Apprentice Embalmer Michelle Tokarski: The Art and Science of Saying Goodbye(Pt. 2)

What really happens behind the scenes in funeral homes? In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Blue Collar White Coat, mortician and funeral director Michelle Tokarski takes us into the world of death care — from organ and tissue donation to the art and science of embalming.

Michelle breaks down the myths, misconceptions, and emotional realities of her work with honesty and heart. She explains what embalming truly is, why it's not always required, how funeral laws protect families, and how compassion, precision, and respect guide every step.

This is a rare look at a profession most of us never think about until we have to — and a reminder that death work, at its core, is deeply human work.

Chapters

00:00 Embalming: A Personal Perspective
04:17 Understanding Embalming Techniques
07:06 Debunking Embalming Myths
14:14 The Art of Embalming: Preserving Memories
19:32 Attention to Detail: The Embalming Process
27:09 Restoration and Repatriation: A Labor of Love
35:51 Advice for Aspiring Embalmers: A Call to Service
41:20 Starting a Career in Funeral Services Later in Life
46:50 Overcoming Academic Challenges in Mortuary Science
52:58 Environmental Considerations in Cremation Practices
59:29 Outro

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