The conversation is between a host and Caitlin Doughty, a mortician, while they watch an episode of the TV show "Six Feet Under". Caitlin shares her experience of working in the funeral industry for 13 years and how she became interested in death while studying medieval history in college. She talks about the importance of approaching death with respect and a lighthearted manner, similar to how she handles medicine.
Caitlin discusses various topics related to death and the funeral industry, including embalming, restorative specialists, and the use of "AV plugs" to prevent leakage from the body's orifices. She also shares her favorite organ to handle, the brain, which she believes holds the person's personality and intellect.
The host and Caitlin also discuss how to deliver difficult news, such as a terminal diagnosis, and the importance of being a straight shooter and offering comfort. Caitlin shares her approach to delivering news, which includes laying out the facts, answering questions, and offering comfort.
Finally, Caitlin invites viewers to learn more about her work by searching for her online, including her YouTube channel, Instagram, and Twitter. She also mentions her funeral home, Clarity Funerals and Cremation, in California.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Caitlyn, a mortician, was a medieval history major at the University of Chicago.
2. Caitlyn has been working in the mortuary industry for 13 years.
3. Embalming fluid is used to preserve bodies.
4. There are different types of embalming fluids, such as Living Splendor.
5. Embalming fluids contain preservatives that help prevent decay.
6. A trokar is a tool used in embalming to remove fluids from the body.
7. Formaldehyde is a strong preservative used in embalming.
8. Titanium hips can be removed from a body after cremation and recycled.
9. Some families can request to keep the titanium hip after cremation.
10. Angel lust, or post-mortem erection, is a rare phenomenon that occurs in certain traumatic deaths.
11. Embalmers use av plugs (anal-vaginal plugs) to prevent leakage from the body's orifices.
12. Caitlyn's favorite organ to handle in the human body is the brain.
13. Caitlyn reviews test results before speaking to patients to avoid surprises.
14. Caitlyn delivers life-changing news to patients in person whenever possible.
15. Caitlyn has a YouTube channel, Instagram, and Twitter accounts where she shares information about the mortuary industry.