Best P.Rene Podcasts (2024)

1
Better Place, Preneed Partnerships, and NOR Breakouts 15:23

1d ago15:23

15:23

Welcome to the latest edition of ICYMI from Funeral Service Insider. As always, we are here to keep you informed about the latest happenings and trends within the funeral industry. Here's what we have on deck this week: Kates-Boylston hosts the Advances in Funeral Innovations conference Nov. 12-13 in Houston. Over the course of two days, attendees …

1
Deathcare Proud at NFDA 2024 33:43

6h ago33:43

33:43

We speak with funeral director Tim McLoone and Professor Sara Murphy, who includes death-care and LGBTQ+ issues among her special areas of interest. Their journey began with a chance encounter at the 2019 NFDA convention, which led to the creation of the Deathcare Proud event series – an annual gathering to show support and provide visibility for L…

1
Season 5 Episode 14 Javon Jackson 39:31

36m ago39:31

39:31

More than 25 years ago, I met tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson who was raised in Denver Colorado and that meeting made a wonderful memory and a deep impact that still resonates with me today. It impressed me that he took the time out of his very busy and impressive career to offer his time in a very giving manner to help a small-town, non-profit rad…

1
EPISODE 82: BRANDI 1:41:45

3d ago1:41:45

1:41:45

Last week's guest, Annette, shared with us late in the episode that she is in an abusive relationship, one that she is not quite ready to leave. So many people were moved by Annette's story, and some of those people reached out to Renée with questions about why it can be so hard to leave an abusive partner. Renée had planned to address the question…

1
Discovering Key Motivators for Preneed Planning: Insights and Strategies from Greg Norris 10:40

5d ago10:40

10:40

Kates-Boylston hosts the Advances in Funeral Innovations conference Nov. 12-13 in Houston. Over the course of two days, attendees will hear about some emerging trends and best practices for running their operations. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo

1
EPISODE 81: ANNETTE 2:00:30

10d ago2:00:30

2:00:30

"I have so many stories for you, you don't even know," Annette tells Renée early in this episode. And, wow, was she right. Fortunately for all of us, Annette is hilarious and smart and tells her story perfectly. This makes it easy for Renée to find places to go - so much so that a conversation that Annette had expected would be about one aspect of …

1
Inclusivity in Death Care: Jennifer Wright-Berryman on Serving the LGBTQIA+ Community 35:49

12d ago35:49

35:49

In this episode, we speak with University of Cincinnati professor of social work Jennifer Wright-Berryman, a seasoned mental health and suicide prevention researcher with a long-standing commitment to improving understanding of the death-care experience for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. During her extensive research, she discovered a scarcity …

1
Season 5 Episode 13 Delfeayo Marsalis 39:27

13d ago39:27

39:27

New Orleans is a place where virtuosity is always deployed with a celebratory spirit, and Crescent City Jewels is like a Gratitude Journal in song, a rollicking collection that expresses NEA Jazz Master, Grammy-winning producer, trombonist and bandleader, Delfeayo Marsalis, appreciation for the good things in life at a time when so much attention s…

1
Big Transition Opportunities, Crematory Ups and Downs, and More 15:12

15d ago15:12

15:12

Welcome to the latest edition of ICYMI from Funeral Service Insider. As always, we are here to keep you informed about the latest happenings and trends within the funeral industry. Here's what we have on deck this week: A Big "What If?': In case you missed the last podcast, we spoke with Tyler Anderson of Precoa about treating your website like you…

1
What If You Ran Your Website Like You Run Your Funeral Home? An Omnichannel Approach with Tyler Anderson 16:53

17d ago16:53

16:53

Accounting for shifting consumer preferences is a challenge many funeral home owners face daily. Tyler Anderson of Precoa discusses approaches for accommodating these shifts. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo

1
EPISODE 80: LISA 1:04:57

17d ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Lisa ordered diet pills through the mail when she was 15 years old, and that order became the cornerstone of a decades long eating disorder. She has completed an inpatient eating disorder treatment program, she attends ongoing outpatient therapy, and still she falls back into disordered eating whenever her stress is unmanageable. Lisa has worked ha…

1
Succession Challenges and the New Wave of Startups 14:24

25d ago14:24

14:24

Succession Gone Wrong? We dive into the saga of Zeiner Funeral Home in Marion, Kansas, now transitioning to Yazel-Megli Funeral Homes. Despite an initially smooth handover, Ty Zeiner’s recent decision to re-enter the industry calls the deal into question. Young Newlyweds, Big Dreams Meet Sean and Anne Devlin, two newlyweds who are turning an iconic…

1
Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Digital Marketing for Funeral Homes Amid Low Death Rates 14:39

