Jason Engler is a cremation historian and has one of the world's largest urn collections.

During this episode, we dive into Jason's fascination with urns and how it influenced his decision to pursue a career in the history of cremation. 

Tune in to this masterclass on the end of life process that's as old as time.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jason Engler is a cremation historian and has one of the world's largest urn collections.
During this episode, we dive into Jason's fascination with urns and how it influenced his decision to pursue a career in the history of cremation.&nbsp;
Tune in to this masterclass on the end of life process that's as old as time.
Plan your visit to the museum today at <a href="https://nmfh.org">nmfh.org</a> and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-final-curtain-never-closes/id1664936967">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8VZuVdq5UQtnrY2b1IJS?si=b1c6ae4a9c744e0a">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/">podcasts</a>.

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.org. 

And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

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 <a href="http://www.nmfh.org">www.nmfh.org</a>. 
And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

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.org. 

And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

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 <a href="http://www.nmfh.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nmfh.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1674242839098000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1eUszxGGKNoJjKnYiXLWw6">www.nmfh.org</a>. 
And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

He has One of the Largest Urn Collections in the World

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 personal legacy. Osborne shares the philosophical framework behind Famous and Gravy, emphasizing empathy, the power of creative expression, and conducting authentic, unscripted conversations. They explore reflections on personal legacies and the importance of listening, both in life and in storytelling.

Learn more about Famous and Gravy here, and subscribe to the show on YouTube.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Fame is generational and fleeting: Osborne illustrates how perceptions of fame differ by age group, using Paul Newman as an example to show how memory fades and morphs over time, making legacy a moving target.

2. Celebrity as a mirror: The show uses dead celebrities’ stories to reflect on cultural values, aspirations, and characteristics, aiming to turn the spotlight back on listeners’ own lives and potential for growth.

3. Empathy over idolization: Rather than celebrity obsession, Famous and Gravy seeks to humanize public figures and encourage empathetic consideration of the complexities behind fame and achievement.

4. Legacy for all: The discussion pushes past the myth that only the famous are remembered. Everyone can create a legacy, and the “second death” occurs when the last living person with knowledge of someone dies, making remembrance universal.

5. Listening as a skill: Osborne reveals that great storytelling, in podcasts and in life, depends on deep listening and authentic connection, not just performance or conversation.

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 personal legacy. Osborne shares the philosophical framework behind Famous and Gravy, emphasizing empathy, the power of creative expression, and conducting authentic, unscripted conversations. They explore reflections on personal legacies and the importance of listening, both in life and in storytelling.
Learn more about Famous and Gravy <a href="https://www.famousandgravy.com/">here</a>, and subscribe to the show on <a href="https://youtube.com/@famousandgravy?si=i4UCb-UzO6_oTGyO">YouTube</a>.
Plan your visit to the museum today at <a href="https://nmfh.org">nmfh.org</a> and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-final-curtain-never-closes/id1664936967">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8VZuVdq5UQtnrY2b1IJS?si=b1c6ae4a9c744e0a">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/">podcasts</a>.
Key Takeaways
1. Fame is generational and fleeting: Osborne illustrates how perceptions of fame differ by age group, using Paul Newman as an example to show how memory fades and morphs over time, making legacy a moving target.
2. Celebrity as a mirror: The show uses dead celebrities&rsquo; stories to reflect on cultural values, aspirations, and characteristics, aiming to turn the spotlight back on listeners&rsquo; own lives and potential for growth.
3. Empathy over idolization: Rather than celebrity obsession, Famous and Gravy seeks to humanize public figures and encourage empathetic consideration of the complexities behind fame and achievement.
4. Legacy for all: The discussion pushes past the myth that only the famous are remembered. Everyone can create a legacy, and the &ldquo;second death&rdquo; occurs when the last living person with knowledge of someone dies, making remembrance universal.
5. Listening as a skill: Osborne reveals that great storytelling, in podcasts and in life, depends on deep listening and authentic connection, not just performance or conversation.<a href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/8598465/d0c9b995-7d38-40a9-9858-f36b9c4089c2/TFCNC_Transcript_Michael-Osborne.txt"></a>

Beyond Fame: What Dead Celebrities Teach Us About Living Well

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 and her experiences in military medicine and funeral services, she promotes open dialogue and cultural respect surrounding end-of-life rituals.

