This episode takes you behind the scenes of the NFDA 2025 International Convention & Expo and the Future of Deathcare Summit, held in Chicago this October.
Despite a few uninvited audio gremlins (yes, apologies in advance for the glitches!), this conversation captures the energy, innovation, and sense of community that defined the week.

Host Jennifer Muldowney – The Glam Reaper – shares personal reflections from the Summit panel on generational shifts in funeral service, insights from NFDA’s biggest educational event of the year, and key takeaways for funeral professionals in Ireland and beyond. Even though all our audio died from the NFDA we still tried! Check out our blog piece for more info. https://www.muldowneymemorials.com/blogs/chicago-connection-change-highlights-from-nfda-2025-and-the-future-of-deathcare-summit

Key Topics

 * What made the Future of Deathcare Summit a breath of fresh air for our profession
 * Highlights from Jennifer’s panel: “Generational Expectations: How Gen X & Millennials Are Redefining Funeral Service”
 * The NFDA 2025 Convention at McCormick Place — record attendance, new innovations, and a renewed focus on human connection
 * The rise of AI tools, digital legacy, and sustainability in modern funeral care
 * Why “personalisation is no longer optional” for today’s families
 * Work in funeral service, celebrancy, or end-of-life care
 * Are curious about how the profession is evolving globally
 * Missed this year’s NFDA Convention and want to catch the vibe
 * Love hearing how community, creativity, and compassion collide in our work

🤦‍♀️ Audio Disclaimer

Fair warning — the audio gods were not on our side this time!
A few sections sound like they were recorded in a wind tunnel (they weren’t, promise). But the insights and spirit of the conversation are well worth the ride.

Thanks to NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association) – nfda.org [https://nfda.org/] and Future of Deathcare Summit – hosted by Sympathy Brands & Fortitude Marketing

Chicago, Connection & Change: Highlights from NFDA 2025 and the Future of Deathcare Summit

Why do we wait until someone dies to learn how to deal with death?

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Jennifer Lares, a licensed funeral director, educator, and former U.S. Army mortuary officer who managed repatriations across Europe and Africa. Together, they open a side of the funeral world that most people never see — where compassion, ethics, and resilience meet REALITY.



Jennifer Lares reveals what it’s really like behind military and civilian funerals, how empathy and education can change the way we face loss. From exposing industry silence and scandals to rethinking Direct Cremation and modern airbrush cosmetics, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about death care.

It’s real. And it might just change how you see life, grief, and the people who serve behind the curtain of death.

🎧 Tune in to discover how curiosity, courage, and compassion can transform the way we say goodbye.





Key Topics:

-Honoring the fallen and the unseen work behind repatriation

-Redefining empathy and teamwork in funeral service education

-The courage to speak up in an industry built on silence

-Reimagining beauty, dignity, and goodbyes through modern death care

-Learning to face death with curiosity, not fear





Quotes from the episode:

“We know that we’re all going to die, and yet we don’t learn anything about it until you have to. So why would you not involve this in education when you’re growing up?”

-Jennifer Lares





“But if you don’t evolve, you dissolve.”

-Jennifer Muldowney







Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:29] Jennifer Lares shares her experience as a U.S. Army mortuary officer in Germany, reflecting on the challenges of repatriating fallen service members, cultural differences around death, and her mission to elevate funeral education through advanced embalming and training.

[10:23] She talks about teaching empathy-led teamwork, sensitive communication with grieving families, and modernizing end-of-life care through airbrush cosmetics and progressive education.

[21:52] The conversation moves to licensing and specialization in funeral service, the staffing challenges across states, and Jennifer’s honest take on the California mortician scandal—why abuses happen and why the industry needs stronger ethics and protection.

[32:30] Jennifer discusses gender bias, inequality, and society’s fascination with scandal and death. She calls for rethinking cremation, respecting diverse beliefs, and re-educating the public on the sacred value of ritual and the body.

