On Deathcare

In this episode of On the Clock, host Tony Russo sits down with Chris Holt, a funeral director and crematory technician from Montana who is currently running for an at-large position on the National Funeral Directors Association board. With 20 years of experience in the “sacred profession,” Chris shares his journey from state leadership to national advocacy.The conversation dives into the heart of what it means to represent funeral service professionals on Capitol Hill and the importance of keeping the national association relevant for the next generation.Don’t miss a beat on the stories shaping the deathcare. Subscribe now to stay up to date.Key Highlights* A Fire for Service: Chris discusses how his involvement with the Montana Funeral Directors Association in 2012 sparked a passion for representing members and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels.* Advocacy in Action: Fresh off a trip to Washington D.C., Chris explains the importance of “swarming the Hill” to discuss vital issues like veteran burial benefits, the regulation of body donations, and expanding Health Savings Account usage to cover funeral expenses.* Addressing Member Value: Chris tackles the challenge of declining participation in professional associations. He emphasizes the need for “palatable” education, better messaging, and demonstrating a clear return on investment for members.* The Power of Connection: From moonlight monument tours with his family to networking with colleagues across the country, Chris highlights how the NFDA fosters a community of leaders who share ideas to solve local and national problems.* Work-Life Balance: The discussion touches on the reality of burnout in funeral service and how the association can provide tools to help professionals manage their personal and professional well-being.About the GuestChris Holt is a licensed funeral director and crematory technician based in Montana. He has served two terms as President of the Montana Funeral Directors Association and has represented his state at the NFDA for four years. He is a candidate for the NFDA Board of Directors at-large position. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On Death Care, host Tony Russo sits down with Stephanie Rush and Amanda Goodell, co-authors of the award-winning children’s book, You Can Always Talk to Possum at Life Forest. The book was recently honored by the ICCFA as the most personalized service/memorial for a cemetery in their 2025 Keeping It Personal Awards.The authors discuss the inspiration behind the book, which was born from a need to help young children understand loss and find closure while visiting Life Forest, a unique conservation cemetery in New England.Key Discussion Points:* The Origin Story: How a connection through roller derby led to a collaboration between Life Forest co-founder Mel Bennett and mental health professionals to create a resource for grieving families.* A Simple Approach to Complex Emotions: Why the authors chose to use forest animals and a “matter-of-fact” tone to make the stages of grief relatable for children of all backgrounds.* Beyond the Headstone: An exploration of Life Forest’s mission, where loved ones are memorialized with trees, bushes, and plants rather than traditional gravestones.* The Creative Process: Writing a collaborative book during the COVID-19 lockdown and working with an international artist to capture the specific landscape of a conservation forest.* The Workbook Component: The book includes structured activities, like painting memorial rocks and writing letters, to help children process their emotions tangibly.* Advice for Parents: “If a child is old enough to love, they’re old enough to grieve”.Links & Resources:* Official Website: On Death Care* Free Resource: The workbook mentioned in the episode is available for free download online.* Listen Further: Check out Tony Russo’s previous interview with Life Forest co-founder Mel Bennett. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tony Russo covers high-profile controversies in Detroit, the ongoing legislative battles surrounding natural organic reduction, and cultural equity in cremation services.Key Stories* The “Wrong Ashes” Voicemail Controversy: A Detroit man, Curtis Robinson, was shaken after receiving a voicemail from Charita Butler, co-owner of Butler Funeral Home, suggesting she would give him “somebody else’s ashes” if he continued to make demands amidst a family rift. Tony discusses the pressures on funeral directors stuck between feuding family members and the importance of hanging up the phone before venting.* Healing the “Bad Juju” at Perry Funeral Home: The site of the infamous 2018 scandal involving improperly stored infant remains is being renovated by Paddy Lynch of Lynch and Sons Funeral Directors. The new facility will offer mortuary students on-site experience and provide infant/child funerals at no cost to rebuild community trust.* Colorado Regulatory Crackdown: Evergreen Funeral Home has been placed on one-year probation after an inspection revealed refrigeration temperatures above the 39-degree limit and inconsistent record-keeping.* Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) Updates:* California: Sumner Peck Ranch has been renamed Running River Ranch following public backlash over the use of composted human remains on the property. Tony argues that Earth Funeral and the local trust missed a vital opportunity for public education.* New Hampshire: Lawmakers rejected a human composting bill. Tony addresses the opposition’s “utilitarian” arguments and compares the current struggle for NOR acceptance to the historical journey of cremation.* Cultural Equity in Cremation: In Lexington, Massachusetts, the push for a public crematory at Westview Cemetery is framing cremation as a religious necessity for Hindu, Sikh, and other non-Christian communities rather than just an economic choice.* Philanthropy in Death Care: A shout-out to Starmark for donating over 100 urns to “The Final Salute,” a program in Des Moines that honors unclaimed veterans’ remains.Industry Reminders & Updates* Management vs. Luck: Tony explores whether regulatory issues stem from bad management or bad luck, suggesting that mentoring by state commissions could help struggling homes recover.* Financial News: SCI and Matthews are scheduled to report their earnings on Thursday and Friday. Full analysis will be available at ondeathcare.com. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo interviews National Funeral Directors Association Secretary Candidate Carlton Maye Jr. Maye discusses his philosophy of service and how his background as an educator informs his vision for the association’s future.Professional Background* Current Board Service: Maye has served as an at-large representative on the NFDA board for the past two years.* Educational Role: He is a mortuary science educator for Pierce Mortuary Colleges and has nearly 15 years of experience in higher education.* Clinical Experience: He serves as a general partner running a funeral home in Georgia.Key Discussion Points* Secretary Role: Maye views the position of secretary as the “keeper of information,” responsible for ensuring accurate record-keeping and the timely dissemination of knowledge to members.* Association Inclusivity: He highlights the board’s recent rebranding of its core values to emphasize that the NFDA is an “Association of Funeral Service for all,” including students, non-licensed staff, and international members.* The Value of Advocacy: Maye emphasizes the importance of the NFDA Advocacy Summit, noting how impactful it is for funeral professionals to meet legislators in person and see their voices heard on Capitol Hill.* Evolving Education: Discussing the future of funeral service education, Maye stresses the need to remain open-minded and responsive to industry trends, such as human composting (natural organic reduction).* Diverse Career Paths: He notes that the industry has moved beyond the “cookie-cutter” roles of the past, with specialized paths now available in cremation arrangement, cemetery liaison roles, and family ambassadorship. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Rest, Tony Russo dives into the importance of “being the face” of your funeral business to establish authentic community trust. From the upcoming ICCFA Experience to legislative shifts in Illinois, we cover the latest trends in death care and the technology aiming to simplify family arrangements.Key Discussion Points* The Power of Authenticity: By sharing real, unpolished moments, professionals can build a unique level of trust with their local communities.* Media Spotlights:* Rebecca Case of Case Funeral Home uses regular local news segments to demystify deathcare for her neighbors.* Kathleen Wagner Elfner uses “raw” social media videos to document renovations and connect with her community.* David Ucci of Hills Skeffington Funeral Home highlights industry collaboration as local competitors help his business rebuild after a fire.* Parting Stone’s Global Reach: A look at a Metro UK feature detailing how David Bailey used solidified remains to take his father on a final 500-mile road trip.* History in Duluth: Tony reviews a PBS North feature exploring the evolution of funeral service from furniture making to modern cremation societies.* Legislative News: The Illinois House has passed HB 5425, moving the state one step closer to legalizing human composting (terramation).* Cemetery Tech Evolution: An introduction to Guidant, a new platform from George Owens and Michael Cooperman that introduces “Buy Now” functionality for cemetery plots online. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo speaks with Maureen Krienen, a fourth-generation funeral director and candidate for an at-large position on the National Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors. Krienen discusses her transition into ownership of her family’s firm and her motivations for seeking a national leadership role.Professional Background* Experience: Krienen has been a licensed funeral director since 2017.* Current Role: She serves as the president of her family’s funeral firm in Wilmington, Delaware, after purchasing the business from her father at the end of last year.