The Graveyard Shift

What actually drives website performance? And can AI really help you improve efficiency at work and at home? Curtis Funk, CEO of Tukios and funeral home website guru, joins the newest episode of the podcast to answer all of these questions. Plus, the guys share how they experiment with AI in their own operations and make a few bold predictions about the future of technology in funeral service. Flying cars? Maybe closer than you think (or at least, self-driving cars). About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Change is constant, so why is it so difficult? The guys cover everything under the sun when it comes to change management. They share real insights on leading teams through major shifts, navigating pushback, getting staff buy-in, and keeping the right mindset along the way. Plus, they reveal the advice they'd give their younger selves when it comes to handling change. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Everyone has that one thing they'd do over. This episode is pure “hindsight is 20/20” as the guys share what they’d change about funeral service if they could wave a magic wand. What if the profession had embraced technology sooner? Could work-life balance have existed earlier? Are polos and khakis ever acceptable at the arrangement conference? Tune in for honest thoughts, a few ideas to keep the profession moving forward, and maybe a little venting. 😆 About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Inspirational speaker and best-selling author John O’Leary joins the podcast to talk about something we don’t say nearly enough in this profession: make time for yourself. With humor and heart, John shares how micro‑moments of rest, intentional pauses, and even some well-intentioned “selfishness” can help you be more effective and present with the families who need you. John’s message to funeral professionals is just as powerful as his own personal story. This is one episode you don’t want to miss. About John O’Leary: John is a two-time best-selling author of On Fire and In Awe, host of the award-winning Live Inspired Podcast, and subject of Soul On Fire, a full-length feature film about his life and story of survival. Learn more about John here: https://johnolearyinspires.com. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Over a year ago, four guys grabbed cocktails in New Orleans and thought, “What the heck, we’ll do a podcast.” Their goal? Share honest, real conversations about hot topics in funeral service. The result? Glorious, insightful chaos. To celebrate, the guys rewind the clock to look back at their favorite moments, wildest tangents, and jokes that sent the show off-the-rails (as if it was ever on them). Tune in to relive year one and all the mayhem that came with it. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

“This may be the best episode we’ve ever done.” The tables turn in this anything-goes episode. All 4 hosts fire off their most burning, bizarre, and unexpectedly heartfelt questions at each other. From laugh-out-loud moments to emotional curveballs, this one has range. It’s funny, it’s honest, and it’s deeper than anyone expected. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

The guys are back discussing celebrants and cremation arrangements, but this time, with Glenda Stansbury’s perspective. As Co-Founder and Dean of the InSight Institute Certified Celebrant Program, Glenda has heard every “we’ve always done it this way” argument. And she’s not buying it. In this episode, Glenda joins the guys and shares how a celebrant, or even a cremation arranger, can elevate service to families. Tune in for insights and takeaways that might just make you rethink the word “tradition.” About Glenda Stansbury: Glenda serves as Marketing & Development Director at InSight Books and is the Co-Founder and Dean of the InSight Institute Certified Celebrant Program. Her career spans roles as an educator, teacher trainer, and seminar creator. Glenda teaches in the Funeral Service Department at the University of Central Oklahoma and is an Instructor at Worsham Mortuary College. She also holds licenses as both a funeral director and embalmer. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

So, what’s the big deal about being a Certified Celebrant? The crew breaks down what makes a celebrant-led service stand out and why it might just be the antidote to the rise of direct disposition. Hear from our very own Certified Celebrant, Matt Bailey, as he shares the ins and outs of celebrant training, personalized services, and where celebrant training is headed next (hint: no science lessons involved). About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Families today want options. And funeral homes feel the pressure to deliver. So, how do you make sure your funeral home can help families who are “team traditional” and others who are “team un-funeral”? Are pews in or out? What about mariachi bands? The crew tackles these questions and offers advice on how to meet families where they are and prepare your staff for anything. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

