Most people will work with a funeral director at some point in their lives. But how much do they really know about the person on the other side of the arrangement table?

NFDA Spokesperson Allyse Worland recently joined the Dying to Know More podcast for a candid conversation about what happens behind the scenes in funeral service and the experiences that have shaped her nearly 20-year career.

A first-generation funeral director and embalmer, Worland shares the childhood experience that first drew her to funeral service, reflects on the extraordinary challenges of serving families during the COVID-19 pandemic and talks openly about burnout, self-care and the emotional realities of caring for people who are grieving.

The conversation also gives consumers a look at how funeral service is changing. From highly personalized celebrations of life to green burial, water cremation and other emerging options, Worland explains how funeral professionals are adapting to the changing needs and wishes of families.

Perhaps most importantly, the episode introduces listeners to the person behind the title “funeral director”—and challenges some of the assumptions people may have about those who choose this profession.

That’s why conversations like this are an important part of NFDA’s consumer media outreach. They give our spokespersons an opportunity to tell authentic stories about funeral service and help the public better understand the expertise, compassion and humanity funeral professionals bring to their work.

Help us extend the conversation. After listening, consider sharing the episode on your funeral home’s social media channels or in your newsletter. It’s a great way to give your community a glimpse behind the scenes of funeral service and introduce them to one of the professionals helping tell our profession’s story.

Listen to the Dying to Know More podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1m3S3w4aPzr8iYlWvV7HZn?si=gYWPg1lYTlaFqLJDm7idFA