* Local Leadership: She is the immediate past president of the Delaware State Funeral Association, with her term concluding in October.Key Industry Issues* Staffing and Retention: Krienen identifies staffing as the most significant challenge facing the industry. She notes high burnout rates—often within five years—and emphasizes the need for firms to become “ideal employers” by offering better work-life balance and inclusive environments for younger professionals.* Licensure: Regarding the debate over split licensure (separating embalmer and funeral director licenses), Krienen advocates for maintaining high professional and public health standards regardless of the specific license level.* The Value of NFDA: For small, family-owned firms, Krienen describes the NFDA as a “lifeline” and “safety net,” providing essential resources such as legal counsel, standardized forms, and federal advocacy.Advocacy and Engagement* Legislative Action: Krienen shares her experience participating in the NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where she lobbied representatives on industry-related bills.* National Programs: She highlights the impact of the National Emerging Leadership Program and the Women’s Conference in fostering professional camaraderie and connections. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, host Tony Russo sits down with Nadira Baddeliyanage, Executive Director of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, to celebrate her 30-year milestone with the organization. Nadira shares her journey from “cleaning the database” to leading the association through a transformative era where leadership must be both the “brains and the face” of the profession.The conversation dives deep into the ICCFA’s critical advocacy work in Washington, D.C., the upcoming “ICCFA Experience” in Fort Worth, and the unique, immersive educational environment of ICCFA University.Subscribe now for expert insights, legislative updates, and exclusive educational highlights.Key Highlights🏛️ Advocacy at the CapitalNadira discusses her recent trip to Washington, D.C., highlighting the federal-level work the ICCFA performs for its members.* The “Body Broker” Issue: Pushing for the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act to ensure transparency and regulation in non-transplant tissue donation.* The Funeral Expenses Act: Lobbying for legislation to allow tax-free HSA funds to cover funeral costs.* Cemetery Trusts: Seeking increased tax deductions for cemetery plots.🎡 The “ICCFA Experience” (April 29 – May 1)Learn how the ICCFA is “shaking things up” by moving away from traditional convention formats.* Music Festival Inspiration: The convention now features three stages, exhibits, and education all in one high-energy Expo Hall.* Integrated Learning: Breakout sessions and meals happen within the hall to foster constant connection and innovation.🎓 ICCFA University (July 17 – 22)Nadira shares why this week-long program at Emory University is her favorite educational initiative.* Specialized Colleges: From Cremation Services and Land Management to Technology and Leadership.* Scholarship Opportunities: The ICCFA Educational Foundation awards 100 scholarships annually to help professionals attend.* Lifelong Connections: Beyond the curriculum, the university builds a support network that graduates rely on for years.Notable Quotes“I think the brains also has to become the face because we are serving communities and people that are very visual these days ... they want to relate better.” – Nadira Baddeliyanage“Something I learned in this profession early on is people love to share and people love to help each other.” – Nadira BaddeliyanageResources Mentioned* ICCFA Experience: Fort Worth, Texas (April 29 – May 1).* ICCFA University: Atlanta, Georgia (July 17 – 22).* Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tony Russo breaks down a high-stakes week in the funeral industry, from executive departures at Park Lawn to significant legal and regulatory shifts in Texas and beyond.Top Stories* Park Lawn Executive Shakeup: Major leadership changes as Jennifer Hay, Mat Forastiere, and Jay Dodds are dismissed. Tony discusses the appointment of Markus Sturm and Steve Shaffer and its imlications.* Homesteaders and Consolidation: An exploration of how Homesteaders has increasingly moved toward financing industry consolidation and its complex, often quiet relationship with Park Lawn.* Everstory EEOC Lawsuit: Updates on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission suit against Everstory Partners (formerly StoneMor) regarding allegations of segregated bathroom policies at a Memphis cemetery.* Texas Funeral Service Commission Resignation: Kristen Tips has resigned as executive director. Tony speculates on the factors behind this departure, including ongoing lawsuits and upcoming investigative reporting.* Texas Fugitive: News on Javian Major, a figure involved in several ruined funerals, who is currently on the run after having his license revoked.Legislation and Licensing* Human Composting in Oklahoma: Oklahoma State Senator Casey Murdock defends a human composting bill, criticizing “intentionally uninformed” opposition while addressing the economic benefits for families.