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Undertaking: The Podcast

by Brian Waters and Ryan Ballard: Indiana Funeral Directors

Funeral Directors, Ryan Ballard and Brian Waters discuss life, death and the story of funeral service.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 12, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. #550 My Fathers Chair Episode 5

    Ryan walks around a cemetery before a service. The sounds of the cemetery help him relive some memories. He also gets frustrated with the setup. Rock and Roll friends. Sponsors: www.indianadonornetwork.org www.gather.app https://www.lovealwaysproject.org/ https://www.natlmortuaryshipping.com/...

  2. #549 John Rabold talks about the Indiana Donor Network

    Robert Falcon sits with John Rabold from the Indiana Donor Network and has a conversation. This is from the Indiana Funeral Direcors Convention from May 2023. Definately some fun twists and turns in this one. Sponsors: https://www.wilbert.com/ www.indianadonornetwork.org...

  3. #548 Care Center Set Up with Duncan Stuart Todd

    NFDA 2023 Las Vegas was a Blurr. Brian has a quick conversation with a company that has been setting up care centers for funeral homes since 1991. As government slowly chokes all of small business between regulation and fines, this company can help us stay current with what we need to be doing in...

  4. #547 Mountain Mornings with Jason Duvall "The David Mine Disaster"

    Mountain Mornings with Jason Duvall is a story of Appalachian Funeral service. He talks about the story of the David Mine Disaster of 1967. Jason has his own history within this story, he has been hesitant to put this out until he felt his account was fully accurate. Here we are. Rock and Roll...

  5. #546 Brian bothers Ron King

    "Hey Buddy" !!!!! Brian is bored one night and just gives Ron a call and records it. It sure is good to hear his voice. This is what they did for so many years, they would game plan and talk about everything. I have been going through all kinds of content and thought this was fitting to release....

  6. #545 Glyn Tallon Holds Court!!!

    This is another one from the vault. This is Glyn Tallon at Vernie Fountains International Conference in Missouri I belive from 2021. We have a live crowd for this and it is in the middle of a hotel lobby. We have the opportunity to ask our questions on restorative art. Glyn also tells his story....

  7. Ryans Final Episode

    Ryan is leaving the Podcast. He wants to say a few words to everyone before he goes. Rock and Roll!!

  8. #544 My Fathers Chair Episode 4

    This episode Ryan talks about how our body senses things and reacts. The sense of smell affected Ryan one evening after sitting and going through his fathers things with his mother. How does the smell of clothes or cologne take you back in time? How can it be so vivd in that moment. We talk about...

  9. Undertaking The Colts

    What a surprising year it has been. Blake and JB dive into the craziness that is Indiana Football.

  10. #543 Mountain Morning with Jason Duvall

    Brother Jason introduces his new show. He talks about what it is like in rural Kentucky and being a funeral director. Jason is down near the Appalachian Mountains close to the West Virginia border, his new series will be stories and the history as to how funeral service has been done in that…

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  11. #542 Undertaking The Colts

    The guys are back with their thoughts on this weeks game. There have been alot of headines this week for the colts and quite honestly I personally think every week we are rolling the dice in hope of good news. Blake and JB go deep with a guest and explain some of the happenings from the week and...

  12. #541 Your New Embalmer with Ben Schmidt

    Our good friend Ben Schmidt talks about what the new embalmer looks like this day and age. Its an interesting take that I am glad is recorded. We all may not think the same way but the goal is to serve the families. The new gereation of funeral service does look different, that is because funeral...

  13. #540 What a Funeral Director and his Daughter are thankful for

    Ryan and Kennedy sit down for the first few minutes and talk about what they are thankful for. The last 15 min Ryan talks about mental health with funeral directors. We See You! Peace comes in many forms and sometimes witnessing it can be a moment that is beneficial. Enjoy your Holiday. Sponsors:...

