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Tony Russo sits down with funeral director, entrepreneur, and expat Michaelene Dowers. Moving away from their usual industry-wide discussions, the conversation shifts to Michaelene’s current life in Scotland and her new venture: Combly, an app designed to revolutionize how funeral directors track professional continuing education credits. Subscribe to stay informed on professional development, regulatory updates, and stories from across the funeral service profession. Key Discussion Points: * Life and Business Abroad: Michaelene shares her journey of relocating to Scotland to pursue a PhD, and how she established a cross-border cremated remains scattering service for families in the US and Canada looking to lay loved ones to rest in the UK. * The Inspiration Behind Combly: After facing a stressful state audit in Indiana that resulted in a heavy financial penalty simply due to misplaced digital files, Michaelene realized the immense friction professionals face keeping track of multi-state licenses and continuing education. * What is Combly? * Combly is a specialized app built for funeral service professionals to manage all of their licensing information and CE certificates in one secure place. * Users can easily upload certificates as they earn them and generate clean, comprehensive audit reports (including cover sheets) for state boards on demand. * Covers all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Canadian provinces, with long-term goals of expanding internationally to regions like the UK and Australia as they develop structured licensing frameworks. * Future Roadmap: Michaelene discusses plans for future updates (targeted for 2027) that will allow CE providers to log credits directly into Combly, further reducing the administrative burden on busy funeral directors. * Industry Standards & Accountability: A frank discussion on the importance of baseline education, the realities of multi-state licensing, and how digital compliance tools can help safeguard both professionals and grieving families. Connect & Find Michaelene: * NFDA Annual Convention: Look out for Michaelene wandering the convention floor catching up on her own CEs. She’ll be easy to spot in her bee-themed clothing! Visit Combly.care here. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Joe Vanella Report, host Tony Russo and roving reporter Spencer Haik break down the latest drama from The Traitors: New Blood. Following a literal “buried alive” challenge that resulted in Naya’s dramatic elimination, the Faithfuls are thrown into chaos. Victor tries to accuse Joe and Tamika of acting suspiciously with fruit around the time of the murder, only for his theory to fall completely flat at the round table. Instead, Michael gets voted out, leaving Joe safe for now. Plus, Spencer shares exciting updates on Vault Funeral Tech’s brand-new partnership with Titan Casket ahead of the NFDA convention in Charlotte! Key Timestamps & Discussion Points * 00:00 – Welcome & Spoilers Avoidance: Tony and Spencer kick off the show, discussing how to dodge reality TV spoilers. * 00:40 – The Coffin Challenge Fallout: Reviewing the shocking burial challenge and Naya’s elimination after Joe’s “murder in plain sight” apple toss. * 02:15 – Enter “Fruit Gate”: Faithful Victor pieces together that Joe and Tamika were acting strangely with fruit on the night of the murder. * 03:30 – The Laboratory & Cemetery Challenge: Contestants run back and forth, matching screams to severed heads to build up the prize pot. * 04:30 – The Round Table Defense: Victor tries to rally the group against Tamika using his fruit theory, but it backfires, leading to Michael’s elimination instead. * 07:29 – Vault Funeral Tech Updates: Spencer shares details on Vault’s major new partnership with Titan Casket to expand B2B marketplace options, express delivery, and inventory. * 09:41 – Upcoming Travel & NFDA: Wrapping up with previews for the upcoming National Funeral Directors Association convention in Charlotte. * Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tony Russo discusses small stories making waves across the funeral profession, including independent funeral home acquisitions, green burial laws, death doula conferences, corporate earnings updates, and a major new study on women in funeral service. Segment Breakdown & Show Notes 1. Independent Funeral Home Acquisitions & Community Legacy * The Story: Tony speaks with Daniel Symonds, owner of Symonds Family Funeral Chapels in Illinois (Elgin and Cary), who recently renamed his businesses following an acquisition. * The Takeaway: Unlike corporate consolidators who may close smaller or redundant locations (such as a recent Park Lawn acquisition highlighted previously), independent owners like Symonds focus on maintaining a community presence and running a vocation rather than chasing massive profit margins. 