Digital Dialogue Series Podcasts

Each summer, we bring together industry leaders to discuss the latest developments and trends in the deathcare profession. Every episode will be available free of charge, on-demand via OGR’s new online Learning Library.

Check back with this page as more information about the 2021 season becomes available.

Previous Seasons

2020: Shift Happens

The COVID-19 pandemic created a sudden shift in how funeral homes like yours serve families. Many traditional methods for hosting visitations and funerals were limited, but this limitation paved the way for innovation that could make us all better servants for our families moving forward. In response to this, OGR gathered some of the top thought leaders in the deathcare profession to offer concrete steps and new tools to help you lead your staff into this new future.

• Episode 1: What COVID-19 means for your funeral home | Panelists: Charles Castiglia, Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home; Roger Beyers, Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory; Bill Brock, Vander Plaat Funeral Home; Andrew Loos, Heartland Cremation & Burial Society
• Episode 2: How to harness new technologies well | Facilitator: Marty Strohofer, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions
• Episode 3: Pivot & Prevail - How to craft and share a message when margins are tight, funerals aren't valued and social distancing is the norm | Facilitator: Alex McCracken, Funeral Innovations
• Episode 4: Lessons Learned: Funeral Directors in pandemic hot spots share their experiences | Panelists: Randy Gagnon, Brunswick Memorial Home; Raffy Jose, Arlington Memorial Chapels; Jackie McQuade, Schuyler Hill Funeral Home
• Episode 5: A 3D approach to shifting your perspective on wellness & wellbeing | Facilitator: Traci Fisher, The Wellness Coach
• Episode 6: Serving families through delayed grief: Opportunities to serve and connect with your community | Facilitators: Jackie Hook and F. Glen Flemming
• Episode 7: Ideas Exchange: Find solutions to your biggest challenges | Open conversation with OGR members