In 2023, the NFDA sent film crews to various cities to talk with consumers about their impressions of funeral directors. There were mixed reactions and a combination of positive and negative comments that gave an eye-opening perspective on the public’s views of the funeral profession.

In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf sits down with funeral directors, Lori Sheeler, Anna Zvirman-Nesbit, and Naomi Bradbury-Marchand to discuss those impressions and what we can do to develop the public’s positive perception of funeral service.

To view the consumer video CLICK HERE

Sponsored by Johnson Consulting Group

In May of 2023, the NFDA hosted its latest Future’s Forum, a highly focused, forward-looking session held on an as-needed basis to tackle serious challenges impacting funeral service providers. The goal of Future’s Forum 2023 was to develop new growth and innovation strategies funeral providers could use to overcome current revenue challenges, increasing costs and staffing shortages.

In the spirit of that theme, host, Gabe Schauf is sitting down with Brie Smith, Erica Hill, and David Hernandez Jr to learn how they are looking to the future and modifying and innovating at their funeral homes for the better.

Sponsored by Johnson Consulting Group

Summer is here and along with it comes a new crop of funeral service program graduates. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, sits down with 4 of them to hear about their experiences, challenges and goals moving forward.

A big congratulations to the funeral service program class of 2024 graduates and special thanks to Ashley Trent – graduate from Lake Washington Community College, Kate Marnul – graduate from the Milwaukee Area Technical College, Michelle Finnegan – graduate from Salt Lake Community College and Patrick Wheeler – graduate from Cape Cod Community College for their time.

Sponsored by Core-Scientific

Artificial intelligence has quickly become a part of our day to day and can be found almost everywhere. There are many who have been quick to embrace it and use it to enhance what they do. There are also many who have concerns with the capabilities of AI and what a future with artificial intelligence may look like. Is AI truly something to fear or are those negative misconceptions holding us back from a brighter future?

In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, discusses that with Dennis Yu, the CEO of AreYouGoobleable.com. Gabe and Dennis talk through some of the concerns about AI, what is known and what is not. Dennis also gives some ideas on what may be possible through the use of AI and how to start learning and experiencing it for ourselves.

Sponsored by Tukios.com

Succession planning preserves an organization’s legacy, ensures smooth leadership transitions, and nurtures internal talent. It is vital to the long-term success of any and every funeral home.

In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, sits down with Chris Cruger, CEO of Foresight, and Jake Johnson, president and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group to talk about the value of and steps to successful succession planning from the perspectives of both the owner and the seller.

Sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company.

In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by his brother, the founder and CEO of Uncharted Supply Co., Christian Schauf. Uncharted's mission is to provide high-quality, intuitive gear to help people navigate emergencies big and small.

Gabe and Chris talk about entrepreneurship, ownership, innovation, and how passion drives success in work and life.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Uncharted Supply Co.

Host, Gabe Schauf is joined by Victor Sweeney, "The Wired Mortician". Victor is a funeral director with DuBore Funeral Home in Warren, Minnesota who came into the national spotlight by just "doing the right thing" and has since been featured multiple times by Wired Magazine. In this episode, Victor shares his story and some thoughts on being a funeral influencer and educating the public.

Click Here to see Victor's first Wired Feature

Click Here to see Victor's most recent Wired Feature

The National Board Exam is a hot topic of discussion amongst funeral directors.  As workforce needs grow across the country and the education system works to teach the future of the profession, many questions about the exam and it purpose continue to be asked.

To understand more about the National Board Exam, host, Gabe Schauf, sits down with Dalene Paull and Leili McMurrough.  Dalene and Leili share a behind the scenes explanation as to how the exam is developed, its importance, and how funeral directors can play vital roles in supporting the process and the students who are working to become licensed.

Click here for more information about the National Board Exam, including guides and statistics.