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Most people will work with a funeral director at some point in their lives, but few of us know what the job is really like.In this episode, we chat with Allyse Worland, a first-generation funeral director, embalmer, National Funeral Directors Association spokesperson, and leader at Gather, to talk about what happens behind the scenes in funeral service and why she chose this work nearly 20 years ago.Allyse shares the childhood experience that led her into death care, what it was like serving families during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and why burnout and self-care have become some of the profession's biggest challenges. We also discuss how funeral service is evolving, from personalized celebrations of life to green burial, water cremation, and other emerging end-of-life options.Allyse also offers a rare look at the emotional realities of caring for grieving families, the misconceptions people have about funeral professionals, and the moments that continue to make this work meaningful after nearly two decades.TECHNICAL NOTE: Due to recording issues, Allyse's video drops at 25:30, but the audio remains intact, so keep listening.Learn more:Have License, Will Travel: https://www.havelicensewilltravel.com/ LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/allyse-worland-cfsp-818109326 Remembering A Life: https://rememberingalife.com/ National Funeral Directors Association: https://www.nfda.org Gather: gather.app

In this episode of Dying to Know More, I welcome cookbook author, "Chopped" winner and culinary historian Mindy Merrell to explore the surprising, forgotten links between Southern staples, public health, and mortality.Mindy breaks down the historical dark side of self-rising flour and cornmeal, from the tragic, erased history behind the real-life face of Martha White, to the deadly pellagra epidemic caused by 20th-century milling practices. Plus, learn how radio stations, life insurance burial policies, and country music all converged to shape Southern food culture.Grab a copy of Mindy Merrell’s book: Self-Rising: The Magic Rise Behind Biscuit and Cornbread Culture here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1985903342?...And follow her on Instagram at @hey.its.min

If you've spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, there's a good chance you've come across Dan the Funeral Man strutting down a short red carpet with an urn in hand. What started as a creative way to talk about death care has turned into a viral phenomenon, complete with runway walks, millions of views, and a growing mission to make conversations about death a less intimidating and more relatable.In this episode of Dying to Know More, I sit down with funeral director, celebrant, and entrepreneur Dan Madden, owner of Stark Funeral Home and founder of Fash Urns, to talk about his unexpected rise on social media and what it's like balancing viral fame with the realities of serving grieving families every day.Dan shares how a part-time job at a funeral home after his grandmother's death led to a career in funeral service, why he took a risk by bringing humor and fashion into a traditionally serious profession, and how messages from strangers remind him that talking openly about death can genuinely help people move through grief and start to heal.We also dive into the mental health challenges funeral directors face, the criticism he's received from within the profession, and why he believes death care needs more transparency.And of course, we couldn't let him leave without a lightning round of funeral myths and questions. Are graves really six feet deep? Is embalming required? Can you bury someone in your backyard? Do bodies really sit up during cremation? Dan answers these questions and more and separates fact from fiction.Whether you're curious about the funeral industry, fascinated by viral creators, or simply interested in having a healthier relationship with mortality, this conversation is insightful, funny, and surprisingly uplifting.Where to find Dan: URL: Danthefuneralman.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/danthefuneralman/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@danthefuneralman FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dan-the-Funeral-Man/61562932233221/

What if the most environmentally friendly thing you ever do happens after you die?In this episode of Dying to Know More, we talk with HK Lee, founder of Aeon Woods Conservation Cemetery, about her mission to create the first conservation natural burial cemetery in New York's Hudson Valley. She explains how natural burial differs from traditional burial and cremation, why abandoned cemeteries may hold unexpected opportunities, and what it takes to protect hundreds of acres of land while creating meaningful spaces for remembrance.From a family history stretching back 30 generations in South Korea to a bold vision for the future of death care here in the United States, HK shares why she believes conservation burial isn't just about how we die, but how we care for the world we leave behind.If you've ever wondered whether our final resting place can benefit both people and the planet, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Aeon Woods:Website: https://www.aeonwoods.org/IG: https://www.instagram.com/aeonwoodsFB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Aeon-Woods/61576785975492/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@aeonwoods

Seventy percent of Americans have no estate plan at all, but according to estate planning attorney Jill Mastroianni, the biggest mistake isn't having the wrong documents. It's assuming everyone needs the same plan.In this episode of "Dying to Know More," Jill breaks down the estate planning basics most people never learn, including wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. She explains why estate planning isn't just for wealthy families, how a lack of preparation can create major challenges for loved ones, and why organizing information may be just as important as creating legal documents.We also dive into special needs planning, common misconceptions about probate, and the inspiration behind Jill's Death Readiness Playbook, a practical guide designed to help families avoid confusion, conflict, and scavenger hunts during life's hardest moments.SHOW NOTES: URL: https://www.deathreadiness.com/IG: thedeathreadinesspodcastFB: Death Readiness Advance Directive Forms: https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/advance-directives/by-state/

