Obsessed With Death

2 Girls with Grief Jan 19, 2025

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.

The Final Word - Episode 13 Jan 05, 2025

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 mimics the effects of running a 10K without physical effort, and its potential impact on health and fitness.

Influencing Death Dec 23, 2024

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.

Greg Stone Dec 08, 2024

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

Advocacy in Brain Cancer Nov 18, 2024

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 of Remembering, is a global bestseller and available here.

The Final Word - Episode 12 Nov 04, 2024

We celebrate one year of The Final Word!

Thank you for listening!

Humor in a Eulogy Oct 21, 2024

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

The Final Word - Episode 11 Oct 07, 2024

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, metabolism, and immune function around ages 44 and 60. The conversation also touches on James Earl Jones' decision to preserve his iconic Darth Vader voice through AI for future Star Wars projects. Finally, they discuss NASA's upcoming rescue mission to the International Space Station and the challenges of safely bringing astronauts back to Earth.

Grieving Online Sep 23, 2024

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 - Episode 10 Sep 09, 2024

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 assistant, and others in connection with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, exploring the tragic misuse of ketamine therapy and the exploitation of Perry's struggles with addiction.

Grasping Mortality with Sheldon Solomon Aug 26, 2024

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 - Episode 9 Aug 12, 2024

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 spacecraft.

The Joy of Funerals Jul 29, 2024

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 - Episode 8 Jul 15, 2024

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, remains stuck in orbit and the in memoriam segment honoring O.J. Simpson who was credited on screen as "former NFL player."

Doug Stanhope Jun 29, 2024

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 - Episode 7 Jun 17, 2024

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 finding their own path to financial independence after his death. Additionally, they cover the closure of a high-profile case involving Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, where investigators concluded he died by suicide after ballistics and autopsy reports confirmed the firearm found in his hand was used in his death

A Year to Live Jun 03, 2024

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's Death Doula's, Tide Beattie and Soyeon Davis here, mesocommunity.com.

The Final Word - Episode 6 May 20, 2024

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death!

In this episode, Rob and Gary discuss the news that a second Boeing whistleblower has died after a sudden illness, just two months after another one allegedly shot himself in the head. They also delve into the phasing out of Charged Lemonade, a highly caffeinated beverage blamed for at least two deaths and explore how scientists have discovered the mechanism behind a rare genetic mutation that allows a woman to live her life virtually pain-free.

Postmortem Tattoo Service May 06, 2024

Save My Ink Forever offers a seamless process for individuals to either plan their own tattoo preservation or for family members to engage in a specialized service upon their passing. The process is designed to be accessible and respectful, ensuring that the beauty of each tattoo is preserved and celebrated.

Learn more here.

The Final Word - Episode 5 Apr 22, 2024

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death!

In this episode, Rob and Gary dive into the passing of O.J. Simpson, exploring how his death stirred up memories of the trial that captivated the nation in the 90s. They unpack the public's reactions and the ongoing discourse surrounding the case. They also dissect the events on the set of 'Rust,' and the complexities of the situation, including the sentencing of the weapons armorer to 18 months in jail for involuntary manslaughter.

Buried in a Selfie Casket Apr 08, 2024

Ryan Noufer is a filmmaker whose films have premiered in multiple film festivals across the world. Ryan joins the show to discuss his short film The Hereafter, about a product that allows the dead to keep posting to their social media from beyond the grave.

You can watch The Hereafter on YouTube.

The Final Word - Episode 4 Mar 25, 2024

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death!

Rob and Gary discuss the Boeing whistleblower who was found dead in his pickup truck in Charleston, South Carolina, if you'd rather know how you were going to die or when you would die and the footage of a scary moment for two Texas zoo keepers after they found themselves in an enclosure with a silverback gorilla.

Numbered Days Mar 11, 2024

Numbered Days specializes in creating websites tailored explicitly for professionals in the death industry. Their team is dedicated to providing affordable solutions for your business, ensuring that your online presence is uniquely designed for the needs of death workers. Delivering budget-friendly services that cater specifically to those offering death-related services, encompassing website development and branding to enhance your online visibility.

For more info go to, numbered-days.com

The Final Word - Episode 3 Feb 26, 2024

The Final Word - A Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death!

Rob and Gary discuss AI Death Calculators, the fears of commercial air travel, and why you should never play the movie Titanic on a long flight; enjoy!

