Podcast

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Derrick Husmann and Jake Johnson of Johnson Consulting Group, for part two of the "Funeral Rescue" series. Rather than offering quick fixes, the conversation highlights realistic steps funeral homes can take to strengthen their foundation, support their staff, and better serve their communities. This episode continues the thoughtful, candid look at what modern funeral home leadership requires, and how meaningful change often starts with clarity, consistency, and intentional action.

In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Derrick Husmann, Senior Business Consultant with Johnson Consulting Group, to talk about struggling funeral homes — and what it takes to turn them around. From poor financial management and outdated facilities to toxic workplace cultures and weak leadership, Derrick and Gabe explore the common challenges that can cause funeral homes to fail — and the practical steps firms can take to rebuild. With the right strategy, mindset, and willingness to adapt, even the most challenged funeral homes can find renewed success. Whether your funeral home is thriving or fighting to stay afloat, this episode offers real-world lessons in funeral home management, leadership, and growth that every funeral professional can use.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with four funeral home owners from across the country to explore how they recruit and retain the right people. Each guest shares their unique approach to finding employees who fit their culture, developing them into long-term team members, and building a workplace where people want to stay. Whether you’re looking for new hiring ideas or ways to strengthen your team, this conversation offers real-world strategies and insights from those who’ve made it work.

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 segment, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by Kevin Czachor, Vice President of ASD. Kevin reflects on his own brush with death, the value of life and the importance of what we do in the funeral profession. Then, Gabe and Kevin discuss the upcoming convention in Chicago and the NFDA Innovation award, which ASD sponsors. The importance of new ideas in any profession cannot be overstated. ASD celebrates the creation and fostering of innovations within the funeral profession that continue to help it grow, improve and serve the public to the highest standards.

The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago, October 26th to the 29th. To help you get ready for the big event, we have three convention preview episodes for you. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by our keynote speakers, Felipe Gomez and Crystal Washington to share more about themselves and give a preview of their keynotes.

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, sits down with Welton Hong, founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing. Welton and Gabe discuss AI’s effect on search engines as well as a few things you can do to keep your website SEO working for you.

The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago October 26th to the 29th, and we have 3 preview episodes for you. In this episode, we will hear from the innovation award finalists - Afterword, Healing Path Cemetery, and Passare. The NFDA Innovation Award is sponsored by ASD and gives companies and organizations the opportunity to showcase their new product and service ideas designed to enhance the funeral profession and its function.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf chats with 5 funeral professionals from around the country to share practical tips and techniques for elevating how to care for families and improve customer service at your funeral home. These are easy, cost-effective things you can do to make a big difference right away

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf speaks with Greg Grabowski, author of "Engaging in the Heart of Hospice" and President of Serviam Hospice. Their conversation centers on the vital connection between funeral directors and hospice organizations and how a stronger partnership leads to more comprehensive care for grieving families. This episode is sponsored by Funeral Women Lead.

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