Buried in Work Podcast

What happens when life shatters unexpectedly? For Pam Baker, the loss of her husband John to glioblastoma in 2021 brought overwhelming grief—and surprising lessons about love, legacy, and planning for the future.In this episode of The Buried in Work Podcast, Pam shares her journey from widowhood to purpose. Despite being married to a financial advisor, she still faced the hidden challenges of probate, outdated documents, and the question that inspired her co-authored book: Where’s the Key to the Safe?Visit buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOWNOTES

What if your final act on Earth could help heal it?In this episode of The Buried in Work Podcast, Adam speaks with Jordanna Ibghy, architect and founder of Urth Ritual, a Brooklyn-based company crafting biodegradable mycelium-based burial products. Jordanna shares how mushrooms are not just symbols of renewal, but active agents in creating eco-friendly coffins that decompose naturally and restore the earth.This is more than a conversation about green burial, it's about rethinking death as a sacred, intentional ritual.Visit buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOWNOTES.

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to support your aging parents while juggling everything else?In this powerful episode, Adam Zuckerman sits down with gerontologist Janice Goldmintz, who shares her lived experience and professional insights to help families navigate aging, caregiving, and end-of-life planning before a crisis hits. If you're part of the sandwich generation or know someone who is, this episode is packed with practical tools, compassionate wisdom, and real talk to help you build a plan, avoid burnout, and care with confidence.Visit buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES

Are you ready if your parents suddenly need care?Most families aren’t until they’re forced to be. In this episode, aging specialist and Silver Savvy founder Laura Lynn Morrissey shares how to avoid last-minute decisions and start planning now with clarity and confidence.With her experience in financial services, healthcare, and home care, Laura helps families navigate long-term care insurance, aging in place, and the often confusing world of elder care. Her advice is honest, actionable, and rooted in real-life stories.If you're an adult child, caregiver, or simply want to age well yourself, this conversation is your starting point.Visit www.buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES

This conversation dives into grief, legacy, innovation, and how one woman transformed a deeply personal loss into a mission-driven company that’s changing how we honor our loved ones.In this episode of the Buried in Work podcast, Adam speaks with Adelle Archer, co-founder and CEO of Eterneva — a company that transforms the ashes or hair of loved ones into lab-grown diamonds. What began as a personal loss became a bold mission to reimagine how we celebrate life and navigate death.Adelle shares the heartbreaking story that led to Eterneva, how the diamond creation process works, and why so many families find healing through what she calls a grief wellness journey. From transparency and trust to technology and tenderness, this conversation shines light on a new, meaningful way to remember the people we love.Visit www.buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES

This conversation dives into grief, legacy, innovation, and how one woman transformed a deeply personal loss into a mission-driven company that’s changing how we honor our loved ones.In this episode of the Buried in Work podcast, Adam speaks with Adelle Archer, co-founder and CEO of Eterneva — a company that transforms the ashes or hair of loved ones into lab-grown diamonds. What began as a personal loss became a bold mission to reimagine how we celebrate life and navigate death.Adelle shares the heartbreaking story that led to Eterneva, how the diamond creation process works, and why so many families find healing through what she calls a grief wellness journey. From transparency and trust to technology and tenderness, this conversation shines light on a new, meaningful way to remember the people we love.Visit www.buriedinwork.com/podcast for the FULL SHOWNOTES

What if your final resting place could help restore nature instead of harm it? In this episode of the Buried in Work podcast, licensed funeral director, certified life cycle celebrant, and founder of the Colorado Burial Preserve, Emily B. Miller, joins us to explore how green burial is more than an eco-friendly alternative—it’s a return to something profoundly human.Emily shares her journey from studying world religions to becoming a national advocate for natural burial. As a board member of the Green Burial Council, she unpacks the truths behind traditional funeral practices, the emotional power of ritual, and why letting go of embalming, vaults, and commercialized funerals might actually help us heal.Visit www.buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES

Did you know your dental fillings or titanium hip could be pulled from the ashes and turned into something that changes lives and saves the planet?In this powerful episode, Adam sits down with Kevin McKay, Director at Cremation Recycling, to uncover the truth about what really happens to metal after cremation.This is not the conversation you expect around death and cremation. Kevin shares how his journey from bartending to metal recycling led him into one of the most misunderstood corners of end-of-life care. Together, they dive into the ethics, value, and environmental impact of post-cremation metals—and why this work is about so much more than profit.Whether it’s gold crowns, hip implants, or pacemakers being sent overseas to save lives, you’ll walk away with a whole new understanding of how something left behind can still have value and purpose.🔹 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙗𝙨 🔹Essential Resources: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Essential_ResourcesEstate Planning Concepts & Services: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Estate_Planning_Concepts_ServicesAll Information Hubs: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_All_Information_Hubs🔹 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/directories/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/podcast/🔹 𝙀𝙣𝙙-𝙤𝙛-𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/careers-in-end-of-life-professions/🔹 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨, & 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/partners-and-offers/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥 🔹CLEAR Kit Packages - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/clear-kitsExecutor's Summary Report - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/products/executors-summary-reportCourses & Workshops - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/courses-and-workshopsServices - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/servicesEstate Planning & End-of-Life Templates- https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/templatesConversational Games - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/gamesConnect with Buried in WorkWebsite// https://buriedinwork.com/Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/buriedinworkInstagram//...

"If a child is old enough to love, a child is old enough to grieve." We often treat grief like a problem that needs solving. But what if it's not something to fix, but something to understand, live with and honor?In this powerful conversation of Buried in Work, Dr. Korie Leigh, certified thanatologist and program director at Marian University, helps us rethink how we approach death, grief and healing. You’ll learn what thanatology really is, how it can change the way we support others, and why acknowledging grief is essential to being fully human.If you’re navigating loss, working in end-of-life care, or simply want to have better conversations about grief, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:Grief is not a problem to solve. It’s a normal and natural part of the human experience.Thanatology helps professionals bring more compassion and understanding to end-of-life care.Marian University offers one of the few comprehensive thanatology programs in the world.Real experience, like hospice volunteering, is essential for anyone supporting the dying.Children grieve too. They need honest, age-appropriate tools to process love and loss.Showlinks:Visit Dr. Korie Leigh on https://www.korieleighphd.com/Marian University Thanatology Program: https://www.marianuniversity.edu/?s=thanatologyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkorieleigh/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korie-leigh-phd-ccls-ft-99a5073aTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drkorieleigh?lang=en🔹 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙗𝙨 🔹Essential Resources: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Essential_ResourcesEstate Planning Concepts & Services: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Estate_Planning_Concepts_ServicesAll Information Hubs: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_All_Information_Hubs🔹 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/directories/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/podcast/🔹 𝙀𝙣𝙙-𝙤𝙛-𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/careers-in-end-of-life-professions/🔹 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨, & 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/partners-and-offers/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥 🔹CLEAR Kit Packages -

Did you know most people don’t have time to grieve because they’re too busy canceling Netflix and clearing out the fridge?In this episode of Buried in Work, Rachel Donnelly, founder of AfterLight and author of Late to Your Own Funeral, talks about what really happens after someone dies? The grief, the overwhelm, the paperwork, and the flaming dumpster fire no one prepares you for.Visit buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES

When death doula Kacie Gikonyo held the hands of hundreds of people in their final moments, she kept hearing the same thing again and again:"I wish I had spent more time living… and less time working."In this episode of Buried in Work, Death Doula Kacie Gikonyo, founder of the Death Doula Collective and Death Doula School, joins us to share the raw, human stories she's witnessed at the end of life — and how they transformed her own purpose and path forever.We dive deep into what death teaches us about purpose, presence, and priorities. Kacie explains what a death doula actually does, how she helps families transform fear into peace, and how we can all begin having these hard conversations long before it's too late.Whether you’re facing a diagnosis, helping a loved one, or simply want to live with more intention, this episode offers clarity, courage, and compassion.Showlinks:🕊️Join a supportive nationwide network for end-of-life doulas //https://deathdoulakacie.com/🎓 Enroll in Death Doula School // https://deathdoulakacie.com/death-doula-school🔹 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙗𝙨 🔹Essential Resources: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Essential_ResourcesEstate Planning Concepts & Services: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Estate_Planning_Concepts_ServicesAll Information Hubs: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_All_Information_Hubs🔹 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/directories/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/podcast/🔹 𝙀𝙣𝙙-𝙤𝙛-𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/careers-in-end-of-life-professions/🔹 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨, & 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/partners-and-offers/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥 🔹CLEAR Kit Packages - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/clear-kitsExecutor's Summary Report - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/products/executors-summary-reportCourses & Workshops - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/courses-and-workshopsServices - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/servicesEstate Planning & End-of-Life Templates- a...