No one likes to think about their funeral home facing a legal nightmare, but avoiding a huge fallout might be easier than you think. Tune in as Wendy Wiener, Founder and Managing Attorney of WRW Legal, joins the group to give some sound and practical advice specifically for funeral professionals. From what to do if you’ve made a mistake to best practices for staying out of legal trouble, Wendy shares tips that every funeral professional should know! About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Did you know that 75-80% of mortuary science graduates are women? In the next decade, the funeral profession will see more women funeral directors, funeral home owners, and leaders than ever before. And we’ve got the perfect expert for this topic! Lisa Baue is the founder and CEO of Funeral Women Lead, podcast host for 4 Women and a Funeral, and the best-selling author of Wake-Up Calls: A Journey of Learning to Lead and Succeed in the Funeral and Deathcare Profession. Her conversation with the crew is packed with wisdom and practical leadership tips. From lessons learned to empowering women, Lisa shares insights that will make you rethink what it means to lead. clapping hands About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Every great succession plan starts with a goal. Sometimes that goal isn’t just big; it’s downright hairy and audacious. In this episode, Chris Cruger, CEO of The Foresight Companies, and Jake Johnson, President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group, join the guys to talk about succession planning and why, as Jake likes to say, having “big and hairy” goals is the secret to long-term success. Tune in to see why you need an end-game plan, whether you’re fresh out of the gate or counting down the days to retirement. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever heard about funeral directors? Chances are, these guys have heard it, too. And they are here to set the record straight! In this episode, the crew busts common misconceptions and stereotypes and shares what they wish every family knew before walking into a funeral home. It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to shift your perspective. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Strong opinions. Big questions. And a few jokes. The crew shares all of the above in this discussion around natural organic reduction (NOR). Can funeral homes make it work financially? Will it rival cremation in popularity? And do families really want Mom to end up in the garden? Even if NOR isn't on your service list, tune in for insights that will leave you informed, entertained, and maybe a little surprised. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

Real talk. Real tears. Real great episode. Nadira Baddeliyanage, Executive Director at ICCFA, joins the crew to share her unexpected journey into the funeral profession, how personal loss shaped her purpose, and why she’s all in on the work ICCFA does. Fair warning: Nadira’s impactful story might have you reaching for some tissues. The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at [email protected].

How do you take a funeral home from zero market share to being the go-to option for families? In this week’s episode, Marlan Gary of Marlan Gary Funeral Home joins the guys to share how he used traditional and unique marketing ideas to become a household name in his community. From old-school billboards to creating TikToks, tune in to learn ways you can push the limits with marketing to grow your business.

Spoiler alert: Cremation rates are on the rise (surprising, we know face with tears of joy). But cremation families aren’t always who you think they are… Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of CANA, joins the crew to unpack the latest cremation stats and what they reveal about today’s families. From surprising misconceptions to smarter ways to serve, Barbara shares insights that might just change how you approach your next cremation call. eyes

Marketing a funeral home isn’t what it used to be. Forget fridge magnets and the Yellow Pages. Today, it’s all about websites, social media, and finding ways to stand out (yes, even if that means a motorcycle hearse). Join the crew as they share their biggest marketing mishaps, why a strong website matters, and how to show families exactly what makes your funeral home the right choice. If you’ve ever secretly judged a funeral home’s website, this one’s for you!

Jayme Toeppich, CEO at Broussard’s, knows a thing or two about serving families' hearts, souls, and appetites. After all, her family does run a funeral home and one of Texas’s top BBQ joints, 1701 Barbecue. Between the two businesses, Jayme has seen how powerful it is when people come together, especially during times of grief. That’s why her funeral home added an events center. And the impact? Pretty incredible. If you’ve ever thought about adding an event space where families can gather (and eat!) after a service, this one’s for you!

What’s the real difference between working in your funeral home and working on it? This week, the crew is joined by Paul Beaty, Vice President of Beaty Funeral Home, with more than 30 years of experience. The group unpacks the daily tug-of-war funeral professionals face, the guilt of stepping back, why delegating is so hard, and the power of fresh eyes. If you’ve ever rearranged the flowers just because, this one’s for you.

What happens when a funeral home owner realizes it’s time to step away? In this episode, John Horan, founder of The Funeral Excellence Group, joins The Graveyard Shift to talk about building a business, knowing when it’s time to sell, and tips to guarantee a smooth transition. From emotional decisions to practical tips (and some laughs along the way), this one’s packed with insight.

