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    Life Sciences

    Stuff To Blow Your Mind

    Deep in the back of your mind, you’ve always had the feeling that there’s something strange about reality. There is. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they examine neurological quandaries, cosmic mysteries, evolutionary marvels and our transhuman future.

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    Latest Episodes:
    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)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Fume Cupboard Jun 14, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Cancer and Evolution with Kat Arney Jun 12, 2021

    In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with Kat Arney about her upcoming book "Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution, and the New Science of Life's Oldest Betrayal." (originally published 7/16/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Metalstorm Jun 11, 2021

    It’s time to get Road Warrior-esque! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider Charles Band’s 1983 3D sci-fi film “Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn,” starring Richard Moll, Michael Preston, Tim Thomerson and Kelly Preston in a post-apocalyptic, off-roads extraterrestrial adventure.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Musical Frisson with Seth of Record Store Society Jun 10, 2021

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe is joined by producer and host of the Record Store Society podcast Seth Nicholas Johnson to talk about that moment when a song sends a shiver down your spine.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Couch vs. cubicle: is the future of work hybrid? Jun 09, 2021

    Remote working has kept many businesses afloat over the last year, but has it kept employees productive, enthusiastic, and inspired? In this special episode of Smart Talks, recorded at IBM’s Think Conference, Malcolm spars with his longtime friend Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and professor at the Wharton School, about what we’ve learned through remote working and how businesses can approach a hybrid model. Can we, and should we, return to “normal”?

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Moonless Skies of Mercury and Venus Jun 08, 2021

    Moons are a popular accessory for the outer planets in our solar system, but Mercury and Venus are suspiciously unadorned. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss why the two most inner planets have no moons today and whether they might have had moons in the past.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Cat Comfort Jun 07, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Ant Wars, Episode 3 Jun 05, 2021

    The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies are torn asunder. As the will of one colony clashes with another, forces advance, withdrawal and sometimes whole populations perish in the Earth. Such are the wars of the ants, compared to which the wars of humanity are but a blip. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and tactics of ant warfare, and what humans can learn from it all. (originally published 6/18/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Without Warning Jun 04, 2021

    In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss "Without Warning," a perfectly serviceable sci-fi horror film directed by Greydon Clark. The year is 1980 and only a delusional Martin Landau and a Captain Ahab-esque Jack Palance can stop an extraterrestrial killer from treating rural California as its own personal hunting ground. (originally published 10/30/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Ant Wars, Episode 2 Jun 03, 2021

    The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies are torn asunder. As the will of one colony clashes with another, forces advance, withdrawal and sometimes whole populations perish in the Earth. Such are the wars of the ants, compared to which the wars of humanity are but a blip. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and tactics of ant warfare, and what humans can learn from it all. (originally published 6/14/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Can AI be empathetic? Reinventing client experiences Jun 02, 2021

    In a time that’s been challenging for everyone, perhaps no other industry has been hit harder than healthcare. Anthem, one of America’s leading health benefits companies, needed to be ready to answer member questions at a moment’s notice. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Anil Bhatt, Senior Vice President and CTO of Anthem, and Glenn Finch, Managing Partner of Global Business Services at IBM, about how AI is helping people interact with healthcare in a whole new way.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Ant Wars, Episode 1 Jun 01, 2021

    The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies are torn asunder. As the will of one colony clashes with another, forces advance, withdrawal and sometimes whole populations perish in the Earth. Such are the wars of the ants, compared to which the wars of humanity are but a blip. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and tactics of ant warfare, and what humans can learn from it all. (originally published 6/12/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Summer Vacation! May 31, 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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Into the Egg Chamber May 29, 2021

    Eggs are amazing and some of the varieties we find in nature are wonderfully weird, riveling or exceeding anything you’d ever find on a fictional derelict spaceship. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider some curious specimens from the world of eggs. (originally published 7/2/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Hanuman vs. 7 Ultraman May 28, 2021

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider the 1974 Thai co-production "Hanuman vs. & Ultraman," in which the hindu god Hanuman teams up with the Ultra Seven to defeat evil monsters and dastardly human plots.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Aniconism, Images and the Divine: Part 2 May 27, 2021

    Examples of aniconism -- the avoidance of images or idols -- can be found across multiple religions But what does it DO? What does it mean to employ religious icons or to avoid them in the contemplation of supernatural or natural objects and beings? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe look for answers.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Artifact: The Theropod Gap May 26, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe looks at an intriguing question about missing carnivorous dinosaurs.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Aniconism, Images and the Divine: Part 1 May 25, 2021

    Examples of aniconism -- the avoidance of images or idols -- can be found across multiple religions But what does it DO? What does it mean to employ religious icons or to avoid them in the contemplation of supernatural or natural objects and beings? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe look for answers.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Sole Survivor May 24, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Subterrenes May 22, 2021

    The notion of a subterrene, or underground drilling vehicle, is well established within the realm of science fiction, but what are the real-world possibilities for vehicles that drill or melt their way through the subterranean world. Robert and Joe explore in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind… (Originally published 6/4/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Trancers II May 21, 2021

    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Comfort in the Box: Human Edition May 20, 2021

    Why do cats like to sit in boxes? Why did humans use box-beds and are enclosed wooden beds really making a comeback? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the mystery of the box.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Artifact: Edible Currencies May 19, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Comfort in the Box: Cat Edition May 18, 2021

    Why do cats like to sit in boxes? Why did humans use box-beds and are enclosed wooden beds really making a comeback? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the mystery of the box.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Princes of the Universe May 17, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Introducing Ephemeral: Season Two May 16, 2021

    New episodes of Ephemeral air on Mondays beginning May 10th. Check out the trailer for a preview of what’s to come!

