About this episode

The episode explores the cultural fears surrounding aging and the importance of purpose and identity as we grow older.

Why are we so afraid of getting older? Is it really about wrinkles... or are we actually afraid of losing our purpose, our identity, and the people we love? This week, Amanda is joined by oncologist, bioethicist, and Eat Your Ice Creamauthor Dr. Ezekiel "Zeke" Emanuel (@drezekielemanuel) to unpack our culture's obsession with staying young. Together, they explore why the wellness industry's promises of longevity miss the point, why curiosity matters more than looking 25 forever, and why some of the happiest, most meaningful years of life may still be ahead of us. They answer listener thought spirals about Botox, becoming "invisible," feeling behind in adulthood, retirement, and whether getting older has to mean becoming less yourself. A hopeful spiral about learning to fear aging a little less... and living a little more. Further Reading: Eat Your Ice Cream by Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD - Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers. - To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack. - Pick up Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the…

People in this episode

Host: Amanda Montell

Guest: Dr. Ezekiel "Zeke" Emanuel

Topics covered

• aging
• identity
• wellness
• longevity
• purpose
• happiness

Keywords

• aging
• identity
• wellness
• longevity
• Botox
• retirement
• happiness

Sponsors

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Magical Overthinkers Club

Books & works: Eat Your Ice Cream, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality

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