Buried in Work Podcast

What do funeral directors really do—and why does it matter more than ever?

Chris Robinson, the 2024–2025 President of the National Funeral Directors Association, who shares how a summer job as a teenage gravedigger led to a lifelong mission of helping families through their hardest moments. From the unseen emotional labor to the impact of pre-planning and technology, this episode unveils the humanity, skill, and heart behind every dignified goodbye.

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Cremation is now the #1 choice in America—over 60% of families are choosing it. But what most people don’t know about cremation can create chaos, confusion, and costly mistakes when the time comes. In this episode of Buried in Work Podcast, Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America reveals the real story behind cremation trends, what families often get wrong, and the surprising rise of new alternatives like water cremation and human composting. From misunderstood laws to emotional oversights in cremation planning, this episode dives into the heart of modern funerals, end-of-life planning, and the deeply personal choices we all face. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a recent loss, these insights could change how you think about deathcare—forever.

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What does it really mean to age well — especially when you’re doing it alone?

In this episode of The Buried in Work Podcast, host Adam Zuckerman sits down with Steve Gurney, founder of the Positive Aging Community, who has spent over 30 years helping families navigate the often overwhelming world of aging, solo living, downsizing, and end-of-life decisions.

Through deeply personal stories and eye-opening insights, Steve reveals how embracing positive aging — rather than avoiding it — can help you live more meaningfully, prepare more confidently, and create a lasting impact for those you love.

Whether you’re navigating these transitions yourself or supporting a loved one, this conversation is packed with real talk, compassion, and the clarity we all need more of.

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What if the way we honor the dead could transform the way we live?

In this episode of The Buried in Work Podcast, Sarit Wishnevski, Executive Director of Kavod v'Nichum, explores the ancient Jewish rituals that bring meaning, comfort, and connection at the end of life—and how they can change the way we approach our own lives.

For centuries, the Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society) has ensured that no one faces death alone. But in today’s modern world, many of us avoid thinking about mortality altogether. What if embracing these traditions could help us live with more purpose, gratitude, and intention?

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By 15, Allyse Worland was knocking on funeral home doors, determined to make her dream a reality. Today, she’s not just a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer—she’s shaping the future of the funeral director career, mentoring the next generation, and challenging everything we think we know about the funeral industry. 

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Did you know that the most loving thing you can do for your family is to plan for your own death?

In this episode of the Buried in Work Podcast, Tripp Tillery, CEO & Founder of The Dead Book, explores how his personal journey through grief and estate administration led to the creation of a revolutionary tool designed to simplify estate planning and legacy organization.

After the sudden loss of his mother, Susan, Tripp found himself not only grappling with overwhelming grief but also navigating the complex and often opaque world of estate administration. His mother’s “Dead Book”—a binder filled with essential documents and instructions—became his lifeline during this challenging time. Inspired by her foresight, Tripp and his wife, Jessica, created The Dead Book to help families everywhere prepare for the inevitable with clarity, compassion, and ease.

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What would happen to your business if you were gone tomorrow?

Most entrepreneurs pour everything into building their business—but almost none plan for what happens next. What if you got sick? What if you wanted to retire? Or, what if you suddenly had the opportunity to sell for life-changing money but weren’t prepared?

In this episode of Buried in Work, Wayne Zell, CEO of Zell Law, exit planning expert, and author of Your Multimillion Dollar Exit, to talk about the one thing most entrepreneurs ignore until it’s too late—how to build a business that can survive (and thrive) without you.

Wayne has helped business owners save millions, protect their families, and walk away from their companies on their own terms. And today, he’s sharing those secrets with you.

If you’ve spent years building something amazing, don’t let poor planning destroy it. Whether you’re years away from an exit or just starting out, this episode will change the way you think about your business and your future.

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Most people think of retirement as the finish line—but what if that mindset is setting you up for failure? What if, instead of retiring, you could graduate into a new phase of life—one filled with purpose, financial security, and freedom?

In this episode, Eric Brotman, a certified financial planner, author, and podcast host, discusses the biggest myths about retirement, why most people make critical financial mistakes, and how to set yourself up for success—without running out of money or feeling lost when your career ends.

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Did you know most people don’t understand palliative care—doctors included?

In this episode of Buried in Work, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Tyler, a hospice and palliative care specialist, to uncover the truth about palliative care—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters more than you think.

Dr. Tyler, the creator of How to Train Your Doctor, has made it his mission to empower patients and caregivers to take control of their healthcare decisions. With over 32,000 followers on Instagram, his insights are changing the way people approach serious illness, advocate for themselves, and navigate some of life’s toughest conversations.

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We don’t talk about death, but we should. Our culture has pushed death out of sight, making it something to fear rather than understand. But what if embracing death could actually help us live more fully?

In this episode of the Buried in Work Podcast, Joanna Ebenstein, artist, author, and founder of Morbid Anatomy, uncovers the forgotten history of mourning, why we’ve become disconnected from death, and how reclaiming lost traditions can bring meaning back into our lives.

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