10 Things You’ll Learn About Ryan Thogmartin from Curtis Funk’s Latest PodCasket Episode

As the founder and CEO of Tukios, Curtis Funk is one of deathcare’s best and brightest (as in both intellect and those bright green shirts). As someone who’s been in the business of serving deathcare professionals for more than two decades, Funk has met a lot of people — many of whom have earned “legendary” status within the industry. 

It’s those legends that Funk is featuring on his new podcast, PodCasket. In each in-depth episode, Funk reminisces with the folks who have shaped deathcare, learning their life stories, exploring their passions, debunking myths, and finding out all the things that make them extraordinary at what they do. 

Since Tukios launched PodCasket in April 2024, Funk has fellowshipped with seven such legends, including the father of funeral home websites, Michael Turkiewicz, Foresight founder Dan Isard, and Johnson Consulting’s own Jake Johnson. His latest episode, however, features someone who is near and dear to us here at Connecting Directors: our founder and DISRUPT Media CEO Ryan Thogmartin.

Funk and Thogmartin go way back (at least 17 years, in fact), and in Episode 7 of PodCasket, the two “dive into the fascinating, unexpected paths that led them into the world of deathcare.” As with all of his guests, Funk gets Thogmartin to open up about his journey, reflecting on the pivotal moments along the way. It’s an honest, entertaining, and insightful conversation from which any listener can learn a little (or a lot) about taking risks, making the most of every opportunity, embracing authenticity, and prioritizing what really matters.

In this PodCasket episode, Thogmartin finally reveals the answers to all those questions you’ve wondered about but never wanted to ask him, including:

• His “colorful” first words…
• How he made the single most important decision of his life at age four…
• What he really thinks about homeschool vs. public school…
• The true origin of his now-famous fascination with sneakers…
• How a gumball fish tank fostered his first foray into entrepreneurship…
• If he actually went to high school with LeBron…
• How a random visit with a sick classmate led to a career in sales…
• That time he thought his future father-in-law made bank vaults…
• Why CD Social was short-lived…and, last but not least …
• The origins of his unique wardrobe!

Most importantly, though, Thogmartin’s PodCasket episode illustrates how the themes of faith and family have run throughout his entire existence. Thogmartin explains how he looks back on his childhood with gratitude that his parents introduced him to Jesus as a child, and the significant impact his faith has had on his life and career.

You can find this and every episode of Curtis Funk’s PodCasket podcast at podcasket.co or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 

“Bluey” Funeral Episode? | FFFW 178

DISCLAIMER: None of the F’s in FFFW stand for “facts.” Enjoy the satire.

Happy Friday! If your week has been anything like mine, you’re a little beat down and tired right now. To quote the great philosopher, Kane Brown, “Sometimes it be like that.” But, that’s the reason the FFFW exists. We’re here to share some good laughs, GIFs, and news. So, let’s get rolling.

Three Things Your Funeral Home Can Do to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse

1) When the zombies start coming, take down any signs that say “Funeral Home.” IDK. These guys might have some hard feelings about the whole embalming process.

2) Put offroad tires on the hearse. You should do this anyway because it would be cool, but definitely helpful if you’re taking short cuts running away from the zombie flock.

3) Get MemoryShare! Wait … What?

Yep. Here’s why. Chances are the zombie apocalypse will mean spotty WIFI. MemoryShare records livestreams directly to your streaming device (iPad) so you will still have a copy of the service even if the WIFI goes down. That’s right. You can stream through the apocalypse with confidence!

Learn more about what we do here!

New Bluey Character: Freddie (The Funeral Director)

In a daring move that blends the whimsical with the profound, the beloved children’s show Bluey has taken a leap into uncharted territories with its latest episode, “Blokes Die Too,” featuring the show’s newest character, Freddy the Funeral Director. This episode gently introduces young viewers to the concept of loss and the role of funeral directors, all within the comforting confines of Bluey’s animated world. Freddy, with his distinctive approach to addressing the subject, is designed to demystify the processes around death in a manner that is both engaging and educational for children.

The episode navigates the delicate themes of life, death, and saying goodbye through the story of the Bluey family coming to terms with the loss of their pet bloke. Freddy’s character shines as he guides the family—and the audience—through the intricacies of dealing with grief. His light-hearted yet sincere manner is perfectly captured in one scene where he consoles the family, saying, “Oy mate, sorry to hear about your grandma. Anyway, we’re cremating her body as we speak… she did want to be cremated, right?” This mix of humor and sensitivity exemplifies the show’s unique approach to tough topics.

Trivia

Get it right and you’ll see a flamingo. Get it wrong and you’ll get a person falling.

What year was “Batesville Coffin Company” founded?

A) 1848
B) 1936
C) 1884

You Otter Be Proud

Here are some good things going on in the profession.

1. Nick Gerhart Appointed Homesteaders COO
2. Funeral director says preplanning helps families at a time of loss
3. Rockland County moves to improve, restore several abandoned cemeteries