PodCasket

Curtis sits down with Nadira Baddeliyanage, Executive Director of the ICCFA, to explore her journey from Sri Lanka to leading the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association. She shares how a temporary role grew into a 30-year career, along with insight into ICCFA’s work in advocacy, education, and supporting funeral professionals. Alongside her professional journey, Nadira opens up about her personal experiences with grief and loss, offering a powerful perspective on why the work of funeral service continues to matter so deeply. 

Curtis sits down with Cameron Black, Chief Preneed Distribution Officer at NGL, to talk about the path that led him into the funeral profession and the experiences that shaped his career. Cameron shares stories from growing up in a family that moved frequently, his love for sports and golf—including a stint competing in long-drive competitions—and how an unexpected connection eventually introduced him to the preneed side of funeral service. From driving 90 miles a day to meet with families early in his career to helping lead one of the industry’s major insurance carriers today, Cameron reflects on the relationships, lessons, and moments that defined his journey. The conversation also turns personal as he shares how losing his father reinforced the meaning behind the work funeral professionals do and why helping families plan and remember continues to matter so deeply. 

 In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Welton Hong, the founder of Ring Ring Marketing, to dive into his fascinating career path, from his early days in tech with Intel, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle to becoming a leading expert in digital marketing for funeral homes. Welton shares insights into the evolution of online marketing, the growing role of AI, and how funeral homes can adapt to new technologies to stay ahead. Learn about his experiences at NFDA, his passion for helping small businesses, and his unique perspective on the funeral industry. Plus, discover what drives him, both in business and at the dinner table. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s top minds.

This episode features a conversation between Curtis Funk and David McComb on the evolving funeral service profession. They reflect on lessons learned from business challenges, the importance of ceremony in honoring life, and how cultural shifts, like widely viewed memorials, shape public perception. McComb also shares insights on the value of meaningful rituals, the role of critical feedback in improving funeral homes, and the personal importance of travel, humility, and adaptability in both life and business.

 Join Curtis for a candid conversation with Bob Gordon—CEO of Cypress Lawn and ICCFA board president—on growing up on a 100-acre cemetery, building a purpose-driven culture, creative community tours, the nonprofit advantage, recruiting the next gen, and nurturing digital relationships with families. Plus a few surf stories and e-MTB resets along the way. 

In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Jamie Meredith, a long-time leader in funeral service and insurance funding. Jamie shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana to building a company that has funded over one million funerals and provided $6.4 billion to the profession. He reflects on family, leadership, and the popular “Meredith & Sons Motivation Monday” series with his four boys. The conversation highlights resilience, faith, and the impact of bringing innovation and heart into funeral service.

In this episode, Curtis Funk talks with Lisa Baue a funeral director, coach, and founder of Funeral Women Lead. Lisa shares how her early experiences in a family-run funeral home led to a career of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for women in deathcare.Curtis and Lisa discuss the rise of women in funeral service, challenges like burnout and lack of advancement, and how her new organization and podcast, Four Women and a Funeral, aim to support the next generation. Lisa also previews her upcoming book Wake Up Calls, a mix of memoir and guide for aspiring leaders.Learn more at funeralwomenlead.org.

In this conversation, Curtis Funk and Thomas Parmalee discuss the complexities of life, loss, and the evolving landscape of the death care industry. They explore Thomas's journey from journalism to his current roles in Funeral Vision and Ring Ring Marketing, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes in consumer behavior and the role of technology in funeral services. The discussion also touches on the significance of networking, professional development, and the future trends in death care, including private equity involvement and the need for personal touches in services.

In this conversation, Curtis Funk interviews Christine Pepper, exploring her journey from her childhood in Germany to her impactful career at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). They discuss her early life, the challenges of immigration, her education, and the evolution of her career in the funeral service industry. Christine shares insights into the operations of associations, the importance of advocacy, and the complexities of state laws affecting funeral services. In this conversation, Christine Pepper discusses the importance of ethical standards and licensing for funeral directors, the evolution of governance within the NFDA, and the association's response to national tragedies such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. She highlights the role of membership in shaping governance and the need for effective communication of NFDA's resources to the public, especially during crises like COVID-19. In this conversation, Christine Pepper discusses the significant impact of positive public relations in the funeral service industry, highlighting recent successes in media coverage. She emphasizes the importance of understanding generational shifts, particularly with Gen Z's changing perspectives on funeral services. The discussion also covers the dynamics of NFDA membership, the challenges faced by the association, and the evolving landscape of funeral services post-COVID. Christine shares personal insights about her hobbies and family, providing a glimpse into her life beyond her professional role.

