Faith, Funerals & Redefining Grief Traditions (#40)

What happens when religion, funerals, and grief collide? In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore how faith and tradition shape the way we face death — and how one man is breaking away from the old ways. After 40 years as a United Methodist Minister, Hubert Cunningham became a Certified Funeral Celebrant and founded the Healing Works Institute to offer a new perspective on grieving and death.

We discuss the gap he saw between religion and grief support, how he approaches funerals differently from traditional methods, and what it means to truly honor the dead while helping the living heal. This conversation shines a light on faith, loss, grief rituals, and how rethinking death practices can bring deeper meaning to those left behind.

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About DEAD Talks

  DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio approaches death differently. Each guest shares raw stories of grief, loss, or unique perspectives that challenge the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn’t end—it evolves. After losing his father on September 11th at just 12 years old, David discovered the power of conversation. Through laughter, tears, and honest dialogue, DEAD Talks helps make it a little easier to talk about death, mourning, trauma, and the life that continues beyond it.

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