Making Sense with Sam Harris #297 — Preparing for the End
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Sep 23, 2022 BJ Miller, a palliative care physician, and Shoshana Berger, editorial director at IDEO, dive into the realities of facing death. They explore the distinctions between palliative and hospice care, and the importance of making an advance directive. The duo emphasizes balancing the pursuit of life with acceptance of mortality. They also touch on the benefits of psychedelic therapy for anxiety at the end of life and the need for open conversations about death, advocating for proactive planning to enrich the living experience.
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BJ Miller's Accident
- BJ Miller's interest in life and death stemmed from a near-death experience at 19.
- He became a triple amputee after an accident involving a parked train and overhead power lines.
Shoshana Berger's Journey
- Shoshana Berger's focus on end-of-life care began with personal losses, culminating in her father's death.
- Meeting BJ Miller at IDEO, during a project on rebranding hospice, solidified her professional involvement.
Palliative Care vs. Hospice
- Palliative care focuses on mitigating suffering and improving the experience of illness, encompassing hospice care.
- Hospice is specifically for the final six months of life, requiring cessation of curative treatment.