2. Terramation (Human Composting) in Australia * The Story: New South Wales is taking steps to become the first state in Australia to introduce terramation as a legal option[cite: 1]. * Details: The bill, introduced by independent MP Alex Greenwich and supported by the NSW government, passed unanimously through the lower house[cite: 1]. * Link: Read more on Alex Greenwich’s Facebook Page. 3. Healthcare Meets Death Care: Cleveland State Conference * The Story: Cleveland State University is hosting the “Labor Out Conference” centered on where healthcare meets death care[cite: 1]. * Details: Held on October 28th, the event brings local death doulas and nurses together to improve hospice collaboration and ease the death process for families[cite: 1]. * Link: Read the coverage. 4. News of the Weird: Miami-Dade Floral Delivery Dispute * The Story: A delivery person dropping off funeral flowers at a Miami-Dade establishment got into an argument after being told arrangements were no longer being accepted. * Details: The situation escalated into physical battery, monkey gestures, and a surprising twist involving police review of security footage. 5. Clarification: Lexington Crematory Debate * Correction/Update: Tony clarifies his previous coverage regarding the town of Lexington and a specialized crematory requested by the South Asian community for religious needs (Hindus and Sikhs). * Details: The town voted 4-2 against building the facility, citing high operating costs versus projected revenue, rather than actively blocking a private group from building one. 6. Open-Air Funeral Pyres in Crestone, Colorado * The Story: A spotlight on America’s only legal open-air funeral pyre, operated by volunteers with the Crestone End-of-Life Project in the San Luis Valley. 7. Corporate Updates: Carriage Services Dividend * The Story: Carriage Services announced they are maintaining their regular dividend at $0.1125 per share, signaling stable financial footing ahead of early November earnings calls. 8. 2026 State of Women in Funeral Service Pulse Survey * The Story: Breaking news and key highlights from the inaugural Funeral Women Lead industry pulse survey report. * Key Findings: * Emotional Depletion: 73% of women feel emotionally depleted at least sometimes, though 75% plan to stay in the field. * Burnout Triggers: 36% cite compensation; 30% cite staffing and schedules. * Mentorship Gap: 64% lack a mentor, and 49% want a sponsor, but only 14% currently have one. * Generational Breakdown: Gen Z reports the lowest voice (4% feel adequate influence) and highest depletion; Millennials carry the heaviest burnout squeeze (45%). Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this weekly rundown of news from around funeral service, Tony Russo covers major institutional changes, regulatory hurdles, corporate shake-ups, and legal updates from across the globe. Key Topics & Stories Covered 1. Pierce Mortuary Colleges: Leadership & Consolidation * Board Expansion: Pierce’s Board of Directors expanded from three to seven members. * Consolidation Goals: The move signals progress toward the colleges’ long-term effort to secure a single accreditation for its three campuses rather than maintaining separate accreditations for each. * Notable Appointment: Dr. Shana Garrett was added to the board, bringing valuable expertise in higher education distance learning to help navigate this unprecedented transition. 2. Park Lawn Corporation Executive Shake-Up * Corporate Restructuring: Following dramatic leadership changes earlier in the year, Park Lawn announced its current board and executive team. 3. International Spotlight: Australia & New Zealand News * Industry Profile: Judy Cole of Canberra’s family-owned William Cole Funerals was recently profiled in Region Magazine, discussing her multi-generational legacy, running the business alongside her husband and daughter, and the challenges of being a woman in a historically male-dominated industry. * Leadership Role: Cole was named Senior Vice President of the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales Division of Funerals Australia. 4. South Dakota Vital Records System Bottlenecks * Tech Glitches: A new statewide vital record system launched by the South Dakota Department of Health caused severe processing delays, backlogs, and financial stress for families and funeral homes. * State Response: Health officials stated they are actively working to clear the software bottlenecks, though a hard resolution date has not been set. 5. Legal Update: Anderson, Indiana Embezzlement Case * Plea Deal: Former funeral director Adriana McCoy avoided prison under a plea deal after stealing nearly $50,000. * Clarification on Victims: While early reports suggested families were the primary victims, statements from Legacy Cremation and Funeral Services clarify that McCoy mostly stole from her employer, alongside instances of altered billing. Under the deal, she is ordered to return $30,000. 