Through her leadership, she transforms grief into empowerment and education for thousands of people each year. This story is part one of a two-part interview in which Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez was a guest of Ashley Gould's on her podcast, On the Table with Ashley.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1.Genevieve and Ashley discuss how society often avoids talking openly about death, even though it is inevitable. Both share personal experiences with loss, emphasizing that talking about death and preparing for it—whether through conversations about wishes or understanding options—can provide significant peace and clarity to families. Open dialogue helps ensure that loved ones are honored according to their own wishes, not merely default traditions.

2. The conversation delves into how rituals and cultural practices shape how we approach death. Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez shares stories about family cremation preferences, memorial objects, and how personal items or actions (like distributing Neccos candies at a funeral) can become powerful vessels for memory and grief processing. This highlights how diverse, meaningful rituals can help mourners feel connected and supported.

3.Through Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez’s background as an Army medic, nurse, and funeral director, the theme of professional responsibility and respect for the dead emerges strongly. She discusses developing standard procedures, advocating for cultural and personal rights of the deceased and their families, and the fulfillment found in supporting others through loss. The focus is on treating death with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and attention to detail.

4.The transcript explores the museum’s founding, its expansion, and its mission: preserving and educating the public about funeral history, practices, and death’s role in human culture. The museum acts as a bridge, helping demystify death, honoring the industry's legacy, and fostering healthy conversations about our own mortality.

5.A moving discussion centers on the psychological aspects of grief, especially how sensory experiences—like smells or cherished objects—help us process loss and keep memories alive. These small details can anchor us, offer comfort, and carry the essence of our relationships forward.

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 and her experiences in military medicine and funeral services, she promotes open dialogue and cultural respect surrounding end-of-life rituals.
Through her leadership, she transforms grief into empowerment and education for thousands of people each year. This story is part one of a two-part interview in which Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez was a guest of Ashley Gould's on her podcast, <a href="https://ameatendre.com/pages/on-the-table-with-ashley">On the Table with Ashley</a>.
Plan your visit to the museum today at <a href="https://nmfh.org">nmfh.org</a> and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-final-curtain-never-closes/id1664936967">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8VZuVdq5UQtnrY2b1IJS?si=b1c6ae4a9c744e0a">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/">podcasts</a>.
Key Takeaways
1. Genevieve and Ashley discuss how society often avoids talking openly about death, even though it is inevitable. Both share personal experiences with loss, emphasizing that talking about death and preparing for it&mdash;whether through conversations about wishes or understanding options&mdash;can provide significant peace and clarity to families. Open dialogue helps ensure that loved ones are honored according to their own wishes, not merely default traditions.
2. The conversation delves into how rituals and cultural practices shape how we approach death. Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez shares stories about family cremation preferences, memorial objects, and how personal items or actions (like distributing Neccos candies at a funeral) can become powerful vessels for memory and grief processing. This highlights how diverse, meaningful rituals can help mourners feel connected and supported.
3. Through Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez&rsquo;s background as an Army medic, nurse, and funeral director, the theme of professional responsibility and respect for the dead emerges strongly. She discusses developing standard procedures, advocating for cultural and personal rights of the deceased and their families, and the fulfillment found in supporting others through loss. The focus is on treating death with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and attention to detail.
4. The transcript explores the museum&rsquo;s founding, its expansion, and its mission: preserving and educating the public about funeral history, practices, and death&rsquo;s role in human culture. The museum acts as a bridge, helping demystify death, honoring the industry's legacy, and fostering healthy conversations about our own mortality.
5. A moving discussion centers on the psychological aspects of grief, especially how sensory experiences&mdash;like smells or cherished objects&mdash;help us process loss and keep memories alive. These small details can anchor us, offer comfort, and carry the essence of our relationships forward.

