Mortician Shows Every Step a Body Goes Through at a Funeral Home | WIRED

Victor M. Sweeney, a licensed funeral director and mortician, gives a tour of a funeral home in Minnesota. From the intricate processes and tools used to embalm a body to the "selection room" filled with caskets and urns, this unique tour gives unprecedented access to a mortuary and funeral chapel.
Check out Victor's Instagram: / victor.m.sweeney
Director: Katherine Wzorek
Director of Photography: David Diebel
Editor: Matthew Colby
Talent: Victor Sweeney
Guest: Shawn Nygaard
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Paul Gulyas
Production Manager: D. Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Casting Producer: Nicole Ford
Camera Operator: Haylie Flesness
Gaffer: Jason Bedard
Audio: Phil Kerr
Production Assistant: Riley Thelen
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
Graphics Supervisor: Ross Rackin
Designer: Lea Kichler
Still haven’t subscribed to WIRED on KZbin? ►► wrd.cm/15fP7B7
Listen to the Get WIRED podcast ►► link.chtbl.com/wired-ytc-desc
Want more WIRED? Get the magazine ►► subscribe.wired.com/subscribe...
Follow WIRED:
Instagram ►► / wired
Twitter ►► / wired
Facebook ►► / wired
Tik Tok ►► / wired
Get more incredible stories on science and tech with our daily newsletter: wrd.cm/DailyYT
Also, check out the free WIRED channel on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.
ABOUT WIRED
WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture.

[@dgmithril]

I'm glad Wired understands how we're huge fans of this guy.

[@pippa3150]

I agree but I also LOVE Jonna Mendez! They have a lot of great hosts really.

[@BaimPanjiIndra]

Exactly!

[@TyeArtisik]

Yup

[@carlabarrick8538]

Yes! He makes an uneasy subject better with his demeanor.

[@belindaasante7123]

Right Period 😭💁🏾‍♀️❤️

[@writhms]

This guy needs his own series.

[@ferfymoe2093]

This is his third (that I know of) appearance on WIRED so I'd call that a series for sure!

[@HonkLoser]

@@ferfymoe2093 Fifth. He's done 3 twitter answers and one reviewing specific movies.

[@assassinge5079]

He kinda has one already

[@KinGizzard]

I totally agree with you. I was thinking about his previous videos last night, then suddenly there is a video today!

[@gayle74]

He seems like such a nice down-to-earth guy. I could watch him all day.

[@imakelonelinessworkforme9120]

Im a terminally ill teenager. I lost my best friend in the whole world 4 months ago to the exact same genetic condition that’s killing me. And this series with Victor is actually providing a lot of comfort to me, regarding both how my best friend was cared for in her arguably most vulnerable state, and also how I will be cared for too when my time comes. So I just wanted to say thank you, it’s very obvious you care abt these people as people rather than just a job & you treat everyone with such respect. A prime example in this specific vid was when you were talking about closing the casket with the family members. So yeah, thank you again because you’ve made this very daunting process seem even a little less scary, which makes it so much easier for me to accept the inevitable 💛

[@richardackley1823]

I guess the best thing to tell you young man, is that no one gets through life Alive! We all have to accept the inevitable, and hope we go peacefully. I’m 76 so my time is coming sooner than most. But in my Heart I know my family, friends and many pets will be waiting to greet me. Enjoy each day and each moment.

[@jotiedeman9460]

😢

[@poopdeckpete]

as a fellow teenager, i wish you the best friend

[@jotiedeman9460]

Too young 😪 💔

[@jalinfuller4653]

Is there a way to follow you on social media ??

[@lukeegdorf4391]

"Variety is the spice of death here." This man's sense of humor is incredible. Being able to make ppl laugh about something so somber without being disrespectful is true talent.

[@MakoDan94]

I love this guy. Having someone explain all of this kind of morbid and upsetting stuff, in such a calm, approachable, and sweet way is lovely.

[@beepboop9464]

You should check out ask a mortician. She's amazing.

