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In this episode of PodCasket, we sit down with John Heald, a veteran of the death care profession whose career spans from running a startup funeral home with his twin brother to leading corporate development at Parklawn. John shares his fascinating journey into the profession, highlighting his early transition from the finance world, his pivotal role in founding Tributes.com, and his decade-long tenure navigating the intersection of technology and funeral service at legacy.com.  The conversation dives deep into the rapidly changing landscape of the funeral industry, addressing the rise of direct cremation, the pressing need for pricing transparency, and how modern technology is shifting consumer habits away from traditional storefronts. Drawing from his current role in acquisitions, John unpacks exactly what funeral home owners need to consider in today's market, candidly explaining what life actually looks like on "day one" after selling a legacy family business.  Beyond business insights, John shares personal anecdotes, including a harrowing near-death snowmobile crash in Utah and the daily reality of being mistaken for his twin brother at industry events. Whether you are an independent operator evaluating your market value or simply interested in the future of death care, this episode offers a grounded, optimistic look at where the profession is heading.

In this episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk sits down with Chris Johnson, co-founder of Sepio Guard. From playing Division 1 collegiate baseball at BYU and facing future Major League stars to unexpectedly discovering the funeral profession, Chris shares his unique journey and the core principles that shaped his career.  Chris talks about his baseball days, navigating adversity, and how sports taught him resilience that carries into his business today. He shares how an unexpected career shift into pre-need insurance, alongside working directly with Forest Lawn, led Chris and his partner Bryce Beach to identify major gaps in the industry.  The episode covers the story behind launching Sepio Guard, navigating the challenges of starting right before the pandemic, and building an authentic brand. Chris also breaks down why continuous coaching, rigorous training, and putting people before profits lead to long-term success, plus he shares the real story behind their viral, fan-favorite Sepio socks.

Curtis sits down with Nadira Baddeliyanage, Executive Director of the ICCFA, to explore her journey from Sri Lanka to leading the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association. She shares how a temporary role grew into a 30-year career, along with insight into ICCFA’s work in advocacy, education, and supporting funeral professionals. Alongside her professional journey, Nadira opens up about her personal experiences with grief and loss, offering a powerful perspective on why the work of funeral service continues to matter so deeply.

Curtis sits down with Cameron Black, Chief Preneed Distribution Officer at NGL, to talk about the path that led him into the funeral profession and the experiences that shaped his career. Cameron shares stories from growing up in a family that moved frequently, his love for sports and golf—including a stint competing in long-drive competitions—and how an unexpected connection eventually introduced him to the preneed side of funeral service. From driving 90 miles a day to meet with families early in his career to helping lead one of the industry’s major insurance carriers today, Cameron reflects on the relationships, lessons, and moments that defined his journey. The conversation also turns personal as he shares how losing his father reinforced the meaning behind the work funeral professionals do and why helping families plan and remember continues to matter so deeply.

In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Welton Hong, the founder of Ring Ring Marketing, to dive into his fascinating career path, from his early days in tech with Intel, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle to becoming a leading expert in digital marketing for funeral homes. Welton shares insights into the evolution of online marketing, the growing role of AI, and how funeral homes can adapt to new technologies to stay ahead. Learn about his experiences at NFDA, his passion for helping small businesses, and his unique perspective on the funeral industry. Plus, discover what drives him, both in business and at the dinner table. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s top minds.

This episode features a conversation between Curtis Funk and David McComb on the evolving funeral service profession. They reflect on lessons learned from business challenges, the importance of ceremony in honoring life, and how cultural shifts, like widely viewed memorials, shape public perception. McComb also shares insights on the value of meaningful rituals, the role of critical feedback in improving funeral homes, and the personal importance of travel, humility, and adaptability in both life and business.

Join Curtis for a candid conversation with Bob Gordon—CEO of Cypress Lawn and ICCFA board president—on growing up on a 100-acre cemetery, building a purpose-driven culture, creative community tours, the nonprofit advantage, recruiting the next gen, and nurturing digital relationships with families. Plus a few surf stories and e-MTB resets along the way.

In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Jamie Meredith, a long-time leader in funeral service and insurance funding. Jamie shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana to building a company that has funded over one million funerals and provided $6.4 billion to the profession. He reflects on family, leadership, and the popular “Meredith & Sons Motivation Monday” series with his four boys. The conversation highlights resilience, faith, and the impact of bringing innovation and heart into funeral service.

In this episode, Curtis Funk talks with Lisa Baue a funeral director, coach, and founder of Funeral Women Lead. Lisa shares how her early experiences in a family-run funeral home led to a career of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for women in deathcare. Curtis and Lisa discuss the rise of women in funeral service, challenges like burnout and lack of advancement, and how her new organization and podcast, Four Women and a Funeral, aim to support the next generation. Lisa also previews her upcoming book Wake Up Calls, a mix of memoir and guide for aspiring leaders. Learn more at funeralwomenlead.org.

In this conversation, Curtis Funk and Thomas Parmalee discuss the complexities of life, loss, and the evolving landscape of the death care industry. They explore Thomas's journey from journalism to his current roles in Funeral Vision and Ring Ring Marketing, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes in consumer behavior and the role of technology in funeral services. The discussion also touches on the significance of networking, professional development, and the future trends in death care, including private equity involvement and the need for personal touches in services.

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 insights into the operations of associations, the importance of advocacy, and the complexities of state laws affecting funeral services. In this conversation, Christine Pepper discusses the importance of ethical standards and licensing for funeral directors, the evolution of governance within the NFDA, and the association's response to national tragedies such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. She highlights the role of membership in shaping governance and the need for effective communication of NFDA's resources to the public, especially during crises like COVID-19. In this conversation, Christine Pepper discusses the significant impact of positive public relations in the funeral service industry, highlighting recent successes in media coverage. She emphasizes the importance of understanding generational shifts, particularly with Gen Z's changing perspectives on funeral services. The discussion also covers the dynamics of NFDA membership, the challenges faced by the association, and the evolving landscape of funeral services post-COVID. Christine shares personal insights about her hobbies and family, providing a glimpse into her life beyond her professional role.

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 funeral service, the challenges of balancing business growth with personal values, and why running a funeral home is a lot like being a Lego-loving, emotionally intelligent problem solver. You'll also hear about Jimmy’s time in Child Protective Services, the story behind his famous Zippy Lucas chapel, and why grounding barefoot at sunset might just be the reset you didn’t know you needed. It’s real talk about life, loss, and laughing through it all—plus a few unexpected stories (rattlesnakes, cold plunges, and first-grade do-overs included). Whether you're in deathcare or just love a good story, this one’s worth a listen.

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 from Deloitte Consulting to funeral home ownership, his unique approach to staffing and scaling, and how his nonprofit, the Phaneuf Family Foundation, supports indigent families. Tune in for a deep dive into innovation, efficiency, and the future of the profession.

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 pandemic, the evolution of death care, and how funeral homes can adapt to changing consumer expectations. Plus, hear how his passion for leadership and youth sports has shaped his approach to business and community service. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of funeral service.

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 how personal experiences and passions can shape a career. Ryan reflects on pivotal moments in his life, from accepting his faith as a child to discovering his passion for entrepreneurship through small but meaningful ventures. Alongside heartwarming stories of faith, family, and friendship, Ryan also shares his connection to LeBron James during his high school days—a story of proximity to greatness that left a lasting impact on his view of success and integrity. Tune in for an authentic, often humorous, and insightful conversation that showcases the journey from unexpected beginnings to pioneering roles in the death care industry. Curtis and Ryan reveal how embracing authenticity and taking risks has helped them connect deeply with their audience and bring value to the death care community.