In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Matthew McCluney of USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park about one of Mobile’s most memorable destinations for attendees of MBNA’s 2027 Monument Industry Show. McCluney explains how the USS Alabama escaped the scrapyard, became a permanent memorial, and continues to be preserved as both a historic artifact and a place of remembrance. The conversation explores visitor access, restoration decisions, personal artifacts, park memorials and the importance of creating spaces where people can pause, reflect and honor service. It’s a timely invitation to experience Mobile’s history beyond the show floor together.

In this special crossover episode of Monument Matters and We Rock, Mike Johns, Tony Watson and Austin Keese explore how education, networking and association involvement continue to shape the monument industry. The discussion highlights the evolving value of Monument Builders of North America, the role of regional associations, mentorship, workforce development and the importance of sharing knowledge across generations. Along the way, the conversation touches on Monument Builders Academy, industry events, leadership and why staying connected may be one of the most valuable investments monument professionals can make.

In this special takeover episode of Monument Matters, the leadership team of WinMBNA shares personal stories, career lessons, and insights into the future of the monument industry. Cristine Bouwkamp, Courtney Swart, Abbey Metcalf, and Ryan Worthington discuss mentorship, networking, women in leadership, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for professional growth. The conversation also explores how WinMBNA provides education, scholarships, webinars, community discussions, and meaningful industry connections that help members grow personally and professionally. From learning to speak up with confidence to adapting to AI and new technologies, this episode focuses on carving a stronger path forward together

Lettering is often treated as a secondary step in monument design—but should it be? In this episode, Brandon Billester of the Monument Lettering Center joins the conversation to explore the evolution of typography in the monument industry, from hand-drawn craftsmanship to today’s standardized digital fonts. He explains how new font technologies are reintroducing customization, creativity, and artistic expression, while also offering practical advice for shops looking to experiment without overcomplicating their process. From kerning to ligatures, this discussion highlights how thoughtful lettering can elevate design, create differentiation, and deliver greater value to families—even when they can’t quite explain why.

What does it take to turn a life story into a lasting memorial? In this episode, the team at Harrison Monument share how they worked with Salem Stone to transform a young man’s passion for motocross into a dynamic, deeply personal tribute that received the MBNA’s 2026 Excellence in Design Award. From early design concepts to supplier collaboration and technical challenges like laser etching and material selection, this conversation explores the balance of artistry, engineering and storytelling. You’ll also hear how strong partnerships—and a small-town perspective—helped bring this project to life and create a monument that resonates far beyond the cemetery.

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Troy Caldwell about the launch of Monument Builders Academy, MBNA’s new online education platform for monument professionals. Designed to support onboarding, team development, and industry knowledge, the Academy provides training that companies can deliver directly to staff at their desks. The conversation explores why structured education is critical for the future of the monument industry, how the fundamentals course benefits employees at every level, and what additional courses are coming next. The episode also highlights how shared learning can strengthen company culture, improve employee retention, and inspire the next generation of professionals in memorialization.

New MBNA President Sean Longstreth, CM, AICA shares how growing up in a fifth-generation monument business shaped his passion for memorialization. In this conversation with host Mike Johns, he reflects on craftsmanship, the value of MBNA membership, and why personal outreach and collaboration are essential to strengthening the monument industry.

Despite rising cremation rates, many families still want a permanent place to remember their loved ones. In this episode of Monument Matters, Mike Johns and Cristine Bouwkamp explore burial trends, green burial, and why meaningful memorialization remains essential for grief, remembrance, and connection across generations.

Dr. Tanya Marsh joins Monument Matters to unpack what consumer research really reveals about cremation, burial and emerging options like green burial and human composting. The data challenges assumptions and highlights a key opportunity: education, flexibility and creative memorialization may matter more than industry narratives suggest.

In Season 2, Episode 2 of Monument Matters, Ross Oglesby of Keystone Memorials and Dan Weeres of Coldspring discuss how CNC technology is reshaping the monument industry. They share real-world experiences—from early machine failures to five-axis sculpture work—and explain how digital modeling improves accuracy, safety and customer expectations. While CNC machines excel at stock removal and precision moldings, both emphasize that skilled craftsmen remain essential for finishing and artistic detail. The conversation highlights how technology serves as an “apprentice,” removing heavy lifting while allowing sculptors to focus on proportion, refinement and artistry.