The Direct Cremation Podcast

Courtney spills real-world strategies that helped her:
📈 How tech + empathy create faster trust and fewer callbacks
🌟 Build a brand that families loved (55+ 5-star reviews)
💸 Keep ROAS in check while marketing cremations
💡 Real reason to sold Lumen Cremation (and what she’d do again)

Whether you’re looking to streamline online cremation services, improve your funeral planning software, or explore innovative funeral home ideas, this one’s a must-watch. 👀

Learn how top-performing funeral homes are using cremation software to grow smarter—not just bigger! 💡

#funeralsoftware #cremationsoftware #onlinefuneralarrangements #funeraltech #funeralhome

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro
(01:02) Welcome Courtney!
(01:46) Courtney's Career Journey
(05:21) Founding Lumen Cremation
(10:26) Efficiency in Direct Cremation Business
(13:27) Learnings from Serving the Public
(17:48) Leveraging Referral Sources and Free Resources
(19:27) Decision to Sell the Business
(22:53) Considerations for Business Acquisition
(27:46) Challenges in Starting a New Cremation Brand
(30:57) Transition to Tribute and Expansion of Services
(35:00) Transition from Family Business to Large Scale Operation
(35:28) Importance of Understanding Customer Needs and Mindset
(40:51) Partnership with Parting Pro
(45:27) What Death Care Looks Like in 10 Years
(48:28) Trends and Challenges in the Death Care Industry
(52:42) Where to Find Courtney

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

#FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #FuneralTech #AIinFuneralHomes #CremationServices #FuneralMarketing #OnlineCremation #FuneralDirectors #ArtificialIntelligence AI #PartingPro #FuneralManagement #DigitalFuneralPlanning #FuneralDirectorSoftware #DeathCareTech #OnlineFuneralArrangements #FuneralAutomation #MortuaryManagement #CloudFuneralSoftware #FuneralCRM #DigitalDeathCare #FuneralServiceTech #CemeteryManagement #FuneralWorkflow #MemorialPlanning #EndOfLifeTech

The funeral industry continues to evolve, and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving much of this transformation. In this episode of The Direct Cremation Podcast, CEO Tyler Yamasaki spoke with tech expert Will Chang about how AI is changing funeral home software, cremation software, and online funeral arrangements. Their discussion explored practical ways AI enhances efficiency, improves customer experience, and strengthens marketing cremations.

What you’ll learn:
✅ How AI can write obituaries in seconds (and make them personal!)
✅ The secret to using ChatGPT for funeral home marketing & websites
✅ How AI-generated funeral home images can enhance your branding
✅ Why funeral directors should embrace AI (instead of fearing it!)

Whether you run a funeral home, crematory, or offer online cremation services, this episode is packed with insights on how AI can save time, increase efficiency, and even improve customer service.

👉 Don’t miss out—watch now!
📌 Like & Subscribe for more insider funeral tech tips!
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro
(00:40) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:42) Welcome Will Chang!
(01:55) Introduction to AI platforms
(03:26) Demonstration of ChatGPT
(03:51) ChatGPT vs Google
(04:27) Writing an obituary using ChatGPT
(15:01) Using AI to enhance creativity
(15:54) Applying different frameworks
(20:51) Using AI to mimic different writing styles
(24:01) Generating marketing content with AI
(38:59) Creating images with AI
(42:03) Exploring other features of ChatGPT
(46:05) Where to contact Will

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For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://www.partingpro.com

What if your final farewell could help the planet thrive? 🌍

In this episode, we sit down with Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home, to explore how Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)—also known as human composting—redefines death care.

Micah shares:

✔️ How NOR turns human remains into nutrient-rich soil in just two months
✔️ The emotional and environmental impact of this groundbreaking process
✔️ Stories of families creating meaningful tributes with NOR
✔️ The challenges and triumphs of introducing a brand-new disposition option

Whether you're curious about sustainable alternatives to cremation or looking for innovative ideas in the funeral industry, this episode will leave you inspired!

Watch the full episode now to learn how NOR is changing the game. 🔥

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights on the future of death care! 🎙️

#FuneralArrangements #EcoFriendlyLiving #DeathCareRevolution #PodcastAlert #HumanComposting #ReturnHome #TheDirectCremationPodcast #funeralhomesoftware

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro
(00:48) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast!
(01:01) Welcome Micah Truman
(01:37) Micah's Background
(04:41) Inception of Return Home
(06:31) Process of Terramation
(08:39) Breaking Down the Bones
(09:02) Ingredients for Terramation
(09:43) Speed of the Process
(10:35) Soil Generation
(11:23) Use of the Soil
(12:24) Return Home Business Model
(13:10) Pricing of Terramation
(14:26) Return Home Licensing
(14:53) Process at Return Home
(16:08) Shipping Process and Legalities
(16:29) Customer Segmentation
(18:53) Discussion on Process Speed
(21:53) Challenges and Economics of the Business
(24:00) Memorialization Services and Packages
(28:28) Operations at Return Home
(29:31) Pre-need Sales
(30:48) Legalities and State Regulations
(32:08) Religious Perspectives on Terramation
(35:44) Future Plans for Return Home
(37:24) Current Capacity of Return Home
(38:12) Odor Management in Terramation
(39:49) Waste Management in Terramation
(41:10) Business Model and Scale of Terramation
(44:41) Regulations and Materials in Terramation
(45:38) Potential Challenges for Smaller Proprietors
(47:28) Future Expansion of Return Home
(48:47) Apprehension and Confidence in Terramation
(50:18) Local vs Non-Local Business
(52:27) Expectations for the Next Decade
(54:43) Learning from Initial Mistakes
(58:06) Invitation to TerraCon

