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:
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…
1:02:47
Born Without Arms, He Outlived Doctors' Expectations
What can a man born without arms teach us about life and death? Genevieve welcomes Gabriel Najera to the show. Gabriel overcame physical challenges to become an entrepreneur and international motivational speaker. He discusses learning to drive, starting a business, and achieving success. From l…
48:57
The Many Faces of Grief and a New Tool for Healing
Guardian [AI]ngels founder John Kammer joins Genevieve to share how repeated loss, addiction, and recovery led him to create an AI‑supported grief journaling platform based on Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning, helping people process pain, preserve memories, and move forward while maintaining endurin…
56:51
Making CENTS of Funerary Customs
Delve into the rich history and symbolism of coins beyond funerary practices in this intriguing discussion. Numismatist Larry Hoefer, a seasoned coin collector, sheds light on the traditions of burying coins with the deceased and the profound symbolism embedded in this practice. Explore a captiva…
43:19
What Happens to Implants After Cremation: The Truth About Metal Recycling
Don Winsett explains how recycled implants and metals from cremation are safely refined, reduce environmental impact, and often fund charitable donations, transforming medical devices into a final act of generosity through transparent, regulated practices. Plan your visit to the museum today at nm…
41:55
Haunting Stories of the Museum's Hometown
What if some of your hometown's oldest, most haunted spaces were hidden in plain sight? What if they were so hidden, you quite literally walk and/or drive by them every day? The hometown in question is the museum's hometown of Houston, Texas. And today's guest, Texana Tours founder Richard Cook,…
1:08:35
When a QR Code Tells a Life Story
Life’s QR turns headstones and urns into portals for rich digital memorials, combining biographies, photos, videos, guest books, and family trees to preserve stories, support genealogy, and give mourners worldwide a lasting place to visit, remember, and connect. Learn more about Life's QR here. P…
39:32