Undertaking: The Podcast
576 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 216 ratingsFuneral Directors, Ryan Ballard and Brian Waters discuss life, death and the story of funeral service.
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Episodes
#503 Brian's Birthday Show and The Van Beck Memorial Scholarship
August 14, 2023 02:27 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MBBrian catches up with Ryan for the week and they revisit the voice of their mentor, Todd Van Beck. As they discuss the upcoming tributes to Todd in Vegas, both decide to re-air episde #377 for a second examination of Todd's "Funeral Chronicles" on "Visibility". The topic of isolation, anxiety, and grief will gain much visibility itself, when undertakers gather at the big show in Vegas. Allow us to bring in Mr. Van Beck to redirect our focus to visibility: why we discuss it, why we seek...
#502 The Check-In - We See You
August 07, 2023 02:38 - 2 hours - 175 MBWorking in death care can be isolating and anxiety is very real. Having a network of friends has been vital to our growth in knowledge, but most importantly, it make anyone feel a little less alone. Undertaking is hard enough, we need not make our lives worse by keeping ourselves separated. Champion someone else and see how it feels. Today's show is sponsored by The Wilbert Group: https://www.wilbert.com/giving-back/ National Mortuary Shipping: https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/
#501 Smoke Gets In Joe's Eye
August 02, 2023 21:45 - 2 hours - 186 MBSeason 2 of Undertaking: The Podcast kicks off with a tell-all podcast about...................... planning for the future, preparing for it and leaving a legacy that will last generations. Joe, the mystery-person featured on the veil-lifting-death book, Smoke Gets In Your Eye by Caitlin Doughty, joins the show and he's go so much to offer. Seaon 2 of Undertaking: The Podcast kick off with a tell-all podcast about........... planning for the future, preparing for it, and leaving a ...
#500 The Road to Springfield and the End of the Beginning
July 27, 2023 10:17 - 1 hour - 153 MBPodcasting like we'll never do it again, Ryan and I hit the road and paratroop into the Illinois Funeral Directors Association's annual convention in Springfield, Illinois. They hit the ground and immediately built a network to visit the place where the usefulness of undertakers was realized. Today's show is crafted in the spirit of a Celebration of Life because that's what Undertaking: The Podcast and the Network is all about. Expect three musical performances from our Network musicians, ...
#499 The Dirt with Tim McLoone, hosted by Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home
July 21, 2023 21:45 - 55 minutes - 76.9 MBHow does funeral service care for our fellow human? It might not be as simple as you think. Do we understand each other outside of work? This show gets into it. Micah and Tim discuss Tim's presentation at last year's NFDA convention which was nothing less than, impactful. For any of us to see real change, we must observe, listen and do no harm. Today's show is sponsored by Hilton Funeral Supply: https://www.hiltonfuneralsupply.com/ and Indian Donor Network: https://indianadon...
#498 Meet us in Illinois? Yes?
July 13, 2023 19:57 - 30 minutes - 42.9 MBIllinois convention kicks off this Monday and Ryan has the day off. We're going somewhere, where, we'll find out. But in the meantime, let's talk with the keynote speaker, aurhor Todd Harra, who will be filling for our friend, Todd Van Beck. This week is the network's first adopt a sponsor week. Ryan has selected Jack's Doughnuts: https://www.facebook.com/jacksdonuts Brian took Frich's Big Boy: https://www.facebook.com/bigboyrestaurant Pick up Todd Harra's book here: https://www.am...
