What if thinking about death could actually help us live more meaningful lives?
In this deeply moving episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with physician, medical ethicist, and Columbia University professor Dr. Lydia Dugdale to explore one of life's most universal—and often avoided—topics.
Drawing from her acclaimed books Dying in the Twenty-First Century and The Lost Art of Dying, Lydia explains how modern medicine has become remarkably good at prolonging life, while often forgetting the equally important work of helping people prepare for death.
Together they discuss:
• Why healing is different from curing
• The ancient Ars Moriendi ("Art of Dying")
• Why community matters at the end of life
• Character formation across a lifetime
• Medical ethics, healthcare leadership, and virtue
• Why remembering our mortality helps us live with greater gratitude, purpose, and love
The conversation begins with a remarkable personal connection: both Scott and Lydia's grandfathers flew B-17 bombers over Germany during World War II, leading to a powerful discussion about courage, legacy, and becoming the kind of person others remember.
This isn't a conversation about death.
It's a conversation about living wisely.
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Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey.
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