The Graveyard Shift

Families’ perceptions of funerals are changing, and not always in ways that make a funeral professional’s job easier. In this episode, Dr. Alan Wolfelt joins the guys to discuss how funerals are losing their meaning in today's culture and calls for funeral professionals to reclaim their role as educators, not order-takers. They explore why families might struggle to see the value of a ceremony and...

Ever wonder what funeral professionals actually want for their own final send-off? In this episode, the guys break down their own final wishes. They go through everything from Winston Churchill-inspired songs and open wine cellars to motorcycle hearses and scuba tanks. Tune in for a hilariously candid and unexpectedly thoughtful conversation that will get you thinking about how your own funeral ca...

How much of yourself should you bring to the job? In this episode of The Graveyard Shift, the guys continue their conversation about authenticity, trust, and public image as a funeral professional. They explore how to navigate professional expectations, maintain healthy boundaries, and avoid burnout in a profession that’s “always on.” Tune in for top-tier advice and an honest conversation about sh...

How does a small-town mortician from middle-of-nowhere Minnesota end up with 50 million YouTube views without even trying?! In this episode, Victor M. Sweeney joins to talk about accidental fame, turning down reality TV, and why "just doing something real" beats trying to “go viral” every time. The guys dig into crafting an authentic public image, the trap of being an order-taker, and what it real...

Ever wonder why some leaders command a room and others just…don't? Robbie Pape joins the guys to talk about the power of choice, showing up with confidence, and why the best leaders own their mistakes. Robbie also shares lessons from her colonel and fighter-pilot dad, and the crew digs into what the funeral profession needs more of from its leaders right now. Tune in for honest conversations, a fe...

Time to get a little nerdy. Todd pulls up some eye-opening stats from our New Funeral Consumer study, and the guys don’t hold back their opinions. This episode breaks down the 5 biggest disconnects between funeral homes and the families they serve. Fair warning: A few of these might hit close to home. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief...

Bill McReavy, Jr. joins the podcast to talk about going from zero preneed sales to a program that’s thriving. Spoiler: marketing had a lot to do with it. In this episode, the guys dive into how preneed serves families when they need it most and tackle the big question: Is the ROI really worth it? Tune in for insights and a few ideas you might want to steal for your own preneed program. About Bill...

The Graveyard Shift goes live in Minnesota! And yes, there's an audience. 😆 The guys dig into the kind of funeral home scenarios you can’t exactly Google your way out of. Expect hard-earned lessons, unforgettable stories, and a look at what keeps them going in a profession that’s challenging but rewarding. Plus, a brand new segment called “Are you smarter than Jimmy?” is reason enough to tune in....

Put on your tin foil hat - the crew has bold takes on what’s next in funeral service. From robots in prep rooms and shifts in business models to changing regulations and the rise of new technology like holograms, the guys cover it all. Some of it’s far out. Some of it is already happening. Either way, the future is coming fast. Tune in for a fun, thought-provoking conversation and a few ideas on h...

What happens when one of the most trusted voices in funeral service joins the crew? Tom Anderson shares his journey in the profession and the inspiration behind starting a daily publication. The guys cover everything from economic realities and permanent memorialization options to changing family expectations. Expect a few hard truths, some hot takes, and plenty of reasons to be excited about wher...

What actually drives website performance? And can AI really help you improve efficiency at work and at home? Curtis Funk, CEO of Tukios and funeral home website guru, joins the newest episode of the podcast to answer all of these questions. Plus, the guys share how they experiment with AI in their own operations and make a few bold predictions about the future of technology in funeral service. Fly...

Change is constant, so why is it so difficult? The guys cover everything under the sun when it comes to change management. They share real insights on leading teams through major shifts, navigating pushback, getting staff buy-in, and keeping the right mindset along the way. Plus, they reveal the advice they'd give their younger selves when it comes to handling change. About the podcast: The Gravey...

Everyone has that one thing they'd do over. This episode is pure “hindsight is 20/20” as the guys share what they’d change about funeral service if they could wave a magic wand. What if the profession had embraced technology sooner? Could work-life balance have existed earlier? Are polos and khakis ever acceptable at the arrangement conference? Tune in for honest thoughts, a few ideas to keep the...

Inspirational speaker and best-selling author John O’Leary joins the podcast to talk about something we don’t say nearly enough in this profession: make time for yourself. With humor and heart, John shares how micro‑moments of rest, intentional pauses, and even some well-intentioned “selfishness” can help you be more effective and present with the families who need you. John’s message to funeral p...

Over a year ago, four guys grabbed cocktails in New Orleans and thought, “What the heck, we’ll do a podcast.” Their goal? Share honest, real conversations about hot topics in funeral service. The result? Glorious, insightful chaos. To celebrate, the guys rewind the clock to look back at their favorite moments, wildest tangents, and jokes that sent the show off-the-rails (as if it was ever on them)...

“This may be the best episode we’ve ever done.” The tables turn in this anything-goes episode. All 4 hosts fire off their most burning, bizarre, and unexpectedly heartfelt questions at each other. From laugh-out-loud moments to emotional curveballs, this one has range. It’s funny, it’s honest, and it’s deeper than anyone expected. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and...

The guys are back discussing celebrants and cremation arrangements, but this time, with Glenda Stansbury’s perspective. As Co-Founder and Dean of the InSight Institute Certified Celebrant Program, Glenda has heard every “we’ve always done it this way” argument. And she’s not buying it. In this episode, Glenda joins the guys and shares how a celebrant, or even a cremation arranger, can elevate serv...

So, what’s the big deal about being a Certified Celebrant? The crew breaks down what makes a celebrant-led service stand out and why it might just be the antidote to the rise of direct disposition. Hear from our very own Certified Celebrant, Matt Bailey, as he shares the ins and outs of celebrant training, personalized services, and where celebrant training is headed next (hint: no science lessons...

Families today want options. And funeral homes feel the pressure to deliver. So, how do you make sure your funeral home can help families who are “team traditional” and others who are “team un-funeral”? Are pews in or out? What about mariachi bands? The crew tackles these questions and offers advice on how to meet families where they are and prepare your staff for anything. About the podcast: The...

No one likes to think about their funeral home facing a legal nightmare, but avoiding a huge fallout might be easier than you think. Tune in as Wendy Wiener, Founder and Managing Attorney of WRW Legal, joins the group to give some sound and practical advice specifically for funeral professionals. From what to do if you’ve made a mistake to best practices for staying out of legal trouble, Wendy sha...

Did you know that 75-80% of mortuary science graduates are women? In the next decade, the funeral profession will see more women funeral directors, funeral home owners, and leaders than ever before. And we’ve got the perfect expert for this topic! Lisa Baue is the founder and CEO of Funeral Women Lead, podcast host for 4 Women and a Funeral, and the best-selling author of Wake-Up Calls: A Journey...

Every great succession plan starts with a goal. Sometimes that goal isn’t just big; it’s downright hairy and audacious. In this episode, Chris Cruger, CEO of The Foresight Companies, and Jake Johnson, President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group, join the guys to talk about succession planning and why, as Jake likes to say, having “big and hairy” goals is the secret to long-term success. Tune in...

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever heard about funeral directors? Chances are, these guys have heard it, too. And they are here to set the record straight! In this episode, the crew busts common misconceptions and stereotypes and shares what they wish every family knew before walking into a funeral home. It’s honest, hilarious, and guaranteed to shift your perspective. About the podcast: The Gr...

Strong opinions. Big questions. And a few jokes. The crew shares all of the above in this discussion around natural organic reduction (NOR). Can funeral homes make it work financially? Will it rival cremation in popularity? And do families really want Mom to end up in the garden? Even if NOR isn't on your service list, tune in for insights that will leave you informed, entertained, and maybe a lit...

Real talk. Real tears. Real great episode. Nadira Baddeliyanage, Executive Director at ICCFA, joins the crew to share her unexpected journey into the funeral profession, how personal loss shaped her purpose, and why she’s all in on the work ICCFA does. Fair warning: Nadira’s impactful story might have you reaching for some tissues. The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Car...