Episode 190: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada Rick Kyte delved into the complex and often uncomfortable topic of what constitutes a "good death" in modern society.

They discuss the challenges of medical technology's ability to prolong life, even when the quality of life has significantly diminished. Kyte emphasized that death is inherently painful, both physically and emotionally, and argued that the focus should be on avoiding unnecessarily prolonged suffering.

The hosts explore various aspects of end-of-life care, highlighting the importance of advanced directives and open family conversations. Kyte strongly advocated for individuals to prepare comprehensive end-of-life documents, including appointing a durable power of attorney and clearly communicating personal wishes to family members.

A significant portion of the conversation addressed the controversial topic of medical aid in dying. While 10 states currently have laws allowing terminally ill patients to choose medical assistance in ending their lives, Kyte expressed reservations. He believes the medical profession's primary role should be to save lives and relieve suffering, not to end them actively.

The hosts also discussed the modern practice of "outsourcing" death care, contrasting current funeral practices with historical approaches where families were more directly involved in preparing and mourning their deceased loved ones. They argued that this distancing has contributed to society's discomfort with discussing death.

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."

Episode 189: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte delve into the ethical tension between justice and revenge, revealing how these seemingly similar concepts diverge in motives, processes and outcomes.

To illustrate the contrast, Kyte draws on the symbol of Lady Justice: blindfolded, holding scales and a sword — a figure meant to represent impartiality and measured response. Revenge, by contrast, is fueled by emotion and often lacks balance or mercy.

The conversation spans everything from classic Westerns to contemporary political discourse. Kyte notes that revenge has long been a powerful storytelling device, particularly in films where personal retribution collides with the rise of law and order. But the desire to get even, he warns, can also corrode trust in real-world institutions.

That concern is especially visible in modern politics. Kyte points to President Donald Trump, who has made retribution a recurring theme — both on the campaign trail and in office. Using political power to settle personal scores, Kyte argues, undermines democratic norms and risks turning governance into a vendetta.

Later, the episode turns toward everyday life. From workplace slights to social media feuds, revenge often masquerades as justice. But as one district attorney told Rada, victims of identical crimes may respond in vastly different ways — some seeking harsh punishment, others showing surprising compassion.

Kyte cautions that vengeance rarely delivers what it promises. According to philosopher Simone Weil, Kyte said that imagined evil can seem thrilling, but real evil is often dull, painful, and empty. Instead of ruminating about harm, he urges listeners to cultivate habits of empathy, forgiveness, and moral clarity.

Episode 188: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss how parents influence their children's understanding of work and career choices, highlighting the delicate balance between guiding and pressuring young people toward professional paths.

Drawing from personal experiences, the hosts emphasize the importance of exposing children to diverse career opportunities without forcing predetermined trajectories.

Kyte shares a pivotal childhood memory of his mother taking him to a hospital lab, quickly dispelling his romanticized notions of scientific work. This anecdote underscores a key point: children benefit from realistic, first-hand experiences of different professions.

The conversation reveals significant shifts in youth employment. Where 60% of high school students worked in 1978, today only about 35% hold jobs. This decline concerns experts who believe early work experiences are crucial for developing responsibility and understanding workplace dynamics.

Family businesses emerge as a unique lens for career exposure. The hosts discuss how children of small business owners often gain intimate knowledge of entrepreneurship, though they caution against automatically expecting children to inherit family enterprises.

The podcast also addresses socioeconomic factors, acknowledging that teenage employment is an economic necessity for some families rather than a developmental opportunity.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast

Some see work as a calling, others say it’s just a job, University of Michigan

How your work ethic influences your kids, Emily Rivas, Today's Parent

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."