Stuff To Blow Your Mind

Weirdhouse Cinema: The Incredible Shrinking Man Mar 24, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the classic 1957 miniaturization film “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” which manages to deliver ground-breaking special effects action and philosophical depth in equal measure.

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Introducing: Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman Mar 26, 2023

Hi, Stuff To Blow Your Mind fans! Listen to Inner Cosmos hosted by David Eagleman! Neuroscientist David Eagleman tackles the big and totally unexpected questions that live at the intersection of our brains and our lives. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself!

About Inner Cosmos: Stanford neuroscientist and bestselling author David Eagleman explores wacky and insightful questions to reveal how modern brain science intersects with our lives, passions, and behaviors. Through thrilling journeys into your Inner Cosmos, Eagleman unfolds totally unexpected facets of our brains, allowing us to see the world from new angles.

Listen to Inner Cosmos on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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From the Vault: The Beast Wore an Apron, Part 1 Mar 25, 2023

Are there any animals other than humans that cook their food? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of non-human animal meal preparation. Bon appétit! (originally published 03/22/2022)

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The Washing of the Waters, Part 4 Mar 23, 2023

The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters. (part 4 of 4)

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The Monstrefact: Chaos Daemons of Khorne Mar 22, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the chaos daemons of Khorne from Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe… (Part 1 of 4)

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The Washing of the Waters, Part 3 Mar 21, 2023

The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters. (part 3 of 4)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Child of Peach Mar 17, 2023

This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the wild world of Taiwanese 80s cinema, this time with “Child of Peach.” It’s a frantic, action-packed fairytale full of demons, glowing peaches and magic children.

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The Washing of the Waters, Part 2 Mar 16, 2023

The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters.

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Listener Mail: Pinball Wizard Mar 20, 2023

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The Washing of the Waters, Part 1 Mar 14, 2023

The idea of healing via immersion in sacred or special waters dates back to prehistory, and it’s still alive and well in the modern world. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the myth, history and reality and healing waters.

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From the Vault: The Three-Pupiled Eye, Part 2 Mar 18, 2023

From heroes to sages to destructive monsters, various figures in Irish mythology are described as possessing eyes of seven or three pupils (or irises). We also see discussion of such marvelous eyes in Chinese traditions and in the writings of Pliny and Ovid. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigma of the triple eye. (originally published 03/31/2022)

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The Monstrefact: The Clurichaun Mar 15, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Irish cellar dweller known as the Clurichaun…

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Listener Mail: This Page Intentionally Left Blank Mar 13, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Clash of the Titans (1981) Mar 10, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1981 Ray Harryhausen stop-motion epic “Clash of the Titans,” which also happens to star a bunch of notable human actors as well.

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From the Vault: The Three-Pupiled Eye, Part 1 Mar 11, 2023

From heroes to sages to destructive monsters, various figures in Irish mythology are described as possessing eyes of seven or three pupils (or irises). We also see discussion of such marvelous eyes in Chinese traditions and in the writings of Pliny and Ovid. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigma of the triple eye. (originally published 03/29/2022)

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The Gray Whale, Part 3 Mar 09, 2023

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigmatic gray whale, noted today for its vast oceanic migrations and curiosity, but known as “devilfish” for its ferocity by the American whalers who hunted it in the past. (part 3 of 3)

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The Artifact: The Piñata Mar 08, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the shrouded history of the piñata…

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The Gray Whale, Part 2 Mar 07, 2023

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigmatic gray whale, noted today for its vast oceanic migrations and curiosity, but known as “devilfish” for its ferocity by the American whalers who hunted it in the past.

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Listener Mail: A Still More Glorious Dawn Mar 06, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Doctor of Doom Mar 04, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss René Cardona’s 1963 luchadora film “Doctor of Doom,” full of mad science and a sprinkling of lucha action.

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The Gray Whale, Part 1 Mar 02, 2023

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigmatic gray whale, noted today for its vast oceanic migrations and curiosity, but known as “devilfish” for its ferocity by the American whalers who hunted it in the past.

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The Monstrefact: Shad-Havar Mar 01, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses Shad-havar, the Persian unicorn with the fluted horn…

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Listener Mail: Fields of Ancient Void Feb 27, 2023

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From the Vault: Finn McCool, Part 2 Mar 04, 2023

The Irish mythological hero Finn MacCool is known for many exploits, from the slaying of a great fire monster to the creation of Giant's Causeway. However, he’s also known for his magical thumb, which he could suck on to gain knowledge. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the thumb of knowledge and its relations to other myths and even a little bit of science. (originaly published 03/17/2022)

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From the Vault: Finn McCool, Part 1 Feb 28, 2023

The Irish mythological hero Finn MacCool is known for many exploits, from the slaying of a great fire monster to the creation of Giant's Causeway. However, he’s also known for his magical thumb, which he could suck on to gain knowledge. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the thumb of knowledge and its relations to other myths and even a little bit of science. (originaly published 03/15/2022)

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From the Vault: Thirst, Part 3 Feb 25, 2023

What is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question. (originally published 02/08/2022)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire Feb 24, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the greatest vampire snooker movie of all time. Yes, it's Alan Clarke's 1985 rock musical "Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire." (originally published 02/25/2022)

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From the Vault: Thirst, Part 2 Feb 23, 2023

What is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question. (originally published 02/03/2022)

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Listener Mail: Don't Throw the House Out the Window Feb 20, 2023

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The Artifact Redux: Rotten Brooms Bleeding Black Blood Feb 22, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses connections between rotting wood and the supernatural… (originally published 01/26/2022)

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From the Vault: Thirst, Part 1 Feb 21, 2023

What is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question. (originally published 02/01/2022)

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From the Vault: The Seven Day Week, Part 3 Feb 18, 2023

Our modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week. (originally published 03/10/2022)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: All Monsters Attack Feb 17, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1969 Godzilla movie “All Monsters Attack,” which also centers around the friendship between Godzilla’s son Minilla and latchkey kid Ichiro.

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Because It Is My Heart, Part 2 Feb 16, 2023

Happy Valentine's Day! Join Robert and Joe in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind as they discuss heart removal rituals, supernatural concepts of the heart and the European tradition of heart burial.

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Because It Is My Heart, Part 1 Feb 14, 2023

Happy Valentine's Day! Join Robert and Joe in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind as they discuss heart removal rituals, supernatural concepts of the heart and the European tradition of heart burial.

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Smart Talks With IBM: 355 Days in Space: Finding Meaning with Astronaut Mark Vande Hei Feb 15, 2023

After a historic 355 days in orbit, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei returned to Earth on March 30, 2022, breaking the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Mark Vande Hei discuss conducting experiments in space, the impact of extended spaceflight on humans, and the spiciness of space chili peppers.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Listener Mail: Animals Strike Curious Poses Feb 13, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Let Sleeping Corpses Lie Feb 10, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1974 zombie movie “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie,” also known as “The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue.” It’s a sci-fi spin on the zombie genre, set in rural England and brought to life in a Spanish/Italian co-production. It’s bloody good!

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From the Vault: The Seven Day Week, Part 2 Feb 11, 2023

Our modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week. (originally published 03/05/2022)

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Tea: The Splendid Elixir, Part 3 Feb 09, 2023

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, mythology, culture and nature of tea. So start a kettle and prepare to listen with your favorite cup…

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The Monstrefact: The Silkworm Horse Feb 08, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the silkworm horse from Chinese traditions…

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Tea: The Splendid Elixir, Part 2 Feb 07, 2023

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, mythology, culture and nature of tea. So start a kettle and prepare to listen with your favorite cup…

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Listener Mail: The Rhythm is Below Me Feb 06, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Robot Monster Feb 03, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1953’s “Robot Monster,” one of b-cinema’s shining treasures. Can the last survivors of the human species overcome the tyrannical rule of a gorilla in a space helmet? Find out…

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From the Vault: The Seven Day Week, Part 1 Feb 04, 2023

Our modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week. (originally published 03/03/2022)

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Tea: The Splendid Elixir, Part 1 Feb 02, 2023

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, mythology, culture and nature of tea. So start a kettle and prepare to listen with your favorite cup…

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The Monstrefact: The Genestealer Cults of Warhammer 40K Feb 01, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert continues to discuss the extragalactic threat of alien Tyranids in the Warhammer 40K universe, this time by looking at the Genestealer Cults that herald their arrival to a doomed planet…

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The 99% Invisible World, with Roman Mars Jan 31, 2023

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Roman Mars, host of the podcast "99% Invisible" about design, podcasting and life in the created world. Plus, they discuss the 2020 book “The 99% Invisible City” by Mars and his co-author Kurt Kohlstedt.

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Listener Mail: Keep Watching the Skies Jan 30, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Beauty and the Beast (1978) Jan 27, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Czechoslovak director Juraj Herz’s 1978 dark, gothic retelling of the classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast.”

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Horror Vacui, Part 4 Jan 26, 2023

Nature abhors a vacuum… and so do we? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the subject of horror vacui as it relates to philosophy, physics and the arts.

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Horror Vacui, Part 3 Jan 24, 2023

Nature abhors a vacuum… and so do we? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the subject of horror vacui as it relates to philosophy, physics and the arts.

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The Monstrefact: The Tyrannic Wars of Warhammer 40K Jan 25, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert continues to discuss the extragalactic threat of alien Tyranids in the Warhammer 40K universe…

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From the Vault: Sailor on a Sea of Lava Jan 28, 2023

To sail down a river of lava in a boat is surely a thing of pure fantasy, but in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the actual “lava boats” you might glimpse in volcanic footage as well as what would be required to build a vessel capable of traversing a true lake of fire. (originally published 02/24/2022)

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Listener Mail: Peak Hour Jan 23, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Invention for Destruction Jan 20, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return once more to the fantastic world of Czech cinema, this time with Karel Zeman’s 1958 special effects showcase “Invention for Destruction,” released in the United States as “The Fabulous World of Jules Verne.”

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Horror Vacui, Part 2 Jan 19, 2023

Nature abhors a vacuum… and so do we? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the subject of horror vacui as it relates to philosophy, physics and the arts.

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From the Vault: The Paleoburrows Jan 21, 2023

Enter the paleoburrows of South America, where evidence suggests construction not by human hands or tools but by giant claws – and for purposes we’re still trying to understand. (originally published 02/10/2022)

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The Monstrefact: The Tyranids of Warhammer 40K Jan 18, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the extragalactic threat of the alien Tyranids from the Warhammer 40K universe…

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Horror Vacui, Part 1 Jan 17, 2023

Nature abhors a vacuum… and so do we? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the subject of horror vacui as it relates to philosophy, physics and the arts.

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Listener Mail: Another Morning Jan 16, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Jason X Jan 13, 2023

In this special Friday the 13th episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe blast into the future of terror with 2001’s “Jason X.” That’s right, with their 100th film selection, they finally venture into a new decade, century and millennium of cinema.

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Humans Throwing Stuff Jan 12, 2023

Focusing on the human animal, Robert and Joe continue their discussion of throwing ability and ponder how throwing ability may have impacted everything from language to ancient warfare.

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Animals Throwing Stuff, Part 3 Jan 10, 2023

Ever longed to play a game of catch with an octopus or a chimpanzee? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss animal throwing ability.

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From the Vault: The Kuleshov Effect, Part 2 Jan 14, 2023

What is the character in the film looking at? How does the object of their vision color how we interpret their countenance? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Kuleshov effect from film theory and what studies in experimental psychology and neuroscience reveal. (01/27/2022)

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Listener Mail: Dawn is a Feeling Jan 09, 2023

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Scanners Jan 06, 2023

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the ultimate mind-blowing cinematic experience: David Cronenberg’s 1981 horror thriller “Scanners.”

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The Monstrefact: The Four Guards of ‘Labyrinth’ Jan 11, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the four guards from the 1986 film ‘Labyrinth” and their paradoxical relationship to the truth…

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From the Vault: The Kuleshov Effect, Part 1 Jan 07, 2023

What is the character in the film looking at? How does the object of their vision color how we interpret their countenance? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Kuleshov effect from film theory and what studies in experimental psychology and neuroscience reveal.(originally published 01/25/2022)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Assignment Terror Dec 30, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss “Assignment Terror,” a 1970 Spanish-German-Italian production full of vampires, werewolves, the monster of Farancksalan, an undead mummy and a fiendish alien plot. It’s one of the many Paul Naschy werewolf movies and it also stars Michael Rennie in his final performance.

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Animals Throwing Stuff, Part 2 Jan 05, 2023

Ever longed to play a game of catch with an octopus or a chimpanzee? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss animal throwing ability.

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The Monstrefact: The Icrotic Slime of Necromunda Jan 04, 2023

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the icrotic slime of Warhammer 40K’s Necromunda underhive…

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Animals Throwing Stuff, Part 1 Jan 03, 2023

Ever longed to play a game of catch with an octopus or a chimpanzee? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss animal throwing ability.

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Listener Mail: The Day Begins Jan 02, 2023

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More Monstrous Correspondences with Dr. Anton Jessup Dec 26, 2022

In this special holiday edition of Listener Mail, Dr. Anton Jessup takes a break from his experiments to read some of the listener and viewer mail that has accumulated in the university basement over the last four years.