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Invention of the Book, Part 2 May 15, 2021

    Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the history of book technology, from ancient clay tablets and papyrus scrolls to the codex and beyond. (Originally published 5/28/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Shock Waves May 14, 2021

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe complete their trilogy of 70s Florida Movies with 1977’s “Shock Waves,” featuring Peter Cushing, John Carradine, Brooke Adams and a whole squad of aquatic zombies amid the Florida ruins.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Reconsider the Bean, Part 2 May 13, 2021

    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Artifact: The Toad Vomit Miracle May 12, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe discusses amphibian vomit as failed technology and natural wonder.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Reconsider the Bean, Part 1 May 11, 2021

    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: The Quickening May 10, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Invention of the Book, Part 1 May 08, 2021

    Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the history of book technology, from ancient clay tablets and papyrus scrolls to the codex and beyond. (Originally published 5/26/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Humanoid May 07, 2021

    In celebration of Star Wars week, this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema explores one of the many films that sought to cash in on the popularity of George Lucas’ 1977 classic. Behold, 1979’s “The Humanoid,” an Italian space opera starring Richard Kiel, Barbara Bach and a whole lot of stuff that looks like Star Wars.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Star Wars Alien Necropsy, Part 2 May 06, 2021

    In celebration of May the 4th, this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind ventures 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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell – Reshaping the Future with Women in AI May 05, 2021

    Today, women represent approximately 22 percent of the AI workforce. But IBM is out to change that by increasing diversity not just in hiring but through programs such as Women Leaders in AI that celebrate diversity in the field. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm Gladwell talks to IBM’s new SVP &CMO, Carla Piñeyro Sublett, and Chimka Munkhbayar, co-founder of Agrolly, about their challenges, achievements, and the steps they’re taking to create a more inclusive tech world.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Star Wars Alien Necropsy, Part 1 May 04, 2021

    In celebration of May the 4th, this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind ventures 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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Phobos Rising May 03, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: The Invention of Soap May 01, 2021

    We’re all probably using a lot more soap these days, but… what is it exactly? How does it work? Who invented it and how has it changed the world? Join Robert and Joe as they explore the invention of Soap. If you enjoyed the podcast Invention, stick with Robert and Joe as they continue to explore these same topics as part of Stuff to Blow Your Mind’s regular offerings. (Originally published 4/21/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Zaat Apr 30, 2021

    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Sargasso Sea Apr 29, 2021

    In this 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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Artifact: Pants of the Necromancer Apr 28, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Dissolver of Worlds Apr 27, 2021

    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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Robot Hell Apr 26, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: The Bone Palace, Part 2 Apr 24, 2021

    From an imagined palace constructed out of bone to the curious ways in which animals and humans use bone for tools and construction materials, take a stroll through halls of bone with Robert and Joe in this pair of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (Originally published 4/9/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Silent Era Double Feature Apr 23, 2021

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss a pair of silent era films: the animated “Cinderella” from 1922 and “The Mechanical Man” from 1921.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Phobos and Deimos: The Moons of Mars, Part 2 Apr 22, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Martian moons as well as a bit of mythology.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Artifact: Wiping With Homer Apr 21, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe discusses a couple of weird textual treasures recovered from an ancient garbage dump in Egypt.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Phobos and Deimos: The Moons of Mars, Part 1 Apr 20, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Martian moons as well as a bit of mythology.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Fire of Unknown Origin Apr 19, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: The Bone Palace, Part 1 Apr 17, 2021

    From an imagined palace constructed out of bone to the curious ways in which animals and humans use bone for tools and construction materials, take a stroll through halls of bone with Robert and Joe in this pair of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (Originally published 4/7/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Frogs Apr 16, 2021

    Humans can only hurt the environment so long before nature fights back -- and that’s just what happens in 1972’s “Frogs,” starring a young Sam Elliot and a whole bunch of reptiles and amphibians. It’s a Florida movie through-and-through in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Punish the Machine, Part 2 Apr 15, 2021

    What will we do when robots and artificial intelligences break the law? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the issue of robot moral and legal agency.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Artifact: The Pedrail Wheel Apr 14, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the wheels with tiny legs on them...