6. Frank Duca Crematory Zoning Battle in Pennsylvania * Building Dispute: Funeral director Frank Duca faced fierce opposition from an anonymous citizens’ association (”Cambria for Responsible Development”) after leaving space for a crematory during a building expansion. * Zoning Hearings: After arguing that a funeral home zoning default should cover a crematory, Duca is now formally pursuing a zoning variance, leading up to a public hearing. 7. Connecticut Funeral Director Arrested for Stalking * Pending Charges: A funeral director in a small Connecticut town was arrested for allegedly stalking his former business partner and competitor following a years-long falling out. Tony will have detailed reporting published on Connecting Directors. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

Key Highlights & Discussion * Show Dynamics & Timing: * Tony notes this is Episode 3 of the podcast following a week off, while Spencer clarifies that The Traitors has released multiple episodes per drop, putting the show on Episode 5 overall. * Round Table & Strategy: * Joe took a quiet, hands-off approach during the initial round table, allowing other players to draw heat and argue among themselves. * The “Murder in Plain Sight” Task: * The host announced an evening wake for a player to be murdered that night. * The Task: Joe and his fellow traitors had to murder a player in plain sight during the day by getting them to catch an apple tossed from the kitchen. * Joe’s Plan: Joe casually tossed an apple to himself to appear unsuspicious. * Failed Attempt: Joe attempted to toss the apple to a target player who failed to move, leaving the apple to drop to the floor. Joe panicked and ate the apple to play it cool. * Suspicion Arises: At least one non-traitor player grew suspicious that a murder was being executed via fruit. * The Graveyard / Wake Ceremony: * Joe eventually succeeded in getting someone to catch an apple in the final moments. * The group dressed up and attended an outdoor graveside service where four potential victims (including Joe) were placed into closed coffins in the ground. * While in the coffins, the remaining players gave heartfelt speeches about the buried contestants; one player gave a particularly touching speech about Joe, creating internal conflict for him as a traitor. * Cliffhanger: The episode ended, leaving four people in coffins (Joe plus three potential victims), with the identity of the murdered player left unrevealed. * Traitor Susceptibility & Heat Ranking: * Katie (Highest Heat): Received early suspicion for being younger and acting panicky. * Tamika (Middle Heat): Placed at 50/50 risk. * Joe (Lowest Heat): Well-liked by the group, giving him the best chance to deflect or spin fruit-related suspicions. * Game Mechanics Summary: * Every week ends in a round table vote where players present evidence and vote off suspects based on behavior, communication, and trust dynamics. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

Subscribe to stay updated on industry insights, equipment innovations, and expert advice to help grow your funeral service business. In this episode, host Tony Russo sits down with Mike Miller, outgoing executive at FT (Facultatieve Technologies), to discuss his second retirement, the evolution of FT in North American markets, and the changing landscape of the funeral and cremation industry. Mike shares insights into building brand recognition, scaling equipment for independent funeral homes, and navigating local zoning challenges as cremation rates continue to rise. Key Highlights & Topics Covered * Coming Out of Retirement: Mike discusses his 25-year tenure with Stewart Enterprises, his time working with Invocare in Australia, and why he stepped out of retirement to help FT in North America. * Building the FT Brand in North America: How FT transitioned from supplying high-volume operations to expanding brand awareness across the broader funeral industry through targeted social media and marketing. * Product Innovation — FT3 vs. FTXL: * FT3: Designed for high-volume crematories (handling 6–7 cremations in an 8-hour shift) with built-in safety features and maximum efficiency when running continuously. * FTXL: Engineered specifically for mid-sized funeral homes (handling 200–400 cremations annually) to handle cases up to 1,000 lbs without requiring continuous high-volume operation. * The Economics of In-House Cremation: Why funeral homes face growing pressure to own their cremation equipment, avoid giving away ~30% of their revenue to third parties, and retain full quality control for grieving families. * Industry Trends & Zoning Realities: * Discussion of rising cremation rates. * Practical advice on avoiding community opposition by utilizing local zoning maps and establishing standalone cremation