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From the Vault: The Silurian Hypothesis Dec 31, 2022

If an advanced civilization existed on earth several million years ago, would we actually be able to detect that they were here? It may sound like conspiracy theorist bait, but a serious and balanced look at the question reveals a lot about geology, climate and the search for alien life. In this classic episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss the silurian hypothesis. (originally published 01/18/2022)

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From the Vault: Do Ants Make Traps? Dec 29, 2022

The trap is insidious. But of course it is. It was designed and executed… by ants? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, the ant wars continue as Robert and Joe explore some of the possibility that a few formidable Formicidae species actually lay traps. (originally published 1/20/2022)."

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The Origins of Games Workshop, with Sir Ian Livingstone Dec 27, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop and co-author of the Fighting Fantasy gamebook series with Steve Jackson, about their new book ““Dice Men: The Origin Story of Games Workshop.”

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The Monstrefact Redux: The Manticore Dec 28, 2022

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the legendary Manticore…

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians Dec 16, 2022

In this holiday edition of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1964’s Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. Can Santa Claus teach the young of Mars how to be children again?

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The Monstrefact: The Hooden Horse of Kent Dec 14, 2022

In this special holiday episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Hoden or Hooden Horse of British winter ritual…

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From the Vault: A Major Award Dec 24, 2022

The 1983 holiday film “A Christmas Story” warned us of the dangers associated with BB guns, bar soap and frozen flag poles – but it also introduced us to the Old Man’s prized leg lamp. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe dive into the deep, ancient and occult history of lamps and other objects shaped in the likeness of a human leg or foot.

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Bloodbeat Dec 22, 2022

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider their first holiday horror film selection: 1983’s “Bloodbeat.” Filmed in Wisconsin, the film explores the complexity of holiday family time, while also wondering what might happen if mom had to battle a Samurai ghost with her psychic powers. Plus, Rob and Joe will discuss holiday horror films in general. (originally published 12/10/2021)

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Monstrefact Redux: The Kallikantzaros Dec 21, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a holiday monster...

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From the Vault: Daniel Whiteson, Time Traveler Dec 20, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe welcome back Daniel Whiteson, particle physicist and co-host of Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe. Tune in for a discussion of time travel, wormholes and more that will actually transport you roughly an hour into the future. Plus Daniel will discuss the new book "Frequently Asked Questions About the Universe." (Originally published 12/09/2021)

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Holiday Break! Dec 19, 2022

We're on holiday break this week!

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Holiday Inventions 3: Goblet of Eggnog Dec 15, 2022

In this special holiday episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history and invention of the eggnog, how it became such an iconic holiday beverage and some curious historic goblets associated with the consumption of this rich, milky draught.

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Reptiles of Galapagos, Part 2 Dec 13, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the most famous reptilian residents of the Galapagos archipelago, including the world’s largest extant tortoise species and the world’s only marine iguana.

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From the Vault: Tumbleweeds, Part 2 Dec 17, 2022

In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the world of tumbleweeds. While it’s easy to dismiss these amazing plants as overused symbols of the American west, these detachable diaspores are more than meets the eyes. (originally published 01/13/2022)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Morozko (aka Jack Frost) Dec 23, 2022

This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the classic 1960s Russian fairy tale spectacular “Morozko,” better known to many fans as “Jack Frost.” It’s a tale of love, evil stepmothers, mushroom wizards, animal transformations, Baba Yaga and of course the Russian personification of winter, Morozko or Ded Moroz.

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From the Vault: Tumbleweeds, Part 1 Dec 10, 2022

In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the world of tumbleweeds. While it’s easy to dismiss these amazing plants as overused symbols of the American west, these detachable diaspores are more than meets the eyes. (originally published 01/11/2022)

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Listener Mail: Santa Laughing Spreads His Wings Dec 12, 2022

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Gremlins 2 Dec 09, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1990’s “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.”

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Reptiles of Galapagos, Part 1 Dec 08, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the most famous reptilian residents of the Galapagos archipelago, including the world’s largest extant tortoise species and the world’s only marine iguana.

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Of Ice and Men, with Fred Hogge Dec 06, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with author Fred Hogge about his new book “Of Ice and Men: How We’ve Used Cold to Transform Humanity,” covering everything from cocktail ice to the ancient history of ice houses.

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Listener Mail: The Locked Groove Dec 05, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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The Monstrefact: Mumm-Ra the Ever Living Dec 07, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses Mumm-Ra the Ever Living…

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From the Vault: Time Traveler Zero, Part 2 Dec 03, 2022

Today, time travel fiction is everywhere – and we understand the cosmos enough to even speculate what is and isn’t possible. But how old is the notion of travel through time? What sorts of attitudes and ideas concerning the nature of time were seemingly necessary before humans first imagined firing up a time machine? (originally published 12/16/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Tobor the Great Dec 02, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1954 robot movie “Tobor the Great,” in which a mechanical spaceman becomes a friend to children and an enemy of communism!

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Play the Record Backwards, Part 2 Dec 01, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert is joined by Rusty Needle’s Record Club host Seth Nicholas Johnson for a discussion of various means of secreting information into audio, from backmasking and locked grooves to examples from the digital age of music.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Clicks, Not Code: Transforming Digital Experiences with Salesforce Nov 30, 2022

The Salesforce platform can empower businesspeople to create digital solutions without writing code. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Jacob Goldstein, host of What’s Your Problem?, and guest Phil Weinmeister, Head of Product, Salesforce Americas, at IBM. They discuss human-centric design, the low-code/no-code approach, and how IBM Consulting powers digital transformations with the Salesforce platform.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Play the Record Backwards, Part 1 Nov 29, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert is joined by Rusty Needle’s Record Club host Seth Nicholas Johnson for a discussion of various means of secreting information into audio, from backmasking and locked grooves to examples from the digital age of music.

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Listener Mail: The Turkeys Made Gravy in the Lion's Skull Nov 28, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Time Traveler Zero, Part 1 Nov 26, 2022

Today, time travel fiction is everywhere – and we understand the cosmos enough to even speculate what is and isn’t possible. But how old is the notion of travel through time? What sorts of attitudes and ideas concerning the nature of time were seemingly necessary before humans first imagined firing up a time machine? (originally published 12/14/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Super Infra-Man Nov 25, 2022

It’s time to dive back into the Shaw Brothers cinematic treasure chest, this time for the sci-fi action film “The Super Inframan” starring Danny Lee and a whole bunch of monsters and stylish costumes. (originally published 12/03/2021)

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From the Vault: Crab Content is King Nov 24, 2022

Join Robert and Joe in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind in which they discuss even more crab science and mythology. (originally published 11/30/2021)

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The Artifact Redux: Malaysian Spirit Boats Nov 23, 2022

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses a most nautical form of exorcism...

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From the Vault: Crabs Eat Everything Around Me, Part 2 Nov 22, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe talk about crabs eating things. Do YOU have what it takes to become a delicious entree for crab gourmands? Find out! (originally published 11/18/2021)

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Thanksgiving Break! Nov 21, 2022

We're out for Thanksgiving break, so please enjoy some leftovers...

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From the Vault: Crabs Eat Everything Around Me, Part 1 Nov 19, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe talk about crabs eating things. Do YOU have what it takes to become a delicious entree for crab gourmands? Find out! (originally published 11/16/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Flight of Dragons Nov 18, 2022

Only science and logic can save us from dark magic and dragons! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and guest co-host Seth discuss the 1982 Rankin and Bass animated film "The Flight of Dragons," featuring the voice talents of John Ritter and James Earl Jones.

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‘Good Night Opy,’ with director Ryan White Nov 17, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Ryan White, director of the new documentary “Good Night Oppy.” The film follows Opportunity, the Mars Exploration Rover affectionately dubbed Oppy by her creators and scientists at NASA. Oppy was originally expected to live for only 90 days but she ultimately explored Mars for nearly 15 years.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Unlocking Data Strategy: Data Literacy for Better Business Nov 16, 2022

Having a good data strategy can streamline the way a company does business. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Ronald Young Jr., host of Solvable, and guest Nicholas Renotte, Data Science and AI Technical Specialist at IBM. They discuss how data literacy can help make a business more efficient, the fundamentals of data management, and why data is step one to AI solutions. A study quoted by Nicholas and referenced in this episode can be found here. Some of Nicholas’ guidance on machine learning can be found here.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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From the Vault: Luck, with Barbara Blatchley Nov 15, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Barbara Blatchley about her book “What are the Chances? Why We Believe in Luck.” (Originally published 11/04/2021)

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Listener Mail: Said The White Rabbit Nov 14, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Spacing Guild of Dune Nov 12, 2022

In this classic Dune-inspired episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe pick up where they left off in the last episode discussing the politics, philosophy and pain science of the Bene Gesserit, before diving into the spice-assisted navigation of the Spacing Guild. (originally published 11/11/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Congo Nov 11, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and guest co-host Anney Reese discuss the 1995 jungle adventure film "Congo" starring Laura Linney, Ernie Hudson and Tim Curry – as well as LOTS of Stan Winston gorilla costumes.

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The 2022 Ig Nobel Prizes, Part 2 Nov 10, 2022

It’s that time of year again! Join Robert and guest co-host Seth as they discuss some of this year’s Ig Nobel prize-winning scientific studies and papers – honored as always for first making us laugh, then making us think.

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The Monstrefact Redux: Donkeys of Dune Nov 09, 2022

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the oft-forgotten Kulons of the planet Arrakis…

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The 2022 Ig Nobel Prizes, Part 1 Nov 08, 2022

It’s that time of year again! Join Robert and guest co-host Seth as they discuss some of this year’s Ig Nobel prize-winning scientific studies and papers – honored as always for first making us laugh, then making us think.

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Listener Mail: Goat Throne Nov 07, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Bene Gesserit of Dune Nov 05, 2022

The Bene Gesserit of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” use advanced mental and manipulative tactics to further their ends across the galaxy. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss this mysterious order and some scientific and philosophic interpretations of the Gom Jabbar awareness test. (originally published 11/09/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Alice (1988) Nov 04, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and guest co-host Seth discuss the 1988 surrealist dark fantasy film “Alice” by Czech stop-motion animation master Jan Švankmajer.

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Goats, Rams and Conflict at Earth’s Edge, with Joel Berger Nov 03, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with wildlife conservation biologist Dr. Joel Berger about the challenges of conservation in a changing world, as well as conflict between mountain goats and bighorn sheep over mineral resources uncovered by a changing climate.

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The Monstrefact: The Creature From ‘The Viewing’ Nov 02, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the creature from “The Viewing,” the seventh episode of “Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities.”

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The Archaeology of Counter-Witchcraft, with Brian Hoggard Nov 01, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert discusses witch bottles and other forms of counter-witchcraft of olden days with Brian Hoggard, author of "Magical House Protection: The Archaeology of Counter-Witchcraft ." His website can be found at www.apotropaios.co.uk.

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Monstrous Correspondences with Dr. Anton Jessup Oct 31, 2022

In this special Halloween edition of Listener Mail, Dr. Anton Jessup returns from his travels to read some of the listener and viewer mail that has accumulated in the university basement over the last four years.

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From the Vault: Invention of the Chainsaw, Part 2 Oct 29, 2022

In this classic invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss an important piece of cutting technology. Plus, during the Halloween season, masked brutes will chase you around your local haunted attraction with one of these if you buy a ticket. Yes, it’s time to discuss the chainsaw. (originally published 10/28/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Gate Oct 28, 2022

Prepare yourself for sleepovers, tiny demons and gateways to hell. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and guest David Striepe of the Talkin' Tofu podcast discuss 1987’s “The Gate.”

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Anthology of Horror, Volume 8 Oct 27, 2022

Yes, the Halloween tradition continues as Robert and guest co-host Seth dive into the rich history of TV horror and sci-fi anthology shows to focus on STBYM topics that might not otherwise make the show. This year, strap in for discussions around episodes of "Love, Death & Robots" and "Tales of the Unexpected."

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Smart Talks with IBM: Combatting Hiring Bias: Recruiting a Diverse Workforce with Intelligent Automation Oct 26, 2022

Intelligent automation can help combat the human biases that can lead to discriminatory hiring practices. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Jacob Goldstein, host of What’s Your Problem?, and guest Angela Hood, founder and CEO of ThisWay Global. They discuss how intelligent automation can accelerate inclusive hiring practices, why machines can mitigate bias but not remove it, and why diverse companies are more competitive.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Oh Goat, You Devil - Part 3 Oct 25, 2022

If you’ve ever actually been around a goat, you probably wouldn’t confuse it for the ultimate evil spirit. And yet, goats have various demonic and satanic connotations in Christian traditions. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the humble goat and ponder why.

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Listener Mail: Wizard Walks By Oct 24, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Invention of the Chainsaw, Part 1 Oct 22, 2022

In this classic invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss an important piece of cutting technology. Plus, during the Halloween season, masked brutes will chase you around your local haunted attraction with one of these if you buy a ticket. Yes, it’s time to discuss the chainsaw. (originally published 10/26/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Masque of the Red Death Oct 21, 2022

As the Red Death ravages the surrounding countryside, Prince Prospero and his followers celebrate darkness within their rainbow-hued castle. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1964 Roger Corman film “The Masque of the Red Death,” based on two different works from Edgar Allen Poe and starring the legendary Vincent Price, Hazel Court and Jane Asher.

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Oh Goat, You Devil - Part 2 Oct 20, 2022

If you’ve ever actually been around a goat, you probably wouldn’t confuse it for the ultimate evil spirit. And yet, goats have various demonic and satanic connotations in Christian traditions. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the humble goat and ponder why.

