Undertaking: The Podcast
576 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 216 ratingsFuneral Directors, Ryan Ballard and Brian Waters discuss life, death and the story of funeral service.
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Episodes
#210 Death Certificate Drama
January 08, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBFuneral directors go to great lengths to help families obtain death certificates. Ryan and Brian discuss the challenges of getting others to fulfill their responsibilities. Oh - and when state health departments launch software that doesn't work, that makes it even more fun. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#209 The Story of the US Honor Flag
January 05, 2021 10:00 - 58 minutes - 80.9 MBThe US Honor Flag is a single flag with a unique story. Chris Heisler joins the show to share the flag's origin story and this one flag has impacted Americans all across the country. To learn more about the US Honor Flag visit: https://www.ushf.net/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#208 Bugger Off 2020
January 01, 2021 10:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBWelcome 2021 and bugger off 2020. Ryan and Brian review the products they tried over the past year. Check it out. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#207 Funeral Flowers
December 29, 2020 10:00 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBRyan and Brian discuss the ins and outs of funeral tributes. Check it out. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#206 Christmas In The Funeral Home
December 25, 2020 10:00 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MBMerry Christmas everyone. To all the funeral professionals working today, we thank you and so do your families. Make some memories today folks. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#205 The Demise of the Loewen Group
December 22, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBTodd Van Beck returns to the show to discuss the failure of the Loewen Group. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/ To learn more about Todd Van Beck visit: http://www.toddvanbeck.com/
#204 A Unified Voice
December 18, 2020 10:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MBDoes funeral service in America have a unified voice? Ryan and Brian break down the different associations that represent funeral service. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#203 Our COVID Situation
December 15, 2020 10:00 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MBRyan and Brian review their experience with Covid-19 thus far. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#202 The Value, Purpose & Benefit of the Funeral with Todd Van Beckuu
December 11, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe boys are back in Nashville, Tennessee to talk more with Todd Van Beck about the value, purpose and benefit of the funeral. To learn more about Todd Van Beck visit: http://www.toddvanbeck.com/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#202 The Value, Purpose & Benefit of the Funeral with Todd Van Beck
December 11, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe boys are back in Nashville, Tennessee to talk more with Todd Van Beck about the value, purpose and benefit of the funeral. To learn more about Todd Van Beck visit: http://www.toddvanbeck.com/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#201 Leslie Needs A Kidney
December 08, 2020 10:00 - 40 minutes - 55.5 MBThe guys are joined by Leslie and her sister Michelle. Michelle received a kidney transplant years ago, now, her sister Leslie, has been placed on the donor list. To register as a organ donor visit: https://www.donatelife.net/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#201 Leslie Needs A Kidney
December 08, 2020 10:00The guys are joined by Leslie and her sister Michelle. Michelle received a kidney transplant years ago, now, her sister Leslie, has been placed on the donor list. To register as a organ donor visit: https://www.donatelife.net/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#200 Debating Jessica Mitford with Todd Van Beck
December 04, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 122 MBIn 1963, Jessica Mitford wrote the book "The American Way of Death", later she would debate funeral service with Todd Van Beck. Today, Todd joins the show to talk about the history of funeral service and Jessica Mitford. To learn more about Todd visit: http://www.toddvanbeck.com/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#199 The Death Expert
December 01, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBMichelle Carter, The Death Expert, joins the show to talk about how she uses social media to further her mission to promote conversation and planning for death. To learn more about Michelle visit: https://thedeath.expert/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#198 The Wrong Grave
November 27, 2020 10:00 - 50 minutes - 69.3 MBFuneral directors are often faced with ethical dilemmas and most often with very little time to make a proper decision. Ryan and Brian examine a situation with a grave and how funeral directors approach this situation. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#197 Happy Thanksgiving
November 26, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 41.5 MBHappy Thanksgiving everyone. Make someone's day and tell them you love them. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#196 Military Funeral Honors