[@GlassShark86]

I love her. I wonder if they would agree/disagree on certain things.@@beepboop9464

[@AKindOfDog]

​@@beepboop9464 second this! She has several videos she's done with an embalmer who specializes in traumatic cases, if you want more of that content specifically. But she covers lots of different death topics, including historical deaths and death industry practices ❤

[@TonyTylerDraws]

Totally gets rid of the taboo aspect. I think part of the problem people have with death is that we avoid the subject so much. Victor has been around it so much (before he was a mortician) that it’s normal to him.

[@ghost_type_gaming670]

I can imagine his sense of humor is unfamothably dark

[@cthulhuuhoop]

I was a mortician for 6 years. I love how accurate this FD describes the process. And he is so matter-of-fact about it. No gimmicks, no scare tactics. Just transparency. that is something the industry really lacks and I appreciate him and the Wired team educating the public on the topic (:

[@b19931228]

According to your comment. Why do gimmicks and scare tactics flows, and transparency lacking in mortician industry? I mean this is literally the type of service everybody needs in one point of their life.

[@anglepsycho]

​@@b19931228 Well death talk as a concept is a taboo for general audienced, and sometimes the audience freaks out over something so brutally honest in that religion is out the window, and people get nervous about what happens to their loved ones post mortem. That's what someone I knew said when I asked him why people look at him weird when he says what he does.

[@pestbarn]

I'm mostly just curious - are the practices shown in this video done primarily for open casket funerals, or are they general practice for everyone? I've donated my body to science, so I guess this'll happen to my body, but is everyone embalmed regardless?

[@OnlyTheFinestPizza]

​@pestbarn i would assume that if a body is ment to be donated to science they wouldint pump it full of formaldehyde.

[@victorm.sweeney8828]

@@OnlyTheFinestPizza It depends on how they use the body. I worked in a cadaver lab in college and a person waives their right to how their body is used by "science." So sometimes a person is used in fresh-study- for teaching intubation or something. And sometimes they're for long-term-study- so embalmed to last a few years even. We used phenol for long-term cases, which is an even more caustic chemical (it would eat through our gloves, so you had to wear two pairs and swap out the top ones every few hours) and preservation in anatomical study is pretty important.

[@liamn.7664]

Bro this guy is literally the most loved guest that’s ever been on WIRED

[@boscareccia]

I have lost three family members in one month. It has been a horrible time - tonight strangely this video popped up, but I decided to watch because my grandmother (the most recent funeral) looked BEAUTIFUL in her casket, as if she was alive. I don’t normally like open caskets but it was such a powerful moment of closure for me. It made me wonder how they did it! To see how loved ones are prepared for viewing and burial, even if some parts are not so pretty, actually brought me a lot of comfort. Thank you for this great, sensitive, informative video.

[@jacqueline8559]

I'm freaked out by the embalming, to be honest. Just seeing the Catheters , for some reason. Just kept thinking that it happened to my dad. I found it really upsetting. Which is weird, as I'm a Nurse/ Neonatal Midwife, who sees death quite a lot, and sees worse procedures carried out, to save the lives of our patients

[@ciarraisugrue-howsden6765]

I am going through the same thing as you i turned 18 2 months ago and i’ve lost both grandparents + my dad in the last month and when i saw my dad i thought the same thing. condolences to you ❤

[@Jazzilaladi]

AWWWWWWWW PRAYING FOR YOU

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

He looks like he stepped right out of the 1950s, but in the best possible way. Love the style I hope all morticians dress with such class

[@FitzChivalryFarseer2]

Looks awful. Far more practical wear would be better instead of the traditional wear of morons imitating dumber but richer people before them

[@sandrataylor7488]

What does a large mass of cancer look like? One was found in my husband attached to his spine and hip. Inoperable and he died 6 months later. 9:48

[@EpixAndroid]

I know this sounds so off-topic, but I once went to a dentist’s office who was much older and hadn’t changed the look since the mid-60s. It’s so cool to go somewhere like that!

[@firetruck988]

It's always incredible how tasteful funeral directors are able to be with their calm and soothing demeanors. All the ones I've met / worked with have shown the same level of class as this guy.

