About this episode

In this episode, Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez discusses the importance of talking about death and funeral decisions with host Ashley.

Death rituals around the world are on the table today! In the first episode of our Death Rituals series, we are joined by Genevieve Keeney Vasquez for a conversation about death rituals, cultural practices, and the power of honoring the dead with intention. Genevieve Keeney Vazquez is a U.S. Army veteran who began her career as a medic, serving on military death response teams before transitioning into the funeral profession. She’s now the President and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston. Genevieve holds degrees in psychology and mortuary science, as well as a master’s in nonprofit and association management — and she’s dedicated her career to helping people better understand death, grief, and remembrance. Her path from the military to mortuary science to museum leadership offers such a fascinating window into how we find meaning, even in life’s most difficult moments. Recorded just days after the loss of Genevieve’s mother, this episode holds space for grief in real time. In part 1 of this 2 part episode, Genevieve shares how early experiences with death shaped her life’s path, from a childhood fascination sparked by a tragic news story to her time as a…

People in this episode

Host: Ashley

Guest: Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez

Topics covered

• death rituals
• cultural practices
• grief
• funeral decisions
• military experience
• memorial wishes

Keywords

• death rituals
• funeral decisions
• grief
• cultural practices
• memorial wishes
• U.S. Army medic
• National Museum of Funeral History

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Museum of Funeral History

Places: Houston, Germany

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• Death Rituals Series: The Art of Ashes Infused Tattoos with Bubblegum Ink · March 11, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Death Rituals: The Legacy of Olvera Street with Christina Mariscal Pasten · February 25, 2026 · 16 min
• Death Rituals Series: Humanist Funerals - A Secular Way to Say Goodbye with Blake Hutchings · February 11, 2026 · 56 min

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