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The Direct Cremation Podcast

The Direct Cremation Podcast

Hosted by Will de Michaelis, Tyler Yamasaki

BusinessManagementInterviews guests
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Episodes

68

Latest episode

Nov 2025

Language

EN

About the show

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Tyler and Will explore the innovation happening within death care. Come join us as we explore unique perspectives from all sides of the death care industry. Tyler Yamasaki is the CEO of Parting Pro, an online arrangement platform that has helped over 150,000 families arrange their services from the comfort of their own home. Will de Michaelis helped grow and manage the Omega Society, a cremation brand that at it's peak, helped over 4,500 families a year.

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60 recent
November 19, 20251 hr 21 min

Selling Caskets at Cost and Making More Money | Tom Anderson (Funeral Director Daily) #68

Few in death care can match the experience and perspective of Thomas J. Anderson—fourth-generation funeral director, community leader, University of Minnesota Regent, and the voice behind the widely read Funeral Director Daily blog. In this episode of The Direct Cremation Podcast, host Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, dives into Anderson’s story of legacy, innovation, and gratitude.From stepping up at 19 to keep the family business alive, to modernizing operations and navigating a successful sale, Anderson’s journey is a playbook for today’s funeral home owners facing an evolving market.-Timestamps00:00:00 Intro00:00:54 Welcome to the Direct Cremation Podcast!00:01:06 Welcome, Thomas J. Anderson!00:02:34 The Anderson Family Legacy and Funeral Business00:07:01 Expanding the Funeral Business00:10:52 Innovation in Funeral Business00:18:47 Selling the Business and Non-negotiables00:20:41 Value of Brand Name and Pre-need00:32:01 The Start of Funeral Director Daily00:33:49 The Growth and Impact of Funeral Director Daily00:37:51 The Role of "Experiences" in Funeral Services00:39:32 The Goal of The Funeral Director Daily00:46:49 Consolidation in Funeral Business: Pros and Cons00:49:02 Advice for Funeral Home Owners Considering Selling00:54:57 Speed Round: Future of Various Aspects of Funeral Industry00:55:17 Alkaline Hydrolysis00:56:27 Composting/Natural Organic Reduction00:58:05 Online Cremation Brands00:58:40 Online Memorialization Beyond Static Obituary00:59:38 Cemeteries01:02:55 Women in the Death Care Industry01:07:31 Online Pricing Transparency and Regulation Changes01:10:03 Consumer Trends and Traditional Funeral ServicesFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comSpotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.comLearn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com

October 29, 202547 min

Avoid Losing Customers on the First Call | Ashley Jones (Parting Pro) #67

When a family calls your funeral home, they are not shopping for a product. They are searching for peace of mind.If you lead sales, answer phones, or manage training for your team, this is a masterclass in turning a price inquiry into a real relationship!#FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #FuneralManagementSystem#FuneralDirectorTips #OnlineCremations #FuneralArrangingSoftware #CremationBusiness #FuneralServiceSoftware #FuneralHomeMarketing #FuneralTech-Timestamps00:00:00 Intro00:01:12 Welcome to the Direct Cremation Podcast!00:01:26 Welcome Ashley Jones!00:02:04 Importance of the First Phone Call00:04:05 Building Trust on the First Call00:05:36 Balancing Facts and Genuine Connection00:09:01 Goals of the First Phone Call00:12:03 Common Mistakes in the First Call00:13:32 Avoiding a Robotic Approach00:15:43 Understanding the Language of Care00:17:12 Powerful Language Swaps in the Funeral Industry00:22:57 Handling Different Types of Customers00:24:51 Closing the Call and Next Steps00:26:53 Dealing with Uncertain Customers00:29:41 The Importance of the Second Phone Call00:32:17 Maintaining Consistency Across Multiple Locations00:33:48 Training Staff for Effective Phone Interactions00:36:26 Learning from Negative and Positive Feedback00:40:23 The #1 Thing You Should Remember Before Answering a Call00:42:34 The Impact of Good Phone Etiquette on Business GrowthFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comSpotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.comLearn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com

September 8, 202550 min

NCAA Champion to Death Care CEO | Donnell Beverly, Jr. (Russel Westbrook Enterprises, Eazewell)

