The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: The Heart Stops Reluctantly

The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: The Heart Stops Reluctantly

In this first episode of a three-part series on lethal injection in the United States, guest hosts Steve Monacelli and Dr. Michael Phillips describe the futile quest for a “humane” form of execution, from the 1600s to the present day. They explore how each one has turned out to be extremely violent, prompting authorities to move such “gruesome spectacles” out of public view. Finally, they describe how the prospect of a televised execution in the electric chair led to the lethal injection protocol, pioneered by Texas in 1982.

Sources:

Corinna Barrett Lain, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection (New York: New York University Press, 2025.)

Michael Phillips and Betsy Friauf, The Purifying Knife: The Troubling History of Eugenics in Texas (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2025.)

Austin Sarat, Gruesome Spectacles: Botched Executions and America’s Death Penalty (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2014.)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episoder(1408)

Thumbs in the Dike

Thumbs in the Dike

Let's look at a few likely climate change 'solutions' the people who got us into this mess will try to push. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Aug 202132min

The Climate Apartheid

The Climate Apartheid

As the climate changes, more and more of us will fall through the cracks. Here's a look at your future. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Aug 202130min

Into The Wild Orange Yonder

Into The Wild Orange Yonder

Let's talk about what our future has to offer. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Aug 202128min

Welcome to the Crumbles

Welcome to the Crumbles

Our world is falling apart. What comes next? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Aug 202139min

Introducing: It Could Happen Here Daily

Introducing: It Could Happen Here Daily

Collapse is all around us. Find out what's coming next, and what you can do to build a new world from the ashes of the old, every day on this show. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Aug 20214min

The End of the United States of America

The End of the United States of America

One way or another, the United States as we know it is going to end. How can we make sure what comes next is better than what came before? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Mai 20191h 11min

The American Refugee Crisis

The American Refugee Crisis

Wars mean refugees. And when Americans find themselves fleeing for the safety of other nations, they may be shocked at the reception they face. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Mai 201921min

The Next American Genocide

The Next American Genocide

The Second American Civil War opens the door for the next great American genocide. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Mai 201926min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden-usa
aftenpodden
forklart
popradet
stopp-verden
det-store-bildet
fotballpodden-2
dine-penger-pengeradet
nokon-ma-ga
bt-dokumentar-2
rss-gukild-johaug
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
hanna-de-heldige
aftenbla-bla
unitedno
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
frokostshowet-pa-p5
e24-podden
rss-ness