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Punish the Machine, Part 1 Apr 13, 2021

    What will we do when robots and artificial intelligences break the law? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the issue of robot moral and legal agency.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Rejoice in the Sun Apr 12, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Twilight of the Moa Apr 10, 2021

    The Moa of New Zealand were among the weirdest birds to ever live, and their history is full of evolutionary wonder, interspecies conflict, tragedy and scientific hope. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the rise and fall of the great Moa. (Originally published 3/26/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Mad Love (1935) Apr 09, 2021

    In this edition of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss one of the great weird films of the 1930s: “Mad Love,” in which Peter Lorre gives a stellar performance as the deranged and tragic Dr. Gogol. It’s a film full of obsession, cutting-edge surgery, wax figures, delusion and knife-throwing. (Originally published 11/13/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Medusa, Part 2 Apr 08, 2021

    We all know snake-haired Medusa, the gorgon of Greek myth whose very gaze turns mortals and titans alike to stone. But where does this iconic monster come from and why has she lingered so very long in our art, minds and culture? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe venture to the Gorgade isles in search of answers. (4/30/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Artifact Redux: The Mirrors of Dr. Dee Apr 07, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the mirrors of English occultist Dr. Dee, including the so-called Devil’s Looking Glass. (Originally published 1/6/2021)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Medusa, Part 1 Apr 06, 2021

    We all know snake-haired Medusa, the gorgon of Greek myth whose very gaze turns mortals and titans alike to stone. But where does this iconic monster come from and why has she lingered so very long in our art, minds and culture? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe venture to the Gorgade isles in search of answers. (Originally published 4/28/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Spring Break! Apr 05, 2021

    Rob and Joe took the week off, so here are just a few quick words about what you can expect this week in the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast feed...

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Rise of the Moa Apr 03, 2021

    The Moa of New Zealand were among the weirdest birds to ever live, and their history is full of evolutionary wonder, interspecies conflict, tragedy and scientific hope. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the rise and fall of the great Moa. (Originally published 3/24/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Gunhed Apr 02, 2021

    This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, enter a world of Japanese cyberpunk, killer AIs, giant robot tanks and more as Rob and Joe discuss the 1989 Toho movie “Gunhed.”

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Machine Lords of Barnard 68, Part 2 Apr 01, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss alien AI and post-organic life.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell – How 5G, Edge Computing and AI are Transforming Industries Mar 31, 2021

    As one of the nation’s largest wireless communication providers, over 120 million subscribers count on Verizon to stay connected, but we’re not just talking about phones. Today, Verizon and IBM are working together to better connect entire industries. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Srini Kalapala VP, Global Technology, Strategy and Network Cloud at Verizon and Steve Canepa, Global GM & Managing Director of IBM’s Communications Sector about how 5G, Edge Computing and AI will reshape the way work gets done.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    The Machine Lords of Barnard 68, Part 1 Mar 30, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss alien AI and post-organic life.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Yearly Dad Joke Inundation Mar 29, 2021

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

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Bonus Episode: Rob and Joe on "Record Store Society" Mar 28, 2021

    Presenting "Record Store Society", a new iHeartRadio show hosted by STBYM producer Seth Nicholas Johnson. In this bonus episode, Rob and Joe stop by Seth's virtual record store to chat about their favorite music videos.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    From the Vault: Invertebrate Emotions, Part 2 Mar 27, 2021

    Humans are feeling creatures, constantly awash in a sea of emotion. We struggle to understand the waters that suffuse us, but what about other denizens of the animal kingdom? What about the octopods? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the question of invertebrate emotions. (Originally published 3/17/2020)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Weirdhouse Cinema: Music Videos with Seth of Record Store Society Mar 26, 2021

    In this special episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Robert and Joe are visited by producer and host of the Record Store Society podcast Seth Nicholas Johnson to discuss everyone’s favorite weird music videos.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Jupiter the Destroyer, Part 2 Mar 25, 2021

    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.

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    Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell – Using AI to Rethink the Way Work Gets Done Mar 24, 2021

    With hybrid cloud and AI, businesses today can challenge the limits of how they put their data to work across the organization. In this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Rob Thomas, SVP Cloud and Data Platform at IBM about what’s possible, and the steps businesses can take to access more of their data to help them make more informed decisions.

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    Jupiter the Destroyer, Part 1 Mar 23, 2021

    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.

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    Listener Mail: Spoonman Mar 22, 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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    Welcome to Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell Mar 21, 2021

    The world's most challenging problems need smarter solutions. Join host Malcolm Gladwell as he interviews industry leaders and innovators to discover how IBM and its partners collaborate on projects that are designed to approach global issues in unconventional ways.

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    From the Vault: Invertebrate Emotions, Part 1 Mar 20, 2021

    Humans are feeling creatures, constantly awash in a sea of emotion. We struggle to understand the waters that suffuse us, but what about other denizens of the animal kingdom? What about the octopods? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the question of invertebrate emotions. (Originally published 3/12/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Hands of Steel Mar 19, 2021

    This week’s 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.

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    The Dad Joke Mar 18, 2021

    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.

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    The Artifact: The Corleck Head Mar 17, 2021

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

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    The Nile Inundation: Gods, Water and Life Mar 16, 2021

    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.

