The Final Curtain Never Closes
The Final Curtain Never Closes
The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage. This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry. Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at www.nmfh.o…Social links:
A Funeral Director’s Lessons from an Airplane Crash
Genevieve speaks with funeral director and author Jay Jacobson about the United Flight 232 disaster, the birth of organized disaster mortuary response, and how crisis, caregiving, and changing technology shaped his leadership philosophy and his book Lead by Legendary Example. Order Jay's book Lead…
42:59
Never Forget: A 9/11 Tribute on Wheels
Genevieve welcomes Tony Esposito, a New York native whose 1979 Camaro serves as a moving tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Tony shares his experiences working at the World Trade Center, the personal connections that continue to shape his remembrance of that day, and why educating you…
41:16
How a Biker's Grief Sparked a Movement to End the Silence
Stephanie Lopez of Throttle & Therapy shares how riding became her outlet after losing her mother in traumatic circumstances. She explains why the car and motorcycle communities often resist talking about mental health, and how Throttle & Therapy built a safe space for riders, veterans, and anyone …
23:01
How Exhibits Come to Life at The National Museum of Funeral History
Genevieve sits down with longtime collaborator and fabricator Dan Blanton to recount how trade‑show expertise, bold ideas, and careful engineering brought major museum projects to life, from The Pope Exhibit and Shroud of Turin to Thanks for the Memories and modern immersive displays. Plan your vi…
22:36
Whispers of Butterflies: Messages from Heaven
How does one woman's unique approach to art and nature inspire her work? Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez hosts Ashley Worhol on "The Final Curtain Never Closes." Ashley's art features preserved butterflies and taxidermy, driven by her spiritual connection to nature. She raises butterflies like monarchs …
38:33
End‑of‑Life Choices that Support the Living
Funeral director and museum board member Bob Arrington joins Genevieve to explore why end‑of‑life planning matters, how thoughtful services support grief, and why funerals are for the living as much as the dead. A grounded conversation on preparation, celebration, and caring for families in their h…
42:35
How Near-Death Experiences Shape Our Purpose and Empathy
Why do near-death experiences seem to offer transformative impacts on individuals' lives? Genevieve hosts a discussion with Kathi Beasley from The Institute for Spirituality and Health, who recounts her own near-death experiences. Beasley speaks about the feeling of meeting loved ones in a special…
48:30
Remembering Lives Lost During WWII's Pacific Theater
Historian and founder Jenny Tran joins Genevieve to discuss preserving World War II histories in Asia, fragile archives, and family stories long buried by silence and classification. Their conversation connects past atrocities, present wars, and the enduring grief of families still seeking truth ge…
47:18
A Tribute to NMFH Founder Robert L. Waltrip
This bonus episode pays tribute to Robert L. Waltrip, who passed away on February 27th, 2023. Host and museum president/CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez is joined by museum chairman Robert M. Boetticher, Sr. They talk about Mr. Waltrip's impact on the funeral industry and museum, as well as their uniq…
37:31
How Our Smallest Coin Shaped American History
Genevieve sits down with her father, numismatist Larry Hoefer, in front of the Abraham Lincoln exhibit to trace the rise and fall of the American penny. They explore colonial coinage, foreign influences, funeral‑related artifacts, and why the cent’s long story is quietly coming to an end. Five Key…
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