Funeral Service Insider: The Podcast

Kates-Boylston Publications has been covering death care for more than a century. Funeral Service Insider brings that institutional knowledge to bear on current events with the aim of helping funeral service professionals better understand the present and plan for the future.

Funeral Education Expansion, SCI Updates, and Cemetery Trends

A look at expanding mortuary education, SCI updates, cemetery capacity issues, green burial projects, and a rezoning fight over a proposed crematory. Click here for complete show notes. 

11-14
18:53

Building a Cemetery for the Next Century with GM Scott Sheehan of Evergreen Washelli

Evergreen Washelli's Scott Sheehan shares how long-term planning, history, and community engagement helped earn the cemetery national recognition.

11-12
16:36

Lanae Strovers on The Final Salute, Honoring Unclaimed Veteran Remains

The Final Salute founder Lanae Stovers shares her unexpected journey into funeral service and how it ignited her mission to honor forgotten veterans. Click here for complete show notes. 

11-10
29:41

CANA Promotions, Carriage's Strong Quarter, and a Judge's Stand

From preneed innovation to green burials and courtroom drama, this week's death-care roundup captures growth, recognition, and reform. Click here for complete show notes.

11-07
16:20

Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve Pioneers Public Spaces for Grief

Award-winning Green Springs Cemetery creates zones for grief, including the "Wind Phone." A new model for conservation and community solace.  Click here for complete show notes.

11-05
14:34

Lawsuits, Earnings, and Industry Shifts

A look at key funeral industry updates including lawsuits, earnings, cremation debates, and consolidation trends shaping the profession's future. Click here for complete show notes.   

10-31
17:12

The Forgotten Component: Tim Cermak on Why Refractory Materials Are Vital to Cremation

Expert Tim Cermak explains the vital role of refractory materials in cremation. Learn how thermal shock, throughput, and maintenance impact equipment life and safety. Click here for complete shownotes.  

10-29
13:30

A Decade of Denial: Desaray Wilson on His Quest for Recognition in Texas

For over a decade, Army veteran Desarey Wilson has fought the Texas Funeral Service Commission to get his professional license, arguing his extensive military experience is "substantially equivalent" to formal schooling.  After a brief approval and subsequent revocation, his license was designated "null and void," forcing him into a costly, ongoing legal and bureaucratic battle against the very laws designed to help veterans.

10-27
42:57

Batesville Sells MIS, Earnings preview, and More

This week's show covers Batesville selling its MIS software business to Plotbox and a preview of upcoming Q3 earnings coverage of Carriage, SCI, and Matthews. We discuss a lawsuit against Forest Lawn over a $20,000 funeral and debate proper compensation for mistakes. Also: a story on a Texas funeral director's dispute, a mention of Jon Lafrandt's new newsletter, and a look at Colorado's regulatory team.

10-24
17:42

Redefining Funeral Directors, Recycling for Good, and Expanding Inclusivity

Funeral Service Insider highlights outreach, recycling for good, and inclusive care—showing how funeral professionals are redefining their role in a changing industry. Click here for complete show notes.

10-17
22:45

Recycling with Purpose: How Crematories Can Give Back with Garfield Refining

Discover how Garfield is helping crematories adopt eco-friendly recycling practices that protect the planet and fund community giving programs. Click here for complete show notes.

10-15
09:50

Cemetery Stories and Updates with Tom Nondorf, American Cemetery & Cremation Editor

American Cemetery & Cremation editor, Tom Nondorf, brings us up to date on cemetery news and trends. Click here for complete show notes.

10-13
36:28

Two from Texas, Raising Mortality Awareness, and the New Continuum

Funeral industry updates include Texas legal rulings, a new Before I Die Festival, and growing collaboration in end-of-life care. Click here for complete show notes.  

10-10
19:51

Tesla, Trees, and Tradition: Navigating the Legal and Environmental Challenges Facing Cemeteries

From Tesla lawsuits to alkaline hydrolysis, this week's episode explores legal, financial, and educational shifts in the funeral service industry. Click here for complete show notes.

10-03
19:42

Jess Wakefield on EverIs and Seamless Care for Families

Jess Wakefield shares her journey from working night shifts in a nursing home to becoming a funeral director, corporate leader, and innovator at Better Place Forests and EverIs. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the pros and cons of corporate vs. family-owned funeral homes, the shift toward digital cremation planning, and her vision for a more seamless end-of-life experience that bridges hospice, doulas, funeral care, and grief support. With insights from her manifesto on reimagining funeral service, Wakefield brings fresh perspective to an industry facing profound cultural and technological change.  Click here for complete show notes.

09-29
37:00

Fraud, Fees, and First Call Fights

South Carolina blocks a fraudster's funeral home sale. Industry debates: community cemeteries, service fees, and Amarillo's transport contract. Click here for complete show notes.

09-26
27:26

Minnesota's Anti-Green Burial Stance, Texas Gets a Bigger Spotlight and more

Green burials blocked, Texas scandal deepens, Carriage expands, NJ legalizes terramation, Vegas mishandling case, and social media tips for funeral pros. Click here for complete show notes.

09-19
23:56

BONUS: Tom Cole on Federal Eagle's New Vehicle for Dignified Farewells

A new innovation from Federal Eagle aims to help funeral homes grow revenue and better serve grieving families in the evolving cremation market. Click here for complete show notes.

09-17
16:21

Starmark Taps Jewart to Lead Bold Nationwide Push

Starmark plans a major national expansion under new CCO Michael Jewart, boosting service centers and hands-on support to transform funeral industry operations. Click here for complete show notes.

09-15
32:41

Ambulances, Allegations, and Apologies

A week of shake-ups: canceled deals, new programs, shuttered services, legal battles, and scandal shaking the funeral service world. Click here for show notes.

09-12
16:29

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