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

No. There was one at my grandma’s Catholic funeral who was wearing 5” stilettos and had her tattoos showing.

[@spawnytheistic]

Seeing Victor become a fan favorite of the entire internet is something cool to see. I have a very bad fear of death, and the way Victor calmly and clearly explains everything has genuinely helped me get over my fear.

[@Animalfarm6cats]

I'm still scared.

[@Amanda-cn3pk]

My Grandma recently passed and I had the honor of being able to cut/ style her hair and do her make up. I've been a cosmetologist for 34 yrs and she was the first deceased I had worked on. It was surreal but I'm so glad I got to do that for her one last time.❤

[@erynh113]

I lost my grandfather a month ago, and it was devastating to have to say goodbye so suddenly. Seeing this process, and how each body is treated with care and dignity is such a comfort to me. He was a great man, and knowing that he was in such good hands for this process is absolutely what he deserved.

[@acrothdragon]

As a Funeral Director and Embalmer for 20 years this is a very well put together and informative video. I really appreciate his method of involving the family in closing the casket and inviting them to participate. While some may choose not to it means a vastly world of difference when you allow families to be involved and add their personal touches to the funeral service.

[@jmtz4054]

I had read this information about families closing the casket and how helpful it was to see their loved one safe and ready for their final journey, l did this for my sister in 2004 after a long illness, l also removed her jewelry per her request to give later on to our nieces , my other sister and brother joined me in closing her casket, it brought me much peace knowing her final wishes were done

[@kioloup]

Yeah I definitely cried at that part.

[@javacofe]

Haha yeah. I still shake my head when people open the ground floor Aquarium doors.. "YOU'RE GOING TO LET ALL THE BOTS IN!!!" 🤣

[@0rangeJu1c3]

I really want to begin a career in the funeral industry. Where is a good place to start?

[@victorm.sweeney8828]

@0rangeJu1c3 The best thing you can do, honestly, is just go talk to your local mortician. They’ll know what you need to do, go to school, etc.

[@KarateStickFigure23]

As a mortuary student I love how he presents the industry and normalizes what happens behind close doors. 10/10

[@Kylewraps]

How do you mentally handle being in this industry? Like do you believe in an afterlife? I feel that’s the only legitimate way to do this job

[@USRM1810]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@Kylewrapsdepends on everyone. I personally am not religious by any means, yet I still do it for the families in need. For me, it’s about helping the families say their last goodbyes or by being with their loved ones. It’s all about helping families for me

[@grabee997]

Same here, I was a Funeral Director’s Assistant for 3 years and am not religious. This is a biased view ofc but I feel like it’s easier to get comfortable around dead bodies without a belief in the afterlife because I don’t view them as empty vessels, it’s just a person who’s gone. It is definitely about helping the grieving families and to respect the dead. To some friends I would say it eventually just felt like taking care of someone (though much easier than being a nurse etc).

[@maryshkamiceli8388]

What draws people to mortuary science, to being a funeral director?

[@shelly_kay01]

@@Kylewraps For me I want to become a Mortician because I want to be able to help people in a way really no one else can. It depends on the person for if something can cause PTSD or something. For the afterlife question, I'm not religious but I don't think it affects the way a Mortician can do the job lol

[@The_Fernweh]

Mortuary student almost apprentice here, thank you Victor you help me get people to understand what we do isnt all doom and gloom or werid like the public think! Despite what big new stories show! I promise you most funeral directors are great and arent trying to swindle or miss treat your loved one!

[@victorm.sweeney8828]

Hear, Hear! 😉 +Victor

[@captclang]

I found it hilarious when Victor was describing the hearse that he felt the need to include the fact that they could reach speeds exceeding 100mph, I can't get the idea of Mr Sweeney gunning the hearse down some back roads off company hours out of my head.

[@johnn8223]

I need a Fast and Furious spinoff about rival funeral homes racing hearses.

[@AngiDas]

Give this guy his own documentary ! He is essentially the Mr. Rogers of Death. Mr. Rogers made me feel OK about life and Victor makes me feel OK about death.