centers in industrial zones. * Leadership Transition & Next Steps: Introducing Dustin, FT’s new plant-focused leader in Medina, Ohio, and Mike’s upcoming retirement plans in Europe. Key Takeaways for Funeral Directors & Crematory Operators * Control Your Revenue and Reputation: Bringing cremation in-house prevents revenue loss and ensures family trust remains in your hands during witness services or special cases. * Work with Zoning, Not Against It: Save time and legal expenses by locating cremation centers in pre-approved industrial zones rather than trying to retrofit residential downtown funeral homes. * Right-Size Your Equipment: Match your equipment capacity to your actual volume rather than over-investing in high-volume machinery. Notable Quotes * “If you’re a volume player... the FT3 was built for volume. It can churn out six, seven cremations in an eight-hour shift... but for a funeral home doing 200–300, it’d be like buying a Lamborghini to go to the grocery store.” — Mike Miller * “Anytime that body leaves your control, your reputation and everything else goes with it out the door.” — Mike Miller * “You’d be much better off to just start with your zoning maps... find a separate, nice industrial-type facility and build it there.” — Mike Miller Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Summary: Tony Russo breaks down a busy news cycle in funeral service, covering legal halts on a major industry vote, shifts in corporate M&A strategies, board shakeups, rising casket prices, and a local Seattle funeral home’s path to rebuilding after arson. Key Topics Covered * Breaking News: Selected Independent Funeral Homes Voting Halted * Members filed a formal complaint in Ohio (Summit County Court of Common Pleas) seeking transparency on what they were voting on regarding NFDA arrangement terms. * A Temporary Restraining Order was issued, giving Selected 14 days to produce requested documents and providing members 30 days to review them before any vote can proceed. * Mergers & Acquisitions Shifts * Market shifts, interest rates, and high real estate prices are altering traditional consolidation strategies. * Park Lawn Acquisition: Acquired a historic 1960s SCI property, closed the facility, retained all but one employee. * Real Estate Strategy Trends: Firms are showing increased interest in buying the business assets rather than keeping expensive real estate. * Carriage Services: Announced an approach to M&A to preserve shareholder value during uncertain market conditions. * Matthews International Board & Leadership Changes * Matthews has rightsized its board down from 10 to 8 members. * Discussed activist investor Barrington Capital’s influence and the board’s shift to non-death care manufacturing industry experts. * Casket Pricing: Industry talk around potential upcoming price increases driven by market leader Batesville and followed by Matthews. * Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory Rebuilding Update * After a 2025 arson, owner Russ Weeks has decided to rebuild and reopen at the original South Seattle location following regulatory limitations on moving the crematory elsewhere. * Featured Spotlight: Kenneth Johnson * Preview of an upcoming interview with combat veteran and Worsham student Kenneth Johnson (Funeral Service Foundation scholarship recipient). * Focus on programs that connect veterans with independent funeral homes using military funding and the GI Bill to support staffing and potential succession planning. Mentioned Links & Resources * Website & Subscriptions: ondeathcare.com (Subscribe for free or paid options to receive weekly news alerts and the Beyond the Rest Saturday column). * Feature Story: Check connectingdirectors.com for Tony’s profile on Kenneth Johnson. * Contact: Email feedback or insights to [email protected] or reply directly to the newsletter email. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Rest, host Tony Russo dives into critical news and lighter stories affecting funeral service, emphasizing the mental health challenges funeral directors face and the ongoing obstacles surrounding community crematories. Key Topics Covered: * Industry Mental Health & Tragedy: Tony reflects on the tragic death of a funeral home executive amidst a body-switching scandal, sparking an important discussion on the cumulative, hidden stress funeral directors carry. * Zoning Pushback & NIMBYism: A look at the opposition facing a proposed specialized crematory in Lexington, Massachusetts, intended to serve local Sikh, Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist communities. * Funeral Directors in the Spotlight: Celebrating professionals stepping out from behind the scenes, including an Australian funeral director appearing on My Kitchen Rules and Dan Madden at Fashion Week. * Pop Culture & Film Updates: Christopher Walken stars as a struggling funeral director in the movie