My Mother is already going to haunt me so I don’t need her skull.

I used to have a customer that had the coolest coffee cup. One day, I commented on it. He replied that it was his Dad. I thought I had misunderstood, but no. He had a coffee cup made from his Dad's ashes for he could still have coffee with him every morning!

My dad told me that he was going to put in his will that I would have his head, and I should keep it in open living spaces so he could judge the people I had over at my house.

Keeping someone's tattooed skin seems much creepier than a skull.

Just so you know, Caitlin, one of the ads I got on this episode was for bone broth. Just let that sink in.

I'm not sure about having my parent's actual skull around, but if a funeral home offered the service of scanning and 3D printing a full size copy for me I'd be all over that.

My 3rd-great grandmother was so distraught over the death of her youngest daughter, Olive(age 11, we believe, likely from smallpox) that she cut the child's long hair off and meticulously fashioned it into a cluster of tiny braided flowers connected with wire to a clip, which she wore in her own hair always thereafter, and to her grave. She made many similar hair items for friends and ladies in her church in the years after the Civil War.

I can't explain why, but I want to be this woman's friend so badly. Her voice is so calming

A corpse has more autonomy than living people in certain situations. Strange, right?

this is so weird i miss my dads tattoos so much id have actually loved to have had them preserved, glad to know im not as strange as i thought

Years ago we visited a Veterinarian in Eastern Germany who had a display case with skulls. From a little one from a mouse up to a human skull. He proudly said, "That is the skull of my Grandmother!"

When my mom died my brother and I were discussing cremation and the funeral director asked if we had plans for spreading her ashes. My brother said he might sprinkle over the treetops out of an airplane. The director warned us that any moisture that makes contact with the ashes will turn it into a solid heavy brick, which if dropped from a plane, well, could have bad results if anyone on the ground was to receive impact. He apologized because he chuckled a little while explaining that scenario.

So *that's* how you get a head in this world. 🤣 💀

I'll never forget the night at the dinner table when my sweet little 6 year old son casually asked if he could have my skull after I died!! My husband and daughter nearly choked. He said he wanted to keep it in the house so I could still be around and thought of. It was actually really sweet and I wrote it in to my death wishes. Hopefully it is legalized by then and they can just give it to him

i recently learned that "bone china" is literally made out of bones. and now all i want is my body to become a tea set.

Here in Switzerland there's a company that takes dead people's ashes and compresses them into artificial diamonds, so you can wear your grandma as a ring.

What's a skull's favorite song to sing? "I ain't got no body."

So, my grandmother was found dead in her apartment last week. I want to thank you for your page. I have anxiety and limited delusions around death, so spending months slowly normalizing death and building myself towards death positivity has let me mourn my grandma, but also think about what happened without having a total breakdown. So thank you.

I feel like if a person wants to keep the skull of a loved one, the best way to go about it would be to have permission from the person who is... y'know. Using the skull? Put it in a will. If we can donate our bodies to science where they can be poked, prodded, tested on, dissected, and treated in all kinds of ways, I don't see why a person couldn't will their own skull to a loved one (with both parties being okay with the matter, of course). Maybe with a note of "Upon the death of the recipient, my skull is to be [insert request here for burial/cremation/etc]."

My science teacher in high school, who did a forensic science class, had a real human skull all cut up and written on for demonstration and learning. I handled it a few times when she asked me for help moving items. It’s.. humbling.

The question is not "Will my cat eat my eyeballs?" as much as it is "Will it wait until I'm dead?".

"now that's what I call I call abuse of a corpse" me: laughs caitlin: that's not a good joke me: hey...

To own a human skull or bones here in the UK the law states. That the bones are over a certain age, and the police have to investigate to see if the persons remains are not part of a homicide case. And they come with certification to say they are legally obtained.

Imagine walking in the park and seeing a random woman talking to a human skull.

I love the way she approach’s all these”taboo” subjects with humor.

Was chatting to Dad's skull the other day and told him I had a present for him. He said "It's not another f%@#ing hat, is it?"

I love your content!! Have you ever looked into "ash diamonds" or diamonds made from cremated remains? I work as a goldsmith and once in a while they'll get brought up because people believe it's a real thing, but ask any jeweler they'll tell you it's a hoax. There's not enough carbon left to make a perfectly formed diamond that's cut flawlessly, but people are charges thousands of dollars for them and I feel like it's a topic that needs to be shared more. Love ya girl!! 🥰

We had some death talk in our home, and the most awkward thing that you may have overheard is our eldest saying he wants his skull to be kept by family member and made into a goblet. He has repeated this request several time, and the youngest sibling has been chosen to keep the skull safe. It's a strange arrangement which I certainly hope won't happen for 100 years, but interesting how adamant he is.