What can people facing the end of life teach the rest of us about living right now?  In this episode of Dying to Know More,  palliative care chaplain Cody Hufstedler shares what he’s learned from hundreds of deathbed conversations as well as the intimate conversations he's had with terminal patients on his podcast, "Dying to Tell You." We also talk about grief, terminal illness, fear of death, finding meaning at the end of life, and how talking openly about death can help us live more intentionally. If you’re curious about end-of-life wisdom, hospice conversations, or living with purpose, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more honest conversations about death, grief, and what it means to truly live. Find Cody online at: dttypodcast.com Instagram: @dttypod   Youtube: @dttypod     Facebook: dttypod Tiktok: dying.to.tell.you

What happens when grief hits all at once, and how do you survive it? In this episode of Dying to Know More, author Samantha Rose shares the raw, disorienting reality of losing her mother to suicide and the unexpected ways she found healing.An Emmy Award-winning writer and bestselling author, Samantha Rose talks about her memoir Giving Up the Ghost: A Daughter’s Memoir, a powerful exploration of loss, love and the journey to healing — all with a touch of humor.Learn how Samantha navigated a season of compounded grief, including divorce, cancer, her mother’s sudden death, and the isolation of COVID, and how those experiences reshaped her understanding of survival. She shares what it’s really like to lose someone to suicide, including the shock, guilt, anger, and unanswered questions that follow.Samantha also reflects on the tools that helped her heal, from therapy to writing, and the deeply personal and surprising ways she continued a relationship with her mother after her passing.This is a conversation about grief, but also about resilience, connection, and learning how to live again.If you’ve ever wondered how people survive the unimaginable, or you’re navigating grief yourself, this episode offers honesty, comfort, and perspective you won’t hear in everyday conversations.Purchase Giving Up the Ghost: A Daughter's Memoir at https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Up-Ghost-Daughters-Memoir-ebook/dp/B0DPN6JP58Learn more about Samantha Rose at the following: https://www.yellowskymedia.com/my-storyIG: https://www.instagram.com/samantharose_writerFB: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.rose.90813/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharoseswartz

Growing up in a funeral home is more than just a "fun fact," it can provide a life-altering perspective on how to live. Growing up in her family's third-generation funeral home taught Katie Radel so many beautiful lessons about living that can only be found by witnessing death.In this episode of Dying to Know More, Ashley Haugen talks with Katie Radel about her unique upbringing and how she got involved in the world of natural burial at Larkspur Conservation in Middle Tennessee.Katie explains the radical difference between the coffee-and-lilies atmosphere of a family funeral business and the serene wildflower meadows of Larkspur Conservation — and how there's space for both. We dive deep into the emotional weight of being with a loved one during their final moments, and how witnessing hundreds of funerals can actually help you live a more authentic life. This conversation offers a refreshing, non-taboo look at the one thing we all have in common and is — as Katie says — 100% happening to all of us.Inside This Episode We Cover:• Growing up living above a funeral home• Driving a hearse at 16: Normalizing the industry• How death gave Katie the courage to change her life• The most moving "celebration of life" story Katie's experience• The Death Positivity movement • Why "fingernails" matter in funeral prep• Finding "winks" from the other sideResources & Links:Learn about Larkspur Conservation: https://larkspurconservation.org/ Watch "Bury Me at Taylor Hollow": https://www.reelsouth.org/documentaries/bury-me-taylor-hollowFollow Dying to Know More on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyingtoknowmorepodcast/Check out our previous episode with Alice Sullivan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dk3NiQD8Jk&t=1s

In this episode of Dying to Know More, we welcome Ebony Leary, founder of My Sunset Doula. As a former hospice nurse and current death doula and end-of-life planning professional, Ebony demystifies the caregiving journey. We discuss the "pink flags" of cognitive decline, how families can access Medicaid funds for caregiving, and why having an advanced directive is the best gift you can leave your family. Whether you are currently a caregiver or just starting to notice your parents aging, this episode offers the roadmap you need.

