Brian Waters is a licensed Indiana Funeral Director and also the co-host of the podcast, Undertaking, where he shares stories about his profession and how we navigate life and death. Brian shares his grief story and gives perspective on what it's like working as a funeral director, and how he helps people navigate their pain during their most vulnerable times.

Key Takeaways:

• Funeral directors build up a wall and detach themselves emotionally from the outcome.
• Brian shares his personal grief story.
• What do you do when you lose a child? Despite Brian being in this industry, he needed to find meaning.
• Brian's grief snuck up on him. People assume he has all the answers, but everyone reacts differently.
• When you share your story, people feel comfortable sharing theirs. Brian found out his best friend lost 4-5 children via miscarriage. It helps you feel not so alone.
• Brian was worried he was developing a problem with alcohol as a way to mask his grief.
• The most helpful people were those who just sat and listened to your pain and grief.
• Brian felt like he didn't have any time to bring his personal feelings to work.
• The passing of his child really reset him as a funeral director.
• What is Brian's podcast about?
• Have a conversation with your family members about what you want after you pass.
• What keeps Brian up at night?
• You have the power of choice on how you want your loved ones to be represented after they pass.
• Brian shares some common red flags with funeral directors. You want your director to be your advocate.
• Goodbyes are important.

Resources:

Undertakingthepodcast.com