Ep. 392 The Evolution of the American Funeral with Todd Harra

End-of-Life University

Learn the fascinating history of some funeral customs in America and how the profession is changing.

My guest Todd Harra is a 4th generation funeral director, embalmer, post-mortem reconstructionist, and creationist who works for the family funeral business in Wilmington, Delaware. He is also an author of several books including his latest book Last Rites: The Evolution of the American Funeral. He discusses the fascinating history of many funeral customs here in the U.S. and why funerals are important. Learn more at his website:

www.toddharra.com

Get the book here

Watch on YouTube

Listen here:

This episode includes:

• What inspired Todd to work in the family business as a funeral director
• How this career provides lessons in grace and humility
• Common myths and stigmas about the profession of funeral director
• How the funeral industry continues to evolve
• How and why the practice of embalming the dead began in the U.S.
• The history of viewing the body before burial and why it may be helpful for mourners
• The discovery at a Neanderthal burial site of evidence for early funeral practices
• Why funerals are important and a vital step in the grieving process
• When and why to include children in funerals
• How technology will change funerals in the future
• What we need to remember about the history of funerals as we move into the future

Links mentioned in this episode:

• FAC-AZ Annual Meeting in March: Register here (you can attend in person or virtually)
• What Really Matters Podcast
• Previous interviews with funeral directors Caleb Wilde Eric Layer Amy Cunningham and Caitlin Doughty
• Leave me a message by email: [e-mail], Twitter, Facebook or Instagram
• Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul
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• Check out the Series I’ve recorded in the past here
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