What begins as a story about basketball evolves into a powerful conversation about grief, legacy, and the future of funeral service software.It’s personal, smart, and packed with fresh ideas! 💡#FuneralWebsiteBestPractices #FuneralIndustry #DeathCareLeadership #OnlineFuneralArrangement #FuneralHomes #AfterDeathCare #Eazewell #DirectCremationPodcast-Timestamps00:00:00 Intro00:01:01 Welcome Donnell Beverly Jr!00:01:59 Basketball Career and Its Influence00:03:25 Impact of Losing High School00:05:39 How Grief Shaped Donnell's Outlook About Death Care00:07:49 Transition to Business and Russell Westbrook Enterprises00:12:05 College Experience and Leadership00:15:10 Investment Philosophy and Social Responsibility00:17:00 Zero World Media00:18:50 Intentionality in Business and Partnership00:20:01 Introduction to EazeWell00:20:47 EazeWell's AI and User Experience00:23:42 Partnership with LegalZoom00:25:04 Value Proposition for Funeral Homes00:27:23 EazeWell's National Rollout00:28:43 Price Transparency in Funeral Services00:31:18 AI and Human Concierge Services00:32:52 Revenue Model and Funeral Home Partnership00:33:54 AI-Assisted Account Closure00:37:15 Quote Generation and User Experience00:38:33 Financing Options for Families00:40:34 Encouraging AI Adoption in Funeral Homes00:43:20 What's Next for Eazewell00:44:30 EaseWell Company Overview00:47:13 Predictions for Death Care in 10 Years00:48:14 Where to Find Donnell-For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@directcremationpodWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.comLearn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com

May 15, 20251 hr 14 min

Why Funeral Hires Are Abandoning You | Martha Thayer (Mortuary Training) #65

Get ready to dive deep on:🎓 The truth about what mortuary school really teaches🙅🏽‍♀️ The onboarding mistakes that push new hires out the door📉 How micromanagement kills motivation❤️‍🔥 What smart funeral homes are doing to keep their teams happyWhether you're a funeral home owner, manager, or just passionate about funeral service—this episode will change how you think about hiring and training.💡 Don’t miss this must-watch conversation packed with real talk, bold insights, and practical solutions.Watch NOW and subscribe for more content funeral pro tips! 🎙#FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #FuneralDirector #MortuarySchool #FuneralProfessionals #DirectCremation #FuneralTech #FuneralTraining #OnlineCremations #FuneralIndustryTimestamps(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:47) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast(00:01:01) Welcome Martha Thayer!(00:02:06) Beginning of Martha's Journey(00:05:15) Martha's Early Experiences with Death(00:10:06) Martha's Path to Becoming an Instructor(00:14:39) Changes in Funeral Director Landscape(00:18:04) Challenges Faced by Funeral Service Students(00:22:57) Favorite Subjects to Teach in Funeral Service(00:25:33) Expectations for Recent Graduates in Funeral Service(00:28:51) Supporting New Funeral Directors(00:30:21) Misconceptions about Working in Funeral Homes(00:31:32) Reasons for Leaving the Funeral Service Industry(00:33:52) Importance of Trust(00:35:38) Lack of Onboarding and SOPs in Funeral Homes(00:44:11) Emerging Trends and Generational Differences in Funeral Care(00:47:30) Changes in Death Care and Impact on Training(00:51:15) Role as Interim Executive Director of the Colorado Funeral Directors Association(00:57:00) Reasons for Reintroduction of Individual Licensing in Colorado(01:04:08) Mortuary Training Company Overview(01:08:25) Importance of Consistency in Funeral Service(01:10:02) Predictions for Death Care in 10 years(01:13:11) How to Reach Martha

April 14, 202554 min

You Only Need a 2.5 Minute Call with Families | Courtney Gould Miller (President, Tribute Tech) #64

Courtney spills real-world strategies that helped her:📈 How tech + empathy create faster trust and fewer callbacks🌟 Build a brand that families loved (55+ 5-star reviews)💸 Keep ROAS in check while marketing cremations💡 Real reason to sold Lumen Cremation (and what she’d do again)Whether you’re looking to streamline online cremation services, improve your funeral planning software, or explore innovative funeral home ideas, this one’s a must-watch. 👀Learn how top-performing funeral homes are using cremation software to grow smarter—not just bigger! 💡#funeralsoftware #cremationsoftware #onlinefuneralarrangements #funeraltech #funeralhomeTimestamps(00:00) Intro(01:02) Welcome Courtney!(01:46) Courtney's Career Journey(05:21) Founding Lumen Cremation(10:26) Efficiency in Direct Cremation Business(13:27) Learnings from Serving the Public(17:48) Leveraging Referral Sources and Free Resources(19:27) Decision to Sell the Business(22:53) Considerations for Business Acquisition(27:46) Challenges in Starting a New Cremation Brand(30:57) Transition to Tribute and Expansion of Services(35:00) Transition from Family Business to Large Scale Operation(35:28) Importance of Understanding Customer Needs and Mindset(40:51) Partnership with Parting Pro(45:27) What Death Care Looks Like in 10 Years(48:28) Trends and Challenges in the Death Care Industry(52:42) Where to Find CourtneyFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comSpotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com#FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #FuneralTech #AIinFuneralHomes #CremationServices #FuneralMarketing #OnlineCremation #FuneralDirectors #ArtificialIntelligence AI #PartingPro #FuneralManagement #DigitalFuneralPlanning #FuneralDirectorSoftware #DeathCareTech #OnlineFuneralArrangements #FuneralAutomation #MortuaryManagement #CloudFuneralSoftware #FuneralCRM #DigitalDeathCare #FuneralServiceTech #CemeteryManagement #FuneralWorkflow #MemorialPlanning #EndOfLifeTech