The Atheist Chaplain Feb 11, 2024

⁠Devin Moss spent a year ministering to convicted killer Phillip Hancock. He is an atheist chaplain and hosts The Adventures of Memento Mori Podcast⁠. He joins the show to discuss his time with Phillip and his views on life, death, and much more.

Seven Day; Hospital Recap Jan 29, 2024

Rob just spent a week in the hospital, so clearly he had to do a podcast about the entire experience, otherwise what's the point?!

Death and Ramen Jan 12, 2024

Writer-director Tiger Ji joins the show to talk about life, death and his new short film, Death and Ramen.

Watch Death and Ramen here.

Paranormal Investigations Dec 29, 2023

We are celebrating the holidays with an episode about Paranormal Research and Investigations. Enjoy!

Support our Sponsors!

⁠⁠Lovecoda.com⁠⁠

Everything you need to navigate pet end of life.

Pet loss resources, guides, and modern memorialization options.

The Final Word - Episode 2 Dec 15, 2023

The Final Word - A Brand New Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death!

Rob and Gary discuss a Nebraska funeral worker who was fired after using a sex doll of a dead man he was tasked to collect. P Diddy, blowing up Kid Cudi's car, a deal to kill both Tupac and Suge Knight in the mid-1990s, and Heinz's search for a man who survived nearly a month at sea by eating nothing but ketchup. They also chat about how long they would survive alone at sea, on an island, and what type of sauce besides ketchup would be best.

Make sure you rate, review, subscribe, and tell a friend!

Let's Talk Death! Dec 01, 2023

Mandy is the co-founder and editor of TalkDeath, and also the founder and President of the online memorial platform, Keeper. Mandy’s work has appeared in national and international publications, she has been a featured presenter at professional funeral and cemetery conferences and was recently featured as an industry innovator by American Funeral Director Magazine.

Support our Sponsors!

⁠Lovecoda.com⁠

Everything you need to navigate pet end of life .

Pet loss resources, guides, and modern memorialization options.

The Final Word - Episode 1 Dec 01, 2023

The Final Word - A Brand New Monthly Series from Obsessed with Death!

Rob and Gary discuss Tupac's alleged killer, drunken men shooting each other while wearing bulletproof vests, how much time they need before the world ends, and why you shouldn't google anything before committing murder.

Don't Widow Alone Sep 20, 2023

When Leslie's husband died suddenly in 2019 from a freak brain aneurysm and stroke, she only wanted to talk to other widows. Vids for Wids is a place for solidarity for everyone wondering what they "should" be doing after their world blows up.

Support our Sponsors!

Lovecoda.com

Everything you need to navigate pet end of life .

Pet loss resources, guides, and modern memorialization options.

Widowsfire.com

Interested in joining a community of like-minded Wids?

If you're ready to meet potential new friends/romantic partners, check out Widows Fire, today!

Coda (Pet Loss) Aug 22, 2023

Losing a pet is a terrible experience. It's a horrible reality that we all face - pet parents also are rarely prepared for it.

For more info, resources, guides and help, go to lovecoda.com

Finding the Words Jul 25, 2023

Colin Campbell is an Academy Award-nominated writer and director; his one-person show titled "Grief: A One Man ShitShow" premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, where it won a Best of Broadwater Award.

He also wrote a book titled, "Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose," a powerful account of one father's journey through the loss of his two teenage children that a drunk driver killed. Colin offers readers a new vision of how to more actively and fully mourn a profound loss.

Widow's Fire (Sponsored Episode) Jun 27, 2023

Interested in joining a community of like-minded Wids? Are you ready to meet potential new friends/romantic partners? Meet other Wids who are interested in exploring new connections with the potential for friendship, companionship or even a romantic relationship!

For more, check out WidowsFire.com and connect with like-minded Wids around the world, publicly and privately.

Death from Outer Space May 22, 2023

Research editor and contributing writer at Wired Magazine, Meghan Herbst, is back on the show to talk all things death and outer space! Space travel, space tourism, astroids, the sun, its all terrifying, and can kill us within just a few seconds. So we talk all things space and death, enjoy!

Gravestone Recipes Apr 21, 2023

Rosie Grant joins the podcast to discuss her time as an intern in the archives of a Washington cemetery and how she finds and cooks gravestone recipes from the last 30+ years.

