Death: A Changing Industry

We welcome Linda Magistris, founder and CEO of The Good Grief Trust. After the sudden loss of her partner, Linda turned heartbreak into action, creating a national support network to ensure that no one in the UK grieves alone. She shares her story, the founding of the Trust, the importance of early bereavement support, and her work with the NHS, police, and funeral sector. We also explore the impa...

Steve Phillip’s world changed with one phone call. In this powerful conversation, we learn how Steve has turned his loss into a mission for change. Through The Jordan Legacy, he’s working to support mental well-being and prevent future tragedies.

Suicide rates are higher than reported, and those in the funeral industry see the truth first-hand. In this episode, we sit down with Scott Munn, a 12th-generation funeral director and co-founder of Men With Issues, a mental health support group in Scotland. 🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Ob...

In a unique twist, this episode flips the script as host John Adams becomes the guest for the first time. Interviewed by Kirstie Hurst-Knight, John shares his personal journey—from his childhood and military service to his empowering work in the funeral industry—and his mission to make bereavement education a national priority. This candid conversation offers powerful insights into resilience, com...

In this different episode, we explore one of life’s most challenging yet universal experiences: grief. From personal stories of loss to the misconceptions surrounding how we cope, this episode is a raw, honest, and vital discussion that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss. Join us as we tackle society’s greatest taboo, share lessons learned, and highlight how healing and hope can em...

Nicola Marshall shares her journey through the unimaginable—the tragic death of her 12-year-old son, Lucas. She speaks openly about her grief, the moments she wanted to give up, and how she ultimately found purpose and hope through helping others. This heartfelt conversation touches on coping with loss, the importance of building a supportive tribe, and why we need to change our relationship with...

Join us as we discuss the historic collaboration between The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). We welcome the President of SAIF, Declan Maguire and the Immediate Past President of the NAFD, Barry Pritchard. This conversation delves into the key collaboration between the two associations, setting a new direction for...

With preferences shifting within society, direct unattended cremation on the rise, and digital marketing dominating, all service providers need to evolve now more than ever. Join us as we dive into practical strategy with SAIF president Declan Maguire on modernising funeral service providers and staying ahead of the national shifts.

Jenny discusses the evolving funeral industry, from the rise of direct cremation to the unseen emotional toll of skipping a traditional funeral. She opens up about the pressures of leading the NAFD while running a family business and juggling parental duties. Jenny also offers insights into the challenges of maintaining industry standards and why it’s crucial to educate the public on what funeral...

With declining religious engagement and the disruption of traditional rituals, Reverand Garry Ward offers his thoughts on how the church can adapt, rebuild, and become a vital part of communities once again. 🙌 OUR SPONSORS National Association of Funeral Directors: https://www.nafd.org.uk/ Westerleigh Group: https://www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/ Obitus: https://www2.obitus.com Laurelo: https://laur...

Lucy Biggs shares her journey through the loss of her first baby, Reuben, and how this heartbreaking experience transformed her life, leading her to a fulfilling role as an independent funeral celebrant, where she now helps others navigate their own grief. Join us as Lucy discusses the profound impact of Reuben’s legacy, the importance of connection in the grieving process, and the unique ways she...

Clare Shaw joins us to discuss the challenges of talking about death, especially with children, revealing more about the inspiration behind her latest book aimed at helping families navigate the difficult emotions surrounding loss. Learn practical advice on supporting children through bereavement, the importance of open conversations about death, and the impactful work being done to integrate grie...

We are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to speak with Nick Knowles who has shared with us his deeply personal experiences with grief and loss, and how these have shaped his mission to support bereaved and vulnerable families. Nick delves into stories of community-driven projects that provide crucial support to those dealing with unimaginable hardships. Nick's insights offer a power...

Stacey Heale shares her profound journey of navigating the terminal illness and eventual loss of her husband, Greg, while raising their two young daughters. Stacey candidly discusses the emotional challenges, the importance of open conversations about death, and how she prepared herself and her children for the inevitable. She reveals the power of involving children in the grieving process and the...

From his incredible journey as a curious 14-year-old with a Saturday job at a funeral home to leading the UK’s funeral association, Andrew Judd, CEO of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) reveals the importance of discussing death openly. Learn about his unique experiences, including working in different cultural contexts and the impact of his dissertation on consumer behaviour in...

James Gardner shares his unique journey from an entrepreneurial background to owning several funeral directors. He discusses the importance of company culture, leadership, and mentoring within the funeral industry. James highlights the evolving expectations in bereavement services, the challenges of handling blended families, and the significance of mental health support for team members. His insi...

In this enlightening episode, Grace Jevons, CEO of the Association of Independent Celebrants, delves into the transformative world of civil ceremonies, illuminating the growing public desire for personalised and meaningful commemorations to suit their budget. Grace shares her unique journey from contemplating a career as a vicar or funeral director to becoming a pivotal figure in civil celebration...

In this profoundly moving episode of Death: A Changing Industry, Megan McClay shares her personal odyssey facing terminal ocular melanoma with an unyielding spirit and an open heart. From her involvement in the impactful "What Matters Most" project to navigating the complexities of end-of-life care, Megan's story is one of courage, advocacy, and the quest for meaning amidst life'...

In this episode, Daniel Devall offers a candid glimpse into the life and challenges of a Funeral Director deeply rooted in family tradition. From his unexpected journey into the funeral industry to confronting the complexities of leading a family business through personal and professional upheavals, Daniel shares his unique perspective. He discusses the evolution of funeral practices, the increasi...

RoadPeace members Lucy Harrison and Mandy Oliver chat with John to share the special work that the charity carries out, the support they received during their darkest moments of loss and finding the family they never wanted but now couldn’t be without. www.roadpeace.org

Katie Costello shares her journey from working in retail to becoming a soul midwife, funeral celebrant, and an accredited death educator through her Dying for a Cuppa Masterclass. Katie's story is a testament to finding one's calling and of the profound impact of embracing death as a part of life can have. Death is a very natural and human experience. Here she delves into the importance of...

We are honoured to welcome Deborah Leek Bailey OBE, a distinguished figure in the realm of education and grief support. Deborah is a leadership consultant (DLB Leadership) and also Director of Schools for the Education Development Trust. With a rich background as a teacher, headteacher, government advisor, and education advisor for Child Bereavement UK, Deborah brings a wealth of experience and co...

In this episode, Jenna Maudlin shares the transformative work of the Firefly Project in addressing the often overlooked aspects of grief and bereavement. Through innovative workshops aimed at young people and educators, Jenna reveals how creative engagement and empathy-building exercises can significantly alter the grief experience, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society. Her per...

We join Jen Brown, a seasoned counsellor and psychotherapist, who delves into the complexities of grief and the personal nature of mourning. Jen emphasises that there is no "right" way to grieve, advocating for a compassionate, individualized approach to dealing with loss. Through her expertise, she introduces a variety of therapeutic techniques including hypnotherapy, CBT, EMDR therapy,...

In this episode, we're joined by Steph Wild, a nurse and mother who transformed her profound personal loss into a catalyst for change in bereavement education. Through her story, we explore the importance of sensitive and informed care for bereaved families. Steph's journey is not only a testament to her resilience but also highlights the critical need for better support systems in materni...