Stronger Together Podcast Podcast By with Anne Caldwell and Michael Dixon cover art

Stronger Together Podcast

Stronger Together Podcast

By: with Anne Caldwell and Michael Dixon
Listen for free

Christina Walton speaks with Michael Dixon about his journey into the world of peer support and mental health in the funeral industry.2022 Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Dan Ford's Journey: From Firefighter to Funeral Director

    Dan Ford's Journey: From Firefighter to Funeral Director
    Mar 16 2026

    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)

    Immediate confidential mental health and suicide prevention support available across Canada 24/7.

    Phone: 988

    https://988.ca

    • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.)

    Free, confidential mental health support via text message with trained crisis counselors.

    Text HOME to 741741

    https://www.crisistextline.org

    • Remembering A Life

    Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones.

    https://www.rememberingalife.com

    • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)

    Education, advocacy, and professional resources for funeral service professionals.

    Phone: 800-228-6332

    https://www.nfda.org

    • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)

    Supports funeral professionals across Canada through training, advocacy, and professional development.

    Phone: 1-877-688-2332

    https://cfda.ca

    • Cremation Association of North America (CANA)

    Certification, research, and education related to cremation and memorialization practices.

    Phone: 866-426-2621

    https://www.cremationassociation.org

    • Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA)

    Provides education, regulatory guidance, and professional resources for Ontario funeral homes.

    Phone: 1-800-387-8417

    https://www.ofsa.org

    • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA)

    Global leadership training, education, and resources for cemetery, cremation, and funeral professionals.

    https://www.iccfa.com
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    53 mins
  • Finding Purpose: Rikki Ash on Meaningful Living and Mental Health

    Finding Purpose: Rikki Ash on Meaningful Living and Mental Health
    Mar 2 2026

    Join life coach and researcher Rikki Ash as she explores how embracing purpose, spirituality, and humor can transform your mental health and outlook on life. Discover insights from her research on spirituality and Viktor Frankl's teachings, revealing how the belief in life's meaning is a key predictor of well-being. Learn practical strategies to silence the noise, find clarity, and create a balanced life without burnout. Whether you're seeking more joy, purpose, or connection, this episode offers a roadmap to living intentionally and authentically. Don't miss Rikki's inspiring insights for a life filled with meaning and fulfillment.

    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/

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Tragedy and Reflection
    (02:53) Rikki Ash: A Journey of Teaching and Inspiration
    (05:53) Legacy of Rabbi Reuven Bolka
    (09:08) Finding Clarity Amidst the Noise
    (12:00) The Impact of Spirituality on Mental Health
    (14:58)Viktor Frankl's Teachings and Their Relevance
    (17:57) Exploring Faith and Mental Health
    (20:35) The Role of Meaning in Life
    (23:44) Navigating Career Choices and Personal Fulfillment
    (26:39) The Importance of Experiences
    (29:33) Practicing What You Preach
    (32:36) Bridal Education and Marriage Preparation
    (43:03) Navigating Gender Dynamics in Relationships
    (45:42) Finding Meaning in Life's Rut
    (49:56) Balancing Family and Career Aspirations
    (54:49) The Joy of Teaching and Mentorship
    (59:51) Fun and Personal Insights

    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/
    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • From Pets to People: Audrey Gardner Unique Career Shift

    From Pets to People: Audrey Gardner Unique Career Shift
    Feb 16 2026
    In this compelling episode, we reconnect with Audrey, who has recently transitioned from a long-standing career in animal medicine to becoming a licensed funeral director. Audrey opens up about her decision to embark on this new path at the age of 41, sharing the motivations and challenges she faced while attending mortuary school. She reflects on the unique experiences of managing both pet and human cremations, highlighting the emotional nuances involved in each. Audrey also discusses the importance of community ties in her small town, where she finds fulfillment in helping families through their most difficult times. Her story is enriched by anecdotes of memorable funerals, including biker ceremonies and heartfelt family gatherings. Throughout the conversation, Audrey emphasizes the significance of a supportive 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) Introduction and Personal Updates (01:38) Tribute to Michael Sheedy (06:30) Welcoming Audrey: A New Journey (07:10)Audrey's Transition to Funeral Directing (11:08) Challenges and Experiences as a Funeral Director (15:35) Handling Unique Funerals and Removals (24:47) Community Trends in Funerals (29:45) Bridging the Gap in Funeral Education (31:43) Community Involvement and Personal Connections (38:57) Navigating Education in Funeral Direction (42:03) Finding Balance in Work and Life (46:57) Support Systems in the Funeral Industry (48:11)Community Connections and Pet Cremation (50:09) The Role of Humor and Lightness in Grief (53:10)Exploring Personal Interests and Hobbies (01:00:37) Reflections on Mentorship and Community Support 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.caCrisis 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 toolsCanadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) Phone: 1-877-688-2332Website: https://cfda.ca Resources: training, advocacy, networkingCremation Association of North America (CANA) Phone: 866-426-2621 Website: https://www.cremationassociation.orgOntario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA) Phone: 1-800-287-7636 Website: https://www.ofca.orgInternational Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States) Website: https://iccfa.com/
    Show more Show less
    58 mins
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