Dead Honest - The Funeral Podcast

Chris Marsden
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Dead Honest – The Funeral Podcast joins Funeral Celebrant Chris Marsden and Funeral Director Jacob Walsh for an unfiltered look at death, dying, and everything in between. From navigating the initial stages of grief to the logistics of what happens next, Chris and Jacob share the real-world journeys of those left behind. Expect raw honesty, unexpected laughter, and a few tears. If you want the truth about the funeral industry without the filter, this is the podcast for you. 

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Q & A

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the ultimate companion guide and SEO description for The Dead Honest Podcast, hosted by the unapologetically candid duo, Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh. If you’ve ever had a burning question about what happens behind the closed doors of a funeral home, or if you simply want to demystify the one thing that awaits us all, you have come to the right place. This week, Chris and Jacob are stripping away the taboo and diving headfirst into a listener-favourite format: the Ultimate Death & Funerals Q&A. About This Week’s Episode: The Ultimate Death & Funerals Q&A Let’s be honest—death is a topic that most people dance around. We use euphemisms, we look away, and we treat the funeral industry like a closely guarded secret. But on The Dead Honest Podcast, Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh believe that curiosity shouldn't be met with silence. In this special Q&A episode, your favourite hosts take centre stage to answer real, unfiltered questions submitted by listeners just like you. Whether you are morbidly curious, planning for the future, or trying to process grief through understanding, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the reality of mortality. What to Expect From This Episode: Enlightening Insights: Chris and Jacob pull back the curtain on the logistical, financial, and emotional realities of the funeral industry. From cremation intricacies to burial myths, prepare to learn things you never knew you wanted to know.Light-Hearted Humour: Who says talking about death has to be depressing? With their signature wit and genuine camaraderie, the hosts keep the mood accessible, warm, and surprisingly uplifting.Deeply Respectful Seriousness: While there is plenty of room for laughter, Chris and Jacob know exactly when to ground the conversation. When addressing the heavy, emotional, and sacred aspects of saying goodbye, the tone shifts to provide the profound respect and empathy the subject deserves.Key Topics Explored in This Episode While we don't want to spoil every single revelation, here is a sneak peek at some of the fascinating angles covered in this week's Q&A: 1. The Logistics of Saying Goodbye Listeners asked the tough questions about what actually happens immediately after someone passes away. Chris and Jacob break down the step-by-step process of how funeral directors care for the deceased, the timeline of preparing a service, and the choices families face during those crucial first few days. 2. Debunking Common Funeral Myths Does a body really sit up during cremation? Are green burials actually eco-friendly, or is it just marketing? The boys tackle the urban legends and internet myths that have circulated for decades, separating cold, hard facts from fiction. 3. The Changing Landscape of Grief and Celebration Funeral traditions are shifting rapidly. This episode looks at how modern families are moving away from traditional, sombre black-suit affairs and leaning into highly personalised "celebrations of life." Discover how music, unique venues, and even unconventional ash-scattering requests are reshaping the way we grieve. Meet Your Hosts: Chris Marsden & Jacob Walsh What makes The Dead Honest Podcast so unique? It's the men behind the microphones. Chris Marsden brings a wealth of industry perspective, grounded experience, and a compassionate ear to every discussion. He isn't afraid to ask the tough questions or share the raw realities of working so closely with mortality.Jacob Walsh balances the scales with his sharp observational humour, relatable curiosity, and ability to ground complex, heavy topics into everyday language.Together, their dynamic makes the heavy lifting of discussing death feel like a comforting, fascinating chat at the local pub with your closest mates. They don't lecture; they converse. They don't preach; they share. Join the Dead Honest Community: Have a Question? The conversation doesn't stop when the audio fades out. The beauty of a Q&A episode is that it is entirely driven by you, the listener. If this episode sparked a new question, or if you have a lingering curiosity you've been too afraid to ask anyone else, Chris and Jacob want to hear it! Fire Away & Get Involved!We want to hear your thoughts, your theories, and your questions for our next mailbag episode. No question is too big, too small, or too weird for the Dead Honest crew.Connect with us directly: Visit our official Dead Honest Podcast Facebook Page, give us a Like, and drop your questions in our messages or comments! By joining our Facebook community, you'll also get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes clips, episode teasers, and a space to connect with fellow listeners who appreciate an honest, transparent look at life's final chapter. Stream The Dead Honest Podcast Today Whether you are listening on your morning commute, while doing the dishes, or winding down for the evening, this Q&A episode promises to leave you feeling a little more enlightened, a little lighter at heart, and deeply comforted by the shared human experience. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Connect With Us: Don't let the conversation die here! Follow Dead Honest for more behind-the-scenes looks at the industry that works while the world sleeps. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your morbid fix.Follow us on Socials: [Insert Handles Here]Have a question? Send us your "dead honest" inquiries for next week's mailbag!