In this episode of Buried in Work, Adam Zuckerman speaks with Jess Wakefield, funeral director and Director of Partnerships at Better Place Forests, and Don Gilmartin, trauma cleanup entrepreneur and advocate. Together, they are pioneering the Dignity in Death and Privacy Protection Act of 2025—a proposed federal law that would make it illegal to publicly share graphic trauma scene photos or videos without next-of-kin consent.They dive into why this legislation matters, what happens behind the scenes in trauma cleanup, and how the legal system currently fails grieving families. This is an emotional and necessary conversation for anyone who values dignity, privacy, and respect—even after death.Key Takeaways:There’s no federal law preventing the public sharing of death scene photos.Grieving families are being re-traumatized by seeing their loved ones' death sites online.Trauma cleanup is an unregulated, under-acknowledged industry—and it’s time that changed.Photos taken for insurance purposes are being misused. Consent is not optional.The Dignity in Death Act seeks to create nationwide ethical standards and real legal consequences for violations.Every listener has a role to play—by spreading awareness, contacting legislators, or joining the advocacy.Learn more about the Dignity in Death and Privacy Protection Act of 2025: https://buriedinwork.com/blog/protecting-grieving-families/🔹 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙗𝙨 🔹Essential Resources: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Essential_ResourcesEstate Planning Concepts & Services: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Estate_Planning_Concepts_ServicesAll Information Hubs: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_All_Information_Hubs🔹 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/directories/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/podcast/🔹 𝙀𝙣𝙙-𝙤𝙛-𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/careers-in-end-of-life-professions/🔹 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨, & 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/partners-and-offers/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥 🔹CLEAR Kit Packages - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/clear-kitsExecutor's Summary Report - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/products/executors-summary-reportCourses & Workshops -

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮—𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙚𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙤?In this episode of Buried in Work, Denise McClain, Director at Hirtle Callaghan and one of the country’s leading experts on multigenerational wealth, estate planning, and philanthropy, talks about how families can pass down more than just assets. She dives into the power of stewardship, the emotional weight of family wealth, and why clear communication and shared values are essential to preserving legacy across generations.Showlinks:Visit Hirtle Callaghan's Website: https://www.hirtlecallaghan.com/🔹 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙗𝙨 🔹Essential Resources: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Essential_ResourcesEstate Planning Concepts & Services: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_Estate_Planning_Concepts_ServicesAll Information Hubs: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/#toc_All_Information_Hubs🔹 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/directories/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/podcast/🔹 𝙀𝙣𝙙-𝙤𝙛-𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/careers-in-end-of-life-professions/🔹 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨, & 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔹https://buriedinwork.com/partners-and-offers/🔹 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥 🔹CLEAR Kit Packages - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/clear-kitsExecutor's Summary Report - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/products/executors-summary-reportCourses & Workshops - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/courses-and-workshopsServices - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/servicesEstate Planning & End-of-Life Templates- https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/templatesConversational Games - https://shop.buriedinwork.com/collections/games

“This project feels like my dad is still with me. It’s something he’d be proud of.”In this episode of Buried in Work, founder Adam Zuckerman steps out from behind the mic and into the guest seat—interviewed by longtime friend and co-host Jared Rizzi.Visit buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES

In this episode of Buried in Work, Jasmine Hathaway, founder of Compass Coordinators and co-founder of PALS (Professional Alliance of Life Services), shares how the sudden loss of her husband forced her to navigate the complex world of estate planning, paperwork, and system failures—alone, with a baby on her hip.Visit buriedinwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES

In this episode of The Buried in Work Podcast, host Adam Zuckerman speaks with Gail Rubin, widely known as The Doyenne of Death, about the power and peace of mind that comes from funeral planning, estate preparation, and end-of-life conversations.Gail, author of A Good Goodbye and founder of the Before I Die Festival, shares how humor, storytelling, and even movies can break the taboo around death. You'll learn the real reason most people delay planning, the biggest mistakes in estate planning, how digital legacy planning (like managing passwords) is now essential, and why talking about death now is the greatest gift you can leave your loved ones.Key Takeaways: Avoiding death conversations causes chaos later — Planning ahead relieves your loved ones from making rushed, emotional decisions.Only 1 in 3 adults do end-of-life planning — Fear, procrastination, and low self-esteem often hold people back. Passwords and digital assets are often forgotten — Without sharing access, managing your online life after death becomes nearly impossible. Prepaying funeral expenses can save thousands — Gail's family saved over $4,000 by securing burial and funeral plans in advance. Five critical details must go on a death certificate — Including birthplace, Social Security number, and veteran status—these should be documented and shared.Showlinks:Gail Rubin’s Website: www.agoodgoodbye.comBefore I Die Festival: www.beforeidiefestivals.comBooks by Gail Rubin:A Good GoodbyeHail and FarewellKicking the Bucket ListMortality Movies (TV series)💼 Get the CLEAR Kit: www.buriedinwork.com – Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off your estate preparations.💬 Share this episode with someone you love—because one day, they may be the one left to plan your goodbye.Connect with Buried in WorkWebsite// https://buriedinwork.com/Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/buriedinworkInstagram// https://www.instagram.com/buriedinwork/LinkedIn// https://www.linkedin.com/company/buriedinwork

What if you had just one year left with the person you love most—would you know how to say goodbye?Amy Shaw shares the story of her husband’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis and how it transformed her from a mother of 10 into a full-time caregiver. With grace and honesty, Amy opens up about what it truly means to walk someone through the end of life with dignity, how to talk to kids about death, and the parts of estate planning most families forget.Visit buriedibwork.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES.

In this episode of Buried in Work, Lynn Hall, Manager of the Unclaimed Property Unit for the District of Columbia, shares her 36+ years of expertise in asset recovery and fraud prevention. You’ll learn how unclaimed property is tracked, how DC’s proactive outreach programs are helping citizens reclaim their money faster, and the surprising items found in safe deposit boxes. Plus, hear why public engagement is more important than ever—and how easy it is to check if you’re owed unclaimed funds!👉 Visit buriedinwork.com for the full show notes👉 Visit Buried in Work Unclaimed Property Hub: https://buriedinwork.com/unclaimed-property

What does it really mean to age well — especially when you’re doing it alone?You think there's still time—until there isn't.Dr. Corinne Auman, gerontologist, developmental psychologist, and founder of Choice Care Navigators, shares the emotional and financial chaos that unfolds when families don’t plan for aging. She’s also the author of Keenagers: Telling a New Story About Aging, and she’s here to show us why proactive planning isn't just smart—it’s urgent. If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll deal with it when the time comes,” this conversation is your wake-up call.Visit Buried in Work for the FULL SHOW NOTES  and how to simplify your estate planning and end-of-life tasks.👉 Want to learn more about aging well? Visit our Aging in Place information hub: https://buriedinwork.com/info-hubs/aging-in-place

“This is the worst day of someone’s life. And we have the chance to give them a sliver of hope.”From attending strangers’ funerals at age 5 to holding a human brain in his hands—Calvin Amato’s journey is unlike anything you’ve heard. As a Funeral Director-in-Training at Koch Funeral Home and a Brain Recovery Specialist, Calvin is helping families face death with compassion, dignity, and purpose.This episode will move you, challenge you, and open your eyes to the emotional, scientific, and human side of death care. Visit Buried in Work for the FULL SHOW NOTES  and how to simplify your estate planning and end-of-life tasks.