Undertaking: The Podcast

Funeral Directors, Ryan Ballard and Brian Waters discuss life, death and the story of funeral service.

#518 Undertaking: The Colts: Ep: 6 Colts at Ravens 09/23/2023

#518 Undertaking: The Colts: Ep: 6 Colts at Ravens Colts at Ravens: An unkindness of #Ravens await the Boys in Blue - and so does a tropical storm. Blake and JB take flight to give you every key matchup, injury, and expectation for this Sunday's matchup in Charm City. Saddle up boys n girls! #ForTheShoe #Colts Today's show is supported by Express Funeral Funding: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/28121093

#517 John Henderson, Embalming, Mentorship, Leadership 09/22/2023

#517 John Henderson, Embalming, Mentorship, Leadership Mentor, friend, and employer of Ryan Ballard, John Henderson of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle, Indiana visit with the show about his upcoming speaking tour with the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Today's show is supported by our friends at: Gather, The Future of Funeral Home Software: MemoryShare: Professional Funeral Home Support for LiveStreaming & Delayed Broadcast: Learn more about Ryan, Brian and the entire Undertaking Network at: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/28118072

#516 Undertaking: The Colts Ep:5 Colts Win! 31-20 09/19/2023

#516 Undertaking: The Colts Ep:5 Colts Win! 31-20 Blake and JB react to the Colts' impressive AFC South road victory. From Minshew Mania takeover to Head Coach Shane Steichen channeling his inner Bill Belichick, hear why all signs are pointing upward to a bright future in Indianapolis Colts Nation, with a couple MASSIVE head nods to AR5 and Ryan Kelly for setting the example looking out for their own health - both mentally and physically. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/28082622

#515 Undertaking: The Colts Ep: 4: vs Texans 09/16/2023

#515 Undertaking: The Colts Ep: 4: vs Texans Indianapolis Colts travel to Houston and Blake Waters with Jordan Brock have the scoop. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/28050828

#514 Undertaking: The Colts Ep: 3 09/16/2023

#514 Undertaking: The Colts Ep: 3 Did you miss opening day? Catch up on the Indianapolis Colts with Blake Waters of the Undertaking Network. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/28050777

#513 NFDA Day 2: Here Come The Dreamers 09/14/2023

#513 NFDA Day 2: Here Come The Dreamers Playing amateur reporter, funeral director and embalmer, Brian Waters chases down the scoops on the NFDA trade show floor in Las Vegas. Celebrating the Network's first "International Day", Brian talks with National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation, Funeral One and SOKNA, while discussing the hot topics and announcements of the day. In the end, Brian get's invited into funeral services Skunk Works. Don't miss this show from one of the creators of the Undertaking Network. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/28034565

#512 NFDA Day 1: ASD News From Las Vegas 09/12/2023

#512 NFDA Day 1: ASD News From Las Vegas Brian walks the trade show floor to visit some friends including James Fletcher of Matthews Aurora, our friends at Pierce Chemical (with Formula 496) and Craig from ASD updates us on the news of the week. Each day, over 10,000 funeral homes are supported by Answering Service for Directors and today we let them know, we've got their back when they need us. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/28007127

#511 Undertaking the Colts Ep:2 09/10/2023

#511 Undertaking the Colts Ep:2 Coming in hot from Las Vegas, Brian drops his nephew's show, Undertaking the Colts with Blake Waters. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27991125

#510 Are you death curious? Featuring Alexandra Jo 09/08/2023

#510 Are you death curious? Featuring Alexandra Jo Alexandra Jo of the Death Curious Podcast, joins Brian on Undertaking: The Podcast as they go down the rabbit hole to consider how we communicate and how death care professionals can listen with intention to understand. You can hear their first conversaton over at Death Curious /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27975120

#509 Shadows? Big News? 09/06/2023

#509 Shadows? Big News? Someone has been listening! Who could it be? Finally, from the shadows, not seen in 40 years...... Maybe 30, but a long time. Just listen. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27953904

