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MBNA Monument Matters – a new podcast produced by the Monument Builders of North America for all things memorialization. MBNA is a 119-year-old association with the mission “to define and promote memorialization in a viable, innovative and diversified way for the membership, and to enhance awareness of memorialization by the general public and remembrance industry.” In that spirit of promoting memorization, the MBNA Marketing Committee is launching this podcast as an extension of our monthly magazine, MBNews. Each podcast episode features a discussion related to a magazine theme. Monument Matters podcasts invite everyone to listen and share.
27 Episodes
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New MBNA President Sean Longstreth, CM, AICA shares how growing up in a fifth-generation monument business shaped his passion for memorialization. In this conversation with host Mike Johns, he reflects on craftsmanship, the value of MBNA membership, and why personal outreach and collaboration are essential to strengthening the monument industry.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:00:49) - President of Monument Builders of North America Sean Longstreth(00:04:04) - MBCN: The Real ROI of Membership(00:06:43) - The Best Way to Get a Member to Join MBNA(00:08:25) - What are the biggest opportunities for monument builders?(00:11:59) - MBNA President reflects on the association's future(00:16:55) - MVNA President's message(00:21:11) - Monument Matters
Despite rising cremation rates, many families still want a permanent place to remember their loved ones. In this episode of Monument Matters, Mike Johns and Cristine Bouwkamp explore burial trends, green burial, and why meaningful memorialization remains essential for grief, remembrance, and connection across generations.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:02:03) - Cremation and Burial: What's the Connection?(00:05:11) - Do cemeteries care about cremation or green burial?(00:08:17) - Questions about Green Burial(00:09:33) - Cremation Rates and Monument Builders(00:12:02) - Questions about funeral and memorialization options(00:17:47) - Gen Z's Love of Home and Tradition(00:19:31) - What should monument builders think about memorialization in a cremation world(00:22:02) - Monument builders: More Community Involvement(00:25:10) - Why Does Permanent Memorialization Matter?(00:26:03) - Monument Matters: Cremation
Dr. Tanya Marsh joins Monument Matters to unpack what consumer research really reveals about cremation, burial and emerging options like green burial and human composting. The data challenges assumptions and highlights a key opportunity: education, flexibility and creative memorialization may matter more than industry narratives suggest.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:35) - Why are Americans so fond of cremation?(00:02:59) - Cremation and the future(00:03:24) - Casket burial and cremation: First choice(00:06:59) - Cremation and Memorialization: The Difference(00:13:19) - Cremation Monument Building(00:17:34) - Cremation and burial: Do people prefer cremation?(00:19:42) - The Survey of Death and Property(00:22:55) - In addition to the preference research,(00:23:53) - Law School's Growing the Diversity of Students(00:25:01) - Monument Matters: Death and What Follows
In Season 2, Episode 2 of Monument Matters, Ross Oglesby of Keystone Memorials and Dan Weeres of Coldspring discuss how CNC technology is reshaping the monument industry. They share real-world experiences—from early machine failures to five-axis sculpture work—and explain how digital modeling improves accuracy, safety and customer expectations. While CNC machines excel at stock removal and precision moldings, both emphasize that skilled craftsmen remain essential for finishing and artistic detail. The conversation highlights how technology serves as an “apprentice,” removing heavy lifting while allowing sculptors to focus on proportion, refinement and artistry.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:01:07) - CNC Tech with Ross Oglesby and Dan Weirs(00:01:46) - CNC Machine in Monument Work(00:03:36) - Tool Crashes(00:06:02) - Learning Curve of CNC Metal Cutting(00:10:30) - CNC Metal Work(00:14:21) - What Made The Machine So Cool?(00:15:30) - CNC bench making: Dan and Ross(00:16:33) - Who's the CNC Operator?(00:17:32) - CNC Metal Sculptors(00:21:04) - CNC Machine Changes the Work Environment(00:23:07) - The Machine for Sculptors(00:24:14) - Sandblaster: CNC vs. Sandblaster(00:27:10) - Hand Etching on Stone(00:29:18) - 3-D Mausoleum Modeling(00:31:37) - Monument Matters
Are memorialists artists or tradespeople—or both? In this Monument Matters episode, Danielle Lehman and Steve “Kaz” Kaczmarski explore how design fundamentals, mentorship, and evolving tools shape meaningful memorials. The conversation highlights craftsmanship, lifelong learning, and the responsibility of creating lasting public art.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:31) - Memorialist Artists(00:08:12) - Danielle on Working With Many Hats(00:11:06) - Memorial Design: The Fundamental Skills(00:16:21) - Granite Working: New Tools and Technology(00:18:23) - Technology in the Design Studio(00:21:40) - Mentorship in the Memorial Industry(00:29:03) - Remembering the Art of Memorialization(00:30:56) - 2026: What You Want to Do in the Year(00:31:54) - Bill Boone Does A Stone Twist(00:33:37) - Monument Matters: Tooling and Carving
In this episode of Monument Matters, we explore how MBNA members can take control of credit card processing costs without changing providers or disrupting daily operations. Host Mike Johns is joined by Merchant Advocate’s Howard Goldstein and MBNA member Ryan Worthington, who shares her firsthand experience using the service. The conversation breaks down why processing statements are so hard to understand, how hidden fees add up, and how a performance-based advocacy model can deliver real savings. It’s a practical, easy-to-follow discussion focused on protecting margins, reducing stress, and helping monument businesses keep more of what they earn.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:35) - Merchant Advocates(00:03:12) - Merchant Advocate: Easy Process, No(00:10:38) - MB&A Member Assistance Program(00:17:05) - Orthodontists: We're On The Castle Walls(00:17:49) - Can You Change Payment Processor?(00:19:32) - Don't Overcharge Your Card Company!(00:23:32) - Does Your Firm Help With PCI Compliance?(00:27:36) - MBNA's Monument Builders' Connection(00:30:22) - Mind Matters: A Podcast About the Monument Industry
In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns, Jr., CM, AICA, is joined by Michael S. George and Sarah Scott of AMJ Insurance to discuss the real-world risks monument builders face—and how the right insurance coverage can protect both businesses and employees.
