Digital Social Hour: Inside the World of Crime Scene Cleaning | Matt Montague DSH #1357
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Matt Montague, Owner of the Largest Crime Scene Cleaning Company in California, Las Vegas, and Arizona
Release Date: April 29, 2025
1. Introduction to Matt Montague and His Business
In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, Sean Kelly welcomes Matt Montague, the owner of the leading crime scene cleaning company operating in California, Las Vegas, Arizona, and ranking fourth in Texas. Matt shares insights into building his business from the ground up since its inception in 2010.
Notable Quote:
Matt (01:05): “I kind of faked it till I made it. You know, I think everybody does that.”
2. The Diverse Nature of Crime Scene Cleaning
Matt discusses the wide array of cases his company handles, extending beyond homicides and suicides to include natural deaths, industrial accidents, and incidents in public areas like homeless encampments.
Notable Quote:
Matt (02:05): “When I say I clean homicides and suicides, everybody thinks, oh, but they forget about the natural deaths that happen too.”
3. Handling Decomposed and Gruesome Scenes
The episode delves into the challenges of dealing with decomposed bodies, especially in varying climates. Matt recounts encountering bodies decomposed for up to several months, depending on environmental conditions.
Notable Quote:
Matt (02:39): “The body starts to liquefy within hours in the heat. It can start to really be bad in the summertime.”
4. The Emotional Toll and Coping Mechanisms
Matt opens up about the psychological impact of his work, including desensitization and the onset of PTSD after years in the field. He emphasizes the emotional strain of witnessing traumatic scenes, particularly those involving children.
Notable Quote:
Matt (05:00): “I think PTSD starts to come in because you... we have an average of maybe seven years that people work for us.”
5. Gruesome Cases: Real-Life Horror Stories
Several harrowing cases are shared, including a methamphetamine-induced murder where a perpetrator mutilated his mother and ultimately took his own life, and incidents involving serial killers serving human meat in taco carts.
Notable Quote:
Matt (07:36): “He was eating her liver while he masturbated. Pretty savage, man.”
6. Business Operations and Insurance Challenges
Matt explains the complexities of operating a crime scene cleaning business, including stringent regulations in California, reliance on homeowner’s insurance, and the difficulties posed by major companies like Aftermath due to questionable billing practices.
Notable Quote:
Matt (14:37): “We bill the homeowners insurance, which covers it. Usually 90% of our work is insurance work.”
7. Navigating Reviews and Customer Interactions
The conversation touches on managing customer reviews, both positive and negative. Matt shares an incident where he received a bad review after a heated interaction with a grieving client.
Notable Quote:
Matt (39:48): “So I got a bad review for that, and I'll accept that. You know, I shouldn't have said that.”
8. Personal Philosophy on Life and Death
Matt and Sean discuss the inevitability of death and the importance of living without regrets. Matt reflects on how his job has shaped his outlook on mortality and the importance of cherishing each day.
Notable Quote:
Matt (22:05): “The one thing that you know is guaranteed in life is death.”
9. Coping with Mental Health and Seeking Help
Matt details his journey to sobriety, including quitting alcohol and seeking therapy to manage anxiety and PTSD. He also contemplates the potential benefits and apprehensions surrounding microdosing psychedelics for PTSD relief.
Notable Quote:
Matt (31:20): “But a lot of people have been telling me that I need to micro dose mushrooms. It does wonders for PTSD.”
10. Future Plans and Industry Insights
Looking ahead, Matt discusses his intentions to potentially sell his company as his children show no interest in continuing the family business. He also provides an insider’s perspective on the crime scene cleaning industry, highlighting the underreported nature of deaths in places like Las Vegas hotels.
Notable Quote:
Matt (46:14): “None of my kids want any part of the death. They just don't want it.”
Conclusion
In this eye-opening episode, Sean Kelly and Matt Montague explore the grim yet crucial world of crime scene cleaning. Matt’s candid discussions about the complexities of his job, the emotional and psychological challenges, and the business intricacies offer listeners a rare glimpse into an often-overlooked profession. From handling the most gruesome scenes to navigating the pitfalls of insurance dealings, Matt’s experiences underscore the resilience and dedication required in this line of work. Additionally, his personal reflections on life, death, and mental health provide valuable insights into maintaining well-being amidst relentless exposure to tragedy.
Final Notable Quote:
Matt (43:43): “You just can't please everyone. You could have the best service or product.”
For those intrigued by the raw and unfiltered conversations that challenge conventional thinking, this episode of Digital Social Hour is a must-listen. Matt Montague’s journey offers both inspiration and a sobering reminder of the realities behind cleaning up life’s darkest moments.