Best What do you think happens when you die Podcasts (2025)

1
636. Why Aren’t We Having More Babies? 50:28

1d ago50:28

50:28

For decades, the great fear was overpopulation. Now it’s the opposite. How did this happen — and what’s being done about it? (Part one of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”) SOURCES: Matthias Doepke, professor of economics at the London School of Economics. Amy Froide, professor of history at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Diana…

1
L.A. was first. Now it's your move, America. 16:31

1d ago16:31

16:31

Protests have spread across the country after dozens of workers were swept up in an ICE raid in Los Angeles last week, but the support for the protesters is far from universal. In this bonus episode, Brittany is joined by NPR Immigration Correspondent Sergio Martínez-Beltrán and author of A Protest History of the United States, Gloria J. Browne-Mar…

1
Want to date a rich man? It's harder than you think. 17:52

2d ago17:52

17:52

You may have heard that super viral song on TikTok called "Looking for a man in finance," and yeah, it's fun. But does it speak to people's broader desires to find someone who's more than comfortable financially? Host Brittany Luse is joined by Wailin Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, and Reema Khrais, host of Marketplace's This Is Uncomfortabl…

1
Hospitality Highlight: Anna Copley and Erin Dougherty 33:06

2d ago33:06

33:06

Jennifer Brandt interviews Anna Copley and Erin Dougherty about their hospitality efforts with college students on Gonzaga's campus. Erin, who recently graduated from Gonzaga, talks about hosting a Bible study for college students, with Mitzi Peterson providing the food. Anna, an ultrasound tech student, shares about baking for friends and gatherin…

1
Oh no...I got "The Ick." What do I do now? 16:20

2d ago16:20

16:20

So you got 'The Ick?' That feeling of disgust when your date does something that you just can't look past. You think it's about them, but is 'The Ick' actually about you? Brittany is joined by B.A. Parker, co-host of NPR's Code Switch, Corey Antonio Rose, a producer for It's Been A Minute, and Josh Rottman, associate professor of psychology and a d…

1
An Economics Lesson from a Talking Pencil (Update) 39:52

4d ago39:52

39:52

A famous essay argues that “not a single person on the face of this earth” knows how to make a pencil. How true is that? In this 2016 episode, we looked at what pencil-making can teach us about global manufacturing — and the proper role of government in the economy. SOURCES: Caroline Weaver, creator of the Locavore Guide. Matt Ridley, science write…

1
Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: Why do you need to get a flu shot every year? | Melvin Sanicas 30:33

3d ago30:33

30:33

All year long, researchers at hospitals around the world collect samples from flu patients and send them to top virology experts with one goal: to design the vaccine for the next flu season. But why do we need a new one every year? Vaccines for diseases like mumps and rubella offer a lifetime of protection with two shots early in life; what’s so sp…

1
How to win (or lose) a break up on social media 17:54

4d ago17:54

17:54

A lot of us have seen how explosive breakup stories have been on social media. From Reesa Teesa's "Who TF did I marry..." to Spritely's breakup song, these posts have been drawing gasps and gaining traction. But is it harmless fun, or an invasion of privacy? When do your personal stories belong on social media and when do they not? To find out, Bri…

1
#230 - Gameshow Host - Houston Pierce 30:39

5d ago30:39

30:39

Houston Pierce is the Host of "1000 Crazy Questions." He is also a film lover and critic. He can talk about almost any topic and really loves nerdy pop culture, but he also thrives in deep conversations. For more, please visit “1000 Crazy Questions.” Please rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe for free at mikeyopp.com This is a public epis…

1
635. Can a Museum Be the Conscience of a Nation? 50:55

7d ago50:55

50:55

Nicholas Cullinan, the new director of the British Museum, seems to think so. “I'm not afraid of the past,” he says — which means talking about looted objects, the basement storerooms, and the leaking roof. We take the guided tour. SOURCES: Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum. RESOURCES: "Inside the British Museum: stolen treasures an…

1
The Pride month vibes are off, but there's still hope. 17:48

7d ago17:48

17:48

Is it just us, or are the Pride month vibes a little off this year? Between targeted censorship, legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ health care, and a financial pullout from many corporations, queer people and their allies are celebrating with heavier hearts this year. But perhaps it's a moment to reconsider what "pride" is really for? This week, Britta…