November 24, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBOften Military Funeral Honors are unable to be provided. We talk with Sgt. Andreas Allcock Ret., to give us some perspective on why some honors don't happen. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#195 Africa, Education and Embalming with Dominick Astorino
November 20, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBThe boys return to Detroit, Michigan to find Dominick Astorino. They discuss his passion for embalming and education. To learn more about Dominick visit: http://www.dominickastorino.com/ To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
$194 The Cincinnati Bengals Chaplain, LaMorris Crawford
November 17, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBCincinnati Bengals Chaplain, LaMorris Crawford, joins the show to talk about life, love and how we celebrate funerals. To learn more about LaMorris visit: http://www.lamorriscrawford.com/ Learn more about the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#194 The Cincinnati Bengals Chaplain, LaMorris Crawford
November 17, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBCincinnati Bengals Chaplain, LaMorris Crawford, joins the show to talk about life, love and how we celebrate funerals. To learn more about LaMorris visit: http://www.lamorriscrawford.com/ Learn more about the show at: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#193 What Cremation Consumers Think with Barbara Kemmis
November 13, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 100 MBIn part two of our discussion with Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America, we discuss a study of the opinions of cremation consumers. Tune in to see what they said. To learn more about CANA visit: https://www.cremationassociation.org/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#192 A Cremation Discussion with Barbara Kemmis
November 10, 2020 10:00 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MBBarbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America returns to the show to talk about cremation, direction cremation and COVID. To learn more about CANA visit: https://www.cremationassociation.org/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#191 Remembering Tony Karsnia
November 06, 2020 10:00 - 54 minutes - 75.5 MBTony Karsnia, President of the Professional Car Society died this week. Tony was an excellent funeral director and an even better person. He will be missed. Tony talked with the Ryan and Brian back in January 2020. Today we are replaying his episode as we say farewell friend.
#190 Are Cemeteries Too Expensive
November 03, 2020 10:00 - 47 minutes - 64.9 MBAre burials too expensive? Ryan and Brian go down the rabbit hole to discuss the ins and outs of burials. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#190 Are Cemeteries Too Expensive
November 03, 2020 10:00Are burials too expensive? Ryan and Brian go down the rabbit hole to discuss the ins and outs of burials. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#189 Discussing Embalming with Patrick Huey
October 30, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBPatrick Huey, licensed funeral director and embalmer in Texas, is a highly respected and skilled restorative artist. Patrick joins Ryan and Brian to discuss his journey and his passion for embalming and education. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#188 Moving A Body
October 27, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBOn today's show, Ryan and Brian discuss moving a body and the strange situations funeral directors sometimes find themselves in. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#187 Ring Ring Marketing with Welton Hong
October 23, 2020 09:00 - 58 minutes - 80.5 MBWelton Hong, founder of Ring Ring Marketing, joins the show to discuss everything a funeral director needs to understand about marketing. To learn more about Ring Ring Marketing visit: https://www.ringringmarketing.com/ To learn more about about the podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#186 Feature Building
October 20, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 42.8 MBThe living partake in many types of facial fillers including Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. But is there something similar for the dead? In this episode the guys discuss feature building and Brian wonders why Ryan is looking so youthful. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#185 Human Composting with Micah Truman Founder of Return Home
October 16, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 98.6 MBNatural Organic Reduction, Human Composting or Terramation, whatever you call it, it's legal and happening in Washington State. Tune in as we chat with Micah Truman, founder of Return Home. To learn more about the podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#184 Do We Need To Bring Pants - Clothing The Dead
October 13, 2020 09:00 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MBClothing the dead can be time consuming, difficult, and physically demanding. It can also be confusing for families. Ryan and Brian have a back and forth about clothing the dead. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#183 Listener Questions Answered
October 09, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 55.1 MBRyan and Brian dive into a list of questions that listeners have sent in over the past few months. Have a question? Check out undertakingthepodcast.com and send us a message.