[@EllieUchiha17]

For some reason this made me cry😭🩵

[@403fruit]

Omg same

[@deboralee1623]

🎶It's a funeral day in the neighborhood...🎶

[@dorothytaylor7369]

Me. Rogers of death, now that’s a good one , RIP Mike!

[@margaretforsey7763]

Haha yes! Mr Roger’s of Death is the perfect fact way to describe him!

[@michaelschrack1826]

My mom passed about a year and a half ago, she was cremated but beforehand they made her ready for me and my brother to view her and say our final goodbyes. I cannot thank the people enough for the care and effort they took on my mom, she looked fantastic when I said goodbye.

[@Northstarboysvsp]

Some with my grandma ❤

[@JadziaMarie]

Same with my mom almost 5 years ago🥺

[@bboat42069]

i hope you’re doing well🫶 i lucky haven’t lost a parent but both my paternal grandparents are gone and it was really hard both times. it’s always good to see them looking peaceful one last time, when they were struggling before.

[@imtheboss7422]

You know I did not open KZbin today to cry. Darn you!!😢😢

[@Christian-girl21]

I'm sorry for the loss of your mom. But I'm glad she was well cared for, and that is so important for all of us I think.

[@vapidspecter9065]

11:20 the way he gets excited about the hearse and compliments the other person on it is so wholesome 💕

[@christianpoynter7971]

I love how everyone just loves Victor. The way he talks makes me think of Bob Ross - he’s just so soft spoken and empathetic, while also excited about what he does and happy to share that with others

[@sararichardson448]

I can't get over how sweet and gentle he was when he spoke about lowering the lid gently. Like this isn't just a job to this guy. People like him make me think that maybe humanity isn't doomed. And even if we go at least someone will be there to take care of us but not because they have to but because they actually care ❤

[@carlabarrick8538]

Exactly ❤

[@jopo7996]

This guy runs an excellent business. His customers are dying to get in.

[@thecosmostudent]

good one dudee🤣

[@argentandrold5732]

AIN’T NO WAY 🤣💀

[@CreativeSteve69]

these are actual great puns.

[@AK-ob9bx]

They’re dying to see him

[@guyubangu150]

I see what you did there😂

[@sheril3907]

Victor's videos made me interested in the profession and now I am a licensed Funeral Director and embalmer. His videos are always so informative, respectful and you can tell he really loves his profession. Thank you for shedding light on a profession not many people know about!! I'm in a rewarding career that I love because of you. Thank you ❤

[@victorm.sweeney8828]

That’s amazing! It’s been so incredible to see how many lives these seemingly silly internet videos have touched. Makes me proud. And I’m proud of you. +Victor

[@cgrogers96]

I’m glad we get to see more of Victor. He seems like such a genuine and kind guy

[@GCAT01Living]

Wild that they made The Mortuary Assistant a real job! In all seriousness, we need to have a better, more open discourse about death and I have mad respect for the KZbinrs that are making that happen, including lovely Victor here, who is always a treat to watch.

[@mad0131]

I was waiting for a The Mortuary Assistant related comment

[@kelseyoakes803]

​@@mad0131he needs to play the game 🤣

[@CarryCherry92]

@@kelseyoakes803 I was just thinking the same thing! Yes!

[@SailorsGirl1957]

I wouldn't say "Treat" ...comforting is better ;-)

[@melvindoo2396]

gamer discovers real life

[@Verbatim.]

I’ve never seen someone so qualified. He’s so professional. So knowledgeable. So respectful. I can imagine how he is when dealing with family ♥️

[@shadowscall7758]

I mean, with a name like that, what other career was he going to do? :)

[@ona3304]

​@@shadowscall7758hi. Sorry to ask, I'm not american so I dont get it. But what was wrong with his name?

[@shadowscall7758]

@jhona3304 nothing is wrong with it, it's just that Victor is an older name that is more associated with vampires/gravekeepers/villians in movies and Sweeney is the name of a famous movie serial killer (Sweeney Todd). So a name like Victor Sweeney is going to conjure the idea of someone associated with death in some way or another.

