A Conversation with Carlton Maye, Jr.

As The Hearse Turns, hosts Chris Boggs and Katharine Wagner-Elfner sat down with funeral service leader, educator, and NFDA Secretary candidate Carlton Maye Jr. for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet.From the realities of mortuary school and apprenticeship burnout to leadership in funeral service, mentorship, pricing transparency, and the future of the profession, nothing was off limits. Carlton brought the perspective of an educator, funeral director, embalmer, business leader, and mentor — while Chris brought the unfiltered real-world side that funeral professionals across the country have been talking about behind closed doors for years.This episode dives into:• Why new licensees are leaving the profession• Where funeral service education succeeds — and where the profession fails apprentices• The pressure funeral home owners face behind the scenes• Transparency, burnout, and the “sink or swim” culture in funeral service• Why leadership and mentorship matter now more than ever• The future of NFDA and the next generation of funeral professionalsWhether you’re a funeral director, embalmer, mortuary student, apprentice, or simply curious about what really happens inside this profession, this conversation pulls the curtain back in a way few are willing to do publicly.🎙️ As The Hearse Turns — Two Funeral Directors. One Honest Conversation.