Podcast

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf explores the value of mentorship in the funeral profession. Joined by Lauren Budrow, a licensed funeral director and mortuary science educator, and Calvin Amato, a funeral trainee and soon-to-be graduate, the discussion addresses the true meaning of mentorship, its long-term effects on professionals and families, and how both seasoned and aspiring funeral directors can develop meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. Also, check out the April issue of The Director for a deeper dive into mentorship and more contributions from Lauren and Calvin. This episode is sponsored by Tribute Technology

On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this episode, host Gabe Schauf, is joined by Sabena Nanji, founder of FIOH, to learn how funeral directors can use it to simplify the planning process and have more time to focus on what truly matters: supporting families during life’s most delicate moments.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf chats with Kelly Monroe, Funeral Instructor (and Gabe's co-worker) with the Milwaukee Area Technical College Funeral Service Program, and Dr. Damon de la Cruz, Director of Education with the Frigid Fluid Company, about funeral apprenticeships. Topics include the expectations and responsibilities of both the trainer and trainee, as well as how to make the most of the experience. They discuss common challenges, share valuable insights, and offer practical advice to help both mentors and apprentices succeed in the field.

On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this episode host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by Tony Miller to discuss how funeral homes are using AP Lazer's products in-house to provide families with more opportunities for personalization.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf chats with 10 funeral directors and embalmers from around the country to share practical tips and techniques for taking embalming room work to the next level. They’ll cover everything from improving preservation to fine-tuning restoration work, with advice you can use immediately. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this episode has something for everyone.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Leili McMurrough, a licensed funeral director and President of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, to share her experiences and insights from the profession. Leili is the recipient of the 2024 NFDA Inspiration Award, sponsored by NGL, which honors an exceptional woman who has made significant contributions to funeral service. This episode is sponsored by NGL.

Host, Gabe Schauf, sits down with funeral director, speaker, and entrepreneur, Regan Moreland to hear about her journey into funeral service and what drives her to be a “lifelong learner.”

Happy Veterans Day to all of our military personnel. We are deeply grateful for your service and sacrifice, and we will forever be thankful for your role in keeping our country free. In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Jennifer Heiselman, Navy Chief Mortician (Retired), who served our country as a Navy Embalmer and Funeral Director.

Have you ever heard something go bump in the night while working at the funeral home? Did you ever have an eerie experience you just couldn’t explain? Do you sometimes wonder if you “not alone”? Regardless of how you may feel about the paranormal, everyone loves a good ghost story. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf sits down with Duane Hills, Todd Harra, Ben Schmidt, and Jason Engler to hear a couple of spooky mortuary tales.

On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, talks with Welton Hong, founder of Ring Ring Marketing, about what the future of the profession looks like in terms of overall call volume, and what funeral homes can do to prepare.