1
Do You Fear Death? Part 2: Are you ready to die? 24:55

9d ago24:55

24:55

Dan Jarms and Mark Frankian discuss the importance of being ready for death, referencing Hebrews 9:27 and the concept of judgment. They define death and the second death as separation. Mark points to the significance of faith in Christ for eternal life, contrasting it with the "second death" in Revelation 20. They address the uncertainty of those u…

1
"White genocide" isn't a thing. Trump disagrees. 17:51

9d ago17:51

17:51

You may have heard that the U.S. gained 59 new residents last month from South Africa - and that more came this past weekend. They're all white Afrikaners: a white minority group descended from European colonists. Trump has given some of these white Afrikaners refugee status because he claims a "white genocide" is happening against them in South Af…

1
Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: Why we need to fight misinformation about vaccines | Ethan Lindenberger 44:23

11d ago44:23

44:23

Ethan Lindenberger never got vaccinated as a kid. So one day, he went on Reddit and asked a simple question: "Where do I go to get vaccinated?" The post went viral, landing Lindenberger in the middle of a heated debate about vaccination and, ultimately, in front of a US Senate committee. Less than a year later, the high school senior reports back o…

1
Canada hates us, but it's not all Trump's fault. 19:20

11d ago19:20

19:20

The stereotype is that Canadians are kind, but they by and large do not take kindly to President Trump's idea of making Canada our 51st state. As of April, two-thirds of Canadians considered the U.S. to be "unfriendly" or an "enemy," and 61% say they have started boycotting American companies. However, Canadian dislike and distrust of the U.S. is n…

1
#229 - Behavioralism & Grief - Dr. Lynn Banis 33:41

12d ago33:41

33:41

Dr. Lynn Banis is no stranger to grief. In three short years, she lost her mom, little brother, and husband. With a PhD in human behavior and decades of experience in coaching, Lynn knew she had the tools to help others. That’s why she created Widows Rising Together - to help grieving men and women overcome loneliness and rediscover joy and purpose…

51
634. “Fault-Finder Is a Minimum-Wage Job” 1:02:15

14d ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, is less reserved than the average banker. He explains why vibes are overrated, why the Fed’s independence is non-negotiable, and why tariffs could bring the economy back to the Covid era. SOURCES: Austan Goolsbee, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of …

1
Age gaps & wage gaps: unpacking our Belichick-Hudson obsession 15:34

14d ago15:34

15:34

After 8 trips to the Super Bowl, 73 year-old former NFL coach Bill Belichick is ready to start a new phase in his career: mentor, college football coach, and now doting boyfriend to 24-year-old Jordon Hudson. But as Hudson also takes an increasingly important role in Belichick's professional life, people are speculating about the motivations behind…

1
Do You Fear Death? Part 1: What happens to grandma when she dies? 25:18

18d ago25:18

25:18

Dan and John discuss the afterlife, focusing on what happens to a loved one, "grandma," after death. They explore two scenarios: if grandma is a believer versus if she is not. For believers, upon death, their souls are immediately in the presence of the Lord, awaiting the final resurrection. For unbelievers, their souls enter an intermediate state,…

1
Can doctors test embryos for autism? And should they? 23:06

16d ago23:06

23:06

A newly available kind of genetic testing, called polygenic embryo screening, promises to screen for conditions that can include cancer, obesity, autism, bipolar disorder, even celiac disease. These conditions are informed by many genetic variants and environmental factors - so companies like Orchid and Heliospect assign risk scores to each embryo …

1
What happens as we die? | Kathryn Mannix 23:19

18d ago23:19

23:19

Have we lost the practical wisdom of what happens as people die? With lessons from a career witnessing thousands of people's final breaths, palliative care expert Kathryn Mannix urges us to demystify the experience of death, sharing how a better understanding of what actually happens can reduce fear in the final days, for you and your loved ones. A…

1
Brittany needs a couch. Should she buy now, pay later? 19:31

18d ago19:31

19:31

Brittany keeps looking at a new couch online, and every time she goes to buy it she sees an option to "Buy Now, Pay Later," which made her wonder...should she? Here's what she found: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans have become one of the go-to ways to get access to credit fast. Companies like Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay make buying big purchases r…

1
#228 - Orgasm Coach - Jenn Wodtke 39:45

20d ago39:45

39:45

Jenn Wodtke is an Orgasm and Pleasure Coach. She believes that when we experience our orgasm and pleasure to their fullest, we move into the divine and become fully empowered in all areas of life. No matter where you are on your pleasure journey— from pre-orgasmic to consistent—she can help you tap deeper into your pleasure, power, and divinity. Pl…

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633. The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of 1:05:42

23d ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. Javier Blas and Jack Farchy, the authors of The World for Sale, help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of commodity traders. SOURCES: Javier Blas, opinion columnist at Bloomberg News. Jack…

1
Why can't we (or Ms. Rachel) talk about Gaza's children dying? 17:03

21d ago17:03

17:03

Children's educator and YouTube star Ms. Rachel has used her social media to advocate for the safety of children all over the world - but when she used her platform to call attention to the plight of children in Gaza, she was accused of being paid by Hamas. This week, Brittany is joined by Defector managing editor Samer Kalaf and The Guardian's dat…

1
Pop culture has a "bean soup problem." 18:18

23d ago18:18

18:18

Online discourse has become a fun part of enjoying and dissecting big pop culture events. But after seeing all the commentary around Ryan Coogler's Sinners - one of the biggest cultural juggernauts of the year - Brittany has one question: are we in a media literacy crisis? Difference of opinion is one thing, but it feels like some viewers are missi…

1
How to Succeed at Failing, Part 4: Extreme Resiliency (Update) 52:50

25d ago52:50

52:50

Everyone makes mistakes. How do we learn from them? Lessons from the classroom, the Air Force, and the world’s deadliest infectious disease. (Part four of a four-part series.) SOURCES: Will Coleman, founder and C.E.O. of Alto. Amy Edmondson, professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Babak Javid, physician-scientist and associat…

1
Why smell matters more than you think | Paule Joseph 6:56

25d ago6:56

6:56

TED Fellow and chemosensory researcher Paule Joseph unveils the hidden power of a sense that's too often overlooked: smell. She delves into the science behind smell — from how it evokes memory and emotion to its potential for early disease detection — and advocates for the creation of a baseline test for taste and smell that could open the door to …

1
Get rich or die trying: how sports betting is changing our love of the game 16:56

27d ago16:56

16:56

It's been seven years since the Supreme Court legalized sports betting outside of Nevada. For some, it's a hobby that spices up a game, but for others it's become a side hustle or investing strategy. And in a time where 60% of U.S. households don't earn enough to afford basic costs of living... that can be a problem. This... is Money Troubles. And …

1
#227 - Comedian/Magician - Danny Whitson 38:56

27d ago38:56

38:56

Danny Whitson is a professional Stand-up Comedian, Magician, Podcaster, and Actor from Oak Ridge, TN. For the past 20 years he’s been entertaining people with cards, coins, ropes, and anything else he can make disappear or crack a joke about. He has performed for celebrities, super bowl champions, and Grammy award winning artists, including Kevin M…

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How to Succeed at Failing, Part 3: Grit vs. Quit (Update) 1:03:37

30d ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Giving up can be painful. That's why we need to talk about it. Today: stories about glitchy apps, leaky paint cans, broken sculptures — and a quest for the perfect bowl of ramen. (Part three of a four-part series.) SOURCES: John Boykin, website designer and failed paint can re-inventor. Angela Duckworth, host of No Stupid Questions, co-founder of C…

1
Diddy, Cassie, & the anatomy of "mutual abuse" 16:04

28d ago16:04

16:04

The highly anticipated federal trial against Sean "Diddy" Combs has begun. The hip-hop mogul is facing charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, and could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty. So why is his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, telling the court they're going to "take the position that there was mutual violence" in his relationship…

1
Someone You Should Know: Sandy Nowack 26:40

1M ago26:40

26:40

In our Someone You Should Know series, we interview Faith members to help us get to know them, see how God is working in their lives, and make new connections within our community. In this episode we get to know Sandy Nowack.By Faith Bible Church

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A tale of murder, artificial intelligence, & forgiveness 12:57

1M ago12:57

12:57

Should AI give you a voice? Even when you've been murdered? An AI avatar of a murder victim addressed his killer in court last week, and it may have been the first admittance of an AI-generated victim impact statement in a US court. Chris Pelkey, who was shot in a road rage incident in 2021, was recreated in a video made by his sister to offer forg…

1
How to Succeed at Failing, Part 2: Life and Death (Update) 53:19

1M ago53:19

53:19

In medicine, failure can be catastrophic. It can also produce discoveries that save millions of lives. Tales from the front line, the lab, and the I.T. department. (Part two of a four-part series.) SOURCES: Amy Edmondson, professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Carole Hemmelgarn, co-founder of Patients for Patient Safety U.S.…

1
Interview: Aging, menopause, and rethinking fashion for comfort in midlife | Stacy London 52:11

1M ago52:11

52:11

“My lens around style doesn’t have anything to do with style anymore — it’s about physicality,” says stylist and fashion consultant Stacy London. “What do I want to be able to do? How do I keep myself strong?” Stacy’s message has resonated for many women, and for this episode, she joins Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, host of TED Health, at TED2025 for a…

1
Can OnlyFans save the music industry? 18:03

1M ago18:03

18:03

Concert tickets are more expensive than ever, and according to Live Nation, 2023 was the biggest year ever for concert turnout and ticket sales. So why are indie artists turning to OnlyFans to pay the bills? This is PART ONE of our new series, Money Troubles. And for the next few weeks, we're looking into the ways everyday people are trying to make…

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#226 - Blue Dragon - Bjorn Lestrud 39:55

1M ago39:55

39:55

Bjorn Lestrud focuses on helping others align with their authentic expression through sound and spirit. Drawing on years of exploration, including qigong, biofield tuning, and intuitive voice work, he guides people toward deeper connection and self-discovery. He believes the only true guru is you. For much more, please visit BlueDragonHealing.net P…

1
How to Succeed at Failing, Part 1: The Chain of Events (Update) 55:38

1M ago55:38

55:38

We tend to think of tragedies as a single terrible moment, rather than the result of multiple bad decisions. Can this pattern be reversed? We try — with stories about wildfires, school shootings, and love. (Part one of a four-part series.) SOURCES: Amy Edmondson, professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Helen Fisher, former se…

1
The political power of Gen Z women 18:51

1M ago18:51

18:51

The leftward shift of Gen Z women is one of the most dramatic political trends happening right now. Polling data from Gallup found that 40% of young women aged 18-29 self-describe as liberal compared to 28% of the same demographic at the beginning of the century. So what's causing a new generation of young women to move to the left? Brittany is joi…

1
Casual Conversations - Grieving, with Nikki Smith 7:26

1M ago7:26

7:26

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit mikeyopp.substack.com Nikki and I talk about how to grieve, how to console, and even how to avoid compassion fatigue. We also talk about having pets even though we know we’ll have to see them leave well before we want them to. This one is for Coffin Talk die-hards, but also normal people…

1
The fantasy vs. reality of Trump's "smokestack nostalgia" 19:55

1M ago19:55

19:55

The Trump administration wants their recent tariffs to function as incentives for Americans to produce more of our own goods in our own factories. And one poll shows that 80% of us say the country would be better off if more Americans worked in manufacturing. But why do people on both sides of the aisle want these jobs back so much? What have we lo…

1
The Met Gala: the indisputable best & worst looks of the night 19:44

1M ago19:44

19:44

They did THAT. The biggest designers and celebrities showed up at the 2025 Met Gala, everyone from Rihanna to Madonna. And in this special bonus episode, Brittany and her guests break down the best and worst looks of the night. Culture writer Shelton Boyd-Griffith, Editor-In-Chief Antoine Griffith, and Brittany award the highs and lows of the night…

1
Interview: Why you shouldn't trust boredom | Kevin H. Gary 27:16

1M ago27:16

27:16

Are you actually bored, or is something else going on? Educator Kevin H. Gary shares three practical takeaways to deal with the doldrums, so you can take control of your attention, figure out which feelings to trust and name the real problem. After the talk, join Shoshana for a sweeping conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Harstad on the relationship be…

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What Do You Think Happens When You Die Podcasts

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