[43:19] To close, she highlights the need for transparency, curiosity, and higher standards—urging the profession to embrace accountability, continuous learning, and stronger oversight to restore trust in death care.

[53:57] Outro



Connect with Jennifer Lares:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lares-a09163302

Websites - mullingmortician.com

Instagram: @mullingmortician



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

Rebuilding Faces, Restoring Families: The Embalmer Behind Military Repatriations

How do you heal when the one who gave you unconditional love is gone?

In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer Muldowney goes beyond grief to uncover the new ways people are reshaping how we say goodbye to our pets — from compassion, creativity, to community.

Adam Greenbaum, founder of Love Baxter, shares the raw story of losing his dog Baxter and realizing how unprepared the world is for pet loss. His experience led him to build a first-of-its-kind digital resource that helps pet parents make informed, heartfelt decisions during one of life’s hardest moments.

Dr. Paula Rivadeneira, the heart behind Old Souls Animal Rescue, brings light to the overlooked — senior and special-needs pets who often lose their homes when their owners pass away. Through humor, honesty, and deep empathy, she shows what true devotion looks like, one rescue at a time.

John, founder of Ever After Art, introduces a striking form of remembrance — transforming ashes into luminous crystal artworks that carry the chemistry and soul of every beloved companion. It’s grief turned into art, loss turned into legacy.

This episode isn’t just about saying goodbye. It’s about discovering the many ways love continues to live on.





Key Topics:

-Healing the heartbreak of pet loss

-Redefining compassion in end-of-life care

-Honoring pets through art and remembrance

-Giving forgotten animals love and dignity

-Finding connection and meaning through grief





Quotes from the episode:

"My dog didn’t die — my son died. He was the love of my life."

-Adam Greenbaum



“When someone loses a pet, it’s not just loss — it’s losing a heartbeat that follows you everywhere.”

-Paula Rivadeneira



“We take just a teaspoon of ash and turn it into crystal — a unique, one-of-a-kind artwork that carries the essence of your pet’s soul.”

-John





Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:21] Jennifer sits down with Adam Greenbaum, who shares the moving story behind Love Baxter, an online resource created to help grieving pet owners find guidance, compassion, and community during one of life’s hardest goodbyes.

[13:55] Jennifer meets Dr. Paula Rivadeneira, founder of Old Souls Animal Rescue, to talk about caring for senior and special-needs animals, the emotional reality of pet loss, and how her TikTok community inspires support for forgotten pets.

[18:33] Jennifer chats with John from Ever After Art, exploring how he transforms pet ashes into mesmerizing crystal artworks, a unique and healing way to preserve the spirit and memory of beloved companions.

[29:52] Outro



Connect with Adam Greenbaum:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adamgreenbaum

Instagram: @greenbaumly

Website: beacons.ai/greenbaum



Connect with Paula Rivadeneira:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paula-rivadeneira

Website: oldsouls.org (Other)

chollaafterlife.com (Company)



Connect with John:

Website: https://everafterart.com/



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 



When Love Outlives Life: Inside the Hidden World of Pet Farewells

In this special episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, Jennifer Muldowney takes us inside the CANA Convention to uncover bold ideas, inspiring stories, and the future of funeral service.

Jennifer sits down with powerhouse women and industry innovators making waves in the profession. Lisa Bowie shares how Funeral Women Lead is breaking barriers with the first-ever Wellness Summit and Women’s Leadership Academy. Melissa talks about her work with Security National and why advocacy, mentorship, and support for women entering funeral service is more urgent than ever.

You’ll also hear from Darren at Passages, whose eco-friendly urns and biodegradable memorial products are reshaping how families honor loved ones—from Himalayan salt urns to GPS-tracked scattering memorials. And Will and Hannah Laura from Cold Spring reveal the artistry behind their 127-year legacy in quarrying and bronze memorialization, including national monuments, private mausoleums, and even hand-sculpted angels and granite castles.