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

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 with every click.

Learn more about The Kailee Mills Foundation HERE.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. The devastating loss of Kailee Mills was due to a split-second decision—not wearing a seatbelt for just a moment—which was entirely preventable. The discussion emphasizes that such tragedies can often be avoided through consistent, habitual safety practices like always buckling up.

2. Out of the Mills family’s grief, they built the Kailee Mills Foundation to raise awareness and create positive change. This demonstrates how personal loss can inspire advocacy and meaningful action that benefits others, turning tragedy into a force for good.

3. Wearing a seatbelt is vital for safety in vehicles, regardless of age, seat position, or distance from home. The conversation breaks down misconceptions (e.g., back seat passengers are safe without a belt) and uses both science and personal stories to drive home the life-saving value of seatbelt use.

4. Early education and repeated practice are crucial for building lifelong habits around seatbelt use. Programs start with young children and extend through high school, reinforcing that safety routines must be ingrained young and maintained into adulthood.

5. The Foundation’s work goes beyond advocacy; they also provide direct support to families affected by car accidents, offer scholarships, and build community with outreach programs. This shows the power of social support networks in helping individuals and families heal and fostering broader cultural change.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Seatbelt Safety Saves Lives"

05:57 "Tragic Crash and Community Impact"

08:11 Seatbelt Safety and Youth Risks

10:07 "Teaching Kids Seatbelt Safety"

13:18 "Kids Driving Family Safety Changes"

19:01 Boosting Seatbelt Awareness in Schools

21:14 Seatbelt Safety Scholarship Program

25:04 Focus on Brother Over Children

26:53 "Seatbelt Safety Over Risks"

31:24 National Seat Belt Day Challenge

 

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 with every click.
Learn more about The Kailee Mills Foundation <a href="https://www.kaileemillsfoundation.org/">HERE</a>.
Plan your visit to the museum today at <a href="https://nmfh.org">nmfh.org</a> and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-final-curtain-never-closes/id1664936967">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8VZuVdq5UQtnrY2b1IJS?si=b1c6ae4a9c744e0a">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/">podcasts</a>.
Key Takeaways
1. The devastating loss of Kailee Mills was due to a split-second decision&mdash;not wearing a seatbelt for just a moment&mdash;which was entirely preventable. The discussion emphasizes that such tragedies can often be avoided through consistent, habitual safety practices like always buckling up.
2.&nbsp;Out of the Mills family&rsquo;s grief, they built the Kailee Mills Foundation to raise awareness and create positive change. This demonstrates how personal loss can inspire advocacy and meaningful action that benefits others, turning tragedy into a force for good.
3.&nbsp;Wearing a seatbelt is vital for safety in vehicles, regardless of age, seat position, or distance from home. The conversation breaks down misconceptions (e.g., back seat passengers are safe without a belt) and uses both science and personal stories to drive home the life-saving value of seatbelt use.
4.&nbsp;Early education and repeated practice are crucial for building lifelong habits around seatbelt use. Programs start with young children and extend through high school, reinforcing that safety routines must be ingrained young and maintained into adulthood.
5. The Foundation&rsquo;s work goes beyond advocacy; they also provide direct support to families affected by car accidents, offer scholarships, and build community with outreach programs. This shows the power of social support networks in helping individuals and families heal and fostering broader cultural change.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "Seatbelt Safety Saves Lives"
05:57 "Tragic Crash and Community Impact"
08:11 Seatbelt Safety and Youth Risks
10:07 "Teaching Kids Seatbelt Safety"
13:18 "Kids Driving Family Safety Changes"
19:01 Boosting Seatbelt Awareness in Schools
21:14 Seatbelt Safety Scholarship Program
25:04 Focus on Brother Over Children
26:53 "Seatbelt Safety Over Risks"
31:24 National Seat Belt Day Challenge
&nbsp;

He has One of the Largest Urn Collections in the World

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