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The Monstrefact: Salt Dragons Oct 19, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the salt dragon of Forgotten Realms…

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Oh Goat, You Devil - Part 1 Oct 18, 2022

If you’ve ever actually been around a goat, you probably wouldn’t confuse it for the ultimate evil spirit. And yet, goats have various demonic and satanic connotations in Christian traditions. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the humble goat and ponder why.

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Listener Mail: The Moon in Silver Dreams Oct 17, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Ghosts of the Wind and Rain Oct 15, 2022

Strange presences walk the shore before the coming of the storm. Terrible forms move in its wake. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss a wide selection of ghosts and monsters connected to destructive weather patterns. (originally published 10/14/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Halloween III Oct 14, 2022

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe ride the chariot of pumpkins as they discuss 1983's "Halloween III: Season of the Witch." (originally published 10/15/2021)

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From the Vault: The Holy Undead, Part 2 Oct 13, 2022

We tend to relegate zombies and the walking dead to the infernal realm of demons, necromancers and the emptied charnel houses of Hell. So it might surprise you to know that, in some traditions, reanimated human corpses are pius church-goers. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the holy undead. (originally published 10/21/2021)

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The Monstrefact Redux: The Boxenwolf Oct 12, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the horror of the Boxenwolf…

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From the Vault: The Holy Undead, Part 1 Oct 11, 2022

We tend to relegate zombies and the walking dead to the infernal realm of demons, necromancers and the emptied charnel houses of Hell. So it might surprise you to know that, in some traditions, reanimated human corpses are pius church-goers. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the holy undead. (originally published 10/19/2021)

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Fall Break! Oct 10, 2022

We're on fall break this week, but please enjoy some seasonal offerings from last year...

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From the Vault: Anthology of Horror, Volume 7 Oct 08, 2022

Robert and Joe dive into the rich history of TV horror and sci-fi anthology series to focus on STBYM topics they might not otherwise get to discuss on the show. In this classic episode, they’ll dive into episodes of The Hammer House of Horror and The Outer Limits. (Originally published 11/02/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Return Oct 07, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into a little cattle mutilation-sploitation cinema with Greydon Clark’s 1980 film “The Return” starring Jan-Michael Vincent, Cybill Shepherd and Martin Landau.

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The Cattle Mutilation Panic of the 1970s Oct 06, 2022

Strange lights and black helicopters in the night. Cattle found dead with blood or organs seemingly removed from strange incisions. Alien visitors in the heartland. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe take a skeptical look at the cattle mutilation phenomenon of the 1970s.

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The Artifact: Krueger's Claw Oct 05, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses Freddy Kreuger’s infamous claw weapon and how it compares to the actual use of bladed gauntlets in history…

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Elfshot, Part 2 Oct 04, 2022

These lands are old and the elves who lived before us still watch and wait. Cross them, and you may feel the prick of their arrow. You’ll find no wound, though your flesh will swell and ache, and if you happen upon one of their elfstones in the grass then you might have chance at survival. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the superstition, archaeology and science of elfshot.

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Listener Mail: Big Black Shape with Eyes of Fire Oct 03, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Invention of the Mirror, Part 4 Oct 01, 2022

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side. (originally published 8/17/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Phantasm Sep 30, 2022

If this one doesn't scare you, you're already dead! Yes, in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into the cinematic mausoleum to discuss the dreamlike terror of 1979’s “Phantasm.”

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Elfshot, Part 1 Sep 29, 2022

These lands are old and the elves who lived before us still watch and wait. Cross them, and you may feel the prick of their arrow. You’ll find no wound, though your flesh will swell and ache, and if you happen upon one of their elfstones in the grass then you might have chance at survival. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the superstition, archaeology and science of elfshot.

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Smart Talks with IBM: The Future of Supply Chain: Building Sustainable and Transparent Businesses Sep 28, 2022

Sustainable supply chains are good for the planet and good for business. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, and guest Sheri Hinish, IBM’s Global Sustainability Services Leader and Offering Leader for Sustainable Supply Chain, known as the “supply-chain queen.” They discuss the supply-chain crisis and why transparent, responsible supply chains are imperative for our future.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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The Invention of the Gimbal Sep 27, 2022

In this invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the ancient origins of the gimbal, its connections to Chinese incense censers and its role in technological innovation.

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Listener Mail: Loving You is Easy Because You're Crabs Sep 26, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Invention of the Mirror, Part 3 Sep 24, 2022

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side. (originally published 8/12/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Last Starfighter Sep 23, 2022

The year is 1984 and it’s time to save the galaxy… with arcade games. On this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, join Rob and Joe as they discuss “The Last Starfighter.”

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Incense, Part 2 Sep 22, 2022

Humans have burned incense since ancient times for reasons that range from the practical to the divine. To aid in these rites, various cultures have created exquisite censers and housings for the burning, smoke-emitting biotics. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider some outstanding examples from the history of incense, including the incense clocks of China and swinging thuribles of Catholic tradition.

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The Monstrefact: Incense for the Damned Sep 21, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses incense and ghosts in Eastern traditions…

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Incense, Part 1 Sep 20, 2022

Humans have burned incense since ancient times for reasons that range from the practical to the divine. To aid in these rites, various cultures have created exquisite censers and housings for the burning, smoke-emitting biotics. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider some outstanding examples from the history of incense, including the incense clocks of China and swinging thuribles of Catholic tradition.

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Listener Mail: A Giallo is Born Sep 19, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Invention of the Mirror, Part 2 Sep 17, 2022

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side. (originally published 8/10/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Extra Terrestrial Visitors Sep 16, 2022

Once more on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into the wild world of Spanish b-movie cinema with Juan Piquer Simón’s “Extra Terrestrial Visitors,” in which a pair of aliens respond to drastically differing human encounters in the woods.

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The Nature of Fun, Part 3 Sep 15, 2022

What exactly is "fun" and how does it differ from other concepts related to quality and experience? Robert and Joe explore the question in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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The Monstrefact: Ocron Sep 14, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses Ocron, the masked sorceress in Lucio Fulci’s 1983 film “Conquest.”

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The Nature of Fun, Part 2 Sep 13, 2022

What exactly is "fun" and how does it differ from other concepts related to quality and experience? Robert and Joe explore the question in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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Listener Mail: And The Gunslinger followed Sep 12, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Invention of the Mirror, Part 1 Sep 10, 2022

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side. (originally published 8/5/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Devil Girl From Mars Sep 09, 2022

This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1954 Scottish sci-fi film “Devil Girl From Mars,” featuring a fashionable Martian queen, her robot Chani and interplanetary intrigue on the Scottish moors.

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The Nature of Fun, Part 1 Sep 08, 2022

What exactly is "fun" and how does it differ from other concepts related to quality and experience? Robert and Joe explore the question in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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The Monstrefact: Locksnakes of Thra Sep 07, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Locksnakes of “The Dark Crystal.”

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The Invention of the Odometer Sep 06, 2022

You might not think your car’s odometer is that exciting, but it’s actually the modern incarnation of an ancient invention with roots in China and the Greco-Roman world. Join Robert and Joe as they discuss the invention of the hodómetron and the li-recording drum carriage in this invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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Listener Mail: Guaranteed to Work Perfectly for 1,000 Years Sep 05, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Regression to the Mean Sep 03, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss regression to the mean, a phenomenon that occurs when a random sampling point is an outlier -- with applications to everything from economics and sports to health, religion and disappointing sequels. (originally published 8/3/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Conquest Sep 02, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe continue their jaunt through 1980s fantasy with gore master Lucio Fulci’s 1983 film “Conquest.” It’s a strange, hazy dream full of werewolves, warriors, magic, snakes, dolphins, morlocks, bats and stoneage nunchucks.

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From the Vault: Bill Schutt on the Heart Sep 01, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Bill Schutt, author of "Pump: A Natural History of the Heart," about the evolution of the heart and the history of humanity’s attempt to understand it -- along with a few questions about monsters. (originally published 09/30/2021)

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Smart Talks with IBM: The Mayflower Autonomous Ship: AI and Automation at Sea Aug 31, 2022

The world’s first autonomous vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is signaling a new era in maritime technology. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Lauren Ober, host of The Loudest Girl in the World, and guests Brett Phaneuf and Don Scott, the engineers behind the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project. The two explain how automation and AI allowed them to reimagine the design and use of a ship at sea and their implications beyond maritime navigation.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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The Invention of Surgical Gloves Aug 30, 2022

In this invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the origin of surgical gloves, the differing concepts for their composition and the struggle to get surgeons to wear them.

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Listener Mail: Beware the Wheelers Aug 29, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Dog with the Burning Brand Aug 27, 2022

From dogs in old paintings that look like dope smokers to Aztec psychopomps, what’s with all these fire dogs? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore… (originally published 8/31/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Krull Aug 26, 2022

This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into another slice of 1980s big screen fantasy with 1983’s “Krull,” which pits a ragtag group of fantasy adventurers against a technologically advanced alien force from another world.

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The Paragraph, Part 2 Aug 25, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the standard nugget of textual thought: the paragraph.

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The Artifact: The Boustrophedon Aug 24, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses an ancient style of writing that involved reading left to right and right to left…

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The Paragraph, Part 1 Aug 23, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the standard nugget of textual thought: the paragraph.

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Listener Mail: And The Lord Did Grin Aug 22, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Whispers of the Speaking Sword Aug 20, 2022

Weapons capable of thought, speech and autonomous action appear throughout multiple myths and legends. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore some stand-out examples and discuss what it all might mean. (originally published 7/29/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Return to Oz Aug 19, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into the magical world of Oz – not the 1939 version, but the dark fantasy stylings of 1985’s “Return to Oz,” featuring electrotherapy, nightmarish wheelers and other strange delights.

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The Null Ship Aug 18, 2022

In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss the history and principles of the vacuum airship or null ship. Will futuristic materials ever make this 17th century concept possible?

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The Monstrefact: The Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog Aug 17, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog…

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The Whistling, Part 4 Aug 16, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages.

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Listener Mail: A Whistle of Worth Aug 15, 2022

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From the Vault: Musical Frisson Aug 13, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe is joined by producer and host of the Rusty Needle's Record Club podcast Seth Nicholas Johnson to talk about that moment when a song sends a shiver down your spine. (Originally published 6/10/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Thrilling Bloody Sword Aug 12, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1981 Taiwanese fantasy adventure “Thrilling Bloody Sword.” This relentlessly psychotronic adventure isn’t easy to find, but rewards the seeker with bumbling dwarves, rampaging monsters and face-melting magic.

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From the Vault: "Fuzz" with Mary Roach Aug 11, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe welcome acclaimed science writer Mary Roach back to the show to discuss her new book "Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law." (originally published 09/14/2021)

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The Monstrefact: Dreepy, a Pokémon Aug 10, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the boomerang-headed Pokémon Dreepy, with some help from his son Sebastian.

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The Whistling, Part 3 Aug 09, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages.

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Listener Mail: Can you prove that it didn't happen? Aug 08, 2022

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From the Vault: Sea Turtles with Christine Figgener Aug 06, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss sea turtle mysteries, biology, research and conservation with sea turtle researcher and conservationist Dr. Christine Figgener. (originally published 6/29/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Plan 9 from Outer Space Aug 05, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe finally discuss a film that almost defies description: “Plan 9 From Outer Space.” Yes, it’s Ed Wood’s 1957 cinematic monolith featuring Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Vampira and the Amazing Criswell!

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The Whistling, Part 2 Aug 04, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages.

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The Monstrefact: The SPOILER from “NOPE” Aug 03, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses something that happens in the 2022 Jordan Peele movie “NOPE” and there will be spoilers…

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The Whistling, Part 1 Aug 02, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages.

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Listener Mail: Back to the Garden Aug 01, 2022

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From the Vault: The Plague of Mucus Jul 30, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the organic substance that has been referred to in the scientific literature as “marine mucilage.” Prepare to be slimed. (originally published 7/1/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Tarantula Jul 29, 2022

Yes, this week on Weirdhouse Cinema, the 1955 film “Tarantula” takes to the hills. Join Rob and Joe as they discuss this atomic-age sci-fi thriller’s titular giant spider, a mutating Leo G. Carrol and Mara Corday’s “lady scientist” character Steve.

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Fantastic Numbers, with Antonio Padilla Jul 28, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with theoretical physicist and cosmologist Professor Antonio Padilla, author of the new book "Fantastic Numbers and Where to Find Them." Strap in for big numbers, fantastic numbers, black holes and more.

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Smart Talks with IBM: The Good Hacker: Hacking Businesses before Criminals Do Jul 27, 2022

The headlines tell us cyberattacks are a big, consistent threat to business data – and ours. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, and Stephanie “Snow” Carruthers, Chief People Hacker for X-Force, IBM. Snow and her team are finding creative solutions to test their clients’ security, including hacking into their systems before criminal hackers do.

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From the Vault: Creature of the Gear Jul 26, 2022

What is a gear and when did humans invent it? Plus, Rob and Joe discuss the only known creature to have gears in its anatomy. Plus hear about a couple of wheel-based mythical creatures in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 9/2/2021)

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Listener Mail: Warlocks in the Sky Jul 25, 2022

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From the Vault: Where do numbers come from? Jul 23, 2022

Join Robert and Joe as they continue their discussion on numeracy and the origins of numerals on Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 6/17/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Fruit of Paradise Jul 22, 2022

It's time for a little arthouse Adam and Eve! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1970 experimental Czech film "Fruit of Paradise.”