The episode introduces MBNA’s new affinity partnership with AMJ Insurance that provides members with exclusive access to tailored insurance. Drawing on AMJ’s decades of experience serving associations nationwide, the conversation explores common coverage blind spots, the importance of installation and property insurance, and how monument companies can determine the right mix of protection for their operations.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:20) - What Are the Most Common Blind Spots in Monument Insurance?(00:03:38) - MBNA Family Insurance Member Benefit(00:07:44) - Should Monument Installation Coverage be Included?(00:10:50) - MBNA Employee Benefits and Association Insurance(00:12:42) - Insurance Underwriting: A Member Benefit(00:13:41) - What's the first piece of information that I need to send to(00:15:25) - Employers Comp Insurance Renewal Date(00:17:40) - Monument Matters: A Thank You Letter
In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with military researcher Bill Beigel, founder of World War II Research, Inc., about how monument builders can ensure accuracy and depth in veterans memorials. Beigel shares how professional research can uncover forgotten heroes, correct misspelled names, and add meaningful personal stories to each engraved name. The conversation explores partnerships between researchers and monument builders, the ethical importance of getting every detail right, and how emerging technologies like digital markers and NFC chips can extend memorial experiences while preserving the sacred nature of stone.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:00:45) - Bill Beagle(00:02:45) - The Challenges of Building Veterans Memorials(00:09:03) - Finding the stories of World War II soldiers(00:12:35) - What Would a National Monument Cost?(00:13:41) - Using Digital Markers to Enhance Monument Experience(00:15:46) - When Technology Meets Necessity(00:20:05) - What's the Memorial of the Future?
In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Mark Harrison, president of Certified Safety Training (CST), about the real-world safety risks inside monument shops and how OSHA compliance goes far beyond checking boxes. From silica exposure and air-quality testing to lifting hazards, respirator programs, and recordkeeping, Mark breaks down what every monument builder needs to know—and why creating a culture of safety is essential for protecting employees and businesses alike. They also discuss common OSHA violations, cost-saving strategies, and the new free MBNA safety checklist designed to help members identify risks before they become problems.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:28) - Five of the Most Deadly Work Hazards(00:04:14) - Veteren Audit(00:05:52) - OSHA Compliance: Building a Safer Company(00:08:52) - Asbestos in Cigarettes(00:12:04) - What's the First Billboard You See When You Land in the US(00:13:28) - OSHA fines for granite or sandblasting(00:19:00) - OSHA Compliance Programs(00:24:25) - MBNA Membership Checklist(00:24:47) - Memorial Production Facility Safety Podcast
In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Mike Lannen, digital strategist and founder of Eternity, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping monument businesses. From sales and marketing to customer service and design, AI can streamline repetitive tasks and free up time for what matters most—serving families. Lannen shares practical, affordable ways small shops can start using AI today, along with insights on addressing staff concerns and keeping the “human touch” central to every memorial project. Discover how one simple AI tool could save you 30 minutes this week—and open the door to new efficiencies across your business.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:20) - When Did AI Make Your Work?(00:04:48) - Are You Ready to Use AI in Your Monument Business?(00:07:43) - Will AI Replace Your Jobs?(00:12:25) - Robot Service: The Replacement of Human Workers(00:14:25) - AI Money Builders: The 3 Tips(00:16:56) - Monument Matters: Future Podcasts /
In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns welcomes grief expert Dr. Jason Troyer to explore the cultural shifts reshaping memorialization. Troyer shares his concept of the “Four Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse” — mobility, death denial, loss of religious ritual, and rising cremation — and how these trends impact monument builders. Together, they discuss ways to rebuild trust, connect with today’s transient families, and communicate the lasting value of permanent placement. From offering grief resources to strengthening community relationships, this conversation reveals practical, compassionate strategies to keep monument businesses relevant and meaningful in a changing world.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:29) - 4 Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse that are reshaping memorialization(00:04:43) - 4 Horsemen of End-of-Life Care(00:06:26) - Funeral Homes: How Do We Stay Connected to Families?(00:10:58) - Grief and memorialization decisions(00:20:09) - The Importance of a Memorial(00:21:33) - Do We Need to Plan for Our Death?(00:29:33) - A Moment of Remembrance