* Dual Licensure Debate: Inspired by Rachel Mackey’s testimony to the D.C. Council, Tony examines the pros and cons of dual licensure for funeral directors and embalmers.Market Watch* Earnings Season Preview: Carriage and Matthews International announce maintained dividends as the industry prepares for Q1/Q2 earnings reports.The “Final Whistle”* Tony reflects on a unique funeral trend from the UK: “final whistle” services for soccer fans, and how the sport serves as a poignant metaphor for the end of life. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo sits down with Shelby Ogozaly, a first-generation funeral director and NFDA at-large candidate. As part of a notably younger wave of leadership in deathcare, Shelby discusses her journey from being the youngest female president of the Allegheny County Funeral Directors Association to running for a national board position. She shares her vision for a more progressive future that respects tradition while embracing modern memorialization and professional advocacy.Join us for more insights on industry trends, from rising cremation rates to the new era of professional funeral advocacy.Key Topics Covered* The Rise of Young Leadership: Why Shelby chose to get involved early in her career rather than waiting for decades of experience.* Reimagining Cremation: How funeral directors can educate families on the vast options for memorialization, visitations, and personalized services even when choosing cremation.* The Future of the Industry: A look at the shifting landscape of funeral service, including the projected rise in cremation rates and the trend of downsizing or selling properties.* Advocacy and Representation: Shelby’s goals for the NFDA, focusing on listening to the membership to drive education and support for both owners and non-owners.* Women in Power: The shift toward more female representation in executive death care roles and the impact of mentors like Ellen Wynn McBrayer. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode, Tony Russo breaks down the latest shifts in the death care industry, from innovative “witness cremation” practices to legal battles over human composting. We also look at the collapse of a digital arrangement startup and the ongoing regulatory struggles involving pre-need funeral contracts.In This Episode:* Reframing Cremation in Tucson: How Bring’s Broadway Chapel is turning witness cremation into a “memorializable event” and why offering it as a standard part of the process is a game-changer.* Expansion: A South Carolina funeral home family buys a downtown event center to offer celebrations of life without the overhead of a traditional funeral home branch.* The Human Compost: Fresno County considers a ban on human compost as fertilizer following a “poorly managed crisis” and public pushback against Earth Funeral.* NIMBY vs. Conservation Burials: The Jefferson Land Trust in Washington tries a “door-to-door” education approach after zoning and neighbor complaints stalled their previous burial ground project.* The Preneed Problem: Licenses are suspended in Indiana and Missouri as investigators find over a million dollars in unfiled or unauthorized funeral contracts.* Tech Industry Exit: Why digital arrangement platform Repose.io shuttered in March despite strong funeral home adoption. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo sits down with Steven Johnson, CFSP, a first-generation funeral director from Western New York who has overseen massive business growth, expanding from four to eight locations in just five years. Steven pulls back the curtain on his “secret weapon” for organic growth: Earned Media. He shares how funeral directors can stop “begging” for coverage and start becoming a primary source for local news, while also discussing his current run for the NFDA Board of Directors. Love deep dives into business growth? Subscribe for weekly insights that help you master your craft and stay ahead of trends.Key Takeaways* The Power of the Press Release: Steven explains how simple PR efforts for awards or events like the Pursuit of Excellence award or the NFDA Advocacy Summit provide opportunities to build community trust.* Growing through Acquisition & Intent: Learn how Steven tripled his call volume in five years through a mix of strategic acquisitions and organic community presence.* The Value of the NFDA: From world-class continuing education to networking with vendors (like mycelium/mushroom casket makers), Steven discusses why national involvement is vital for the modern director.* A New Generation of Leadership: Steven discusses his decision to run for an “At Large” seat on the NFDA Board and the importance of bringing a younger voice to the industry’s highest levels.Timestamped Chapters* [00:00] Introduction to Steven Johnson and H.E. Turner & Co.* [01:25] Scaling from 4 to 8 locations: The growth story.* [02:27] Why you must be your own biggest advocate in the media.* [03:26] Turning “boring” industry events into local news headlines.* [06:22] Dealing with “bad actors” and controlling the narrative.* [10:31] Why the NFDA matters (and yes, mushroom caskets).* [14:20] Running for the NFDA Board: The need for younger voices. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Pablo Metz, co-founder of Germany-based Circulum Systems, to discuss the operational and technical realities of bringing Terramation to the U.S. market. Metz shares how his background in tech and problem-solving led him to develop the soil-transformation process with his partner.Metz breaks down the “Three Pillars of Respect” that guide their technology, focusing on the family’s grieving process, the safety and dignity of the funeral home staff, and environmental efficiency.Subscribe for insights into the green revolution transforming funeral service. Don’t miss an episode.Key Takeaways* The Wholesale Model: Circulum Systems operates as a technology and service provider, partnering with local funeral experts rather than competing as a direct-to-consumer funeral home.* The 40-Day Cycle: The transformation process takes exactly 40 days, a duration that aligns with biological requirements and carries significant symbolic weight across multiple faiths.* Microbial Heat vs. External Energy: The process relies entirely on natural microbial activity, reaching temperatures of 160°F to eliminate pathogens without supplemental heating elements.* Operational Footprint: The standard starter setup of 10 vessels requires approximately 2,500 square feet.* Capital Investment: The estimated investment for 10 vessels, including necessary post-processing units for soil and bone refinement, is roughly $1 million.* Logistics & Aesthetics: Vessels are designed with wheels for easy movement into chapels or funeral homes without requiring a forklift for basic setups.* Soil Output: On average, the process produces approximately 200 pounds of nutrient-rich soil per decedent.Resources Mentioned* Circulum Systems: circulumsystems.com* Green-Wood Cemetery: New York partner site* TerraCon: The industry conference where Metz connected with U.S. providers Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s roundup, we dive into the major shifts impacting mortuary education, a bittersweet farewell to a historic Polish funeral home, and ongoing legal battles regarding religious burial rights in Minnesota. We also look back at a personal essay about Black casket salesmen and tease a massive new data report from the Johnson Consulting Group.Key Stories This Week* Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Major Changes: Following a year of student protests and leadership turnover, CCMS has announced it is rejoining Xavier College and selling its 16-acre site for $7.2 million. We explore what this means for the future of private mortuary schools and the shift toward online credentialing.* A 119-Year Legacy Ends: The Giminski-Wysocki funeral home in Syracuse is closing its doors. Known for serving the Polish community, the home’s remaining antique furniture is being sold via an estate sale, highlighting the challenges of maintaining traditional physical estates in a changing market.* Religious Rights & Green Burials in Minnesota: An update on the legal “limbo” facing a conservation burial ground and a new lawsuit against Estes Funeral Chapel and Elmhurst Cemetery regarding the alleged refusal to accommodate Islamic burial rites.* History of Segregation in Casket Sales: A look at a personal essay detailing the experiences of Black casket salesmen at Batesville during the 70s and 80s, including the landmark anti-discrimination suit against Hillenbrand Industries.* Industry Data Deep Dive: The Johnson Consulting Group released an analysis of over 650,000 records. Preliminary findings show that 10.2% of surveys generate leads, primarily in grief support and pre-need services. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo sits down with Rehan Choudhry, founder of Chptr, to discuss the company’s growth and future. Chptr has expanded from a niche concept to a broad service provider. The conversation focuses on how the company is streamlining obituary distribution and helping funeral homes reclaim digital traffic from third-party aggregators.Key Discussion Points* Market Scaling: Chptr has secured partnerships with major funeral groups including Milestone, Anthem, and Heritage.* Broadcast Integration: The company is now under contract with over 75% of television stations in the U.S.* Operational Efficiency: By reducing the unit cost of a televised obituary, Chptr aims to make broadcast announcements a standard, often complimentary service for families.* Digital Ownership: Rehan explains the importance of funeral homes maintaining ownership of their content rather than allowing traffic to be siphoned by outside platforms.* Service Automation: A “white-glove” slideshow service handles production tasks that previously consumed funeral directors’ time.* Stay Tuned: A national campaign is planned for late April to highlight the role of funeral directors as essential community responders. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

