Digging Deep
The Digging Deep podcast by GFD is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.
Aftercare: Navigating Grief and Ongoing Support With Todd Reinholt
The service may end, but our support endures â walking beside families as they navigate their journey through grief.
In episode 17 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, talks with Todd Reinholt, Funeral Director, Celebrant, and Grief Recovery Specialist, about the power of aftercare. Todd brings a heartfelt perspective on how funeral professionals can extend empathy and healing long after the service ends.
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Honouring Heroes: Behind the Scenes of Canadian Military Funerals with Allan Job
What does it take to honour Canadaâs fallen with dignity and respect?
In this episode of Digging Deep, GFDâs President and CEO, Heather Kiteley, talks with Allan Job, Vice President of Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services. They dig into a powerful conversation about Canadian military funerals and offer a behind-the-scenes view of how we pay respect to our fallen heroes.
This episode is a heartfelt tribute to services, remembrance, and legacy.
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The Preplanning Paradox: Why Awareness is Declining While Importance is Rising with Jason Meidl
In this episode of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD dives into one of the most pressing and puzzling trends in funeral service today: The Preplanning Paradox.
Our guest, Jason Meidl, Managing Director and Owner of Creston Valley Funeral Services, joins us to explore why awareness around funeral preplanning is decreasing, even as its importance continues to rise.
From shifting consumer behaviours to sector blind spots, Jason offers thoughtful insights and practical ideas for re- engaging in meaningful end-of-life conversations before it is too late. Stay connected! Follow us on â LinkedInâ for the...
Final Tributes: Planning High-Profile Funerals with Patrick McGarry
In this episode of Digging Deep, we go behind the scenes with Patrick McGarry, Co-Owner and COO of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry. He joins GFDâs President & CEO Heather Kiteley to share real-world insights on planning high-profile funerals with grace, professionalism, and care.
From working with dignitaries and families to handling media attention and logistical complexity, Patrick shares what it takes to honour lives in the public eye.
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Strength in Unity: Why a National Association Matters More Than Ever
Why our National voice in Funeral Service can not be ignored.
In this episode, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley digs into the power of national collaboration in the deathcare sector with two inspiring leaders: Shari Yearwood, Managing Director at New Haven Funeral Centre, and Kollin Weatherbee, Owner of Sydney Memorial Chapel.
As Members of the Funeral Service Association of Canada Board (FSAC), Shari and Kollin discuss why now, more than ever, is the time for our profession to come together under one national voice. From advocacy and standards to shared community goals, this...
Changing Attitudes Towards Death: How Millennials Will Shape the Deathcare Sector
The way we think about planning for death is changing.
In episode #12 of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD, Heather Kiteley, talks with Meghan Henning, Board Director at GFD and Manager at Lakefield Cemetery, to discuss how millennials are rewriting the rules of the deathcare sector.
Meghan and Heather explore what is shaping the future and what it means for professionals working in the deathcare space.
Digital Evolution: How Technology is Transforming Funeral Prearranging With Bradley Jones
How are digital tools shaping the future of funeral preplanning?
Digital transformation is making funeral pre-arrangements more accessible. In this episode, President and CEO Heather Kiteley has a discussion with Bradley Jones from Ridley Funeral Home on âDigital Evolution-How Technology is Transforming Pre-Arranging.â
They discuss the growing interest of families pre-planning digitally and ways funeral professionals can keep up with the evolving needs of the families they serve.
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Finding Common Ground: Managing Family Conflicts in the Cemetery Setting With Rebecca Kit
Ever wonder how cemeterians handle conflict with families?
Bereavement professionals frequently navigate emotionally charged situations involving grieving families. In this episode of Digging Deep, Rebecca Kitt from Woodlawn Memorial shares her strategies with host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, for resolving conflicts with empathy, professionalism, and fairness. They discuss what it means to âFind Common Ground: Managing Family Conflicts in Cemeteries.â
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Transitioning and Thriving in the Deathcare Sector With Bill Denning
Wondering how funeral professionals are evolving to serve the changing needs of families?
