The Final Curtain Never Closes

What can a man born without arms teach us about life and death? Genevieve welcomes Gabriel Najera to the show. Gabriel overcame physical challenges to become an entrepreneur and international motivational speaker. He discusses learning to drive, starting a business, and achieving success. From life, death, energy, and the afterlife, Genevieve and Gabriel delve into the importance of visualization...

Ancient Egyptian funeral practices revolved around the belief in preparing the body for burial to ensure a smooth journey in the afterlife. Preserving the physical body through embalming was crucial, as it allowed the soul to return and reunite with the spirit.  The embalming techniques employed by the Egyptians involved the use of resins, oils, and natron to preserve the body. The evolution of th...

Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez, the president and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History, interviews Bridget Caletka, a grief counselor with Mosaics of Mercy . During this conversation, they talk about the importance of face-to-face communication in a technology-driven society. From the stages of grief to the various forms of grief, Genevieve and Bridget explore the topic of grief and societal at...

Angela Kaatz is the owner and producer of Ghost Hunting Beauties . During this conversation, Genevieve and Angela dive into the role of women in the paranormal field and the unique sensitivity and connection women share with the spirit world. They explore the evolving perceptions of death and the afterlife throughout history, offering personal experiences and encounters with spirits and ghosts. An...

Delve into the rich history and symbolism of coins beyond funerary practices in this intriguing discussion. Numismatist Larry Hoefer, a seasoned coin collector, sheds light on the traditions of burying coins with the deceased and the profound symbolism embedded in this practice. Explore a captivating exhibit at the National Museum of Funeral History showcasing a casket adorned with real money. Dis...

In this conversation, Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez interviews Bob Boetticher Sr., a funeral director with 59 years of experience, about his career and the creation of the Presidential Exhibit at the National Museum of Funeral History. They discuss the significance of presidential memorabilia and artifacts, the role of the Military District of Washington in state funerals, and the planning and executio...

In this conversation, Frank Vazquez shares his journey of grief and loss after the death of his close friend, Tim. The conversation highlights the importance of safe friends and the impact they can have on our lives. Frank reflects on his friendship with Tim and the deep connection they shared. The conversation also explores the responsibilities of being a safe friend and the profound effect of Ti...

In this episode Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez hosts Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America (WAA). They delve into honoring fallen veterans, exploring WAA's inception, and its diverse initiatives, including educational programs. The conversation emphasizes the significance of commemorating our heroes and the profound impact of WAA's efforts. For more on this cause, visit Wreaths A...

November is an action packed month here at the museum. While the world payed homage to our dearly departed during the first two days of the month, we at the National Museum of Funeral History celebrate Dia de los Muertos all across the year. In this episode you'll learn why relatives use donuts and sugar skulls in their celebrations. And you'll learn the meaning of flowers and toys. We also commem...

What if some of your hometown's oldest, most haunted spaces were hidden in plain sight?  What if they were so hidden, you quite literally walk and/or drive by them every day? The hometown in question is the museum's hometown of Houston, Texas. And today's guest, Texana Tours founder Richard Cook, joins the podcast to talk about places where you'd no doubt experience things from another dimension....

Host and President/CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez sits down with producer Freddy Cruz to discuss the twenty-second anniversary of the September 11th attacks. They delve into the stories and artifacts showcased in the museum's 9/11 exhibit, which serves as a poignant tribute to the lives lost on that fateful day.  Don't miss out on this moving conversation. P...

During this episode of The Final Curtain Never Closes, NMFH President and CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez and her husband Frank have a candid conversation about the recent loss of a personal friend. The loss brought back painful memories from Genevieve's past, in which relatives refused to tell her about certain relatives' final days. During this episode, you'll hear about Genevieve's and Frank's exp...

Ask anyone who works in the death care industry and they'll tell you some version of the same thing. "I was called to do this work." That's how Cody Lopasky ended up in the business.  Today, he serves as the President and School Director of The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services . During this conversation, we talk about: 1.) His journey to becoming a funeral director 2.) Why working in the...

Hayley Campbell writes for WIRED, Buzzfeed, The Guardian, and VICE, among many others. She’s written a book about Neil Gaiman and her most recent book All the Living and the Dead tackles something many of us in the West struggle with: death. During this conversation, museum president and CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez and Hayley discuss the many facets of caring for the dead. And helping the l...

This bonus episode pays tribute to Robert L. Waltrip, who passed away on February 27th, 2023. Host and museum president/CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez is joined by museum chairman Robert M. Boetticher, Sr . They talk about Mr. Waltrip's impact on the funeral industry and museum, as well as their unique relationship with him. Read Mr. Waltrip's obituary HERE . To learn more about the National Museum...

Barrie Schwortz and Rudy Dichtl have spent the greater part of the past few decades researching and authenticating the Shroud of Turin.  They join museum CEO and curator Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez to discuss the many things involved with studying the shroud which has captivated millions of people from all over the world.  During this episode, you'll hear how Rudy and Barrie ended up on this project,...

Jason Engler is a cremation historian and has one of the world's largest urn collections. During this episode, we dive into Jason's fascination with urns and how it influenced his decision to pursue a career in the history of cremation.  Tune in to this masterclass on the end of life process that's as old as time. Be sure to plan your visit to the museum when you go to nmfh.org . And remember, any...

Barbara Kemmis serves as the Executive Director of Cremation Association of North America (CANA). During this episode, we discuss her unlikely path to working in the cremation industry (she was a librarian), as well as technological advances that will leave you in awe. Among these are water cremations. Learn more about CANA HERE . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The National Museum of Funeral History's new podcast series. The Final Curtain Never Closes will provide a glimpse into the world of all that has shaped humanity's final rite of passage. Death. You will hear from cremation experts, funeral school instructors, and researchers who helped the museum with its Shroud of Turin exhibit. This series is part of a larger mission to build and nour...