26d ago14:39

14:39

Welton Hong of Ring-Ring marketing discusses some of the fundamental (and free) things funeral home owners can do before spending money on digital marketing. Hong will present at the in-person Advances in Funeral Service Innovations conference Nov. 12-13 in Houston, hosted by Kates-Boylston hosts the. Over the course of two days, attendees will hea…

1
EPISODE 79: TOLU 2:07:08

26d ago2:07:08

2:07:08

On the heels of Andre's punchy episode, Tolu changes the tempo this week. If André was pop punk, Tolu is smooth jazz. His voice is gentle and comforting, and his spirit matches. Tolu doesn't have a childhood trauma story to tell, but he does have a problem he needs help with, and it just happens to involve one of Renée's favorite topics: meddling m…

1
Navigating Mortuary School: Jennifer Floyd on Running the San Antonio College Mortuary 37:43

28d ago37:43

37:43

In this episode Jennifer Floyd, the managing director of the funeral home at San Antonio College talks about the challenges that come with running a business with students. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo

1
Acquisitions by Foundation Partners and Batesville, N.Y. Mass Burials and more 14:02

1M ago14:02

14:02

This week, we'll dive into two significant acquisitions. Foundation Partners has acquired Cake, an end-of-life planning website, while Batesville has picked up Halcyon Death Care Management Solutions. We'll also touch on some news out of Las Vegas involving a stolen casket and update you on the resumption of mass burials on Hart Island in New York.…

1
EPISODE 78: ANDRE 1:23:37

1M ago1:23:37

1:23:37

Andre is a 47 year-old father of three who is "tired of being in survival mode." He comes to the show hoping Renée can help him resolve his persistent anxiety. And she can, but not before she and Andre discuss his childhood trauma, his first wife's death from cervical cancer, racism, parenting, stand-comedy, grief, and more. Andre has a complicated…

1
Season 5 Episode 12 Shelly Berg 35:18

1M ago35:18

35:18

There are times when you get a sense that you’re talking with an old friend that you’ve actually never met. There are shared times and memories that travelled on parallel lines but somehow never managed to intersect. That’s the best way that I can describe the conversation I had with Shelly Berg. From places lived and mutual friends, to times spent…

1
Closures, Legalization, and Regulatory Compliance 18:12

1M ago18:12

18:12

In this episode we discuss the closure of a funeral home in Canada, the state-enforced shutdown of one in Indiana, and the challenges facing small rural funeral homes. We also take a look at the implications of NOR in Maine and a New York Funeral home that settled a state suit. We also share some of the other things available on Kates-Boylston.com.…

1
EPISODE 77: ELIO 1:48:33

1M ago1:48:33

1:48:33

"I'm just terrified to get close to anyone right now," Elio told Renée early in their conversation. When you hear their story, you will easily understand their terror. Elio wasn't sure what they wanted from coming on the show, but they certainly gave Renée plenty to work with. There have been a series of hard hits in Elio's short life, and yet thei…

1
Navigating Mortuary School: Real-World Tips for Future Funeral Directors 31:08

1M ago31:08

31:08

In this episode, we speak with five respected funeral professionals providing insights into what to do when considering a career in funeral service. They share the importance of gaining hands-on experience, clarifying goals, and dispelling misconceptions. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo

1
Legal Challenges, Historic Openings, and Cemetery Innovations 14:32

2M ago14:32

14:32

Our weekly look at news from around the funeral industry. Marketing Summit Registration How To Transform Your Business with Software Registration Understanding What the Illinois Memorial Fingerprint Suit Means to You Minnesota Cemetery Ban First Black, Woman-Owned Funeral Home in Jefferson Davis Parish Opens Utah Municipal Cemetery Considers Conser…

1
EPISODE 76: JENNY 1:15:44

2M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

This episode starts with a few different bouts of uproarious laughter, and this definitely sets the tone for the episode. There is a lot of laughing, thanks to both our hilarious guest, Jenny, and also our inimitable guest co-host, Victoria. Jenny is beautifully colorful. Her stories are colorful, her language is colorful, her life is colorful. Fro…

1
Season 5 Episode 11 Alexis Cole 37:18

2M ago37:18

37:18

From an early age, acclaimed and accomplished vocalist, Alexis Cole, not only knew what she wanted to do in life, but also how she was going to do it - her way. Both Alexis’ father and maternal grandmother were pianists and singers, and her business-minded mother helped Alexis learn how to carve her way through the financial side of show business. …

