Shows / Digging Deep
Digging Deep
The Digging Deep podcast by GFD is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.
Episodes
- Digging Deep
How Funeral Professionals Are Adapting to a Changing Canada: Part 2
Change is coming. How are you adapting? The Canadian deathcare sector is changing! Part two of the 2026 FSAC conference panel discussion hosted by GFD’s…
- Digging Deep
How Funeral Professionals Are Adapting to a Changing Canada: Part 1
How are you adapting to change? How are you allowing it to affect you? Listen in on the latest episode of Digging Deep for an interesting panel discussion at…
- Digging Deep
Preserving What Matters: Independence and Innovation in Deathcare with Ryan Crean
In the latest episode of Digging Deep, GFD President and CEO Heather Kiteley speaks with Ryan Crean, Chief Executive Officer of Kearney Funeral Services in…
- Digging Deep
Meeting the Next Generation in Deathcare: Part 2
The conversation continues! In part two of our panel discussion from GFD’s 65th Annual General Meeting, hosted by Digging Deep's Heather Kiteley and GFD…
- Digging Deep
Meeting the Next Generation in Deathcare: Part 1
Recorded at GFD’s 65th Annual General Meeting, Digging Deep host and GFD’s President and CEO, Heather Kiteley, sat down with a panel of four dynamic voices…
- Digging Deep
Life Behind the Cemetery with Christina Furtado-Burke
Behind every beautiful cemetery is a team of dedicated people committed to serving families and preserving memories. In episode 39 of Digging Deep, GFD’s…
- Digging Deep
Sacred Spaces, Shared Moments: Reimagining Cemeteries for Community with Nick McCarthy
What happens when we begin to see cemeteries as more than a place of remembrance? In episode 38 of Digging Deep, GFD’s president & CEO Heather Kiteley sits…
- Digging Deep
Final Honours: Stories of Repatriation & Military Farewells with Allan Cole
Honour. Duty. Care. In episode 37 of Digging Deep, President & CEO Heather Kiteley speaks with Allan Cole, Owner and President of MacKinnon & Bowes LTD., about…
- Digging Deep
Why a National Association Matters with Pam Moss
What does the future of deathcare look like? In episode 36 of Digging Deep, President & CEO of GFD and FSAC Board Member Heather Kiteley connects with Pam…
- Digging Deep
The Changing Landscape of Funeral Homes with Brett Denning
The funeral profession is evolving – fast! In episode 35 of Digging Deep, President & CEO Heather Kiteley sits down with Brett Denning, Owner and Funeral…
- Digging Deep
Honouring Loved Ones: The Importance of Final Resting Places with Marc Bisson
Why do final resting places matter so deeply? In this episode of Digging Deep, President & CEO Heather Kiteley sits down with Marc Bisson, Managing Director of…
- Digging Deep
Living Above the Legacy: Sharon McGarry’s Journey in Funeral Service
Legacy is not just what we inherit; it is what we build. In episode 33 of Digging Deep, GFD’s President and CEO Heather Kiteley speaks with the President of…
- Digging Deep
What Canadians Really Think About Death: Part 2
Part Two is Here. In this continuation of our Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) 2025 panel discussion led by GFD’s President and CEO Heather…
- Digging Deep
What Canadians Really Think About Death: Part 1
What Canadians think about death and what deathcare professionals assume are not always aligned. In episode 31 of Digging Deep, President and CEO Heather…
- Digging Deep
East Meets Central: Comparing Funeral Trends from Ontario to Nova Scotia with Patrick Curry
Is funeral service evolving the same way across Canada? In episode 30 of Digging Deep, President and CEO Heather Kiteley sits down with Patrick Curry…
- Digging Deep
A "Love Letter" to the Funeral Profession
On March 11th, we recognize and celebrate the dedication of funeral professionals across the country on National Funeral Directors Day. To honour this day, we…
- Digging Deep
Celebrating the Positive Perception of the Deathcare Sector with Bradd Tuck
It is time to celebrate the impact of the deathcare sector. In episode 29 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by Bradd Tuck…
- Digging Deep
Rites of Passage: Funeral Customs in Alberta with Chris Clements
Every community has its own way of honouring life. In episode 28 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by Chris Clements, Owner…
- Digging Deep
Bridging Borders: Trends in North America’s Deathcare Sector with Jayson Gordon
The future of deathcare does not stop at borders. In episode 27 of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks with Jayson Gordon, President…
- Digging Deep
Behind the Profession: A Journey Into Funeral Service with David Root
Behind every profession is a story worth telling. In episode #26 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by David Root, Alberta…
- Digging Deep
Uncovering Canadians' Lack of Awareness Around Deathcare Expenses with Daniel Baxter
Did you know many Canadians are unaware of the true cost of deathcare? In our latest episode of Digging Deep, host President and CEO Heather Kiteley speaks…
- Digging Deep
Mastering Preneed: Proven Strategies for Helping Families Plan Ahead with Heather Harper
What separates good preneed planning from great? Strategy, trust, and timing. In this episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks…
- Digging Deep
Preneed and Beyond: Supporting Families While Sustaining the Business with Andrew Huskilson
The intersection of compassion and sustainability continues to shape the future of funeral service. In this episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD…
- Digging Deep
A Season of Remembrance: Holiday Traditions and Memorials with Heather Jackson