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    Listener Mail: Mirages and More Mar 15, 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: Biology of the Hobbit Mar 13, 2021

    Not to question the wisdom of Gandalf the Grey, but a hobbit might seem like a poor choice for a continent-sprawling journey to rid the world of evil. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe return to the science of Middle Earth with a look at scientific breakdowns of hobbit diet, hobbit physiology and hobbit vitamin requirements. (Originally published 3/10/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Dr. Cyclops Mar 12, 2021

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider yet another mad scientist in the form of Dr. Thorkel from 1940’s “Dr. Cyclops.” Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack of “King Kong” fame, it’s a special effects spectacle full of miniaturized people and animals.

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    The Invention of the Spoon, Part 2 Mar 11, 2021

    It’s time for another invention-based 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.

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    The Artifact: Glass Like Dough Mar 10, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe discusses the legend of a lost recipe for glass that could bend without breaking.

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    The Invention of the Spoon, Part 1 Mar 09, 2021

    It’s time for another invention-based 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.

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    Listener Mail: Humbaba's Seven Terrors Mar 08, 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: Overconfidence, Part 2 Mar 06, 2021

    What is overconfidence? We tend to know it when we see it, but the concept is increasingly hard to nail down the more you think about it. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the mythic roots of hubris, the psychology of overconfidence and its role in society and business. (Originally published 2/27/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Split Second (1992) Mar 05, 2021

    This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, world’s grumpiest detective Rutger Hauer investigates a series of monstrous murders in the climate change-ravaged future of 2008. It features Kim Cattrall, a great monster, flooded tunnels and a fun cast of character actors.

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    Fata Morgana Mar 04, 2021

    The horizon is an interesting netherworld of optical phenomena, where -- to the human eye -- ghost ships may sail 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.

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    The Artifact: The Color of the Dot Mar 03, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe contemplates the deep history of the color of the Pale Blue Dot.

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    The Halo, Part 2 Mar 02, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of halos in myth, art and optics.

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    Listener Mail: Avatar State, Yip Yip! Mar 01, 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: Overconfidence, Part 1 Feb 27, 2021

    What is overconfidence? We tend to know it when we see it, but the concept is increasingly hard to nail down the more you think about it. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the mythic roots of hubris, the psychology of overconfidence and its role in society and business. (Originally published 2/25/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Santo in the Treasure of Dracula Feb 26, 2021

    In this 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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    The Halo, Part 1 Feb 25, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of halos in myth, art and optics.

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    The Artifact: The Macuahuitl Feb 24, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the Mesoamerican weapon known as the Macuahuitl...

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    The Moses Illusion Feb 23, 2021

    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.”

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    Listener Mail: The Corporeal Earth Feb 22, 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: Occam's Razor Feb 20, 2021

    It’s a standard tool of skeptical thinking: When presented with two hypotheses that explain the data equally well, choose the simpler of the two. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, nature and complexities of Occam’s Razor. (Originally published 2/13/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Demon Knight Feb 19, 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.

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    From the Vault: The Mighty Sarlacc Feb 18, 2021

    Few places in the Star Wars universe are regarded with as much horror as the Great Pit of Carkoon, within the Dune Sea of Tatooine. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the mighty Sarlacc and compare what we know about this organism to denizens of the natural world. (Originally published 5/12/2020)

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    The Artifact: The Sword of Gōu Jiàn Feb 17, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses an ancient Chinese sword noted for its unusual sharpness and resistance to tarnish...

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    Gold: Metal of the Sun Feb 16, 2021

    In this 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.

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    Listener Mail: Here There Be Dragons Feb 15, 2021

    Here's your weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail!

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    From the Vault: Lessons of Vesuvius, Part 2 Feb 13, 2021

    In the year 79 CE, the Italian volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted with with the thermal energy of 100,000 atomic bombs. Ashen destruction rained down on Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore this terrifying episode in history and what we can learn from it. (Originally published 2/11/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Freejack Feb 12, 2021

    The bonejackers thought they could jack Alex Furlong, but now he's gone freejack in the future of 2009. Yep, in this installment of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe jack their way into the 1992 sci-fi thriller "Freejack," starring everyone and costing $30 million.

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    Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 2 Feb 11, 2021

    In the previous episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discussed 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. In this episode, the continue by discussing some of the fantastic creatures mentioned in the text.

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    The Artifact: Stone Mushroom Clouds Feb 10, 2021

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

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    Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 1 Feb 09, 2021

    In this 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.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
    Listener Mail: Gravy, Sinkholes and Soviet Sci-Fi Feb 08, 2021

    Here's your weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail!

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    From the Vault: Lessons of Vesuvius, Part 1 Feb 06, 2021

    In the year 79 CE, the Italian volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted with with the thermal energy of 100,000 atomic bombs. Ashen destruction rained down on Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore this terrifying episode in history and what we can learn from it. (Originally published 2/6/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Brain Feb 05, 2021

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe cap off Brain Week with the 1988 Canadian monster movie “The Brain.” It’s kind of bargain-bin Cronenberg in many ways, but that’s OK because there’s still a giant brain with eyes and teeth in it.