You should go into more detail about those "ethically sourced" bones, I feel like there's a whole video there.

The most surprising thing I learned is that Chef Boyardee was, like, an actually person, not a mascot. The More You Know!

I’m so happy to have watched this amazing channel grow up from less than 5,000 subs. To know how many Death Positive people, like myself, are out there supporting Caitlin’s videos and advocation of being able to talk about death openly, really gives me so much hope for humanity’s future. Sincerely, A Terminally Ill Deathling 🖤

Ultimate family heirloom: human skull bedazzled with diamonds made from remains. Bonus: save up the remains and get giant diamonds for the eye sockets.

I live in Austria and there's a town named Hallstatt near me with a long tradition of painting beautiful flower crowns and similar ornamental decorations on the skulls of the dead. This tradition apparently started because the town is located in a valley surrounded by tall mountains so there's no space to bury the dead bodies. So they just keep their decorated skulls in a crypt instead. Long story short, I'd really love for my skull to be in that crypt one day, flower crown and all.

Oh yeah, the Chinese pauper bones. I remember when I studied anthropology, we had this one small female skeletton in the lab, and one of the students one day asked the professor half-jokingly if he knew who that skeletton used to be. He looked that student dead in the eye and said: "Well, considering the amalgam-filled molars and how petite she was, and that she's been here since about 1970 - she's probably from the Vietnam war. We used to get a lot of Vietnam war victims in the 70s." Complete silence in the room. It was some time before anyone laughed again in that seminar.

I tattooed my best friend as dumb teens and when he died all I wanted was that tattoo but was too embarrassed to ask his mom. Man I miss him

I’m not weird (well,maybe). I’m not morbid. I love how she inserts little tidbits of her humor throughout her videos. I love her sense of humor.

When we cleaned out my grandparents house, I discovered "Yorick." My grandfather ended up with a mounted skull from the science department at the college he worked at. For some reason, none of my aunts wanted him, so he "lives" with me.

"Soooo Goth"...😂 Ethically sourced skull.. 😂 "Kicky new vest from Dad's hide." 😂 "Dad had some sick ink!" ..😂 Oh, Caitlyn, you're such a hoot!

My grandma just died a couple days ago. I started watching you when i found out my grandma was in her final days and you gave me relief. I feel more at ease because people like you take care of our loved ones. Thank you to you and everyone in your profession for being amazing human beings.

The owner of a tattoo studio here in my city had wished for several of his tattoos to be preserved and framed, and when he passed suddenly a few years ago, they did that. I think one of the photos you used was actually his. It's definitely an interesting service, but it's certainly expensive and unusual at this point. And of course, an ethical grey area. But this was actually on his will, with plans and money already put away apparently. So uh, to each their own lol

Forget my skull, I can't decide whether I want "I told you I was sick" or "Leave flowers or I will follow you home" written on my tomb stone.

I had a bio teacher in high school who took over the responsibilities of a skeleton that the police found in an abandoned house. She could use the skeleton for teaching but had to sign paperwork saying that when she was done using it for educational reasons she would have it properly buried. She never had a problem with this because she said that when she was done teaching there would be another teacher somewhere in the state who would be willing to accept the responsibility for the skeleton and use it for educational Purposes. The idea was that the skeleton would always have burial rights protected and at the ready, but that the skeleton would be used for educational purposes -AKA, leapfrogging through educational protectors“, for a very very very long time. Seton Catholic Central High School, 1990, Mrs. Dale Megley.

Today I started my first day of mortuary school. Thank you ,Caitlyn, for further empowering me within the field I had selected. As I go through what I expect to be a mostly run of the mill mortuary education, I anticipate this channel to become a safe space for me more than ever. I decided to enter mortuary science when I was a freshman in highschool after having experienced an unexpected family death, and seeing the horror of price gouged funerals. I was already against the funeral industry, and capitalism, and generally concerned about the environment when I found this channel two years later. The influence of this channel helped to show me that I was not alone in my thoughts or opinions, that there is an actively growing movement of people like myself. It helped me to solidify within myself my goals. It helped me understand that choosing a career path in funeral care dos not mean betraying my morals. so, thank you. My classmates are a very mixed bag, age wise, as people in mortuary school often are. they come from different backgrounds and that makes me weary as a queer individual with generally fringe beliefs and opinions. But, I can feel that my program is making an attempt to be modern and inclusive (in our second semester we even have a class that literally uses one of Caitlyn's books as the actual textbook), so for now I suppose I will take what I can get from school, and continue to do my own research outside of it.

"Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinate jest, of most excellant fancy..."

