エピソード

  • Janet Gwilliam-Wright Returns: Growth, Memory, and Meaning

    Janet Gwilliam-Wright Returns: Growth, Memory, and Meaning
    2026/10/21
    In this deeply personal and reflective episode, the team welcomes back a very special returning guest, Janet, founder of the Mother Love Project. Together, they explore the long-term impact of parental loss, especially when that loss happens in childhood, and how grief continues to evolve over time. Through honest storytelling, Anne and Janet share their lived experiences of losing a parent at a young age—how it shaped their identities, relationships, and the way they navigate life's milestones. From missing everyday conversations to the ache of absent guidance in adulthood, this conversation highlights the quiet, ongoing nature of loss that doesn't always get talked about. The episode also touches on memory, legacy, and the importance of preserving stories, voices, and family history. It's a powerful reminder that while grief changes, the connection never disappears—and neither does the need to talk about it. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co https://www.motherloveproject.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction and opening conversation 05:40 – Welcoming returning guest Janet 08:00 – Early experiences of parental loss 12:00 – Growing up and missing guidance 16:00 – Reprocessing grief over time 19:30 – Milestones and everyday moments without a parent 23:30 – Memory, voice, and preserving connection 27:30 – Recording stories and family legacy 32:30 – Reflections and closing thoughts ⸻ OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp ⸻ HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel ⸻ PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com
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    46 分
  • Rebecca Rain: Life in the Lyrics

    Rebecca Rain: Life in the Lyrics
    2026/10/12
    Country recording artist Rebecca Rain joins The Stronger Together Podcast for an honest conversation about music, life, resilience, and the experiences that shape us. Rebecca has built her career through authentic songwriting and a passion for connecting with people through music. In this episode, she talks about her journey as an artist, the experiences that have influenced her music, and the stories and emotions behind the songs she writes and performs. You can learn more about Rebecca and her music at rebeccarainmusic.com⁠ From pursuing a career in music to navigating life's challenges, Rebecca shares what she's learned about finding your voice, staying true to yourself, and continuing to move forward when the road gets difficult. Join Anne and Michael for another meaningful conversation about life, music, resilience, and the connections that remind us that we're stronger together. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co CHAPTERS OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com
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    54 分
  • Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Story Behind Mother Love Project

    Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Story Behind Mother Love Project
    2026/10/07
    In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Janet Gollum-Wright, founder of the Mother Love Project, to explore her journey through profound loss and the powerful purpose that emerged from it. After losing her mother to cancer at just 18, Janet spent years navigating grief largely on her own—an experience that would later inspire her to create a global platform for motherless daughters to share their stories. Janet opens up about the impact of grief on her life, the challenges of growing up without guidance during such a critical time, and how storytelling became a path to healing—not only for herself, but for women around the world. Through the Mother Love Project, she has created a space where grief is acknowledged, shared, and understood. We also dive into her work with Bloomwell, where she's helping organizations become more compassionate and grief-informed workplaces. This conversation is a powerful reminder that grief doesn't disappear—it evolves—and when we talk about it openly, we create connection, healing, and ultimately, strength. Mother Love Project: https://www.motherloveproject.com Bloomwell: https://www.growwithbloomwell.com Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro & Show Opening 01:10 – Guest Introduction: Janet Gollum-Wright 09:56 – Janet's Background & Early Life 12:57 – Losing Her Mother & Life After Loss 20:47 – The Birth of Mother Love Project 24:27 – Why We Don't Talk About Grief 30:29 – Complex Grief & Shared Stories 35:45 – Grief During the Holidays 42:13 – Introducing Bloomwell & Workplace Grief 47:23 – Leadership, Culture & Mental Health at Work 53:01 – The Cost of Ignoring Grief in Business 57:55 – Future Vision & Growth 01:04:27 – Fun Questions Segment 01:10:30 – Closing Thoughts & Outro ⸻ OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp ⸻ HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel ⸻ PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com
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    58 分
  • Beyond Surviving with Rachel Grant

    Beyond Surviving with Rachel Grant
    2026/10/05
    Rachel Grant joins Anne and Michael for an honest and meaningful conversation about healing, resilience, and what it really means to move beyond simply surviving. As a Sexual Abuse Recovery Coach and the creator of Beyond Surviving, Rachel brings both personal experience and professional insight to a conversation about breaking free from the weight of the past and finding a way forward. Together, they talk about the impact of trauma, the importance of connection, shame, relationships, boundaries, and the practical steps that can help people begin to reclaim their lives. Rachel's message is ultimately one of hope—that what happened to us can be part of our story without having to define who we become. To learn more about Rachel and her work, visit Rachel Grant Coaching⁠ Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.com OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com
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    1 時間
  • From Unexpected Path to Purpose: The Story of Crematory Mel

