The Power of Community: Transforming Funerals with Tender Funerals

Today we’re talking about a revolutionary approach to farewelling our loved ones, pioneered by an extraordinary guest.Meet Jennifer Briscoe-Hough, the founder and CEO of Tender Funerals Australia. She's been on quite a journey to get to where she is now. She even has had a movie made about her journey! From her own personal experience with the death of her mother and the shocking costs of traditional funeral services, she was driven to find a solution that not only made sense financially, but also emotionally and spiritually. She talks about how the seed was planted for Tender Funerals, a non-profit franchise model that offers choice, transparency, and affordability.In our discussion, Jenny shares the story of how Tender Funerals came into existence, the challenges faced along the way, and the beautiful meaning behind the term ‘undertaker'. She also touches on the industrialisation of the funeral business and how Tender Funerals aims to bring back the personal touch often lost in the process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding more about the funeral industry and looking for a more personalised, meaningful approach to saying goodbye.Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineKey takeaways from this episode include:Jenny’s personal experience with her mother’s death and how it inspired the creation of Tender Funerals.Insights into the funeral industry and how it has evolved over time.The unique approach of Tender Funerals, a non-profit franchise model that offers choice, transparency, and affordability.The meaning and significance of the term ‘undertaker’.The concept of paying for funerals from estates, and the financial challenges many face when dealing with a loved one’s death.We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/