A Brush with Death

National Funeral Directors Association

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has launched A Brush With Death, a podcast to help funeral professionals be more responsive to the evolving needs of families and better respond to the issues shaping their businesses.

  1. −5 D

    Clutter vs. Keepsake: Finding the Legacy in a House Full of "Stuff" (with Katarina Blom & Ella Engström)

    We live in an era of peak accumulation, and families are inheriting more than just memories—they are inheriting mountains of unwanted belongings. This "clutter crisis" is adding unprecedented logistical stress to the grieving process, leaving families exhausted before they even reach the arrangement room. How can funeral professionals help bridge the gap between grief and garbage? In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with psychologist Katarina Blom and professional organizer Ella Engström, experts from The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. They explore the deep psychological anchors of our possessions, the cultural differences in how we handle estates, and the physical roadblocks families face when clearing out a home. Gabe, Katarina, and Ella discuss how modern funeral homes can evolve from traditional service providers into "Legacy Curators." Listeners will learn how to identify clutter burnout during the arrangement conference, the practical value of the "Legacy Box" model, and how to build a trusted referral network to act as the "General Contractor of Grief." Whether you're looking for fresh preneed talking points or innovative at-need service opportunities, this episode provides actionable strategies to offer families the ultimate final gift: peace of mind. Key Takeaways: The psychological impact of physical and digital clutter on the grieving process. Shifting the funeral director's role to include post-service transition support. How to implement the "Legacy Box" to help families curate memories for visitations. Strategies for vetting local clean-out partners and organizers. Bonus from Ella:  After recording, Ella reached out with some additional information... Here are some thoughts that can help families or individuals get started with the process.  Whether you're sorting through your own belongings or going through a loved one's things, these questions can be a gentle way in. One of the key principles of death cleaning is that it's not just about things, it's about sharing meaning and memories while you still can. That's what makes it so much more than organizing. If you're sorting through your own belongings: 1. Start with one room, one category, not everything at once. 2. Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it make my heart sing? 3. Have I used this item in the last 12 months? 4. If I didn't have this — would I buy it again today? 5. When I hesitate about something, I ask myself: do I really want to deal with this again later or can I make the decision now? 6. If I'm still not sure, can I give myself 30 or 60 days before deciding? (The Dilemma Box method) 7. What do I actually want to pass on, and to whom? 8. Is there someone in the family who would truly treasure this? 9. What would make this home easier for the people I love, if they one day had to go through it? 10. What do I want my belongings to say about the life I lived? Key reminder: if the things you own start draining your energy instead of adding value, that's a sign it's time to take action. If you're helping a family member or going through a loved one's belongings: 1. What does this object mean to me — or what did it mean to them? 2. Am I keeping this out of love, or out of guilt? 3. What would feel like truly honoring this person — keeping everything, or keeping what really matters? 4. Is there someone in the family who would treasure this more? 5. Am I in charge here? (Yes you are. You have the right to make these decisions.) Remember: the memories of a loved one live in your heart, in the stories you share, and in the love they gave you — not in the objects they left behind. And letting go isn't about forgetting the past — it's about making space for the present and for what's ahead. Dare to have conversations with each other while you still can. It's actually a beautiful thing to discover what truly matters to the people you love. You might be surprised by what you find out. And remember: sorting through your own things is one of the greatest gifts you can give the people you love. Sparing them from that burden is an act of love and that's really what döstädning is all about.

    56 min

  2. 28 APR. ·  BONUSVIDEO

    A Brush with Death: 5 Minutes On..Passages International

    On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this segment, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Darren Crouch, President of Passages International. Darren provides a concise overview of what Passages International is all about and their mission to lead the funeral profession in sustainable, eco-friendly death care options. Gabe and Darren discuss the rapidly increasing consumer interest in green funeral services and how shifting values are directly impacting the decisions families make in the arrangement room. Darren also highlights the specific role Passages plays in meeting this demand, offering innovative solutions like biodegradable urns and meaningful, earth-friendly options for cremated remains. If you're looking for a quick, insightful look into the future of sustainable funeral service and how your firm can adapt to modern consumer focus, this 5-minute spotlight is for you. Listen to more episodes and find additional resources at nfda.org/abrushwithdeath. Learn more about Passages International

    7 min

  3. 14 APR.

    Darren Crouch: Five-Star Service, Green Funerals, and How to Master Both

    When a family walks through your doors, are they getting a five-star experience, or are they just another transaction? Consumer demands in death care are shifting rapidly—families don't just want products anymore; they want genuine hospitality, ethical options, and a truly meaningful experience. In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Darren Crouch, President of Passages International and a 2025 TIME100 Climate leader, to discuss how to navigate this changing landscape, the green movement, the strategies to apply in the selection room, and why the profession must proactively offer green funeral options to avoid repeating the mistakes of the early cremation era. Whether you are looking to elevate your customer service or expand your eco-friendly offerings, this episode provides a practical blueprint for funeral directors ready to lead the market.

    47 min

  4. 10 MARS

    Dr. Lucia Dickinson: Recruitment Problem or Retention Crisis?

    Is the funeral profession actually facing a labor shortage, or is it facing a reality check? Despite mortuary school enrollments increasing by over 22%, funeral homes nationwide are constantly struggling to keep staff. On this episode of A Brush with Death, Gabe Schauf sits down with educator and funeral director Dr. Lucia Dickinson to explore the structural misalignments driving the retention crisis. Gabe and Lucia look past outdated assumptions about work ethic and tackle the uncomfortable truths behind the data: the gap between modern living expenses and entry-level compensation, the hesitation to invest in human capital, and why the outdated "Ideal Worker" model is failing a shifting demographic. Discover actionable strategies for modernizing compensation, scheduling, and workplace culture to stop the revolving door at your firm.

    59 min

  5. 10 FEB.

    Katey Houston: Passion and Inspiration

    Katey Houston is not your traditional funeral director, and that is a big part of why she was named the 2025 Inspiration Award Winner. In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with the Director of Family Care at Return Home to hear her journey into the funeral profession, discuss her work in Natural Organic Reduction (Terramation), and explore why authenticity matters. Katey explains how her unique background shaped her approach to serving families and why she believes the future of the profession belongs to the bold. This is an essential listen for anyone looking for advice on mentorship, legacy, and how to succeed as a woman in a non-traditional funeral service role. The Inspiration Award is sponsored by NGL. Click here to learn more about NGL Click here to learn more about the Inspiration Award

    44 min

  6. 13 JAN.

    Christine Pepper: 40 Years of Funeral Service Leadership

    40 years ago this month, Christine Pepper walked through the doors of the National Funeral Directors Association for the first time. The profession she entered then looked vastly different from the one we know today. In this episode, Gabe Schauf sits down with the NFDA CEO to mark this significant milestone and look beyond the resume. Christine reflects on her four-decade journey, discussing how she navigated the shift from a male-dominated industry to a workforce increasingly led by women. She shares her perspective on the evolving relationship between funeral directors and the media, the weight of leading through complex times, and her vision for what lies ahead. It is a candid look at the past, present, and future of death care from the person who has had a front-row seat to it all. 🔗 Learn more: www.nfda.org/abrushwithdeath 🎙️ Host: Gabe Schauf 📍 Presented by the National Funeral Directors Association

    52 min

  7. 2025-12-09

    Funeral Rescue Part 2: Turning Struggling Funeral Homes into Success Stories

    In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Derrick Husmann and Jake Johnson of Johnson Consulting Group, for part two of the "Funeral Rescue" series. Together, they walk through the Four Pillars of Funeral Home Success — the framework Jake and Derrick use when helping firms regain stability and rebuild momentum. The discussion looks at each pillar through a practical lens, examining how leadership, culture, finances, and operations influence one another and shape long-term performance. Rather than offering quick fixes, the conversation highlights realistic steps funeral homes can take to strengthen their foundation, support their staff, and better serve their communities. This episode continues the thoughtful, candid look at what modern funeral home leadership requires, and how meaningful change often starts with clarity, consistency, and intentional action. Connect with Derrick and Jake or learn more here: Johnson Consulting Group 🔗 Learn more: www.nfda.org/abrushwithdeath 🎙️ Host: Gabe Schauf 📍 Presented by the National Funeral Directors Association   funeral home management • funeral home success • funeral business consulting • Johnson Consulting Group • funeral home leadership • business turnaround • funeral service operations • A Brush with Death • Jake Johnson • Gabe Schauf • Derrick Husman • improving funeral homes • funeral home strategy

    57 min

  8. 2025-11-11

    Funeral Rescue Pt 1: Turning Struggling Funeral Homes into Success Stories

    In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Derrick Husmann, Senior Business Consultant with Johnson Consulting Group, to talk about struggling funeral homes — and what it takes to turn them around. From poor financial management and outdated facilities to toxic workplace cultures and weak leadership, Derrick and Gabe explore the common challenges that can cause funeral homes to fail — and the practical steps firms can take to rebuild. With the right strategy, mindset, and willingness to adapt, even the most challenged funeral homes can find renewed success. Whether your funeral home is thriving or fighting to stay afloat, this episode offers real-world lessons in funeral home management, leadership, and growth that every funeral professional can use. Connect with Derrick or learn more here: Johnson Consulting Group 🔗 Learn more: www.nfda.org/abrushwithdeath 🎙️ Host: Gabe Schauf 📍 Presented by the National Funeral Directors Association   funeral home management • funeral home success • funeral business consulting • Johnson Consulting Group • funeral home leadership • business turnaround • funeral service operations • A Brush with Death • funeral profession podcast • Gabe Schauf • Derrick Husman • improving funeral homes • funeral home strategy

    42 min
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Om

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has launched A Brush With Death, a podcast to help funeral professionals be more responsive to the evolving needs of families and better respond to the issues shaping their businesses.

Information

  • Skapad av
    National Funeral Directors Association
  • Aktiva år
    2019 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    100
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Programmets webbplats
    A Brush with Death

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