Guest #11 | Greg Barnsdale. Resilience.
What Happens After You Die?
In this eye-opening episode, undertaker Greg Barnsdale pulls back the curtain on what most people avoid talking about—death. From cremation myths to burial truths and why having a will matters more than you think, this conversation is honest, sobering, and surprisingly human.
🎙️ DSD INTERVIEW #11 | Greg Barnsdale, an Undertaker Talks Death, Cremation, & the Need for a Will
⚰️ Death, Cremation & Your Final Plan | Greg Barnsdale on Wills, Burials & What No One Wants to Talk About
Episode Description: Funeral director and estate planning advocate Greg Barnsdale joins Deep Shallow Dive to talk death, cremation (fire vs. water), natural burials, green options, and the massive life impact of planning your legacy before it’s too late.
What If Talking About Death Was the Most Responsible Thing You Could Do?
In this practical yet unexpectedly profound episode, Ray Doustdar steps into one of the most avoided topics in modern life: death. But instead of fear or morbidity, this conversation brings clarity, options, and empowerment, thanks to guest Greg Barnsdale—a licensed funeral director, estate planning educator, and author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality.
Greg shares a rare insider look into the funeral industry, the shift toward cremation over traditional funerals, and the emerging demand for green burials and water cremation. From prepping bodies to preserving family legacy, Greg explains how dying has become a business—one you can navigate with peace and intention if you just prepare.
Whether you're 35 or 75, this episode is your no-excuse wake-up call to take death seriously—not because you’re afraid, but because you love the people you’ll leave behind.
👤 Who Is Greg Barnsdale?
Greg Barnsdale is a Canadian licensed funeral director turned financial planner who now educates the public on legacy planning, end-of-life options, and emotional preparedness. Author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, Greg’s mission is to remove the stigma around death and help families avoid chaos by preparing well in advance. His experience spans decades in the funeral industry, estate planning, and proactive family communication.
🔥 Key Topics in This Episode
What happens when someone dies—and what to do next
Fire cremation vs. water cremation explained
Natural burials, green alternatives, and body composting
Why death is a for-profit industry (and how to navigate it wisely)
How Greg saved Ray from overpaying $7,000 for a pickup service
The emotional, spiritual, and financial value of a simple will
How preparing for death reduces aging stress and family trauma
🧠 What You'll Learn
That cremation ashes are mostly pulverized bone—not “ashes”
Why water cremation is eco-friendly and gaining traction
What the real costs are—and why price shopping is essential
That you don’t need to be rich to have a legal, protective will
How sudden death without planning can destroy family relationships
Why planning your end-of-life isn’t grim—it’s generous
🗣️ Greg’s Most Powerful Quotes
“The most important document you’ll ever write is your will.”
“Preparing for death doesn’t take away your joy. It gives it depth.”
“Water cremation is the future. It’s cleaner, quieter, and more human.”
🧩 Top Themes Covered
Greg Barnsdale funeral director interview
Deep Shallow Dive death and cremation
estate planning explained
green burial vs traditional
fire cremation vs water cremation
how cremation really works
funeral business insider
do not ignore your mortality book
wills, trusts & estate planning
body composting after death
burial alternatives eco-friendly
how to plan your funeral
family grief and legacy planning
average funeral costs
avoiding funeral industry price traps
sudden death no will
emotional stress after death
probate and estate messes
legal next steps after death
how to talk to parents about death
executor responsibilities
body to soil capsule burial
Canadian vs U.S. death practices
burial vs cremation cost
spiritual and financial death prep
🧭 Final Takeaway: Talking About Death is a Gift to the Living
Greg Barnsdale flips the script on death, showing that the most loving and responsible act you can take today is to make a plan for your last day. From wills to burials, this episode isn’t about endings—it’s about peace, protection, and legacy.
🎧 Listen & Share
🎥 Watch on YouTube: Click here
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Click here
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