The Glam Reaper Podcast Jennifer Muldowney

In this third and final part with Caleb Wilde on The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer Muldowney will discuss the evolving landscape of the funeral industry and nurturing diversity and adapting to different cultures.
They delve into the necessity of adapting funeral homes to cater to individual preferences, moving away from rigid scripts and traditions. Caleb reflects on the impact of globalization and changing religious beliefs on traditional funeral services.
The conversation touches on the Catholic Church's influence on funeral proceedings and the growing desire for more personalized and inclusive services.
Caleb shares his personal experiences with misogyny in the funeral industry, highlighting the ongoing gender inequality and the challenges women face in leadership positions. They discuss the toxicity within the industry, including outdated views on gender and racial profiling in hiring practices.
Tune in to understand how funeral homes can better meet the diverse needs of today's families while addressing the significant issues within the industry!

Key Topics:
-Meeting families' unique needs in funeral services
-Navigating the effects of globalization and changing faith on funerals
-Addressing gender inequality and support for women in the funeral industry
-Combating racial profiling and promoting fair hiring in funeral homes
-Prioritizing mental health support for funeral professionals


Quotes From The Episode:
I'm attempting to provide people who are burnt out or who have come to a place where they've lost themselves in this business and give them somebody to talk to and somebody who can walk with them.
- Caleb Wilde


For me, I don't need to go to mass to prove I'm Catholic. I don't need to go to mass to have some guy I don't know preach to me.
- Jennifer Muldowney


Timestamp:
[00:00] Podcast Intro
[00:53] Jennifer emphasized that funeral homes need to adapt to the varying needs of families by offering personalized options and meeting families where they are.
[02:05] Jennifer and Caleb explained that the decline in traditional funeral services is largely due to the changing role of the church in people's lives.
[05:40] Jennifer elaborated on how the church's attempt to remove eulogies from funerals to focus more on the mass and ritual might lead to a purer but smaller congregation.
[08:31] Jennifer and Caleb highlighted the similarities between the lack of adaptation in both traditional religion and the death care industry in the United States.
[12:32] Caleb shared his early awareness of the misogyny in the funeral industry and recounted numerous stories of harassment he had heard over the years.
[17:38] Jennifer noted that while there is a growing number of women entering the funeral industry, many are still in school and won't enter the workforce or attain leadership positions for years.
[20:14] Jennifer expressed his desire to start a conversation about mental health in the funeral industry.
[25:10] Outro




Connect with Caleb Wilde:
Facebook - /ConfessionsofaFuneralDirector
Website - book.calebwilde.com
Instagram - @confessions_of_a_funeral_dir
Twitter - @CalebWilde


Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:
Facebook Page - Memorials
https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/
Instagram - @muldowneymemorials
Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com
Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145
YouTube -...

In part 2 of this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer Muldowney continues her conversation with Caleb Wilde and delves into how the funeral industry is evolving due to generational shifts and technological advancements.
Caleb talks about the challenges funeral directors face with rapid changes and resistance to new ideas. He highlights the different communication styles across generations and the pressure to conform to traditional practices in family-owned businesses.
Jennifer acknowledges the industry's shift towards more personalized and diverse practices, recognizing that the funeral industry is not static but continually evolving to meet the needs of modern society.
Tune in to this enlightening episode as Jennifer and Caleb delve into the evolving challenges and triumphs within the funeral industry!

Key Topics:
-Struggles of funeral directors with societal changes
-Generational differences in adapting to changes in Funeral industry
-Challenges between family-owned and corporate-run funeral homes
-Importance of trust, transparency, and understanding individual values in supporting grieving families
-Mental health challenges faced by funeral directors



Quotes From The Episode:
They would rather feel the comfort of doing what they already know, than the discomfort of being challenged to think about something new.
- Caleb Wilde


All of these moments are sewn together to make these moments happen.
- Jennifer Muldowney


Timestamp:
[00:00] Podcast Intro
[00:30] Caleb highlights how funeral directors are struggling to adapt to rapid societal changes.
[01:47] Jennifer reflects on generational differences in adapting to change.
[04:28] Caleb emphasizes the differences between family-owned and corporate-run funeral homes.
[10:29] Jennifer delves into the importance of trust, transparency, and understanding individual values in the funeral industry.
[13:58] Caleb talks about his personal journey and experience of writing books.
[17:23] Caleb discussed the mental health challenges faced by funeral directors, including burnout, depression, and anxiety.
[24:54] Jennifer acknowledges that the funeral industry is evolving towards more personalized and diverse practices.
[27:49] Outro