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Dethroned Emperor: The Fall of Valerian, Part 2 Jul 21, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe travel back to the third century CE to discuss the Battle of Edessa, in which the Sasanian Empire not only defeated the Roman army but also took its Emperor as a prisoner of war. How did the emperor’s capture impact the already crisis-ridden Roman Empire, and how was Valerian’s fall possibly mythologized by Christian historians? Find out…

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The Artifact Revisited: Sharur the Talking Mace Jul 20, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses Sharur, the talking mace from Sumerian mythology…

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Dethroned Emperor: The Fall of Valerian, Part 1 Jul 19, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe travel back to the third century CE to discuss the Battle of Edessa, in which the Sasanian Empire not only defeated the Roman army but also took its Emperor as a prisoner of war. How did the emperor’s capture impact the already crisis-ridden Roman Empire, and how was Valerian’s fall possibly mythologized by Christian historians? Find out…

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Listener Mail: Beans and Babel Jul 18, 2022

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From the Vault: The Origins of Numeracy Jul 16, 2022

What are numbers and where does our number sense come from? Is numeracy an innate part of our biology, or is it a cultural invention? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the origins of numbers. (originally published 6/15/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Horror Rises From the Tomb Jul 15, 2022

There’s no keeping THIS occult power couple down! In today’s episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, watch as Spanish horror icons Paul Naschy and Helga Liné spice things up across the centuries in 1973’s “Horror Rises From the Tomb.”

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The Skybridge, Part 2 Jul 14, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the architectural element known as the skyway or skybridge – typically an enclosed bridge connecting the upper stories of two buildings or skyscrapers.

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The Monstrefact: Cave Mimicry in Dungeons and Dragons Jul 14, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses cave environment mimicry by monsters in Dungeons and Dragons…

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The Skybridge, Part 1 Jul 12, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the architectural element known as the skyway or skybridge – typically an enclosed bridge connecting the upper stories of two buildings or skyscrapers.

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Listener Mail: AI Tales and Horror Hosts of Yore Jul 11, 2022

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From the Vault: Reconsider the Bean, Part 2 Jul 09, 2022

What are beans? Do they contain the souls of the dead? Can they be used to drive demons from the household? How important are they in the human diet? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss a variety of magical ideas and scientific facts associated with legumes. (originally published 5/13/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Blade Jul 08, 2022

This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider a weird mainstream movie that basically paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe with wall-to-wall exploding vampires. Yes, Wesley Snipes puts all blood drinkers on notice in 1998’s “Blade.”

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The Lesser of Two Crab Claws, Part 3 Jul 07, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss biological asymmetry in the natural world – including various examples of organisms in which side A doesn’t quite match up with side B.

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The Monstrefact: The Owlbear Jul 06, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the owlbear of Dungeons & Dragons...

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Creative Writing Machines, with Mike Sharples Jul 05, 2022

Will computers one day write the great American novel? What will the future of human/machine creative collaboration look like – and what came before now? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, educational technologist Mike Sharples discusses the book “Story Machines - How Computers Have Become Creative Writers.”

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Listener Mail: Morbius Saves Christmas Jul 04, 2022

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From the Vault: Reconsider the Bean, Part 1 Jul 02, 2022

What are beans? Do they contain the souls of the dead? Can they be used to drive demons from the household? How important are they in the human diet? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss a variety of magical ideas and scientific facts associated with legumes. (originally published 5/11/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Scream and Scream Again Jul 01, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into a movie billed as "triple distilled horror as powerful as a vat of boiling acid!" Yes, it’s the 1970 Amicus sci-fi conspiracy film “Scream and Scream Again” featuring horror icons Vincent Price, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.

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The Lesser of Two Crab Claws, Part 2 Jun 30, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss biological asymmetry in the natural world – including various examples of organisms in which side A doesn’t quite match up with side B.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Building Trustworthy AI: A Holistic Approach Jun 29, 2022

Advocating for artificial intelligence to be built and deployed ethically is no longer just a compliance issue but more of a business imperative. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Dr. Laurie Santos, host of The Happiness Lab, and Phaedra Boinodiris, Trust in AI Practice Leader within IBM Consulting. Phaedra’s team at IBM is creatively tackling the global need to build trustworthy AI by approaching the challenge holistically, implementing design thinking to address problems before they arise.

This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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The Lesser of Two Crab Claws, Part 1 Jun 28, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss biological asymmetry in the natural world – including various examples of organisms in which side A doesn’t quite match up with side B.

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Listener Mail: Legend of a Mind Jun 27, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Star Wars Alien Necropsy, Part 2 Jun 25, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, venture into a galaxy far, far away while also considering the science and biology of our home world. Join Robert and Joe as they break down six fantastic alien species from the Star Wars universe. (Originally published 5/6/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Battle Beyond the Stars Jun 24, 2022

It’s time to venture into the world of “Star Wars” knock-offs once more, this time with 1980’s “Battle Beyond the Stars!” Join Rob and Joe as they revel in this wonky space opera featuring a number of b-movie mainstays and future stars.

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Red Leviathan, with Ryan Tucker Jones Jun 23, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Ryan Tucker Jones, author of the new book “Red Leviathan: The Secret History of Soviet Whaling.” Jones discusses the horrific impact of 20th century whaling, the Soviet Union’s place in whaling history and the efforts of scientists and activists to stop the practice – including scientists within the Soviet Union.

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The Monsterfact: The Jiang Shi Jun 22, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Jiang Shi or hopping vampire of Chinese folklore…

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Of Humans and Squids, with Martin Wallen Jun 21, 2022

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Martin Wallen about his 2021 book “Squid,” which covers the history of humanity’s scientific, folkloric and literary interest in cephalopods – from Aristotle’s understanding of the creatures to their treatment in weird fiction of the 20th and 21st centuries.

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Listener Mail: Turtle Talk Jun 20, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail. Plus this time Seth pops in to chat with Robert about TMNT video games...

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From the Vault: Star Wars Alien Necropsy, Part 1 Jun 18, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, venture into a galaxy far, far away while also considering the science and biology of our home world. Join Robert and Joe as they break down six fantastic alien species from the Star Wars universe. (Originally published 5/4/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: A Chinese Ghost Story Jun 17, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1987 Hong Kong supernatural romance comedy “A Chinese Ghost Story,” featuring screaming skulls, a seductive ghost and an evil tree demon. It’s a cult classic!

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The Cauldron, Part 4 Jun 16, 2022

On a mundane level, a cauldron is nothing more than a great cooking pot, but it takes on supernatural dimensions in various myths and legends. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history of cauldrons and their links to tales of witchcraft, rebirth and the mandate of heaven.

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The Monstrefact: Mud Monsters Attack Jun 15, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a couple of different mud monsters from global traditions…

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The Cauldron, Part 3 Jun 14, 2022

On a mundane level, a cauldron is nothing more than a great cooking pot, but it takes on supernatural dimensions in various myths and legends. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history of cauldrons and their links to tales of witchcraft, rebirth and the mandate of heaven.

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Listener Mail: Fire Burn and Caldron Bubble Jun 13, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Pacific Navigation, Part 3 Jun 11, 2022

The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation. (originally published 7/13/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Trancers II Jun 10, 2022

It’s sequel time once more on Weirdhouse Cinema! Join Rob and Joe as they jump right into Charles Band’s 1991 sequel to Trancers, starring Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt and the always villainous Richard Lynch. Jack Deth contends with psychic zombies, various wives and the not-so-rigorous rules of time travel. (originally published 5/21/2021)

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From the Vault: Pacific Navigation, Part 2 Jun 09, 2022

The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation. (originally published 7/8/2021)

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The Artifact Redux: Pants of the Necromancer Jun 08, 2022

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the so-called necro-pants...

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From the Vault: Pacific Navigation, Part 1 Jun 07, 2022

The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation. (originally published 7/7/2021)

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Listener Mail: Summer Break Jun 06, 2022

We have some great classics for you to listen to while the show is on summer break!

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From the Vault: Punish the Machine, Part 2 Jun 04, 2022

What will we do when robots and artificial intelligences break the law? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the issue of robot moral and legal agency. (originally published 4/15/21)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Zaat Jun 03, 2022

This time on Weirdhouse Cinema, we consider the Florida Movie par excellence: 1971’s “Zaat,” also known as “The Blood Waters of Dr. Z.” Prepare to stalk and skulk through the sargassum in this suitably swampy creature feature. (originally published 4/30/2021)

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The Invention of the Telegraph Jun 02, 2022

The telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication and paved the way for our interconnected information age. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the invention of the telegraph.

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Smart Talks with IBM: Home Lending Pal: Disrupting the Mortgage Industry with Cloud and AI Jun 01, 2022

Historically, there have been cultural biases that have complicated the home buying process and made home ownership difficult. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm takes on this subject with Jacob Goldstein, host of What’s Your Problem?, and Bryan Young and Steven Better, the co-founders of Home Lending Pal. These two visionaries are using IBM technology including AI, blockchain and cloud to create a home loan process that’s more transparent, secure, and equitable. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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From the Vault: The Sargasso Sea May 31, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the sargassum seaweed and the many strange and amazing organisms that call it home. (originally published 4/29/2021)

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Listener Mail: Cyclopean Stairs May 30, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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New Smart Talks with IBM Season Coming Soon May 29, 2022

Smart Talks with IBM returns May 31. This season, host Malcolm Gladwell and a team of correspondents from Pushkin Industries meet with New Creators who are creatively applying technology in business to drive change. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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From the Vault: Punish the Machine, Part 1 May 28, 2022

What will we do when robots and artificial intelligences break the law? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the issue of robot moral and legal agency. (originally published 4/13/21)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Fiend Without a Face May 27, 2022

Brains attack once more on Weirdhouse Cinema as Rob and Joe discuss the 1958 horror film “Fiend Without a Face,” starring the best stop-motion brain monsters the 50s had to offer.

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The Cauldron, Part 2 May 26, 2022

On a mundane level, a cauldron is nothing more than a great cooking pot, but it takes on supernatural dimensions in various myths and legends. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history of cauldrons and their links to tales of witchcraft, rebirth and the mandate of heaven.

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The Monstrefact: Lady Dimitrescu May 25, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the vampiric giantess from the Capcom videogame Resident Evil Village…

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The Cauldron, Part 1 May 24, 2022

On a mundane level, a cauldron is nothing more than a great cooking pot, but it takes on supernatural dimensions in various myths and legends. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history of cauldrons and their links to tales of witchcraft, rebirth and the mandate of heaven.

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Why Nature? May 23, 2022

Studies have found that spending time in nature creates a host of psychological and physiological benefits for humans. But why? In this episode, Robert and Joe explore several competing explanations for the restorative power of natural environments, covering everything from the shape of our ancestral environments to the internal economy of attention and focus.

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From the Vault: Phobos and Deimos, Part 2 May 21, 2022

The god of war does not march into battle alone. His sons, embodying panic and terror ride beside him. The same can be said of the planet Mars and its two moons: Phobos and Deimos. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Martian moons as well as a bit of mythology. (originally published 4/22/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Loreley's Grasp May 20, 2022

It’s time for another Spanish monster romp on Weirdhouse Cinema! In this episode, Rob and Joe discuss Amando de Ossorio’s 1973 film “The Loreley's Grasp,” full of Germanic mythology and highly questionable science.

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Creature with the Crystal Skin May 19, 2022

It is dark inside the human body, but not every denizen of the animal kingdom is such a closed book. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss various creatures with transparent anatomical features and translucent bodies.

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The Monstrefact: The Loreley May 18, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Germanic siren known as the Loreley…

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The Hot-Cold Empathy Gap May 17, 2022

You may think you know yourself, but humans have a striking inability to predict their own behavior in differing emotional states. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the hot-cold empathy gap.

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Listener Mail: Gates of Heck May 16, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Phobos and Deimos, Part 1 May 14, 2022

The god of war does not march into battle alone. His sons, embodying panic and terror ride beside him. The same can be said of the planet Mars and its two moons: Phobos and Deimos. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Martian moons as well as a bit of mythology. (originally published 4/20/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Jason Takes Manhattan May 13, 2022

In celebration of Friday the 13, Rob and Joe dive into one of the sillier entries in the Jason Voorhees franchise with 1989's "Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan" on this week's Weirdhouse Cinema.

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The Facsimile, Part 2 May 12, 2022

It’s easy to take document duplication for granted in our modern age, but our digital ease follows centuries of mechanical innovation and millennia of human specialization in the form of the scribe. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the facsimile.

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The Monstrefact: The Nuppeppo May 11, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a ghoulish blob from the yokai tradition of Japan…

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The Facsimile, Part 1 May 10, 2022

It’s easy to take document duplication for granted in our modern age, but our digital ease follows centuries of mechanical innovation and millennia of human specialization in the form of the scribe. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the facsimile.

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Listener Mail: Turtle of Enormous Girth May 09, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Machine Lords of Barnard 68, Part 2 May 07, 2022

Even as humans reach out into the void with robotic probes and turn to artificial intelligence to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life, we face the possibility that the life we find out there might be mechanical and governed by artificial intelligence as well. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss alien AI and post-organic life. (originally published 4/1/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Planet of the Vampires May 06, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Mario Bava's hypnotic 1965 sci-fi horror movie "Planet of the Vampires." It has all the style you could ask for, plus giant space skeletons.

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The Stargazer and the Well May 05, 2022

Can you see the light of the stars from the bottom of a well? Did an astrologer once fall into a well because he was staring up at the stars? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss a couple of well-and-cosmos-related tales from antiquity.

