In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with military researcher Bill Beigel, founder of World War II Research, Inc., about how monument builders can ensure accuracy and depth in veterans memorials. Beigel shares how professional research can uncover forgotten heroes, correct misspelled names, and add meaningful personal stories to each engraved name. The conversation explores partnerships between researchers and monument builders, the ethical importance of getting every detail right, and how emerging technologies like digital markers and NFC chips can extend memorial experiences while preserving the sacred nature of stone.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:00:45) - Bill Beagle
• (00:02:45) - The Challenges of Building Veterans Memorials
• (00:09:03) - Finding the stories of World War II soldiers
• (00:12:35) - What Would a National Monument Cost?
• (00:13:41) - Using Digital Markers to Enhance Monument Experience
• (00:15:46) - When Technology Meets Necessity
• (00:20:05) - What's the Memorial of the Future?

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Mark Harrison, president of Certified Safety Training (CST), about the real-world safety risks inside monument shops and how OSHA compliance goes far beyond checking boxes. From silica exposure and air-quality testing to lifting hazards, respirator programs, and recordkeeping, Mark breaks down what every monument builder needs to know—and why creating a culture of safety is essential for protecting employees and businesses alike. They also discuss common OSHA violations, cost-saving strategies, and the new free MBNA safety checklist designed to help members identify risks before they become problems.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:28) - Five of the Most Deadly Work Hazards
• (00:04:14) - Veteren Audit
• (00:05:52) - OSHA Compliance: Building a Safer Company
• (00:08:52) - Asbestos in Cigarettes
• (00:12:04) - What's the First Billboard You See When You Land in the US
• (00:13:28) - OSHA fines for granite or sandblasting
• (00:19:00) - OSHA Compliance Programs
• (00:24:25) - MBNA Membership Checklist
• (00:24:47) - Memorial Production Facility Safety Podcast

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Mike Lannen, digital strategist and founder of Eternity, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping monument businesses. From sales and marketing to customer service and design, AI can streamline repetitive tasks and free up time for what matters most—serving families. Lannen shares practical, affordable ways small shops can start using AI today, along with insights on addressing staff concerns and keeping the “human touch” central to every memorial project. Discover how one simple AI tool could save you 30 minutes this week—and open the door to new efficiencies across your business.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:20) - When Did AI Make Your Work?
• (00:04:48) - Are You Ready to Use AI in Your Monument Business?
• (00:07:43) - Will AI Replace Your Jobs?
• (00:12:25) - Robot Service: The Replacement of Human Workers
• (00:14:25) - AI Money Builders: The 3 Tips
• (00:16:56) - Monument Matters: Future Podcasts /

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns welcomes grief expert Dr. Jason Troyer to explore the cultural shifts reshaping memorialization. Troyer shares his concept of the “Four Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse” — mobility, death denial, loss of religious ritual, and rising cremation — and how these trends impact monument builders. Together, they discuss ways to rebuild trust, connect with today’s transient families, and communicate the lasting value of permanent placement. From offering grief resources to strengthening community relationships, this conversation reveals practical, compassionate strategies to keep monument businesses relevant and meaningful in a changing world.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:29) - 4 Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse that are reshaping memorialization
• (00:04:43) - 4 Horsemen of End-of-Life Care
• (00:06:26) - Funeral Homes: How Do We Stay Connected to Families?
• (00:10:58) - Grief and memorialization decisions
• (00:20:09) - The Importance of a Memorial
• (00:21:33) - Do We Need to Plan for Our Death?
• (00:29:33) - A Moment of Remembrance

This episode of Monument Matters offers monument builders a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park. Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the park provides powerful lessons in vision, community collaboration, and the lasting impact of memorialization. Listeners will gain insight into how large-scale memorial projects overcome challenges, engage local support, and tell meaningful stories through design. For monument professionals, the episode highlights strategies that can be adapted to everyday work—whether it’s building trust with families, designing with purpose, or strengthening ties with the community.

• (00:00:00) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:09) - Ohio Veterans Memorial Project
• (00:07:49) - The Builders' Memorial
• (00:12:17) - The Clinton Cemetery Wall
• (00:17:38) - Describing his work on monuments
• (00:19:08) - Oak Ridge Veterans Memorial Park Committee
• (00:26:24) - A project with so many challenges
• (00:29:58) - The Sealed Place: granite benches for veterans
• (00:34:49) - Volunteer Committee on Veterans' Memorial
• (00:39:46) - Monument Matters

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Brad Myers and Cristine Bouwkamp about MBNA’s updated PR Toolkit—an essential resource for helping monument builders connect with their communities. This guide goes beyond marketing tips, offering strategies for meaningful engagement, reputation management, crisis communication, and using technology to reach today’s families. With practical checklists and clear steps, the toolkit empowers small businesses to share their story, build trust, and become known as local leaders in memorialization.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:30) - The MB News Toolkit
• (00:02:05) - MB&A's Public Relations and Advertising Toolkit
• (00:03:29) - The Monument Builder's Marketing Toolkit
• (00:05:13) - What are the challenges facing the monument builders?
• (00:06:45) - The Monument Builder's Toolkit
• (00:09:36) - The Monument Business Marketing Toolkit
• (00:12:07) - The Strategic Marketing Toolkit
• (00:16:58) - Crisis Communication Toolkit
• (00:18:08) - The In-House PR and Marketing Toolkit
• (00:19:47) - MBNA Marketing Toolkit
• (00:22:20) - The MBNA Marketing Committee
• (00:25:59) - Monument Matters

In this episode of Monument Matters, Mike Johns talks with attorneys Jacqueline Flint and Kevin Tharp about copyright and trademark issues in monument design. They explain how to protect original creations, avoid infringement, and navigate legal claims, offering practical tips for monument builders to safeguard their work and support grieving families.

• (00:00:00) - Monument Matters
• (00:00:49) - Copyright Law
• (00:03:18) - Copyright Law and Common Misconceptions
• (00:05:33) - Copyright Law: How to Avoid Inking Someone Else's Guide
• (00:13:53) - What Does a Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Look Like?
• (00:18:33) - Copyright and Trademark Law
• (00:27:13) - Copyright infringement
• (00:28:25) - Copyright Damages
• (00:30:48) - Copyright infringement cases, statutory damages
• (00:33:21) - Copyright infringement cases involving work inspired by another work
• (00:36:14) - Monument Matters

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Ryan Worthington, CM, AICA, and attorney William Stalter about the MBNA Advocacy Council. They discuss common challenges monument builders face with cemeteries, landmark legal cases that shape the industry, and how advocacy helps protect families’ rights to memorialization choices

• (00:00:00) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:01) - MBNA Monument Advocacy Program
• (00:02:05) - MBA Foundation Advocacy Council Meeting
• (00:03:39) - Have You Asked the Cemetery to Confess to You?
• (00:04:53) - How to Become a Monument Builder Member
• (00:05:51) - How to Approach a Monument Company with a Sherman Act Complaint
• (00:10:22) - Ohio Cemeteries Association
• (00:12:40) - Monument Builder's Association of NB
• (00:15:39) - MBNA Consumer Advocacy
• (00:18:51) - Do monument builders need advocacy?
• (00:22:32) - Top 3 complaints about cemeteries
• (00:23:17) - Staking and Inspection Fees at Cemetery Sites
• (00:24:48) - Cemetery Committee and the Council
• (00:26:01) - MONument Builders: Thank You!