"I don't know how to remove a head!" *Hayden & Bentham's heads look on in shame*

My boyfriend wanted to leave me his defleshed skull with the ashes of his body compressed into gems in his eye sockets. Maybe itll be legal by the time we die lol

My best friend and I have matching tattoos, I just asked her too and now we have a pact that if anything should happen to us in the next few years, we’re saving each other’s tattoo for keepsake 😂💕

I'm sure you've addressed this already, but could you possibly 1) have a natural burial on a private family plot, 2) wait a while, 3) plan a transfer of the remains to a different plot for administrative reasons, and then 4) transfer the loose skull to your living room?

I didn't realize how much I've missed The Meow, Ask a Mortician title sequence until I saw it again just now. 🐈😀

So I know that the law says I can't have organs harvested from my parent's corpse if they said no (or I believe merely even if they didn't say yes). So. Could that be the way? If my dad were to say "it is my will that my bleached skull remains with my family and for my children to care for as they choose."... would that protect the funeral homes and others from "abuse of a corpse" charges? (my dad is genuinely asking. He says he'd do it in the condition that it'd be a happy reminder for us, and that at all times his skull would be adorned with one thing. A fake mustache, silly glasses, a tiny tophat, etc... Which is THE MOST my dad thing I've ever heard.)

I realize I’m leaving comments on old videos but , I think you’re amazing. I’m learning so much about history and death and you’ve given me a lot to think about. I’ve even made an appt with a funeral home to discuss alternative options! I like your style. Your funny AF , most importantly you’re gifting others comfort. I’ve learned so much and I feel like I can advocate for myself! Thanks dolls. You da best ♥️

Man, I feel like this is gonna throw a wrench into my plan to have my bones taken out and made into bone char to be used in the forging of a badass corpse sword. That's upsetting, I was all excited about being a sword. :/

"Why aren't people buying expensive caskets like they used to?" Well, when the hospital demands payment in full for the deceased's medical bills within a week after death, that kind of limits your options for the funeral...

Honestly, if anyone needs an explanation for why abuse of corpse law excuse, just point them to the Iconic Corpse playlist. Especially poor Elena de Hoyos. ESPECIALLY THAT VIDEO.

Potential Loophole? (At least in England) A composer donated his body to science and asked that his skull later be given to the Royal Shakespeare Company so he could play Yorick in Hamlet. Which, honestly, is pretty Badass. Though others have tried to gain the role, not all have succeeded. I would actually love to see a video discussing the history of actual skulls playing (or trying to be processed in order to play) Yorick. The TV show "Slings and Arrows" even had a storyline where they had to find a sketchy taxidermist to help execute a former artistic director's wishes. After seeing this video, I'm not certain how accurate that storyline is, but it looks like they at least did their research to know that you can't just send the skull off to 1-800-my-skull.

I just absolutely love how no topic is off the table for you, how informational, matter of fact and humorous you make of all death related subjects. I just love that you're doing the good work of giving us all permission to explore death and help us all to not be as fearful of it. Although, I know when I find my very old dead dog one day, I will be scared of her body and probably run screaming. And why? Maybe because I don't have a plan for when that happens. Hmmmm....randomness over... Thank you Caitlin!

That’s so interesting. I never thought that having a body burned in an oven until nothing remains but bone and having the bone reduced to ash and sit on your mantle would be legal, but having just the head, just the flesh removed, and even simply owning it would be “corpse abuse” and illegal.

No Bentham's head? The one guy who famously DID get his head preserved, and he doesn't get a cameo? *Sad utilitarian noises*

Love that self nod to your part in reducing funeral cost! Love it!! Keep it up!

Sooo crazy- I love this channel and it hasn’t popped up on my KZfaq recommendations in so long. I was researching legal ways to preserve my loved one’s remains and it brought me back to one of my first Loves (Ask A Mortician) glad to be back 🖤

So, even if I put in my Will or Trust, that I want my bones de-fleshed and distributed to specific family members, that's still not OK? But if I donate my body to a University, its perfectly legal for them to deflesh my skull and put it in a classroom? That's just not right.

"Am I correct in understanding you put your father's skull in that bowling ball?" "No." "Ah." "The lady at the shop did it for me." -Mystery Men

I bought that book on audible. So far so totally rad. And listening to you makes me feel like I'm watching your videos. So snuggly and warm!

Learned about Save My Ink Forever in a local news article a while ago and stumbled upon your video here. Have since watched multiple and bought your book 😉 Thanks for doing what you do and for educating us all! Appreciate your content and personality!

Yay for the return of the flying cat angels in the title sequence 🥳

"Why aren't people buying expensive caskets like they used to?" shows her videos.. ME: well to be fair it was because of you that I had my mother aquamated in July when she passed instead of cremated or buried. The director even asked how we found out about it to which i replied... "KZfaq..."