[@ona3304]

@@shadowscall7758 thanks for the explanation. I've just searched about sweeney todd. Now it makes sense why people comment about his name 😂

[@TheLordOfNothing]

@@shadowscall7758 I've always imagined whenever I hear his name an 1880's funeral parlor with a wooden sign with "Vic. Sweeney Mortuary"

[@KateSparkes]

I just teared up at him closing the casket-so much care and respect even when it’s just a demonstration. Victor’s videos are always fascinating and comforting.

[@nquiztor]

This guy is my favorite. At one point it had been so long since I had seen him, that I wasn't sure how to find his videos again. Thanks for bringing him back to my feed! Victor M. Sweeney needs his own show.

[@philbobagbox1177]

“The spice of death” 😂I like how he can bring a bit of light humour to quite a sad subject.

[@fredosim3567]

I literally LOL when I heard that.

[@vladyslavkryvoruchko]

Or even a drop of "dark" humor

[@philbobagbox1177]

@@fredosim3567 me too 😂😂😂

[@walnuthorse]

Victor is so incredibly charming and is part of the reason I want to become a mortician myself. Thank you so much WIRED for making this happen and giving Victor the opportunity to share with us information about his job which he obviously loves and cares so much about ❤

[@lilrawri8446]

Yikes

[@El1society]

@@lilrawri8446?

[@phil_zupra_b5880]

Thank YOU for becoming a Mortician.

[@meep12326]

My dear grandma passed few months ago, we were able to say our last goodbye before her last journey. I am deeply thankful to people that take care of our passed ones, for us to have that much needed closure. You guys do a very important job that may be overlooked but invaluable at the time of need.

[@jbluva99]

My grandmother died almost 2 years ago. Watching this video made me cry the first time I saw this video a few months ago because of the catharsis of watching the steps it took for my grandmother's body to be prepared for the funeral. Watching it again today makes me feel better knowing that the morticians who took care of her probably did their best to let us send her off. Thank you Victor for explaining the process in a calm and friendly way.

[@clintonbungart4415]

If Victor isn't my mortician, i'm not dying. I love this guy.

[@NathanMorrisMusic]

I appreciate thoughtful content such as this. Conversations surrounding this profession are necessary, and arguably, overdue.

[@charleswise5570]

Spot on, yet done very tasteful. I worked in the funeral industry for many years, and I don't think this subject could've been done any better. Thank you!

[@victorm.sweeney8828]

Thanks! That means a lot. Thank you for your time in the field. +Victor

[@Naughtycatholic]

I love this guy. I love “Ask a Mortician”. PLEASE find a way for Caitlin Doughty and Victor Sweeney to do something together. I think it would be absolutely fabulous

[@Khaleesi_Jack]

I'm glad someone said this cuz I second it!

[@Puddingbat]

Thirded!

[@pennyinaz]

My two favorites also. We can only hope. 😊

[@DrOz-pe5fh]

Now that would be something

[@DiabolicalAngel]

Yes! I've been saying the same thing!

[@endgamefond]

This guy can be a Hollywood actor. He gets the look

[@whatamidoingwithmylifelol_]

Ikr. Everybody be talking about death, and there’s me thinking bruh he’s hot. Help lol

[@mariee.5912]

​@@whatamidoingwithmylifelol_😂😂

[@shesgoingslightlymad]

@@whatamidoingwithmylifelol_Agreed. 🔥

[@SamRK-1000]

@@whatamidoingwithmylifelol_ bro same, I over here simpin'

[@charlottelyons1034]

Watching Victor makes me feel more at ease with death, especially after losing my nan last December, it brings me peace to know what they do and how respectful they are

[@LopezBOT90]

I never had any real issues with morticians but the process was an unknown to me so I had a slight fear of it. Seems it's a practice carried out with respect. This walkthrough of it all and how he talks about it is truly heartwarming. Thanks for this video today. :)

[@CSIS25]

Well this was a special tour, very big thanks to everyone that made this happen !

