In the inaugural episode of Death Care Collective, host Keith Page sits down with Neil O'Connor, a fourth-generation funeral professional, for a candid conversation about legacy, grief, and choosing purpose without pressure.

Neil shares his unconventional path into death care — from hospitality and military service to the mortuary — and reflects on growing up in a multi-generational funeral family without ever feeling obligated to take over the business. Instead, his calling unfolded through service, life circumstance, and a defining question: What if I look back in 20 years and never tried?

This episode explores death denial culture, mental health and suicide awareness, the role of celebrants in meaningful funeral services, and why honoring a life should never be reduced to  ...