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The Monstrefact: The Bog Octopus May 04, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses tentacled lurkers in the bog from the worlds of gaming, fantasy literature and industrial music…

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Fire From the Rocks, Part 3 May 03, 2022

It might surprise you to learn that the oldest raging fires on Earth are actually underground. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the world of eternal flames and coal seam fires.

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Listener Mail: Vegetable in Sheep's Clothing May 02, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Machine Lords of Barnard 68, Part 1 Apr 30, 2022

Even as humans reach out into the void with robotic probes and turn to artificial intelligence to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life, we face the possibility that the life we find out there might be mechanical and governed by artificial intelligence as well. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss alien AI and post-organic life. (originally published 3/30/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Atragon Apr 29, 2022

The surface world fights back against undersea aggression! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Ishirô Honda’s 1963 Toho film “Atragon,” which features an armored submarine and the debut of the kaiju Manda!

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Fire From the Rocks, Part 2 Apr 28, 2022

It might surprise you to learn that the oldest raging fires on Earth are actually underground. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the world of eternal flames and coal seam fires.

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The Monstrefact: Torterra, a Pokemon Apr 27, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Pokemon known as Torterra with a little help from Sebastian…

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Fire From the Rocks, Part 1 Apr 26, 2022

It might surprise you to learn that the oldest raging fires on Earth are actually underground. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the world of eternal flames and coal seam fires.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Planta Haereticus Apr 25, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Jupiter the Destroyer, Part 2 Apr 23, 2022

Did the planet Jupiter, like a reckless god, wreak havoc on a young solar system? Join Robert and Joe and they consider the red planet’s destructive powers on Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 3/25/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Guyver Apr 22, 2022

It’s time for more big meaty monsters slapping meat on Weirdhouse Cinema, as Rob and Joe discuss 1991’s “The Guyver,” a biomechanical slapfest full of wonderfully weird casting and an array of glistening special effects by synthetic flesh wizard and co-director Screaming Mad George.

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The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary, Part 2 Apr 21, 2022

In the previous week’s episodes of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discussed contemplations of plant memory and other topics that blur our understanding of the animal/plant divide. In this episode, they continue on some of those themes by considering the legendary vegetable lamb of Tartary, said to be a flesh-and-blood animal that grew from the ground.

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The Monstrefact: Baphomet, The Goat of Mendes Apr 20, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses Baphomet, the Goat of Mendes…

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The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary, Part 1 Apr 19, 2022

In the previous week’s episodes of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discussed contemplations of plant memory and other topics that blur our understanding of the animal/plant divide. In this episode, they continue on some of those themes by considering the legendary vegetable lamb of Tartary, said to be a flesh-and-blood animal that grew from the ground.

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Listener Mail: Smaragdus Eyes Apr 18, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Jupiter the Destroyer, Part 1 Apr 16, 2022

Did the planet Jupiter, like a reckless god, wreak havoc on a young solar system? Join Robert and Joe and they consider the red planet’s destructive powers on Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 3/23/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Devil Rides Out Apr 15, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1968 Hammer horror film “The Devil Rides Out,” directed by Terence Fisher and adapted by Richard Matheson from the novel by Dennis Wheatley. It stars Christopher Lee and Charles Gray as dueling occultists in a tale of high-stakes Satanism.

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Plant Memories, Part 2 Apr 14, 2022

Do plants remember? Do they communicate? What is the extent of their interaction with their environment? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the amazing world of plant intelligence research.

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The Monstrefact: Blade and the Slime Mite Apr 13, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a possible link between Blade the Vampire Hunter and a particular slime mite…

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Plant Memories, Part 1 Apr 12, 2022

Do plants remember? Do they communicate? What is the extent of their interaction with their environment? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the amazing world of plant intelligence research.

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Listener Mail: Eyes of the Potato Apr 11, 2022

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From the Vault: The Dad Joke Apr 09, 2022

We all know a “dad joke” when we hear one, but what exactly qualifies as a dad joke and what does it reveal about parenthood, childhood learning and comedy itself? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 3/18/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Hands of Steel Apr 08, 2022

This week’s classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema is 30 percent human, 70 percent robot and 100 percent lethal -- because the subject is the 1986 Italian sci-fi action film “Hands of Steel,” a cyborg arm wrestling movie set in the dystopian future of 1997. (originally published 3/19/2021)

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From the Vault: The Invention of the Spoon, Part 2 Apr 07, 2022

It’s time for another invention-based classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. In this episode, Robert and Joe discuss a very old invention that we can scarcely imagine life without: the spoon. (originally published 3/11/2021)

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The Artifact Redux: The Corleck Head Apr 06, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses a fascinating Celtic artifact...

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From the Vault: The Invention of the Spoon, Part 1 Apr 05, 2022

It’s time for another invention-based classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. In this episode, Robert and Joe discuss a very old invention that we can scarcely imagine life without: the spoon. (originally published 3/9/2021)

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Spring Break is Here Apr 04, 2022

Rob and Joe prepare you for a week of Spring Break classics...

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From the Vault: The Nile Inundation Apr 02, 2022

The annual inundation of the Nile was vital to the Ancient Egyptians, and therefore factored heavily into their mythology. Join Robert and Joe as they discuss flood waters, the origins of life and the Egyptian pantheon. (originally published 3/16/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Abominable Dr. Phibes Apr 01, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1971 dark comedy horror film “The Abominable Dr. Phibes,” starring horror icon Vincent Price as the titular revenger himself.

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The Three-Pupiled Eye, Part 2 Mar 31, 2022

From heroes to sages to destructive monsters, various figures in Irish mythology are described as possessing eyes of seven or three pupils (or irises). We also see discussion of such marvelous eyes in Chinese traditions and in the writings of Pliny and Ovid. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigma of the triple eye.

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The Monstrefact: The Nosferatu Vampire Mar 30, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Nosferatu vampire…

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The Three-Pupiled Eye, Part 1 Mar 29, 2022

From heroes to sages to destructive monsters, various figures in Irish mythology are described as possessing eyes of seven or three pupils (or irises). We also see discussion of such marvelous eyes in Chinese traditions and in the writings of Pliny and Ovid. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigma of the triple eye.

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Listener Mail: Week Sauce Mar 28, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Fata Morgana Mar 26, 2022

The horizon is an interesting netherworld of optical phenomena, where -- to the human eye -- ghost ships may sal the sky, phantom islands offer relief to weary sailors, sea monsters tower and alien ships enter the atmosphere. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the Fata Morgana mirage. (originally published 3/4/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Next of Kin (1982) Mar 25, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture down under for the 1982 supernatural thriller “Next of Kin,” starring Jacki Kerin, John Jarratt and a superb score by German electronic music pioneer Klaus Schulze.

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The Beast Wore an Apron, Part 2 Mar 24, 2022

Are there any animals other than humans that cook their food? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of non-human animal meal preparation. Bon appétit!

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The Monstrefact: Birdo of Subcon Mar 23, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the famous egg-spitting lizard creature from “Super Mario Brothers 2.”

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The Beast Wore an Apron, Part 1 Mar 22, 2022

Are there any animals other than humans that cook their food? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of non-human animal meal preparation. Bon appétit!

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Listener Mail: Green Stamps Mar 21, 2022

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From the Vault: The Sargasso Sea Mar 19, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the sargassum seaweed and the many strange and amazing organisms that call it home. (originally published 4/29/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Beastmaster 2 Mar 18, 2022

This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into “Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time,” a 1991 sequel full of loincloths, green magic, animal hijinks and a lethal dose of goofy one-liners.

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Finn McCool, Part 2: The Thumb of Knowledge Mar 17, 2022

The Irish mythological hero Finn MacCool is known for many exploits, from the slaying of a great fire monster to the creation of Giant's Causeway. However, he’s also known for his magical thumb, which he could suck on to gain knowledge. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the thumb of knowledge and its relations to other myths and even a little bit of science.

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The Monstrefact: Abhartach, the Irish Vampire Mar 16, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses what may be the oldest vampire in Western European traditions…

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Finn McCool, Part 1: Mythic Exploits of the Irish Hero Mar 15, 2022

The Irish mythological hero Finn MacCool is known for many exploits, from the slaying of a great fire monster to the creation of Giant's Causeway. However, he’s also known for his magical thumb, which he could suck on to gain knowledge. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the thumb of knowledge and its relations to other myths and even a little bit of science.

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Listener Mail: Tuesday's Great and Wednesday Too! Mar 14, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Halo, Part 2 Mar 12, 2022

From glowing rings to flaming sun discs, the halo takes many forms in religious iconography. Why do angels, saints, gods and demigods love standing beneath or in front of these things? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of halos in myth, art and optics. (originally published 3/2/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Eliminators Mar 11, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive head first into the 1986 cyborg time-travel adventure film “Eliminators,” which has robots, cavemen, kung-fu and more boat-related combat than you’re probably ready for.

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The Seven Day Week, Part 3 Mar 10, 2022

Our modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week.

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The Artifact: Death Tripods of Dune Mar 09, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the death tripods of Dune…

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The Seven Day Week, Part 2 Mar 08, 2022

Our modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week.

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Listener Mail: Lousy Smarch Weather Mar 07, 2022

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From the Vault: The Halo, Part 1 Mar 05, 2022

From glowing rings to flaming sun discs, the halo takes many forms in religious iconography. Why do angels, saints, gods and demigods love standing beneath or in front of these things? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of halos in myth, art and optics. (originally published 2/25/2021)

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema: Zeiram Mar 04, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1991 Japanese sci-fi monster film Zeiram, in which a futuristic bounty hunter from space must hunt down a deadly alien renegade with the help of two hapless electricians.

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The Seven Day Week, Part 1 Mar 03, 2022

Our modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monstrefact: Ditto, a Pokémon Mar 02, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the shapeshifting Pokémon known as Ditto.

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From the Vault: The Invention of Ketchup Mar 01, 2022

You love it. You put it on everything. But where does ketchup come from? In this classic episode of Invention, Robert and Joe explore the mysterious origins of everyone’s favorite sweet red sauce -- and consider the jaw-dropping fact that ketchup isn’t always red and isn’t always made from tomatoes. (originally published 9/29/19)

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Listener Mail: At Length Did Cross an Albatross Feb 28, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: The Moses Illusion Feb 26, 2022

How many animals of each kind did Moses take on the Ark? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss The Moses Illusion, one persistent example from a class of mental phenomena known as “knowledge neglect.” (originally published 2/23/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire Feb 25, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the greatest vampire snooker movie of all time. Yes, it's Alan Clarke's 1985 rock musical "Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire."

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Sailor on a Sea of Lava Feb 24, 2022

To sail down a river of lava in a boat is surely a thing of pure fantasy, but in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the actual “lava boats” you might glimpse in volcanic footage as well as what would be required to build a vessel capable of traversing a true lake of fire.

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The Monstrefact: Akhlut Feb 23, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Akhlut of Inuit traditions.

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From the Vault: Dissolver of Worlds Feb 22, 2022

In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss the nature of the Alkahest, the universal solvent of alchemy. (originally published 4/27/2021)

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Listener Mail: Supernaut Feb 21, 2022

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From the Vault: Gold, Metal of the Sun Feb 19, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of gold, humanity’s history extracting it from the Earth and the amazing properties of gold nanoparticles. (Originally published 2/16/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Mr. Vampire Feb 18, 2022

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1985 Hong Kong comedy horror film “Mr. Vampire,” in which our heroes use kicks, furniture, rice and Taoist sorcery against the deadly Chinese hopping vampires, the jiāng shī. (originally published 7/9/2021)

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From the Vault: Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 2 Feb 17, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Shān Hǎi Jīng or “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” an ancient Chinese text that compiles the mythic geography and fantastic creatures of the world. (Originally published 2/11/2021)

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The Monstrefact Redux: Chiseltooth Feb 16, 2022

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the monster Chiseltooth from Chinese mythology… (origianlly published 10/20/2021)

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From the Vault: Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 1 Feb 15, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Shān Hǎi Jīng or “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” an ancient Chinese text that compiles the mythic geography and fantastic creatures of the world. (Originally published 2/9/2021)

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Listener Mail: Hand of Dog Feb 14, 2022

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Brain and Head Theft, Part 2 Feb 12, 2022

First they came for their heads. Then they came for their brains. In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the weird and fascinating history of head and brain preservation, veneration and theft. (originally published 2/4/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Brain Eaters Feb 11, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1958 sci-fi movie “The Brain Eaters,” which doesn’t actually feature brain eating but is still a lot of fun.

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Giants in the Earth: The Paleoburrows Feb 10, 2022

Enter the paleoburrows of South America, where evidence suggests construction not by human hands or tools but by giant claws – and for purposes we’re still trying to understand.

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The Monstrefact: The Gruenak of Thra Feb 09, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses one of the doomed species of the planet Thra in “The Dark Crystal: The Age of Resistance.”

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Thirst, Part 3 Feb 08, 2022

What is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question.

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Listener Mail: Kuleshov Kul-Aid Feb 07, 2022

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From the Vault: Brain and Head Theft, Part 1 Feb 05, 2022

First they came for their heads. Then they came for their brains. In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the weird and fascinating history of head and brain preservation, veneration and theft. (originally published 2/2/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Beast With Five Fingers Feb 04, 2022

What has five fingers and is an absolute beast? A disembodied crawling hand, of course! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1946 horror film “The Beast With Five Fingers” starring Peter Lorre.

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Thirst, Part 2 Feb 03, 2022

What is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question.

