Over the past few years, the funeral profession has seen a wave of innovation and support through the introduction of new tools, platforms, and educational outlets designed to better serve both funeral directors and the families in their care. While some of these funeral director resources have stood the test of time, many are relatively new and reflect the evolving needs and expectations of today’s deathcare professionals.
From national associations offering ongoing training and advocacy, to digital news outlets covering deathcare trends, to podcasts that foster community and conversation—there’s a wealth of information and support available at your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned funeral director or new to the profession, staying informed about these resources can enhance your services, deepen your knowledge, and help you stay connected within the profession.
In this blog, we’re highlighting 18 essential resources every funeral professional should know about. These selections span a wide range of formats and specialties, including:
- Deathcare community resources
- Continuing education platforms
- Funeral home news sites
- Thought-provoking podcasts
- Resources to help funeral homes support families
Read on to discover which of these funeral director resources you’re already using—and which ones might be worth adding to your go-to list.
Deathcare Community Resources
It is vital to support each other in this profession. No one understands the specific pressures and challenges you face quite like other funeral directors. Technology has created new opportunities for funeral directors from all across the world to connect with one another and share their experiences. From virtual meet ups to online discussion groups to collective buying initiatives, these funeral director resources are designed to build community within the deathcare profession.
1. Funeral Director Peer Support (FPPS)
Established in 2021 in response to the difficult challenges funeral directors were facing during the pandemic, the Funeral Director Peer Support Group (FPPS) was created to give funeral professionals a place to meet, talk and make connections with others in the profession. Free zoom meetings are held every month, each focusing on a specific topic with mental health experts facilitating discussions. Click here to view upcoming meetings. You can also explore the FPPS’s library of articles and podcast focused on stress reduction, self-care and mental health tips for funeral directors.
2. Funeral Director Success Network
Our friends at Ring Ring Marketing recently created this Facebook group and we think it’s a fantastic idea for helping funeral directors provide positive support to one another. Many are aware of the other funeral directors’ groups of Facebook that are often riddled with conflict and judgement. The need for an online community focused on positive support and sharing ideas was evident and Ring Ring Marketing has helped to fill that gap. Click here to join the Funeral Director Success Network.
3. The Commander Initiative
ASD is proud to be one of many funeral service suppliers who have joined this collective purchasing group to help funeral directors save on the products they are already using. By becoming a member, you can gain access to a multitude of discounts and savings on many well-established brands. Commander Initiative members receive an extended, 8-week free trial when they sign up with ASD. Click here to learn more.
Continuing Education Platforms
In the past, funeral directors often had to make room in their busy schedules and travel far distances in order to fulfill their required CE credits. This was often a big hassle for funeral homes that were short staffed and for busy funeral directors that had to use their limited time off to find CE classes they could attend. Today, the internet has made this much burdensome thanks to websites that cater specifically to funeral directors that want to earn their CE online.
4. Continuing Vision
ASD is proud to have recently formed a partnership with the dedicated team behind Continuing Vision. Not only do they offer a wide range of both online and in-person CE seminars, but they strive to find renowned speakers who focus on timely, relevant topics. In the past, funeral directors had to be able to attend national or state conventions to receive the same caliber of education that Continuing Vision now offers. Highly respected speakers such as Amy Cunningham, Dr. Jason Troyer, Jennifer Muldowney, Joel Simone Maldonado, and Calvin Amato have led Continuing Vision’s courses.
5. Funeral Continuing Education (FCE)
One of the most convenient options for earning Funeral Home CE credits, Funeral Continuing Education (FCE) is the leading online provider of state-approved, online CE courses for funeral professionals. FCE courses are approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and more than 30 state funeral licensing boards. The program allows you to take courses at your own convenience and you don’t even have to complete the course in one sitting. With both subscription-based and pay-as-you-go options, we think the funeral directors of the past would be pretty jealous that today’s deathcare professionals now have such a simple way to earn their continuing education credit requirements.
Funeral Home News Sites
Okay, so we’re not naming any names here, but five short years ago the options for getting funeral home news online limited everyone to a single website that was basically just a commercial for another business. That has all changed now thanks to two Toms that have endeavored to create balanced, well-vetted funeral home news websites that serve up timely articles, captivating interviews and thoughtful analysis. We visit these two websites daily and proudly support their commitment to curating funeral home news. Their efforts have undeniably enriched the entire deathcare profession with greater insight and awareness.