1
EPISODE 75: KRISTIN 1:32:01

2M ago1:32:01

1:32:01

Kristin was kidnapped when she was 3 years old. Let's just start there. Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. In her 37 years of life, Kristin has endured almost every type of trauma one can imagine - attachment, sexual, medical, financial - and she has lived in over 40 different places, including prison. Her story would be hard to believe if Kristi…

1
A Conversation with New NFD&MA President Shawn'te Harvell 34:49

2M ago34:49

34:49

In this episode, we speak with Shawn’te Harvell, the 69th president of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. Discussing his meteoric rise in the funeral service industry, Harvell shares insights on the changing landscape of funeral service, the effect of having younger generations in leadership roles, and the importance of rela…

1
Fingerprint Class Action, Colorado Body Donation Rules, and Other News from Around Funeral Service 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

In this episode, we take a look at a class action suit over collecting fingerprints, run down some of the new rules Colorado has enacted to protect consumers against body part traffickers, SCI's continued renovation projects, and back-to-school haircuts courtesy of the local funeral director. Class Action Suit Click here for all the other ICYMI sto…

1
EPISODE 74: RENEE 2:26:30

2M ago2:26:30

2:26:30

Hey there, everyone. Renée here. As requested, I am back this week as the guest to take you on a wild ride through my romantic relationship history. Just a reminder that unlike our normal weekly episodes, those with me as the guest build on one another. So if you haven't yet listened to Episodes 60 and 67, go back and listen to those first - this o…

1
Earnings Reports, NOR Company Opens in Nevada, Unclaimed UK Remains and More 11:40

2M ago11:40

11:40

In this episode, we run down the implications of this week's earnings calls and their implications. SCI's numbers weren't off the chart, but their new preneed plan is worth hearing. Carriage Services delivered another beat and revealed its success was in cremation. Although lots of states have legalized NOR, Nevada is just the third state where it'…

1
Season 5 Episode 10 Ben Wolfe 36:23

2M ago36:23

36:23

The style of the undeniably talented bassist and composer, Ben Wolfe, is truly unique. His approach to music and performance has led to a path of development and success that can be attributed to collaborations with the likes of Harry Connick JR, Diana Krall and Wynton Marsalis. Ben also distinguished himself through a significant catalogue of orig…

1
EPISODE 73: YOLANDA 1:33:21

2M ago1:33:21

1:33:21

Yolanda grew up fearing two things, God and her mother, and she had the anxious, people-pleasing behavior to show for it! After losing her dad at 18, however, Yolanda ditched her "good girl" role for the first time. She has been back and forth ever since: between rules and rebellion, between partners, between versions of herself. Now in her 40's, Y…

1
Professional Development: Multigenerational Wisdom and Bridging the Gap with Sanchez Burns Turner 36:00

2M ago36:00

36:00

This week we speak with Sanchez Burns Turner on what it took to prepare for the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association centennial celebration and his hopes for the future. Burns Turner has been working in the national office for most of his professional career and recently was elevated to National Office Lead in addition to his respons…

1
Matthews Dividend, Event Centers, and other news from around Funeral Service 13:57

2M ago13:57

13:57

In this week's roundup, we bring you updates on Matthews' dividend payout, a unique funeral band in Singapore, and recent incidents in Iowa. We'll also share the latest appointments and recognitions from around the funeral service profession. Join us as we dive into these fascinating stories and get a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of fun…

1
EPISODE 72: KENNY 1:51:47

3M ago1:51:47

1:51:47

When Kenny was in middle school, he participated in his first drive-by shooting. Not long after, he went to prison for the first time; ultimately he would serve 28 years. He was released 7 months ago and has come to the show to tell his story. Kenny and Renée talk about all of it - murder, Maslow, family, gangs, grief, and more. Despite the devasta…

1
Licensure Questions, M&A, Promotions, and More 11:00

3M ago11:00

11:00

In this episode, we review the licensure discussions in the U.S. and UK, consider some recent acquisitions, and talk about some promotions and appointments from around the industry. Links to the stories are below: UK Funeral Director Bump U.S. Regulation Commentary Anderson Appointed NGL Pomotions Caldwell Parrish M&A Mohawk Valley Sale…

1
EPISODE 71: LEANNE 1:19:30

3M ago1:19:30

1:19:30

"The more people that know, the better," Leanne told Renée after she narrated her devastating experiences as a patient in the Troubled Teen Industry, a network of therapeutic boarding schools and treatment centers that she first entered at 12 years old. This is the first time Leanne is telling her entire story; she only recently began telling it at…

1
End-of-Life Care: Education and Collaboration in the Funeral Industry with Christa Ovenell 41:46

3M ago41:46

41:46

In this week’s episode we speak with Christa Ovenell about her journey from a non-teaching administrator to a funeral director and death doula. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo

1
More Partnerships, PA Gas Problems, and Legacy Obituary Changes 11:23

3M ago11:23

11:23

This episode of "In Case You Missed It," covers a range of topics, including a partnership announcement between Global Atlantic Financial Group and Service Corporation International, and a new program from Legacy. We also touch on the implications of a gas company decision to stop serving a Pennsylvania funeral home and announce new webinar archive…

1
Season 5 Episode 9 Yvonnick Prene 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

The music of professional harmonica jazz musician, bandleader, composer, and educator, Yvonnick Prené , is both unique and innovative. A transplant from France, Yvonnick is now based in the greater New York City area. He made his professional debut in France in 2007. But it wasn’t until moving to the Big Apple that Yvonnick had that “wake-up call” …

1
EPISODE 70: JOJO 1:25:47

3M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

By age 7, Jojo had already faced the very adult ideas of murder and self-loathing. Now in her early 20s, she is grounded, healing, and absolutely lovely. The story of how she arrived at said loveliness is fascinating, and lucky for us, she is here to tell it. She is here also to ask Renée why, after so much healing, she still struggles so desperate…

1
EPISODE 69: VIVIAN 1:48:50

3M ago1:48:50

1:48:50

Vivian and her story are both so compelling that they defy summary. She is hilarious and engaging - and she has been through unthinkable trauma. Fortunately, she has a brilliant therapist and a seemingly bottomless well of resilience. What she doesn't have, however, is a way out of her current emotional predicament. She comes to the podcast hoping …

1
Professional Development: Bridging Passion and Purpose with Jedd Lapid 31:53

3M ago31:53

31:53

Click here for complete show notes.

1
Season 5 Episode 8 Amina Figarova 35:16

3M ago35:16

35:16

As a part of our “Catching Up With” series, I recently re-connected with Azerbaijani-born, New York-based pianist/composer Amina Figarova, and her musical collaborator partner and husband, the exceptional flutist Bart Platteau. This dynamic duo has recorded more than more than a dozen albums, and have travelled the world performing at jazz festival…

1
New Decomp Revelations, Death Certificate Controversy, and Tesla Sues Matthews for $1 Billion and more 14:23

3M ago14:23

14:23

Click here for the complete show notes. Story Links: Delaware’s Death Certificate Practice Challenged New Decomposition Discovery Washington Splits the Difference on Unclaimed Remains Billion-Dollar Matthews Suit

1
EPISODE 68: MATT 1:48:34

3M ago1:48:34

1:48:34

Matt "had no idea" what he wanted or was expecting from being on the show, but he did know that he had a story to tell. He is 41 years old, funny, whip smart, stunningly resilient, and he has never been in a relationship or on a date. This will make sense when you hear what he has survived. Renée and Matt discuss the terrorizing abuse he endured at…

1
Park Lawn Next Steps, Cremation Temps Lowered, Found Remains, and more 8:16

4M ago8:16

8:16

Park Lawn has set the record and meeting date for its special meeting of shareholders. This meeting is convened to consider the proposed going private transaction. Under the terms of the transaction, Viridian Acquisition of Homesteaders Life Company and Birch Hill Equity Partners Management Inc., will acquire all outstanding common shares of Park L…

1
EPISODE 67: RENEE 1:58:16

4M ago1:58:16

1:58:16

Back by popular demand! Renée returns this week as the guest on her own show to follow up on Episode 60 and answer listener questions - this time, she traces the development and resolution of both her eating disorder and her chronic illness and explains how the two intersect. This is a raw, rogue, really Renée episode: no planning, no editing, no b…

1
Mortuary School: Beyond Embalming with Faith Haug 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

Faith Haug, who runs the mortuary science program at Arapahoe Community College in the Littleton, Colorado, transformed the curriculum by incorporating modern practices and a broader understanding of death care. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo

1
Pride-Friendly Funeral Homes, ‘Chop Shop’ Series, and More Succession Issues 12:01

4M ago12:01

12:01

As your trusted source for funeral service news and updates, we wanted to share the links to the stories we covered in this episode of In Case You Missed It. - LGBTQIA+ Funeral website launches - Closure and succession - Performance Tracker X Customer Service Trends & Insight Report Award - 'Chop Shop' Series Announced - Funeral Home Evicts County …

1
Season 5 Episode 7 Jacqui Naylor 42:51

4M ago42:51

42:51

Jacqui Naylor is not an easy artist to categorize. Naylor is known for a technique she coined, “acoustic smashing,” There are times when she performs straight-ahead vocal jazz, but at other times she favors more of an alternative and diverse approach. Her groove-based vocals and smoky sound have a subtle, intimate quality that conveys the emotional…

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