A Brush with Death

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

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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 10/14/2025

    Funeral Pro Tips - Employer Edition

    In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with four funeral home owners from across the country to explore how they recruit and retain the right people. Each guest shares their unique approach to finding employees who fit their culture, developing them into long-term team members, and building a workplace where people want to stay.  Guests in this episode include: Chris Christian - Owner of Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville, Tennessee (1:38) Jeff Smith - Owner of Smith Family Funeral Homes in Little Rock, Arkansas (13:59) Dr. Camelia Clarke - Owner of Paradise Memorial Funeral Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (26:07)  Randy Anderson - Retired owner of Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City, Alabama (39:42) Whether you're looking for new hiring ideas or ways to strengthen your team, this conversation offers real-world strategies and insights from those who've made it work.

    57 min

  7. 09/30/2025 · BONUS VIDEO

    A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...ASD

    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 Kevin Czachor, Vice President of ASD.  Kevin reflects on his own brush with death, the value of life, and the importance of what we do in the funeral profession.  Then, Gabe and Kevin discuss the upcoming convention in Chicago and the NFDA Innovation award, which ASD sponsors.  The importance of new ideas in this and any profession cannot be overstated.  ASD celebrates the creation and fostering of innovations within the funeral profession that continue to help it grow, improve, and serve the public to the highest standards. Kevin Czachor is Vice President of ASD – Answering Service for Directors, a family-run business dedicated exclusively to serving funeral homes nationwide. Since officially joining ASD in 1991 after earning his degree in marketing and sales from Widener University, Kevin has played a key role in shaping the company's sales, marketing, and innovative solutions that support funeral directors. Under his leadership, ASD has earned multiple NFDA Innovation Awards and developed groundbreaking technologies that enhance communication and care within the funeral profession. Guided by the values instilled by his parents—loyalty, respect, and putting family first—Kevin views himself as a family man with a business, not the other way around. He is passionate about supporting funeral service education, community initiatives, and staff wellness, while also leading ASD's adaptation to modern challenges such as remote work. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife and four children, staying active through athletic events, and tending to his family's garden and fish pond. Learn more about ASD here

    10 min

  8. 09/23/2025

    2025 International Convention & Expo Preview: Pt 3 - Keynote Speakers

    The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago, October 26–29. To help you get ready for the big event, we've prepared three convention preview episodes. In these episodes, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Innovation Award Finalists, Workshop Presenters, and, of course, the Keynote Speakers. In this final preview episode, we hear from our keynote speakers. At every convention, attendees can expect to learn from some of the most respected and recognized voices in the world, and Chicago will be no exception. On Monday, Felipe Gomez will kick off the convention with his presentation, Virtuoso: Living the Virtuoso Life. On Wednesday, Crystal Washington will close the four-day event with her presentation, Futureproof Yourself: Innovate and Thrive in Times of Uncertainty. In this episode, Gabe Schauf is joined by Felipe and Crystal to share more about themselves and give a preview of their keynotes. Join us for the International Convention and Expo this October in Chicago and start planning your itinerary today. Visit www.convention.nfda.org for more information.

    34 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