[@AdrianHereToHelp]

Victor is a wonderful presenter; he speaks with the right amount of care while still showing enthusiasm and just really communicating why this stuff is important. I love his Mortician Support videos, and I'm glad to see him in another educational video!

[@blackberrybrooklyn7371]

This was interesting and you can tell he's a mortician who treats the body with care and respect

[@jmcphail19]

The editing of this video, Victor in general, and the overall 50s aesthetic of all of this is mystifying. Loved every minute.

[@isabella2513]

As someone who is really scared of death and dying, this guy really have a calming presence in explaining this process, which helps.

[@youngtattedgoon]

He forgot the part where they cut you up and clean you out😢 they they stitch you up😮

[@user-dq8fo7tu1w]

@@youngtattedgoonthat’s if you need an autopsy. Not everyone has one. If you die young without any known cause you will likely have an autopsy. But not everyone needs one.

[@youngtattedgoon]

@@user-dq8fo7tu1w oh I see like say if someone gets shot ?

[@adematti]

Victor is an absolute delight. I will never tire of watching his videos! ❤

[@isaruiz6173]

I love that you can tell Victor is having fun with this video. We appreciate you king!

[@ThatFrozenGuy]

Victor's an amazing character to have on this channel. He embodies the very essence of a charismatic mortician.

[@jaydoggy9043]

There's an air of genuine kindness to this man. It's not the sort of video I'd normally watch but his presentation is wonderful. He's not pretentious or forceful in educating us at all.

[@MyNameisStitch]

Victor is such an amazing presenter. He takes something difficult and uncomfortable to talk about and makes it so friendly and approachable. Also love the Wes Anderson vibe of the video, kudos WIRED team. All of these videos are fantastic.

[@lils6537]

he makes it feel like such a safe and normal experience, i can imagine he brings a lot of families peace.

[@firetruck988]

It's always incredible how tasteful funeral directors are able to be with their calm and soothing demeanors. All the ones I've met / worked with have shown the same level of class as Victor here.

[@ashleywaner1284]

Yes! Victor is back! I have such a big smile on my face right now. Thank you, Wired!

[@LinxyLinx]

Yes!!

[@starforge5663]

Yes!!!!!!!!!! I love victor, he is an awesome guy there is no doubt in my mind about that!!

[@sim_aware]

We rely heavily on donated bodies in medical education and the safe care and handling of these amazing donors is critical. This is a great video.

[@victorm.sweeney8828]

Victor here: I worked at a Anatomical Bequest lab at my university, preparing bodies and generally helping keep the med students happy. It was a pretty cool job for the time- though I’m glad I’m not doing it anymore.

[@sim_aware]

@@victorm.sweeney8828 Appreciate all you did. The time was more valuable to your learners than you know.

[@marygatdula2744]

I have always said that I wanted to donate that can possibly be used, like eyes, skin, organs. I hoped to leave the rest to scientific/medical study. Is that possible, or would the whole body be required intact? It would be a difficult decision if I could only do one or the other.

[@julie2673]

This was probably the most informative video I’ve ever seen. Thank you for making it so we know what happens.

[@CharmaineFlowers-dd7fl]

It's absolutely amazing. He makes it seem so easy. What a fantastic man .

[@zenagitana]

Never thought I'd be attracted to a mortician. But he's so charming, knowledgeable, well-spoken, and compassionate.

[@CRFSUIGENERIS]

Me, too! 😂😊

[@DespoticUser]

I just love how he shows respect for what he does. I love watching his videos even considering that this subjuct is a bit painfull to me. He somehow makes it really comfortable to listen and watch this. And the moment when he shows how he and the relatives say goodbye - man, that was the best moment in the video! Thank you, Victor! Please make more videos!

[@Tuflov]

Love how you put everything so succinctly but it's not traumatizing or anything, but very detailed and knowledgeable. One of the best languages to use with a family, as they don't want too much fluff or hesitation, but also want to be spared gory details. Signed, a former funeral preplanner.