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    Brain and Head Theft, Part 2 Feb 04, 2021

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

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    The Artifact: The Heslington Brain Feb 03, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses one of the oldest, best-preserved human brains.

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    Brain and Head Theft, Part 1 Feb 02, 2021

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

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    Listener Mail: Nightmare Key Feb 01, 2021

    It’s time for more listening mail! Robert and Joe use the Nightmare Key to unlock a boss battle with YOUR e-mails...

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    From the Vault: Here Come the Warm Feels Jan 30, 2021

    There’s often a gap between feeling and understanding, but language and classification provide us with tremendous tools for self-reflection. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the concept of kama muta, a broad categorization of emotional states that include loved belonging, patriotism, cuteness, spiritual communion and the feels. (Originally published 1/21/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Teens in the Universe Jan 29, 2021

    It’s Soviet work ethic versus the siren song of fun in 1975’s “Teens in the Universe,” a beautifully crafted and thoroughly weird space adventure. Join Rob and Joe for a Weirdhouse Cinema discussion of robots, space travel and more.

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    The Tempest Stele Jan 28, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the mystery.

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    The Artifact: Submoon Fever Jan 27, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe sees visions of orbits within orbits within orbits within orbits...

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    The Bonsai Tree Jan 26, 2021

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history of bonsai, its cultural meaning and the underlying science.

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    Listener Mail: The Flood Jan 25, 2021

    Here comes the STBYM listener mail, once again.

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    From the Vault: Horseshoe Crabs Jan 23, 2021

    Their fossils date back 450 million years and their copper-rich blue blood continues to benefit various medical applications. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science and history of horseshoe crabs. (Originally published 1/16/2020)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Oily Maniac Jan 22, 2021

    Yes, it’s time to grease up Weirdhouse Cinema with a Shaw Brothers horror film from 1976. “The Oily Maniac” is a tale of sleaze, revenge and a rampaging black-magic oil monster.

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    Funeral for a Bug Jan 21, 2021

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

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    The Artifact: The Cairo Toe Jan 20, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses one of the oldest known human prosthetics.

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    Sinkholes, Part 2 Jan 19, 2021

    In this 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?

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    Listener Mail: Blue Öyster Cult Jan 18, 2021

    Join Robert and Joe for even more STBYM and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail.

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    From the Vault: David Grinspoon on Pluto Jan 16, 2021

    In the book “Chasing New Horizons: Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto,” authors Dr. Alan Stern and Dr. David Grinspoon recount the riveting history of the quest to send a spacecraft to the planet Pluto. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Grinspoon chats about the book, the planet and the nature of space exploration. (Originally published 12/31/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Arena Jan 15, 2021

    It’s time to lace up for a boxing movie -- but not just any boxing movie. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1989 sci-fi movie “Arena,” in which a lone human fighter puts up his dukes against an entire galaxy of bizarre, alien combatants.

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    Sinkholes, Part 1 Jan 14, 2021

    In this 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?

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    The Artifact:The Psychedelic Blindfold Jan 13, 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 Invention of the Lock & Key Jan 12, 2021

    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.

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    Listener Mail: Our Blessed Saint Poochie Jan 11, 2021

    It's time for more listener mail! Let's dig in.

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    From the Vault: The Psychology of Architecture, Part 2 Jan 09, 2021

    The natural world evokes various feelings in the mind, but humans spend a great deal of their time within spaces that they themselves designed and built out of the environment. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the ways that architecture impacts our thoughts and feelings. (Originally published 12/12/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Doctor X Jan 08, 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.

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    From the Vault: Bandersnatch Jan 07, 2021

    From its literary origins in the mirror realm of Lewis Carroll to its terrifying appearance in Charlie Brooker's “Black Mirror,” the frumious Bandersnatch is a monster from which it is useless to flee. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe follow its trail through a maze of choice, freewill, advertising and streaming media. (originally published 1/9/2020)

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    The Artifact: The Mirrors of Dr. Dee Jan 06, 2021

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the mirrors of English occultist Dr. Dee, including the so-called Devil’s Looking Glass.

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    From the Vault: Brian Greene on the End of Time Jan 05, 2021

    Theoretical Physicist Brian Greene’s new book “Until the End of Time” contemplates the entirety of human history and the known universe in a single volume. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with the author about the cosmos, the human experience and science communication during a global pandemic. (Originally published 4/16/2020)

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    Listener Mail: Holiday Hangover Jan 04, 2021

    It's listener mail time once more, so Robert and Joe catch up on some Stuff to Blow Your Mind holiday mail.

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    From the Vault: The Psychology of Architecture, Part 1 Jan 02, 2021

    The natural world evokes various feelings in the mind, but humans spend a great deal of their time within spaces that they themselves designed and built out of the environment. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the ways that architecture impacts our thoughts and feelings. (Originally published 12/10/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Not of This Earth Jan 01, 2021

    Don't switch the blade on the guy in shades -- because that guy might be a psychic alien sent to 1950s Earth to harvest its precious blood. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into Roger Corman’s 1957 low-budget thriller “Not of This Earth.”