Back in Black, which recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. * Regulatory Issues: A discussion on Nebraska’s Dorsey Funeral Home receiving probation for pre-licensure testing cremations. * Links & Resources Mentioned: * On Deathcare Subscription Page Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this edition of The Joe Vanella Report, host Tony Russo and co-host Spencer Haik recap the latest episodes of The Traitors, tracking fan-favorite contestant Joe Giovanella. The conversation dives into the selection of the third Traitor, strategic backstabbing among apprentices, and how Joe’s background as a funeral director influences his emotional and strategic gameplay. Key Highlights & Discussion Points The Third Traitor Decision * Choosing Katie over Xavier: Traitors Joe and Tomica had to choose between two apprentices, Xavier and Katie, for the final Traitor spot and “kill” the other. * Gameplay & Betrayal: Prior to the decision, Xavier attempted to throw Katie under the bus by telling other players she might be a Traitor. Katie focused on proving her loyalty. * The Strategy: Joe and Tomica chose Katie due to her loyalty, despite the added risk. However, Xavier’s pre-departure comments leave suspicion surrounding Katie among the remaining faithful. Joe’s Gameplay & Strategic Style * The Funeral Director Advantage: Joe’s funeral director came out as he comforted a comrade, aggressively defending an ally at the round table. * Emotional Toll: Balancing genuine empathy with the deception required of a Traitor is beginning to weigh on Joe. * Under the Radar: Joe continues to play a clean, balanced game, knowing “when to press the gas and when to feather off” keeping his name out of suspicion while maintaining strong social ties. What to Watch For Next Week * Katie in the Crosshairs: With suspicion mounting on Katie, Joe and Tamika must decide whether to support their fellow Traitor or distance themselves to avoid collateral damage. * A Dramatic Opening: The next episode will reveal who was murdered, featuring a “buried alive” sequence. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On the Clock, host Tony Russo sits down with longtime funeral professional Keenan Knopke. Keenan shares his journey in the deathcare industry, from stomping down dead flowers in the back of a pickup truck at age five to managing major consolidation territories and leading Curlew Hills Memory Gardens. Knopke has old-school sensibilities without “being” old school. That is, he has an old school work ethic and still embraces change. He discusses how he eliminated high-pressure sales tactics in favor of a customer-centric model, modernized operations, and adapted to changing industry trends like cremation and natural burial options. Key Takeaways * Early Roots in Death Care: Keenan’s family started a cemetery in Tampa during the late 1930s. He began working at five years old, clearing old flowers and later learned the business from the ground up, including digging graves by hand and “chopping markers”. * Transition to Corporate Operations: After receiving his funeral director and embalmer licenses in 1972, Keenan spent 19 years working with Stewart Enterprises, overseeing major territories across Florida. * A Customer-First Sales Model: Upon joining Curlew, Keenan eliminated high-pressure quotas and restructured the sales team to just three salary-plus-commission counselors focused on educating families rather than forcing quick decisions. * Modernizing Operations: Keenan transitioned the business away from traditional displays toward digital arrangement screens and paperless record-keeping. * Adapting for the Future: To meet evolving community needs, Curlew has embraced cremation options, incorporated upright granite monuments for traditional communities, and remains open to emerging trends like human composting. * The Golden Rule of Funeral Care: Keenan emphasizes keeping an open mind, avoiding judging families based on appearance, and treating every client the way you would want to be treated. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

📌 Episode Summary In this weekly rundown, Tony Russo covers Worcester County, Maryland’s political reversal on human composting, a lawsuit involving Delta Airlines and a un-embalmed body, a funeral home bankruptcy, the expansion of North Carolina’s Endswell, ongoing friction surrounding the potential NFDA/Selected Independent Funeral Homes merger, and a new TV recap show. 