#508 Tea & Mourning Wear on Labour Day with Vegas Announcements 09/04/2023

#508 Tea & Mourning Wear on Labour Day with Vegas Announcements Right, after a bit of announcements by Brian, the show is returned to its previous host, Mr. Benjamin Whitworth CFSP, MBIE and best of all, a proper chap and embalmer. Allow us the opportunity to be redirected by another undertaker who cares. This is a show worth sharing. Learn more about the British Institute of Embalmers here: They're sorry for Brian, it's in the minutes. Hear more TVB stories here: Donate to the Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship here: Do you follow RavenPlume Consulting? Check them out and find more Undertaking: The Podcast content here: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27939627

#507 Calahan Funeral Home of Chicago, Illinois 08/30/2023

#507 Calahan Funeral Home of Chicago, Illinois Almost 30 years ago, back in 1983, Edward Calahan CFSP opened his own funeral service company. He started small – in fact, Calahan Funeral Service was based out of an existing funeral home in Chicago. When the owner of that firm suggested that Edward take his passion for excellence in service out into the wider world –he took the suggestion to heart. Join Brian on the road in Springfield, Illinois where he meets Edward and Shirley Calahan. Brian trys to examine the differences between rural and metro funeral homes as well as the differences in ourselves and our communities. This is an important show folks. As we all look to grow in our work and in our lives, we find ourselves so focused on one thing and often it's our differences. Listen closely as the Calahan's give their attention to the light in the darkness of death, our similarities. The isolation of funeral service highlights our differences. Some times we simply need another person or undertaker, to redirect us. Learn more about the Calahan Family at: Connect with Undertaking: The Podcast at: Have you heard My Funeral Home Stories? Listen: Today's show is sponsored by: The Kellerman Professional Vehicles: Find us at NFDA next to these beautiful vehicles. Butler Coach Company: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27897381

#506 Undertaking the Colts by Kicking the Stigma 08/25/2023

#506 Undertaking the Colts by Kicking the Stigma Everyone take a breath; the Undertakers are here, and football season kicks off in September. Sport is intended to be fun and exciting but when our people are not seen, valued, or appreciated, things get rough. As we step away from the heaviness of death care for one little show, Brian introduces his nephew, Blake Waters, an Air Force Veteran, and fan of the Indianapolis Colts. Together, the two Undertake what is going on with our home team. Check it out! Follow Undertaking: The Podcast on Twitter Follow Blake: @blake_a_waters or Brian @watersbc and the show @UndertakingPC /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27849195

#505 Malaysian Embalmers Dominic and Damien Jude 08/24/2023

#505 Malaysian Embalmers Dominic and Damien Jude Recording from the sandy beaches of Cancun, Mexico at this year's Frigid Embalm Better International Conference, Brian Waters meets Dominic and his brother Damien Jude, undertakers and embalmers from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Embalmers often feel isolated for their trade too. It's not that we love it, it's because people ask for it. Let's learn from our brothers from Malaysia. This episode is sponsored by the Kellerman Family of Vehicles Group and Butler Coach Company. Learn more about them here: And Pierce Chemical and the Wilbert Group: Learn more at: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27837648

#504 The First Contact After Death with Coroner Gavin Greene 08/19/2023

#504 The First Contact After Death with Coroner Gavin Greene In the first minutes after you die, your family is extremely vulnerable. First impressions matter and can set the tone for the next few days, two years down the road. When people feel vulnerable, they are sensitive and resistant to pressure, influence, and sometimes even action. Often the bereaved simply need to be seen to be understood. Undertakers talk amongst themselves about how to connect with our neighbors and most often we learn from our mentors that the best thing we can do is to answer the call, show up, and simply acknowledge another’s' experience. Connection is at the heart of funeral service and as we seek new ways to help our neighbors in our own communities, we are looking to improve funeral service from the inside as well. Join us as we unpack the nature of the Coroner in Indiana. Connect with the show at Do you know Pierce Chemicals? Check them out at Today's show is also supported by Butler Coach Company: Kellerman Family of Vehicles /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27794841