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    STBYM: Electric Microbe Land Dec 31, 2020

    It’s easy to think of electricity as the domain of Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla and Street Fighter’s Blanka. But as Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, it’s also the domain of microbes -- and it will change the shape of future technology. (Originally published 7/25/2019)

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    The Artifact: Cones! Dec 30, 2020

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe discusses why people in ancient Egyptian paintings sometimes have little cones on their heads.

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    From the Vault: The Gerasene Demoniac Dec 29, 2020

    “My name is Legion.” In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the Biblical tale of exorcism and swine. What did the story mean? How was it used to enforce our relationship with animals and just how intelligent are pigs? (Originally published 10/17/2019)

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    Listener Mail: Spin Kick! Dec 28, 2020

    What's so great a bout a spin kick? Find out in this batch of Stuff to Blow Your Mind listener mail.

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    Presenting Prodigy: The Polgar Sisters Dec 27, 2020

    Can prodigies be created with early specialization? Laszlo Polgar was an educational psychologist who believed they could. He experimented with his own children and the results were fascinating.

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    From the Vault: Shrooms Like Cedars in the Devonian Wilds Dec 26, 2020

    Did 20-foot-tall giant fungi rule the earth 400 million years ago? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the puzzling prototaxites fossils from the Devonian period. (Originally published 12/17/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Robot Jox Dec 25, 2020

    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.

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    The Toaster Not Taken Dec 24, 2020

    It’s obvious that our preferences guide our choices, but do our choices also determine our preferences? 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.

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    The Artifact: Map of the Underworld Dec 23, 2020

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses one of humanity's oldest maps -- from a coffin text detailing paths through the Ancient Egyptian Afterlife.

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    Toy Guns Dec 22, 2020

    For many of us, toy guns were part of our childhood, but how are we to think about them today? In this 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.

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    Listener Mail: Holiday Beasts Dec 21, 2020

    In this batch of Stuff to Blow Your Mind listener mail, Robert and Joe catch up on Jim e-mails, Krampus talk and Leshy feedback.

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    From the Vault: Is Santa a god? (parts 1 and 2) Dec 19, 2020

    He knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, but is Santa Claus merely a magical entity or does he rise to the status of a god? In this pair of STBYM episodes, Robert and Joe discuss the general attributes of a deity and consider the awesome, reality-warping powers of the one we call Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and of course Santa Claus. (Originally published 12/19/2019 and 12/24/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Chopping Mall Dec 18, 2020

    The shopping mall is a centerpiece of American holiday traditions -- cathedrals of consumerism, if you will. So in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into “Chopping Mall,” the 1986 sci-fi horror film that pits teenagers against deadly security robots, “where shopping costs you an arm and a leg.”

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    Heavy Water Dec 17, 2020

    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 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…

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    The Artifact: The Tongue Stone Dec 16, 2020

    In this episode of STBYM's The Artifact, Joe talks about a strange class of tongue-shaped rocks that were believed to have magical and medicinal powers.

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    Holiday Inventions: Christmas Tree Lights, Tinsel and Angels Dec 15, 2020

    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.

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    Listener Mail: Das Gravy Boat Dec 14, 2020

    Time for more listener mail, with your thoughts on antimetaboles, pole dancing, gravy, weird movies and more.

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    From the Vault: Devourer of Memories, Part 2 Dec 12, 2020

    “You are what you eat,” the saying goes -- but does that apply to memories as well? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, join Robert and Joe on a journey through the world of Planaria worms, controversial research, regeneration, behaviorism and even the machinations of the Unabomber. (originally published 11/21/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Ghost in the Machine Dec 11, 2020

    It’s time for some early 90s cyber-panic! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1993’s “Ghost in the Machine,” in which a serial killer is zapped into the Internet and terrorizes Karen Allen and her painfully cool 90s son. So jack in, get virtual and become one with the screensaver.

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    Like a Circle in a Spiral, Part 2 Dec 10, 2020

    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 Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    The Artifact: The Poisoned Tooth Dec 09, 2020

    In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the fictional idea of the poisoned tooth and the real-life innovations that seem to have inspired it.

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    Like a Circle in a Spiral, Part 1 Dec 08, 2020

    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 Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    Listener Mail: Halloween Hangover Dec 07, 2020

    STBYM Listener Mail is now weekly! In this short installment, Robert and Joe catch up on some of your thoughts on various Halloween episodes from October.

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    From the Vault: Die Nacht des Krampus Dec 05, 2020

    Heute Nacht ist Krampusnacht. Besprechen Sie mit Robert und Joe auf STBYM die beliebtesten Urlaubsmonster aller. (Originally published 12/5/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Battle for Endor Dec 04, 2020

    The Star Wars franchise is home to many cinematic entries some consider to be unnatural. In this 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.

