EPISODE · Jun 19, 2019 · 32 MIN
Donors from beyond the grave
from Future Perfect · host Vox
Billions of dollars are donated every year from the fortunes of people who’ve died but are using their wills to influence our world from beyond the grave. Some of these zombie donors left instructions that are racist, classist, or just silly. So how do we free ourselves from the grip of the undead?Ray’s book: Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American DeadThe case against listening to the wishes of the dead“The Bittersweet Legacy of the Buck Trust”The Baconsfield Park case, explainedThe New York Times investigates orphan trusts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
Billions of dollars are donated every year from the fortunes of people who’ve died but are using their wills to influence our world from beyond the grave. Some of these zombie donors left instructions that are racist, classist, or just silly. So how do we free ourselves from the grip of the undead?Ray’s book: Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American DeadThe case against listening to the wishes of the dead“The Bittersweet Legacy of the Buck Trust”The Baconsfield Park case, explainedThe New York Times investigates orphan trusts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NOW PLAYING
Donors from beyond the grave
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Apr 21, 2026 ·13m
Apr 19, 2026 ·16m
Apr 17, 2026 ·13m
Apr 13, 2026 ·11m
Apr 11, 2026 ·16m