In this episode of PodCasket, Curtis Funk sits down with Jimmy Lucas—funeral director, family man, and all-around great storyteller—for a candid conversation that spans everything from funeral home beginnings and generational legacy to cattle ranching, scuba diving, and even amateur beekeeping.They dive into the Lucas family's 165-year history in funeral service, the challenges of balancing business growth with personal values, and why running a funeral home is a lot like being a Lego-loving, emotionally intelligent problem solver. You'll also hear about Jimmy’s time in Child Protective Services, the story behind his famous Zippy Lucas chapel, and why grounding barefoot at sunset might just be the reset you didn’t know you needed.It’s real talk about life, loss, and laughing through it all—plus a few unexpected stories (rattlesnakes, cold plunges, and first-grade do-overs included). Whether you're in deathcare or just love a good story, this one’s worth a listen.

 In this episode of PodCasket, Curtis Funk sits down with Buddy Phaneuf, a funeral industry leader known for pushing boundaries in deathcare. From revolutionizing online cremation arrangements to integrating AI and chatbots, Buddy shares his insights on how technology and business strategy have transformed funeral service. He discusses his journey from Deloitte Consulting to funeral home ownership, his unique approach to staffing and scaling, and how his nonprofit, the Phaneuf Family Foundation, supports indigent families. Tune in for a deep dive into innovation, efficiency, and the future of the profession. 

In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Kris Seale, a leader in the funeral profession with nearly 40 years of experience. Kris shares his journey from growing up in a funeral home to transforming Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company (FDLIC) into an industry powerhouse. He opens up about the challenges of leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, the evolution of death care, and how funeral homes can adapt to changing consumer expectations. Plus, hear how his passion for leadership and youth sports has shaped his approach to business and community service. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of funeral service.

In this episode, Ryan Thogmartin and Curtis Funk dive into the fascinating, unexpected paths that led them into the world of death care. From Curtis's random encounter at a family birthday party that turned into a nostalgic small-world moment to Ryan's entrepreneurial journey rooted in early life lessons, listeners will gain a unique perspective on how personal experiences and passions can shape a career. Ryan reflects on pivotal moments in his life, from accepting his faith as a child to discovering his passion for entrepreneurship through small but meaningful ventures. Alongside heartwarming stories of faith, family, and friendship, Ryan also shares his connection to LeBron James during his high school days—a story of proximity to greatness that left a lasting impact on his view of success and integrity.Tune in for an authentic, often humorous, and insightful conversation that showcases the journey from unexpected beginnings to pioneering roles in the death care industry. Curtis and Ryan reveal how embracing authenticity and taking risks has helped them connect deeply with their audience and bring value to the death care community.

Tune into this PodCakset episode, where Curtis Funk interviews Thomas Anderson, a fourth-generation funeral director and entrepreneur with a remarkable background in both the funeral and sports industries. Thomas shares his journey from growing up in rural Minnesota, where he unexpectedly took over the family funeral home, to later founding a professional basketball league and sports business. His insights reflect a deep understanding of the funeral profession, and his experience in running Funeral Director Daily, a well-known industry publication, showcases his ongoing influence in the field.Thomas discusses the evolution of funeral services, from traditional practices to modern consumer choices, including the rise of cremation and the need for funeral directors to adapt to new trends like natural organic reduction and the "cremation aftermarket." He emphasizes the importance of offering families a variety of memorialization options, especially as more consumers seek personalized and environmentally conscious alternatives. His business acumen shines through as he explains how he leveraged creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset to navigate the challenges of funeral service and beyond.Throughout the conversation, Thomas reflects on the lessons he’s learned from his diverse ventures, offering advice for current and future funeral professionals. He advocates for honesty, fairness, and a commitment to helping others, whether through providing quality funeral care or innovating new business opportunities. Tune in to hear about his unique path, how he successfully balanced multiple ventures, and the wisdom he imparts from his decades of experience.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Kenn Peterson, a true legend in the death care industry, to explore his fascinating journey. Starting as a fitness specialist at Hillenbrand Industries, Kenn's career took a transformative turn into the world of pre-need sales and leadership. He shares heartfelt stories, from memorable conversations with industry icons to personal challenges, like his wife's battle with a severe health condition.Kenn discusses the critical role of compassionate service and the profound impact of creating a positive culture within funeral homes. He provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of death care, including trends in pre-need services, changes in industry demographics, and the importance of experience-driven customer service. Kenn's vision for the future of death care emphasizes improving service culture and employee retention to make the space a better place for both professionals and the families they serve.Throughout the episode, Kenn highlights the importance of genuine relationships and continuous learning. He reflects on the lessons he has learned over his 37-year career and shares his passion for helping others grow and succeed. With a deep sense of gratitude, Kenn acknowledges the many individuals who have shaped his journey and expresses his commitment to giving back to the industry that has given him so much.Whether you're a funeral industry professional or someone intrigued by the behind-the-scenes workings of funeral services, Kenn's wisdom and passion will inspire and educate. Join us for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation that highlights the importance of empathy, leadership, and continuous improvement in the death care industry.

