The Graveyard Shift

Shift #32: Hamburgers, blog writing, and Tom Anderson

What happens when one of the most trusted voices in funeral service joins the crew? Tom Anderson shares his journey in the profession and the inspiration behind starting a daily publication. The guys cover everything from economic realities and permanent memorialization options to changing family expectations. Expect a few hard truths, some hot takes, and plenty of reasons to be excited about where funeral service is headed next. About Tom Anderson: Tom Anderson is the CEO and Editor of Funeral Director Daily, a widely read news source dedicated to straightforward reporting on the funeral care profession. Drawing on more than 35 years as a successful funeral director, Tom provides clear, practical insights into the business of death care. Read more at https://funeraldirectordaily.com/. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at TheGraveyardShift@passare.com.

Shift #31: Flying cars, website ideas, and Curtis Funk

What actually drives website performance? And can AI really help you improve efficiency at work and at home? Curtis Funk, CEO of Tukios and funeral home website guru, joins the newest episode of the podcast to answer all of these questions. Plus, the guys share how they experiment with AI in their own operations and make a few bold predictions about the future of technology in funeral service. Flying cars? Maybe closer than you think (or at least, self-driving cars). About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at TheGraveyardShift@passare.com.

Shift #30: Change, crutches, and comfort zones

Change is constant, so why is it so difficult? The guys cover everything under the sun when it comes to change management. They share real insights on leading teams through major shifts, navigating pushback, getting staff buy-in, and keeping the right mindset along the way. Plus, they reveal the advice they'd give their younger selves when it comes to handling change. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at TheGraveyardShift@passare.com.

Shift #29: Do-overs, donuts, and dress codes

Everyone has that one thing they'd do over. This episode is pure “hindsight is 20/20” as the guys share what they’d change about funeral service if they could wave a magic wand. What if the profession had embraced technology sooner? Could work-life balance have existed earlier? Are polos and khakis ever acceptable at the arrangement conference? Tune in for honest thoughts, a few ideas to keep the profession moving forward, and maybe a little venting. 😆 About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at TheGraveyardShift@passare.com.

Shift #28: Inspiration, Hollywood, and John O’Leary

Inspirational speaker and best-selling author John O’Leary joins the podcast to talk about something we don’t say nearly enough in this profession: make time for yourself. With humor and heart, John shares how micro‑moments of rest, intentional pauses, and even some well-intentioned “selfishness” can help you be more effective and present with the families who need you. John’s message to funeral professionals is just as powerful as his own personal story. This is one episode you don’t want to miss. About John O’Leary: John is a two-time best-selling author of On Fire and In Awe, host of the award-winning Live Inspired Podcast, and subject of Soul On Fire, a full-length feature film about his life and story of survival. Learn more about John here: https://johnolearyinspires.com. About the podcast: The Graveyard Shift is a podcast by Passare and features: Todd Carlson, Chief Sales Officer at Directors Investment Group Matt Bailey from Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut Gary Freytag from Spring Grove in Ohio Jimmy Lucas from Lucas Funerals and Cremations in Texas Have feedback? Share it with us at TheGraveyardShift@passare.com.