February 25, 202547 min

How to Use ChatGPT the Right Way in the Funeral Home | Will Chang #63

The funeral industry continues to evolve, and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving much of this transformation. In this episode of The Direct Cremation Podcast, CEO Tyler Yamasaki spoke with tech expert Will Chang about how AI is changing funeral home software, cremation software, and online funeral arrangements. Their discussion explored practical ways AI enhances efficiency, improves customer experience, and strengthens marketing cremations.What you’ll learn:✅ How AI can write obituaries in seconds (and make them personal!)✅ The secret to using ChatGPT for funeral home marketing & websites✅ How AI-generated funeral home images can enhance your branding✅ Why funeral directors should embrace AI (instead of fearing it!)Whether you run a funeral home, crematory, or offer online cremation services, this episode is packed with insights on how AI can save time, increase efficiency, and even improve customer service.👉 Don’t miss out—watch now!📌 Like & Subscribe for more insider funeral tech tips!🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!Timestamps(00:00) Intro(00:40) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast(01:42) Welcome Will Chang!(01:55) Introduction to AI platforms(03:26) Demonstration of ChatGPT(03:51) ChatGPT vs Google(04:27) Writing an obituary using ChatGPT(15:01) Using AI to enhance creativity(15:54) Applying different frameworks(20:51) Using AI to mimic different writing styles(24:01) Generating marketing content with AI(38:59) Creating images with AI(42:03) Exploring other features of ChatGPT(46:05) Where to contact Will__For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comSpotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.comLearn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://www.partingpro.com

January 23, 202559 min

Human Composting: Everything You've Wanted to Know | Micah Truman (Return Home) #62

What if your final farewell could help the planet thrive? 🌍In this episode, we sit down with Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home, to explore how Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)—also known as human composting—redefines death care.Micah shares:✔️ How NOR turns human remains into nutrient-rich soil in just two months✔️ The emotional and environmental impact of this groundbreaking process✔️ Stories of families creating meaningful tributes with NOR✔️ The challenges and triumphs of introducing a brand-new disposition optionWhether you're curious about sustainable alternatives to cremation or looking for innovative ideas in the funeral industry, this episode will leave you inspired!Watch the full episode now to learn how NOR is changing the game. 🔥👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights on the future of death care! 🎙️#FuneralArrangements #EcoFriendlyLiving #DeathCareRevolution #PodcastAlert #HumanComposting #ReturnHome #TheDirectCremationPodcast #funeralhomesoftware Timestamps(00:00) Intro(00:48) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast!(01:01) Welcome Micah Truman(01:37) Micah's Background(04:41) Inception of Return Home(06:31) Process of Terramation(08:39) Breaking Down the Bones(09:02) Ingredients for Terramation(09:43) Speed of the Process(10:35) Soil Generation(11:23) Use of the Soil(12:24) Return Home Business Model(13:10) Pricing of Terramation(14:26) Return Home Licensing(14:53) Process at Return Home(16:08) Shipping Process and Legalities(16:29) Customer Segmentation(18:53) Discussion on Process Speed(21:53) Challenges and Economics of the Business(24:00) Memorialization Services and Packages(28:28) Operations at Return Home(29:31) Pre-need Sales(30:48) Legalities and State Regulations(32:08) Religious Perspectives on Terramation(35:44) Future Plans for Return Home(37:24) Current Capacity of Return Home(38:12) Odor Management in Terramation(39:49) Waste Management in Terramation(41:10) Business Model and Scale of Terramation(44:41) Regulations and Materials in Terramation(45:38) Potential Challenges for Smaller Proprietors(47:28) Future Expansion of Return Home(48:47) Apprehension and Confidence in Terramation(50:18) Local vs Non-Local Business(52:27) Expectations for the Next Decade(54:43) Learning from Initial Mistakes(58:06) Invitation to TerraCon__For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comSpotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.comLearn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://www.partingpro.com

