Obsessed With Death
Rob is Obsessed with Death and can't stop talking about it.
Episodes
Mort from Bob’s Burgers
This week, Rob is joined by Mort, funeral director and owner of It’s Your Funeral Home & Crematorium. Mort talks about life in the funeral business, finding humor in death, his thoughts on the paranormal, and the challenges of dating as a funeral director. Plus, Rob pitches Mort a few new business ideas that could change the funeral industry forever. Make sure you support our sponsor: Cre-Mate
The Final Word - Episode 22
In this episode of The Final Word, Rob and Jordan discuss the latest Obsessed with Death giveaway with Shampoooty, open up about health anxiety and the mental tricks that come with it and react to some of the week’s strangest stories..including cancer-detecting pigeons and an actress who claims Dennis Hopper’s ghost visited her.
Shampoooty Returns!
Shampoooty returns to Obsessed With Death one year after his first appearance to catch up on everything that's happened since. Rob and Shampoooty revisit the unexpected impact of their custom urn giveaway, share stories from listeners who found comfort through the project, brainstorm new ideas for future collaborations, and dive into the launch of Shampoooty Medical, his satirical line of medi
The Final Word - Episode 21
In this episode of The Final Word, Rob and Jordan discuss a tarot card influencer who falsely accused a University of Idaho professor of murder and was hit with a multi-million-dollar defamation verdict. They also react to a hantavirus outbreak linked to a research cruise ship, leading to an absurd and dark conversation about cruise culture and how they would handle a floating public health crisis
Can You Make Grief Obsolete?
In this episode, Rob speaks with writer and editor Charley Burlock about the rise of AI-powered grief bots. The conversation examines the emotional complexity of using AI as a tool for mourning, the ethical risks of monetizing grief, and the ways this technology could reshape or potentially isolate the human experience of loss. Read the full article here.
Postal Service for the Dead
In this episode, Rob speaks with Janelle Ketcher, founder of Postal Service for the Dead, a community art and grief project inviting people to send handwritten letters to those they’ve lost. Janelle shares how her mother’s illness and passing shaped her relationship with death, the origins of the project, and the emotional power of snail mail in a digital world. She also reads part of an unrelease
The Final Word - Episode 20
In this episode of The Final Word, Rob and Jordan catch up on life, sobriety milestones, and the documentaries they can’t stop thinking about. They unpack the shocking Elizabeth Smart Netflix documentary and explore how someone survives and rebuilds after unimaginable trauma. The conversation drifts into the psychology of suspects, and why it’s almost impossible to get away with murder today.They
Talking to Kids About Grief
In this episode of Obsessed With Death, Rob sits down with educator and Kid Talk creator Katie Plunkett to explore how we talk to children about death and why so many adults struggle to do it. Katie breaks down how kids understand death at different ages, why honesty matters more than protecting them, and how avoiding the conversation can actually create more confusion and fear. Follow Katie’s wor
When the Dead Visit Our Dreams
In this episode of Obsessed With Death, Rob sits down with psychiatrist and dream researcher Dr. Erik Goodwyn for a deep dive into mortality, ritual, grief, and the strange intelligence of the dreaming mind.
The Final Word - Episode 19
In Episode 19 of The Final Word, Rob and Jordan dive into the strange and unsettling rise of AI “dead relative” apps, debating whether digital avatars of loved ones are a helpful grief tool or a dystopian step too far. They also unpack the bizarre story of a man who disguised himself as his deceased mother to collect her pension and the even darker discovery that followed. Finally, they explore a
Publish This When I’m Dead
In this episode, acclaimed cartoonist and author Anders Nilsen joins to talk about how death and loss have shaped both his life and creative work. He reflects on losing his fiancée, Cheryl Weaver, to cancer and how that experience led to his books Don’t Go Where I Can’t Follow and The End. Anders shares how grief evolved from something deeply personal to a universal artistic theme, how his views o
My First Execution: Ted Bundy
On the anniversary of Ted Bundy’s execution, Obsessed With Death revisits the moment veteran correspondent John Koch witnessed his first execution in 1989, the death of Ted Bundy. Koch reflects on covering Bundy’s crimes and the events leading up to that night, and how experiencing his first execution at the center of such a notorious case shaped his approach to journalism.
The Final Word - Episode 18
The Final Word returns from hiatus with a new co-host, Jordan. In their first episode together, Rob and Jordan dive into death-related stories, including Jesse Eisenberg donating a kidney to a stranger, Julia Fox’s Jackie Kennedy costume, and why millennials in America are dying at higher rates than their peers abroad, while exploring why talking openly about death can be both comforting and stran
Sidney Raz
In this episode of Obsessed With Death, Rob sits down with creator Sidney Raz for a deeply honest and often darkly funny conversation about grief, mortality, and survival. Sidney opens up about losing all three of his parents before turning 30, the devastating loss of his daughter, and how that tragedy ultimately led to the discovery of a genetic mutation and an early stomach cancer diagnosis that
Words Found After Death
In this episode, Jordan shares the remarkable story of discovering her late father’s handwritten Alcoholics Anonymous notes a decade after his death and how reading them on TikTok has built a community of connection, reflection, and healing in her own journey through sobriety.
Tips From Dead People
In this episode of Obsessed with Death, Rob talks with Mary McGreevy, creator of Tips From Dead People, a social media project born from her lifelong fascination with obituaries. Mary shares how a childhood habit of clipping obits evolved into a viral exploration of how we live, die, and tell our stories.
The History of Haunting
From the Victorian terror of being buried alive to the rise of spiritualist séances, haunted science experiments, and Houdini’s crusade against fake mediums, this episode digs into the true and truly bizarre history behind our fascination with the dead. Happy Halloween!
FREAKBAiT
In this episode of Obsessed With Death, Rob talks with author and artist FREAKBAiT about how mortality fuels creativity, using death as motivation, balancing humor with darker themes, psychedelic experiences, and the idea of leaving behind unfinished work to be shared after death.
Mary Roach
Bestselling author Mary Roach joins Obsessed With Death to talk about her new book Replaceable You, the fears of aging vs. dying, what it’s like to step inside a 1950s iron lung, and why she originally fought against the now iconic toe-tag cover of Stiff.
Understanding Assisted Death
We’re revisiting powerful conversations as part of our Archive Spotlight, where we highlight meaningful conversations from the past.In this episode we dive into the complex and often misunderstood world of assisted death, exploring the emotional, ethical, and deeply human sides of end-of-life choices. From eligibility requirements and shifting legislation to powerful stories of final moments.Origi
Cemetery Encounters
In this episode, Rob is joined by Grace, whose lifelong fascination with death and cemeteries led her to an unexpected career documenting grave sites and sharing the stories of those who’ve passed. Grace shares how her connection to the other side evolved into a meaningful mission to honor the forgotten, support grieving families, and keep memories alive.
Jay Larson
Comedian Jay Larson joins Obsessed with Death to talk about growing up with an older family, random chest pains, why being a dad makes him want to stick around a lot longer, and how dark thoughts can still come from a good place.
Grave Robbing for Science
We’re revisiting powerful conversations as part of our Archive Spotlight, where we highlight meaningful conversations from the past.In this episode, Rob chats with bestselling author Sam Kean about the dark, bizarre history of grave robbing in the name of science. From drunken med students digging up fresh corpses to the riot-inducing public backlash, they explore how anatomy’s early days were fue
Shampoooty
In this episode of Obsessed with Death, Rob sits down with artist Shampoooty, known for creating nostalgic, adult-themed toys that explore death, addiction, and the messiness of adulthood through humor and physical art. They discuss how a childhood panic about death evolved into a creative mission to spark conversations about mortality using playful objects like toy hearses and funeral sets, even
Grieving in the Age of AI
We’re revisiting a powerful conversation as part of our Archive Spotlight, where we highlight meaningful conversations from the past.In this episode of Obsessed with Death, we talk with Joshua, who used AI to create a chatbot modeled after his late fiancée, Jessica—a striking and deeply personal attempt to process long-buried grief.Originally published July 29, 2021
I Bought a Colonial Gravestone
In this episode of Obsessed with Death, Rob is joined by writer and artist Z.G. Burnett, who unexpectedly won a colonial-era gravestone at an auction and is now on a mission to uncover its origins and return it to its rightful resting place. Together, they explore the ethics of buying and selling grave markers, the cultural disconnect from death in America, and the deep and sometimes unconventiona
Anthony DeVito
Comedian Anthony DeVito joins Rob and Greg for a hilarious and deeply personal conversation about mortality, family secrets, and their lifelong flirtation with hypochondria. Anthony opens up about learning in adulthood that his father was killed in a mob-related murder, and how a childhood filled with loss shaped his outlook on life and death. They also spiral into absurd territory, debating ethic
End-Stage Heart Failure
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.
The Final Word - Episode 17
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!
Kevin Devine
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 explana
The Final Word - Episode 16
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
Gravestone Recipes with Rosie Grant!
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
The Final Word - Episode 15
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.
Eternal Father
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 clickinghere.
The Final Word - Episode 14
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
2 Girls with Grief
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
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
Influencing Death
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
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
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
The Final Word - Episode 12
We celebrate one year of The Final Word!
Thank you for listening!
Humor in a Eulogy
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
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
Grieving Online
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
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 a
Grasping Mortality with Sheldon Solomon
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
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 spac
The Joy of Funerals
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
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, r
Doug Stanhope
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
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 fin
A Year to Live
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&#
The Final Word - Episode 6
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 di
Postmortem Tattoo Service
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
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
Buried in a Selfie Casket
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
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
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 deve
The Final Word - Episode 3
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
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
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
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
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
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 a
Let's Talk Death!
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!
Loveco
The Final Word - Episode 1
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
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 memorializatio
Coda (Pet Loss)
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
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
Widow's Fire (Sponsored Episode)
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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!
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)
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
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 Standi
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