#182 The Dress Code - Tattoos and Body Art
October 06, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MBWe're talking body art today, body art for the living that is. Many prospective funeral directors have asked and today we're talking about what to expect from a potential employer. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#181 How The Dead Look - Listener Questions Answered
October 02, 2020 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72.3 MBWe've had many questions come to us in the past two years. Many have asked, "why do they look like this?" In this episode, Ryan and Brian discuss situations that cause a change in appearance before or after death. To ask us a question or to learn more visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#180 National Suicide Prevention Month - The Lankford Story
September 29, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBIn another episode in the Life Through Loss Series, Ryan and Brian talk with licensed funeral director and embalmer, Randy Lankford. The trio discuss National Suicide Prevention Month and Randy bravely shares his personal journey as we remember his father, Don Lankford. For more information about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#179 Curtains - Adventures Of An Undertaker-In-Training with Tom Jokinen
September 25, 2020 09:00 - 34 minutes - 48.1 MBTom Jokinen, author of Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker-In-Training, joins the show. Tom talks about his work as an apprentice funeral director and what he learned along his journey in writing his book. Pick up your copy here: https://amzn.to/3mPtcJL To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#178 Your Life Talks with Jolene Hill
September 22, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MBJolene Hill, a funeral director from Australia, joins the show to talk about Your Life Talks, a creative way to spark end of life planning and discussion. To learn more about Your Life Talks visit: https://yourlifetalks.com/ To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#177 Video Chat Gets An Afterlife with AFTR
September 18, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBA grave camera? Yes, exactly. With AFTR, you can virtually visit your loved one's grave, anytime, anywhere. To learn more about AFTR visit: https://www.aftr.live/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#176 The Memorial Frame
September 15, 2020 09:00 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MBThe Memorial Frame was invented by Geraldine Doris Grenci but she died before it came to market. Her son, Angelo Grenci, joins the show to talk about how he's carrying on her legacy by continuing her vision. To learn more about the Memorial Frame visit: www.memorialframe.net/ Find out more about the podcast at: www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#175 Remembering 9/11 - Our Stories
September 11, 2020 09:00 - 40 minutes - 56.5 MBBrian and Ryan, remember 9/11 by sharing their story of where they were and what they were doing September 11th, 19 years ago. To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#174 Anna Marie Foster
September 08, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MBFuneral director and embalmer Anna Marie Foster joins to the show to discuss her journey into funeral service. To learn more about the show visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#173 Hearse Talk with Ron King of Butler Coach Company
September 04, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBRon King of Butler Coach Company returns to the show to discuss all the new products for 2020 from Platinum, MK, K2 Vehicles and Coasson. To learn more about Butler Coach visit: https://www.butlercoach.com/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#172 The Importance of Viewing with Shane Ritchie, Founder of NecroMetics
September 01, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBShane Ritchie, founder of NecroMetics, joins the show to share a personal story of life, death and the importance of viewing. We also discuss NecroMetics, the newest company to offer cosmetics to the funeral industry. To learn more about NecroMetics visit: https://www.necrometics.com/ Check out the NecroMetics YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEh9XjuuCb4LMZ_TVtgJhnw To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#171 Alive In Detroit - Waking Up In A Funeral Home
August 28, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutes - 63.8 MBThis week near Detroit, a young woman was pronounced dead and transported to a funeral home where their employees found that she was, in fact, alive. Ryan and Brian talk about how this could happen and answer your questions. To learn more visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#170 Introducing TrueBonds.co
August 25, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBPedro Acosta, founder of TrueBonds.co joins the show to introduce his company and how TrueBonds can help funeral homes and consumers. To learn more about TrueBonds visit: https://truebonds.co/ To learn more about Undertaking: The Podcast visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#169 Remembering Bryan Clauson
August 21, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBIn the third episode of our Life After Loss Series, we talk with Taylor McLean as we remember the life of Bryan Clauson. At the end of the show, we talk with Cole Bodine, grandson of a funeral director and driver of the #39 Driven2Save USAC car.
#168 Time To Fly - Life Through Loss Series
August 18, 2020 09:00 - 59 minutes - 82.1 MBIn our second Life Through Loss Series, Eileen Robertson Hamra, author of "Time To Fly", joins the show to talk about the death of her husband and how she worked through her grief journey. To learn more visit: https://www.eileenrobertsonhamra.com/ And visit: https://www.undertakingthepodcast.com/
#167 COVID-19 Here and Now
August 14, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 86.6 MBRyan and Brian answer listener questions about Covid-19.
#166 Talking Insurance with Express Funeral Funding
August 11, 2020 08:00 - 58 minutes - 81 MBPatrick and Andy, from Express Funeral Funding are back on the show to talk about how they can help funeral homes and families get paid. To learn more about Express Funeral Funding visit: https://www.expressfuneralfunding.com/
#165 Karl Wenzel and Genelyn Embalming Fluid
August 07, 2020 10:00 - 41 minutes - 57.9 MBKarl Wenzel, founder of the Canadian School of Advanced Prep, joins the show to talk about Genelyn Canada, the newest embalming supply company in North America. To learn more about Genelyn visit: https://www.genelyn.ca/ To learn more about the Canadian School of Advanced Prep vist: https://www.canadianschoolofadvancedprep.com/