Follow Rosie on Instagram and TikTok - @ghostly.archive

Dick Johnson Is Dead Mar 02, 2023

As her father nears the end of his life, filmmaker Kirsten Johnson stages his death in inventive and comical ways to help them both face the inevitable. You can watch Kirsten Johnsons film on Netflix now!

Alcoholism Jan 30, 2023

Nick Thune is an American actor, comedian, and musician. He joined the show to discuss his struggles with addiction, near-death in rehab, losing friends to alcoholism and much more.

If you'd like to see him perform live check out - nickthune.com

Modern Urns (Sponsored Episode) Dec 30, 2022

Oaktree was founded after losing beloved family members and experiencing first-hand how difficult it can be to find memorial products that we would be proud to wear or have in our home. Oaktree provides you with a one-of-a-kind collection of urns and memorials.

For more info go to, oaktreememorials.com

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Dec 02, 2022

Meghan Herbst is a research editor and contributing writer at Wired Magazine in San Francisco. She writes about science, culture, technology, and has also covered housing, homelessness, crime, and politics.

Check out more of her work at www.meghanherbst.com

Ghost Stories Oct 31, 2022

Happy Halloween! Today on the podcast Marc Hartzman joins us to share some ghost stories and discuss his new book Chasing Ghosts: A Tour of Our Fascination with Spirits and the Supernatural.

marchartzmanbooks.com

Grim Readers - Returns! Oct 03, 2022

The Crowded Bookshelf is an independent online and pop-up bookstore based in Fort Collins, CO. They sell new, used, audio, and e-books, as well as bookish gift items. They also host virtual and in person author events.

More info @ TheCrowdedBookshelf.com

Titan Casket (Sponsored Episode) Sep 12, 2022

Titan Casket was founded with a singular mission: to offer designer caskets at revolutionary prices, while driving affordability and transparency in the funeral industry. www.titancasket.com

Still Standing Aug 21, 2022

Still Standing is a documentary following the lives of George Saltz and Natalie K. Levant, two stand up comedians in their 80s, both starting stand up comedy after their 80th birthday. What begins as a story about comedy becomes a deeper conversation about aging, mortality, and creative persistence. Please enjoy my conversation with director Elizabeth Zephyrine McDonough.

Watch Still Standing here or via The New Yorker

Maya Belle Jewelry (Sponsored Episode) Jul 25, 2022

Maya Belle Jewelry creates custom hand-crafted memorial jewelry, including pet nose prints, fingerprint keepsake charms, handwritten charms, good luck charm coins, and more. For more details check out their website below. www.mayabellejewelry.com

Mortality & the Morgue Jul 18, 2022

Rachelle Younie, the host of the Mortality & the Morgue podcast, joins the show to discuss collecting bones as a teen, working at a morgue, and writing death-related comedy.

We also spend some time on our minor obsession with Bill Hader. Enjoy.

Listen to Mortality & the Morgue here.

Taxidermy Jun 20, 2022

A unique combination of science and style, Divya Anantharaman is New York City's premiere taxidermist. An award winning licensed professional preserving animals with honor and compassion for clients ranging from museums, high end designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies, with a select number of commissions open for pets.

www.gothamtaxidermy.com

Grim Readers II Jun 15, 2022

The Crowded Bookshelf is an independent online and pop-up bookstore based in Fort Collins, CO. They sell new, used, audio, and e-books, as well as bookish gift items. They also host virtual and in person author events.

Visit www.thecrowdedbookshelf.com for more!

Last Meal May 18, 2022

Marcus McKenzie and Daniel Principe are an award-winning Australian filmmaking team working under the moniker Cinemâché. Shifting between the worlds of narrative and documentary storytelling, their work spans both film and television. This documentary hybrid interrogates capital punishment through death row inmates’ final meal requests. Through mesmerizing cinematography, food becomes a larger than life symbol to explore the life and crimes of incarcerated individuals sentenced to death. Watch Last Meal Film now.

Grim Readers May 16, 2022

The Crowded Bookshelf is an independent online and pop-up bookstore based in Fort Collins, CO. They sell new, used, audio, and e-books, as well as bookish gift items. They also host virtual and in person author events.

Visit www.thecrowdedbookshelf.com for more!

Wills Dot Com (Sponsored Episode) Apr 18, 2022

Do you have a will?! You should probably have one. It takes on average just 15 minutes to create your state-specific legal will on wills.com and when you use the discount code ROB you will receive a 25% discount upon check out for your lifetime membership with unlimited changes to your personal will so head over to Wills.com where state-specific legal wills are done online.

Death Book Club Apr 15, 2022

We are starting a death book club! Kinda, sorta.

The Crowded Bookshelf is an independent online and pop-up bookstore based in Fort Collins, CO. They sell new, used, audio, and e-books, as well as bookish gift items. They also host virtual and in person author events.

Visit www.thecrowdedbookshelf.com for more!

The Grieving Brain Mar 16, 2022

Mary-Frances O'Connor is a renowned grief expert and neuroscientist who shares groundbreaking discoveries about what happens in our brain when we grieve, providing a new paradigm for understanding love, loss, and learning.

Make sure you check out her new book, The Grieving Brain.

Assisted Death Program Feb 08, 2022

In recent years, much of the developed world has seen the emergence of end-of-life debates and increasing pressures for legalization of physician-assisted dying. This is the practice where a physician provides a terminally ill patient, at their explicit request, with a prescription for a lethal medication that they can take on their own.

Chris Buck Jan 05, 2022

Chris Buck is a photographer and director based in New York and Los Angeles.His portraits have won placement in the prestigious annual American Photography over forty times, and he was the first recipient of the Arnold Newman Portrait Prize.

Chris has photographed some of the biggest names in the world. He spoke with me about his time working with, Chris Farley, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Elliot Smith, and more. Sharing stories I've never heard before.

Post-Mortem Photography Nov 29, 2021

Kelly Christian is a Chicago-based archivist and writer. She is interested in the intersection of technology and systems of power in relation to death and mourning in American culture. Kelly photographed military funerals in Maine at the height of the Iraq War. Her graduate work explored post-mortem photography, and related visual representations of grief and their cultural ramifications.

Autopsy Educator Oct 27, 2021

Alyse holds a master's degree in pathology, a bachelor's degree in psychology, and an associate degree in mortuary science. She has over 13 years of experience working in hospitals, morgues, and funeral homes throughout her region. Follow her @autopsy.pathology - and check out her free ebook!

Crime Scene Cleaning Sep 28, 2021

Crimes, unfortunately, continue to happen. Which means someone needs to clean them. Join us as we discuss the process of cleaning up after a death, crime, or murder. Make sure you leave a review, give five stars, and subscribe. Follow @obessedwithdeathpod for more.

Doomsday Prepping Sep 08, 2021

The world is ending. Like, currently. The end is here; let us talk about it.

It's Your Funeral! Aug 18, 2021

Author Kathy Benjamin is on the podcast this week. If you need help or worried about how to plan the best funeral of your life, this episode is for you! Her new book "It's Your Funeral!" is out now! Find it wherever you get your books! - Make sure you give a review and five stars!

A.I. Simulation & Grief Jul 29, 2021

Joshua shares his true story of how he used A.I. to simulate a conversation between himself and his dead fiancée, Jessica.

Brain Cancer Jul 27, 2021

Ethan Lipsitz has brain cancer, so now you don't have to. Such an incredible conversation, plus Camp Death! Check the links, listen to the episode for more details and support his podcast as well!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-extremist-radio/id1443881491

https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/loveextremists

Grave robbing Jul 16, 2021

New York Times best selling author Sam Kean joins Rob to discuss grave robbery. He also has a new book out called The Icepick Surgeon, available wherever you get your books! Super fun episode, enjoy!

Documentarian Vanessa Gould Jul 07, 2021

Vanessa Gould, director of the documentary Obit is on the podcast this week! The first documentary to look into the world of newspaper obituaries, via the obituary desk at The New York Times. Make sure you rate, review and subscribe - follow on Spotify.

Murder & Witness Protection Jun 23, 2021

The title sorta says it all. Great convo with Steve Cantwell! Enjoy.

Final Moments Jun 09, 2021

Yve Dizes joins the podcast to speak on her work as a spiritual concierge and spending time with others during their final moments. Make sure you rate, review and subscribe to the podcast.

Brain Transplants W/ Dr. Schillace May 27, 2021

Historian and author Dr. Schillace is on the podcast this week! Dr. Schillace writes about intersections of medicine, history, and literature. She works as Research Associate and Public Engagement Fellow for the Dittrick Museum of Medical History and Managing Editor of Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry. Make sure you check out her new book Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher.