A Brush with Death

National Funeral Directors Association
  • 4.5 (20)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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. APR 28 ·  BONUS VIDEO

    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

  2. APR 14

    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

  3. MAR 10

    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

  4. FEB 10

    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

  5. JAN 13

    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

  6. 12/09/2025

    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

  7. 11/11/2025

    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

  8. 10/28/2025

    Episode #96: Spooky Mortuary Stories 2

    The lights are dim, the air's a little colder, and A Brush with Death is back with Spooky Mortuary Stories: Part 2. Host Gabe Schauf sits down with Amanda King, Faith Haug, Jennifer Heiselman, and Kari Northey to share real stories of strange encounters and things that can't quite be explained. From ghostly figures and children who see what others can't, to laughter and other sounds coming from empty rooms, and unexplained touches in the middle of the night—these tales might just have you turning on an extra light before bed. Tune in and enjoy another edition of Spooky Mortuary Stories.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

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

  • Creator
    National Funeral Directors Association
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    A Brush with Death

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