#497 Transplant at 13 days old with Kelsey and Paul
July 12, 2023 05:12 - 48 minutes - 67 MBRecording in person and over the phone, Brian and Ryan visit the Indiana Donor Network to chat with Kelsey and her father Paul about their connection to organ and tissue donation and how miracles can be made when don't give up on life. To learn more about the Indiana Donor Network visit: https://indianadonornetwork.org/
#496 What Undertakers Have To Offer
July 04, 2023 16:22 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MBHappy 4th of July. The fellas relax and discuss their journeys in funeral service. How do you explain what undertakers offer? Today's show is supported by Pierce Chemical. Connect with them on Facebook or at PierceDirect.com
#495 Is it all about the deceased? With Ben Whitworth on Tea & Mourning Wear
June 28, 2023 16:59 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MBOn this episode of Tea and Mourning Wear with Ben Whitworth, he discusses the idea that sometimes the wishes of the deceased clash with the needs of the living. Learn more about Ben Whitworth at https://www.expressfuneralfunding.com/ Today's show is supported by: National Shipping and Cremation, learn more about NMS at: https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/ Express Funeral Funding, learn more about EFF at: https://www.expressfuneralfunding.com/
#494 Wally Hooker and Embalming Abnormalities
June 24, 2023 02:47 - 24 minutes - 36.2 MBLong before the film Died Suddenly, embalmers have noticed abnormalities in human anatomy. During the recent pandemic, heated debated were held between embalmers. In this show, Brian and Wally, embalmers with completely different political backgrounds come together to discuss our observations. Today's show is supported by NMS: National Mortuary and Cremation, learn more at: https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/
#493 Whitney and Ethan
June 21, 2023 18:42 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MBEvery story matters. Today's show features Brian and Ryan on the road at the Indiana Donor Network. Today's guest Whitney, a member of the Donor Family Council and advocate, who also knows Brian's wife, share her story and we all remember her husband Ethan. To learn more about Indiana Donor Network visit: https://indianadonornetwork.org/
#492 Father's Day
June 19, 2023 02:58 - 1 hour - 121 MBBrian joins Ryan on a dawn walk around the country cemetery where Ryan's father is laid to rest. A little local folklore is shared while the guys discuss the topics of the day.
#491 Anyone Else Tired?
June 17, 2023 03:50 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBFuneral service is often polished and presented and a well-oiled service business. The struggles undertakers' face are often over-looked and recently both Brian and Ryan have been noticing a pattern. And Brian makes a friend with a wrong-number texter. Today's show is sponsored by AP Lazer and SuperNova International.
#490 That One Time In Cancun
June 13, 2023 05:29 - 1 hour - 141 MBOn the beach in Cancun, Mexico, Brian ponders the topics of the Embalm Beter Conference with his friends Nelson Sanchez and Dr. Damon de la Cruz from Frigid Fluid. Learn more about Frigid and watch for announcements for next years' conference at https://frigidfluid.com/ Today's show is supported by National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation. Learn more at: https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/
#489 Part 2 of the Dirt on Brian hosted by Micah Truman
June 10, 2023 18:12 - 52 minutes - 120 MBPressing Brian on the tough topics generally whispered about in funeral service, Micah concludes his discussion with Brian. To learn more about Micah Truman and Return Home visit: Return Home Today's show is supported by the Indiana Donor Network. Sign up to be an organ and tissue donor HERE
#488 The Dirt On Brian hosted by Micah Truman
June 09, 2023 04:17 - 33 minutes - 78.1 MBMicah Truman, host of "The Dirt" on the Undertaking: The Podcast Network, starts a conversation with Brian Waters about the struggles of being an undertaker and together they confront some uncomfortable topics facing funeral professionals everywhere. The completion of the conversation will air later today. To learn more about Micah Truman, Terramation and the folks at Return Home visit: https://returnhome.com/ Today's show is sponsored by the Indiana Donor Network. Sign up to be a donor...
#487 Local Fundraising Scam & IFDA Convention Fun
June 06, 2023 03:26 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBBrian uncovers a funeral fundraising scam that is happening not just locally, but nationally. In the second half of the show, Brian phones random boothmates on the trade show floor of the Indiana convention. Bonus: A special guest host from the UPC Network, makes a contribution to the cause. Today's show is supported by: The Wilbert Group Hilton Funeral Supply
#486 Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of President Abraham Lincoln: The Conclusion
June 03, 2023 00:18 - 43 minutes - 59.7 MBIn memory of Todd Van Beck, Todd Harra, undertaker and author, sits behind the mic to pay tribute to our mentor, as he concluded the story of the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln. Thank you, TVB. And thank you Todd Harra.
#485 TVB, Plans Broken and The Legend of The Isaac Ball Award
May 29, 2023 05:14 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBAs Brian prepares to travel to Iowa for the funeral of Todd Van Beck, he stops to share an update and a story about plans and how they get turned upside down. As the number of Isaac Ball Fellows in Indiana grows, so does the value, purpose and benefit of the association. Hear how undertakers in Indiana are creating something different. Today's show is supported by Memory Share - LiveStreaming Services for Undertakers.
#484 The Connection at the IFDA Convention
May 23, 2023 15:16 - 23 minutes - 54.3 MBThe show is live and we are on the floor. Come on down. Today's show is supported by Express Funeral Funding, Butler Coach, Matthews Aurora and Hilton Funeral Supply.