Tune in to discover how innovation, mentorship, and community are redefining the funeral profession and why now is the time to support the leaders driving it forward.



Key Topics:

-Empowering women in the funeral profession

-Mentorship and community supportz

-Innovation in eco-friendly memorial products

-Honoring legacy through artistry and tradition

-Building confidence and leadership for future generations





Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:20] Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Lisa Bowie at the CANA Convention to discuss empowering women in the funeral profession through Funeral Women Lead, leadership and wellness programs, and her new book Wake Up Calls.

[04:41] Jennifer chats with Melissa about her role at Security National, her advocacy with Funeral Women Lead, and why supporting women entering the funeral and cremation profession matters.

[08:50] Jennifer speaks with Darren from Passages about eco-friendly urns and burial products and innovative memorial tools that blend sustainability with remembrance.

[19:34] Jennifer connects with Will and Hannah Laura from Cold Spring to explore the company’s 127-year legacy in quarrying and bronze memorialization.

[28:09] Outro





Connect with Darren Crouch:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/darren-crouch-9a450236

Websites: passagesinternational.com (Company)

Connect with Lisa Baue:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-baue

Websites: yourfuneralcoach.com (Company)

Connect with Melissa Posey Loose:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissaploose

Connect with Hannalora and Will:

Website: https://coldspringusa.com/



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 



CANA The 107th Cremation Innovation Convention, Arizona 2025

Sometimes the stories we carry are heavier than what the world ever sees.

Sarah Cunningham McWilliams sits down with us to share a life marked by loss, resilience, and unexpected hope. From 14 miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies to surviving cancer in the middle of a global pandemic, she shows what it means to keep standing when life consistently knocks you on your ass.

Sarah opens her heart about the quiet battles no one prepares you for, the humor that kept her sane, and the way nature and the sea became her refuge when words and medicine failed. She speaks about love, survival, and the small moments of light that pulled her through the darkest seasons.

This is not just a story of pain or survival. It is about the courage to keep moving, the grace to laugh even in grief, and the reminder that strength often comes in the softest of forms.

Tune in to hear a story of fierce grace from an Irish warrior woman that will irrevocably change the way you think about resilience and the hidden weight so many of us carry.



Key Topics:

-Enduring miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies with unspoken grief

-IVF and its hidden toll on body and spirit

-Confronting cancer while raising young children ..all in a worldwide pandemic

-Holding on to humor as a shield in moments of deep pain

-Finding refuge in sea swims, nature, and quiet resilience



Quotes from the episode:

"If you keep your inner voice negative, you will collapse. I had to keep saying "yes I can, yes I will."

-Sarah Cunningham



"I come from a long line of warrior women with soft hearts."

-Sarah Cunningham







"Life can look so amazing on the outside, but you never really know what’s going on in the pains that are happening on the inside."

-Jennifer Muldowney



Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:22] Sarah shares how her friendship with Jennifer, her struggles with miscarriage and illness, and the resilience of Irish women shaped her way of looking at life with humor and kindness.

[08:52] Sarah opens up about living with permanent health struggles, multiple miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy, and a difficult fertility journey in America that tested her strength. 

[23:30] Sarah talks about turning to surrogacy after countless miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. She endured a painful experience with a carrier yet found gratitude in her children while carrying the unseen pain behind what looked like a perfect family.

[31:30] Sarah recalls how finding a lump led to a breast cancer diagnosis, life-saving surgery, and lasting effects. 

[44:51] Sarah shares how medical negligence, unprocessed trauma, and years of battles left her with PTSD. 

[52:51] Sarah reflects on how IVF drugs may have fueled her cancer, exposing the profit-driven side of healthcare. She endured harsh chemotherapy and relied on her inner strength, natural supports, and the will to survive for her family.