  14. #539 Sharon Mascarello "Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice

    Robert Falcon corners Sharon at the Indiana Funeral Directors convention this last May. She had recently done some work on the book that is linked below. Embalming: History, Theory, Practice is a book that will mold young funeral directors for the future. Robert has a chance to talk with her and...

  15. #538 Undertaking The Colts

    Blake and JB are back to explain things that I dont understand about the Indianapolis Colts they also have a guest they introduce. Ryan opens and closes the episode with some sponsors then rants for a bit. Ryan gets emotional in the closer. Sponsors: www.indianadonornetwork.org...

  16. #537 My Fathers Chair Episode 3

    This Episode I talk about the phrase "one more time" and the importance of it. I talk about my friends disappearing and dealing with mental health. "The We See You" movement is referenced. Its ok to not feel ok, get a mentor. Be better to yourself so you can be better in the profession. Rock and...

  17. #536 Duane Hills IFDA 2023 "One Block West of the Whitehouse"

    Duane Hills Joins the podcast to talk about his book "One Block West of the Whitehouse". He talks about his experiences managing Joseph Gawler's Sons Funeral Home in Washington D.C. In the show notes below is a link to his new book that can be pre-ordered. This man has some great stories for...

  18. #535 Undertaking The Colts: The Return

    Its different, lifes different, the seasons are different, the content can be different at times. Sometimes its a good break to listen and just enjoy. I as a funeral director find that I have to listen to football more than watch. Blake and Jordan Talk football, they have been gone for a few…

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  19. #534 Leann Quinn says Hello!

    Ryan is pulling content he has had for a while, and putting it out there. This is another floor walk epsiode with Brian and Robert Falcon (Observations from a Hearse). They walk the floor at the Indiana convention this last May and run into one of Ryans classmates. She teaches the boys some...

  20. #533 Tracy Ballard and Hard conversations!

    Tracy Ballard talks with Ryan about what she went through the day that Marty Ballard died Feb 6, 2023. She had some hard conversations that I was not around for. We need to remember that our experiece is ours alone, my wife experienced something completely different than me. Lets hear Tracy tell…

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  21. #532 Grant Inman and Brian walk the floor NFDA 2023

    Ryan opens and closes the episode and explains the chaos. Walking the floor at conventions can be very high energy at times. This is Grants first time at a funeral directors convention and he could feel the vibe in the air. Its just a good back and forth of two people walking and talking. Enjoy!...

  22. #531 "My Fathers Chair Episode 2"

    Ryan is on a drive a few days after his dads birthday. He decides to record his thoughts , its a short episode. Sometimes the conversation can seem very odd but lets remember its real in grief. We see You Movement!!!!!! Ryan talks about the expectation for these episodes in the intro and outro....

  23. #530 55.com So many questions!

    Well, this is a short episode, and quite honestly I need more info. Its an interesting concept and I would love to hear more about membership and its privilege. This is a tear down interview on the convention floor (you can hear them tearing down in the background) where Brian talks to 55.com…

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  24. #529 "My Fathers Chair Episode 1"

    Ryan starts his series off with a tough one but probablly a much felt feeling by all. He has a beer with his dad on his dads birthday. RB talks accountability and also plays a recording of feelings in the moment. Rock and Roll and share if you relate. #realtalk Sponsors:...

  25. #528 Jason Duvall , For the Win!!!!

    Jason dives deep into something Ryan is passionate about. Ryan opens and closes the episode but Jason goes on this journey solo. Jason Duvall gets direct into how we treat each other professionally and in general. Ryan talks about we see you and the movement. Rock and Roll Friends!!! Sponors:...

  26. #527 Observations from a Hearse with Robert Falcon and Jeff Chancellor

    Ryan digs through the vault and finds an episode that was never released. Lets talk embalming, conventions and ICCFA 2023! Robert Falcon and his interview with Observations from a Hearse.

