About this episode

This episode explores the evolution of the American funeral industry and its intersection with societal status and rituals.

What made the American funeral industry what it is today? Why do we embalm? How do societal status & funeral styles overlap? Gary Laderman, PhD, is the Goodrich C. White Prof of Amer Religious History & Cultures at Emory University in Georgia, the author of multiple books & featured on The Mortician: an HBO documentary covering a 1980s funeral home who exploited grieving families. In this episode, you’ll hear how funeral rituals went from DIY to the elaborate & l...

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