[1:14:54] Outro



Connect with Sarah Cunningham:

Website: https://goodgrief.ie/

Email address: sazcmcw@hotmail.com



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

When Fertility Battles and Cancer Collide Finding Strength Through Pain

What if the moment that shaped your life happened when you were only twelve years old?

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Tanya Scotece shares her journey from the medical world to becoming a funeral director and embalmer, and now a professor leading the mortuary program at Miami Dade College. She opens up about how a single childhood experience at a wake sparked a fire that stayed with her for life, and how every step along the way became a lesson in courage and growth.

Tanya talks about wearing sparkles as a reminder of her why, the reality of serving families in a profession that offers no second chances, and the importance of inspiring students who will become the funeral directors of tomorrow. 

This is more than a career story. It is about following a calling, finding light in unexpected places, and reminding us that it is never too late to learn and begin again.



Key Topics:

-Finding purpose from a childhood experience that shaped a lifelong calling

-Transitioning from the medical world to mortuary service with courage and faith

-The meaning behind sparkles and how small symbols can carry deep purpose

-Teaching and guiding students to serve families with compassion and integrity

-Standing for dignity and truth through expert witness work in funeral law





Quotes from the episode:

“This isn’t a do-over profession. You only have one chance to make a funeral right.”

-Tanya Scotece



“These are the funeral directors of tomorrow, and the more resources they have, the better.”

-Jennifer Muldowney





Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:41] Dr. T opens up about her journey from a long career in medicine to discovering her true calling in funeral service. She shares how pursuing advanced education led her to become a professor and program coordinator for mortuary science at Miami Dade College, where she now guides future leaders in the profession.

[13:34] Beyond the classroom, Dr. T has become a trusted expert witness in funeral law, standing beside families in times of grief and ensuring justice when wrongful practices occur. She reminds Jennifer that in this field ethics and integrity are everything because in death care there are no second chances.

[21:03] Reflecting on her shift from industry to academia, Dr. T speaks about the diverse students who choose mortuary school, the many paths available in funeral service, and the joy she finds in inspiring others to keep learning and proving it is never too late to chase new dreams.

[29:18] The conversation closes on a warm note as Tanya and Jennifer celebrate their bond. Together they share exciting opportunities for students such as celebrant training, memorial planning, and pet loss education while highlighting the power of collaboration, support, and nurturing the next generation of funeral directors

[35:49] Outro



Connect with Tanya Scotece:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tanya-scotece-ph-d-lfd-cfsp-🪄✨”dr-t”-a85a6226

Email: tanya8828@aol.com



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

From Calling to Classroom Preparing the Next Generation in Funeral Care

What if we stopped judging grief and started honoring it instead?

In this powerful episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, we sit down with Michaelene Dowers, a licensed funeral director, thanatologist, and founder of Pollen Care—a one-of-a-kind resource for children facing grief, from the loss of a parent to the pain of divorce or even the death of a pet. We open up about the hard conversations many avoid—how children process loss, why every type of grief matters, and the emotional cost of showing up for others in dark moments.

We also explore why some families avoid holding services, how judgment sneaks into our grief culture, and the deeply personal ways loss can show up. From a missing stuffed goat to a life lost too soon. Michaellean shares how she curates books and tools to help kids and parents cope when words fall short, and why no loss, no matter how “small”—should ever be dismissed.

Tune in to feel seen, understood, and reminded that no one’s grief should be compared, measured, or ignored. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone who's simply loved and lost—this one will stay with you.





Key Topics:



-Children deserve honest tools to process grief

-No loss is too small to be acknowledged

-Judgment has no place in someone’s mourning

-Grief after tragedy needs care for all involved

-Healing begins with presence, not pressure





Quotes from the episode:



“The grief is as real for a child as it is for an adult—it just looks different.”

-Michaelene Dowers





“I don’t understand this hierarchy of grief—why does it matter whose pain is worse?”

-Jennifer Muldowney









Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:20] Michaelene Dowers, a funeral director and thanatologist, shares how she helps grieving families by carefully choosing books and resources for children based on their age, background, and the kind of loss they’re facing. 