Togetherness and reflection. In this heartfelt episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley explores how families and professionals honour…
- Digging Deep
Naturally Resting: Embracing Green Burials with Lorraine Fracy
What does it mean to embrace natural resting? In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President & CEO of GFD, speaks with Lorraine Fracy, Manager of Client Services…
- Digging Deep
Tradition to Transformation: How Deathcare Has Evolved Over the Decades with Athena Theodorakakis
How have deathcare traditions and trends evolved over the decades? In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD sits down with Athena…
- Digging Deep
Voices of Experience: A Panel on Canada’s Deathcare Trends Part 2
What can deathcare professionals learn from how Canadians are rethinking end-of-life planning? Part 2 of GFD’s 2025 Annual General Meeting panel discussion…
- Digging Deep
Voices of Experience: A Panel on Canada’s Deathcare Trends Part 1
How are deathcare professionals navigating the changing landscape of end-of-life planning in Canada? GFD’s 2025 Annual General Meeting was proud to host a…
- Digging Deep
Aftercare: Navigating Grief and Ongoing Support With Todd Reinholt
The service may end, but our support endures – walking beside families as they navigate their journey through grief. In episode 17 of Digging Deep, Heather…
- Digging Deep
Honouring Heroes: Behind the Scenes of Canadian Military Funerals with Allan Job
What does it take to honour Canada’s fallen with dignity and respect? In this episode of Digging Deep, GFD’s President and CEO, Heather Kiteley, talks with…
- Digging Deep
The Preplanning Paradox: Why Awareness is Declining While Importance is Rising with Jason Meidl
In this episode of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD dives into one of the most pressing and puzzling trends in funeral service today…
- Digging Deep
Final Tributes: Planning High-Profile Funerals with Patrick McGarry
In this episode of Digging Deep, we go behind the scenes with Patrick McGarry, Co-Owner and COO of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry. He joins GFD’s President & CEO…
- Digging Deep
Strength in Unity: Why a National Association Matters More Than Ever
Why our National voice in Funeral Service can not be ignored. In this episode, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley digs into the power of national…
- Digging Deep
Changing Attitudes Towards Death: How Millennials Will Shape the Deathcare Sector
The way we think about planning for death is changing. In episode #12 of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD, Heather Kiteley, talks with Meghan Henning…
- Digging Deep
Digital Evolution: How Technology is Transforming Funeral Prearranging With Bradley Jones
How are digital tools shaping the future of funeral preplanning? Digital transformation is making funeral pre-arrangements more accessible. In this episode…
- Digging Deep
Finding Common Ground: Managing Family Conflicts in the Cemetery Setting With Rebecca Kit
Ever wonder how cemeterians handle conflict with families? Bereavement professionals frequently navigate emotionally charged situations involving grieving…
- Digging Deep
Transitioning and Thriving in the Deathcare Sector With Bill Denning
Wondering how funeral professionals are evolving to serve the changing needs of families? Navigating a career in the deathcare sector presents unique…
- Digging Deep
Upholding Trust: Financial Compliance in the Bereavement Sector With Hamza Majid
How can trust be built through financial compliance? Financial compliance is not just about regulations - it is about trust. In this episode of “Digging Deep”…
- Digging Deep
Cultural Shifts and the Rise of Celebratory Funerals With Wes Elmes
Is the way we say goodbye changing? The way we honour life is changing. Families are looking for more personalized, celebratory services- but what does that…
Digging DeepNavigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #2
Ever wonder what the future of Ontario’s cemeteries looks like? This week’s podcast is part 2 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging…
Digging DeepNavigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #1
Ever wonder what the future of Ontario’s cemeteries looks like? This week’s episode is part 1 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging…
Digging DeepEmpowering Voices: Women Leading With Compassion in the Bereavement Sector With Rebecca Steckly
Episode #4 of “Digging Deep” is here! In this episode, our guest is, Rebecca Steckly, Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home and President of…
Digging DeepResting Naturally: The Rise of Green Burials and Sustainable End-of-Life Choices With Amanda Kelly
This week, Heather is exploring the trend of “green burials” with an intriguing conversation about: “Resting Naturally: The Rise of Green Burials and…
Digging DeepJust Deal With It: Dealing With Burnout As Funeral Directors
Join Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD as she talks with Melanie MacDonald, Funeral Director and Team Lead at Weaver Family Funeral Home and a Board…
Digging DeepWelcome to the Digging Deep Podcast!
The Digging Deep podcast is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals like you, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex…
Digging DeepNobody Knows Anything: The Lack of Preneed Education Among Canadians with Michelle Glendinning
The Digging Deep podcast is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals like you, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex…