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.

In this conversation, Curtis Funk interviews Christine Pepper, exploring her journey from her childhood in Germany to her impactful career at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). They discuss her early life, the challenges of immigration, her education, and the evolution of her career in the funeral service industry. Christine shares insights into the operations of associations, the importance of advocacy, and the complexities of state laws affecting funeral services. In this conversation, Christine Pepper discusses the importance of ethical standards and licensing for funeral directors, the evolution of governance within the NFDA, and the association's response to national tragedies such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. She highlights the role of membership in shaping governance and the need for effective communication of NFDA's resources to the public, especially during crises like COVID-19. In this conversation, Christine Pepper discusses the significant impact of positive public relations in the funeral service industry, highlighting recent successes in media coverage. She emphasizes the importance of understanding generational shifts, particularly with Gen Z's changing perspectives on funeral services. The discussion also covers the dynamics of NFDA membership, the challenges faced by the association, and the evolving landscape of funeral services post-COVID. Christine shares personal insights about her hobbies and family, providing a glimpse into her life beyond her professional role.

In this episode of PodCasket, Curtis Funk sits down with Jimmy Lucas—funeral director, family man, and all-around great storyteller—for a candid conversation that spans everything from funeral home beginnings and generational legacy to cattle ranching, scuba diving, and even amateur beekeeping.

They dive into the Lucas family's 165-year history in funeral service, the challenges of balancing business growth with personal values, and why running a funeral home is a lot like being a Lego-loving, emotionally intelligent problem solver. You'll also hear about Jimmy’s time in Child Protective Services, the story behind his famous Zippy Lucas chapel, and why grounding barefoot at sunset might just be the reset you didn’t know you needed.

It’s real talk about life, loss, and laughing through it all—plus a few unexpected stories (rattlesnakes, cold plunges, and first-grade do-overs included). Whether you're in deathcare or just love a good story, this one’s worth a listen.

 In this episode of PodCasket, Curtis Funk sits down with Buddy Phaneuf, a funeral industry leader known for pushing boundaries in deathcare. From revolutionizing online cremation arrangements to integrating AI and chatbots, Buddy shares his insights on how technology and business strategy have transformed funeral service. He discusses his journey from Deloitte Consulting to funeral home ownership, his unique approach to staffing and scaling, and how his nonprofit, the Phaneuf Family Foundation, supports indigent families. Tune in for a deep dive into innovation, efficiency, and the future of the profession. 

In this episode, Curtis Funk sits down with Kris Seale, a leader in the funeral profession with nearly 40 years of experience. Kris shares his journey from growing up in a funeral home to transforming Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company (FDLIC) into an industry powerhouse. He opens up about the challenges of leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, the evolution of death care, and how funeral homes can adapt to changing consumer expectations. Plus, hear how his passion for leadership and youth sports has shaped his approach to business and community service. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of funeral service.