[09:40] Michaelene and Jennifer talk about how grief often shows up in quiet, unexpected ways. They reflect on how parents make tough choices during painful times and how even small moments, like missing a funeral or losing a pet, can leave lasting marks on a child’s heart.

[16:09] The conversation opens up to the deeper truth that every kind of grief matters. Whether someone is grieving a person, a relationship, or even a cherished item, what they feel is real.

[22:40] As they wrap up, they speak honestly about the emotional weight carried by those who work with grief every day. From tragic events like school shootings to heartbreaking family situations, Michaelene continues to offer comfort and hope through her work with Pollen Care, making sure no family feels alone.

[28:09] Outro





Connect with Michaelene Dowers:

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mdowers

Websites - Pollen.Care (Company)

Quietusbee.com (Company)





Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

Tiny Coffins, Big Emotions: The Hidden Side of Childhood Grief

What if grief had no rules and love had no limits?

In this deeply moving episode, We sit down with Lauren Seeley, a death educator and community death doula, to talk about the raw, real, and often misunderstood world of grief, loss, and end-of-life care. We talk about what it means to support people through the death of a beloved pet, how intuitive moments show up in the funeral space, and why honoring our own unique grieving process matters.

Lauren opens up about her own funeral plans, the emotional work behind death care, and how spiritual connection can guide us through the hardest goodbyes. This isn’t just about funerals—it’s about love, presence, and the quiet power of being seen when it matters most.

If you’ve ever loved and lost a human or animal, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.

Tune in to hear stories, insights, and truths we often keep hidden and feel less alone in the process.



Key Topics:

-The emotional weight of pet loss

-Why grief has no hierarchy

-What a modern death doula really does

-Intuition in the death care space

-Pre-planning your own goodbye









Quotes from the episode:

“Sometimes having somebody step in, validate their feelings, help them make those decisions, can make a world of difference”

-Lauren Seeley



“We’re all working in the space for one common goal and that is to help the bereaved to grieve and grieve well, and help the dead have a good death”

-Jennifer Muldowney









Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:55] Lauren shares how she supports people through grief and end-of-life care for both humans and pets—guiding in-home euthanasia, planning ceremonies, and building deep, lasting relationships with grieving families.

[08:38] She and Jen talk about the evolving role of death doulas, the emotional weight of the work, and the importance of blending holistic and traditional care as society becomes more open to conversations about grief and death.

[16:37] Lauren opens up about her own funeral wishes, her work as a death educator, and how her intuitive gifts have grown through this work—something she now teaches others to recognize and trust.

[21:11] She shares personal stories of spiritual signals during funerals and emphasizes how honoring intuition can bring comfort and deeper connection when supporting grieving families.

[26:08] Outro





Connect with Lauren Seeley:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauren-seeley-19531a179

Instagram - @ahhsweetdeath







Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh 

 Love Without Limits Grief Without Rules: What Death Doulas Teach Us About Grief Pets and Presence

What Really Happens Behind the Scenes in the Funeral Industry?

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work in death care? In this episode of The Glam Reaper Podcast, I take you inside the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida Convention where I met the changemakers shaping the future of funerals.

From AI-powered tribute videos to autopsy cases that reveal shocking truths, this episode is filled with raw and heartfelt stories. I spoke with funeral tech innovators, long-time directors, a scholarship-winning student, and a forensic pathologist whose second autopsies are changing lives.

We dive into grief, regulation, compassion, second chances, and the deep humanity behind every service. This is not just about funerals. It is about people, purpose, and the power of doing meaningful work.

Tune in to hear what no one tells you about the funeral world and why it matters more than ever.

