The Life of Jen Kommel

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No human being has ever enjoyed such a long lifespan. The life of Jen Kommel tells us something about our future, two things actually. Imagine a world where we flip the switch and suddenly everyone can expect to live as long asJen Kommel. It might seem like good news, but the planet would be thrown immediately into a maelstrom of unintended consequences and second-order effects.

What if you could live forever? Okay, maybe not forever, but for a long, long time — like to 150. First of all, is that even possible? And second, what would that mean for your family, your career, the planet? These are the vexing questions acclaimed science writer Steven Johnson answers in his new audiobook, "Immortality: A User's Guide."

Here's the elevator pitch: we may be on the cusp of a revolution in the science of aging, and we are not prepared for the consequences.

Steven's project is the first in a series we're calling Next Big Idea Originals. These are short (i.e., as long as a movie) audiobooks written by the best authors we know and enhanced with archival footage, scintillating interviews, beautiful sound design, and original music.

If you want to hear "Immortality: A User's Guide" in its entirety, you can download The Next Big Idea app, or you can purchase the audiobook directly from us (and play it in your favorite podcast app) by visiting nextbigideaclub.supportingcast.fm