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The Monstrefact: Baba Yaga Feb 02, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses one of the most famous Russian fairy tale characters of all time…

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Thirst, Part 1 Feb 01, 2022

What is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question.

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Listener Mail: Bowling Alleys On The Moon Jan 31, 2022

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From the Vault: The Tempest Stele Jan 29, 2022

During the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, Pharaoh Ahmose I erected a stele detailing a great storm that destroyed tombs, temples and other structures. Does this artifact describe a real atmospheric disturbance? Or is it propaganda? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the mystery. (originally published 1/28/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Phase IV Jan 28, 2022

What happens when a solar conjunction allows all ant species to unite against their enemies? Find out as Rob and Joe discuss the delightfully weird 1974 film “Phase IV.”

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The Kuleshov Effect, Part 2 Jan 27, 2022

What is the character in the film looking at? How does the object of their vision color how we interpret their countenance? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Kuleshov effect from film theory and what studies in experimental psychology and neuroscience reveal.

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The Artifact: Rotten Brooms Bleeding Black Blood Jan 26, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses connections between rotting wood and the supernatural…

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The Kuleshov Effect, Part 1 Jan 25, 2022

What is the character in the film looking at? How does the object of their vision color how we interpret their countenance? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Kuleshov effect from film theory and what studies in experimental psychology and neuroscience reveal.

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Listener Mail: The Braid of Nastenka Jan 24, 2022

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From the Vault: The Bonsai Tree Jan 22, 2022

Spanning centuries of human history, the iconic bonsai tree is a widely recognized example of Japanese mastery. Each miniature tree speaks to the beauty of cultivated nature and the immutability of all things. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history of bonsai, its cultural meaning and the underlying science. (originally published 1/26/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Hercules (1983) Jan 21, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe contend with the glittering, cosmic glory of Luigi Cozzi’s 1983 film “Hercules,” starring Lou Ferrigno as the mighty hero, William Berger as science-loving King Minos and Sybil Danning as his daughter Adriana.

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Do ants make traps? Jan 20, 2022

The trap is insidious. But of course it is. It was designed and executed… by ants? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, the ant wars continue as Robert and Joe explore some of the possibility that a few formidable Formicidae species actually lay traps.

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The Monstrefact: Donkeys of Dune Jan 19, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the oft-forgotten Kulons of the planet Arrakis…

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The Silurian Hypothesis Jan 18, 2022

If an advanced civilization existed on earth several million years ago, would we actually be able to detect that they were here? It may sound like conspiracy theorist bait, but a serious and balanced look at the question reveals a lot about geology, climate and the search for alien life. In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss the silurian hypothesis.

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Listener Mail: Goat of a Tumbleweed Jan 17, 2022

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From the Vault: Funeral for a Bug Jan 15, 2022

How do insects factor into our traditions of death -- and how do insects handle their own burials? Find out in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind as Robert and Joe discuss ants, termites, Virgil, ancient civilizations, bees and more. (originally published 1/21/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Lift Jan 14, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe take a ride in Dutch filmmaker Dick Maas’ 1983 killer elevator movie “The Lift.”

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Tumbleweeds, Part 2: Riddles and Radiation Jan 13, 2022

In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the world of tumbleweeds. While it’s easy to dismiss these amazing plants as overused symbols of the American west, these detachable diaspores are more than meets the eyes.

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The Monstrefact: The Manticore Jan 12, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the legendary Manticore…

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Tumbleweeds, Part 1: The Wind Witch Jan 11, 2022

In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the world of tumbleweeds. While it’s easy to dismiss these amazing plants as overused symbols of the American west, these detachable diaspores are more than meets the eyes.

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Listener Mail: Time Crabs Jan 10, 2022

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From the Vault: The Invention of the Lock & Key Jan 08, 2022

The lock and key are such a central part of modern life, both technologically and metaphorically, but when and how did this technological advancement take place? In this Invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe dive into the ancient history of security technology. (originally published 1/12/2021)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Son of the White Mare Jan 07, 2022

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe explore Marcell Jankovics’ hallucinogenic animated masterpiece of Hungarian mythology: Fehérlófia, known to English-speaking audiences as “Son of the White Mare.”

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From the Vault: Sinkholes, Part 2 Jan 06, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science and history of sinkholes. How have these impressive geographic features impacted our world, and what can they reveal about the past? (originally published 1/19/2021)

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The Artifact Redux: Edible Currencies Jan 05, 2022

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses money you can eat or drink...

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From the Vault: Sinkholes, Part 1 Jan 04, 2022

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science and history of sinkholes. How have these impressive geographic features impacted our world, and what can they reveal about the past? (originally published 1/14/2021)

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Happy New Year Jan 03, 2022

Robert and Joe are still on break, but here's an update on what you'll hear this week.

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From the Vault: Heavy Water Jan 01, 2022

Nope, “Heavy Water” isn’t the new bottled beverage for headbangers. It’s actually an alternate form of water called deuterium oxide that plays a key role in nuclear power plants and the creation of nuclear weapons. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe get to know heavy water. Can you drink it? Why did the Nazis want it? Find out… (originally published 12/17/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Robot Jox Dec 31, 2021

What if the nations of the Earth solved all their problems with giant robot gladiatorial battles? That’s the concept behind 1990’s “Robot Jox,” directed by horror wizard Stuart Gordon and written by military sci-fi author Joe Haldeman. Join Rob and Joe for a discussion of mech politics in this Christmas Day episode of Weirdhouse Cinema. (originally published 12/25/2020)

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From the Vault: The Toaster Not Taken Dec 30, 2021

It’s obvious that our preferences guide our choices, but do our choices also determine our preferences? In this classic episode, join Robert and Joe as they explore this question with the help of a half-century of psychological research and reminiscences concerning Sonic the Hedgehog and Metallica. (originally published 12/24/2020)

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The Artifact Redux: Stone Mushroom Clouds Dec 29, 2021

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe talks about mind-boggling prehistoric mineral formations. (originally published 2/10/2021)

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From the Vault: Toy Guns Dec 28, 2021

For many of us, toy guns were part of our childhood, but how are we to think about them today? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe look at some of the current thinking on the use of toy weapons in childhood play. (originally published 12/22/2020)

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Holiday Break Dec 27, 2021

Stuff to Blow Your Mind is off for the week, but Robert and Joe take a few minutes to discuss the classic episodes that will be showcased in the feed.

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From the Vault: Holiday Inventions Dec 25, 2021

Once more, Stuff to Blow Your Mind leans into the holidays -- this time for an invention-minded episode about some of the technologies that bring the winter holidays to life. Join Robert and Joe as they discuss electric Christmas tree lights, tinsel and angelic tree toppers. (originally published 12/15/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Battle for Endor Dec 24, 2021

The Star Wars franchise is home to many cinematic entries some consider to be unnatural. In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1985 made-for-TV film “Ewoks: The Battle For Endor,” starring Wilford Brimley and various forest monsters. (originally published 12/4/2020)

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A Major Award: The Ancient and Occult History of the “A Christmas Story” Leg Lamp Dec 23, 2021

The 1983 holiday film “A Christmas Story” warned us of the dangers associated with BB guns, bar soap and frozen flag poles – but it also introduced us to the Old Man’s prized leg lamp. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe dive into the deep, ancient and occult history of lamps and other objects shaped in the likeness of a human leg or foot.

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The Monstrefact: Holiday edition Dec 22, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a surprise holiday monster...

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Time Traveler Zero, Part 2 Dec 21, 2021

Today, time travel fiction is everywhere – and we understand the cosmos enough to even speculate what is and isn’t possible. But how old is the notion of travel through time? What sorts of attitudes and ideas concerning the nature of time were seemingly necessary before humans first imagined firing up a time machine?

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Listener Mail: Holidays on Ice-Nine Dec 20, 2021

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From the Vault: Like a Circle in a Spiral, Part 2 Dec 18, 2021

You might consider spinning around in a circle either great fun or a one-way ticket to barf town, but spinning and whirling are also tied to childhood development, artistic expression and the pursuit of meditative states. Join Robert and Joe as they explore the spin on this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 12/10/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Morozko (aka Jack Frost) Dec 17, 2021

This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the classic 1960s Russian fairy tale spectacular “Morozko,” better known to many fans as “Jack Frost.” It’s a tale of love, evil stepmothers, mushroom wizards, animal transformations, Baba Yaga and of course the Russian personification of winter, Morozko or Ded Moroz.

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Music and Memory Dec 16, 2021

We all know music can influence our moods, but can it actually boost our memory? How do musical memories emerge at the borders of identity, experience and culture? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore these questions and discuss the curious ways we remember music and sounds.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Managing supply chain volatility in the height of the shopping season Dec 15, 2021

Global supply chains have made headlines this year, with businesses in every industry and consumers all experiencing unprecedented volatility. How can companies stabilize this boundless bullwhip? In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Jonathan Wright, Global Managing Partner for Supply Chain Consulting at IBM, about demand forecasting and other technologies that manufacturers and vendors are using to make their supply chains more resilient. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Time Traveler Zero, Part 1 Dec 14, 2021

Today, time travel fiction is everywhere – and we understand the cosmos enough to even speculate what is and isn’t possible. But how old is the notion of travel through time? What sorts of attitudes and ideas concerning the nature of time were seemingly necessary before humans first imagined firing up a time machine?

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Listener Mail: Crab Walking Down Human Street Dec 13, 2021

Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...

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From the Vault: Like a Circle in a Spiral, Part 1 Dec 11, 2021

You might consider spinning around in a circle either great fun or a one-way ticket to barf town, but spinning and whirling are also tied to childhood development, artistic expression and the pursuit of meditative states. Join Robert and Joe as they explore the spin on this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 12/8/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Bloodbeat Dec 10, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider their first holiday horror film selection: 1983’s “Bloodbeat.” Filmed in Wisconsin, the film explores the complexity of holiday family time, while also wondering what might happen if mom had to battle a Samurai ghost with her psychic powers. Plus, Rob and Joe will discuss holiday horror films in general.

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Daniel Whiteson, Time Traveler Dec 09, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe welcome back Daniel Whiteson, particle physicist and co-host of Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe. Tune in for a discussion of time travel, wormholes and more that will actually transport you roughly an hour into the future. Plus Daniel will discuss the new book "Frequently Asked Questions About the Universe."

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: What does the future of sustainability look like for your company and your customers? Dec 08, 2021

Today, consumers, businesses and governments are united in their sense of urgency about the sustainability of the planet. But how do we go about achieving it? In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Marc Rolfe, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Partners Ecosystem Success at SAP, and Jason Kelley, General Manager, IBM Strategic Partners, about how strategic partnerships between companies can create a larger industry shift toward sustainability. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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2021 Ig Nobel Prize Grab Bag, Part 2 Dec 07, 2021

Once more, Robert and Joe consult the winners of the Ig-Nobel Prizes for a few examples of the hilarious and the weird from the world of legitimate scientific research.

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Listener Mail: The Funk of 40,000 Years Dec 06, 2021

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From the Vault: Airships Over Venus Dec 04, 2021

Planet Earth a bit much for you right now? Well venture back out to Venus on Stuff to Blow Your Mind. Join Robert and Joe as they discuss recent news in the search for possible signs of life in the Venusian clouds, as well as the possibility of probes or even human explorers sailing over Venus in futuristic airships. (originally published 12/01/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Super Infra-Man Dec 03, 2021

It’s time to dive back into the Shaw Brothers cinematic treasure chest, this time for the sci-fi action film “The Super Infra-Man” starring Danny Lee and a whole bunch of monsters and stylish costumes.

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2021 Ig Nobel Prize Grab Bag, Part 1 Dec 02, 2021

Once more, Robert and Joe consult the winners of the Ig-Nobel Prizes for a few examples of the hilarious and the weird from the world of legitimate scientific research.

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The Artifact: Malaysian Spirit Boats Dec 01, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses a most nautical form of exorcism...

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Crab Content is King Nov 30, 2021

Stuff to Blow Your Mind is back from Thanksgiving break, so Robert and Joe discuss even more crab science and mythology.

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Listener Mail: The Chosen Few Nov 29, 2021

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From the Vault: Turkey, Wishbones and Gravy Nov 27, 2021

In recognition of Thanksgiving, Robert and Joe devote this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind to the very topics that might float through your head at the dinner table: What is a wishbone, why do we pull it apart and what does it have to do with dinosaurs? Are turkeys messengers of the gods? What is gravy and is it ever considered sacred? Find out... (originally publihsed 11/26/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Zaat Nov 26, 2021

In celebration of MST3K Turkey Day, this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema from earlier this year explores a film from a beloved episode of MST3K. We consider the Florida Movie par excellence: 1971’s “Zaat,” also known as “The Blood Waters of Dr. Z.” Prepare to stalk and skulk through the sargassum in this suitably swampy creature feature. (Originally published 4/30/2021)

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From the Vault: Melt With Me Nov 25, 2021

From the horror of “melt movies,” in which the melting human takes on nightmaric qualities, to far more benign and even sublime takes on the concept of the melt, there does seem to be something to our fascination with personal phase transition. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe try to figure out what it all means. (originally published 11/5/2020)

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The Artifact Redux: The Sword of Gōu Jiàn Nov 24, 2021

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses an ancient Chinese sword noted for its unusual sharpness and resistance to tarnish... (originally published 2/17/2021)

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From the Vault: Invention of the Bed Nov 23, 2021

We sure do spend a lot of time in bed, but what exactly IS a bed and what were ancient beds like? In this classic invention-based episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the ancient history of the bed. (originally published 11/17/2020)

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Turkey Day Break Nov 22, 2021

We're off this week, but don't let that stop you from having seconds on some classic content from last year.