    26 min

  2. MAY 13

    BREAK A LEG

    Send us Fan Mail Dead Honest: Break a Leg – The Soothing Science of Embalming & The Grip of Rigor Mortis Welcome back to Dead Honest, the podcast where we pull back the velvet curtain on the funeral industry with zero filters and a healthy dose of gallows humor. Your hosts, Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh, are back in the prep room this week to tackle a topic that is equal parts clinical, controversial, and surprisingly... cozy? The Art of the Preservation: Why Embalming is Soothingly Macabre In this week's headline segment, "Break a Leg," Chris and Jacob dive deep into the chemicals and craftsmanship of embalming. For many, the idea of "draining and filling" is the stuff of horror movies, but for the modern funeral director, it is a meticulous art form designed to provide families with a peaceful final memory. We’re breaking down the background info you didn’t know you wanted: The Sensory Contradiction: Why the rhythmic hum of the embalming machine and the clinical precision of the task can feel strangely meditative to those behind the table.The Chemistry of Comfort: How we balance the harsh reality of formaldehyde with the goal of restoring a natural, "sleeping" appearance.The History: A quick look at how we went from ancient times to the high-tech preservation methods used in the mortuary today.Stiff Competition: Your Questions on Rigor Mortis You asked, and we’re answering (no matter how "stiff" the subject matter). Rigor mortis is perhaps the most misunderstood stage of the post-mortem process. Chris and Jacob tackle the listener mailbag to debunk myths and explain the biology of the "big freeze." Key Questions Addressed: How long does it actually last? We look at the chemical breakdown of ATP and why the body eventually relaxes.The "Breaking" Myth: Do funeral directors really have to break bones to move a body in rigor? (The answer might surprise you).Temperature & Timing: How external factors like a cold basement or a hot summer day change the timeline of the "death stiffening" process.Why Listen to Dead Honest? Death is the one thing we all have in common, yet it’s the one thing we’re afraid to talk about. Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh bring decades of combined experience in the funeral trade to provide a perspective that is Dead Honest. Whether you’re a "deathling," a student of mortuary science, or just someone with a dark curiosity, this is your safe space to explore the end of life with a bit of wit and a lot of heart. Connect With Us: Don't let the conversation die here! Follow Dead Honest for more behind-the-scenes looks at the industry that works while the world sleeps. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your morbid fix.Follow us on Socials: [Insert Handles Here]Have a question? Send us your "dead honest" inquiries for next week's mailbag!

    26 min

  3. MAY 5

    I CAN'T AFFORD TO DIE!

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Dead Honest Podcast, hosts Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh tackle a topic that is as uncomfortable as it is inevitable: the soaring cost of departing this world. In an episode titled "I Can't Afford To Die," we strip away the velvet curtains of the funeral industry to expose the financial reality of death in 2026. Whether you’re planning for the future or facing a sudden loss, this episode is a vital guide to the "death-styles" of the modern age—from the cheapest possible send-offs to the hidden subsidies and the shocking truth about child funeral fees. The Crisis of Funeral Poverty Death is universal, but the ability to pay for it is becoming exclusive. As of 2026, funeral costs continue to outpace inflation, leaving thousands of families in "funeral poverty." This isn't just a financial issue; it's a psychological one. Being unable to afford a dignified send-off can lead to "complicated grief," where the bereaved feel they have failed their loved ones. How Cheap is the "Cheapest" Funeral? If you are looking for the absolute rock-bottom price, the industry has pivoted toward Direct Cremation. The Process: No service, no viewing, and no mourners. The deceased is collected and cremated at a time chosen by the provider.The Price: On average, this costs around £1,511, compared to over £3,600 for a standard cremation.The Takeaway: While it saves money, Chris and Jacob discuss whether the lack of a "ritual" leaves a void in the grieving process.Can You Get a Free Funeral? There are safety nets, but they come with significant caveats: Public Health Funerals: Known historically as "pauper's graves." If no one can pay, the local authority has a statutory duty to step in. You lose control over the timing, and in many cases, you cannot keep the ashes.The Social Fund: For those on low-income benefits, the government provides a Funeral Expenses Payment. However, this rarely covers the full cost, often leaving families with a "shortfall" of over £1,000.The Heartbreak of Child Funerals Perhaps the most emotive segment of the episode involves the Children’s Funeral Fund (CFF). In England, this fund was established so that no parent has to pay for the essential costs of a funeral for a child under 18. The Controversy: Chris and Jacob expose a disturbing trend where some funeral parlours have charged families for services that should be FREE. While the CFF covers burial/cremation fees and a basic coffin, some providers have been found to tack on "professional fees" or "administrative charges" reaching nearly £2,000 for a child's service. We discuss how to spot these predatory practices when you are at your most vulnerable. Key Takeaways from Chris & Jacob Shop Around: Prices for the exact same service can vary by thousands of pounds between funeral directors in the same town.Know Your Rights: If you are burying a child under 18, the core fees are covered by the government. Do not let a provider tell you otherwise.Don't Fear the "Basic": A direct cremation or a DIY funeral doesn't mean you loved the person any less.The Dead Honest P Connect With Us: Don't let the conversation die here! Follow Dead Honest for more behind-the-scenes looks at the industry that works while the world sleeps. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your morbid fix.Follow us on Socials: [Insert Handles Here]Have a question? Send us your "dead honest" inquiries for next week's mailbag!