#483 The Dirt on Lisa Devereau with Brie Smith
May 23, 2023 05:46 - 1 hour - 142 MBBrie Smith of Return Home hosts this episode of The Dirt on the Undertaking: The Podcast Network. Her guest, funeral director on the island, Lisa Devereau. Learn more about Lisa Devereau at Island Funeral Service Connect with host Brie Smith and Return Home here Today's show is sponsored by Garfield Refining
#482 Ready For Indiana's Convention?
May 22, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 87.6 MBRyan wants to know if your skull has proper paperwork and Brian want to talk about IFDA's convention. And are those skeletons in classrooms actually real? Join the conversation on the podcast's Facebook page and tune in as your make your way to the IFDA convention. Bring your shopping list because our friends from Hilton Funeral Supply will be there.
#481 NeutrOlene at ICCFA
May 19, 2023 11:20 - 31 minutes - 71.8 MBThe UPC Network is on the scene in Kansas City to cover the ICCFA Conveniton & Expo. While exploring in the wild, funeral director extraordinaire (funeraltainer in training) Robert, find one of the founders of NeutrOlene, Chet Robbins. Learn more and pick up NeutrOlene for your business at https://www.neutrolene.com/ Today's show is sponosred by Gather. Learn more about them HERE Do you have a question for the guys to answer on the show? Connect with them on social or email them direct...
#480 Skynet, Artificial Intelligence and Gather at ICCFA
May 16, 2023 04:37 - 39 minutes - 91.8 MBA short time ago, artificial intelligence was even a thing in funeral service. Today, it's here. Gather, a software company, founded for funeral directors, is at ICCFA to help us. Learn more at: https://gather.app/ Have a story and want to be on the show? Connect with the guys at [email protected] Today's show is sponsored by Hilton Funeral Supply
#479 Today's Pontification with Brother Jason - Topic: Cosmetic & Presentation
May 10, 2023 04:41 - 23 minutes - 53.6 MBThe Undertaking: The Podcast Network is proud to introduce, for the first time by himself on he alter-call, wait, podcast, Jason Duvall, undertaker from Kentucky, discusses the need to turn our attention to cosmetics and to expand our knowledge by sharing with others. Today's sponsors: Hilton Funeral Supply EmbalmCalc Do you have a question for Ryan or Brian? Connect with them at [email protected]
#478 Florida Man, We Need A Deposit To Help, Listener Emails and An Awesome Obit
May 09, 2023 04:02 - 54 minutes - 125 MBA Florida teacher has been sacked for breaking the news to students that they'll die someday. In an ironic twist, the same school held an acive shooter drill. We wonder if the drill was a success, with the no dying in Florida rule and all. In other news, how much to you need to pick up mom? Who's taking out pacemakers these days and what the heck for. Plus a couple smart alack kids get and A+ on mom's obit. If you have a question about a situation or funeral, ask the guys at info@und...
#477 Sunday-Cast: Remembering to Notice, Capital Punishment & Phone-A-Friend
May 08, 2023 04:36 - 1 hour - 190 MBBrian and Ryan catch up the thoughts of the week. Capital punishment is discussed. And while guy try to remember the topic of the call, they decide to phone a lisener to say thank you. Do you have a question for the guys and want them to give you a call on air? Direct your question to Brian or Ryan at [email protected] Today's show is sponsored by: Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions Indiana Donor Network
#476 Introducing Tea & Mourning Wear
May 06, 2023 10:33 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBA new show, fit for a king. Stop right now, pause and note the importance of the day. This here show has been in the works for over a year. And now, after a lot of groveling, teasingly overblown promises and outright threats, Brian Waters has convinced Ben Whitworth, Undertaker from England, that he's rather smart and everyone wants to listen. While His Majesty get his crown today, let us have cake with a brand new show called Tea and Mourning Wear with Ben Whitworth. Joking aside, Ben...
#475 A Brief Intro
May 05, 2023 02:53 - 2 hours - 320 MBBrian pauses to record intros for the next few show drops and this is what happened. Today's show is sponsored by Matthew Auroa Funeral Solutions and Answering Service For Directors.
