, finances, and operations influence one another and shape long-term performance. Rather than offering quick fixes, the conversation highlights realistic steps funeral homes can take to strengthen their foundation, support their staff, and better serve their communities. This episode continues the thoughtful, candid look at what modern funeral home leadership requires, and how meaningful change often starts with clarity, consistency, and intentional action. Connect with Derrick and Jake or learn more here: Johnson Consulting Group 🔗 Learn more: www.nfda.org/abrushwithdeath 🎙️ Host: Gabe Schauf 📍 Presented by the National Funeral Directors Association   funeral home management • funeral home success • funeral business consulting • Johnson Consulting Group • funeral home leadership • business turnaround • funeral service operations • A Brush with Death • Jake Johnson • Gabe Schauf • Derrick Husman • improving funeral homes • funeral home strategy

In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Derrick Husmann, Senior Business Consultant with Johnson Consulting Group, to talk about struggling funeral homes — and what it takes to turn them around. From poor financial management and outdated facilities to toxic workplace cultures and weak leadership, Derrick and Gabe explore the common challenges that can cause funeral homes to fail — and the practical steps firms can take to rebuild. With the right strategy, mindset, and willingness to adapt, even the most challenged funeral homes can find renewed success. Whether your funeral home is thriving or fighting to stay afloat, this episode offers real-world lessons in funeral home management, leadership, and growth that every funeral professional can use. Connect with Derrick or learn more here: Johnson Consulting Group 🔗 Learn more: www.nfda.org/abrushwithdeath 🎙️ Host: Gabe Schauf 📍 Presented by the National Funeral Directors Association   funeral home management • funeral home success • funeral business consulting • Johnson Consulting Group • funeral home leadership • business turnaround • funeral service operations • A Brush with Death • funeral profession podcast • Gabe Schauf • Derrick Husman • improving funeral homes • funeral home strategy

The lights are dim, the air's a little colder, and A Brush with Death is back with Spooky Mortuary Stories: Part 2. Host Gabe Schauf sits down with Amanda King, Faith Haug, Jennifer Heiselman, and Kari Northey to share real stories of strange encounters and things that can't quite be explained. From ghostly figures and children who see what others can't, to laughter and other sounds coming from empty rooms, and unexplained touches in the middle of the night—these tales might just have you turning on an extra light before bed. Tune in and enjoy another edition of Spooky Mortuary Stories.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with four funeral home owners from across the country to explore how they recruit and retain the right people. Each guest shares their unique approach to finding employees who fit their culture, developing them into long-term team members, and building a workplace where people want to stay.  Guests in this episode include: Chris Christian - Owner of Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville, Tennessee (1:38) Jeff Smith - Owner of Smith Family Funeral Homes in Little Rock, Arkansas (13:59) Dr. Camelia Clarke - Owner of Paradise Memorial Funeral Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (26:07)  Randy Anderson - Retired owner of Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City, Alabama (39:42) Whether you're looking for new hiring ideas or ways to strengthen your team, this conversation offers real-world strategies and insights from those who've made it work.

On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this segment, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by Kevin Czachor, Vice President of ASD.  Kevin reflects on his own brush with death, the value of life, and the importance of what we do in the funeral profession.  Then, Gabe and Kevin discuss the upcoming convention in Chicago and the NFDA Innovation award, which ASD sponsors.  The importance of new ideas in this and any profession cannot be overstated.  ASD celebrates the creation and fostering of innovations within the funeral profession that continue to help it grow, improve, and serve the public to the highest standards. Kevin Czachor is Vice President of ASD – Answering Service for Directors, a family-run business dedicated exclusively to serving funeral homes nationwide. Since officially joining ASD in 1991 after earning his degree in marketing and sales from Widener University, Kevin has played a key role in shaping the company's sales, marketing, and innovative solutions that support funeral directors. Under his leadership, ASD has earned multiple NFDA Innovation Awards and developed groundbreaking technologies that enhance communication and care within the funeral profession. Guided by the values instilled by his parents—loyalty, respect, and putting family first—Kevin views himself as a family man with a business, not the other way around. He is passionate about supporting funeral service education, community initiatives, and staff wellness, while also leading ASD's adaptation to modern challenges such as remote work. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife and four children, staying active through athletic events, and tending to his family's garden and fish pond. Learn more about ASD here

The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago, October 26–29. To help you get ready for the big event, we've prepared three convention preview episodes. In these episodes, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Innovation Award Finalists, Workshop Presenters, and, of course, the Keynote Speakers. In this final preview episode, we hear from our keynote speakers. At every convention, attendees can expect to learn from some of the most respected and recognized voices in the world, and Chicago will be no exception. On Monday, Felipe Gomez will kick off the convention with his presentation, Virtuoso: Living the Virtuoso Life. On Wednesday, Crystal Washington will close the four-day event with her presentation, Futureproof Yourself: Innovate and Thrive in Times of Uncertainty. In this episode, Gabe Schauf is joined by Felipe and Crystal to share more about themselves and give a preview of their keynotes. Join us for the International Convention and Expo this October in Chicago and start planning your itinerary today. Visit www.convention.nfda.org for more information.

On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, sits down with Welton Hong, founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing.  Welton and Gabe discuss AI's effect on search engines as well as a few things you can do to keep your website SEO working for you. Ring Ring Marketing specializes in helping funeral homes grow by making their phones ring. With a focus on generating quality leads, improving online presence, and building stronger connections with families in need, Ring Ring Marketing provides proven strategies tailored to the funeral profession. Their goal is simple: bring more at-need and pre-need families to your funeral home so you can focus on what matters most—serving them with care and compassion. Welton is a leading expert in helping funeral homes convert leads from online directly to the phone line. He's the author of the book Making Your Phone Ring with Internet Marketing for Funeral Homes and a regular contributor to NFDA's The Director magazine and several other publications. Welton has a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Prior to starting Ring Ring Marketing, he was a senior technologist at R&D facilities for Intel, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle. He regularly speaks at conferences and other events for people in the death care industry.  Click here to learn more about Ring Ring Marketing.

The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago October 26th to the 29th. To get ready for the big event we have 3 convention preview episodes for you. In those episodes, host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by the Innovation Award Finalists, some of the Workshop Presenters, and of course, the Keynote speakers.  In this second episode we will hear from some of our workshop speakers. There will be over 30 workshop presentations for attendees to choose from during the NFDA International Convention and Expo.  Topics covered will include embalming, customer service, grief, human resources, marketing and more.  In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by four of the workshop presenters, Anna Nesbit, Jeff Smith, Sherrie Dunlevy and Amanda King to learn more about them and get a sneak peak into what they will be discussing in their presentations Join us for the International Convention and Expo this October in Chicago and start planning your itinerary today.  Check out www.convention.nfda.org for more information. This episode is sponsored by Legacy.com.

The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago October 26th to the 29th. To get ready for the big event we have 3 convention preview episodes for you. In those episodes, host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by the Innovation Award Finalists, some of the Workshop Presenters, and of course, the Keynote speakers.  In this first episode we will hear from the innovation award finalists. The NFDA Innovation Award is sponsored this year by ASD and gives companies and organizations the opportunity to showcase their new product and service ideas designed to enhance the funeral profession and its function. The finalists this year are Afterword, Healing Path Cemetery, and Passare. Click here to learn more about Afterword Click here to learn more about Healing Path Cemetery Click here to learn more about Passare Click here to register for the 2025 International Convention and Expo This episode is sponsored by ASD