Kris Seale, President & CEO of Directors Investment Group, drops in on The Graveyard Shift for a no-fluff, eye-opening conversation about what really makes or breaks workplace culture. The group covers topics like how to build a culture people want to join, why keeping bad apples is risky, and how generational gaps are shaping the workplace. Plus, get the inside scoop on Kris’s life-changing epiphany that might change how you think about leadership.

Whoever said new ideas are hard to come by hasn't watched this week's episode of The Graveyard Shift! Join the crew as they swap stories about study groups and how they’ve benefited from them. Matt and Jimmy share how having support, learning from others, and building deep friendships have made a big difference for them and their businesses. Gary talks about how study groups have served as a lifeline during challenging times, such as COVID. Tune in to discover the value of joining a study group, along with the typical banter that will keep you laughing the whole time.

Ron Clyde, Director of Special Projects at Directors Investment Group, joins the crew to talk about conflict management and how it affects the day-to-day. The group shares the everyday conflicts they run into, why dodging tough conversations can backfire, and how personality differences shape the way they handle conflict. You’ll also hear the crew open up about their struggles…and as a bonus, discover who said he got kicked out of community college. 😅

On this week’s shift, Martha Thayer, founder and president of Mortuary Training LLC, joins the crew to share her knowledge about the current state of funeral home training, the mad dash to keep up with new regulations, and more. Matt spills the beans on celebrant training, Gary talks about "borrowing" ideas, and Jimmy discusses the importance of personalized training for staff. Plus, find out which crew member has firsthand experience working with Martha (and how it’s going). 👀 Learn more about Martha Thayer’s training programs at www.mortuarytraining.com.

In this episode, the guys welcome Dr. Melanie Carr, Director of Sales Development at Funeral Directors Life and published author of Emotional Intelligence for Funeral Directors. Dr. Carr shares stress management strategies, which encourages the crew to share what they’ve tried to relieve stress. Who smokes meat? Who has slept at the funeral home? Who has absolutely no stress whatsoever? Find out in this honest and raw discussion.

The conversation about AI continues as Gary, Jimmy, Matt, and Todd discuss how to adapt to and use technology as it evolves while still maintaining a personal touch. Tune in to hear about each member's experiences with AI and the ways they've successfully encouraged their staff to embrace new ideas, even when there's a risk of mistakes—or dead butterflies. If you're looking to push the creative boundaries of your business, this episode is for you.

Join our normal cast of characters as they welcome their first-ever guest, Tom Antram, President and CEO of French Funerals & Cremations and the current president of Selected Independent Funeral Homes! The crew discusses technology in the profession and how families are responding. They also share their thoughts about AI and how funeral directors should be using it. Get ready for a technological shift…

Time to get personal…and a little uncomfortable. Join Gary, Jimmy, Matt, and Todd as they share stories about some of their most challenging services and the lessons they've learned from each experience. Tune in now to hear each story and discover how they successfully navigated girlfriends, gangs, and ghastly mistakes.

Buckle up as Gary, Jimmy, Matt, and Todd dive a little deeper this week and share some of their successes and flops that have come from taking risks. Did any pay off? Did anything go absolutely wrong? Listen now to hear their best stories and discover why releasing doves in Texas during September is a no-go. This episode also pays tribute to the late Doug Manning, a transformative figure in funeral service, whose legacy continues to inspire us to elevate our profession. Tune in to discover how to make every funeral a powerful and healing experience. Heard on this week's episode: “We’re not just going to talk about funerals.” – Gary “I found a blue M&M in the bowl here by the way, so if it happens again, we cancel the podcast.” – Matt “It’s like the C team on the junior high basketball team. It feels like that’s what we are here.” – Jimmy “You’re not a licensed funeral director, but you did go to Harvard.” – Todd

Is this thing on? Join Gary Freytag, Jimmy Lucas, Matt Bailey, and Todd Carlson as they attempt to figure out what this podcast is supposed to cover. Do they land on anything definitive? Who has the best jokes? Did Gary actually go to an Ivy League school? We’ll let you be the judge of it all. Tune in to see the behind-the-scenes of naming the podcast and hear all of the names that were left on the cutting room floor. And why they’re staying there.