What if the cemetery goes out of business? (classic)
Summary
Host PJ Fote and guest David Sloan explore what happens when a cemetery goes out of business, sparked by a listener’s question about a struggling Texas burial ground. They discuss the history of American cemeteries, shifting cultural attitudes toward death, and economic pressures like rising cremation rates. Sloan explains that failing cemeteries are typically absorbed by corporations, maintained by volunteers, or taken over by the state, ensuring bodies remain undisturbed.
Topics discussed
Intro and Ad Breaks (DB Journey, Notability)
Listener Question: What happens if a cemetery goes out of business?
Ad Breaks (Instacart, Vanguard)
History of American Cemeteries and the Rise of Rural Cemeteries
Cemeteries as Public Parks and Social Spaces in the 19th Century
Cultural Shifts: Distance from Death and Modern Grief
Business Pressures: Cremation, Green Burial, and Land Scarcity
Migration, Mausoleums, and the Future of Cemetery Design
Ad Breaks (Alienware, Snapple, Planet Money)
Outcomes for Failing Cemeteries: Buyouts, State Takeover, and Endowments
Personal Reflections on Burial Choices and Memorialization
Credits, Support Info, and Final Ad (Atari Hotels)
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