    24 min

  4. APR 27

    WAY TO GO

    Send us Fan Mail Farewell, Your Way: Navigating the Modern Funeral Landscape Dead Honest – The Funeral Podcast | Episode: "Way To Go" Hosted by: Chris Marsden & Jacob Walsh Ever wondered what happens when the traditional "black suits and organ music" vibe doesn't quite fit the person you’re saying goodbye to? Welcome to Dead Honest, the podcast that strips away the mystery, the awkwardness, and the velvet curtains of the funeral industry. In this special episode, "Way To Go," hosts Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh take a deep dive into the kaleidoscopic world of modern funerals and cremations. Whether you are planning ahead, currently navigating a loss, or just have a healthy curiosity about the "Great Beyond," this episode is your ultimate guide to the incredible variety of ways we honor the dead in the 21st century. Beyond the Box: Redefining the Final Send-Off For decades, the standard funeral followed a predictable script. But today, the "rulebook" has been thrown out. Chris and Jacob explore how funerals have shifted from somber, cookie-cutter ceremonies to deeply personalized celebrations of life. In "Way To Go," we break down the logistics, the costs, and the "wow factor" of: Traditional Burials & Cremations: Why the classics still matter and how to make them meaningful.Green Funerals: The rise of eco-conscious burials, wicker coffins, and woodland resting places.Direct Cremation: Understanding the growing trend of separating the "disposal" from the "memorial."From Earth to the Stars: Out-of-this-World Memorials If you think your options end at a headstone or an urn on the mantelpiece, think again. This episode explores the "wild side" of the industry—where technology and creativity meet memorialization. We discuss how your physical remains can become a permanent part of the world (or the galaxy): The Final Frontier: Learn about Space Burials, where a portion of ashes is launched into orbit, high above the planet.The Soundtrack of Your Life: We talk about Vinyl Record Pressing, a process where your ashes are literally pressed into a playable record. What would your "B-side" be?Skin Deep: The growing popularity of Commemorative Tattoos, where ash is sterilized and infused into tattoo ink, allowing loved ones to carry you with them forever.Eternal Reefs: Discover how ashes are being used to create artificial reefs, supporting marine life and healing the oceans.Why "Way To Go" Matters Death is the one thing we all have in common, yet it’s the one thing we rarely talk about until we have to. Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh believe that by opening up the conversation, we can remove the fear and ensure that our final act is a true reflection of who we were. "A funeral shouldn't just be about the day someone died; it should be about the years they lived. If that means being turned into a diamond or shot out of a cannon, why not?" In This Episode, You Will Learn: The Practicalities: How to navigate the legalities of non-traditional disposals.The Conversations: How to tell your family you want your ashes turned into a frisbee without it being awkward.The TrendsConnect With Us: Don't let the conversation die here! Follow Dead Honest for more behind-the-scenes looks at the industry that works while the world sleeps. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your morbid fix.Follow us on Socials: [Insert Handles Here]Have a question? Send us your "dead honest" inquiries for next week's mailbag!

