Chasing Immortality Podcast

Chasing Immortality

Travis McElroy, Tybee Diskin, Alice Flanders, Alexx Rouse
Join us, intrepid listeners, as we journey through the compelling, odd, and sometimes horrific lengths people will go to in hopes of achieving eternal life. We’ll hear what--and who--the subjects of our stories were willing to sacrifice to possibly gain a few more years of youth and beauty and life. And we’ll all ask the question: how far would you take the hunt if you were chasing immortality? If you enjoy Chasing Immortality and would like to see more episodes, please consider joining our Patreon at patreon.com/chasingimmortality
Henrietta Lacks: Immortality Exploited and Reborn
Henrietta Lacks wasn't looking for immortality. She was looking to be healed, and was exploited by her doctors. Today we share a story of lives saved and diseases cured and the fight for justice and recognition, and the immortal cells of Henrietta Lacks.
Jun 8, 2022
55 min
Sokushinbutsu: Self Mummification
Listeners, usually our episodes are about greedy individuals searching for immortality to satisfy their own need for glory. Rarely do we get to share a story of those who are seeking eternity in an attempt to benefit their own version of the greater good. Today might just be that tale.
May 25, 2022
36 min
The Real Nicholas Flamel
We're back, intrepid listeners. This week, dive into the real Nicholas Flamel, from his bookbinding-youth, to studies of alchemy to his empty grave.
May 18, 2022
54 min
Diane de Poitiers: Liquid Gold
This week's episode explores a woman whose self-preservation was much more pragmatic than it was optimistic: Diane de Poitiers, royal mistress to King Henry II of France (among many other things.)
Dec 3, 2021
1 hr 4 min
Rasputin: The Man Who Can't Be Killed
This week we catch up with Rasputin as he trips balls, executes a minor coup, gets slit from groin to gullet, and still manages to avoid death--for a little while, anyway.
Nov 26, 2021
1 hr 3 min
Elizabeth Bathory, aka It Gets Way, Way Worse
This episode, we explore the darkest side yet of the search for immortality with an alleged inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, Elizabeth Bathory, aka the Blood Countess.
Nov 19, 2021
54 min
The Terracotta Legacy of the Dragon Emperor
This week's topic involves incredibly advanced weaponry and rivers of mercury. Allow us to introduce you to Emperor Qin Shi Huang and his army of terracotta warriors.
Nov 12, 2021
52 min
FM-2030
This week we'll hear about the poster boy for "transhumanism," FM-2030: a former Olympic wrestler and basketball player whose name sounds like an all Muzak, all the time radio station.
Nov 5, 2021
31 min
James Bernard Schafer
Today we learn about a metaphysical cult, James Bernard Schafer, and how prunes play into immortality.
Oct 29, 2021
32 min
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