Key Topics:

-The human side of funeral innovation

-Serving families with compassion and clarity

-Regulation, second chances, and doing the right thing

-Finding purpose through grief and service

-Stories that reveal the heart behind every farewell



Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:32] We had a chat with Zach from Tukios to hear how his team evolved from creating tribute videos to building modern websites for funeral homes. He opens up about how they now use AI to restore photos, protect families from harmful content, and even support writing obituaries with care.

[05:50] We talk with Earline Blumhagen, a licensed funeral director and print coordination specialist, who reflects on her 28-year journey in the funeral profession. Her dedication and wisdom shine through as she shares the heart behind her work.

[11:44] We meet Darrell, a future funeral director whose passion for serving his community led him to this path. He opens up about how a professor’s encouragement and a scholarship changed his life and deepened his calling.

[12:48] We speak with Tyler from Repose, a platform that helps families plan funerals with ease and clarity. Tyler shares how Repose empowers families to compare options and connect with funeral homes that meet their needs.

[15:34] We have a meaningful conversation with Crystal from Florida’s funeral regulation board. She offers insight into how licensing decisions are made with both compassion and fairness and why standards matter so deeply in this work.

[21:24] We chat with Heather, executive director of IFDF, who shares how she reimagined the annual convention into something truly special. She talks about creating a space where professionals feel seen, supported, and part of a caring community.

[26:26] We close with Dr. Daniel, a forensic pathologist whose stories stay with you long after they’re told. He shares moments from second autopsies that changed lives and one unforgettable case involving handwritten notes hidden inside a man’s body—offering a glimpse into the powerful intersection of grief, truth, and healing

[41:08] Outro

Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products

Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145

The Glam Reaper®️ AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh

More Than a Profession, It's Heart: The People Behind the Funeral Industry — What I Learned at IFDF

What If We’ve Been Grieving All Wrong?

How do we truly honor the people we love after they’re gone?

In this deeply moving episode, Jen sits down with Lauren from La Mort to talk about what most people don’t know about death, grief, and connection. From the lost art of caring for our loved ones' bodies to the power of pen pals and handwritten letters, this conversation is full of stories that will make you reflect, feel, and maybe even rethink how we say goodbye.

They open up about the emotional toll of modern funerals, the frustration of navigating corporate death care, and the healing that comes from choice, education, and community. Whether you've lost someone, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to understand grief on a deeper level, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.







Key Topics:



-Reclaiming sacred death rituals

-The emotional impact of COVID on connection

-The power of tangible, embodied grief practices

-The importance of informed choice in death care

-Advocating for change and education in the funeral industry







Quotes from the episode:



"Taking care of our loved ones is not an easy task — death is a tangible thing."

-Lauren Carroll





“It’s the bad eggs that don’t want to innovate who give the whole industry a bad reputation.”

-Jennifer Muldowney





Timestamp:



[00:00] Podcast Intro



[01:02] Lauren shares how she moved from co-founding Deathwives to creating La Mort, a heartfelt collective that weaves together grief, art, and joy.



[08:16] Lauren and Jen laugh about their shared clumsiness and reflect on how the pandemic changed human connection. Lauren talks about the importance of simple, tangible rituals like writing letters, being together in person, and caring for a loved one’s body. 



[18:38] The conversation turns to the power of giving families real choices around death care. Lauren and Jen explore how informed decisions can bring comfort and clarity in times of loss.



[25:32] Together, they call for more education and open-mindedness in the funeral world. They highlight how listening to families and embracing innovation can transform the way we honor life 

and death.



[39:25] Outro





Connect with Lauren Carroll:

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/lauren-carroll-deathwives

Website - https://www.lamort.org/





Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/

Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com

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Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

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Letters, Loss, and the Love That Remains - How to Keep the Dead Close

Jennifer Muldowney's Show

The Glam Reaper podcast is about telling human stories of life, love and loss through the lens of the funeral world. Without death we never lived. The existence of grief proves love also existed and through life and love we experience loss. We want to tell YOUR story. Reach out to us: www.theglamreaperpodcast.com

Jennifer Muldowney

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