In this insightful episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Ellery Bowker, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in the funeral industry. Ellery shares his fascinating journey from his early days growing up on a dairy farm to his diverse career in sales and technology. He provides a detailed account of how he ventured into website design, eventually founding multiple companies in the death care industry, including Directors Advantage and aftercare.com.Ellery discusses his early experiences with sales and design, the challenges and triumphs of building websites for funeral homes, and his pioneering work in video tributes. He provides a candid look at the trials of entrepreneurship, including the ups and downs of owning and selling domain names, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about the importance of putting families first in funeral service, the impact of technology on the industry, and Ellery's thoughts on the future of funeral homes. This episode is packed with anecdotes, lessons learned, and Ellery's unique perspective on what it takes to innovate and succeed in a traditional industry.Tune in to discover how Ellery Bowker is transforming the funeral service landscape and the key takeaways that can apply to any business.

In this episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk sits down with Jake Johnson, an influential figure in the funeral service industry. Jake shares his unique insights into how advancements in AI and robotics are poised to revolutionize the industry. The conversation delves into the history of funeral services, highlighting the pivotal roles played by Jake's father and other industry icons.Jake discusses the importance of relationships in business, his experiences in mergers and acquisitions, and how John's Consulting has grown to provide comprehensive business process outsourcing for funeral homes. From leveraging technology for customer service to managing funeral homes remotely, Jake's innovative approach offers a glimpse into the future of the industry.Listeners will also enjoy hearing about Jake's personal passions, including his impressive collection of classic and modern cars, and his love for music, which adds a personal touch to this engaging interview.Tune in to learn about the dynamic changes shaping the funeral service industry and how Jake Johnson is leading the charge into the future.

In this episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk sits down with Dan Isard, a financial expert and consultant who has significantly shaped the funeral service industry. Dan shares his fascinating journey from aspiring stand-up comedian to managing bands like Hall & Oates, and eventually becoming a renowned figure in funeral service consultancy.Dan discusses his beginnings in Philadelphia, his transition to Houston and Phoenix, and the pivotal moments that led him to focus on the funeral industry. He explains how he identified the need for better financial management in funeral homes and developed innovative methodologies for valuing and merging funeral businesses.Listeners will gain insights into the evolution of the funeral industry and the challenges and successes Dan experienced while growing his company, Foresight. From the highs of successful mergers to the lows of financial crises, Dan's story is a testament to resilience and innovation.This episode is packed with valuable lessons on business strategy, industry trends, and the personal anecdotes that make Dan Isard's career so compelling. Tune in to learn from one of the industry's foremost experts and discover the financial secrets behind successful funeral service operations.

In this inaugural episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk welcomes Michael "Turk" Turkiewicz, a pioneering force in funeral home technology. Known as the father of funeral home websites, Turk shares his incredible journey from a Midwestern upbringing to transforming the funeral service industry with his innovative company, FuneralNet.Turk recounts his early years in Buffalo, New York, and Youngstown, Ohio, his football career at the University of Memphis, and his initial foray into the funeral industry with Hillenbrand Industries. He dives into the inception of FuneralNet, where he and his team built the first commercially-focused funeral home websites, forever changing how funeral services are marketed and accessed.Listeners will learn about Turk's groundbreaking work in creating online obituaries, guest books, and pre-need arrangements, and how these innovations have become industry standards. Turk also discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a tech company, including navigating the dot-com boom and bust, and the evolution of web technology over the years.This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and funeral service, offering a unique perspective on the digital transformation of an age-old industry.

Introducing PodCasket, the go to podcast for anyone in deathcare. Here we will be interviewing the legends of the funeral industry, learning their stories, their challenges, their accomplishments, and what brought them to funeral service. Whether you work in a funeral home, you're a vendor, you're new to the space, or you are just death curious, this is the podcast for you.