Hoooo boy. We're all up in death and dying's bizness and to Alie's shock, it's not a bummer. Confront and perhaps OVERCOME existential anxiety as we discuss not only the science of death but the nature and goddamn beauty of life. Everything from burial methods, the latest in eco funerals, what a funeral director hates most, how gnomes die, and how to regret ... Show More
Feb 11
Venereology (SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS) with Ina Park
You’ve got junk, and we have info. The charming and hilarious researcher, professor, sex-positive health advocate, and author of the science book “Strange Bedfellows,” Dr. Ina Park, joins to talk about sores, symptoms, muffs, condoms, testing schedules, titillating vaccine develo ... Show More
1h 26m
Feb 4
Genealogy (FAMILY TREES) Encore with Stephen Hanks
Histories, mysteries, memories and families: it’s time to clamber up our ancestral trees. Author and genealogist Stephen Hanks -- who teaches genealogy classes in Portland, Oregon and has contributed to PBS genealogy documentaries -- sits down to chat in this encore episode about ... Show More
1h 8m
Jan 28
Asinology (DONKEYS) with Faith Burden
Tall ears. Huge teeth. Underestimated wit. And vocalizations that would make a songbird envious. Let’s talk donkeys with researcher and Director at The Donkey Sanctuary, Asinologist Dr. Faith Burden. We cover pop culture donkeys, their road to domestication, how much they can car ... Show More
1h 15m
Jun 2024
Revel In It: Home Sweet (Funeral) Home
Oliver has a fascinating conversation with former Funeral Director, Codi Shewan prompting questions about life, death, and the paranormal! How did Codi decide to attend mortuary college when he was only a teen? Is someone who is surrounded by death actually afraid of dying?See om ... Show More
1h 15m
Jul 2023
How Death Influences Life with John Christian Phifer of Larkspur Conservation
In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about something that has never been talked about before on this podcast, and that’s the topic of death. Now, this episode is not for the faint of heart, and if the idea of death makes you squeamish or uncomfortable (and rightfully so!), my ... Show More
43m 34s
Sep 2024
643 Nothing to Fear with Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden
I am so thrilled to welcome Hospice Nurse Julie to the show to talk to us all about end-of-life care: what to expect, what actively dying looks like, why it's so important to normalize discussing death, and what inspired Julie to start posting on TikTok and write her book, Nothin ... Show More
36m 30s
Dec 2024
Hannah Gould et al., "Death and Funeral Practices in Japan" (Routledge, 2024)
Death and Funeral Practices in Japan (Routledge, 2024) is an essential introductory text an often overlooked element of cultural expression. The books offers a succinct history to the development of funeral practices over time, and describes a typical contemporary funeral in deta ... Show More
40m 24s
Dec 2024
518. Grief, fear, and the courage to live fully | David Kessler
What if the greatest lessons about life came from those who are facing the end of it? In this episode, grief expert David Kessler shares what he’s learned from over 20 years of guiding people through their final transition. We explore how fear holds us back from truly living, why ... Show More
42m 57s
Sep 2024
Death and How to Live It: Death Doula, Alua Arthur
Alua Arthur joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to explore the transformative power of embracing mortality. They delve into how contemplating death can bring clarity and meaning to life, the cultural taboos around discussing death, and the importance of preparing for the end of life. ... Show More
58m 56s