The Final Curtain Never Closes

Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez•nmfh.org

Business

Non-Profit

Religion & Spirituality

Spirituality

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.

This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.

Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at www.nmfh.org.

And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

Last refreshed: July 13th, 2025 at 4:16 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Your Final Days aren't Just About You

During this episode of The Final Curtain Never Closes, NMFH President and CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez and her husband Frank have a candid conversation about the recent loss of a personal friend. The loss brought back painful memories from Genevieve's past, in which relatives refused to tell her about certain relatives' final days. During this episode, you'll hear about Genevieve's and Frank's experience, why it's important to come clean about end of life struggles, and how it's just as importan...

Aug 01, 2023•33 min•Ep. 8

What it Takes to Become a Funeral Director

Ask anyone who works in the death care industry and they'll tell you some version of the same thing. "I was called to do this work." That's how Cody Lopasky ended up in the business. Today, he serves as the President and School Director of The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services . During this conversation, we talk about: 1.) His journey to becoming a funeral director 2.) Why working in the funeral business is a calling 3.) How the death care industry has changed in recent years Learn more...

Jul 04, 2023•48 min•Ep. 7

All the Living and the Dead, a Conversation with Author Hayley Campbell

Hayley Campbell writes for WIRED, Buzzfeed, The Guardian, and VICE, among many others. She’s written a book about Neil Gaiman and her most recent book All the Living and the Dead tackles something many of us in the West struggle with: death. During this conversation, museum president and CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez and Hayley discuss the many facets of caring for the dead. And helping the living accept mortality Plan your visit now at nmfh.org . Learn more about Hayley's work and buy All the Li...

Jun 06, 2023•49 min•Ep. 6

BONUS EPISODE: A Tribute to Robert L. Waltrip

This bonus episode pays tribute to Robert L. Waltrip, who passed away on February 27th, 2023. Host and museum president/CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez is joined by museum chairman Robert M. Boetticher, Sr . They talk about Mr. Waltrip's impact on the funeral industry and museum, as well as their unique relationship with him. Read Mr. Waltrip's obituary HERE . To learn more about the National Museum of Funeral History, please visit NMFH.org . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

May 16, 2023•38 min•Ep. 5

The Most Famous Burial of All-Time

Barrie Schwortz and Rudy Dichtl have spent the greater part of the past few decades researching and authenticating the Shroud of Turin. They join museum CEO and curator Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez to discuss the many things involved with studying the shroud which has captivated millions of people from all over the world. During this episode, you'll hear how Rudy and Barrie ended up on this project, where it led them, and the challenges they've faced along the way. Learn more about the Shroud of Tur...

May 02, 2023•58 min•Ep. 4

He has One of the Largest Urn Collections in the World

Jason Engler is a cremation historian and has one of the world's largest urn collections. During this episode, we dive into Jason's fascination with urns and how it influenced his decision to pursue a career in the history of cremation. Tune in to this masterclass on the end of life process that's as old as time. Be sure to plan your visit to the museum when you go to nmfh.org . And remember, any day above ground is a good one! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 04, 2023•45 min•Ep. 3

This Episode will Change the Way You View Cremation

Barbara Kemmis serves as the Executive Director of Cremation Association of North America (CANA). During this episode, we discuss her unlikely path to working in the cremation industry (she was a librarian), as well as technological advances that will leave you in awe. Among these are water cremations. Learn more about CANA HERE . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Mar 07, 2023•29 min•Ep. 2

The Final Curtain Never Closes, an Introduction to The National Museum of Funeral History

Welcome to The National Museum of Funeral History's new podcast series. The Final Curtain Never Closes will provide a glimpse into the world of all that has shaped humanity's final rite of passage. Death. You will hear from cremation experts, funeral school instructors, and researchers who helped the museum with its Shroud of Turin exhibit. This series is part of a larger mission to build and nourish a love of history in our community, nation, and world. Please visit our website to take a virtua...

Feb 07, 2023•15 min•Ep. 1

← Prev

Hosted on Omny Studio

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android