309 - Happy Funerals, Sad Funerals: What Death Teaches the Living with Rachel Hauck

A funeral director turned therapist on meaning-making, unfinished business, and why grief needs more truth and less cheerleading. Ready for a life-affirming episode about death? I'm excited to introduce you to my longtime friend Rachel Hauck. She's a funeral director and embalmer. After 20 years in business, she's decided to go back to school to become a therapist. I love chatting with people who are in midlife career shifts. Why did she make the switch? How will her previous career shape her identity as a therapist?  What sets this conversation apart from the hushed, almost embarrassed way folks often talk about death is our openness around its emotional messiness. We go beyond Kübler-Ross's model to consider those carrying complex or "untraditional" feelings of grief (think: Jeanette McCurdy). All experiences are welcome here.  GUEST BIO Rachel Hauck (she/her) has served families as a licensed funeral director/embalmer in the state of Florida for the last 20 years.  She is currently completing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University and hopes to develop a signature program in prolonged grief therapy.  Join our Authentic Leaders Group! Next cohort starts May 1, 2026. This is a journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll not only enhance your leadership skills but also forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Apply now! Thank you to The Therapist Network for sponsoring the show! The Therapist Network is a global community built by and for therapists. You'll find live consult groups, an ever-growing library of workshops and courses, plus a community that really sees you. Sarah's group, Tending to the Wounded Healer, meets every other Monday from 1–2pm CT, and it's a space to explore the intersection of your lived experience and your clinical work. So if you want to feel more supported and less alone, visit TheTherapist.Network—or join Sarah's group directly at tinyurl.com/HealerConsultTTN. SUPPORT THE SHOW Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch Join our Patreon for gifts & perks Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers Share a rating & review on Apple Podcasts *** Let's be friends! You can find me in the following places… Website Facebook @headheartbiztherapy Instagram @headheartbiztherapy