    From Unexpected Path to Purpose: The Story of Crematory Mel
    2026/09/28
    In this episode of The Stronger Together Podcast with Anne and Michael, we sit down with Melanie, better known online as Crematory Mel, a licensed crematory operator in Ohio who has made it her mission to educate people about cremation and what happens behind the scenes. Through her social media videos, Melanie shares glimpses into her day-to-day work and explains the cremation process in a way that helps remove some of the mystery, fear, and misconceptions surrounding cremation. For Melanie, education is a way of helping people better understand something they may one day have to face. But behind Crematory Mel is a much bigger personal story. Melanie never imagined she would find herself working in the cremation profession. Her own life experiences—including growing up in an unstable home, feeling like the black sheep of her family, and becoming a mother at just 16—helped shape the resilience and compassion she brings to her work today. She and her oldest son essentially grew up together, navigating life's challenges side by side. Years later, she welcomed her second child, experiencing another unexpected and beautiful chapter in her life. Today, Melanie sees her work as much more than operating a crematory. Behind every person who comes into her care is a family experiencing loss, and she never loses sight of the people connected to the person in her care. In this conversation, we talk about cremation, education, motherhood, family, resilience, grief, and finding purpose in places we never expected to be. Crematory Mel's story is a reminder that sometimes the experiences that challenge us most can become the very experiences that prepare us to help others. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co CHAPTERS OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com
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    51 分
  • Behind the FuneralBabe: Bringing Humanity to Funeral Service

    Behind the FuneralBabe: Bringing Humanity to Funeral Service
    2026/09/14
    In this episode of The Stronger Together Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Jo Schmidt, better known to many as FuneralBabe. Melissa is a funeral director who has found a unique way to connect with people by talking openly, honestly, and sometimes with a little humour about death, funeral service, and what it really means to care for families during some of life's hardest moments. You can find Melissa and follow along with her work at FuneralBabe⁠ Behind the social media following is simply a person who cares deeply about the work and the people she serves. We talk about what brought Melissa to funeral service, the realities of working in deathcare, and what happens when you bring a traditionally private profession into the public eye. We also talk about the future of funeral service, supporting the people who do this work, and finding the humanity, compassion and even humour that can exist in it. At the heart of the conversation, it comes back to people — the families we serve, the coworkers beside us, and the importance of remembering that even in a profession surrounded by death, there is an awful lot of life, compassion and humanity in the work. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co CHAPTERS OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com
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    57 分
  • Regan Moreland: Transforming Grief into Purpose

    Regan Moreland: Transforming Grief into Purpose
    2026/09/09

    In this heartfelt episode of the "Stronger Together" podcast, hosts Anne and Michael welcome Regan Moreland, a dedicated funeral professional from Continuing Vision. Regan shares her poignant journey from a licensed massage therapist to a funeral director, a path shaped by personal loss and resilience. After the tragic loss of her son Sawyer, Regan found solace and purpose in funeral service, driven by a desire to honor his memory by supporting others in their darkest times. The conversation delves into the importance of mentorship in the funeral industry, the challenges of navigating grief, and the transformative power of community support. Regan's story is one of strength, empathy, and the enduring impact of compassionate service. Join us as we explore the intersections of personal growth, professional dedication, and the profound connections that bind us all.

    Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization focused on providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself.

    More information about FPPS and its mission is available at. https://funeralspeersupport.com/support/

    (00:00:35) - Introduction and Hosts' Welcome

    (00:06:51) - Regan Moreland's Journey

    00:09:58) - Pivot to Mortuary School

    (00:15:40) - Cremation and Funeral Practices

    00:36:04) - Continuing Vision and Mentorship

    (00:48:11) - The Importance of Mentorship

    (00:59:10) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Sponsor:

    Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. To learn more about our sponsor and their work, visit https://funeralsupport.co.jp

    Host: Anne Caldwell

    Host: Michael Dixon, who serves as Founder and President of Funeral

    Professionals Peer Support (FPPS).

    Exclusive Producer: Peter Jaekel

    Resources:

      • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)
        Phone: 988 (available 24/7)
        Website: https://988.ca
      • Crisis Text Line (Canada & US)
        Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)
        Website: https://www.crisistextline.org
    • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
      Phone: 800-228-6332
      Website: https://www.nfda.org
      Resources: continuing education, peer support, professional tools
    • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)
      Phone: 1-877-688-2332Website: https://cfda.ca
      Resources: training, advocacy, networking
    • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
      Phone: 866-426-2621
      Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org
    • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)
      Phone: 1-800-287-7636
      Website: https://www.ofca.org
    • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)
      Website: https://iccfa.com/
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    1 時間 18 分
  • A Conversation with Erica Cobb: Grief, Neurodiversity, and Support

    A Conversation with Erica Cobb: Grief, Neurodiversity, and Support
    2026/08/31
    In this episode of Stronger Together, Michael Dixon speaks with Erica Cobb, a Master of Social Work student at Carleton University and placement student with Funeral Professionals Peer Support. Erica shares how her lived experiences with mental health, grief, substance use in her family, and neurodiversity helped guide her toward a career in social work. Together, they discuss supporting neurodiverse youth, creating more inclusive schools and workplaces, and why people deserve to be understood rather than judged through stigma or assumptions. Erica also reflects on later diagnosis, masking, and the importance of accessible support for people whose needs may not always be recognized. The conversation explores the unseen emotional weight carried by funeral professionals and the need for mental-health resources designed with their work in mind. Erica shares what she has learned through her placement, including the importance of research, peer support, and helping professionals feel seen by the people supporting them. It is an honest conversation about grief, community, resilience, and the power of human connection. Whether you work in a helping profession, have lived experience with mental health, or simply want to better understand the people around you, this episode offers compassion, insight, and hope. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co CHAPTERS OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp ⸻ HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel ⸻ PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada)  Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)  Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support)  Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life  Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com  Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)  Phone: 800-228-6332  Website: https://www.nfda.org  Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)  Phone: 1-877-688-2332  Website: https://cfda.ca  Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)  Phone: 866-426-2621  Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA)  Phone: 1-800-287-7636  Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States)  Website: https://iccfa.com
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    1 時間 7 分