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    Smart Talks with IBM: How Audi Put Innovation in the Driver's Seat Dec 03, 2020

    Audi's journey to reinvent the customer experience has evolved from assumptions to data based decisions. In this episode of Smart Talks, Robert and Joe talk with Debbie Vavangas, VP IBM Garage, and Antony Roberts, Audi UK's Head of Digital, about Audi's transformation to create smarter experiences and how they adapted to grow their customer base without the luxury of in-person shopping during the pandemic.

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    Airships Over Venus Dec 01, 2020

    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.

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    From the Vault: Devourer of Memories, Part 1 Nov 28, 2020

    “You are what you eat,” the saying goes -- but does that apply to memories as well? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, join Robert and Joe on a journey through the world of Planaria worms, controversial research, regeneration, behaviorism and even the machinations of the Unabomber. (originally published 11/19/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Boggy Creek II Nov 27, 2020

    Weird movies are a Thanksgiving tradition, because Mystery Science Theater 3000's Turkey Day Marathon is a Thanksgiving tradition. So in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss one of their favorite MST-riffed films, b-movie legend Charlies B. Pierce and bigfoot films in general.

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    Thanksgiving Smorgasbord: Turkey, Wishbones and Gravy Nov 26, 2020

    In recognition of Thanksgiving, Robert and Joe devote this 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...

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    Antimetaboles: Sometimes You Eat the Bear Nov 24, 2020

    Friedrich Nietzsche once observed that if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you. That’s an antimetabole, a transposed repetition of words in successive clauses. It’s an ABBA configuration that seems to resonate with meaning, but why? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe gaze into the linguistic abyss once more.

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    From the Vault: Thankful: The Science of Gratitude Nov 21, 2020

    Tis the season of thankfulness, so in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science of Gratitude. (Originally published 11/28/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Message From Space Nov 20, 2020

    This time on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider the 1978 Japanese space opera “Message From Space,” starring Sonny Chiba and Vic Morrow. It’s not quite “Star Wars,” but it brings the 70s weirdness and a bunch of space nuts.

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    Listener Mail: The Final Conflict Nov 19, 2020

    Once more on Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe turn to the mailbot and read some listener mail from previous months.

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    Invention: The Bed Nov 17, 2020

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

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    From the Vault: Dangerous Foods: Adverse Additives Nov 14, 2020

    As is tradition, Stuff to Blow Your Mind prepares for seasonal feasts with a look at dangerous foods -- this time with a focus on peculiar and sometimes frightful additives such as lead, mercury and more. (Originally published 11/26/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Mad Love (1935) Nov 13, 2020

    In this edition of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss one of the great weird films of the 1930s: “Mad Love,” in which Peter Lorre gives a stellar performance as the deranged and tragic Dr. Gogol. It’s a film full of obsession, cutting-edge surgery, wax figures, delusion and knife-throwing.

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    Fireball with Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer Nov 12, 2020

    In this special interview episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog and volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer about their new documentary "Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds," which deals with meteors and comets and their influence on ancient religions and other cultural and physical impacts they've had on Earth.

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    The 2020 Ig Nobel Prizes Nov 10, 2020

    As usual, Robert and Joe take time in early November to discuss some of the winners from this year's Ig Nobel Prizes -- the awards ceremony that celebrates the weirder and more absurd corners of very real scientific investigation. This year, it's frozen feces knives, narcissistic eyebrows, arachnophobic entomologists and helium gators.

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    From the Vault: The 2019 Ig Nobel Prizes Nov 07, 2020

    Yes, it’s time once more for us to cover the Ig Nobel prizes. This year on Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider cubical wombat poop, truly dirty money, diaper-changing robots and much more. (Originally published 11/7/2019)

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    Weirdhouse Cinema: Troll 2 Nov 06, 2020

    “Troll 2” is a titan of b-movie goodness -- but it’s also overflowing with weirdness. In this edition of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss this 1990 tale of vegetarian goblins -- as well as a couple of additional films written and/or directed by Claudio Fragasso and Rosella Drudi: “Night Killer” and “Robowar.”

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    Melt With Me Nov 05, 2020

    From the horror of “melt movies,” in which the melting human takes on nightmarish 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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe try to figure out what it all means as they round out 2020’s Halloween offerings.

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    Anthology of Horror, Volume 6 Nov 03, 2020

    The Halloween tradition continues -- even as Halloween comes to a close. 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. This year, they examine 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.

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    From the Vault: Burned from the Mind’s Eye, Parts 1 & 2 Oct 31, 2020

    From the VHS horrors of “The Ring” and claims of psychic photography to cutting edge research into neuro technology, humanity continues to wrestle with the notion of the mind’s eye. In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert and Joe dive into the mystifying world of the mental image. (Originally published 10/10/2019)

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    STBYM presents Weirdhouse Cinema: Without Warning Oct 30, 2020

    Welcome to Weirdhouse Cinema, a new weekly offering from the hosts of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, published in the STBYM feed. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss "Without Warning," a perfectly serviceable sci-fi horror film directed by Greydon Clark. The year is 1980 and only a delusional Martin Landau and a Captain Ahab-esque Jack Palance can stop an extraterrestrial killer from treating rural California as its own personal hunting ground.