#474 Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death and Funeral of President Abraham Lincoln Vol: 6
May 02, 2023 05:35 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBMay is here and Todd Van Beck has another episode of in our examination of the death and funeral of President Abraham Lincoln. Today's show is sponsored by: https://www.ccms.edu/
#473 Remembering Donor Hero Emma Grace
May 01, 2023 00:33 - 1 hour - 115 MBEmma Grace's life was taken too soon. In the midst of this loss, her parents made the decision to give the gift of life. This is their story. Say yes to life. Register here: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/be-a-donor
#472 Brian's Brain Break: The Journey's End or The Helpers or I've Got Your Back. Welcome To The Revolution
April 26, 2023 07:05 - 1 hour - 152 MBSorry y'all for missing Tuesday's drop. In today's show, I invite you into my brain as I end one journey after another. My purpose continues nonetheless, slightly altered or redirected and completely energized. You helpers, I know who you are and I've got your back. We can fix the broken, throw out the rubbish and power on to continue to introduce the grieving to a word of meaninful ritual, real connection and help where and when they need it most. The Jedi are not all gone when it com...
#471 Memorial Spaceflights with Celestis Inc
April 21, 2023 03:43 - 56 minutes - 78.2 MBWhat is a great way to honor someone who was facinated by space during their lifetime? We've all heard of naming stars, but have you heard of memorial spaceflights? Learn about Celestis Inc., the company that get you to where you need to be, literally. And don't forget to watch a real memorial spaceflight at today's launch here: https://www.celestis.com/launch-schedule/aurora-flight/ Today's show is sponsored by the Indiana Donor Network, learn more here https://indianadonornetwork.org/ ...
#470 Half Moon Farm & Regeneration Earth with Eric Rooney
April 18, 2023 04:57 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MBAt the body composting conference in Denver, Brian meets Eric Rooney of Regeneration Earth. Their disucssion on death turns to a discussion on life. This conversation fertilizes Brian's concept of intentional death care. Learn more about Half Moon Farm and Regeneration Earth at: https://www.regenerationearth.org/about Today's show is sponsored by: Memory Share Do you have a story about a funeral? Talk with Brian and Ryan on the show by visiting https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#469 Cremation Then & Now at The Body Composting Conference
April 18, 2023 04:25 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBWhile podcasting in the wild, Brian finds Barbara Kemmis, executive director of the Cremation Association of North America and also host of Cremation Then & Now. The two discuss the world's first body composting conference in Denver, Colorado, hosted by The Natural Funeral Company. Learn more about CANA at: https://www.cremationassociation.org/ Connect with The Natural Funeral at: https://www.thenaturalfuneral.com/ Do you have a question about funerals for Brian and Ryan? Connect with ...
#468 A Celebrant In The Forest with The Glam Reaper
April 14, 2023 04:08 - 45 minutes - 63 MBJennifer Muldowney, funeral celebrant from Ireland, living in New York City, talks shop with Brian. Check out Muldowney Memorials at https://www.muldowneymemorials.com/ Today's show is sponsored by: Indiana Donor Network Do you have questions about funerals? Have your question answered on the show by visiting https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#467 Brian's Brain Break: Squirrels, Rabbit Holes & A Gift For Ryan
April 12, 2023 06:55 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MBYesterday's episode today! Brian returns from a quick trip to Mid-States Professional Service in Missouri and takes a break to decompress. Today's show is sponsored by the Indiana Donor Network and Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions Share your story on Undertaking: The Podcast. Connect with Ryan and Brian at https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/ Follow on Twitter @UndertakingPC
#466 The Call To Save A Life
April 07, 2023 03:46 - 54 minutes - 75.4 MBOften, families are unaware their loved one is eligible for tissue donation. After a death, we know your phone will ring and ring but there's one call that could change someone's life. Brian and Ryan chat with Sarah Taylor from the Indiana Donor Network and create a mock-interview for tissue donation. Today's show is sponsored by the Indiana Donor Network. Learn more at: https://indianadonornetwork.org/ Have you received the gift of life and want to share your story? Connec with Ryan an...
#465 Rest In Peace Mr. President: The Death & Funeral of President Abraham Lincoln Vol: 5
April 04, 2023 03:59 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MBApril is here and Todd Van Beck kicks off the month with the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln Vol: 5. Have a funeral question for the guys? Email Ryan or Brian at: [email protected] or learn more at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/ Today's show is sponsored by: Indiana Donor Network Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
#464 Journey To Serve with Andy Lopez
March 31, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MBAndy Lopez with JourneyToServe.com joins guest-host Jason Duvall and Brian Waters to talk about bringing veterans into funeral service.
