This groundbreaking episode of Death: A Changing Industry removes the mystery around cremation in the UK, showing every respectful stage of the process, from the hearse arrival to the final committal, care of the deceased and the final release of the ashes.Alan José, a pioneer in public crematorium open days since 1977, shares why transparency matters and addresses the most common myths surrounding cremation. With no real deceased used in the demonstration, this is a powerful and sensitive walkthrough for both the public and professionals. Discover:– What happens to a coffin from start to finish– How identity is safeguarded at every stage– The environmental care behind modern cremation– Why ceremonies and grief rituals matter– Options for ashes and legal guidanceThis episode has been recorded with the kind permission from Westerleigh Group at Mercia Forest Crematorium.Filmed and Produced by SMASHCAT Media ([email protected])

Grief brings a storm of emotions and that’s normal. In this powerful conversation with Nicola Marshall, we explore what real support looks like after a death: holding space, listening more than we speak, and resisting the urge to “fix”. Nicola shares candidly about losing her son Lucas, how community showed up, and why emotional honesty (for adults and children) is essential to healing.We discuss:• Practical ways friends, neighbours, teachers and employers can support after the funeral.• Why “I’m here” beats perfect words.• Children’s grief: age-appropriate truth, safety and questions.• The body keeping the score and unpicking old trauma.• Human connection vs AI “comfort” — and why presence matters.• Self-care, boundaries, and building a grief-literate society.This is an honest, deeply moving episode that reminds us that grief isn’t to be hidden or hurried, it’s to be honoured.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/

April Commons has never met her sister, Lola, who died before birth, but she has always known her.In this powerful conversation, April, just 15 years old, shares what it’s like growing up in a family where grief is open, honest, and part of everyday life.She speaks with remarkable clarity about “secondary grief,” the importance of honesty with children, and why wrapping young people in bubble wrap often does more harm than good.From helping at bereavement retreats to supporting classmates who quietly share their own losses, April shows that young people understand far more than we often give them credit for.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/

At nine months pregnant, Lisa learned her daughter Lola had no heartbeat.In this deeply human conversation, she shares how that moment shattered everything and quietly set her on a path to becoming a grief and bereavement coach.She reflects on raising her rainbow baby, April, in a home where grief isn’t hidden but embraced and how rituals, honesty, and community support have helped her family heal.This episode explores the courage to grieve in the open, the importance of bereavement support, and the quiet growth that can come after the unthinkable.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/

How do we better support children through grief?

John and Kevin discuss the landmark moment Parliament debated including death, dying and bereavement in the national curriculum.Kevin reflects on the emotional December debate, the personal loss of his father and brother, and how his lived experience fuels his work in Westminster. They explore the impact of grief on young people, why breaking the taboo is vital, and how collective efforts led to real policy change.This episode is a must-watch for: • Educators • Policy makers • Mental health professionals • Parents & carers • Anyone passionate about compassionate education reform🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that matter.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/

In this episode, we speak with Emma, Matt, and Michael from Laurelo – Path to Probate. Emma and Matt open up about the heart-wrenching loss of their partners and the raw reality of raising bereaved children. Their stories are honest, emotional, and inspiring, a testament to the resilience of families navigating unimaginable grief.They discuss the brutal moment of breaking devastating news to children, how grief reshaped their lives, and how those experiences led them to support other families through Laurelo’s unique approach to probate. Michael sheds light on the often misunderstood world of probate, what it is, when it’s needed, and how Laurelo aims to make it more humane and supportive.This is a conversation for anyone who has experienced loss, is supporting someone grieving, or for anyone who wants to understand why compassionate support during bereavement matters more than ever.👉 Every 20 minutes in the UK, a parent dies. This is a conversation we must be having.

In this powerful episode of Death, A Changing Industry, we speak with Dr Emma Clare, CEO of End of Life Doula UK and Chartered Psychologist, about the quiet, peaceful side of dying that rarely makes headlines.We explore:– What an end of life death doula really does– How we’ve lost our cultural relationship with death– The rise of direct cremation and its emotional cost– Why community and calmness matter at the end of life– How children process grief better than adults– The true power of being present when someone diesThis honest and heartfelt conversation may change the way you see the end of life – forever.

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🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/

The funeral profession is under immense pressure. In this episode of Death: A Changing Industry, we’re joined by Rachel Bradburne of the NAFD, who unpacks the urgent need for regulation, shifting consumer behaviours, and the silent crisis affecting local funeral directors across the UK.This is a frank and powerful conversation about where the sector is headed.We explore:- Why unregulated funeral care risks a “race to the bottom”- The cracks in the death management pathway- Why regulation might be the key to survival for local funeral homes- What defines a funeral in the modern eraWhether you’re in the profession, recently bereaved, or simply curious about what’s next for funeral care in Britain, this is essential listening.

When Richard lost his wife Kerry, his world changed overnight. Left to raise three children alone, he chose a path of openness, connection, and empowerment, inviting his children into the heart of grief rather than shielding them from it.From sealing their mum’s coffin to placing birthday cards inside, every act became a moment of healing. In this emotional conversation, Richard reflects on Kerry’s final days, the power of giving his children agency in death, and how their shared grief has shaped their strength.This isn’t just a story of loss. It’s a story of love, bravery, and what it means to honour someone properly.

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🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/

From losing his father at just eight years old to leading a team of over 1,000 funeral colleagues, Lee shares how grief shaped his purpose and how the funeral sector is evolving.Whether you work in the funeral profession or have ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes, this episode offers rare insight with authenticity and heart.🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laurelo.co.uk/ Howden: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/funeral-sector/?int=10805 MuchLoved: https://www.muchloved.com/