Author Archives: Ryan Breegle

Spencer Cullum Jr., pedal steel guitar player and one half of Steelism, gives Ryan a lesson in Cockney rhyming slang, lays out his vision for a game show-styled eulogy, and reveals the song that he can never seem to escape.

Larissa Maestro, a Nashville cellist and vocalist, discusses the importance of performing classical works that are rarely heard, the Philippine tradition of Spirit Food which she got from her mother, and the science fiction character who she would choose to deliver her fantasy eulogy.

Trevor Mikula, a self-taught Nashville painter, discusses growing up gay in a severely strict Christian home, the musical that opened his eyes to issues of the world when he was 18, and how he hopes to be remembered for decorating the lives of his friends.

Tiffany Minton, drummer and co-founder of the She’s A Rebel girl group tribute show, discusses her early activism efforts, shares a song from a friend who has passed, and lets us in on the funeral surprise she has planned to unite her conservative family with her radical friends.

Jeff Zentner, award-winning YA author, details the five songs that he would choose for his fantasy funeral — songs that have shaped both his childhood and his writing.

Julia Martin, Nashville visual artist and art gallery owner, describes her fantasy funeral as a nighttime celebration going until the sun comes up and how she would like to be remembered by both her friends and her foes.

Jonathan Marx, noted instrumentalist, talks on the idea of impermanence and how the journey of grief might be better understood after listening to 32 minutes of transcendental jazz.

Sarah Bandy, Executive Director at YEAH!, chooses her desire to keep the art of the bedtime story alive through the Nashville airwaves, and the motley crew of pallbearers she has tasked to carry her highly original casket to its final aquatic destination.

Musician Matthew Pusti, aka Makeup & Vanity Set, chats about his early exposure to Vivaldi informing his music career, drawing from near death experiences as inspiration, and the Russian filmmaker who would deliver his eulogy. And, of course, his choice of five funeral songs.

On the inaugural episode of My Fantasy Funeral, host Ryan Breegle sits down with Becky Delius, champion of both humanitarian causes and over-the-top, ornate, fashion. They discuss the five songs that would be played at her funeral, the Southern orator who would speak to the bereaved and what Victorian tradition she would revive for her eternal preservation.

Imagine you are dead but you get to design your own funeral. What songs will be played? Who will deliver your eulogy? And where will your remains rest, forever more? This is the scenario presented to our guests on My Fantasy Funeral.