6. Funeral Director Daily
Retired Minnesota funeral director, Tom Anderson, established FuneralDirectorDaily.com in 2022 to provide the funeral service community with a new kind of news site. His approach is to search the internet for recent, timely articles related to deathcare and to share both a summary of the article and his own personal analysis. His insights are grounded in a lifetime working in the funeral profession, offering a perspective that blends practical experience with a deep understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape.
Whether he’s discussing emerging trends, business strategies, or cultural shifts in how society approaches death and mourning, Tom brings a thoughtful and seasoned voice to each topic. We always learn something new from reading his thoughts, and his blog has become an invaluable resource for professionals seeking to stay informed and inspired in their work.
7. Funeral Vision
Founded in 2023, FuneralVision.com was created by seasoned funeral industry journalist, Tom Parmalee, who previously served as the Executive Director of Kates-Boylston Publications. During his tenure at Kates-Boylston, Tom established himself as a trusted voice in the profession and the creation of FuneralVision.com has further solidified is role as a leading source of insight and information in the deathcare space.
While Funeral Vision is a reliable and timely source for news and updates, where it truly shines is in its compelling interviews and feature stories. Tom has a unique gift for drawing out the personal stories behind the professionals—highlighting the passion, dedication, and innovation that drive this vital work. Through these human-centered narratives, readers get a rare glimpse into the heart of the funeral profession, making Funeral Vision not just a news site, but a powerful platform for connection and inspiration.
Podcasts for Funeral Professionals
There’s no shortage of deathcare podcasts out there—and that’s a great thing. These shows provide an incredible platform for sharing stories, industry insights, and helpful advice. They provide a great funeral director resource especially considering how much time morticians must spend commuting, in need of some inspiring content to listen to. But here’s the catch: many of them tend to lose steam over time. Whether it’s due to the challenges of content creation or the time commitment involved in producing regular episodes, we’ve noticed that quite a few podcasts eventually go quiet.
For this list, we’ve chosen to highlight only those podcasts that have released new episodes in 2025. That’s not to say that older or inactive shows don’t have valuable content—many absolutely do. But we wanted to focus on the ones that are currently active and consistently publishing fresh, relevant material for funeral professionals today.
8. A Brush with Death Podcast from NFDA
The NFDA launched their podcast, A Brush With Death, in 2019 “to help funeral professionals be more responsive to the evolving needs of families and better respond to the issues shaping their businesses.” The podcast shed a lot of light on how funeral directors were impacted by the pandemic in 2020 and continues to explore timely and relevant topics through thought-provoking interviews. Hosted by funeral director, Gabe Schauf, the podcast consistently delivers new content with episodes released on the second Tuesday of every month.
9. Two Guys and a Question
Created by highly respected funeral home consultants, Alan Creedy and Danny Jefferson, in 2022, the Two Guys and A Question podcast relies on a unique formula for delivering engaging content to the deathcare profession. Each episode explores a key issue facing the profession in under 12 minutes, with Creedy and Jefferson offering their own thoughtful insights garnered from a lifetime of working in funeral service. With topics such as, “The Ins and Outs of Discounting Prices” and “Underserving Non-Burial Families”, listeners can expect concise, thought-provoking discussions that challenge conventional thinking and inspire meaningful change within their own funeral home operations.
10. Calling Hours – The Homesteaders Life Podcast
If you have ever had the chance to hear Danielle Burmeister of Homesteaders Life speak at a conference, you know that she brings a rare blend of insight, authenticity, and passion that leaves a lasting impression long after the session ends. As the host of the Calling Hours podcast, Danielle leads thoughtful discussions with well-respected voices in the funeral profession. Her ability to ask the right questions and create space for honest dialogue makes each episode feel personal and impactful. Whether she’s behind a podium or a podcast mic, Danielle consistently elevates the conversation within the profession.
11. The Funeral Service Insider Podcast from Kates Boylston
Kates-Boylston Publications, publisher of American Funeral Director and American Cemetery, has been a trusted voice in the funeral profession for more than 145 years. In April 2023, they officially launched the Funeral Service Insider Podcast —a natural extension of their legacy of industry leadership and storytelling. Recognizing that many funeral professionals spend long hours on the road, Kates-Boylston saw the podcast medium as a convenient and accessible way to stay informed and inspired. With the same journalistic integrity and deep knowledge that define their publications, they’ve brought insightful interviews, timely topics, and expert perspectives directly to earbuds everywhere
12. PodCasket – the Tukios Podcast
Tukios made its debut in the funeral profession podcasting scene with the cleverly titled PodCasket in early 2024. The podcast quickly gained attention by featuring well-known industry voices such as Jake Johnson, Ellery Bowker, and Buddy Phaneuf. Each episode blends sharp insights with a touch of humor, creating a refreshing and engaging listening experience. By spotlighting innovators and thought leaders, PodCasket offers a dynamic platform for discussing the challenges, changes, and opportunities shaping the future of funeral service.