#463 Noah Watry, From Funeral Home to Cemetery
March 28, 2023 09:00 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBNoah Watry of Wisconsin joins the show to talk about this career in funeral service. Brian issues his apology to cemetery counselors and Henry and Brother Jason do their best to fill in for Ryan. Today's show is sponsored by: Indiana Donor Network and Memory Share Do you have a question about funerals? Have Ryan and Brian read your story on the show. Submit for [email protected].
#462 Brian's Brain Break: Collective Exhale, Musings and Friendly Check-Ins
March 28, 2023 05:32 - 42 minutes - 59.1 MBA missing child is found. Brian checks in on his friends and wonders, is Caitlin Doughty right? Today's show is sponsored by AP Lazer and Indiana Donor Network Have a story and want to be on the show? Connect with Ryan and Brian at: UndertakingThePodcast.com
#461 Good Service; How Do You Know?
March 24, 2023 16:22 - 59 minutes - 82.2 MBPurchasing funeral good and services happens so rarely, it's hard to know when one receives good service. Ryan and Brian talk this out. Register for the Embalm Better Conference at https://www.embalmbetter.com/ Today's show is supported by: Memory Share - Funeral LiveStreaming Indiana Donor Network Join Undertaking: The Podcast's New Facebook Think Tank: HERE Have questions about funerals or funeral directing? Connect with the guys at https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#460 TVB's Funeral Chronicles: Early Funeral Memories
March 21, 2023 11:34 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBTodd Van Beck is back to share his early memories of a funeral and its impact on his career. Each of us have a story. Have you shared yours? Today's show is brought to you by Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Indiana Donor Network
#459 The College That Exists Where The Licensing Doesn't: Arapahoe Community College
March 18, 2023 07:31 - 1 hour - 94.5 MBFaith Haug, Program Director of the Mortuary Science Program at Arapahoe Community College chats with Brian education, death care, the past, the future and any other rabbit hole that we could explore over a lunch break. You don't want to miss this one! Learn more about Arapahoe Community College's Mortuary Science Program HERE Today's show is sponsored by the Indiana Donor Network
#458 Waste Not, Want Rot
March 17, 2023 05:45 - 29 minutes - 41.2 MBContinuing the coverage of the Body Composting Conference in Denver, Colorado, Brian is getting the scoop. The conference has been organized by The Natural Funeral, learn more about them HERE Have questions about organ or tissue donation? Learn more from the Indiana Donor Network HERE
457: The First Ever Body Composting Convention Is Happening Now
March 16, 2023 18:54 - 24 minutes - 34.5 MBBrian is in Denver, Colorado to report on the world's first body composting convention hosted by The Natural Funeral. Today's show is sponsored by: Hilton Funeral Supply Indiana Donor Network
#456 Logan Miller Is Improving Care for Donor Families
March 14, 2023 05:07 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBLogan Miller, founder of Precision Consulting Solutions, joins the show to talk about organ and tissue donation and how many are working to improve the care for families. Learn more about Precision Consulting Solutions at https://forensicorganrecovery.com/ Today's show is sponsored by: ASD Answering Service for Directors Indiana Donor Network
#455 Selection Sunday Special: The Embalmers' Bracket
March 13, 2023 04:48 - 30 minutes - 42.9 MBBrian is joined by embalmers Jason Duvall, Noah Watry, Henry Johnston and with help from some on Facebook, the team puts together the first embalming fluid bracket with their favorite selections. Winners will be chosen via Facebook poll. Tune in to hear what the guys think. Today's show is sponsored by: Pierce Chemical & PierceDirect.com https://indianadonornetwork.org/ Follow the guys on Twitter @UndertakingPC and Noah Watry @NoahWatry
454 American Autopsy with Dr. Michael Baden
March 10, 2023 08:24 - 1 hour - 119 MBWhat would you ask Dr. Baden if you could chat for an hour? From autopsies to embalming, Medgar Evans to George Floyd, exhumations, criminal justice, his new book and yes, clots. You don't want to miss this show. Pick up Dr. Michael Baden's new book American Autopsy here Today's show is sponsored by Indiana Donor Network Have a story to share with Brian and Ryan? Connect with the guys UndertakingThePodcast.com, Facebook, Twitter or https://www.instagram.com/undertakingpc/