Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised

Episode 19: Jamie Locke – Funeral Etiquette, Expectations & The Stories You Never Hear

What should you wear to a funeral? Is there really a "right" way to behave? And what are some of the funniest, strangest, or most memorable requests funeral directors have ever received?

In Episode 19 of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, we're joined by funeral director Jamie Locke. Since Rod works alongside Jamie at the funeral home, we thought it was time to pull back the curtain on a profession that most people only see during one of the hardest days of their lives.

Jamie helps us separate fact from fiction when it comes to funeral etiquette. We talk about what families really appreciate, what guests often worry about unnecessarily, and why showing up is usually far more important than saying the perfect thing. Of course, no conversation with funeral directors would be complete without sharing a few of the funny, unexpected, and unforgettable moments that happen behind the scenes.

It's a conversation that's informative, heartfelt... and probably a lot funnier than you'd expect.

In this episode you'll hear:

• What you should (and shouldn't) wear to a funeral
• Common questions about funeral etiquette and behavior
• Why your presence matters more than finding the perfect words
• Funny and unusual requests funeral directors have actually received
• Behind-the-scenes stories from life inside a funeral home
• Why laughter often has a place, even during life's hardest moments

If this episode makes you laugh, teaches you something new, or helps make an uncomfortable topic a little less intimidating, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who appreciates honest conversations with a little humor mixed in.

Music Credits

Music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 18: Conversational Goulash – When Plans Go Sideways

What do you do when your guest texts to say they're stuck in Twin Cities traffic and won't make the interview?

Well... we guess we make goulash.

In Episode 18 of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, our carefully planned interview turned into something completely unplanned. Instead of a guest, it's just Rod and Chris serving up what we affectionately call Conversational Goulash—a little bit of everything mixed together.

We dive into gratitude and why it can be so difficult after loss. We talk about the "year of firsts" that so many people expect after grief... and why the "year of lasts" can catch you completely off guard. Along the way, we share stories, laugh at ourselves, chase a few rabbit trails, and somehow manage to make it all fit together.

Sometimes the best conversations aren't planned at all.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How a traffic jam turned into an unexpected episode
• Why gratitude isn't always easy—but still matters
• The emotional weight of the "year of firsts"
• Why the "year of lasts" can be even more surprising
• A few completely unplanned detours (because that's how conversations work)
• Proof that sometimes the best episodes come from making it up as you go

If this episode makes you laugh, think, or nod your head in agreement, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who appreciates honest conversations—even when they don't go according to plan.

Music Credits

Music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 17: Scott Schell – Loss, Faith, and Answering the Call

Sometimes life leads you down a path you never expected. In Episode 17 of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, we're joined by Scott Schell, whose journey took him from the business world to the pulpit. But long before becoming a pastor, Scott experienced heartbreaking loss as several of his close friends died during the AIDS epidemic—a time when fear, misunderstanding, and stigma often left people grieving in silence.

Scott shares how those losses shaped his faith, changed his perspective on compassion, and ultimately influenced his decision to answer God's call into ministry. We talk about grief, purpose, friendship, and what it means to simply be present for people when life falls apart.

This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and full of hope. Whether you've experienced loss yourself, wrestled with questions of faith, or wondered how difficult seasons can lead to unexpected purpose, Scott's story offers encouragement and perspective.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How Scott's career shifted from business to ministry
• What it was like losing several close friends during the AIDS epidemic
• How grief and loss strengthened his compassion for others
• The role faith played in navigating life's hardest moments
• Why simply showing up for someone can make all the difference
• How purpose can emerge from seasons of heartbreak

If this conversation resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that hope can still be found—even after tremendous loss.

Music Credits Music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 16: Trey Sandvig – When Home Isn't Safe

Home should be the safest place in the world. For far too many people, it isn't.

In Episode 15 of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, we're joined by Trey Sandvig, a Domestic Assault Advocate with ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support). Trey shares what it's really like to help survivors of domestic violence find safety, navigate the legal system, and take the first difficult steps toward a new beginning.

Leaving an abusive relationship isn't as simple as walking out the door. Fear, finances, children, housing, and countless other obstacles can make escaping feel impossible. Trey helps us understand those challenges while explaining how ACCESS provides advocacy, emergency shelter, crisis support, and hope for people who need it most.

This conversation is compassionate, eye-opening, and incredibly important. Whether you know someone who may be in an abusive relationship, work with people in crisis, or simply want to better understand what survivors face, this episode has the power to change how you see domestic violence.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Why leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time
• What a Domestic Assault Advocate does every day
• How ACCESS helps survivors find safety, shelter, and support
• What to expect when working through the court system
• How friends and family can recognize warning signs and offer meaningful support
• Why no one should have to face abuse alone

If you or someone you know needs help, ACCESS is available 24 hours a day.

Sexual Abuse Crisis Line: 1.800.203.3488
Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1.855.983.4641
Shelter Services Crisis Line: 1.855.696.2980

If this conversation resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode. You never know who may need these resources—or who may become the person someone turns to for help.

