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Digging Deep
Digging Deep episodes
- Living Above the Legacy: Sharon McGarry’s Journey in Funeral Service
Legacy is not just what we inherit; it is what we build.
In episode 33 of Digging Deep, GFD’s President and CEO Heather Kiteley speaks with the President of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, in Ottawa, Ontario, Sharon McGarry. They talk about leadership, succession, and shaping the future of funeral service. Sharon’s story is a compelling reminder of how deeply family, legacy, and innovation can intertwine within funeral service.
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https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada
23 min - What Canadians Really Think About Death: Part 2
Part Two is Here.
In this continuation of our Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) 2025 panel discussion led by GFD’s President and CEO Heather Kiteley, featuring Patrick Curry, Becky Steckly, and Ryan McLane. This episode challenges us to understand Canadians' thought processes and their views on death.
Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more.
https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada
24 min - What Canadians Really Think About Death: Part 1
What Canadians think about death and what deathcare professionals assume are not always aligned.
In episode 31 of Digging Deep, President and CEO Heather Kiteley hosts a dynamic panel discussion recorded at the 2025 Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) conference. Panellists Patrick Curry, Rebecca Steckly, and Ryan McLane explore the realities behind consumer attitudes toward death and funeral planning.
This is part one of a two-part conversation series that challenges assumptions and encourages deeper discussion.
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Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more.https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada
24 min - East Meets Central: Comparing Funeral Trends from Ontario to Nova Scotia with Patrick Curry
Is funeral service evolving the same way across Canada?
In episode 30 of Digging Deep, President and CEO Heather Kiteley sits down with Patrick Curry, President of C.L. Curry Funeral Services Ltd. in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to explore how trends differ between Ontario and Nova Scotia. From cremation to personalization expectations, regional nuances matter.
Stay connected!
Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada
25 min - A "Love Letter" to the Funeral Profession
On March 11th, we recognize and celebrate the dedication of funeral professionals across the country on National Funeral Directors Day.
To honour this day, we are releasing a special bonus episode of the Digging Deep podcast, featuring our President and CEO, Heather Kiteley, reading a heartfelt “Love Letter” to the sector.
This message is a tribute to the compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment shown by funeral directors every day as they support families through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Take a moment to listen to this special message of appreciation.
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Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast episode highlights and more. https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada/?viewAsMember=true
8 min - Celebrating the Positive Perception of the Deathcare Sector with Bradd Tuck
It is time to celebrate the impact of the deathcare sector.
In episode 29 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by Bradd Tuck, Executive Director of the British Columbia Funeral Association (BCFA), to discuss the importance of positive perception, advocacy, and professional pride within the sector.
This episode shines a light on the meaningful work being done every day and why it matters.
An inspiring and necessary conversation.
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada/?viewAsMember=true
25 min - Rites of Passage: Funeral Customs in Alberta with Chris Clements
Every community has its own way of honouring life.
In episode 28 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by Chris Clements, Owner of Beaverlodge Funeral Service in Beaverlodge, Alberta, to discuss funeral customs and rites of passage in Alberta.
This episode highlights how tradition, culture, and community shape meaningful service and why understanding regional perspectives matters in deathcare.
A thoughtful and grounded conversation.
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LinkedIn
23 min - Bridging Borders: Trends in North America’s Deathcare Sector with Jayson Gordon
The future of deathcare does not stop at borders.
In episode 27 of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks with Jayson Gordon, President of Service Corporation International Canada, about the trends shaping the deathcare sector across North America.
From evolving consumer needs to sector-wide transformation, the conversation offers a strategic look at where the sector is headed and how professionals can stay ahead.
Insightful. Timely. Essential listening.
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Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more.
GFD of Canada | LinkedIn
22 min - Behind the Profession: A Journey Into Funeral Service with David Root
Behind every profession is a story worth telling.
In episode #26 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by David Root, Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA) Past-President and General Manager at Pierson’s Funeral Service in Calgary, Alberta, for an honest and insightful conversation about a life dedicated to funeral service.
From leadership and legacy to the deep sense of responsibility that comes with serving families, this episode sheds light on the human side of the profession built on compassion, integrity and purpose.
A powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Stay connected!
Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more.
25 min - Uncovering Canadians' Lack of Awareness Around Deathcare Expenses with Daniel Baxter
Did you know many Canadians are unaware of the true cost of deathcare?
In our latest episode of Digging Deep, host President and CEO Heather Kiteley speaks with guest Daniel Baxter, Owner and Funeral Director of Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel in British Columbia, Canada. They explore findings that reveal surprising gaps in awareness and what professionals can do to educate, empower, and prepare families for the financial realities of final arrangements.
A must listen for anyone passionate about advancing the profession through transparency and education.
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GFD of Canada | LinkedIn
25 min
About Digging Deep
From the publisher's feed
The Digging Deep podcast by GFD is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.