00:00 This podcast episode is part of a series on death and covers the topic of coffins and their purpose.

05:07 The funeral industry uses the term "casket" instead of "coffin" and avoids using words like "digging" and "ground" to make the process sound more pleasant.

09:47 The rise of metal caskets in the 50s led to a decline in the casket industry due to advances in medicine and an increase in cremation rates.

14:19 Coffins are designed to be a barrier from the elements and protect the body, but it is illegal to claim that a coffin will permanently seal the body; protective coffins with rubber gaskets can prevent anything from getting in, but also trap gas from decaying bodies, leading to "Exploding Coffin Syndrome"; regulations for coffins vary by country, with less developed countries having fewer regulations and some parts of the world still using shrouds; in the Western world, coffins are typically made of wood, metal, or fiberglass, while in the desert, local materials like clay or stone may be used; cremation options include sad cardboard vessels or green burials where the body becomes one with the dirt or is scattered.

18:52 In the early 19th century, grave robbing was a common practice, leading to the development of various methods to protect bodies, such as locked mausoleums, vaults, and iron cages called mortsafes.

23:38 Coffins can be made out of various materials such as wood, fiberglass, elm, oak, hardy woods, and bronze, and are typically lined with rich fabrics like taffeta or velvet, and stuffed with batting for comfort.

28:13 Different cultures have different traditions and beliefs when it comes to burial practices, such as the Jewish faith preferring plain coffins and the bow people in China placing coffins on cliffs as a sign of respect.

32:36 Safety coffins were invented in the 18th and 19th centuries to prevent premature burial, with various methods such as a vault with a window and wheel, a breathing tube, and a tube with a spring that would open a passageway and raise a flag if any movement was detected.

37:04 The hosts discuss the cost of coffins, including a $30,000 option, as well as DIY coffin plans and Mike Tyson's story of upgrading his mother's burial.

41:34 The hosts read a listener email from a Georgia Tech fan who listened to their podcast during a CT scan for cancer and found it to be a great distraction.

46:09 The hosts wrap up the episode by thanking a listener for their support, encouraging them during their treatment, and providing contact information for the podcast.