🎧 Key Topics & Segments 1. Worcester County Fights Human Composting Approval * The Backstory: Worcester County’s Zoning Board of Appeals initially approved Earth Funeral’s application for a human composting facility. * The Update: County commissioners, led by Commissioner Ted Elder, are seeking to overturn the zoning decision and block the application. * What’s Next: Tony has an interview scheduled with Earth Funeral later this week to report on their next steps. Read the full report at Yahoo News. 2. Delta Airlines Lawsuit Over Decomposition of Transported Remains * The Allegation: A Tennessee family claims Delta Airlines left the body of Marvin “Ed” Morgan unrefrigerated overnight after a missed flight connection in Atlanta. * The Impact: Because Mr. Morgan was not embalmed due to spiritual preferences, severe decomposition prevented the family from having a final viewing. Read the full report at View from the Wing 3. Buie Family Funeral Home Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy * The Details: Sheridan, Arkansas-based Buie Family Funeral Home files for bankruptcy protection. * The Causes: Co-owner Wesley Cole cites shifting consumer preferences toward cremation over traditional services, along with financial strain from a divorce with co-owner Donna Cole. * The Takeaway: With Arkansas’s cremation rate climbing from 45% in 2020 to 54% today (and trending higher), funeral homes in historically low-cremation states need a sustainable transition plan. Read the full report at Arkansas Business (Paywalled) 4. Endswell Expands Operations in North Carolina * Expansion Plans: Owners Hunter and Veronica Beattie purchased a 6,000 sq. ft. commercial space in Hillsborough, NC. * New Features: After Light accommodates services for up to 100 guests and features an art gallery focused on end-of-life themed artwork. Read the complete story at the News of Orange 5. NFDA & Selected Independent Funeral Homes Merger Friction * Member Backlash: Following a recent roundtable discussion, dissenting members express frustration over executive decision-making and a perceived lack of member input. * Upcoming Vote: Selected members are slated to vote on September 24th regarding whether to be acquired/merged into the NFDA. Read the full analysis at Connecting Directors. 6. New Side-Project: The Joe Vanella Report * The Recaps: Tony has partnered with Spencer Haake (founder of Vault) to host recaps of The Traitors. * Schedule: Episodes drop Friday evenings (contains spoilers!). 🔗 Links & Resources * Support the Podcast: Subscribe at ondeathcare.com * Full Coverage & Court Documents: Read the detailed write-ups on On Deathcare Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this inaugural recap episode, host Tony Russo brings on guest Spencer Haik to break down the latest season of The Traitors: New Blood. Spencer gives an insider breakdown of the game’s mechanics, Joe’s gameplay strategy, and why his background as a funeral director makes him a formidably empathetic (and sneaky) player to watch. Key Takeaways & Highlights * The Premise: 22 everyday Americans gather in a Scottish castle, split into two groups: “Faithfuls” and secret “Traitors”. Traitors murder a Faithful each night, while the group votes off a suspected Traitor during the day. * Joe’s Big Reveal: Host Alan Cumming selected Joe Vanella as one of the original Traitors. * Strategic Gameplay: * Empathy as a Shield: Joe’s funeral director skills shine through as he comforts emotional players, masking his role as a secret assassin. * Low-Profile Moves: During the first challenge, Joe strategically avoided rushing for protective shields, diverting suspicion onto other players. * Current Status: Joe survived the first two episodes and remains in full control heading into next week. Episode Timeline * 00:00 – Introduction and why Spencer offered to recap reality TV * 00:46 – The Traitors format breakdown: Cast, castle, and core rules * 02:20 – Introducing funeral director Joe Vanella * 03:20 – The shoulder tap: How Joe became a Traitor * 04:15 – Why a funeral director’s skill set is perfect for high-stakes deception * 05:00 – Strategy spotlight: Passing on shields and steering clear of suspicion * 06:00 – Round table dynamics and Joe consoling a Faithful * 07:15 – How “murders” work: Turret meetings and black cloaks * 07:55 – Season twist: Apprentice trials for the third Traitor spot * 09:25 – What to watch for in upcoming episodes & wrap-up Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Rest, host Tony Russo covers major updates from across funeral service. From taking on a new role at Connecting Directors to shifting lending practices at Homesteaders, cemetery complaints in Tennessee and Maryland, and a preneed contract dispute, there is a lot to unpack. Key Takeaways & Episode Highlights * New Role at Connecting Directors Tony announces his new part-time position as managing editor at Connecting Directors. While his reporting for On Deathcare remains unchanged, he will be publishing broader press releases and original reporting on the site. Listeners interested in contributing stories or press releases can reach out to him via email at [email protected]. * Homesteaders & The Bancorp Update The Bancorp is reportedly no longer offering the funeral home expansion and acquisition loans