Episode #97: Funeral Rescue: Turning Struggling Funeral Homes into Success Stories
A Brush with Death
In this episode of A Brush with Death, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Derrick Husmann, Senior Business Consultant with Johnson Consulting Group, to talk about struggling funeral homes — and what it takes to turn them around. From poor financial management and outdated facilities to toxic workplace cultures and weak leadership, Derrick and Gabe explore the common challenges that can cause funeral homes to fail — and the practical steps firms can take to rebuild. With the right strategy, mindset, and willingness to adapt, even the most challenged funeral homes can find renewed success....
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Episode #96: Spooky Mortuary Stories 2
A Brush with Death
The lights are dim, the air’s a little colder, and A Brush with Death is back with Spooky Mortuary Stories: Part 2. Host Gabe Schauf sits down with Amanda King, Faith Haug, Jennifer Heiselman, and Kari Northey to share real stories of strange encounters and things that can’t quite be explained. From ghostly figures and children who see what others can’t, to laughter and other sounds coming from empty rooms, and unexplained touches in the middle of the night—these tales might just have you turning on an extra light before bed. Tune in and enjoy another edition of Spooky Mortuary...
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Episode #95: Funeral Pro Tips - Employer Edition
A Brush with Death
In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with four funeral home owners from across the country to explore how they recruit and retain the right people. Each guest shares their unique approach to finding employees who fit their culture, developing them into long-term team members, and building a workplace where people want to stay. Guests in this episode include: Chris Christian - Owner of Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville, Tennessee (1:38) Jeff Smith - Owner of Smith Family Funeral Homes in Little Rock, Arkansas (13:59) Dr. Camelia Clarke - Owner of Paradise Memorial...
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A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...ASD
A Brush with Death
On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this segment, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by Kevin Czachor, Vice President of ASD. Kevin reflects on his own brush with death, the value of life, and the importance of what we do in the funeral profession. Then, Gabe and Kevin discuss the upcoming convention in Chicago and the NFDA Innovation award, which ASD sponsors. The importance of new ideas in this and any profession cannot be...
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Episode #94: 2025 International Convention & Expo Preview: Pt 3 - Keynote Speakers
A Brush with Death
The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago, October 26–29. To help you get ready for the big event, we’ve prepared three convention preview episodes. In these episodes, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Innovation Award Finalists, Workshop Presenters, and, of course, the Keynote Speakers. In this final preview episode, we hear from our keynote speakers. At every convention, attendees can expect to learn from some of the most respected and recognized voices in the world, and Chicago will be no exception. On Monday, Felipe Gomez will kick off the convention with his...
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A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...Ring Ring Marketing
A Brush with Death
On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, sits down with Welton Hong, founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing. Welton and Gabe discuss AI’s effect on search engines as well as a few things you can do to keep your website SEO working for you. Ring Ring Marketing specializes in helping funeral homes grow by making their phones ring. With a focus on generating quality leads, improving online presence, and building...
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Episode #93: 2025 International Convention & Expo Preview: Pt 2 - Workshop Speakers
A Brush with Death
The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago October 26th to the 29th. To get ready for the big event we have 3 convention preview episodes for you. In those episodes, host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by the Innovation Award Finalists, some of the Workshop Presenters, and of course, the Keynote speakers. In this second episode we will hear from some of our workshop speakers. There will be over 30 workshop presentations for attendees to choose from during the NFDA International Convention and Expo. Topics covered will include embalming, customer service, grief,...
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Episode #92: 2025 International Convention & Expo Preview: Pt 1 - Innovation Award
A Brush with Death
The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago October 26th to the 29th. To get ready for the big event we have 3 convention preview episodes for you. In those episodes, host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by the Innovation Award Finalists, some of the Workshop Presenters, and of course, the Keynote speakers. In this first episode we will hear from the innovation award finalists. The NFDA Innovation Award is sponsored this year by ASD and gives companies and organizations the opportunity to showcase their new product and service ideas designed to enhance the funeral...
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A Brush with Death: 5 Minutes on...veJov Life
A Brush with Death
On "A Brush With Death: 5 Minutes On...," we spend 5 minutes providing listeners with quick insights into various funeral trends, products, events, organizations, and goings-on. In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Venroy Joseph, CEO of veJov Brands Corporation. Venroy shares veJov Life's unique memorial packages designed for funeral homes and how their innovative approach helps families honor their loved ones. About VeJov Life: VeJov Life is a dedicated design studio specializing in memorializing life’s moments, which prides itself on providing exceptional services...
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Episode #91: Funeral Pro Tips - Customer Service Edition
A Brush with Death
In this episode, host Gabe Schauf chats with 5 funeral professionals from around the country to share practical tips and techniques for elevating how to care for families and improve customer service at your funeral home. These are easy, cost-effective, things you can do to make a big difference right away Guests in this episode include: - Preston McKee – President of Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services based in Johnson City, TN (2:44) ...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Gabe Schauf is joined by Regan Moreland, Funeral Director & Embalmer with Radney Funeral Home and Langley Funeral Home, to discuss her transformative journey into funeral service. She shares how her personal experiences have shaped her career and passion for lifelong learning while inspiring those around her to always remember their "why."