Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and welcome to the funeral service profession!

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with recent graduates Natasha Jules, William Trotman, Trinity Cornelius, and Cameron Smith. They share what inspired them to pursue funeral service, the lessons they’ve learned through their schooling and apprentice experiences, and what lies ahead as they begin their careers.

We wish you a blessed and peaceful Memorial Day.  Never forget their sacrifice.

In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by Lanae Strovers, Iowa funeral director and Trainer with the NFDA. to learn about her organization, The Final Salute. 

Since 2018, The Final Salute has worked to locate and identify the unclaimed cremated remains of Veterans, children and civilians and provide them the proper burial services and honors they deserve.

Visit their Facebook page and learn more by clicking HERE.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf explores the value of mentorship in the funeral profession. Joined by Lauren Budrow, a licensed funeral director and mortuary science educator, and Calvin Amato, a funeral trainee and soon-to-be graduate, the discussion addresses the true meaning of mentorship, its long-term effects on professionals and families, and how both seasoned and aspiring funeral directors can develop meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. 

Also, check out the April issue of The Director for a deeper dive into mentorship and more contributions from Lauren and Calvin.

This episode is sponsored by Tribute Technology

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 episode, host Gabe Schauf, is joined by Sabena Nanji, founder of FIOH, to learn how funeral directors can use it to simplify the planning process and include the family every step of the way.

Click here to visit FIOH

About FIOH:  Forever In Our Hearts (FIOH), the revolutionary online funeral planner that’s transforming how funeral directors and families navigate the planning process—from the first call to the final service. FIOH isn’t just another digital tool; it’s a comprehensive platform designed to reduce paperwork and give funeral directors more time to focus on what truly matters: supporting families during life’s most delicate moments.

The platform features a customized digital storefront where funeral directors showcase their complete range of services and packages, while our intuitive family portal brings everything together in one organized space. Families can effortlessly connect with funeral staff through secure messaging, upload and share documents and images, and keep all the details in one accessible place.

FIOH also introduces a game-changing marketplace tailored to the unique challenges of the funeral industry—helping professionals seamlessly swap shifts, locate local licensed embalmers, arrange transportation, and find other essential service providers. FIOH is building a community where every member supports one another, ensuring that every funeral is handled with care, efficiency, and compassion.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf chats with Kelly Monroe, Funeral Instructor (and Gabe's co-worker) with the Milwaukee Area Technical College Funeral Service Program, and Dr. Damon de la Cruz, Director of Education with the Frigid Fluid Company, about funeral apprenticeships. Topics include the expectations and responsibilities of both the trainer and trainee, as well as how to make the most of the experience. They discuss common challenges, share valuable insights, and offer practical advice to help both mentors and apprentices succeed in the field. Whether you are new to the profession and navigating your apprenticeship or a funeral professional training apprentices, there is something here for you.

Are you a funeral director's apprentice with some thoughts to share or suggestions on improvements?  Are you a funeral director with some best practices and success stories?  We would love to hear from you at [email protected]. 

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 episode host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by Tony Miller to discuss how funeral homes are using AP Lazer's products in-house to provide families with more opportunities for personalization.

Learn more about AP Lazer Here.

About Tony:  Tony Miller is a seasoned sales executive with over seven years at AP Lazer, helping funeral professionals expand their services through personalized laser engraving. With a background in business management and a passion for fostering strong customer relationships, Tony excels at guiding businesses toward new revenue opportunities using AP Lazer’s patented open-architecture technology.

Beyond his work in sales, Tony is also the owner of Oak Lore Farm, where he applies his craftsmanship to woodworking and sustainable farming. His hands-on approach—whether in business or on the farm—reflects his dedication to innovation, quality, and meaningful connections.

About AP Lazer:  AP Lazer is a leading provider of high-powered laser engraving and cutting machines, designed to help businesses unlock new revenue streams through personalized, high-value customization. With its patented open-architecture design, AP Lazer machines remove size and weight restrictions, allowing users to engrave everything from small keepsakes to large memorials with ease.

Trusted by funeral professionals, AP Lazer empowers businesses to create deeply personal tributes, adding lasting value to headstones, urns, and commemorative items. Backed by 24/7 lifetime technical support and comprehensive training, AP Lazer ensures its customers have the tools and knowledge to succeed in the evolving funeral industry.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf chats with 10 funeral directors and embalmers from around the country to share practical tips and techniques for taking embalming room work to the next level. They’ll cover everything from improving preservation to fine-tuning restoration work, with advice you can use immediately.

Guests in this episode include:

-              Dana Goodell – Iowa Licensed Funeral Director and Sales and Education Director for the Embalmer Supply Company (1:59)

-              Regan Moreland – Funeral Director with Radney Funeral Home and Langley Funeral Home (6:03)

-              Lauren Bowser – Funeral Director with Cusick Funeral Home (8:36)

-              Manda King – Connecticut Licensed Funeral Director and Embalming Specialist with Frigid Fluid (12:37)

-              Kelley Rowmanowski – Minnesota Licensed Funeral Director and University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science Instructor (17:07)

-              Lincoln Plain – Minnesota Licensed Funeral Director and Sales Representative for Dodge Chemical Company (21:06)

-              Danielle Wilk – Port Mortuary Branch Chief at Dover Air Force Base (25:25)

-              Jennifer Heiselman – Retired US Navy Chief Mortician and Cemetery Director at State Veterans Cemetery (32:20)

-              John Hill – Funeral Director and Embalmer with James Funeral Home, trade embalmer and Instructor with Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service (37:53)

-              Mel Lyles – Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and Co-Owner of Afterlife Mortuary Services (43:13)

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this episode has something for everyone.

Disclaimer:  This episode contains discussions about embalming techniques used by licensed funeral professionals.  Some of the content may be sensitive or unsettling to some listeners.  Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Leili McMurrough, a licensed funeral director and President of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, to share her experiences and insights from the profession. Leili is the recipient of the 2024 NFDA Inspiration Award, sponsored by NGL, which honors an exceptional woman who has made significant contributions to funeral service.

This episode is sponsored by NGL.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Regan Moreland, Funeral Director & Embalmer with Radney Funeral Home and Langley Funeral Home, to discuss her transformative journey into funeral service.  She shares how her personal experiences have shaped her career and passion for lifelong learning while inspiring those around her to always remember their "why."

Happy Veterans Day to all of our military personnel. We are deeply grateful for your service and sacrifice, and we will forever be thankful for your role in keeping our country free.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Jennifer Heiselman, Navy Chief Mortician (Retired), who served our country as a Navy Embalmer and Funeral Director. Jennifer spent 24 years both at home and abroad, caring for soldiers killed while on active duty and in combat, and managing the logistics and processes to ensure these fallen heroes were returned home to their families. In this episode, she shares some of her experiences and insights, reflecting on her remarkable career.

This episode is sponsored by Core Scientific