__

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://www.partingpro.com

What does soup ladle, windy ash-scattering, and funeral home management software have in common? 🥄💨

They’re all part of this can’t-miss episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast!

Join Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, and Caroline Andre, our merchandising expert, as they share hilarious stories and expert insights into growing your funeral home business with:

✅ The right tools for meaningful cremation arrangements (no more ladle moments!).
✅ Strategies to optimize your funeral arrangement software and online stores.
✅ How to price urns and keepsakes to compete with Amazon, Etsy, and more.
✅ Why Gen Z and Millennials value eco-friendly and discreet cremation merchandise
✅ Proven tips to maximize revenue with funeral service software and e-commerce.

(00:00) Intro
(00:55) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:11) Welcome back, Caroline Andree!
(02:03) Personal story: John C. Bailey
(02:55) Memorial service and scattering experience
(05:33) Top reasons why funeral home sales fail online
(06:07) Families need guidance
(08:25) The merchandise is overpriced
(12:47) Merchandise is not varied enough
(19:00) Analyzing pricing and tracking trends
(21:25) Case study: Leaf Cremation
(22:34) Have your merchandise tell a story
(23:52) Understand the standard
(24:54) Case study: Gulf to Bay Cremation
(26:18) Conclusion
(32:21) How to reach Caroline

Whether you’re looking to improve your online funeral arrangements, boost sales with the best funeral home software, or simply enjoy a laugh, this episode delivers value from start to finish.

🎧 Watch now, and learn how to enhance your services and grow your revenue with insights into cremation software, funeral tech, and more!

#FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #CremationWebsite #FuneralPlanningSoftware #CrematorySoftware #OnlineCremations #FuneralManagementSystem #FuneralTech

Douglas Klein, the founder of Chicagoland Cremation Options, transformed a career setback into an opportunity to build one of the most innovative cremation brands in the industry.

In a candid conversation on the Direct Cremation Podcast, hosted by Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, Douglas shared his journey, strategies for success, and predictions for the future of funeral services. His insights offer a roadmap for funeral directors aiming to grow their businesses while embracing the changing needs of families.

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:10) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:25) Welcome Douglas Klein!
(02:24) Douglas' entry into deathcare
(06:34) Challenges of running a business
(08:11) Establishing Chicagoland Cremation Options
(09:29) Growing the business
(10:02) Key strategies for growth
(10:49) Marketing and customer engagement
(13:01) Importance of personal presence
(13:34) Communicating with clients
(16:25) Impact of the pandemic on business
(18:13) Growth mindset and responsible expansion
(21:31) Handling different client requests
(23:01) The importance of personal engagement
(26:51) Understanding call conversion and cost per case
(32:41) The role of competition in the market
(33:14) Predictions for the future of deathcare
(37:57) The impact of third-party merchandising
(40:55) The impact of third-party vendors
(42:48) Changing attitudes towards death
(45:58) Future plans for Chicagoland
(48:30) Avoiding burnout in the deathcare industry
(50:55) What deathcare will look like in 10 years
(54:59) Impact of the pandemic on society
(55:48) Comparing deathcare practices across cultures

A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential for any business—especially for funeral homes, where families often search for services during critical times. In the most recent Direct Cremation Podcast episode, Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, discussed Google’s Local Service Ads with co-founder Albert Chang. They explain how Local Service Ads can help funeral homes capture leads and reach local families more effectively. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone managing a funeral home, cremation website, or cemetery.

Get your own step-by-step guide to set up Local Service Ads yourself here:
https://learn.partingpro.com/google-local-ads-for-funeral-home

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:44) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:32) What Albert Will Share with Us Today
(02:44) Explanation of Local Service Ads
(03:49) Benefits of Local Service Ads
(04:53) Comparison between Local Service Ads and Search Ads
(05:35) Advantages of Local Service Ads
(06:05) Costing of Local Service Ads
(08:28) Disputing Phone Calls
(09:34) Importance of Local Search Ads
(10:38) Reasons to run Search Ads
(12:21) Process of Getting Screened for Local Search Ads
(15:30) Running Full Service Ads
(16:05) Importance of Business Page Information
(16:38) Understanding and Managing Local Service Ads

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

In this episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast, host Tyler Yamasaki sits down with Christopher Teel, a first-generation funeral director who has built multiple thriving businesses in death care. Discover how Teel went from pursuing law to owning multiple funeral brands, including a high-volume cremation service and a traditional funeral home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

🔥 Listen in as we explore:
• Teel’s unexpected journey into death care
• The rise of cremation rates and how funeral homes can adapt
• The power of sales in the arrangement room and why it’s essential for funeral success
• Strategies to maintain a personal touch, even in online arrangements
• Predictions for the future of the funeral industry

Whether you're a funeral professional or just curious about the evolving world of death care, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on more industry insights!