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From the Vault: Mushroom Foraging, Part 2 Nov 20, 2021

Are more people identifying and even foraging wild mushrooms than in previous years? If so, why is this? In these classic episodes of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe talk about mushroom foraging, the importance of human foraging and even some studies that pit forager against forager. (originally published 9/17/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dunwich Horror Nov 19, 2021

It’s time for a hippie necronomicon extravaganza as Rob and Joe crack open 1970’s “The Dunwich Horror,” starring the late, great Dean Stockwell, Sandra Dee and Ed Begley Sr.

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Crabs Eat Everything Around Me, Part 2 Nov 18, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe talk about crabs eating things. Do YOU have what it takes to become a delicious entree for crab gourmands? Find out!

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: How a Human-Centered Approach is Building Trustworthy AI Nov 17, 2021

Creating trust and transparency in AI isn’t just a business requirement, it’s a social responsibility. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Christina Montgomery, IBM's Chief Privacy Officer and AI Ethics Board Co-Chair, and Dr. Seth Dobrin, Global Chief AI Officer, about IBM’s approach to AI and how it’s helping businesses transform the way they work with AI systems that are fair and address bias so AI can benefit everyone, not just a few. This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

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Crabs Eat Everything Around Me, Part 1 Nov 16, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe talk about crabs eating things. Do YOU have what it takes to become a delicious entree for crab gourmands? Find out!

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Listener Mail: Let the Lamp Affix its Beam Nov 15, 2021

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From the Vault: Mushroom Foraging, Part 1 Nov 13, 2021

Are more people identifying and even foraging wild mushrooms than in previous years? If so, why is this? In these classic episodes of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe talk about mushroom foraging, the importance of human foraging and even some studies that pit forager against forager. (originally published 9/15/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Venom (1981) Nov 12, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe wrestle with their first full-blown snake movie: 1981’s “Venom.” It stars Oliver Reed, Klaus Kinski and a live black mamba snake from the London Zoo. Film historians still debate which was the more difficult actor of the three.

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Dune: The Bene Gesserit and the Spacing Guild Nov 11, 2021

In this Dune-inspired episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe pick up where they left off in the last episode discussing the politics, philosophy and pain science of the Bene Gesserit, before diving into the spice-assisted navigation of the Spacing Guild.

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The Monstrefact: Chairdogs of Dune Nov 10, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses one of the less known creatures from Frank Herbert’s “Dune” books…

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Dune: The Bene Gesserit Nov 09, 2021

The Bene Gesserit of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” use advanced mental and manipulative tactics to further their ends across the galaxy. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss this mysterious order and some scientific and philosophic interpretations of the Gom Jabbar awareness test.

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Listener Mail: Halloween Final Processing Nov 08, 2021

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From the Vault: I Want a New Blood Nov 06, 2021

From fictional tales of vampire thrust to to real-life medical research, the notion of synthetic blood brings with it a lot of possibilities. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the strange history of purported blood substitutes and possible ramifications if scientists ever solve this riddle in the blood. (originally published 10/8/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Highway to Hell Nov 05, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe take a very MTV-fueled jaunt into the underworld via the 1991 film “Highway to Hell,” an enjoyable horror comedy that features a terrifying Hellcop, Patrick Bergin and the entire Stiller family.

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Barbara Blatchley on Why We Believe in Luck Nov 04, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Barbara Blatchley about her book “What are the Chances? Why We Believe in Luck.”

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Quantum Computing is Tomorrow’s Computing, Today Nov 03, 2021

Over the next decade, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the way we work and live. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Dr. Darío Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, about quantum computing and its potential to accelerate discovery and development.

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Anthology of Horror, Volume 7 Nov 02, 2021

Yes, the Halloween tradition continues as, once more, Robert and Joe dive into the rich history of TV horror and sci-fi anthology series to focus on STBYM topics they might not otherwise get to discuss on the show. This year, they’ll dive into episodes of The Hammer House of Horror and The Outer Limits.

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Listener Mail: Out of the Pair Dadeni Nov 01, 2021

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From the Vault: The Leshii Oct 30, 2021

According to Russian folklore, ancient, beastial spirits guard the depths of the forest, raging with each other and punishing any human who might break the law of the forest. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss these haunters of the woodland depths. (originally published 10/22/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The House by the Cemetery Oct 29, 2021

As Weirdhouse Cinema completes its first journey around the sun, Rob and Joe commemorate the moment by discussing Lucio Fulci’s 1981 “The House by the Cemetery” -- a bloody and bonkers tale guaranteed to satisfy your craving for ghosts, haunted houses, mad scientists, slashers and Italian synth.

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The Invention of the Chainsaw, Part 2 Oct 28, 2021

In today’s invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss an important piece of cutting technology. Plus, during the Halloween season, masked brutes will chase you around your local haunted attraction with one of these if you buy a ticket. Yes, it’s time to discuss the chainsaw.

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The Monstrefact: Weretigers of China Oct 27, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Chinese weretiger…

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The Invention of the Chainsaw, Part 1 Oct 26, 2021

In today’s invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss an important piece of cutting technology. Plus, during the Halloween season, masked brutes will chase you around your local haunted attraction with one of these if you buy a ticket. Yes, it’s time to discuss the chainsaw.

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Listener Mail: The Night’s Plutonian Shore Oct 25, 2021

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From the Vault: Anthology of Horror, Volume 5 Oct 23, 2021

The Halloween tradition continues as, once more, Robert and Joe dive into the rich history of TV horror and sci-fi anthology series to focus on the STBYM topics they might not otherwise get to discuss on the show. In 2020, they examined episodes of the 1990s Outer Limits revival, The Hammer House of Horror, The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror, Creepshow and Are You Afraid of the Dark. (originally published 10/29/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Black Sabbath Oct 22, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Mario Bava’s colorful anthology of gothic horror, starring the legendary Boris Karloff.

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The Holy Undead, Part 2 Oct 21, 2021

We tend to relegate zombies and the walking dead to the infernal realm of demons, necromancers and the emptied charnel houses of Hell. So it might surprise you to know that, in some traditions, reanimated human corpses are pious church-goers. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the holy undead.

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The Monstrefact: Chiseltooth Oct 20, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the monster Chiseltooth from Chinese mythology…

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The Holy Undead, Part 1 Oct 19, 2021

We tend to relegate zombies and the walking dead to the infernal realm of demons, necromancers and the emptied charnel houses of Hell. So it might surprise you to know that, in some traditions, reanimated human corpses are pious church-goers. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the holy undead.

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Listener Mail: Through the Pale Door Oct 18, 2021

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From the Vault: Anthology of Horror, Volume 4 Oct 16, 2021

The Halloween tradition continues as, once more, Robert and Joe dive into the rich history of TV horror and sci-fi anthology series to focus on the STBYM topics they might not otherwise get to discuss on the show. In 2020, they examined episodes of the 1990s Outer Limits revival, The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror, Creepshow and Are You Afraid of the Dark. (originally published 10/27/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Halloween III Oct 15, 2021

If the many-worlds interpretation holds true, then there’s an alternate timeline in which the tyranny of Michael Myers ended in 1981 and 1982’s “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” ushered in a new age. In this alternative world, John Carpenter’s Halloween franchise became a long-running horror anthology series. Each subsequent October, anything was possible in a Halloween film, including pagan conspiracies and killer androids. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe ride the chariot of pumpkins and attempt to cross over into this alternate reality.

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Ghosts of the Wind and Rain Oct 14, 2021

Strange presences walk the shore before the coming of the storm. Terrible forms move in its wake. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss a wide selection of ghosts and monsters connected to destructive weather patterns.

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The Monstrefact: The Boxenwolf Oct 13, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the horror of the Boxenwolf…

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The Science of Scary Music Oct 12, 2021

Why do certain works of music make our skin crawl? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with producer Seth about the science of scary music and Seth tells everyone about his new music podcast Rusty Needle's Record Club.

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Listener Mail: Seraphs Sob at Vermin Fangs Oct 11, 2021

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From the Vault: The Minotaur, Part 3 Oct 09, 2021

Take the Minotaur out of its maze and you have but another beast man -- but within his manufactured environment, he is a singular terror in myth and popular consciousness. But where does this monster come from? What does his existence mean? What does the stalker of these bloody halls reveal about the human mind and human history? In this trio of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe discuss the minotaur. (originally published 10/15/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Demon Knight Oct 08, 2021

Yes, kiddies, in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Ernest Dickerson’s 1995 siege movie “Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight.” Strap in for grotesque monsters, a whole host of character actors and some Crypt Keeper puns. (originally published 2/19/2021)

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From the Vault: The Minotaur, Part 2 Oct 07, 2021

To fully understand the minotaur myth, we also have to consider the Minoan civilization of Crete. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with Professor Nicoletta Momigliano, author of “In Search of the Labyrinth: The Cultural Legacy of Minoan Crete.” Learn all about ancient Creteomania as well as modern artistic treatments of the minotaur. (originally published 10/13/2020)

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Accelerating Innovation with Hybrid Cloud at the Edge Oct 06, 2021

The world is hitting a data tipping point where vast connectivity requires massive network capacity. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm Gladwell talks to David Shacochis, Vice President for Enterprise Technology and Field CTO at Lumen, and Howard Boville, Head of IBM Cloud Platform, about how hybrid cloud is serving as a catalyst for innovation in a world where computing can and must happen everywhere: private clouds, public clouds, the edge of the network.

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From the Vault: The Minotaur, Part 1 Oct 05, 2021

Take the Minotaur out of its maze and you have but another beast man -- but within his manufactured environment, he is a singular terror in myth and popular consciousness. But where does this monster come from? What does his existence mean? What does the stalker of these bloody halls reveal about the human mind and human history? In this trio of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe discuss the minotaur. (originally published 10/6/2020)

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Listener Mail: Fall Break! Oct 04, 2021

Stuff to Blow Your Mind is off for the week, but Robert and Joe take a few minutes to discuss the classic episodes that will be showcased in the feed.

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From the Vault: Science in the House of Wax Oct 02, 2021

Wax Museums are frequent haunts in horror cinema, but where do they really tie into our sense of revulsion and anatomical unease? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe kick off a month of Halloween-themed episodes with a science-filled night in the house of wax. (originally published 10/1/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Santo in the Treasure of Dracula Oct 01, 2021

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into one of Mexican luchador El Santo's various horror cinema adventures -- and not just any Santo film but the legendary "Santo In The Treasure of Dracula," which features time travel, dracula and more.

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Bill Schutt talks "Pump: A Natural History of the Heart" Sep 30, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Bill Schutt, author of "Pump: A Natural History of the Heart," about the evolution of the heart and the history of humanity’s attempt to understand it -- along with a few questions about monsters.

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The Monstrefact: The Lindworm Sep 29, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the legend of the lindworm and the 19th century Swedish ethnologist who searched for it …

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God and the Black Death, Part 3 Sep 28, 2021

The Black Death was the most fatal pandemic in recorded human history, decimating a late Medieval world unaided by the germ theory of disease. In this episode of Stuff to Blow your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the ways that religion responded to the plague and the effects these efforts had on its spread and impact.

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Listener Mail: Time Passages Sep 27, 2021

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From the Vault: The Atomic Scar Sep 25, 2021

The creation of atomic weaponry changed human civilization forever, but it also left its mark on the Earth itself -- in both obvious and subtle ways. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the ways in which the world would not be the same. (originally published 9/24/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Thing from Another World Sep 24, 2021

Before John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” there was Howard Hawks’ “The Thing From Another World,” the first adaptation of John W. Campbell Jr.’s short story “Who goes there?” In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe bust out the thermite and discuss this 1951 sci-fi classic.

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God and the Black Death, Part 2 Sep 23, 2021

The Black Death was the most fatal pandemic in recorded human history, decimating a late Medieval world unaided by the germ theory of disease. In this episode of Stuff to Blow your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the ways that religion responded to the plague and the effects these efforts had on its spread and impact.

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The Monstrefact: Fell Beasts of the Nazgûl Sep 22, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the winged beasts of the Nazgûl in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”

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God and the Black Death, Part 1 Sep 21, 2021

The Black Death was the most fatal pandemic in recorded human history, decimating a late Medieval world unaided by the germ theory of disease. In this episode of Stuff to Blow your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the ways that religion responded to the plague and the effects these efforts had on its spread and impact.

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Listener Mail: Songs from the Big Chair Sep 20, 2021

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From the Vault: Night of the Lichen-thropes Sep 18, 2021

Lichen are incredibly widespread and easy to take for granted, but these composite organisms are some of the most fascinating lifeforms on the planet. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore their remarkable qualities. (originally published 9/10/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Time After Time Sep 17, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1979’s “Time After Time,” in which Jack the Ripper steals H.G. Wells’ time machine and travels to modern San Francisco.

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The Nature of Tears, Part 3 Sep 16, 2021

What are tears? Are humans indeed the only animal that wraps and what purpose do they serve? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the topic of tears from a scientific and even religious standpoint.

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The Monstrefact: El Coco Sep 15, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Spanish nursery bogeyman known as El Coco…

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Mary Roach Discusses "Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law" Sep 14, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe welcome acclaimed science writer Mary Roach back to the show to discuss her new book "Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law."

