How Grief Transforms Us: Exploring Global Funeral Traditions

Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez explores universal themes in death rituals, examining how funerals, grief, and cultural customs intersect at the National Museum of Funeral History. Museum exhibits include gynecological coffins from Ghana, jazz funerals in Louisiana, and Victorian mourning practices, provi…

Unlocking the Secrets of Egyptian Mummification

Ancient Egyptian funeral practices revolved around the belief in preparing the body for burial to ensure a smooth journey in the afterlife. Preserving the physical body through embalming was crucial, as it allowed the soul to return and reunite with the spirit.  The embalming techniques employed b…

Beyond Fame: What Dead Celebrities Teach Us About Living Well

Michael Osborne, creator of the award-winning podcast Famous and Gravy, joins Genevieve to discuss how stories of the departed become mirrors for the living. The conversation explores how fame shifts across generations, the fleeting nature of memory, and the difference between celebrity and person…

Remembering the Dead: Family, Rituals, and the Importance of Talking About Death

Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez turned a childhood curiosity about death into a lifelong mission of education and advocacy. Her journey began with an early fascination with mortality at age seven and led to her role as president and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History. Shaped by personal loss a…

A Tragic Loss That Sparked a Seatbelt Safety Movement: The Story of Kailee Mills

The tragic loss of Kailee Mills inspired her family to turn pain into purpose by founding the Kailee Mills Foundation. Through heartfelt education and assistance programs, they teach communities the life-saving importance of buckling up. Kailee's legacy continues to ripple outward, saving lives wit…

Beyond the Veil: Death, Grief, and Meaning

Discover why Victorian death rituals still fascinate us today as author Paul Gambino discusses his book, Beyond the Veil, with Genevieve Keeney Vazquez, now available at The National Museum of Funeral History. Dive into funeral customs, grief, and the compelling evolution of how we honor and remem…

Hearses, Heels, and Heart: Adventures of a Third-Generation Funeral Woman

Lisa Baue stepped into funeral service as a third-generation funeral director, challenging long-held beliefs about who belonged in the profession. Her story unfolds in the context of a family business—her grandfather’s legacy—where growth was fueled by tradition but also by change. From an early ag…

Exploring Bonds Beyond the Grave

Angela Kaatz is the owner and producer of Ghost Hunting Beauties. During this conversation, Genevieve and Angela dive into the role of women in the paranormal field and the unique sensitivity and connection women share with the spirit world. They explore the evolving perceptions of death and the …

How Horror Stories Help Us Understand Death

Mark Leslie, an author drawn to chills and thrills since childhood, has built his writing career by exploring the shadows of fear and death. His stories often begin with the very anxieties that once haunted him, turning them into explorations of empathy and the unknown. Through both fiction and tru…

Echoes of Loss: The Impact of a Friend's Death

In this conversation, Frank Vazquez shares his journey of grief and loss after the death of his close friend, Tim. The conversation highlights the importance of safe friends and the impact they can have on our lives. Frank reflects on his friendship with Tim and the deep connection they shared. The…