  27. #526 Jeff Grimm, Kachina Funeral Supply

    Lots of laughs with Jeff Grimm from Kachina Funeral Supply at Indiana's funeral convention. Check out KachinaFuneralSupply. Today's show is supported by: Pierce Chemical: www.piercedirect.com/ Garfield Refining: www.garfieldrefining.com/

  28. #525 Undertaking: The Colts versus Titans

    With a Titanic matchup this Sunday in The House That Peyton Built, is the return of Jonathon Taylor enough to end a 5 game losing streak against our AFC South rival? Find out what Blake & JB have to say on this week's preview episode of Undertaking: The Colts. "My favorite thing is trying to...

  29. #524 Undertaking: The Colts Post-Game

    JB and Blake have post-game coverage of Rams at Colts. As we ponder the loss, the Tennessee Titans loom in the distance. Today's show is supported by: Indiana Donor Network: https://indianadonornetwork.org/

  30. #523 Observations from a Hearse with Robert Falcon

    While grilling, Robert Falcon chats with Brian Waters on their observations from Las Vegas and the NFDA annunal convention. Brian sees Starlink for the first time and thing it's a UFO and Robert talks mentorship. Today's show is supported by: Garfiend Refining: https://www.garfieldrefining.com…

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  31. #522 Brian Visits Pastor Roger

    Brian learns details of the death of John the Baptist. Not long after, sitting with Pastor Roger Spitler of Eaton Church of God, Brian has questions. Listen in. Today's show is supported by: Indiana Donor Network: https://indianadonornetwork.org/ ASD Answering Service for Directors:...

  32. #521 Undertaking the Colts: Rams at Colts Preview

    A mob of restless Rams is approaching the Circle City. As the Colts prepare to defend their home turf, quarterback Anthony Richardson takes another step to clear consussion protocol. His biggest task, to date, looms ahead - avoiding 99 problems for 60 grueling minutes. This show is supported by...

  33. #520 Undertaking: The Colts, A Gayme For The Records IND 22 BAL 19

    If you're like us and missed the Colts - Ravens game, tune in to Blake and JB as they break-down the action from Sunday's game in Baltimore. Today's show is supported by the Wilbert Group: https://www.wilbert.com/

  34. #519 Observations from Las Vegas with Robert Falcon

    Robert Falcon joins the Undertaking Network with his Observations from a Hearse. Today we look back at NFDA in Las Vegas. Robert kicks off the trade show with Brian Waters, followed by an interview with Salvador Perches. Don't miss this show. Today's show is supported by ASD Answering Service for...

  35. #518 Undertaking: The Colts: Ep: 6 Colts at Ravens

    Colts at Ravens: An unkindness of #Ravens await the Boys in Blue - and so does a tropical storm. Blake and JB take flight to give you every key matchup, injury, and expectation for this Sunday's matchup in Charm City. Saddle up boys n girls! #ForTheShoe #Colts Today's show is supported by Express...

  36. #517 John Henderson, Embalming, Mentorship, Leadership

    Mentor, friend, and employer of Ryan Ballard, John Henderson of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle, Indiana visit with the show about his upcoming speaking tour with the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Today's show is supported by our friends at: Gather, The Future of Funeral Home...

  37. #516 Undertaking: The Colts Ep:5 Colts Win! 31-20

    Blake and JB react to the Colts' impressive AFC South road victory. From Minshew Mania takeover to Head Coach Shane Steichen channeling his inner Bill Belichick, hear why all signs are pointing upward to a bright future in Indianapolis Colts Nation, with a couple MASSIVE head nods to AR5 and Ryan...

  38. #515 Undertaking: The Colts Ep: 4: vs Texans

    Indianapolis Colts travel to Houston and Blake Waters with Jordan Brock have the scoop.

  39. #514 Undertaking: The Colts Ep: 3

    Did you miss opening day? Catch up on the Indianapolis Colts with Blake Waters of the Undertaking Network.

