Debunking Myths on Embalming & Cremation

A wooden podium with red roses and baby 's breath on it.

In this episode, Amber and Pete delve into the world of embalming and cremation myths. They discuss the fate of jewelry, metallic teeth fillings, and implants during these processes, debunking misconceptions along the way.  From how embalming doesn’t grant permanence or produce odors to debunking the myth that remains are directly set on flames during cremation, the duo provides insightful information on these often misunderstood topics. They also shed light on the alternative techniques used by embalmers to create a natural appearance without sewing lips and eyes shut.

This engaging episode provides an enlightening and fun exploration of these intriguing topics, promoting a better understanding of embalming and cremation practices.

Takeaways:

  1. This enlightening and engaging discussion promotes a better understanding of these practices and encourages listeners to approach embalming and cremation with more accurate knowledge.

In this episode:

[1:25] Pete brings up the YouTube video sent by Amber a few months ago which prompted the idea for the episode’s topic–embalming and cremation myths.

[2:50] Amber and Pete talk about what happens to the jewelry, metallic and gold teeth fillings, and implants of the deceased when they are being embalmed or cremated.

[7:04] The duo tackle the myths about how embalmed bodies last forever and that embalming makes the remains smell. Amber debunks both myths and explains how the process just delays the decomposition of the remains.

[10:48] Pete and Amber talk about a popular myth that embalmers sew the lips and eyes shut when necessary. Amber shares how embalmers actually employ alternative techniques to create a natural and peaceful appearance during the embalming process.

[13:17] The two talk about the myth that embalmers remove all the organs during the process.

Resources:

  1. FREE Informational Seminar
  2. O’Connell Funeral Homes
  3. Amber Miller
  4. Read Show Transcript


Quotes

  1. “We use flames to heat up the crematory itself. But I think a lot of people feel that the misconception is ‘Oh, my loved one’s body is going to be lit on fire,’ that is not how the cremation process works.” – Amber Miller
Ask The Funeral Director: “I Want My Gold Teeth Taken Out!”
April 17, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: “I Want My Gold Teeth Taken Out!” 
Ask The Funeral Director: To Be Present or Not—A Personal Choice
April 11, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: To Be Present or Not—A Personal Choice
March 25, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: How Social Security Works After Death
Ask The Funeral Director: Do We Need Pants If the Casket Only Shows the Upper Torso?
March 5, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: Do We Need Pants If the Casket Only Shows the Upper Torso?
Ask The Funeral Director: Vaults, Liability, and Lawn Mowers—What You Need to Know
February 21, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: Vaults, Liability, and Lawn Mowers—What You Need to Know 
Ask The Funeral Director: Why “Well, At Least You Have Closure” Hurts
February 5, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: Why “Well, At Least You Have Closure” Hurts 
Ask The Funeral Director: Why Saying Goodbye Matters
January 22, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: Why Saying Goodbye Matters 
Ask The Funeral Director: The Changing Landscape of Funeral Homes
January 10, 2025
Ask The Funeral Director: The Changing Landscape of Funeral Homes 
Ask The Funeral Director: There’s no such thing as closure
December 23, 2024
Ask The Funeral Director: There’s no such thing as closure 
Ask the Funeral Director – The History of Embalming
December 13, 2024
Ask the Funeral Director – The History of Embalming 
More Posts