Just Talk Funerals

In this episode, Jason and Nichola Threadgold break down the overwhelming process of what happens when a British citizen passes away in a foreign country. They address the intense isolation families feel when dealing with sudden loss overseas, emphasising that the vital first steps are to touch base with the local British Consulate or Embassy and to contact the travel insurance company. Jason stro...

In this episode, Jason and Nichola Threadgold tackle the sensitive, taboo, and practical questions that families are often hesitant to ask. They break down the immediate protocols following a death, explaining how the process varies depending on whether a loved one passes away in a hospital, a care home, a hospice, or at home. Jason clarifies the steps taken during sudden community deaths, includi...

In this episode, Jason and Nichola Threadgold examine the evolving balance between Victorian traditions and modern-day expectations in the funeral industry. Reflecting on his 32 years of experience, Jason explains how the profession has shifted from rigid, village-undertaker structures into a deeply human, conversational, and approachable service that prioritises family autonomy over rigid protoco...

In this episode, Nichola Threadgold is joined by co-host Suzanne Moutrey and special guest Helen Turner, Director of Care and Governance at Lindsey Lodge Hospice in Scunthorpe. Helen addresses the widespread anxieties and "doom and gloom" myths surrounding hospice care, clarifying that palliative medicine is not solely about the final days of life. Instead, it focuses on helping individuals with l...

In this episode, Nichola is joined by guest co-host Suzanne Moutrey, who is part of the Threadgold team, and special guest Reece Brownson from SP Memorials to explore the intricate world of memorial masonry. Reece shares his journey from a summer job at 15 to becoming an expert in the craft, explaining how a memorial serves as the "final act" of care for a loved one. The conversation cov...

In this emotional episode, Jason and Nichola reflect on a recent report regarding the long-term impact of pandemic-era funeral restrictions. They discuss the "palpable anger" and complex grief still felt by families who were denied the chance to say goodbye properly, often due to inconsistent and confusing rules. Jason and Nichola share their own frustrations from the front lines, reveal...

In this episode, Jason and Nichola dive into the history and common misconceptions surrounding the "funeral wake." They explore the literal origins of the term - derived from the practice of staying awake to keep vigil over the deceased - and how this ancient tradition of "watching guard" has evolved into the social gatherings we recognise today. They reflect on how the storytelling that once happ...

Nichola and Jason pull back the curtain on the "invisible" work that defines a truly dedicated funeral director. Sparked by a viral Facebook post where Jason helped a grieving widow navigate the minefield of car insurance, the duo discuss why their role often involves being a mediator, a logistical "fixer," and a 24/7 listening ear. Jason reflects on how his upbringing in Scunt...

In this episode, Jason and Nichola Threadgold explore the emerging process of resomation, often referred to as "water cremation" or alkaline hydrolysis. While not yet widely available in the UK, the duo discusses how this pressurised, water-based process offers a flameless alternative to traditional cremation. They break down the science behind it—from the alkaline solution used to speed...

In this episode, Jason and Nichola welcome a long-time friend and colleague, funeral celebrant Graham Wallace, who has worked alongside them for over eleven years. Graham shares his remarkable journey into the profession, which began in an unexpected way—watching Winston Churchill's funeral as an eight-year-old. This fascination eventually led him to a ten-year career in the Grenadier Guards b...

In this episode of Just Talk Funerals, Jason and Nichola address one of the most common questions families face after a service: "What do we do now?"Focusing on the journey of cremated remains, they discuss the overwhelming nature of this decision and emphasise that there is no legal timeframe or "right way" to proceed. They explore the various ways people choose to keep their...

In this episode, Jason and Nichola dive deep into the powerful role of music in UK funerals. They count down the current top 10 most popular funeral songs—from traditional hymns like "Abide With Me" to modern favorites like Ed Sheeran’s "Supermarket Flowers"—and discuss why these tracks resonate so deeply across generations. They also explore the "emotional permission&quot...

In this episode, Nichola and Jason talk about their membership with the National Association of Green Funeral Directors and what it means for the way they support families. They discuss the growing interest in environmentally conscious funerals, what green funeral practices involve, and how funeral directors can help families make more sustainable choices when arranging a farewell. Nichola and Jas...

In this episode, Nichola and Jason talk about the important role of pallbearers in a funeral service and the care and respect involved in carrying a loved one’s coffin. They explain who pallbearers are, the role they play during the funeral, and how funeral teams ensure everything is carried out with dignity and professionalism. The conversation also explores how some families choose to bear the c...

In this sensitive episode, Nichola and Jason talk about the difficult subject of baby loss and non-viable foetal death, and how families can be supported during one of the most heartbreaking experiences imaginable. They discuss the terminology that is sometimes used in hospitals and funeral services, what these terms mean in practice, and how funeral directors work with hospitals, midwives, and fa...

In this episode, Nichola and Jason are joined by Caroline from The Flower Theatre, who shares her experience as a florist working closely with funeral directors to create meaningful floral tributes for families. They discuss how Caroline began her career in floristry and what makes funeral flowers different from other arrangements, such as weddings or events. The conversation explores how florists...

In this episode, we sit down with Sam and Zuzanna from Marjara Care Group to discuss the vital role care providers and funeral professionals play in supporting families through end-of-life journeys. We explore Marjara’s person-centred approach to residential, dementia, and respite care, and how their values of dignity, empathy, and family-first support closely align with ours at  Jason Threadgold...

In this episode, Nichola and Jason explore the growing role of memorial jewellery and keepsakes in modern bereavement care. We discuss the different types of keepsakes families are choosing today — from fingerprint and handprint pieces to ashes jewellery and bespoke designs — and why these tangible connections can bring such deep comfort. The conversation also covers how items are carefully create...

In this thoughtful and compassionate discussion, Nichola and Jason explore what “life after death” really means — emotionally, practically, and spiritually. We talk about the early days of grief, the practical steps families face after a loss, and how beliefs and personal values shape the way we navigate bereavement. The episode also reflects on continuing bonds with loved ones, supporting childre...

In this episode, Jason and Nichola from  Jason Threadgold Funeral Director  introduce their brand-new Service Chapel at Simpson’s Corner. We share the inspiration behind creating a dedicated local chapel, how it offers families greater choice and flexibility, and what makes this space a more personal alternative to traditional crematorium services. From intimate gatherings to fully personalised ce...

In this episode, we discuss the Fuller Inquiry — a difficult but vital subject for the funeral profession and for families across the UK. Following the horrific crimes of David Fuller, the Inquiry examined how such acts went undetected and what must change to ensure they can never happen again. What We Cover: A clear overview of the Inquiry’s findings and the gaps it exposed in regulation, securit...

In this episode, we sit down with George, who joined JTF as a trainee funeral director and now plays an important role on our senior management team. We explore his journey, the culture he helps nurture within the business, and the heart that guides his work with families. What We Cover: George’s background and what drew him to JTF Memorable moments from his journey over the past three years What...

In this episode, we take listeners behind the scenes to explore what really happens on the day of a funeral. Jason walks us through a typical day — from early-morning preparations to supporting families through the service itself. What We Cover: How a funeral director’s day begins: early starts, detailed checks, and quiet preparation Team briefings, roles, and the care taken to ensure everything i...

In this episode, we’re talking about something at the heart of our work at JTF — giving back to our community. We reflect on why supporting local organisations matters so much to us, how donations in memory make a real difference, and the meaningful connections that come from caring for families both during and beyond the funeral. What We Cover: Why giving back is a natural part of the work we do...

In this episode, Nichola and Jason shine a light on the remarkable people who work within funeral homes — both the forward-facing staff families meet every day and the dedicated teams working quietly behind the scenes. They discuss the wide range of roles involved, from funeral directors and arrangers to bearers, mortuary teams, administrators, drivers, and support staff. Each plays a vital part i...