December 18, 202433 min

Ladle and the Gramp: A Cremation Story | Caroline Andree (Parting Pro) #61

What does soup ladle, windy ash-scattering, and funeral home management software have in common? 🥄💨They’re all part of this can’t-miss episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast!Join Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, and Caroline Andre, our merchandising expert, as they share hilarious stories and expert insights into growing your funeral home business with:✅ The right tools for meaningful cremation arrangements (no more ladle moments!).✅ Strategies to optimize your funeral arrangement software and online stores.✅ How to price urns and keepsakes to compete with Amazon, Etsy, and more.✅ Why Gen Z and Millennials value eco-friendly and discreet cremation merchandise✅ Proven tips to maximize revenue with funeral service software and e-commerce.(00:00) Intro(00:55) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast(01:11) Welcome back, Caroline Andree!(02:03) Personal story: John C. Bailey(02:55) Memorial service and scattering experience(05:33) Top reasons why funeral home sales fail online(06:07) Families need guidance(08:25) The merchandise is overpriced(12:47) Merchandise is not varied enough(19:00) Analyzing pricing and tracking trends(21:25) Case study: Leaf Cremation(22:34) Have your merchandise tell a story(23:52) Understand the standard(24:54) Case study: Gulf to Bay Cremation(26:18) Conclusion(32:21) How to reach CarolineWhether you’re looking to improve your online funeral arrangements, boost sales with the best funeral home software, or simply enjoy a laugh, this episode delivers value from start to finish.🎧 Watch now, and learn how to enhance your services and grow your revenue with insights into cremation software, funeral tech, and more!#FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #CremationWebsite #FuneralPlanningSoftware #CrematorySoftware #OnlineCremations #FuneralManagementSystem #FuneralTech

November 26, 20241 hr 0 min

From Fired to 1500 Families | Douglas Klein (Chicagoland Cremation Options) #60

Douglas Klein, the founder of Chicagoland Cremation Options, transformed a career setback into an opportunity to build one of the most innovative cremation brands in the industry. In a candid conversation on the Direct Cremation Podcast, hosted by Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, Douglas shared his journey, strategies for success, and predictions for the future of funeral services. His insights offer a roadmap for funeral directors aiming to grow their businesses while embracing the changing needs of families.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:10) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast(01:25) Welcome Douglas Klein!(02:24) Douglas' entry into deathcare(06:34) Challenges of running a business(08:11) Establishing Chicagoland Cremation Options(09:29) Growing the business(10:02) Key strategies for growth(10:49) Marketing and customer engagement(13:01) Importance of personal presence(13:34) Communicating with clients(16:25) Impact of the pandemic on business(18:13) Growth mindset and responsible expansion(21:31) Handling different client requests(23:01) The importance of personal engagement(26:51) Understanding call conversion and cost per case(32:41) The role of competition in the market(33:14) Predictions for the future of deathcare(37:57) The impact of third-party merchandising(40:55) The impact of third-party vendors(42:48) Changing attitudes towards death(45:58) Future plans for Chicagoland(48:30) Avoiding burnout in the deathcare industry(50:55) What deathcare will look like in 10 years(54:59) Impact of the pandemic on society(55:48) Comparing deathcare practices across culturesA podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comSpotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

November 13, 202418 min

The Marketing Secret Your Competitors Have Already Implemented | Albert Chang (Parting Pro) #59

In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential for any business—especially for funeral homes, where families often search for services during critical times. In the most recent Direct Cremation Podcast episode, Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, discussed Google’s Local Service Ads with co-founder Albert Chang. They explain how Local Service Ads can help funeral homes capture leads and reach local families more effectively. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone managing a funeral home, cremation website, or cemetery.Get your own step-by-step guide to set up Local Service Ads yourself here:https://learn.partingpro.com/google-local-ads-for-funeral-homeTimestamps(00:00) Intro(00:44) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast(01:32) What Albert Will Share with Us Today(02:44) Explanation of Local Service Ads(03:49) Benefits of Local Service Ads(04:53) Comparison between Local Service Ads and Search Ads(05:35) Advantages of Local Service Ads(06:05) Costing of Local Service Ads(08:28) Disputing Phone Calls(09:34) Importance of Local Search Ads(10:38) Reasons to run Search Ads(12:21) Process of Getting Screened for Local Search Ads(15:30) Running Full Service Ads(16:05) Importance of Business Page Information(16:38) Understanding and Managing Local Service AdsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMOFind us at https://directcremation.comSpotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

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