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Listener Mail: Songs from the Wood Sep 13, 2021

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From the Vault: The Livewired Brain with David Eagleman Sep 11, 2021

What does our growing understanding of neuroplasticity reveal about our brains and the future of technology? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with neuroscientist David Eagleman about his new book “Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain.” (originally published 9/29/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Spookies Sep 10, 2021

Yep, 1986 was a great year for genre movies — and also “Spookies” came out. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider this overstuffed and underdone turkey of a horror movie.

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The Nature of Tears, Part 2 Sep 09, 2021

What are tears? Are humans indeed the only animal that wraps and what purpose do they serve? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the topic of tears from a scientific and even religious standpoint.

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The Monstrefact: Katcheet Ohuskw Sep 08, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a murderous monster from Naskapi legend. Plus Benjamin Franklin shows up...

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The Nature of Tears, Part 1 Sep 07, 2021

What are tears? Are humans indeed the only animal that wraps and what purpose do they serve? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the topic of tears from a scientific and even religious standpoint.

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Listener Mail: The Constant Flow of Invention Sep 06, 2021

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From the Vault: Fingernails, Part 2 Sep 04, 2021

How fast do human fingernails and toenails grow? Are they claws and, if not, what are they? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert and Joe dive into the anatomy, evolution culture and mythology of the “nail as old as time.” (originally published 9/3/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Ship of Monsters Sep 03, 2021

Are you ready for a 1960 Mexican sci-fi comedy involving multiple alien monsters, space vampires, interplanetary politics and several música norteña songs? Also a robot falls in love with a jukebox. Rob and Joe discuss it all in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema.

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Creature of the Gear Sep 02, 2021

What is a gear and when did humans invent it? Plus, Rob and Joe discuss the only known creature to have gears in its anatomy. Plus hear about a couple of wheel-based mythical creatures in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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The Monstrefact: The Satanic Rites of Drugula Sep 01, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses possible science of the vampire Drugula…

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The Dog with the Burning Brand Aug 31, 2021

From dogs in old paintings that look like dope smokers to Aztec psychopomps, what’s with all these fire dogs? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore…

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Listener Mail: Sky Raisins Aug 30, 2021

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From the Vault: Fingernails, Part 1 Aug 28, 2021

How fast do human fingernails and toenails grow? Are they claws and, if not, what are they? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert and Joe dive into the anatomy, evolution culture and mythology of the “nail as old as time.” (originally published 9/1/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Psychomania Aug 27, 2021

How can the British public possibly survive the ravages of youth biker gangs, unholy rites and frog-based necromancy? In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1973 British supernatural biker film “Psychomania.”

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The Fish Had Fur, Part 2 Aug 26, 2021

Fish covered in thick coats of fur, fish with strange spines, fish with the beard or chin whiskers of a wise old sage… The water offers up many mysteries, and in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore accounts of furry trout, ancient marvels, otters and fish that kind of look like they have hair.

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The Artifact: The Meister “Footprint” Aug 25, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses so-called Meister footprint (which is in no way an actual footprint)...

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The Fish Had Fur, Part 1 Aug 24, 2021

Fish covered in thick coats of fur, fish with strange spines, fish with the beard or chin whiskers of a wise old sage… The water offers up many mysteries, and in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore accounts of furry trout, ancient marvels, otters and fish that kind of look like they have hair.

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Listener Mail: The Face That is Gazed on as it Gazes Aug 23, 2021

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From the Vault: Orcs in the Deep Aug 21, 2021

In this classic episode of STBYM, Robert and Joe discuss the orcs of Middle Earth and their origins both in the dark corners of the human imagination and the loathsome pits of Utumno. (originally published 9/22/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Return of the Blind Dead Aug 20, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the stand-alone, second installment of Spanish director Amando de Ossorio’s “Blind Dead'' series from 1973. The sightless revenants of the Knights Templars return 500 years after their grisly deaths to enact vengeance on a sleepy and corrupt Portuguese town.

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From the Vault: Tomato, Tomato, Part 2 Aug 19, 2021

While the so-called “golden apple” has at times been viewed with suspicion, it has become a staple of summertime cuisine and may one day follow us to farms on other worlds. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the tomato. (originally published 8/27/2020)

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The Artifact: The Bazooka Aug 18, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the bazooka and whether it is ever OK to bring one on a commercial flight…

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The Invention of the Mirror, Part 4 Aug 17, 2021

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. It’s time for Stuff to Blow Your Mind to venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side.

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Listener Mail: Near-death by Saxon Aug 16, 2021

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From the Vault: Tomato, Tomato, Part 1 Aug 14, 2021

While the so-called “golden apple” has at times been viewed with suspicion, it has become a staple of summertime cuisine and may one day follow us to farms on other worlds. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the tomato. (originally published 8/25/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: The Keepers (Russian Lord of the Rings) Aug 13, 2021

It’s time for Weirdhoues Cinema to return to the world of Russian cinema and also to… Middle Earth? Yes, let’s bask in the glory of “Khraniteli” AKA “The Keepers” AKA that 1991 Leningrad Television adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring.”

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The Invention of the Mirror, Part 3 Aug 12, 2021

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. It’s time for Stuff to Blow Your Mind to venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side.

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The Artifact: Sharur the Talking Mace Aug 11, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses Sharur, the talking mace from Sumerian mythology…

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The Invention of the Mirror, Part 2 Aug 10, 2021

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. It’s time for Stuff to Blow Your Mind to venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side.

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Listener Mail: Stormbringer Aug 09, 2021

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From the Vault: Astronomical Suffering and the Terran Diaspora Aug 07, 2021

For many futurists, the long term survival of humanity depends on its ability to become a true interplanetary and even interstellar species. But what is the potential moral cost of such a great technological and cultural leap forward? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the potential for astronomical suffering in the wake of Earth’s outward expansion. (originally published 4/23/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Cannibal Apocalypse Aug 06, 2021

Can John Saxon resist the viral hunger for human flesh? In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1980’s “Cannibal Apocalypse,” a Spanish/Italian cannibal thriller filmed in Atlanta, Ga.

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The Invention of the Mirror, Part 1 Aug 05, 2021

Smoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. It’s time for Stuff to Blow Your Mind to venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side.

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Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: An Open Conversation about Open Innovation Aug 04, 2021

In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Jim Whitehurst, senior advisor at IBM and an expert in open source software and innovation. During their conversation, Jim reveals how embracing moments that initially feel like chaos can ultimately lead to more open organizations, and broader access to new ideas.

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Regression to the Mean Aug 03, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss regression to the mean, a phenomenon that occurs when a random sampling point is an outlier -- with applications to everything from economics and sports to health, religion and disappointing sequels.

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Listener Mail: Gremlins Have Pictures Aug 02, 2021

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From the Vault: Pykrete Jul 31, 2021

Whether plotting to build a great northern wall or an aircraft carrier made of ice instead of steel, the substance you’re looking for is Pykrete. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss what makes this super-strong ice so durable and why there was an actual plan to build ships out of the stuff during the Second World War. (originally published 8/6/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Deep Blue Sea Jul 30, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1999 shark film “Deep Blue Sea” in which super-smart sharks run wild in a sea base.

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Whispers of the Speaking Sword Jul 29, 2021

Weapons capable of thought, speech and autonomous action appear throughout multiple myths and legends. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore some stand-out examples and discuss what it all might mean.

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The Artifact: The Horse Skull Under the Floor Jul 28, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the practice of placing horse skulls underneath your floorboards…

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From the Vault: The Monoliths of Lalibela Jul 27, 2021

Lalibela, Ethiopia is home to one of the true wonders of the world: a series of 11 rock-hewn monolithic churches -- all interconnected by tunnels and passages that connect to catacombs and hermit caves. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the details of these 12th century marvels. (Originally published 1/23/2020)

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Listener Mail: Centaur on Fire Jul 26, 2021

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From the Vault: The Spotlight Effect Jul 24, 2021

Ever feel like everyone in the Zoom call is looking at you? Ever astonished to find your contribution to a project goes unrecognized, or that your latest faux pas didn’t destroy you? Perhaps you’re not the central character in this narrative after all. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the spotlight effect and what it teaches us about our own perception of reality and those around us. (originally published 8/4/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Spontaneous Combustion Jul 23, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe celebrate legendary weird actor Brad Dourif by watching his talent burn through in Tobe Hooper’s flawed tale of love, rage and pyrokinesis.

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The Waiting, Part 3 Jul 22, 2021

In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss waiting in line and psychology of queuing up.

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The Waiting, Part 2 Jul 21, 2021

In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss waiting in line and psychology of queuing up.

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Listener Mail: It's a Cold Night For Alligators Jul 20, 2021

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The Artifact: Boiling Tar and Murder Holes Jul 19, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the meurtrière or “murder hole” found in the ceiling of a a fortress’s gateway or passageway -- and what you might push through it...

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From the Vault: Volcanoes of Life Jul 17, 2021

From our earliest experiences with paleoart to tales of Pompeii and visions of modern catastrophes, it’s easy to associate volcanoes with death and destruction. But what if it’s less a case of Mount Doom and more a case of Mount Life, at least from a broader environmental point of view? Robert and Joe explore the question in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 7/30/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Godzilla vs. Hedorah Jul 16, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1971’s “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” also known as “Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster.” The king of all monsters tears it up with a pollution-powered alien kaiju.

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The Waiting, Part 1 Jul 15, 2021

In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss waiting in line and psychology of queuing up.

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The Artifact: The Blood Gutter Jul 14, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the fuller, a groove found in many blades that you might have heard referred to as a “blood gutter.”

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Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 3 Jul 13, 2021

The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind three-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation.

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Listener Mail: That Sweaty Horse Light Jul 12, 2021

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From the Vault: Heaven and Hell with Bart Ehrman Jul 10, 2021

Majorities of Americans believe in the literal existence of Heaven and Hell, but where did these concepts originally come from, and how have they changed over the centuries? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with Bart Ehrman, author of 'Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife.' (originally published 7/14/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Mr. Vampire Jul 09, 2021

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1985 Hong Kong comedy horror film “Mr. Vampire,” in which our heroes use kicks, furniture rice and Taoist sorcery against the deadly Chinese hopping vampires, the jiāng shī.

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Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 2 Jul 08, 2021

The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind three-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation.

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Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 1 Jul 07, 2021

The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation.

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The Artifact: The Sugar Light Jul 06, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe reads by the light of a sugar cube and a sweaty horse.

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Listener Mail: Hurdy Gurdy Man Jul 05, 2021

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From the Vault: The Invention of Fireworks Jul 03, 2021

Fireworks are a staple of celebrations around the world, but where does this invention come from and what’s the basic chemistry of their combustion? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe light the fuse and find out. (originally published 6/23/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Devil's Express Jul 02, 2021

An ancient demon haunts the subways of New York City. Only one man has the martial arts skill to battle the creature in the depths. On this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss this weird 1976 genre mashup and its star player, Warhawk Tanzania.

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The Plague of Mucus Jul 01, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the organic substance that has been referred to in the scientific literature as “marine mucilage.” Prepare to be slimed.

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The Artifact: The Shining Pyramid Jun 30, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the Great Pyramid of Giza and its original luster.

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A Chat About Sea Turtles with Christine Figgener Jun 29, 2021

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss sea turtle mysteries, biology, research and conservation with sea turtle researcher and conservationist Dr. Christine Figgener.

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Listener Mail: Veteran of the Psychic Wars Jun 28, 2021

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From the Vault: The Tide of Gold Jun 26, 2021

Gold from the ocean? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the basic idea behind the accumulation of oceanic gold and the fascinating historical hoax based on the notion. Plus, where does gold come from and how will deep sea gold mining endanger thermal vent ecosystems? Find out. (originally published 7/9/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Doctor X Jun 25, 2021

Welcome to the medical academy where EVERYONE is a suspect in the cannibalistic “Moon Killer” slayings. Yes, from the director of “Casablanca” comes 1932’s “Doctor X.” Join Rob and Joe for a deep gaze into the technicolor abyss in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema. (Originally published 1/8/2021)

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From the Vault: The Interior World Jun 24, 2021

Most of us have spent far more time at home this year, which raises the question: Just what sort of artificial interior environments have we created? What lives there besides our family and pets? And what are we missing out on? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore. (originally published 8/11/2020)

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The Artifact Revisited: Stone Mushroom Clouds Jun 23, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe talks about mind-boggling prehistoric mineral formations.

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From the Vault: How does travel engage the senses? Jun 22, 2021

Travel has long inspired the mind and engaged the senses, but just what's going on in the human body when we venture near or far? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore... (originally published 7/7/2020)

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Please Stand By Jun 21, 2021

Robert and Joe jump in a for a short update on this week's programing.

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From the Vault: Kimchi Jun 19, 2021

What exactly is kimchi and what is the chemistry of its deliciousness? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore this spicy, fermented staple of Korean cuisine. (originally published 6/25/2020)

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Weirdhouse Cinema: Deathmoon Jun 18, 2021

When you think of movies filmed in Hawaii, you probably think of vacation flicks and dramas, but has the Aloha state ever given us a werewolf film? Yep, in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe watch 1978’s “Deathmoon” starring Robert Foxworth.

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Where do numbers come from? Jun 17, 2021

Join Robert and Joe as they continue their discussion on numeracy and the origins of numerals on Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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The Artifact Revisited: The Psychedelic Blindfold Jun 16, 2021

In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe talks about a 2004 study of blindfolding and visual hallucinations.

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The Origins of Numeracy Jun 15, 2021

What are numbers and where does our number sense come from? Is numeracy an innate part of our biology, or is it a cultural invention? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the origins of numbers.

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