The Jordan Harbinger Show 793: Death | Skeptical Sunday
Feb 12, 2023
David C. Smalley, a comedian and fact-checker known for debunking misconceptions, joins to explore the darker side of the funeral industry. They discuss how the average funeral costs over $11,000 and the shocking exploitation of grieving families. With 88,000 bodies unclaimed annually and the harmful environmental impacts of embalming fluids, the duo shines a light on the industry's lack of regulation. Smalley advocates for transparency, ethical practices, and sustainable burial alternatives, challenging listeners to rethink how they view death and the associated costs.
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Embalming Room Requirements
- Two-thirds of US states require funeral homes to have embalming rooms, even if unnecessary.
- Half of Americans choose cremation, which doesn't require embalming.
Embalming Fluid Toxicity
- Morticians wear protective gear for embalming, not for handling bodies.
- Embalming fluids are highly toxic, increasing cancer risk for morticians.
Casket Market Monopoly
- Two companies control 82% of the US casket market, Batesville and Matthews.
- This near-monopoly allows for significant price markups on caskets.