Stories Covered in This Episode* Illinois Regulatory Changes: Representative Anthony DeLuca is working to give the Illinois Comptroller’s Office more oversight power. * Colorado Coroner Conflicts: The Wilson Funeral Home in Colorado faced scrutiny for storing bodies for the county coroner while its own license was expired. * Hearse Manufacturer Bankruptcy: UK-based Eagle Specialist Vehicles Limited, which trades as Wilcox Limousines, has filed for administration. This process is a reorganization plan similar to Chapter 11 in the United States.* Pennsylvania Funeral Home Struggles: Pitts Funeral Home in Erie, Pennsylvania, filed for Chapter 11 protection. The business is also facing a lawsuit regarding a poor embalming job.* The Downsizing Trend: W.F. Gormley and Sons in Sacramento, California, is selling its large historic building to move into a smaller facility. Tony compares this to a similar move in Maine, noting that high property taxes make smaller storefronts more efficient.* Human Composting Backlash: The San Joaquin Parkway Trust has parted ways with Earth Funeral following a cease and desist from a family who donated land to the San Joaquin River Ranch. * Funeral Women Lead: Erin Wilson has been named the Senior Director of Education and Program Strategy for Funeral Women Lead. The organization offers an 18-month program to help prepare women to move into management and ownership roles. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Erin Wilson to discuss her new role at Funeral Women Lead and the launch of the Women’s Leadership Academy. Erin shares her journey from high school educator to funeral service professional.Erin explains how the Women’s Leadership Academy aims to help professionals by providing 18-month curriculum pathways for management and ownership, focusing on the life skills, financial valuations, and conflict management strategies that aren't taught in a classroom.Key Timestamps:00:12 – Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of Funeral Women Lead.01:35 – Why a former algebra teacher chose funeral service to "help people."04:10 – Reflecting on the "upsetting" restructure at Pierce Mortuary Colleges.09:45 – Identifying the "big disconnect" in funeral service education.18:20 – Breaking down the Women’s Leadership Academy: Management vs. Ownership.25:50 – Why ownership is achievable: Providing the roadmap for women. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

This week we look at a shift in strategy from SCI, the “homogenization” of funeral service, “disruptor” startups, green tech in Detroit, and legislative wins for death care modernization in Michigan.Key Takeaways* SCI’s Shift in Focus: SCI is moving away from massive real estate acquisitions and toward aggressive preneed sales and “Celebration of Life” centers. * The “Chick-fil-A” Model: Tony discusses the “re-homogenization” of funeral service, offering a consistent, unremarkable, but dependable experience that consumers seem to crave.* The Rise of the Disruptors: A look at Meadow, a direct cremation and venue-booking app that recently raised $9 million despite offering services that many funeral professionals argue aren’t actually “novel.”* AI in Death Care: Exploring Tukios’ new AI music beta and AI photo generators that help funeral homes avoid “off-puttingly generic” website imagery.* Green Innovation: Dr. Noni Green introduces one of the first electric pet cremators in the U.S. (Detroit), aiming for a net-zero carbon footprint.* Michigan Legislation: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill to digitize death certificates and allow regular physicians to sign off, streamlining a traditionally slow process. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Rest, Tony Russo tackles the mental health and retention crisis facing funeral professionals, highlighting a new survey aimed at understanding the emotional costs of the industry. Tony also dives into a strange $1.3 million debt situation involving the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner and local funeral homes, discusses a new Connecticut bill targeting funeral fraud, and explores the latest updates on Natural Organic Reduction.Show Notes* Mental Health & Retention: Exploring the need for specialized peer support and therapy for funeral directors.* Milwaukee Debt Crisis: Investigating the $1.3 million owed to the Medical Examiner’s office by local funeral homes.* Connecticut Fraud Legislation: A new bill introduced to establish a compensation account for victims of funeral service fraud.* Natural Organic Reduction (NOR): Updates on The Life We Leave documentary and controversies surrounding unauthorized human composting scattering in California.* SCI scores with earned media.* New Section: Announcement of The Doula Desk on the On Deathcare newsletter. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Tanya Marsh to deconstruct the 2025 Consumer Preferences in Death Care report. They dive deep into the "Cremation Paradox," the surprising return of the casket among Gen Z, and why the "green" movement in death care is more complicated than it looks.Key Discussion Points:The 2025 Survey Design: Expanding the data pool to 1,500 respondents to mirror the US Census and track regional trends.The Gen Z Factor: Why 52% of young adults are leaning back toward burial despite record-high cremation rates.Defaulting to Cremation: How cost and logistics force consumers into their "second choice" disposition.The Ethics of Innovation: A look at Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) and the "naked protectionism" blocking alkaline hydrolysis in states like Indiana.Death et seq: Tanya discusses her student-led podcast exploring legal issues around deathcare. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s roundup, Tony Russo explores the disconnect between the death care industry and consumer media. From factually incorrect editorial cartoons in Ohio to “Boil-in-a-Bag” headlines in the UK, the episode dives into why funeral directors need to step up as educators to combat misinformation about green burials and alkaline hydrolysis. Tony also covers significant industry news, including the arrest of a fugitive funeral director and a historic investigation into a Maryland veterans cemetery.In This Episode* The Media Disconnect: Why recent reporting on natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis is more salacious than informative.* Educator vs. Director: The importance of providing accurate information before families reach the arrangement room.* Industry News: The arrest of Zalo Wilson in Maine regarding a 64-count indictment.* A $3,000 judgment against Davis Mortuary owners following the discovery of decaying remains in Colorado.* Parklawn’s recent acquisition of South Mississippi Funeral Services’ assets.* Regulatory & Social Issues: The struggle of Alaska Natural Burial to open a site near Anchorage due to environmental concerns.* New Maryland legislation to investigate a burial site of Black youth at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.Resources & Links Mentioned* On Death Care Newsletter: Subscribe for free industry updates.* Study: 2025 Consumer Preference for Disposition Study (Wake Forest and CANA).* Book Recommendation: Into the Night.* Substack: Jess Wakefield on the complexities of green funerals. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s review covers significant regulatory shifts in Maryland, ongoing controversies at the Texas Funeral Service Commission, and the weekly news roundup. Links to all of these stories (and more deathcare news) can be found here.Regulatory Updates: Maryland vs. Texas* Maryland’s Turnaround: Under new leadership, the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors has cleared a 300-case backlog. The state has seen recent arrests related to the mishandling of remains at Heaven Bound cremation services.* Texas Oversight Concerns: An exposé in the Houston Chronicle highlighted significant issues within the Texas Funeral Service Commission, including an average of 150 open consumer complaints per quarter—well above the target of 26.* Accountability Gap: Leadership in Texas has reportedly lobbied to reduce damages for losing or misidentifying bodies.Green Burial & Innovation* Natural Organic Reduction in Ohio: The Ohio legislature is currently considering a bill to legalize natural organic reduction (human composting). While not yet law, it presents an opportunity for funeral directors to educate the public on eco-friendly options.* Monarch Care Centers: Foundation Partners has launched “Monarch,” a brand consisting of centralized care centers across 10 states. These facilities offer specialized services like witness cremation.Industry News & Legal Watch* Breaking Barriers in Embalming: A long-time English embalmer is stepping back from day-to-day duties; notably, she was only the sixth woman in England to receive an embalming license, a field closed to women until 1977.* Arizona Graveside Dispute: A Jewish family is suing an Arizona cemetery group over a policy that prohibits families from staying to witness the lowering of the casket, a practice that conflicts with certain religious rituals.* Liability & Training: A recent lawsuit involving a body mistakenly buried in a body bag alleges “negligent hiring, training, and supervision,” suggesting that high staff turnover and poor training may be becoming a major legal liability for owners.In Memoriam* Mack Williamson Stevens: A farewell to the beloved comfort dog of Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, who served from 2018 to early 2026. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s industry roundup examines the artificial intelligence platforms into the deathcare sector. Central to the discussion is Impart, an all-in-one, AI-enabled business solution launched by the parent company Manifest. Manifest, which operates similar platforms in other industries like veterinary care, has positioned TikTok personality and funeral director Melissa Jo Schmidt as the face of the brand. * Cremation and Infrastructure: In Texas, a viral video of a smoking crematory prompted a discussion on the technical failures of aging equipment and the friction caused by cremation bans in cities like Seattle.* Operational Errors: Two high-profile body mishandling cases surfaced. In Tacoma, a funeral home took public ownership of an 18-year-old oversight regarding unclaimed cremated remains. Conversely, a Rhode Island facility is under investigation for burying an individual inside an unopened body bag, only to later discover it was the wrong person.* Real Estate and Independence: At the NFDA Leadership and Enrichment Summit, independent directors discussed the rising threat of development corporations and high real estate costs that force community funeral homes to close or relocate.* Historic Relocations: In Indiana, a Catholic high school has begun the process of exhuming Civil War veterans and pioneers from an on-site cemetery to make way for a football stadium expansion. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe