Obsessed With Death

Diagnosed with end-stage heart failure, Sofia walks us through the mysterious early symptoms, her emergency hospitalization, and the rapid decision to receive an LVAD that now keeps her alive.  You can follow Sofia on TikTok here .

In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the decision to deny parole to Yolanda Saldívar, who killed singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez in 1995, and whether a 64-year-old grandma should still be considered a public threat. They also dive into the bizarre case of Dr. Gerhardt Konig, a Maui anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill his wife during a hike by using a rock and a cliff - plus much more!

On this episode of  Obsessed with Death , singer-songwriter Kevin Devine joins for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about mortality, grief, and how becoming a parent changed his perspective on purpose and risk. He reflects on early encounters with death, the emotional impact of losing his brother, sobriety, artistic interpretation, and how music about death fosters connection more than expla...

In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss an Australian man who lived 100 days with a titanium artificial heart before a successful transplant, signaling a potential shift in heart failure treatment. In South Carolina, Brad Sigmon was executed by firing squad, the first in the U.S. in 15 years—raising questions about whether it's more humane than lethal injection. Finally, we unpack the mysterious...

On this episode of  Obsessed with Death , we dive into the fascinating world of gravestone recipes with Rosie Grant, a TikTok creator and author of an upcoming cookbook that uncovers the stories behind culinary epitaphs. Rosie shares her journey of tracking down families, collecting recipes from headstones, and preserving the legacies of those who left their favorite dishes behind. We explore the...

In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss an Indiana jump-rope champion who used his double-Dutch ropes to rescue a drowning man and his dog, NASA’s concerns over asteroid 2024 YR4 and its small but real chance of hitting Earth—or the moon—and Delta’s unexpected $30,000 payout to passengers after a flight flipped on landing in Toronto.

Ömer Sami, the director of Eternal Father, joins the show to talk about his documentary about how a father’s attempt to defy death with cryonic preservation affects his family’s lives. You can watch the full documentary by clicking here.

In this episode, Rob and Greg dive into the importance of making that yearly check-up with your doctor a non-negotiable part of your routine and explore the idea of having open text communication with your doctor—should it really be that accessible? They also uncover a startling and often overlooked trend: death rates spike on Christmas Day, the day after Christmas, and New Year’s Day, a phenomeno...

Hosts Kendel & Rachel, aren’t professionals just professional grievers who started a podcast to help normalize and build community for those dealing with grief and loss.

In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss Anthony “TJ” Hoover, a man declared brain dead who woke up during organ harvesting surgery, raising questions about medical protocols and organ donation. Next, they talk about Barry Griffiths, who tragically stabbed himself while trying to separate frozen burgers, highlighting the risks of living alone. Finally, they explore a new exercise pill, LaKe, which mi...

Penny Smith, BSN, RN is a (US) nationally certified hospice and palliative care nurse, social media influencer and author of Influencing Death, Reframing Dying for Better Living. 

Comedian and Podcaster Greg Stone joins the final word as guest co-host, and to be honest, we didn't get into one story...but it's a great episode and you'll love it! I promise we'll get back to more stories next episode. Watch Greg's Full Special - Greg Stone Nobody Presents

Grace Wethor is an award-winning actress, director, bestselling author, and leading advocate for brain cancer and pediatric health. Diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumor at 13, she turned her experience into a mission, working with the White House and Capitol Hill to advance legislation securing over $100 million in funding for youth healthcare. Her latest book,  Seven Thompson & the Art o...

We celebrate one year of The Final Word! Thank you for listening!

Don't miss comedian Benny Blue's debut comedy special, Live From My Mother's Funeral , now streaming on YouTube!

In this episode, Rob and Gary kick things off by exploring the idea that having a lot of possessions is linked to mortality and death, with Rob sharing the strange reactions he gets when people realize he doesn’t own much. They then dive into fascinating new research on human aging, revealing that it occurs in two accelerated bursts rather than gradually, impacting cardiovascular health, metabolis...

Charley Burlock and Rob explore the tension between traditional private grief and the public nature of online mourning. Should we appreciate how the internet allows for a communal experience of mourning? Read Charley's full article from The Atlantic. My Brother Died. His Facebook Page Lives On.

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death! In this episode Rob and Gary discuss some new funeral ideas that Rob would like to take place when he passes, Disney's legal battle to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jeffrey Piccolo, citing a prior arbitration agreement linked to his Disney+ subscription. We also cover the charges brought against two doctors, a personal ass...

Sheldon Solomon is a leading figure in psychology, known for his extensive research on the effects of death awareness on human behavior. His influential studies have not only advanced academic understanding but also reached wider audiences through impactful documentaries and publications.

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death! In this episode, Rob and Gary reflect on the one-year anniversary of the passing of actor and comedian Paul Reubens. They discuss the impact of losing beloved musicians and artists to suicide, and delve into the ongoing ordeal of two NASA astronauts who have been stranded in space for over two months due to issues with their Boeing spacec...

Alix Strauss is a trend, culture and lifestyle journalist; an award-winning, four-time published author; speaker; and frequent contributor to The New York Times.  You can purchase the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Joy of Funerals, here .

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death! In this episode, Rob and Gary delve into the story of a California man who survived ten harrowing days stranded in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park known for its ancient coast redwoods. They also examine Boeing's ongoing public relations nightmare as their Starliner spacecraft, carrying two astronauts, rem...

Doug Stanhope is an American stand-up comedian, author, actor, and podcast host. Doug joined the show to talk all things death, comedy hospice and much more, enjoy!

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death! In this episode, Rob and Gary delve into Equinox's new $40,000-per-year program designed to enhance overall health and longevity. They also discuss Jeff Goldblum's recent statements, where he advises his children not to expect financial support from their parents, emphasizing the importance of his eight and six-year-old sons findi...

David's profound experiences, including a darkness retreat and caring for his dying grandfather, prompted a career pivot to embrace poetry and become a death doula. Inspired by a "Year to Live" class, he set a symbolic death date for March 7th, 2024. Follow David on Instagram @mor.intune to stay up to date on his debut poetry manuscript and other offerings. Learn more about David&#39...