Digging Deep

GFD
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Digging Deep podcast by GFD is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.

  1. 3D AGO

    Uncovering Canadians' Lack of Awareness Around Deathcare Expenses with Daniel Baxter

    Did you know many Canadians are unaware of the true cost of deathcare? In our latest episode of Digging Deep, host President and CEO Heather Kiteley speaks with guest Daniel Baxter, Owner and Funeral Director of Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel in British Columbia, Canada. They explore findings that reveal surprising gaps in awareness and what professionals can do to educate, empower, and prepare families for the financial realities of final arrangements. A must listen for anyone passionate about advancing the profession through transparency and education. Stay connected! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

    25 min

  2. 2025-12-25

    Mastering Preneed: Proven Strategies for Helping Families Plan Ahead with Heather Harper

    What separates good preneed planning from great? Strategy, trust, and timing. In this episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks with Heather Harper, Preneed Manager and Funeral Director at Serenity Funeral Service in Edmonton, Alberta. They uncover proven strategies that empower professionals to help families feel confident about planning ahead. Tune in for actionable insights to elevate your approach. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

    29 min

  3. 2025-12-11

    Preneed and Beyond: Supporting Families While Sustaining the Business with Andrew Huskilson

    The intersection of compassion and sustainability continues to shape the future of funeral service. In this episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks with President, Licensed Funeral Director, and Embalmer at H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Homes and Crematoriums Ltd. in Nova Scotia, Canada, Andrew Huskilson. They dive into the evolving world of preneed. They discuss how professionals can support families through thoughtful planning while ensuring long-term business success. Insights, strategies and stories from those doing the best all in one episode. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

    22 min

  4. 2025-11-27

    A Season of Remembrance: Holiday Traditions and Memorials with Heather Jackson

    Togetherness and reflection. In this heartfelt episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley explores how families and professionals honour loved ones through meaningful holiday traditions and memorials with Advanced Planning Director, Heather Jackson from James Reid Funeral Home in Kingston, Ontario. Discover stories of remembrance that bring comfort, connection, and community during the most emotional time in a family’s life. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

    20 min

  5. 2025-11-14

    Naturally Resting: Embracing Green Burials with Lorraine Fracy

    What does it mean to embrace natural resting? In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President & CEO of GFD, speaks with Lorraine Fracy, Manager of Client Services and Administrative Operations at Royal Oak Burial Park. They discuss the growing movement toward green burials, the values behind it, and how families are making more environmentally conscious choices in end-of-life planning. Stay connected! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

    25 min

  6. 2025-10-30

    Tradition to Transformation: How Deathcare Has Evolved Over the Decades with Athena Theodorakakis

    How have deathcare traditions and trends evolved over the decades? In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD sits down with Athena Theodorakakis, Funeral Director at Arbutus Funeral Service and British Columbia Funeral Association (BCFA) Past President 2023-2025. Together, they reflect on how deathcare services have shifted across generations from long-standing traditions to modern transformation and what these changes mean for the profession today. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

    22 min

  7. 2025-10-16

    Voices of Experience: A Panel on Canada’s Deathcare Trends Part 2

    What can deathcare professionals learn from how Canadians are rethinking end-of-life planning? Part 2 of GFD’s 2025 Annual General Meeting panel discussion continues the exploration of Canada’s evolving deathcare landscape. Hosted by Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, this conversation features the same insightful panelists: Patrick McGarry, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Rebecca Steckly Co-Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home; and Angie Aquino, President of Funeral Services at Mount Pleasant Group. Building on Part 1, this episode dives deeper into the sector’s challenges and opportunities. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada

    34 min

  8. 2025-10-02

    Voices of Experience: A Panel on Canada’s Deathcare Trends Part 1

    How are deathcare professionals navigating the changing landscape of end-of-life planning in Canada? GFD’s 2025 Annual General Meeting was proud to host a panel of leaders in the deathcare profession who shared their perspectives on Canada’s evolving deathcare landscape. Our discussion, hosted by Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, brought forward unique experiences and valuable takeaways from: Patrick McGarry, Co-Owner & COO of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Rebecca Steckly, Co-Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home, and Angie Aquino, President of Funeral Services of Mount Pleasant Group. This part of a two-part conversation explored the current realities and challenges shaping the sector. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Digging Deep podcast by GFD is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.

Information

  • Creator
    GFD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Digging Deep