Connect with Caleb Wilde:
Facebook - /ConfessionsofaFuneralDirector
Website - book.calebwilde.com
Instagram - @confessions_of_a_funeral_dir
Twitter - @CalebWilde


Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:
Facebook Page - Memorials
https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/
Instagram - @muldowneymemorials
Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com
Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145
You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWe3sNoPny6UsMGYoYDeXfw

In this part 1 episode of the Glam Reaper podcast, Jennifer Muldowney welcomes Caleb Wilde, a prominent funeral director, author and early adopter on social media and as a 'death-influencer’.
Caleb is a sixth-generation funeral director and the conversation delves into cultural sensitivity in America, funeral planning and he discusses his upbringing and familial influences that propelled him into this profession.
Through candid exchanges, Jennifer and Caleb offer listeners a glimpse into the complex tapestry of funeral directing, navigating personal convictions, familial legacies, and industry dynamics with empathy and insight.
Tune in to hear first hand from the man himself some confessions of a funeral director!

Key Topics:
-Funeral directing with a sixth-generation expert
-Reality in Growing up in a family funeral home
-Transparency and authenticity in the funeral industry
-Generational differences in funeral practices
-Navigating tradition and change in funeral world


Quotes From The Episode:

We're being changed and molded by the Internet and by globalization.
- Caleb Wilde

I sort of started this podcast because I wanted to have these really interesting conversations with people.
- Jennifer Muldowney


Timestamp:
[00:00] Podcast Intro
[03:08] Caleb discussed growing up in a family of funeral directors.
[08:18] Caleb started "Confessions of a Funeral Director" to find their own voice and self-expression amid the challenges of working in a family-run funeral business.
[12:24] Caleb shares how he transitioned from writing about theology to focusing on death and the funeral industry.
[17:26] Jennifer delves into her motivations for starting the podcast.
[21:38] Caleb reviewed the generational gap within the funeral industry.
[27:02] Outro



Connect with Caleb Wilde:
Facebook - /ConfessionsofaFuneralDirector
Website - book.calebwilde.com
Instagram - @confessions_of_a_funeral_dir
Twitter - @CalebWilde

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:
Facebook Page - Memorials
https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/
Instagram - @muldowneymemorials
Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com
Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145
You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWe3sNoPny6UsMGYoYDeXfw

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Mandy Benoualid, co-founder of TalkDeath and Keeper.
Mandy shares her journey of recognizing a need for educational content in the death care industry, which led to the creation of TalkDeath and their online memorial provider company Keeper.
Jennifer and Mandy conversed about the impact of social media on death and grieving, normalizing conversations around death. They touch upon their social media presence across various platforms and their strategies for engaging with their audience. They talk about the almost mandatory live streaming that is a growing trend in the funeral space.
Tune in for a fascinating exploration of unconventional approaches to death and grieving, along with the impact of social media on the funeral industry!
Key Topics:
-Crafting Heartfelt Online Memorials
-Saying Goodbye in the Digital Age
-Streamlining Farewell Services Online
-Different Perspectives on Death and Healing


Quotes From The Episode:
It's not just black and white ….. It's also talking about who actually has access to a good death.
-Mandy Benoualid

I think at the end of the day, what anybody in this space on social media is trying to do is have the community talk about it, like literally talk about death.
-Jennifer Muldowney


Timestamp:
[00:00] Podcast Intro
[00:59] Mandy discussed how Talk Death originated from her work at Keeper.
[03:21] Mandy narrated how Talk Death is primarily supported by Keeper.
[05:30] Mandy explained the inception of Keeper Memorials in 2013.
[07:58] Mandy described Keeper Memorials as a modern online platform.
[09:44] Mandy outlined how Keeper Memorials offers a range of services.
[12:20] Mandy elaborates on how Keeper Memorials experienced significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[15:30] Jennifer and Mandy highlight the increasing trend of hybrid funeral services.
[18:40] Jennifer and Mandy comment on the prevalence of live-streaming companies specializing in funeral services.
[23:57] Mandy shared insights into Talk Death's community engagement efforts.
[26:36] Jennifer delves into the importance of open conversations about death and the diverse content available for different audiences.
[31:36] Outro


Connect with Mandy Benoualin:
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mandy-benoualid
Website - https://www.talkdeath.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talkdeathdaily/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalkDeathDaily

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper:
Facebook Page - Muldowney Memorials: https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/
Facebook Page - Rainbow Bridge Memorials: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowbridgememorialsdotcom
Instagram - @muldowneymemorials & @jennifermuldowney
Twitter - a href="https://twitter.com/TheGlamReaper" rel="noopener...