  40. #513 NFDA Day 2: Here Come The Dreamers

    Playing amateur reporter, funeral director and embalmer, Brian Waters chases down the scoops on the NFDA trade show floor in Las Vegas. Celebrating the Network's first "International Day", Brian talks with National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation, Funeral One and SOKNA, while discussing the hot...

  41. #512 NFDA Day 1: ASD News From Las Vegas

    Brian walks the trade show floor to visit some friends including James Fletcher of Matthews Aurora, our friends at Pierce Chemical (with Formula 496) and Craig from ASD updates us on the news of the week. Each day, over 10,000 funeral homes are supported by Answering Service for Directors and…

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  42. #511 Undertaking the Colts Ep:2

    Coming in hot from Las Vegas, Brian drops his nephew's show, Undertaking the Colts with Blake Waters.

  43. #510 Are you death curious? Featuring Alexandra Jo

    Alexandra Jo of the Death Curious Podcast, joins Brian on Undertaking: The Podcast as they go down the rabbit hole to consider how we communicate and how death care professionals can listen with intention to understand. You can hear their first conversaton over at Death Curious...

  44. #509 Shadows? Big News?

    Someone has been listening! Who could it be? Finally, from the shadows, not seen in 40 years...... Maybe 30, but a long time. Just listen.

  45. #508 Tea & Mourning Wear on Labour Day with Vegas Announcements

    Right, after a bit of announcements by Brian, the show is returned to its previous host, Mr. Benjamin Whitworth CFSP, MBIE and best of all, a proper chap and embalmer. Allow us the opportunity to be redirected by another undertaker who cares. This is a show worth sharing. Learn more about the...

  46. #507 Calahan Funeral Home of Chicago, Illinois

    Almost 30 years ago, back in 1983, Edward Calahan CFSP opened his own funeral service company. He started small – in fact, Calahan Funeral Service was based out of an existing funeral home in Chicago. When the owner of that firm suggested that Edward take his passion for excellence in service out...

  47. #506 Undertaking the Colts by Kicking the Stigma

    Everyone take a breath; the Undertakers are here, and football season kicks off in September. Sport is intended to be fun and exciting but when our people are not seen, valued, or appreciated, things get rough. As we step away from the heaviness of death care for one little show, Brian introduces...

  48. #505 Malaysian Embalmers Dominic and Damien Jude

    Recording from the sandy beaches of Cancun, Mexico at this year's Frigid Embalm Better International Conference, Brian Waters meets Dominic and his brother Damien Jude, undertakers and embalmers from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Embalmers often feel isolated for their trade too. It's not that we love...

  49. #504 The First Contact After Death with Coroner Gavin Greene

    In the first minutes after you die, your family is extremely vulnerable. First impressions matter and can set the tone for the next few days, two years down the road. When people feel vulnerable, they are sensitive and resistant to pressure, influence, and sometimes even action. Often the…

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  50. #503 Brian's Birthday Show and The Van Beck Memorial Scholarship

    Brian catches up with Ryan for the week and they revisit the voice of their mentor, Todd Van Beck. As they discuss the upcoming tributes to Todd in Vegas, both decide to re-air episde #377 for a second examination of Todd's "Funeral Chronicles" on "Visibility". The topic of isolation, anxiety…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Funeral Directors, Ryan Ballard and Brian Waters discuss life, death and the story of funeral service.

HOSTED BY

Brian Waters and Ryan Ballard: Indiana Funeral Directors

Produced by Brian Waters

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Undertaking: The Podcast have?

Undertaking: The Podcast currently has 569 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Undertaking: The Podcast about?

Funeral Directors, Ryan Ballard and Brian Waters discuss life, death and the story of funeral service.

How often does Undertaking: The Podcast release new episodes?

Undertaking: The Podcast releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 569 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.

Where can I listen to Undertaking: The Podcast?

You can listen to Undertaking: The Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Undertaking: The Podcast?

Undertaking: The Podcast is created and hosted by Brian Waters and Ryan Ballard: Indiana Funeral Directors.
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