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:56) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:33) Welcome Christopher Teel!
(01:56) Christoper’s journey
(04:53) Salesmanship in a funeral home
(10:28) Christopher's cremation brand: Rivercrest
(16:44) What makes Christopher a good salesperson
(18:00) Meeting every family where they are
(22:25) The crossover between Christopher's two brands
(24:14) Do you mix and mingle staff?
(24:56) What drives Christopher?
(26:46) How Christoper sees the market for his cremation and traditional funeral home brand
(30:10) How important is the 1st call etiquette?
(32:08) Is Rivercrest the most affordable in its area?
(35:56) What's next for Rivercrest Cremation?
(37:44) How Christopher sees the future of deathcare
(40:17) Christopher's celebration/event center
(44:57) What Christopher thinks deathcare will look like in 10 years

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Smith, a third-generation funeral director and the visionary behind Smith Family Funeral Homes and Arkansas Cremation. Jeff’s journey is nothing short of remarkable—he has more than 10X’d his family’s business in Central Arkansas, built both traditional and cremation-focused funeral homes, and created a small death care empire.

With 10 years of NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence awards, his company is set to be inducted into the NFDA’s “Hall of Excellence” for their consistent achievement - a true testament to their dedication and impact in the industry.

Join us as we delve into Jeff's entrepreneurial spirit, the secrets to scaling multiple businesses, and his unique approach to funeral service. This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss!

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:06) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(02:03) Welcome Jeff Smith!
(02:41) Jeff's deathcare journey
(08:17) Jeff purchasing multiple funeral homes
(15:21) The consistency across Jeff's funeral homes
(21:20) Characteristics to look for when acquiring new funeral homes
(23:32) The thought process behind operating Arkansas Cremation
(32:56) Different levels/packages of direct cremation
(37:19) People becoming less traditional
(39:01) Jeff having multiple acquisitions in 2020-2021
(44:50) Jeff's pre-need life insurance company
(49:04) What's next for Jeff?
(50:01) The story behind the name "Cyrus"
(51:31) What's next for Cyrus Works?
(53:26) Post-covid consumer trends
(56:54) What Jeff thinks deathcare will look like in 10 years?
(01:04:37) Where to find Jeff Smith

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

Want a forecast of your service area or audit of your current Google Campaign? Get it here: https://partingpro.com/marketing-services

Online marketing might seem easy to set up, but getting it right is another story.

In this episode, my co-founder Albert Chang walks you through the top 10 mistakes that could be draining your ad budget.

It’s not just about following the basics or letting Google handle everything—there are seasoned competitors out there who will grab the attention of your families if your marketing isn’t on point.

Let’s make sure your marketing dollars are working hard for you, not going to waste.

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:30) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:04) Welcome Albert Chang!
(01:47) What it takes to be really good at digital marketing
(03:37) Top 10 mistakes funeral homes make with their digital marketing
(04:04) #1 Neglecting Negative Keywords
(08:35) #2 Poor Ad Copy
(12:22) #3 Ignoring Ad Extensions
(15:17) #4 Unoptimized Landing Pages
(18:20) #5 Improper Bidding Strategy
(20:38) #6 Lack of Conversion Tracking/ Tracking “Wrong” Conversions
(24:57) #7 Inconsistent Budget Management
(27:34) #8 Skipping Ad Scheduling
(30:28) #9 Lack of Audience Targeting
(32:07) #10 Lack of Keywords Grouping / “Wrong” Keywords Grouping
(34:05) Bonus #11 Not Setting Up Google Business Profiles

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

From humble beginnings in the death care industry nearly 30 years ago, Troy Kaltenberg's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting at Service Corporation International, he cut his teeth in the world of pre-need sales. Fast forward to today, and Troy has built a thriving cremation brand, Grand Rapids Cremation Services, serving thousands of families and earning rave reviews along the way.

In this episode, we dive into the story of this first-generation funeral director who, in just five years, turned his vision into a powerhouse business. Whether you're dreaming of launching your own brand or just curious about what it takes to succeed in this industry, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:53) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:46) Troy's Background
(03:02) Troy took a decade away from deathcare
(05:07) What led Troy to start his own business
(10:20) How did Troy grow so quickly?
(13:39) How to maintain good reviews?
(15:46) How much of Troy's business is in-house vs. using 3rd party
(18:13) Does Troy still see a lot of families now?
(22:27) What's the most important for Troy?
(27:39) Where does Troy see his business going?
(35:34) Any big plans or changes coming to Troy's business?
(36:32) Troy's staff
(38:20) What Troy thinks deathcare will look like in 10 years

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com