    24 min

  5. APR 19

    JUST TALK

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Description: Navigating the Unspoken – Suicide, Euthanasia, and Mental Health Welcome back to Dead Honest – The Funeral Podcast, where we strip away the discomfort and pull back the velvet curtain on the industry that everyone encounters but few want to discuss. In this week’s episode, your hosts Chris Marsden and Jacob Walsh tackle what is arguably the most sensitive, complex, and "taboo" subject in the world of death care: Suicide and Mental Health. Death is never an easy conversation, but when a life ends by choice, whether driven by a long-term battle with mental illness, a sudden crisis, or the controversial decision of euthanasia, the ripples of grief are uniquely profound. Chris and Jake sit down to navigate these murky waters with the professional insight of funeral directors and the raw empathy of two people who see the aftermath of these tragedies every day. What We’re Talking About This Week In this deeply personal and professional deep dive, we explore: The Weight of the Word: Why "suicide" remains one of the last true taboos in polite society and how that silence impacts the grieving process for families left behind.Mental Health in the Modern Age: A candid look at the mental health crisis. Chris and Jake discuss how the funeral industry has seen a shift in the demographics of those they serve and what that says about our current societal support systems.The Spectrum of Choice: We break down the different forms of self-inflicted death, from the tragic culmination of a mental health struggle to the nuanced and legally complex world of euthanasia and assisted dying for those suffering from terminal ill health.The Funeral Director’s Perspective: How do we, as professionals, support a family when the cause of death is traumatic? We talk about the delicate balance of providing a dignified "goodbye" while managing the specific legal and emotional hurdles that come with these cases.Euthanasia – The Final Taboo: With laws changing globally, Chris and Jake discuss the ethics, the logistics, and the emotional reality of a planned passing due to chronic or terminal illness.Why This Episode Matters At Dead Honest, our mission has always been to demystify death to make life a little easier to manage. Suicide and mental health struggles are often shrouded in shame, leaving survivors feeling isolated. By bringing these topics into the light, we hope to: Reduce Stigma: Language matters. We discuss how moving away from the phrase "committed suicide" to "died by suicide" can change the way we perceive the deceased and their families.Offer Support: If you are a funeral professional, a grieving family member, or someone currently struggling, this episode serves as a reminder that you are not alone in these heavy thoughts.Bridge the Gap: Understanding the intersection of mental health and the funeral industry helps us provide better care for the living and more respect for the dead.Resources & Support If you or someone you know is struggling or has been affected by the themes discussed in this episode, please reach out to the following organisations: Samaritans: Call 116 123 (UK)Mind: TConnect With Us: Don't let the conversation die here! Follow Dead Honest for more behind-the-scenes looks at the industry that works while the world sleeps. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your morbid fix.Follow us on Socials: [Insert Handles Here]Have a question? Send us your "dead honest" inquiries for next week's mailbag!

    21 min

  6. APR 11

    INTO THE FIRE

    Send us Fan Mail Into The Fire - The Truth About Cremation | Dead Honest Podcast Welcome back to Dead Honest, the podcast where we strip away the velvet curtains and clinical coldness of the funeral industry to give you the raw, unfiltered truth. Hosted by Chris Marsden, a seasoned Funeral Celebrant, and Jacob Walsh, an experienced Funeral Director, we dive into the topics everyone thinks about but nobody wants to discuss. In this episode, we’re talking about the fire, the heat, and the heavy lifting: The Reality of Cremation. What’s Actually in the Coffin? When we talk about cremation, most people think of a body and a box. But as Jacob and Chris reveal, there is a lot more "stuff" that goes into that chamber. From the sentimental to the practical, we explore the logistics of what families put inside a coffin. The Sentimental: Letters, photos, favorite snacks, and even teddy bears.The Forbidden: Why you can't cremate a bottle of gin (hint: boom) or why pacemakers are the first thing a funeral director looks for.The Fashion Choices: What happens to those polyester suits or leather shoes when the heat turns up?A "Modern" Way to Go? Did you know that cremation as we know it is relatively new? While ancient pyres have existed for millennia, the modern, regulated cremation process only really gained traction in the late 19th century. We take a "nose dive" into the history of how we moved from churchyard burials to the industrial efficiency of the crematorium. We also tackle the "New Types" of cremation hitting the industry: Direct Cremation: The "no-fuss" option that’s skyrocketing in popularity.Resomation (Water Cremation): Is "alkaline hydrolysis" the eco-friendly future, or is the idea of being "dissolved" too much for the public to swallow?Human Composting: The literal "return to earth" method.Beyond the Urn: What to Do with the Ashes Once the process is over, you’re left with the "cremains"—which, as Jacob explains, aren't actually soft ash but ground-down bone minerals. So, what do you do with them? The days of just sitting on a mantelpiece are over. We discuss the wildest and most moving ways people are memorializing their loved ones today: Memorial Jewelry: Turning Dad into a diamond or a glass bead.Vinyl Records: Pressing Grandma’s favorite song (or a voice recording) into a playable record mixed with her ashes.Tattoo Ink: For those who want to keep their loved ones under their skin—literally.Space Funerals: We look at the ultimate "final frontier." Companies like Celestis and Aura Flights are now taking ashes to the edge of space or even into Earth's orbit. Ever wanted to spend eternity as a shooting star? We’ve got the details.Why Tune In? Whether you have a "morbid curiosity" about the industry or you're looking for honest advice on funeral planning, Dead Honest provides a space that is as educational as it is entertaining. Chris and Jacob bring their signature blend of professional expertise, dark humor, and radical honesty to every conversation. "Death is a universal experience, yet it remains one of society's last great taboos. We’re here tConnect With Us: Don't let the conversation die here! Follow Dead Honest for more behind-the-scenes looks at the industry that works while the world sleeps. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your morbid fix.Follow us on Socials: [Insert Handles Here]Have a question? Send us your "dead honest" inquiries for next week's mailbag!

