PodCasket

In this episode of PodCasket, we sit down with John Heald, a veteran of the death care profession whose career spans from running a startup funeral home with his twin brother to leading corporate development at Parklawn. John shares his fascinating journey into the profession, highlighting his early transition from the finance world, his pivotal role in founding Tributes.com, and his decade-long tenure navigating the intersection of technology and funeral service at legacy.com. 

The conversation dives deep into the rapidly changing landscape of the funeral industry, addressing the rise of direct cremation, the pressing need for pricing transparency, and how modern technology is shifting consumer habits away from traditional storefronts. Drawing from his current role in acquisitions, John unpacks exactly what funeral home owners need to consider in today's market, candidly explaining what life actually looks like on "day one" after selling a legacy family business. 

Beyond business insights, John shares personal anecdotes, including a harrowing near-death snowmobile crash in Utah and the daily reality of being mistaken for his twin brother at industry events. Whether you are an independent operator evaluating your market value or simply interested in the future of death care, this episode offers a grounded, optimistic look at where the profession is heading.

In this episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk sits down with Chris Johnson, co-founder of Sepio Guard. From playing Division 1 collegiate baseball at BYU and facing future Major League stars to unexpectedly discovering the funeral profession, Chris shares his unique journey and the core principles that shaped his career. 

Chris talks about his baseball days, navigating adversity, and how sports taught him resilience that carries into his business today. He shares how an unexpected career shift into pre-need insurance, alongside working directly with Forest Lawn, led Chris and his partner Bryce Beach to identify major gaps in the industry. 

The episode covers the story behind launching Sepio Guard, navigating the challenges of starting right before the pandemic, and building an authentic brand. Chris also breaks down why continuous coaching, rigorous training, and putting people before profits lead to long-term success, plus he shares the real story behind their viral, fan-favorite Sepio socks.

Curtis sits down with Nadira Baddeliyanage, Executive Director of the ICCFA, to explore her journey from Sri Lanka to leading the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association. She shares how a temporary role grew into a 30-year career, along with insight into ICCFA’s work in advocacy, education, and supporting funeral professionals. Alongside her professional journey, Nadira opens up about her personal experiences with grief and loss, offering a powerful perspective on why the work of funeral service continues to matter so deeply. 

Curtis sits down with Cameron Black, Chief Preneed Distribution Officer at NGL, to talk about the path that led him into the funeral profession and the experiences that shaped his career. Cameron shares stories from growing up in a family that moved frequently, his love for sports and golf—including a stint competing in long-drive competitions—and how an unexpected connection eventually introduced him to the preneed side of funeral service. From driving 90 miles a day to meet with families early in his career to helping lead one of the industry’s major insurance carriers today, Cameron reflects on the relationships, lessons, and moments that defined his journey. The conversation also turns personal as he shares how losing his father reinforced the meaning behind the work funeral professionals do and why helping families plan and remember continues to matter so deeply. 

 In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Welton Hong, the founder of Ring Ring Marketing, to dive into his fascinating career path, from his early days in tech with Intel, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle to becoming a leading expert in digital marketing for funeral homes. Welton shares insights into the evolution of online marketing, the growing role of AI, and how funeral homes can adapt to new technologies to stay ahead. Learn about his experiences at NFDA, his passion for helping small businesses, and his unique perspective on the funeral industry. Plus, discover what drives him, both in business and at the dinner table. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s top minds.

This episode features a conversation between Curtis Funk and David McComb on the evolving funeral service profession. They reflect on lessons learned from business challenges, the importance of ceremony in honoring life, and how cultural shifts, like widely viewed memorials, shape public perception. McComb also shares insights on the value of meaningful rituals, the role of critical feedback in improving funeral homes, and the personal importance of travel, humility, and adaptability in both life and business.

 Join Curtis for a candid conversation with Bob Gordon—CEO of Cypress Lawn and ICCFA board president—on growing up on a 100-acre cemetery, building a purpose-driven culture, creative community tours, the nonprofit advantage, recruiting the next gen, and nurturing digital relationships with families. Plus a few surf stories and e-MTB resets along the way. 

In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Jamie Meredith, a long-time leader in funeral service and insurance funding. Jamie shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana to building a company that has funded over one million funerals and provided $6.4 billion to the profession. He reflects on family, leadership, and the popular “Meredith & Sons Motivation Monday” series with his four boys. The conversation highlights resilience, faith, and the impact of bringing innovation and heart into funeral service.

In this episode, Curtis Funk talks with Lisa Baue a funeral director, coach, and founder of Funeral Women Lead. Lisa shares how her early experiences in a family-run funeral home led to a career of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for women in deathcare.

Curtis and Lisa discuss the rise of women in funeral service, challenges like burnout and lack of advancement, and how her new organization and podcast, Four Women and a Funeral, aim to support the next generation. Lisa also previews her upcoming book Wake Up Calls, a mix of memoir and guide for aspiring leaders.

Learn more at funeralwomenlead.org.

In this conversation, Curtis Funk and Thomas Parmalee discuss the complexities of life, loss, and the evolving landscape of the death care industry. They explore Thomas's journey from journalism to his current roles in Funeral Vision and Ring Ring Marketing, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes in consumer behavior and the role of technology in funeral services. The discussion also touches on the significance of networking, professional development, and the future trends in death care, including private equity involvement and the need for personal touches in services.