I’ve Worked on 10,000 Dead Bodies: Embalmer of 30 Years | Minutes With

What does it take to restore dignity to someone after death?

In this episode of Minutes With, expert embalmer and reconstruction specialist Martin shares what it’s really like working in the funeral industry. Over a 34-year career, he has treated more than 10,000 bodies, helping families say goodbye to their loved ones after illness, trauma and unexpected deaths.

Martin explains how embalming works, why it’s done, and how reconstruction techniques can allow families to view someone they thought they would never see again. From rebuilding facial injuries to preparing people for their final farewell, he reveals the care, patience and technical skill involved in the work.

He also reflects on the emotional side of the profession — including the case of a young boy whose parents desperately wanted to see him one last time, and the experience of preparing members of his own family. For Martin, every person he works with is treated with the same respect and dignity.

Today he also teaches post-mortem facial reconstruction at the University of St Andrews, helping train the next generation of specialists so families can continue to have the chance to say goodbye.

00:00 - 01:54 - Childhood and Aspirations
00:40 - Understanding Death
02:57 - First Time Seeing A Dead Body
04:08 - Pursuing Embalming
04:59 - What is Embalming?
07:36 - Reconstructing His Own Step Father
08:29 - Training in USA
09:00 - Limits Of Reconstruction
10:23 - The Cases That Stay With You
12:15 - Treating His Own Relatives
14:56 - Training The Future Generations

Thanks to Martin for taking part!

In May 2026, Martin will be leading the Post Mortem Reconstruction Course (Level 1 and 2) at University of St Andrews, School of Medicine - https://medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk/short-courses/reconstruction/

Following the courses, Martin is hosting the first Scottish International Embalming and Post Mortem Reconstruction Conference - https://medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk/short-courses/reconstruction/pmr-conference/

Later in the year, he will be speaking at the Independent Funeral Group 2026 Fall Conference in Tennessee - https://tinyurl.com/k5dhrw9y

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