Music Credits

Music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 15: Conrae Huinker - Walking Both Sides of Hospice What is hospice really like?Hospice nurse Conrae Huinker has spent years walking alongside patients and families during life's most difficult moments. She thought she understood grief—until her own husband was diagnosed with ALS.In this episode of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, Conrae shares moving stories from her career in hospice, dispels some of the biggest myths about hospice care, and reflects on what it was like when she became the caregiver instead of the nurse.We talk about the realities of ALS, the challenges of caring for someone you love, the lessons grief teaches us, and why laughter still has a place—even in the hardest seasons of life.Whether you've experienced loss, are caring for a loved one, work in healthcare, or simply want to understand hospice a little better, this is a conversation you won't soon forget.In this episode:• What hospice nurses wish everyone understood• Common misconceptions about hospice care• Caring for a spouse living with ALS• Experiencing grief from both sides of the bedside• Finding hope, purpose, and even humor after profound lossRod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised features real conversations about grief, caregiving, resilience, and finding a way forward after life knocks you flat. No experts. No perfect answers. Just honest conversations from people who've lived it.New episodes premiere first on Boomer X Radio Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM (Central) before becoming available wherever you listen to podcasts.Music CreditsMusic: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 14: Sybil Soukup – The Healing Power of Pets

They greet us with wagging tails, unconditional love, and somehow always seem to know exactly when we need them most.

In Episode 14 of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, we're joined by Sybil Soukup, Executive Director of the Humane Society of North Iowa, for a heartfelt conversation about the unique bond between people and their pets.

Together, we explore how pets can help us navigate grief, why losing a beloved animal can be just as heartbreaking as any other loss, and even how animals themselves experience grief. It's a thoughtful, touching conversation filled with stories, laughter, and a reminder that healing sometimes comes with four legs and a wet nose.

Whether you've loved and lost a pet, are grieving someone special, or simply understand the comfort an animal can bring, this episode is sure to resonate.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How pets help us through grief and loss
• Why grieving a pet is real and valid
• Do animals grieve? What we've learned
• The incredible human-animal bond
• Stories that will make you smile—and maybe reach over to pet your dog or cat

Welcome to the club nobody asked to join.

If this episode touched your heart, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow animal lover or someone who could use a little hope—and maybe a smile.

Music Credits

Music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Trailer: Welcome to Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised

Life doesn't come with a manual... and we're definitely not qualified to write one.

Welcome to Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised—the podcast where real people have honest conversations about grief, caregiving, resilience, and finding a way to keep moving forward after life knocks you flat.

We're not therapists. We're not life coaches. We're just two guys who've been through some hard stuff, inviting incredible guests to share their stories, their struggles, and sometimes the laughter that somehow survives even the darkest days.

If you've ever cared for someone you love, lost someone you couldn't imagine living without, or found yourself wondering, "Now what?"—you're in the right place.

This trailer gives you a taste of what's ahead. Honest conversations. Questionable humor. Inspiring guests. And proof that even after life's hardest moments, it's still okay to laugh.

New episodes premiere first on Boomer X Radio every Monday and Wednesday at 7:00 PM (Central) before becoming available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music CreditsMusic: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 13: Madaline Barnes – We Did It Again... We Accidentally Booked Another Expert

It's happening more often than we'd like to admit... another guest who's actually qualified and supervised.

In Episode 13 of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, therapist and neuroscientist Madaline Barnes joins us for a fascinating conversation about grief, mental health, and how our brains respond to loss. With a career path that began in statistics before leading her into therapy and grief counseling, Madaline brings a unique perspective that's both practical and deeply compassionate.

We talk about helping adolescents navigate grief, why everyone experiences loss differently, and how to recognize when grief may be developing into depression. It's an honest, approachable conversation that helps make sense of one of life's most confusing experiences.

Don't worry... Rod and Chris still manage to keep things from sounding like a college lecture.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Why grief looks different for everyone
• Helping adolescents process loss in healthy ways
• The difference between grief and depression
• What neuroscience can teach us about healing
• Practical insights for anyone supporting a grieving loved one

Welcome to the club nobody asked to join.

If this episode helps you better understand grief, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

Music Credits

Music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Why grief looks different for everyone

• Helping adolescents process loss in healthy ways
• The difference between grief and depression
• What neuroscience can teach us about healing
• Practical insights for anyone supporting a grieving loved one

Welcome to the club nobody asked to join.If this episode helps you better understand grief, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.Music CreditsMusic: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

New here? Start with this 30-second trailer!

Life doesn't come with a manual... and we're definitely not qualified to write one.

Get a quick taste of what Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised is all about: honest conversations, unexpected laughs, inspiring guests, and real stories about grief, caregiving, resilience, and finding a way to keep moving forward after life knocks you flat.

If you've ever felt like you joined the club nobody wanted to join, pull up a chair. We don't have all the answers—but we'll laugh, cry, and figure it out together.

Intro music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 12: Kim Weaver – Finding Comfort Beyond the Conversation

Some conversations ask more questions than they answer... and that's okay.

In Episode 12 of Rod & Chris: Unqualified and Unsupervised, we're joined by Kim Weaver for a fascinating and heartfelt discussion about grief, healing, faith, and the many ways people search for peace after losing someone they love.

Kim shares her personal journey of discovering what she believes is a unique gift, learning how to develop it, and using it in her work as an evidentiary medium to help others find comfort and connection after loss. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this episode invites an open, respectful conversation about hope, healing, and the deeply personal ways people process grief.

As always, Rod and Chris ask the questions many of us are thinking—and a few we probably shouldn't.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Kim's journey of discovering and developing her gift
• What an evidentiary medium is and how Kim approaches her work
• Different paths people take toward healing after loss
• Conversations about faith, hope, and finding peace
• Why it's okay to ask difficult questions

Welcome to the club nobody asked to join.

If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who could use a little hope—and maybe a laugh.

Music Credits

Music: "Sergio's Magic Dustbin" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/