[@janson2911]

Istg Victor M. Sweeney is the perfect name for a mortician

[@natashakafoteka3667]

Dude needs his own show or something. Super charismatic and funny, but informative and respectful as well. He really said variety was the spice of death 💀 (emoji pun intended)

[@kelseyhorton8514]

Man. You can tell how much he respects his career by how he closed the casket. I felt that.

[@krissypotucek1909]

When he did my grandpa's funeral they put in a picture of our family Saint with a rosary and he took a photo of him holding the photo before he closed the casket. That one touch ment the world to my family and still does.

[@alaric_]

That feeling of solid support for the absolutely torn and broken relatives at the moment of final glimpse of the passed relative must be so assuring. It was like a dad leading the rest of the family to help them over one difficult part.

[@lindavorzimer]

Adorable! He completely needs his own series!!!

[@shaneh734]

Victor seems so personable and relatable! He needs his own show!

[@graciecorona101]

Wired keeps bringing Victor back cause they know I’m in love with him 😍

[@margotrosendorn6371]

I think it's wonderful to have such a easygoing, down-to-earth guide to what is normally a scary or taboo subject. Victor has such an approachable vibe!

[@AK-ob9bx]

It is less invasive than a plastic surgeon. He’s just creating the lasting impression/ viewing for the family. Funerals are for the living, not the dead. It shouldn’t be scary, just like how he is so nonchalant saying everything :)

[@Kinkamo]

as an aspiring mortician and funeral director im always very excited to see a new victor sweeney video

[@NeffyCat]

It's nice to meet you, friend. That was absolutely fascinating! I really appreciate your sharing this information with us! Thank you so much.

[@JennDepsycho]

I love Victor. As an autopsy tech, I highly appreciate his insights to the other side of post-mortem care!

[@neffanie]

He's so charismatic, smart, teaches things in understandable ways. Great find with this guy, Wired

[@changaming1275]

My great grandmother passed away in 2019 and it was really devastating to me but finally I feel like I understand a part of her journey that I wasn't with her on...I had always wondered what they did to her after they took her away, i'm grateful that this video was uploaded. thank you.

[@RG-hf4et]

I never heard of the family closing the casket together. That made me get very teary-eyed. 😢😢😢

[@Zerbey]

Victor should have his own channel, the way he calmly explains what is a pretty somber subject is wonderful. Personally, I want no part of being embalmed, put me in a cheap box and do whatever is necessary.

[@AsiaCasvin-yo4xm]

I completely agree. Back to mother Earth with the remains.

[@BlueBoy0]

put my body out with the recycling

[@itsdragoninawagon]

that’s a valid burial option in some areas! you can be buried in a biodegradable casket with no embalming and become one with the soil :)

[@ConnorAshFreeman]

Victory Sweeney is such an appropriate name for a mortician

[@BHHartman]

Victor Frankenstein + Sweeney Todd

[@TheRealWafflez]

Let me know when you find one with that name

[@cindella204]

The vibe of this was so strange, but in a good way! In other videos, Victor has talked a lot about how death being taboo doesn't really help anyone, so it's cool to see a tour done in such an approachable way, and I appreciate that the WIRED team editing it to be more or less like any other explainer on KZbin.

[@littlemaridee]

Something about his personality being such a wonderful mix of being warm, engaging, and professional that makes him a fan favorite. He is my favorite Internet crush.

[@annacallie]

i love him so much! if there was a thousand videos of him i would watch them all

[@TH4Q1]

I was in a relationship with a Mortician for a couple of years, and learned all about this. It’s fascinating, but I’ve talked all my loved ones into cremation ever since. There’s no reason to put a loved one’s body through all this just for a viewing. But this guy is very professional.

[@NorthernSeaWitch]

I'm sorry to hear it was a dead-end relationship. 😉

[@whknws9595]

​@@NorthernSeaWitchi swear every pun i read in these comments is better than the last 😭🤣

[@Linnerd]

You don't need to be embalmed for a funeral either

[@rainingskittles6975]

Did you pet name her, Morticia? 😁

[@markthedark595]

I always enjoy watching Victor's videos. He has this sense of professionalism but also very relaxed and seems like the kind of guy to throw in a pun to catch someone off guard. He's definitely someone I'd hang out with. Love when Wired does videos with him.