Death is universal, but the way we are treated in death isn't always equal. On this episode of Dying to Know More, death and grief doula Lauren Seeley explains death literacy, specifically for the LGBTQ+, trans, and sex worker communities, marginalized groups who often face the risk of being misgendered, deadnamed, or "erased" by estranged biological family after they pass. Lauren explains why a simple notarized paper might be the most important gift you ever give your loved ones and how we can all navigate the "bookends" of life with more compassion, creativity, and authenticity. She also explains how marginalized communities can advocate for one another and ensure their chosen family aren't pushed out of the funeral room. Connect with Lauren Seeley:Workshop: LGBTQ+, Trans, and Sex Worker End-of-Life & Death Literacy (Partnering with International Doula Life Movement) Date: February 5th, 7 p.m. Eastern (Virtual/Recorded) Tickets here: https://bit.ly/3NYZK61 Lauren's socials: IG: @ahhsweetdeath YT: ‪@Ahhsweetdeath‬​

"He was the meanest man on earth." Alice Sullivan doesn't hold back in this episode as she recounts the moment she found out her abusive father had passed away—and why she and her siblings toasted with margaritas.But 2025 had more in store. From navigating a $17,000 "hoarder house" cleanup to receiving news of her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis, Alice’s story is a masterclass in compartmentalization and resilience. We explore:• The reality of "No Contact" and the "Next of Kin" trap• Taking a baseball bat to the past (literally)• Why dark humor is a valid survival tool• Finding "signs" and moving forward when you're suddenly the family matriarchYou can follow Alice:On Substack: alicewritesit.substack.comOn Instagram: @alicewritesOn the web: alicesullivan.com#griefjourney #toxicparents #childhoodtraumarecovery #resilience #dyingtoknowmore

In this deeply moving conversation, Melanie Ezell shares her experience living with stage 4 ovarian cancer since 2022 while raising her 5-year-old son Velzy. A former yoga instructor, surfer, and athlete with the BRCA1 genetic mutation, Melanie offers profound insights on mortality, motherhood, and finding peace in uncertainty. We discuss: • Why she rejects "fighting" cancer and instead seeks acceptance • How she talks to her young son about death and dying • Her spiritual journey from evangelical Christianity to a broader faith • The importance of boundaries when facing terminal illness • Her plans for end-of-life care and what she hopes comes next • Finding beauty and sweetness in the present moment • Writing a memoir as a legacy for her son Melanie's honesty about fear, pain, and the unknown—balanced with her courage and grace—offers valuable wisdom for anyone facing serious illness or caring for someone who is. Follow Melanie's journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogasurfmel/ Visit her website: https://www.melanieezell.com/ Melanie's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mel-overcoming-cancer

Captain Steve Ferdinando never imagined he'd be scattering ashes at sea for a living. But after 20 years in the fleet lease business, a simple request from a friend changed everything and led him to found Ashes2Oceans, a company helping families say goodbye on the water.In this episode, Captain Steve shares:✦ How his first sea burial went hilariously (and perfectly) wrong✦ The unexplainable moments that happen during almost every ceremony — including a dolphin that defied everything he knows about marine life✦ The legal and environmental requirements for sea burials (yes, there are rules)✦ Why more people are choosing ocean burials over traditional funerals✦ What to know if you're considering this for yourself or a loved oneWhether you're drawn to the ocean, curious about alternative funeral options, or just want to hear stories that remind you life (and death) can be beautiful, this conversation will stay with you.🌊 Learn more about Ashes to Oceans: https://ashes2oceans.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashes_2_oceans/

When Janet Turkula lost her father at 21, she and her siblings faced an impossible situation: planning a funeral they couldn't afford while trying to grieve. Years later, when a friend's family faced the same struggle, Janet discovered there was no modern way to help — no gift registry for funerals, just awkward Venmo pools and wilting flowers.In this episode, Janet and her co-founder Ryan Oliveira share how they created Give Willow, the first-of-its-kind funeral registry that lets communities show up for grieving families in meaningful ways. Instead of guessing what to send, friends and family can contribute to funeral costs, memorial services, or even offer time and support through a simple, dignified platform.We discuss:-- Why asking for help during loss is so difficult and how Give Willow makes it easier-- The surprising costs of death that families aren't prepared for-- How pre-planning can protect your loved ones from impossible decisions-- The movement toward more open conversations about death and dying-- What's next for Give Willow, including pre-planning tools and educational resourcesWhether you've experienced loss, want to support someone who has, or simply want to plan ahead for your own family, this conversation offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on how technology can help us navigate one of life's hardest moments.RESOURCES:GiveWillow.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/givewillow/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@givewillow#deathanddying #grieving #funeralplanning #endoflife #GiveWillow #preplanning #lossandgrief #dyingtoknowmorepodcast

When Becky Robinson lost both her parents within three years, she discovered the overwhelming chaos of settling an estate, even when her parents had planned ahead. From death certificates to "ghost cars" titled to deceased parents, from medallion signature guarantees to probate court confusion, Becky shares the real, messy truth about what happens after someone dies on her website, deadparentswhatnow.com. Now the author of "My Parents Are Dead, What Now?" (coming January 2026), Becky breaks down everything from the practical to the legal to the emotional challenges of navigating life after your parents die. She explains why grief and paperwork don't mix well and what she wishes everyone knew before they're thrown into this situation. Pre-order her book here: https://www.deadparentswhatnow.com/book