I just love your videos! You are a great story teller, and the dead have always been fascinating to me. How we treat them is truly interesting and is crazy varied. Love it all.

I’m a Thanatologist and a Bereavement Specialist for hospice and I love your videos! I always learn something, Thank you for your death and grief education!

Your channel changed my burial plans from "giant metal casket" to "throw me in a field to decompose so I can help further forensic sciences" and I'm glad my choice has forced uptight traditional funeral homes to consider tattoo preservation to earn back revenue.

Work around: cremation, then mix the ashes with resin or similar and pour into a skull shaped mold.

I love your videos! You keep me laughing while teaching me so much. Sometimes I have to backup and replay so I don't miss anything because I'm snicker snorting.

You have my vote for all the good your channel has done. 👍

There’s a skull in the closet of the art room in the rural high school I went to. The art teacher had no idea who he was and said he’d been there since she took the job. As far as I know he’s still there. I had a panic attack when 15-year-old me first picked him up thinking it was just plastic. I wonder about him a lot. Is there a legal way to get him identified? It sounds like trying to buy him from the school would be very iffy and maybe expensive, but an adult woman breaking into a high school to steal something is definitely also a crime. I know whoever he was is long gone & it’s just bone, like there’s no ghost stuck in a high school forever, but it still makes me sad that he’s just stuck there. (Also drawings of him got me accepted into art school with a scholarship, so I owe him).

Caitlin: "Support yourself, ladies." Me: "Yes, girl!" I always love the book promos.

Thanks Caitlin for demystifying death and the funeral right.

Awesome video !! Can’t wait to place my order . Keep it up girl

Seeing Caitlin in the bathtub promoting her book, and all I can think is "how did she get her legs in there when she's so tall?" LOL

So fun story.. When My mom was a kid they had this skull in their grandparents attic they thought was fake, they used to play with it and everything.. It wasn't until they were in their 20s did the family find out the truth that one of my mom's uncles (who had the definition of a cursed life) dug up a skull from this Native American land near their house when he was a kid.. Once they found out they returned it to the Chief of the area but yeah.. He ended up with a not so nice life, he killed himself when i was in middle school.

Gosh darn it, I was studying and prepping for the Bar exam while you were doing those book tours!! Hope you have another one soon. Def. putting all 3 of your books on my Christmas list!!!!

Just love your mortician humor!!! And vids are so original and educational about a subject seldom explored. Tanks and keep it coming!🙀😉

In Sweden where I live, it's even illegal to keep a loved one's ashes at home. So people even wondering if you can have someone's head just chilling in your living room feels so strange to me😅

“These laws are put into place to stop weirdos and criminals from doing...” Simplified Answer: weird and criminal things

You popped up in my feed out of nowhere. This is my second video and I've subscribed. Is it weird I'm kind of in love already?

Love this channel so happy she's gotton more subscribers an the recognition she deserves! Wish you'd make videos every day id watch lol

Caitlin: There are corpse laws. Dr Frankenstein: Am I a joke to you?

“Why aren’t people buying expensive metal caskets??” I laughed out loud and everyone is looking at me...but I can’t explain what I’m laughing at without really freaking them out. Hahahahahahaha

My grandmother had my grandfathers full skeleton. In certain parts of Mexico the body of the deceased is only buried for four years. After that the remains are exhumed and given to the family. My grandfathers remains are now stored in the walls of the church he attended in his hometown. My grandfather was well known for his full head of hair while alive. After being exhumed his skull still had the scalp attached with his iconic full head of hair.

Your camisole is GORGEOUS! Oh, and I’ve seen all your videos, thank you so much for all the amazing information and humor!

My neighbor has a cast of her father's skull sitting next to an urn of his ashes. I don't know how she was able to have that done, but it is kinda neat.

My grandma replaced the old golden bridges in her teeth a couple of years before she passed and now thats my macabre keepsake of hers :)

I just bought your book, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, and it's AWESOME! Same great delivery as your videos ❤🥀

I still love this video. The tub scene, promoting your paperback edition, is a winner. You rock.

AH-HA! The answer: Use dad's cremated ashes to sculpt a ceramic skull! If you're good, you could get an xray of his skull, and make it correct-to-life!

What if the deceased had requested their skull be given to someone? Like it's in their will that their favorite kid gets to have their skull? Does that change things since they are deciding what to do with their own body?

The bathtub commercial got me. I just bought your books. Can't wait to read them!

I heard momento mori and started having flashbacks

WHAT?!? No Bentham's head at the end?? Awww, a missed opportunity, for sure. 😂😂

thanks to you, i actually got to keep the metal plate my mom had in her arm. i know it's a little different, but it's still very meaningful to me.

Such a morbidly cool channel! I subbed and have been binging.

This is more of a taxidermist subject than a morticians line of work.