[@cassieo]

I see Victor M Sweeney, I click. His videos are refreshing to watch, and so respectfully crafted and edited. Much appreciated insight to the profession no one wants to talk about!

[@Peatingtune]

Well done! Thank you for this. We're all going to pass away and more than likely lose loved ones before we do. The embalming process and the general business of morticians and funeral directors is relevant to virtually everyone at some point in our lives. That most people consider it too morbid or spooky to think about is unfortunate and can be addressed in part by this 14-minute informative, inoffensive video. It should be made required viewing in high schools along with many other, "Prepare for life" lessons that people are often left in the dark about.

[@SUPERSTUDIO17]

Victor is so handsome and charismatic and engaging. I can watch a whole series about him and what he does!

[@jasonwilliams1713]

NYC Funeral Director here. Great job as always Sweeney.

[@kyraspooner3355]

I lost my little brother who was 15 a couple years ago, ever since I saw his body in the casket I have been curious but also so scared and upset to know what happens to a body after death, you come across so kind,and approachable, and sensitive and I finally am able to learn about it. Thank you for helping people like you do.

[@nd1106]

I am about to say goodbye to one of my best friends next month,, thank you for sharing your expertise as a mortician and for assisting loved ones through this moment 🙏

[@Flufferz626]

I remember when my mom died I was basically in charge of handling everything (I was 20 years old) and the funeral directors were very forward. The most touching thing was asking me since mom wore makeup before she was sick, what did she wear? I brought them photos and her makeup and her wig and they made her look like she was asleep when they let me view her body. She didn't look like when she was sick. Dad and I saw her and she looked great, but all of us decided cremation for us still. Thanks for everything you do.

[@ona3304]

True. At such moments when everything felt heavy, kind funeral staff are like a consolation. Somehow, they made you feel they are really willing to help you and your departed have a proper goodbye.

[@mariaperez-rz8eg]

I love this guy! ❤ If Victor is not my mortician, I'm not dying.

[@StoicbyMindset]

Someday, all of us will experience this. Cherish every moment of life you have.

[@michaelhope8899]

This was weirdly reassuring. My dad died recently and to know he was in capable hands really helped. Thanks.

[@melissalong8491]

I needed a giggle this morning - "Where the magic happens." did it for me. I just love the videos with Mr. Sweeney, I can't see getting tired of seeing videos with him. I'm not worried about death and I just might have a morbid fascination with this WIRED series...

[@crisscrossam]

Idk what crazy ideas you have to come up with to keep bringing Victor back, but keep bringing him back! Idk why but it's always delightful seeing and hearing him talk about his job despite how morbid it is.

[@jeraldohlmann6314]

Thank you for this post. It takes the mystery out of it.

[@Pickernik]

Thank you so much for making this video! It took away the angst of the unknown.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

Sweeney is practically a staple of Wired now

[@lovejonas95]

I love whenever Victor is featured on here. He's so good at what he does and so enthusiastic about teaching everyone. We need more videos!

[@dianevibert6363]

I think we all love Mr Sweeney! I really appreciate all his appearances on your channel :)

[@liveforlife2494]

This guy and WIRED are breaking stigma and fear one video at a time. Love it!

[@surewhatever8843]

Thank you for the clarity and compassion with which you demystify death. My family lost their minds when my dying grandmother wanted to discuss plans for her funeral, but it seemed perfectly reasonable to me. She was a fierce woman who exuded confidence and knew what she wanted. She was spot on with her planning, of course, and we all appreciated some of her more unusual requests - like an Irish bagpiper that continued to play as he walked away. It was perfect and not something any of us would have considered.

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

What a wonderful sendoff ❤

[@chloehennessey6813]

Mr Sweeney is legit the most amazing man on Wired and this needs to be a regular thing.

[@JTanis]

Rip Mike. He seems so calm in his casket

[@brettbrown1548]

Victor is like everybody's best friend...the kind of person who is never grouchy or cross. We like you a lot, Victor! And thank you so much.