13. Rest Assured – the OGR Podcast
Rest Assured is a podcast series produced by the Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), a trade association representing independently owned and operated funeral homes across North America and beyond. The podcast features weekly episodes hosted by licensed funeral director Justin Zabor, CFSP. With a focus on interviews with seasoned funeral professionals, Rest Assured is designed to deepen your understanding of deathcare and equip you with the tools to better support the families you serve.
Empowerment for Female Funeral Directors
We’ve all seen the headlines: women are making waves in the funeral profession. While the dramatic “takeover” narratives might be a bit of an exaggeration, there’s no denying the significant rise in the number of women entering the field in recent years. As this shift continues, the importance of having dedicated organizations and support networks for female funeral professionals has become increasingly clear—and fortunately, some passionate and forward-thinking leaders have stepped up to meet that need.
14. Funeral Women Lead
Established by Funeral Director and thought leader, Lisa Baue, Funeral Women Lead is a new organization dedicated to expanding the possibilities for women in the death care profession. Funeral Women Lead was born out of Baue’s vision to expand the possibilities for women in the death care profession to build community and receive support, mentoring, and training as they become leaders. In addition to its own Leadership Academy and Wellness Summit, Funeral Women Lead gathers resources, and opportunities from others in the death care space to support passionate women leaders looking for growth.
15. The Deathcare Collective
Part women’s funeral association, part social club, the Death Care Collective was founded to help women forge connections with other women in the funeral profession. Through mentorship, online groups, virtual and in-person meet ups, the Death Care Collective is comprised of a group of female funeral professionals dedicated to fostering connections, strengthening relationships, and empowering women in the death care profession.
Resources to Share with Families
ASD has compiled a list of valuable grief support organizations that funeral directors can share with families, and we believe it’s an excellent resource to offer those in need. Beyond grief support, families often turn to funeral homes for assistance with finding resources related to funeral funding, estate management, and end-of-life doulas. Below, you’ll find a selection of resources that we recommend funeral directors familiarize themselves with, as they can be helpful when families seek guidance and recommendations.
16. Fund the Funeral
The biggest difference between Fund the Funeral and other funeral crowdfunding platforms is that it was founded for funeral professionals, by funeral professionals with an emphasis on eliminating fraud. By ensuring that funds donated toward a funeral fund are sent directly to the funeral home to provide necessary services, Fund the Funeral gives families a safe funding platform to share with loved ones while ensuring that funeral professionals are properly compensated for their services. This approach not only protects the integrity of the donation process but also fosters trust between funeral homes and the families they serve.
17. Cadence
There are several companies that offer estate management solutions and software. What sets Cadence apart from the others is their focus on working directly with the funeral profession to bridge the gap so that funeral directors can help point families in the right direction. This is such an important distinction because families have so much to deal with at the time of death and often rely on funeral directors to direct them. Cadence guides families through tasks like government notifications, account closures, insurance claims, applying for benefits, and more. By partnering with Cadence, funeral directors can foster deeper connections with families by aiding them in navigating the necessary steps for estate settlement. ASD recently integrated our answering service system with Cadence to further simplify this process, allowing funeral homes to conveniently transfer case information from ASD’s systems into Cadence’s Executor Assistant software. Click here to learn more about this new integration and how it can help your funeral home.
18. Inelda
For those planning for death, diagnosed with a terminal illness, or facing imminent death, an end-of-life doula can offer emotional, spiritual and practical support. Doulas can be instrumental in helping families to create advance care plans. When families reach out to funeral homes about making prearrangements, they may express the need for further support beyond the scope of duties a funeral director can perform. This is why building connections with a doula in your local area can be a powerful partnership. If you’re wondering where you can find a doula to recommend or how to help families in need of this type of support, visit the Inelda website and use their Find A Doula tool to find one in your local area. You can also recommend the Inelda website to families who inquire where they can find guidance.
What resources do you rely on the most as a funeral director? What companies or organizations would you recommend to other funeral directors? Share in the comments below.
Related Reading
8 Grief Resources Funeral Professionals Should Know About
6 Resources to Keep You From Breaking Down While Working as a Funeral Director
More than Morticians: The Surprising Number of Jobs Funeral Directors Juggle