This episode of Monument Matters offers monument builders a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park. Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the park provides powerful lessons in vision, community collaboration, and the lasting impact of memorialization. Listeners will gain insight into how large-scale memorial projects overcome challenges, engage local support, and tell meaningful stories through design. For monument professionals, the episode highlights strategies that can be adapted to everyday work—whether it’s building trust with families, designing with purpose, or strengthening ties with the community.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:01:09) - Ohio Veterans Memorial Project(00:07:49) - The Builders' Memorial(00:12:17) - The Clinton Cemetery Wall(00:17:38) - Describing his work on monuments(00:19:08) - Oak Ridge Veterans Memorial Park Committee(00:26:24) - A project with so many challenges(00:29:58) - The Sealed Place: granite benches for veterans(00:34:49) - Volunteer Committee on Veterans' Memorial(00:39:46) - Monument Matters
In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Brad Myers and Cristine Bouwkamp about MBNA’s updated PR Toolkit—an essential resource for helping monument builders connect with their communities. This guide goes beyond marketing tips, offering strategies for meaningful engagement, reputation management, crisis communication, and using technology to reach today’s families. With practical checklists and clear steps, the toolkit empowers small businesses to share their story, build trust, and become known as local leaders in memorialization.
Chapters
(00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:30) - The MB News Toolkit(00:02:05) - MB&A's Public Relations and Advertising Toolkit(00:03:29) - The Monument Builder's Marketing Toolkit(00:05:13) - What are the challenges facing the monument builders?(00:06:45) - The Monument Builder's Toolkit(00:09:36) - The Monument Business Marketing Toolkit(00:12:07) - The Strategic Marketing Toolkit(00:16:58) - Crisis Communication Toolkit(00:18:08) - The In-House PR and Marketing Toolkit(00:19:47) - MBNA Marketing Toolkit(00:22:20) - The MBNA Marketing Committee(00:25:59) - Monument Matters
In this episode of Monument Matters, Mike Johns talks with attorneys Jacqueline Flint and Kevin Tharp about copyright and trademark issues in monument design. They explain how to protect original creations, avoid infringement, and navigate legal claims, offering practical tips for monument builders to safeguard their work and support grieving families.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:00:49) - Copyright Law(00:03:18) - Copyright Law and Common Misconceptions(00:05:33) - Copyright Law: How to Avoid Inking Someone Else's Guide(00:13:53) - What Does a Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Look Like?(00:18:33) - Copyright and Trademark Law(00:27:13) - Copyright infringement(00:28:25) - Copyright Damages(00:30:48) - Copyright infringement cases, statutory damages(00:33:21) - Copyright infringement cases involving work inspired by another work(00:36:14) - Monument Matters
In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Ryan Worthington, CM, AICA, and attorney William Stalter about the MBNA Advocacy Council. They discuss common challenges monument builders face with cemeteries, landmark legal cases that shape the industry, and how advocacy helps protect families’ rights to memorialization choices
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:01:01) - MBNA Monument Advocacy Program(00:02:05) - MBA Foundation Advocacy Council Meeting(00:03:39) - Have You Asked the Cemetery to Confess to You?(00:04:53) - How to Become a Monument Builder Member(00:05:51) - How to Approach a Monument Company with a Sherman Act Complaint(00:10:22) - Ohio Cemeteries Association(00:12:40) - Monument Builder's Association of NB(00:15:39) - MBNA Consumer Advocacy(00:18:51) - Do monument builders need advocacy?(00:22:32) - Top 3 complaints about cemeteries(00:23:17) - Staking and Inspection Fees at Cemetery Sites(00:24:48) - Cemetery Committee and the Council(00:26:01) - MONument Builders: Thank You!
Episode 12: In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Anthony Minozzi of Travis Monument Group about lessons learned in acquiring and integrating family businesses. From valuing companies to honoring legacy, managing staff, and standardizing processes, Anthony shares candid insights into growth strategies that balance respect, culture, and sustainability
Chapters
(00:00:07) - Monument Matters(00:01:06) - Travis Monument Group(00:08:43) - After acquiring three cemetery businesses, Monument Co. decided to separate the(00:13:23) - The Importance of Family Legacy at Berkshire(00:15:56) - Acquisition Valuation(00:19:49) - Acquisition Criticism of a Religious Cemetery Company(00:22:59) - Wonders of the Community(00:26:13) - The Fit of a Company's Team(00:31:50) - The Pre-Screening Questions for Jobs(00:41:49) - Onboarding a New Team Member(00:45:43) - Thanks Anthony for Recognizing Rachel's Work(00:46:40) - Exploring Standards and Procedures at Spring Valley Wine(00:53:10) - The Value of Standardization(00:53:39) - Darrell on Expanding His Franchise Network to 25 Locations(00:55:10) - The Future of Owning a Business(00:57:25) - MBNA President on Buying a Business(01:02:06) - PODCAST: Acquisitions and Standards
Episode 11: In this episode of MBNA Monument Matters, host Mike Johns sits down with Jerry Mascola of Granite City Tool and retired conservator Tom Podnar of McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory to explore the fascinating history, craftsmanship, and challenges surrounding white bronze—or zinc—memorials. Learn why these 19th-century monuments are considered an example of American ingenuity, how to identify them in cemeteries, and what not to do when restoring them. Whether you're a monument builder, preservationist, or history enthusiast, this episode offers expert insight into a rare and often misunderstood memorial material—and emphasizes the importance of knowing when to call in a pro.
Chapters
(00:00:08) - Monument Matters: Episode 1(00:02:29) - Zinc Monuments: Their History(00:06:37) - Why Do Zinc Monuments Look Blue?(00:14:06) - Zinc Monument Conservator(00:20:11) - Importance of monument repair(00:25:44) - Restoration of Old Bridges(00:29:45) - How to Fix a Bronze Monument(00:33:39) - How to Fix a Monument That's leaning backwards(00:38:23) - Zink Monuments: Do They Need Restoration?
In Episode 10: Go behind the scenes at the 2025 School of Hard Rocks with host Mike Johns and guests Bobby Mattos, Houston Gordon, and Aaron Faehnle. Discover how hands-on stone carving, mentorship, and creative freedom are shaping the next generation of memorialists in this unique, immersive experience like no other in the monument industry. Explore how carving, collaboration, and creativity come together under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Hear how first-timers and veterans alike make lasting connections—and lasting art.
Chapters
(00:00:01) - Monument Matters(00:02:03) - Interview(00:04:00) - How Much of What You Experience at Hard Rocks Does Affect Your Monument(00:04:48) - Rock Camp(00:07:33) - The Hard Rock Art Exhibition(00:09:57) - Alumni as instructors at the workshop(00:11:23) - At the Art Institute of Alberton(00:15:07) - Carving at the Ames(00:21:30) - Hard Rock Granite Workshops(00:28:09) - A Taste of Hard Rock Camp(00:30:25) - The Lucan Award(00:31:46) - The School of Hard Rocks
In this inspiring episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns, Jr. speaks with Eric Gunnoe and Eden Griesheimer-Smith of Chillicothe Monument & Hardy Memorials about their Aspire Award-winning project: restoring Soldiers’ Circle, a veterans’ cemetery that hadn’t seen a cleanup since 1928. What began as a local observation turned into a major community effort, uniting nearly 100 volunteers to honor forgotten heroes. Eric and Eden share how they organized the event, uncovered meaningful veteran stories, and sparked renewed interest in memorialization. Their work exemplifies the spirit of MBNA’s Aspire Awards and serves as a blueprint for community impact through memorial care.
Chapters
(00:00:08) - Monument Matters(00:01:23) - Chillicothe Monument(00:04:04) - Member Interview(00:06:51) - Honoring Veterans: Memorial Day Cleanup(00:12:05) - Local volunteers clean graves at Greenlawn Cemetery(00:19:25) - Monument Matters: June 2017
In episode #8 of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Brandon Billester of the Monument Lettering Center about a remarkable design initiative to honor industry pioneer Timothy Jellow—co-founder of the Spacerite Company and creator of the iconic Modified Roman font. Though Jellow revolutionized monument lettering, his own grave remains unmarked. The episode explores his innovations, their lasting impact, and MBNA’s upcoming design challenge to finally create a fitting memorial. Tune in for a blend of history, design insight, and a heartfelt call to action to recognize a man who shaped the way we remember others.
Chapters
(00:00:08) - Monument Matters: Writing Monument Fonts(00:01:58) - About the Monument Lettering Center(00:05:01) - Marking the Grave of Timothy Jello(00:10:33) - Between the Scrolls: Memorial Design and Printing(00:17:09) - Timothy Jello's Modified Roman Alphabet(00:24:41) - Timothy Jo's grave(00:28:04) - Monument Builders in North America
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