Shows / Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Join us for Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats as we delve into the intricacies of the funeral, cremation, and cemetery services profession. Explore what makes this sector truly unique and discover how our work impacts the lives of both professionals and the families we serve. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of the field or supporting those in need, Common Ground offers insights and stories that resonate across the entire bereavement community.
Episodes
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
The Many Hats of a Funeral Home Managing Director
What does it really take to keep a funeral home running day to day? Guest: Tom Flannery, Managing Director, Dodsworth and Brown Funeral Home, Burlington In…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
At the Cemetery: Guiding Families Through Burial, Remembrance & Ritual
Guest: Kaitlynn Becker, Cemetery Director/Counsellor, Queensville Cemetery What happens when a family arrives at the cemetery? There is often much more to the…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Preserving Dignity: The Work and Impact of Embalmers in Bereavement Care
In this episode of Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats, Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster explore one of the most specialized—and often least…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
From Transfers to Tributes: The Versatility of Funeral Director’s Assistants
What does a Funeral Director's Assistant really do? In this episode of Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats, Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster sit down with…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
On the Front-Line: The People Who Care for Our Cemeteries
What does it take to care for the places where we honour and remember those we've lost? In this episode of Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats, hosts…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Understanding Support Roles: FDAs, Drivers & Transfer Staff or A Funeral Home to Funeral Homes: The Support Behind the Profession
In this episode, hosts Darren and Kate explore one of the most essential — and often unseen — parts of the bereavement profession: the support teams and…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Funeral Director is More Than a Title: Understanding the Role in Ontario (Class 1 & Class 2)
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be a funeral director in Ontario—beyond the title and into the heart of the profession. Joined by Heather…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
What is a Cremation Technician? The Inside Scoop.
In this episode, we take a closer look at one of the most important — and least visible — roles in the bereavement sector: The Cremation Technician. Hosts…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
The Work Behind the Gates: Understanding Cemetery Sales and Operations
In this episode, we take a closer look at a role that is often misunderstood but essential to how cemeteries serve families and communities. Hosts Darren…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Funeral Preplanner: What It Really Means
In this episode, we shine a light on a role that is often misunderstood but deeply impactful — the Funeral Pre-Planner. Our guest, Laura Eccles, Funeral…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Navigating Grief Through the Holidays
How do we support grieving families during the holidays? In this December episode, Darren and Kate sit down with Krystall Riddell to explore the emotional…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Don’t Burden Your Family: Plan Your Estate Now
In this episode of Common Ground, hosts Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster explore how early planning — from drafting a will to documenting final wishes — helps…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Don’t Let Burnout Ruin Your Passion: Mental Health in Bereavement Services
In the demanding world of funeral, cemetery, and cremation services, where compassion is paramount, professionals often face immense emotional tolls. This…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
The Business of Compassion: Balancing Service and Success
How do we balance heartfelt service with the operational demands of our profession? In this special pre-conference episode, we sit down with Christina…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Leadership in Bereavement: What You NEED to Know!
In this episode of Common Ground, Darren and Kate explore the critical role of business education and leadership development in the bereavement sector. Joined…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Behind the Scenes: Elevating Cemetery Operations with OACFP Frontline Training with JP Narbonne
In this insightful episode of Common Ground Bereavement Sector Chats, hosts Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster from OACFP delve into the intricacies of cemetery…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
The Future of Bereavement: Defining Value in a Changing Sector
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of adapting to change, the importance of human connection, and the enduring power of compassion in the face of loss…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Next-Gen Funeral Professionals: Shaping the Future
This episode of Common Ground Bereavement Sector Chats explores the evolving landscape of funeral, cremation, and cemetery services, focusing on the…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Staffing Crisis: Funeral Home Solutions for the Bereavement Sector – Challenges and Opportunities
This episode tackles critical staffing challenges in the funeral, cremation, and cemetery sectors. Hosts Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster explore recruitment…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Women in the Bereavement Sector: Highlighting Challenges, Leadership, and Progress
This episode stems from the 2025 OACFP Women’s Symposium. The discussion centres on the unique contributions of women to the bereavement sector, addressing…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Cremation Trends: Exploring Changing Preferences and Industry Innovations
In today's episode, we explore the rising trends in cremation, particularly in Ontario, and the factors driving this shift in family preferences. Hosts Darren…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Funeral Trends
In this episode, we're diving into a crucial topic reshaping the funeral, cremation, and cemetery services profession: sustainability and eco-friendly funeral…
- Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats
Finding Common Ground: Navigating the Heart of the Bereavement Industry
In the inaugural episode of “Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats,” the hosts delve into the vital role of professionals in the funeral, cremation, and…