Human Composting

Can you believe we've reached the end of Season 2 already? Join us as we answer listener questions and celebrate the successes of this past year. Thanks for listening!

We travel back to ancient Rome and discuss architecture, mourners for hire, and funeral mimes.

Burying millions of war dead was a logistical nightmare that followed the chaos and calamity of the First World War. Your hosts discuss action on the Western and Eastern Fronts (map links included below), the many governmental bodies created to care for the dead, and ponder how long humanity may continue to find bodies from the War to End All Wars.Maps!Western Front: http://www.greatwar.co.uk/places/ww1-western-front.htm Eastern Front: https://www.britannica.com/event/Eastern-Front-World-War-I-history#/media/1/668465/236180

For this spooky season episode, your hosts learn about and discuss 19th century vampires, tuberculosis, Dracula, and human decay.

This week the Mortals hosts recommend some media to their dear listeners! Are you interested in death-related academic textbooks? Podcasts about history? Weird YouTube channels? Then this is the episode for you!

In this episode, we examine two bridges in North America, what makes them such attractive places to die, and how a barrier can save lives.

This week, we examine the various "memento mori" or mourning objects, of the Victorian era.

Imagine awakening alone in a dank, cramped box underground... but you're still alive! Your hosts explore the deep-rooted fear of premature burial and discuss the incredible human ingenuity that resulted from attempts to evade such a terrifying fate.Check out this book: Jan Bondeson, Buried Alive: The Terrifying History of Our Most Primal Fear

In this episode, we discuss the rise of natural organic reduction, how to compost a cow, and mortuary utilitarianism.

We are joined by a guest to talk about the magically morbid game “What Remains of Edith Finch.” Join as we explore the Finch family legacy, their monumental home, and the things that remained with us after the game's end.