#503 Brian's Birthday Show and The Van Beck Memorial Scholarship 08/14/2023

#503 Brian's Birthday Show and The Van Beck Memorial Scholarship Brian catches up with Ryan for the week and they revisit the voice of their mentor, Todd Van Beck. As they discuss the upcoming tributes to Todd in Vegas, both decide to re-air episde #377 for a second examination of Todd's "Funeral Chronicles" on "Visibility". The topic of isolation, anxiety, and grief will gain much visibility itself, when undertakers gather at the big show in Vegas. Allow us to bring in Mr. Van Beck to redirect our focus to visibility: why we discuss it, why we seek it, and finally what we do with it when one has this "visibility." Today's show is dedicated to the memory of all mentors, known and unknown. To support the Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship or to connect with one of our friends at the Cinncinnati College of Mortuary Science, click Mr. Van Beck will be highlighted in the next edition of Southern Calls Magazine. This magazine is available to anyone and solid piece to add to any library. To subscribe, click . Are you a funeral professional seeking others to share experiences with? Join Brian as he visits his friends at the Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group. If you're not doing anything, Tuesday night, August 15th, hop on up and bring a friend. For times and information click . /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27742812

#502 The Check-In - We See You 08/07/2023

#502 The Check-In - We See You Working in death care can be isolating and anxiety is very real. Having a network of friends has been vital to our growth in knowledge, but most importantly, it make anyone feel a little less alone. Undertaking is hard enough, we need not make our lives worse by keeping ourselves separated. Champion someone else and see how it feels. Today's show is sponsored by The Wilbert Group: National Mortuary Shipping: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27677013

#501 Smoke Gets In Joe's Eye 08/02/2023

#501 Smoke Gets In Joe's Eye Season 2 of Undertaking: The Podcast kicks off with a tell-all podcast about...................... planning for the future, preparing for it and leaving a legacy that will last generations. Joe, the mystery-person featured on the veil-lifting-death book, Smoke Gets In Your Eye by Caitlin Doughty, joins the show and he's go so much to offer. Seaon 2 of Undertaking: The Podcast kick off with a tell-all podcast about........... planning for the future, preparing for it, and leaving a legacy that will last generations. Frank has the heart of an undertaker and when called upon, we're sure he takes of people. Support Caitlin's writing by buying her book here: Today's show is supported by an ad spot from three months ago for ASD Answering Service for Directors and their still answering Brian's phones and that's why they're's two ads for ASD. Check them out: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27643104

#500 The Road to Springfield and the End of the Beginning 07/27/2023

#500 The Road to Springfield and the End of the Beginning Podcasting like we'll never do it again, Ryan and I hit the road and paratroop into the Illinois Funeral Directors Association's annual convention in Springfield, Illinois. They hit the ground and immediately built a network to visit the place where the usefulness of undertakers was realized. Today's show is crafted in the spirit of a Celebration of Life because that's what Undertaking: The Podcast and the Network is all about. Expect three musical performances from our Network musicians, voices from the past and two undertakers exploring their usefulness in the world of undertaking, family, community, friends and podcasting. As one season of our lives fades out, another will fade in. Join us. All are welcome as we explore life, distracted by a world of death and regret, as we all search for meaning and real human connection. Today's show is brought to you by our long-time Network supporters: Hilton Funeral Supply: Indiana Donor Network: Pierce Chemical & the Wilbert Team: MemoryShare: ASD Answering Service for Directors: NMS National Mortuary Shipping & Cremation: Gather, Funeral Home Software: MortuaryMall.com: Your Mortuary Magic Store: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27580560

#499 The Dirt with Tim McLoone, hosted by Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home 07/21/2023

#499 The Dirt with Tim McLoone, hosted by Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home How does funeral service care for our fellow human? It might not be as simple as you think. Do we understand each other outside of work? This show gets into it. Micah and Tim discuss Tim's presentation at last year's NFDA convention which was nothing less than, impactful. For any of us to see real change, we must observe, listen and do no harm. Today's show is sponsored by Hilton Funeral Supply: and Indian Donor Network: Learn more about Return Home here: Subscribe to the UPC Network's YouTube page here: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27534636

