Stronger Together Podcast

Most people see death care as a somber industry rooted in tradition, but Joél Simone Maldonado, known as The Grave Woman, is rewriting the narrative. A licensed funeral director and embalmer with a vibrant multicultural background, she's on a mission to bring radical inclusivity, cultural authenticity, and community-driven grief to the forefront. Joelle's story—from growing up in a culturally rich Gullah Geechee community, to breaking barriers as a Black woman in death care—reveals how systemic ignorance and racism continue to shape the industry, and more importantly, how those barriers can be dismantled.In this powerful episode, Joelle shares candid insights about her journey navigating a predominantly White industry, fighting tokenization, and advocating for culturally competent death and grief care. You'll discover how her online community and the establishment of the Multicultural Death and Grief Care Academy are creating ripples for change—empowering professionals to serve diverse communities with greater sensitivity and understanding. She explores critical issues like the widespread need for cultural nuance in embalming, the impact of segregation on care practices, and how trauma from systemic racism persists in how we grieve. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co https://thegravewoman.com ⸻   OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community.   Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp ⸻   HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel ⸻   PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES   • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and   remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com  

In just 17 days, Shane Musgrove's life changed forever. What began as a routine visit to the ER turned into a devastating diagnosis—and a journey through love, loss, and unimaginable grief. In this deeply moving conversation, Shane shares the story of his wife Sonia, their 22-year marriage, and the strength of a family facing the unthinkable.   From the overwhelming support of their community to the intimate, final moments spent at home, Shane opens up about what it means to walk through grief while still showing up for his children, his family, and himself. His story is both heartbreaking and profoundly human.   Today, Shane has transformed his pain into purpose through "17 Days," using his voice to support others navigating loss. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact of love, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit.     Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co   CHAPTERS 00:00 - Show Intro & Easter Weekend Banter 02:00 - Introducing Shane Musgrove 03:00 - Life Before the 17 Days 08:00 - Career Background & Early Life Challenges 12:00 - The Day Everything Changed 16:00 - ER Visit & Cancer Diagnosis 20:00 - Breaking the News to Family 25:00 - Rapid Progression & Medical Realities 30:00 - Bringing Sonia Home 35:00 - Community Support & "Pink Porch Lights" 40:00 - Final Days at Home 45:00 - Day 17: Saying Goodbye 50:00 - Creating a Meaningful Final Moment 55:00 - Life After Loss & The Survival Phase 01:00:00 - From Grief to Purpose: The Birth of "17 Days" 01:05:00 - Remembering Sonia: Love & Legacy 01:10:00 - Signs, Faith & Moving Forward 01:15:00 - Grief, Anger & What People Get Wrong 01:20:00 - Closing Reflections ⸻   OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp ⸻   HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel ⸻   PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES   • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and   remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com  

Jacqueline Richards—author, educator, and financial professional—joins the show to share a powerful story of resilience, purpose, and redefining personal worth. From her early days in the service industry to building a career in mortgages and financial education, Jacqueline's journey is anything but conventional.   In this episode, Jacqueline dives into the inspiration behind her book Yoga for Your Personal Finances, explaining how money, mindset, and energy are more connected than we think. She also reflects on her experience advocating for women in business, confronting outdated biases, and helping others step into their financial confidence.   Jacqueline also opens up about her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and how she's chosen to live a life rooted in strength, intention, and "no regrets." This conversation is a reminder that no matter your circumstances, you have the power to define your path—and your worth.     Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co   CHAPTERS 00:00 – Show Intro & Opening Banter   02:00 – Meet Jacqueline Richards: Background & Early Career   05:00 – Transition from Hospitality to Finance   08:30 – Prime Minister's Task Force & Women in Business   12:30 – Facing Bias: Buying Her First Home   16:00 – Discovering Purpose & Writing Her First Book   19:30 – Yoga for Your Personal Finances Explained   24:00 – Financial Literacy, Energy & Mindset   28:00 – Family, Motherhood & Blended Life   32:00 – Vision Boarding & Raising a Purpose-Driven Child   36:00 – MS Diagnosis & Defying Expectations   41:00 – Living with MS: Mindset & Daily Practices   46:00 – Community, Connection & Support Systems   50:00 – Final Thoughts: Living a Life of No Regrets   53:00 – Closing Remarks ⸻   OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp ⸻   HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel ⸻   PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES   • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and   remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com  

The secret to thriving after a career transition? Dylan Black shares the honest truth about job loss, resilience, and finding happiness when life suddenly changes direction. In this revealing episode, Dylan opens up about losing his longtime radio position after 13 years and the complex emotions that come with unexpected unemployment. He speaks candidly about the mental health challenges that can follow major career changes — including anxiety, depression, and the physical toll that high-stress media roles can take. More importantly, Dylan shares how he's navigating this chapter with gratitude, humor, and a grounded perspective. It's a conversation about resilience, identity, and the courage it takes to move forward when the ground shifts beneath you — while still believing that good things are ahead. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more: https://funeralspeersupport.com   Special Thanks:  Thanks to Rachel for joining us unexpectedly and sharing her stories. We appreciate the genuine insights from both our guests about living authentically and giving back   Chapters: (00:34) Welcome and introduction to Dylan Black's career background (02:06) Dylan's role at Yuck Yucks and comedy journey (04:50) How Dylan discovered his passion for radio and media (05:37) The future of media in Canada & early signs of industry change (07:13) Reflection on recent layoffs in radio & media industry (08:06) Dylan's most memorable moments in Ottawa radio & TV (09:00) Meeting music legends like Michael Bolton & favorite broadcaster memories (12:23) Nostalgic memories of music from childhood & personal favorites (13:25) Dylan's experience with job loss & unexpected layoffs (16:58) First feelings and managing grief after losing his position (20:27) Coping tools: therapy, exercise, and staying connected (24:55) The importance of family for Dylan & personal priorities (28:44) Reflection on loss of parents & living with grief (31:16) Mentors, role models, and the impact of family values (37:21) Charity work and blood donation stories (43:41) Catching up with a surprise guest, Rachel DiPortolo (50:00) Humor, favorite comedians, and upcoming comedy shows (55:13) Dream dinner guests & the importance of meaningful connections (55:54) Who Dylan admires most in life & inspiration from family & friends       Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more: https://funeralspeersupport.com   Our Sponsor Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more: https://funeralsupport.co.jp   Hosts Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS)   Exclusive Producer Peter Jaekel   Resources   Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada) Immediate confidential mental health and suicide prevention support available across Canada 24/7. Phone: 988 https://988.ca   Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.) Free, confidential mental health support via text message with trained crisis counselors. Text HOME to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org   Remembering A Life Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones. https://www.rememberingalife.com   National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Education, advocacy, and professional resources for funeral service professionals. Phone: 800-228-6332 https://www.nfda.org   Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) Supports funeral professionals across Canada through training, advocacy, and professional development. Phone: 1-877-688-2332 https://cfda.ca   Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Certification, research, and education related to cremation and memorialization practices. Phone: 866-426-2621 https://www.cremationassociation.org   Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA) Provides education, regulatory guidance, and professional resources for Ontario funeral homes. Phone: 1-800-387-8417 https://www.ofsa.org   International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) Global leadership training, education, and resources for cemetery, cremation, and funeral professionals. https://www.iccfa.com