    26 min

  7. APR 1

    DEAD HONEST

    Send us Fan Mail The Unfiltered Truth About Death, Dying, and the Industry Behind the Curtain Hosted by: Chris Marsden (Funeral Celebrant) & Jacob Walsh (Funeral Director) "There will be laughter, there will be tears... and if you’re easily offended, please don't listen." Welcome to Dead Honest, the podcast that strips away the mystery, the myths, and the clinical coldness of the funeral industry. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the closed doors of a mortuary, how a funeral is actually put together, or why the industry is making headlines today, you’re in the right place. Hosted by Chris Marsden, a seasoned Funeral Celebrant, and Jacob Walsh, an experienced Funeral Director, this show is a candid, "no-filter" conversation about the one thing that happens to us all, but nobody wants to talk about: Death. What We Talk About In every episode, Chris and Jacob bring their unique professional perspectives to the table, blending industry expertise with dark humor and radical honesty. Our Origins: How does one decide to work with the dead? We share our personal journeys and the "lightbulb moments" that led us into our roles as a Funeral Director and Celebrant.The Industry in the News: Why are funeral directors suddenly the talk of the town? From shifting UK regulations to the rising costs of dying, we tackle the headlines head-on.The "Awkward" Factor: Funerals aren't always solemn silences. We dive into the cringeworthy, the bizarre, and the downright awkward situations we’ve faced—from family feuds at the graveside to "unexpected" guests.The Jewelry Dilemma: We explore the world of memorial jewelry. What happens when families ask for jewelry back after a cremation? We discuss the ethics and the strange requests regarding ashes and sentimental keepsakes.The Career Path: Can anyone become a funeral director? We pull back the curtain on the qualifications, the emotional toll, and the "stomach" required for the job.The Practical & The Profound: We walk you through the journeys people go on after a loss and provide clear advice on what to do next. ---Why Listen to Dead Honest? Death is a universal experience, yet it remains one of society's last great taboos. We believe that by talking about it—with all its messy, funny, and heartbreaking details—we can make the inevitable a little less terrifying. Whether you are navigating grief, working in the bereavement sector, or just have a "morbid curiosity" about how the industry operates, Chris and Jacob provide a space that is as educational as it is entertaining. Core Topics Covered: Funeral Industry Secrets & Behind-the-ScenesCremation vs. Burial: The RealitiesGrief Support and Navigating LossFuneral Planning & UK RegulationsMemorial Jewelry and AshesA Final Warning We don’t believe in sugar-coating. Death is raw, visceral, and sometimes strangely hilarious. We speak our minds, share the "gross" bits, and don't hold back on our opinions of the industry. If you’re looking for a sanitized, corporate take on death, keep scrolling. But if you want the Dead Honest truth... hit play. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, S Connect With Us: Don't let the conversation die here! Follow Dead Honest for more behind-the-scenes looks at the industry that works while the world sleeps. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your morbid fix.Follow us on Socials: [Insert Handles Here]Have a question? Send us your "dead honest" inquiries for next week's mailbag!

    19 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Dead Honest – The Funeral Podcast joins Funeral Celebrant Chris Marsden and Funeral Director Jacob Walsh for an unfiltered look at death, dying, and everything in between. From navigating the initial stages of grief to the logistics of what happens next, Chris and Jacob share the real-world journeys of those left behind. Expect raw honesty, unexpected laughter, and a few tears. If you want the truth about the funeral industry without the filter, this is the podcast for you. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Marsden
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dead Honest - The Funeral Podcast

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