#498 Meet us in Illinois? Yes? 07/13/2023

#498 Meet us in Illinois? Yes? Illinois convention kicks off this Monday and Ryan has the day off. We're going somewhere, where, we'll find out. But in the meantime, let's talk with the keynote speaker, aurhor Todd Harra, who will be filling for our friend, Todd Van Beck. This week is the network's first adopt a sponsor week. Ryan has selected Jack's Doughnuts: Brian took Frich's Big Boy: Pick up Todd Harra's book here: Check out Illinois' convention schedule here: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27460542

#497 Transplant at 13 days old with Kelsey and Paul 07/12/2023

#497 Transplant at 13 days old with Kelsey and Paul Recording in person and over the phone, Brian and Ryan visit the Indiana Donor Network to chat with Kelsey and her father Paul about their connection to organ and tissue donation and how miracles can be made when don't give up on life. To learn more about the Indiana Donor Network visit: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27441333

#496 What Undertakers Have To Offer 07/04/2023

#496 What Undertakers Have To Offer Happy 4th of July. The fellas relax and discuss their journeys in funeral service. How do you explain what undertakers offer? Today's show is supported by Pierce Chemical. Connect with them on or at /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27366063

#495 Is it all about the deceased? With Ben Whitworth on Tea & Mourning Wear 06/28/2023

#495 Is it all about the deceased? With Ben Whitworth on Tea & Mourning Wear On this episode of Tea and Mourning Wear with Ben Whitworth, he discusses the idea that sometimes the wishes of the deceased clash with the needs of the living. Learn more about Ben Whitworth at Today's show is supported by: National Shipping and Cremation, learn more about NMS at: Express Funeral Funding, learn more about EFF at: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27314451

#494 Wally Hooker and Embalming Abnormalities 06/24/2023

#494 Wally Hooker and Embalming Abnormalities Long before the film Died Suddenly, embalmers have noticed abnormalities in human anatomy. During the recent pandemic, heated debated were held between embalmers. In this show, Brian and Wally, embalmers with completely different political backgrounds come together to discuss our observations. Today's show is supported by NMS: National Mortuary and Cremation, learn more at: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27254373

#493 Whitney and Ethan 06/21/2023

#493 Whitney and Ethan Every story matters. Today's show features Brian and Ryan on the road at the Indiana Donor Network. Today's guest Whitney, a member of the Donor Family Council and advocate, who also knows Brian's wife, share her story and we all remember her husband Ethan. To learn more about Indiana Donor Network visit: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27227577

#492 Father's Day 06/19/2023

#492 Father's Day Brian joins Ryan on a dawn walk around the country cemetery where Ryan's father is laid to rest. A little local folklore is shared while the guys discuss the topics of the day. /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27189609

#491 Anyone Else Tired? 06/17/2023

#491 Anyone Else Tired? Funeral service is often polished and presented and a well-oiled service business. The struggles undertakers' face are often over-looked and recently both Brian and Ryan have been noticing a pattern. And Brian makes a friend with a wrong-number texter. Today's show is sponsored by and . /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27180039

#490 That One Time In Cancun 06/13/2023

#490 That One Time In Cancun On the beach in Cancun, Mexico, Brian ponders the topics of the Embalm Beter Conference with his friends Nelson Sanchez and Dr. Damon de la Cruz from Frigid Fluid. Learn more about Frigid and watch for announcements for next years' conference at Today's show is supported by National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation. Learn more at: /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27133680

#489 Part 2 of the Dirt on Brian hosted by Micah Truman 06/10/2023

#489 Part 2 of the Dirt on Brian hosted by Micah Truman Pressing Brian on the tough topics generally whispered about in funeral service, Micah concludes his discussion with Brian. To learn more about Micah Truman and Return Home visit: Today's show is supported by the Indiana Donor Network. Sign up to be an organ and tissue donor /episode/index/show/undertakingthepodcast/id/27104568

Undertaking: The Podcast

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