Navigating a career in the deathcare sector presents unique challenges. In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, speaks with Bill Denning, owner of Denning Funeral Homes, about âTransitioning and Thriving in the Deathcare Sector.â
They break down how funeral directors can thrive by embracing change, adapting to family needs, and fostering an open-minded approach to service.
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Upholding Trust: Financial Compliance in the Bereavement Sector With Hamza Majid
How can trust be built through financial compliance?
Financial compliance is not just about regulations - it is about trust. In this episode of âDigging Deepâ, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, sits down with Hamza Majid from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) to discuss financial best practices, financial compliance, and how funeral and cemetery professionals can maintain transparency.
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Cultural Shifts and the Rise of Celebratory Funerals With Wes Elmes
Is the way we say goodbye changing?
The way we honour life is changing. Families are looking for more personalized, celebratory services- but what does that mean for the bereavement profession?
In this episode of âDigging Deep,â host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, explores the cultural shifts and the rise of celebratory funerals with Wes Elmes from Haskett Funeral Homes LTD.
Together, they explore how cultural shifts impact the increase in celebratory funerals and what it means for the sector.
Navigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #2
Ever wonder what the future of Ontarioâs cemeteries looks like?
This weekâs podcast is part 2 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging panel discussion from our GFD-hosted Care & Maintenance event. Cemetery sector leaders, along with cemetery operators and managers, came together to address the evolving landscape of Ontario's cemeteries.
Moderated by GFD Board Director Bill Solomon, this insightful panel includes:
Heather Kiteley GFDâs President and CEO, Paul A. Taylor GFD Business Development Officer, and Meghan Henning, General Manager at Lakefield Cemetery.
Together, they explore key trends, challenges and op...
Navigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #1
Ever wonder what the future of Ontarioâs cemeteries looks like?
This weekâs episode is part 1 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging panel discussion from our GFD-hosted Care & Maintenance event. Cemetery sector leaders, along with cemetery operators and managers, came together to address the evolving landscape of Ontario's cemeteries.
Moderated by GFD Board Director Bill Solomon, this insightful panel includes:
Heather Kiteley GFDâs President and CEO, Paul A. Taylor, GFD Business Development Officer, and Meghan Henning, General Manager at Lakefield Cemetery.
Together, they explore key trends, challenges and op...
Empowering Voices: Women Leading With Compassion in the Bereavement Sector With Rebecca Steckly
Episode #4 of âDigging Deepâ is here! In this episode, our guest is, Rebecca Steckly, Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home and President of the Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA).
In this insightful conversation, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, and Rebecca discuss women's experiences in the bereavement sector. They explore the journey, challenges, and progress being made towards breaking down the barriers for women in the sector.
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Resting Naturally: The Rise of Green Burials and Sustainable End-of-Life Choices With Amanda Kelly
This week, Heather is exploring the trend of âgreen burialsâ with an intriguing conversation about: âResting Naturally: The Rise of Green Burials and Sustainable End-of-Life Choices.â
Our guest is Amanda Kelly, Co-Founder of Awake Ashes. Join her and host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, as they explore the concept of resting naturally and uncover the layers beneath it.
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Visit Awake Ashes to learn more about Green Burials: https://www.awakeashes.com/
Just Deal With It: Dealing With Burnout As Funeral Directors
Join Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD as she talks with Melanie MacDonald, Funeral Director and Team Lead at Weaver Family Funeral Home and a Board Member of the Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA). They dig into how to cope with the demands of being a funeral director and address the resulting burnout.
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Welcome to the Digging Deep Podcast!
The Digging Deep podcast is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals like you, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.
Follow GFD on LinkedIn!
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Nobody Knows Anything: The Lack of Preneed Education Among Canadians with Michelle Glendinning
The Digging Deep podcast is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals like you, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.
Follow GFD on LinkedIn!
GFD of Canada | LinkedIn