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Rebecca Soffer, Co-founder and CEO of Modern Loss. 
Rebecca opens up about her personal journey as a grief coach and author, sharing how Modern Loss has become a beacon of solace for countless individuals navigating the tumultuous seas of bereavement.
Rebecca also emphasizes the significance of creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and feel understood and Jennifer states the value of providing solace to those grappling with loss, underscoring the universal nature of grief and the need for greater societal understanding and support.
Tune in now as we navigate the depths of grief and loss with Rebecca Soffer!
Key Topics:
-Starting the profound journey through sorrow and grief.
-Creating strong connections amid modern experiences of sadness and loss.
-Obliterating Stigma Around Grief
-Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing
-Importance of Being Heard in Grief
Quotes  From The Episode: 
There is no fix for grief, there is no fix for loss
- Rebecca Soffer
We don't necessarily need somebody to solve all our problems, we just need to be seen, heard, And that's it.
 - Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:
[00:00] Podcast Intro
[01:37] Rebecca recounts her journey founding Modern Loss, an online publication and community focused on navigating grief and loss in various aspects of life.
[07:46] Jennifer reflects on their unconventional career path, contrasting it with societal expectation.
[09:49] Rebecca discusses her diverse approaches to connecting with people through various mediums.
[16:27] Rebecca expresses gratitude for Stephen Colbert's support of Modern Loss, discusses the evolution of societal attitudes toward grief.
[21:33] Rebecca talks about her focus on real-life interactions and speaking engagements following the release of her second book.
[24:21] Jennifer and Rebecca explored various subjects concerning grief, writing, and individual encounters.
[27:04] Outro

Connect with Rebecca Soffer:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rebeccasoffer/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccasoffer/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/rebeccasoffer?lang=en
Website - https://modernloss.com/the-modern-loss-handbook/

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper:
Facebook Page - Muldowney Memorials: https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/
Facebook Page - Rainbow Bridge Memorials: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowbridgememorialsdotcom
Instagram - @muldowneymemorials & @jennifermuldowney
Twitter - @TheGlamReaper
Email us here: glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer welcomes Lauren Leroy, a Licensed Funeral Director and the creative mind behind the blog and YouTube channel "Little Miss Funeral."
Lauren opens up about the inspiration behind her online platform and how it became a safe space for sharing her journey in the funeral industry.
Lauren talked about her decision to prioritize her role as a parent over her career as she explored the delicate balance between family obligations and professional pursuits.
Don't miss out on this episode as Jennifer and Lauren discuss prioritizing family over career obligations and the impact that can have on your career and your mental health within the death space. Tune in now!
Key Topics:
-Fulfilment and Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Funeral Directing
-Coping Mechanisms and Gratitude in Funeral Directing
-Mental Health & Self-Care in the Funeral Industry
-The Influence of Social Media on Death Care
-Emotional Toll of Funeral Directing during COVID-19
Quotes From The Episode:
I just think that it's very difficult to be a devoted funeral director and a present parent at the same time.
- Lauren Leroy

I can sleep at night knowing I gave that family all that I could in whatever way I could.
- Jennifer Muldowney

Timestamp:
[00:00] Podcast Intro
[00:55] Lauren discusses the origins of her blog and YouTube channel, "Little Miss Funeral.”
[07:12] Lauren deliberated her personal experiences of dealing with pregnancy and then motherhood as a funeral director.
[08:53] Jennifer reflects on the profound shifts in life trajectories, particularly for women.
[11:27] Lauren on her decision to prioritize her role as a parent over her career as a funeral director.
[13:38] Jennifer talks about prioritizing family over career obligations, and reflects on the finite nature of life.
[15:55] Lauren explored her initial expectation of returning to work soon after having children due to her love for her profession as a funeral director.
[18:23] Jennifer analyzed the need for a shift in perspective within the funeral industry towards part-time work arrangements
[22:39] Lauren emphasised the personal growth gained from experiencing loss themselves.
[27:24] Jennifer acknowledged the role of funeral professionals as informal therapists due to their empathetic nature
[28:51] Lauren talked about the evolution of the funeral industry in the age of social media.
[34:47] Jennifer and Lauren conversed about the coping mechanisms used in dealing with traumatic situations in the funeral industry.
[38:14] Outro

Connect with Lauren Leroy:
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/lauren-k-leroy-1679a3179
https://twitter.com/lttlemissfunerl?lang=en
https://littlemissfuneral.wordpress.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYb7bNwEw59Gew3w0S5

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper:
Facebook Page - Muldowney Memorials: https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/
Facebook Page - Rainbow Bridge Memorials: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowbridgememorialsdotcom
Instagram - @muldowneymemorials & a...