previously paired with Homesteaders. The program allowed owners to leverage goodwill as equity. Homesteaders is currently seeking new banking partners. * Tennessee Cemetery Complaint Funeral home owner Ralph Buckner Jr. has filed a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance regarding severe, deplorable conditions at local cemeteries housing his family’s crypts. * Maryland Cemetery Neglect & Abandonment Families at Western Star Cemetery in Catonsville, Maryland, report declining conditions since the owner’s passing a decade ago. The episode touches on state perpetual care oversight and the unfunded state cemetery cleanup initiatives. * Community Art at Candlelight Funeral Home On a positive note in Catonsville, Candle Light Funeral Home by Craig Witzke has installed a community-building “Before I Die Wall” inside their outdoor pavilion area. * Reality TV Appearance New York funeral director Joe Vanella is participating in the NBC/Peacock reality competition show The Traitors: New Blood. * Wrongful Removal & Embalming Incident An Arizona hospital accidentally released a decedent to the wrong care center (Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services), where he was embalmed before being returned to the family’s chosen provider. * Preneed Contract Dispute in Kansas A complaint has been filed with the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts against Park Lawn over a 1977 pre-need contract where the family was unexpectedly billed $21,000. Resources & Links Mentioned * Shoutout: Check out the Graveyard Shift podcast Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

From early on in this project, I wanted to have deathcare salons, where several people turn over a topic and evaluate everyone else’s. It’s different from a debate because no one’s trying to win, and with any luck, we all know a little bit more by the end. This is in this ballpark, although everyone is essentially supporting the same thesis, which is that selling Selected Independent Funeral Homes to the NFDA is likely a mistake. Our conversation is more about the process, which has become maybe a little more take-it-or-leave-it than anyone intended it to be. It’s important to add (as I mention in the introduction) that this story took a turn right around the time we finished recording this on Friday afternoon. The short version is that the chairman of the board said that, given that there were no other proposals offered, it only made sense to sell. Nathaneal Billows, who helped arrange this event, responded to the chairman, letting him know he was happy to help cultivate other options. Many of those other options are alluded to, or sometimes spelled out pretty plainly, in this show. OK. You’ll all caught up. Finally (as I also mention in the introduction), I would like to do more discussions like this. I think it was productive and satisfying. If there’s anything you’d like to see tackled, shoot me an email or leave it in the comments. Best, Tony Russo In the interest of keeping this discussion timely, I relied pretty heavily on the AI interpretation of the transcript for these show notes. If something seems off, it very well may be. If in doubt, best to go directly to the show. The provided podcast transcript features a group discussion regarding a proposed, highly controversial acquisition of Selected Independent Funeral Homes by the National Funeral Directors Association. Hosted by Tony Russo, the panel includes longtime funeral directors, past association presidents, and active members. Below are the detailed show notes along with timestamped summaries of each section. Show Notes & Discussion Topics – Introduction & Background * Host Tony Russo opens the discussion alongside Nathanael Billow. * They address the overwhelming response and concerns surrounding a recent association meeting regarding a proposed merger between Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the NFDA. – Member Frustrations Over Association Leadership * Nathanael Billow criticizes the board’s top-down, rushed approach and lack of transparency over the last six weeks. * Discussion surrounding the chaotic annual meeting in Louisville, where members were given only 80 minutes to discuss a landmark decision. * Billow highlights a tense floor moment where legal counsel stated member motions were non-binding and the board had no obligation to listen to member feedback. – Lack of Information & Alternatives * Paul St. Pierre emphasizes that member involvement should happen throughout major processes—not just at the end—and calls for credible alternative options. * John C. Greco compares the merger vote to being forced into a “blind date” marriage without essential information. * Glenn Taylor (Past President) explains he cannot vote “yes” due to a total lack of clarity regarding the terms of the merger. – Preserving Tradition and Demanding Transparency * Boyd Mothe shares his family’s multi-generational history with Selected Independent Funeral Homes. * Mothe critiques the leadership’s failure to consult third-party firms or present clear, member-vetted pathways, comparing the situation to being forced onto a bus without knowing the destination. – Exploring Alternative Solutions & Voting Thresholds * The panel discusses alternative structures, including Association Management Companies (AMCs). * Eric Trimble addresses member concerns regarding a non-disclosure on the memorandum of intent and questions the voting requirement shifting from a two-thirds majority down to a 51% simple majority. – Communication Breakdown & Board Governance * Glenn Taylor and Nathanael Billow express frustration over the controlled, orchestrated nature of recent meetings. * Chris Branson shares that neither Selected leadership nor NFDA leadership could answer basic questions about what the post-merger organization would actually look like. – Shifting Board Dynamics & Engagement Issues * Panelists analyze how association governance shifted toward reliance on executive direction over member leadership. * Discussion on board appointment processes vs. open member elections, noting that experienced past leadership has been repeatedly passed over for less experienced members. * Eric Trimble notes how changing industry demographics and firm sizes impact member participation. – Round-Robin Final Thoughts & The Path Forward * Nathanael Billow: Urges members to vote “No” to buy time, regain trust, and focus on member value. * Boyd Mothe: Expresses deep concern over the potential internal breakdown of long-standing professional networks. * John C. Greco & Chris Branson: Reaffirm strong “No” positions based on the lack of transparency, hoping this serves as a wake-up call for the association. * Glenn Taylor: Calls for a proactive “Plan B” to rebuild and modernize Selected block-by-block if the merger fails. * Eric Trimble: Compares the sudden merger push to a sudden death grieving process, warning against abandoning the core principle of independence. * Paul St. Pierre: Clarifies that a “No” vote is not a vote for the status quo, but a vote to examine better options while protecting the organization’s independent identity. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Coldspring Regional Sales Manager Honnalora Hubbard discusses the launch of National Cremation Placement Day, held annually on October 17. With an estimated 25 million urns sitting unplaced in U.S. homes, Honnalora breaks down the growing crisis around unmemorialized cremated remains and explains how cremation trends are altering cemetery plot planning. Honnalora shares her personal journey through profound loss and how the lack of a formal gathering highlighted the essential role memorialization plays in the grieving process. She details the resources Coldspring has developed to help funeral homes, cemeteries, and monument dealers engage their local communities, partner with local media, and bring dignified, permanent placement back into mainstream conversation. KEY TAKEAWAYS * The Unplaced Urn Crisis: Approximately 25 million urns reside in 25% of American households today without permanent placement or memorialization. * Shifting Cemetery Trends: Cremation is driving a resurgence in multi-space niche and property purchases, as families seek central locations to gather across generations. * National Cremation Placement Day (October 17): Established as an official national day to create urgency and awareness around permanent memorialization before the holiday season. * Turnkey Resources for Deathcare Professionals: Cold Spring offers free, downloadable toolkits—including email templates, postcards, staff training slides, event checklists, and media press releases—to help local businesses launch events. TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 – Introduction and announcement of National Cremation Placement Day * 00:59 – The scale of the issue: 25 million urns in 25% of U.S. homes * 03:55 – How cremation is changing family plot purchases and cemetery estates * 06:39 – Honnalora’s personal story: Family losses, unaddressed grief, and finding healing * 09:43 – Bringing the idea to Cold Spring and turning it into a profession-wide gift * 11:15 – Free turnkey tools, press releases, and marketing materials available for local implementation * 13:53 – Tracking community participation and local media involvement * 14:43 – How cemeteries and funeral homes are structuring events on October 17 * 16:11 – Why October 17 was chosen and looking ahead to long-term impact RESOURCES & LINKS * Cold Spring Website: Access the official National Cremation Placement Day portal to download free turnkey toolkits, event checklists, press releases, and marketing material, and register to participate. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe