In the world of journalism and literature, there's nothing quite like the obituary. Sometimes called the first draft of history, an obituary can function as a love letter, a condemnation -- but, perhaps more than anything, a portrait of a person gone from this mortal plane. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join the legendary journalist, author, correspondent and podcaster Mo Rocca, host of Mobituaries, to learn more about this unique genre of literature, from the history of obituaries to the art of crafting them. (Spoiler: Mo extemporaneously composes the definitive obituary of the pager in this one.)

CLASSIC: History's Weirdest Flexes, Part One
31:02

The Bizarre Parable of New Coke, Chapter Two: A Rise. A Fall. A Conspiracy?
44:39

CLASSIC: How Robert "The Fastest Knife In The West End" Liston Conducted A Surgery With A 300% Mortality Rate
29:27