End-of-Life Doulas are becoming a more visible part of death care — but what do they actually do, how are they trained, and where do boundaries sometimes blur?

In this episode of The Final Touch, we take an honest, balanced look at the world of End-of-Life Doulas. We explore the history of the role, where doulas are most common, how families hire them, what services they provide, and what they typically cost.

We also talk candidly about real-world situations where doulas have run into trouble — including scope-of-practice issues, medical misinformation, and post-death complications — and why collaboration with hospice and funeral professionals matters so much.

This is not an episode meant to tear anyone down. It’s a conversation about transparency, ethics, and how death care works best when everyone understands their role.

If you’ve ever wondered whether an End-of-Life Doula is right for your family — or how they fit into the larger death care system — this episode is for you.

This week on The Final Touch, we’re peeling back the curtain on the part of the autopsy process that confuses families the most: toxicology.

We break down exactly how toxicology labs work — from choosing specimens to running screening tests, confirmatory testing, mass spectrometry, and why results often take weeks or even months.

You’ll learn what toxicologists look for, how decomposition changes the process, what samples can be used when blood isn’t available, and why interpreting results is just as important as the science itself.

If you’ve ever wondered what “pending toxicology” really means, this episode will give you clarity, insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most crucial steps in determining cause of death.

This week on The Final Touch, we go step-by-step through a standard forensic autopsy — from the first photograph to the final stitch. We break down the entire process: external exam, internal exam, toxicology, organ study, reconstruction, and how long each phase really takes.

You’ll also learn how autopsies change when a body is severely decomposed, how pathologists work with anthropologists and entomologists, and the rare situations where a traditional autopsy just isn’t possible.

Respectful, honest, and packed with insider knowledge: if you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the door of the autopsy suite, this episode pulls back the curtain. Perfect for funeral professionals, death investigators, true-crime listeners, and anyone who values transparency in death care.

Autopsies are one of the most misunderstood parts of the death-care process. In this episode of The Final Touch, we pull back the curtain on what really happens when a loved one dies unexpectedly—and the questions families often struggle to get answered.

We explore:
• When autopsies are required
• Why they aren’t always ordered
• Who makes the final call (JP vs Medical Examiner)
• Why results take so long to come back
• What options families have when they want an autopsy but the county declines
• Real storytelling examples that show how autopsies bring truth, clarity, and closure

Whether you're a funeral professional, someone navigating a recent loss, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers compassionate insight into a topic few feel comfortable discussing—but everyone deserves to understand.

🎧 Listen now and learn why the final answers matter just as much as the final touch.

There’s a new wave in funeral care — literally. In this episode of The Final Touch, Gillian explores Aquamation, the water-based alternative to cremation that’s changing how we think about saying goodbye. Learn how it works, why it’s considered the gentler, greener option, and whether it’s legal in Texas (spoiler alert: not yet!).

From science and sustainability to culture and cost, this episode dives deep — with a little humor and a lot of heart — into one of the most fascinating new trends in the funeral industry.

💧 Gentle.
🌎 Eco-conscious.
🔥 Less flame, more flow.

Tune in to The Final Touch and find out if Aquamation might just be the future of farewell.

In this episode, Gillian explores the new funeral industry trend of preserving loved ones tattoos after death. It delves into the stories that tattoos tell about love, loss, and identity, and raises thought-provoking questions about the legacy of body art after the wearer passes away. Creepy or cool? You decide.

For more info check out: Save Your Ink Forever

Takeaways

Tattoos and body modifications have moved into the mainstream.

They are now seen as a powerful form of self-expression.

Tattoos tell stories of love, loss, faith, identity, and memory.

Some tattoos aid in identifying people who pass in unusual circumstances.

The art of tattoos does not necessarily die with the person.

Tattoos can represent personal narratives etched into skin.

The perception of tattoos has shifted from taboo to accepted.

Tattoos can serve as a legacy for the wearer.

The significance of tattoos can extend beyond the individual.

Body art can provoke discussions about identity and memory.

Happy Halloween! In this episode, take a journey with Gillian to some of the most haunted funeral homes in North America. Gillian also explores the profound connection that funeral homes foster between the living and the deceased. She discusses how haunted tales, often associated with these spaces, reflect our deep desire to maintain a bond with our loved ones. Rather than evoking fear, these stories highlight the presence of love and memory that lingers in places of loss, reminding us that the past can gently reach out to us in unexpected ways.

In this episode of 'The Final Touch,' Gillian explores the sensitive topic of family disagreements regarding final arrangements after a loved one's passing. She discusses the common causes of these conflicts, including differing interpretations of the deceased's wishes, cultural and religious differences, unresolved family dynamics, and financial issues. Gillian emphasizes the importance of compassion, communication, and pre-planning to navigate these challenging situations and offers practical advice for families facing disagreements. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of open conversations about death and grief.

Takeaways:

• Family disagreements about final arrangements are common.
• Conflicts often arise from differing interpretations of wishes.
• Cultural and religious differences can complicate decisions.
• Unresolved family dynamics can resurface during grief.
• Financial issues can lead to disputes over arrangements.
• Compassion and communication are key in resolving conflicts.
• Pre-planning can prevent confusion and emotional turmoil.
• It's important to focus on shared values during disagreements.
• Compromise can honor everyone's connection to the deceased.
• Open conversations about death are a gift to loved ones.

Texas Health Code for Disposition Law