No Stupid Questions 49. How Does Facing Death Change Your Life?
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Nov 23, 2025 The discussion kicks off with a near-death experience, prompting reflection on how such moments can reshape life perspectives. The hosts delve into post-traumatic growth versus PTSD, highlighting how trauma can deepen relationships. They explore why some people don’t have transformative insights after close calls and debate the role of beliefs about the afterlife. The talk shifts to assessing risks, revealing our tendency to focus on rare catastrophic events rather than everyday dangers, and examines how insurance impacts societal risk perception.
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Near-Miss On The Cross Bronx Expressway
- Stephen Dubner narrowly avoided a fatal crash when a tractor-trailer was stopped in his lane on the Cross Bronx Expressway.
- He expected an emotional epiphany after the scare but experienced only brief fear and gratitude.
Post-Traumatic Growth As An Alternative Outcome
- Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is positive change following struggle, contrasted with PTSD's negative lingering effects.
- PTG can include stronger relationships, new coping skills, reordered priorities, and greater meaning.
How PTSD Differs From Normal Fear
- PTSD often involves overgeneralizing danger and negative outcomes from a trauma.
- Angela Duckworth uses intrusive memories as a key indicator distinguishing PTSD from normal fear responses.
