488. Does Death Have to Be a Death Sente...

In the final episode of our whale series, we learn about fecal plumes, shipping noise, and why Moby-Dick is still worth reading. (Part 3 of "Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.") SOURCES:Michele Baggio, professor of economics at the University of Connecticut.Mary K. Bercaw-E ... Show More

For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus. But today, demand for whale products is at a historic low. And yet some countries still have a whaling industry. We find out why. ... Show More

Whaling was, in the words of one scholar, “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas.” How did the U.S. come to dominate the whale market? Why did whale hunting die out here — and continue to grow elsewhere? And is that whale vomit in your perfume? (Part 1 of “Everything You Ne ... Show More

Palliative physician B.J. Miller asks: Is there a better way to think about dying? And can death be beautiful?  

Dr. BJ Miller is a hospice and palliative care specialist who treats patients with life-altering and terminal illnesses at the University of California in San Francisco. Dr. Miller shares his revelations about a subject that is often taboo in our culture: the experience of death. ... Show More

Original Air Date: November 12th, 2018Dr. BJ Miller is a hospice and palliative care specialist who treats patients with life-altering and terminal illnesses at the University of California in San Francisco. Dr. Miller shares his revelations about a subject that is often taboo in ... Show More

The Minimalists speak with hospice physician Zach Bush, MD, about accepting death. Listen to all three hours of episode 362 on The Minimalists Private Podcast. Discussed in this episode: How does it seem that we effortlessly let go of everything when we die? (01:48) How do we det ... Show More

How has our relationship with death changed over the last few decades? What is a "good death"? Dr. Richard Smith, Dr. Libby Sallnow, and Dr. M.R. Rajagopal discuss a new Lancet Commission which looks to address questions about how society treats death and dying. You can continue ... Show More

Stephen Sackur speaks to brain surgeon Henry Marsh whose book “Do No Harm” became a bestseller. Now he is confronting his own advanced cancer, and lobbying for the legislation of assisted dying for the terminally ill. Should death ever be the desired outcome for a doctor? 

In this episode of the Tuesday People Podcast, host Mitch Albom tackles a question that we all have thought about at one point or another - would you prefer a quick death or a prolonged illness leading up to your demise? With insightful commentary from Mitch's beloved professor, ... Show More

More on philosophical and psychological interpretations of and judgments about suicide with guest Drew Pinsky. Is suicide an epidemic or a choice? Could it be both? Socrates didn't fear death and inspired Stoics and others to see suicide in some circumstances as brave. Or is it a ... Show More