The Final Curtain Never Closes
The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage. This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry. Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at www.nmfh.org. And remember, any day above ground is a good one!
Episodes
Ancient Egyptian funeral practices revolved around the belief in preparing the body for burial to ensure a smooth journey in the afterlife. Preserving the physical body through embalming was crucial, as it allowed the soul to return and reunite with the spirit.
The embalming techniques employed by the Egyptians involved the use of resins, oils, and natron to preserve the body. The evolution of these techniques aimed at disinf...
Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez explores universal themes in death rituals, examining how funerals, grief, and cultural customs intersect at the National Museum of Funeral History. Museum exhibits include gynecological coffins from Ghana, jazz funerals in Louisiana, and Victorian mourning practices, providing insight into how traditions shape the grieving process and honor the dead.
Religion and cultural heritage guide communities through...
Michael Osborne, creator of the award-winning podcast Famous and Gravy, joins Genevieve to discuss how stories of the departed become mirrors for the living.
The conversation explores how fame shifts across generations, the fleeting nature of memory, and the difference between celebrity and personal legacy. Osborne shares the philosophical framework behind Famous and Gravy, emphasizing empathy, the power of creative expression, and...
Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez turned a childhood curiosity about death into a lifelong mission of education and advocacy.
Her journey began with an early fascination with mortality at age seven and led to her role as president and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History. Shaped by personal loss and her experiences in military medicine and funeral services, she promotes open dialogue and cultural respect surrounding end-of-life rit...
The tragic loss of Kailee Mills inspired her family to turn pain into purpose by founding the Kailee Mills Foundation. Through heartfelt education and assistance programs, they teach communities the life-saving importance of buckling up. Kailee's legacy continues to ripple outward, saving lives with every click.
Learn more about The Kailee Mills Foundation HERE.
Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey thr...
Discover why Victorian death rituals still fascinate us today as author Paul Gambino discusses his book, Beyond the Veil, with Genevieve Keeney Vazquez, now available at The National Museum of Funeral History.
Dive into funeral customs, grief, and the compelling evolution of how we honor and remember the dead.
Order your copy of Beyond the Veil here, and look for it in the museum gift shop!
Plan your visit to the museum today at nm...
Lisa Baue stepped into funeral service as a third-generation funeral director, challenging long-held beliefs about who belonged in the profession. Her story unfolds in the context of a family business—her grandfather’s legacy—where growth was fueled by tradition but also by change. From an early age, Lisa learned the ropes in an industry that rarely welcomed women and often questioned their capabilities.
Being tol...
Angela Kaatz is the owner and producer of Ghost Hunting Beauties.
During this conversation, Genevieve and Angela dive into the role of women in the paranormal field and the unique sensitivity and connection women share with the spirit world.
They explore the evolving perceptions of death and the afterlife throughout history, offering personal experiences and encounters with spirits and ghosts. And they touch upon the validation of ...
Mark Leslie, an author drawn to chills and thrills since childhood, has built his writing career by exploring the shadows of fear and death. His stories often begin with the very anxieties that once haunted him, turning them into explorations of empathy and the unknown. Through both fiction and true ghost tales, Leslie invites readers to face the darkness. And perhaps find connection within it.
In this conversation, Frank Vazquez shares his journey of grief and loss after the death of his close friend, Tim. The conversation highlights the importance of safe friends and the impact they can have on our lives. Frank reflects on his friendship with Tim and the deep connection they shared. The conversation also explores the responsibilities of being a safe friend and the profound effect of Tim's passing on Frank's life. The ep...
Have you ever wondered what happens when you have to say goodbye to a pet? You might be faced with difficult choices, questions about euthanasia, and how to honor your pet’s memory.
Today, Dr. Jennifer Le talks about the role of a veterinarian at this moment, her personal story, and what you need to know when this time comes. We’ll cover:
- Why we make the decision to euthanize a pet
- Options for memorializing t...
Jason Engler is a cremation historian and has one of the world's largest urn collections.
During this episode, we dive into Jason's fascination with urns and how it influenced his decision to pursue a career in the history of cremation.
Tune in to this masterclass on the end of life process that's as old as time.
Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating ...
How does a landscape maintenance expert become an indispensable ally in the cemetery care industry?
Don Winsett, a strategy consultant and executive coach, discussed his journey from working with Davey Tree Expert Company to supporting the death care industry. His focus on enhancing cemetery maintenance practices reflects his passion for aiding communities in maintaining serene memorial spaces. By leveraging his extensive exp...
Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez, the president and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History, interviews Bridget Caletka, a grief counselor with Mosaics of Mercy.
During this conversation, they talk about the importance of face-to-face communication in a technology-driven society. From the stages of grief to the various forms of grief, Genevieve and Bridget explore the topic of grief and societal attitudes from it.
What role does technology play in end-of-life planning?
Niki Weiss joins the podcast to discuss the intersection of technology and death planning. Niki emphasizes the importance of managing our digital footprint before death, tackling legal, financial, physical, and digital aspects in life planning. She presents real-world scenarios like the disruption caused by unprepared digital assets, inviting critical reflection on sudden mort...
Barbara Kemmis serves as the Executive Director of Cremation Association of North America (CANA).
During this episode, we discuss her unlikely path to working in the cremation industry (she was a librarian), as well as technological advances that will leave you in awe. Among these are water cremations.
Learn more about CANA HERE.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Plan ...
What ignites the creation of a memorial service product that embodies personal stories and environmental consciousness?
Life Art's innovative cremation containers, introduced by Nikki Nordine and Brent Thorson of TerryBear, bring a new dimension to honoring loved ones with personalized, eco-friendly designs. Inspired by global trends and consumer demands for sustainability and personalization, these containers offer families a dign...
Barrie Schwortz and Rudy Dichtl have spent the greater part of the past few decades researching and authenticating the Shroud of Turin.
They join museum CEO and curator Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez to discuss the many things involved with studying the shroud which has captivated millions of people from all over the world.
During this episode, you'll hear how Rudy and Barrie ended up on this project, where it led them, and t...
Why does the Shroud of Turin continue to captivate both scientific interest and spiritual devotion?
Nora Creech's lifetime passion culminated in her collaboration with Genevieve Keeney Vasquez to curate an exhibit at the National Museum of Funeral History. With her rich background in Shroud Studies, Creech seeks to elucidate its mysteries and inspire deeper faith exploration. The exhibit showcases a certified copy of the Shroud, in...
What does it take to become a dedicated funeral director?
Cody Lopasky, president of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services, delves into the education, hands-on labs, and apprenticeship that shape a skilled death care professional.
With changing industry needs, students now require both academic rigor and a compassionate calling. Despite challenges, this profession is deeply rewarding.
Key Takeaways
1. The profession of funeral...
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