Executive-level learning meets Florida-level fun! Meet Danielle and gain insights into what to expect from the upcoming Momentum 2026 event. For more information, please visit: Momentum 2026

Homesteaders Event Announcement

On April 10, Dale Cameron took on the role of Business Development Manager with Doric Products. A seasoned funeral service professional, Dale brings a wealth of knowledge to his position with Doric. Join us as we discuss the future of outer burial containers, what options may be best for a greener approach, and how Doric intends to stay sustainable in a growing cremation market.

Doric Products

In the first of a two-part episode, we meet Kevin Smith, the chief of the Mortuary Affairs Division, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Port Mortuary. He shared his background and insight into how the Dover Port Mortuary operates as well as a few key processes (dignified transfers, wrap techniques based on viewability, and tailoring plastic garments for a fitted look). There are many steps that go into the care provided at Dover, and you can learn about them here. In part two, Kevin will share the evolution of their new mobile embalming unit and more.

From being the face of Return Home to her new role with Parting Stone, Katey brings us up to speed on where she is now. From candid conversations about mental health to sharing her feelings about her presence in "The Life We Leave", we talked about it all. Curious about the Parting Stone process? We covered that too. This is a great interview, well worth your time. *Thank you to our episode sponsor, Starmark.*

About Parting Stone

Connect with Katey on LinkedIn

Starmark Offerings

In this episode, Kari and I discuss her content, her career, her crush, and her latest role with The Champion Company. I also reveal how to become known as an Expert Embalmer. Watch or listen- Enjoy!

Kari (Northey) Ickes has been a licensed funeral director for two decades and has worked in the funeral business for over three decades. She has freelanced at multiple funeral home locations along with being on staff. For over 8 years, Kari has worked educating consumers and those interested in the deathcare business.

2026 Fluid Forum

Kari the Mortician- YouTube

Kari the Mortician website

World Embalming Champion Pin

Melissa Schmidt, managing funeral director of New York's Oyster Bay Funeral Home and established social media content creator, explains the new AI platform, Impart. She was instrumental in its creation and describes how Impart can be a much-needed tool for funeral service practitioners everywhere. Additionally, Melissa describes how she balances living life while being on call, her views on funeral industry legislation that's under consideration in her state, and more.

Impart General Link

Impart_Leadership Link

Funeral Babe Tiktok Link

Funeral Babe Instagram

Funeral Babe Linktree

Licensed funeral director Mandy Stafford discusses her shift from casketed ground burials to ecological options and her new role with Return Home.

Click here for complete show notes.

https://www.kates-boylston.com/beyond-the-casket-why-one-funeral-director-switched-to-human-composting/article_772882af-6649-4820-81da-03aa2af5aba9.html

Bathroom discrimination, NOR in Brooklyn, a pro-green disposition doc, and more in this week's episode.

Click here for complete show notes.

This week we consider Ontario's unclaimed remains, Medicaid funeral spending, human composting in Maine/Utah, and Oklahoma's casket sales lawsuit.

Click here for complete show notes.

Rick Dilts of Dakota Granite discusses the "Mausolarium," the 60% cremation rate, and how cemeteries can simplify the private mausoleum sales process.

Click here for complete show notes:

https://www.kates-boylston.com/engineering-eternity-rick-dilts-on-modern-design-in-stone-memorials/article_3f6822cc-6fa4-44ff-88a5-3a705a37c562.html