The Modern Mortician: Green Burials, Grief Dogs, and Death Care Reimagined

About this episode

This episode features a conversation with Melissa Meadow about innovative approaches to death care, including green burials and the role of therapy dogs in grief support.

In this lively and heartfelt episode, host Natalie Buster welcomes Melissa Meadow, a funeral concierge, death doula, and social media educator, for a conversation that redefines what it means to care for the dead. From green burials and water cremation to DIY funerals and therapy dogs, Melissa shares her journey from embalmer to advocate, and how she’s helping families reclaim their final rites. Natalie and Melissa explore the artistry of after-death care, the power of nature in grief, and why funeral professionals should embrace—not fear—the rise of death doulas. Plus, meet Kermit, the grief therapy dog who’s changing lives one cuddle at a time. Guest: Melissa Meadow Founder of The Modern Mortician Funeral consumer advocate, educator, and licensed funeral director Certified death doula and green burial expert Therapy dog handler (Kermit, the OG funeral pup) Website: TheModernMortician.com Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook: @TheModernMortician Highlights: [00:02:00] Morticia Addams and the myth of the mortician [00:05:00] Green burial, water cremation, and the “three C’s” of funeral choice [00:12:00] Kermit the grief therapy dog: how he comforts families and inspires funeral…

People in this episode

Host: Natalie Buster

Guest: Melissa Meadow

Topics covered

• green burials
• death care
• grief support
• funeral industry
• death doulas
• after-death care

Keywords

• funeral concierge
• death doula
• water cremation
• DIY funerals
• grief therapy dog
• natural burial

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Modern Mortician

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