The Last Track

Have you ever wondered what a columbarium is? In this video, Brian talks about what a columbarium is and what to expect if you choose interment in a niche. He goes over the regulations that surround interment in a columbarium and different costs that would be involved with this final resting place. Brian also talks about ways to personalize interment in a columbarium to reflect the wishes of the p...

In this trilogy, Brian focuses on new innovations and trends in the funeral industry. Brian explains what the process of aquamation is and how it is different than standard cremation. He talks about how it impacts the environment and the benefits of choosing aquamation. Brian also addresses some of the reasons that it may not be the right choice for you. Send us Fan Mail Contact Bateman Funeral Ho...

In this trilogy, Brian focuses on new innovations and trends in the funeral industry. With the rise in popularity of celebrations of life, there are now more ways than ever to memorialize a loved one. To highlight that, Brian talks about different types of keepsakes available to help you honor the life of a loved one. In this episode, he talks about keepsake urns, The Edge Art Gallery and Glass Bl...

NFDA reports that 14 percent of Americans over age 40 say they would choose green burial and around 62 percent would like to learn more about it. In this episode, Brian talks about ideas for holding a service involving green burial. He explains what is involved in a green burial, casket options and types of cemeteries that allow green burial. Send us Fan Mail Contact Bateman Funeral Home in Newpor...

In this podcast, Brian interviews Theresa from Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. Theresa Karlik is an RN and the manager of Samaritan’s coastal hospice team for Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. The coastal hospice team, based in Newport, provides hospice care to patients throughout Lincoln County and into Tillamook County.  This interview focused on the mission of hospice and end of life care. Brian asks h...

In this podcast, Brian explains what embalming is and why a person may choose to be embalmed or not. He talks about circumstances when embalming is required and some of the benefits of choosing embalming.  Brian explains the laws surrounding embalming in Oregon and how they are similar to most other states in America. In addition to laws, sometimes embalming is required by cemeteries or mausoleums...

Many individuals ask whether or not an autopsy would be performed in order to determine cause of death. In this episode, Brian talks about why an autopsy could be required by the state. If an autopsy is not required by the medical examiner, a family may still request one to be done privately.  This episode also answers common autopsy related questions such as what is the medical examiner's jo...

Planning a funeral can be very difficult and full of questions. This is especially true when the death was sudden or unexpected. In this episode, Brian talks about the process of laying to rest a person who passes unexpectedly. Brian explains how the authorities must be notified, the funeral home gets called, and how to make arrangements with the funeral home. Lastly, this episode covers the funer...

When people who haven’t had conversations about death and dying become seriously ill or injured, often their family has to make difficult decisions on their behalf their funeral arrangements.  In this episode, Brian talks about different reasons it can be good to start the conversation about what your final wishes are before there is a need. He also provides ideas on different times that could be...

Sometimes it can feel uncomfortable to bring up the conversation or figure out where to start when discussing your final wishes. In this episode, Brian talks about ways to start planning both on your own and with your loved ones. He gives ideas on what to look at to start the process of planning your final wishes. Brian also gives ideas on different ways to bring up the conversation with loved one...

While most deaths today are due to chronic illness such as heart disease and cancers, death can occur unexpectedly in accidents and sudden severe illness. This is why it is important to start the conversation about final wishes early. In this episode, Brian talks about what things should be addressed in a conversation about death. He explains what information your funeral director will need to kno...

There are several differences between how a funeral is run by an ordained minister and a celebrant, such as the way the life of the decedent is spoken about and how the officiant addresses the religious portion of the service. Brian explains the difference between a life story and a eulogy and different ways to share memories.  Bringing the spirit of the departed loved one to the service is the ma...

In this podcast, Brian talks about different religious funeral traditions. First, Brian covers Buddhist funeral traditions, including types of candles used in the service, the timing of the visitation, and what is placed on the tables used in the viewing. Next he covers Catholic traditions including the rosary, the crucifix and holy water. The last set of religious traditions covered were Eastern...

In this podcast, Brian talks about how to celebrate a life through holding a viewing or visitation. For some individuals, seeing a person after they have passed is extremely healing and brings the closure that they need. Brian answers common questions about both attending and planning a viewing. Some of the topics he goes into includes: how to decide on clothes to dress a loved one in for a viewin...

With the holidays approaching, Brian talks about different ways to help others cope with the loss of a loved one.  This podcast focuses on different dates that may be more difficult for those grieving such as holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and milestones. Brian also talks about how grieving the loss of a child could have different milestones that are particular difficult, such as a due date, m...

Deciding whether or not to bring a child to a funeral is a very difficult and sometimes overwhelming decision. Brian Norris talks about how to decide whether a child should attend a funeral and how to present the choice of whether to go or not to a child. This podcast references an article written by  Kenneth J. Doka, Ph. D., a professor of psychology and counseling at the College of New Rochelle...

For this podcast mini series, Brian talks about different religious funeral rituals and gives a brief overview for each of the religions covered in this series. In this episode, Brian talks about different Russian Orthodox rituals and traditions you may see. He talks about the reading of Psalms 118 and hearing a cantor at the funeral. Brian also talks about the rituals that will happen at a graves...

For this podcast mini series, Brian talks about different religious funeral rituals and gives a brief overview for each of the religions covered in this series. In this podcast, Brian talks about different Buddhist rituals and traditions you may see if you attend a Buddhist funeral. He talks about the different colors of candles present, food offerings, clothing and many other rituals you may see...

This podcast features a recording from a seminar that Brian presented at.  The seminar was focused on common questions that are asked about the funeral industry. He covers the different types of final dispositions are including burial, cremation, ship out, who is your legal Next of Kin, what it means to do an Appointment of Another and answers questions the audience has. Brian talks about how to m...

This trilogy is exploring the reasons that individuals may choose cremation or burial. In this podcast, Brian talks about the different benefits for cremation, such as easier transportation out of state and more flexibility for when to hold a memorial. This episode also talks about why a person may prefer burial, such as having a permanent memorial location and personalization options for headston...

This trilogy is exploring the reasons that individuals may choose cremation or burial. In this podcast,  Brian talks about different questions that are frequently asked about both cremation and burial. Some of the questions covered in this episode include: Can I pay for everything at the funeral home or do I have to coordinate with a cemetery too? What costs are associated with burial? Can only ve...

This trilogy is exploring the reasons that individuals may choose cremation or burial. In this podcast, Brian covers what a green final disposition is, a green cemetery is and the different options available. From natural burial, burial at sea and urn burial to a water release or releasing ceremony, this podcast covers many different choices at hand. Brian also talks about scattering and memorial...

For this podcast mini series, Brian talks about different religious funeral rituals and gives a brief overview for each of the religions covered in this series. In this episode, Brian talks about different Jewish Orthodox rituals and traditions you may see at a service. There are special prayers said while sitting shiva that Brian talks about as well as rituals such as kaddish prayers and reciting...

For this podcast mini series, Brian talks about different religious funeral rituals and gives a brief overview for each of the religions covered in this series. In this episode, Brian talks about different Latter Day Saint/Mormon funeral rituals and traditions you may see if you attend an LDS funeral. He talks about religious clothing that you may see if there is a visitation before the funeral. B...

For this podcast mini series, Brian talks about different religious funeral rituals and gives a brief overview for each of the religions covered in this series.  In this podcast, Brian talks about different Lutheran rituals and traditions you may see if you attend a Lutheran funeral. He talks about  holy communion and how you may hear the Lord's Prayer said during the service.  Brian also dis...