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    Anthology of Horror, Volume 5 Oct 29, 2020

    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. This year, they examine 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.

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    Anthology of Horror, Volume 4 Oct 27, 2020

    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. This year, they examine 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.

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    From the Vault: Anthology of Horror, Volume 3 Oct 24, 2020

    The time has come. Once more, Stuff to Blow Your Mind reaches into the depths of TV horror anthology history, pulls out a handful of episodes and spins science and wonder out of the monstrosities therein. For this year’s installment, Robert and Joe discuss episodes The Outer Limits and The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror. (Originally published 10/31/2019)

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    The Leshii Oct 22, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss these haunters of the woodland depths.

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    Smart Talks with IBM: How P-TECH Prepares Students for the Future of Work Oct 20, 2020

    Today on Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe talk with IBM's Joel Mangan, Executive Director of P-TECH, and recent P-TECH graduates Suyhalia Karim-Doran and Eric Cholula-Martinez about how P-TECH, a groundbreaking public education model, is addressing education and workforce development challenges for underserved students.

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    It Sees You Oct 20, 2020

    Have you ever had the feeling that someone or something is watching you? Perhaps you even feel a tingle on the back of your neck. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore this creepy feeling, research into its perception and what it means to meet another being’s gaze.

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    From the Vault: Anthology of Horror, Volume 2 Oct 17, 2020

    The time has come. Once more, Stuff to Blow Your Mind reaches into the depths of TV horror anthology history, pulls out a handful of episodes and spins science and wonder out of the monstrosities therein. For this year’s installment, Robert and Joe discuss episodes of Monsters and The Twilight Zone. (Originally published 10/29/2019)

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    The Minotaur, Part 3 Oct 15, 2020

    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 series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe discuss the minotaur.

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    The Minotaur, Part 2: Minoan Crete with Nicoletta Momigliano Oct 13, 2020

    To fully understand the minotaur myth, we also have to consider the Minoan civilization of Crete. In this 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.

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    From the Vault: Hellraiser Oct 10, 2020

    Robert and Joe have such sights to show you in this movie episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. Join them as they discuss Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” and the questions it raises about monastic traditions, flagellation, puzzle boxes and the science of pain. (Originally published 10/24/2019)

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    I Want a New Blood Oct 08, 2020

    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 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.

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    The Minotaur, Part 1 Oct 06, 2020

    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 pair of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe discuss the minotaur.

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    Smart Talks with IBM: Online Privacy is More Important Than Ever Oct 06, 2020

    How can advertising evolve to respect the growing privacy concerns of consumers? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the future of artificial intelligence in digital advertising with Sheri Bachstein, Global Head of Watson Advertising and The Weather Company, an IBM Business.

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    From the Vault: I Drink Your Blood Type Oct 03, 2020

    Gather round ye blood drinkers and children of the night, for in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe will discuss human blood types -- what they are, why they exist and what powers they hold. It’s all required listeners for any serious vampires. (Originally published 10/3/2019)

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    Science in the House of Wax Oct 01, 2020

    Wax Museums are frequent haunts in horror cinema, but where do they really tie into our sense of revulsion and anatomical unease? In this 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.

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    The Livewired Brain with David Eagleman Sep 29, 2020

    What does our growing understanding of neuroplasticity reveal about our brains and the future of technology? In this 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.”

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    From the Vault: Our Cars, Our Bodies, Our Minds Sep 26, 2020

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the cognitive effects of driving. How does it alter our perceptions of self? How might driving prevent cognitive decline? What are the benefits of automotive ergonomics and how do we avoid the risks of road rage is aggressive? (Originally published 10/8/2019)

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    The Atomic Scar Sep 24, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the ways in which the world would not be the same.

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    Orcs in the Deep Sep 22, 2020

    Today is Hobbit Day, so Stuff to Blow Your Mind returns to Middle Earth once more. Join Robert and Joe for a discussion of orcs and their origins both in the dark corners of the human imagination and the loathsome pits of Utumno.

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    From the Vault: The One Ring Sep 19, 2020

    One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to Find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the most powerful artefact in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series and how it relates to real-life metallurgy. (Originally published 9/19/2019)

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    Mushroom Foraging, Part 2 Sep 17, 2020

    Are more people identifying and even foraging wild mushrooms than in previous years? If so, why is this? In this episode 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.

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    Mushroom Foraging, Part 1 Sep 15, 2020

    Are more people identifying and even foraging wild mushrooms than in previous years? If so, why is this? In this episode 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.

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    From the Vault: The Voynich Manuscript, Part 2 Sep 12, 2020

    Browse the libraries of the world and you’ll find nothing stranger and perplexing than the so-called Voynich Manuscript, a 15th century tome that has perplexed linguists and codebreakers for hundreds of years -- and remains a mystery. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss just why we can't stop looking to its weird pages. (Originally published 9/5/2019)

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    Night of the Lichen-thropes Sep 10, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore their remarkable qualities.

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    Listener Mail: The Serpent's Golden Apple Sep 08, 2020

    It's time once more for Listener Mail, when Robert and Joe read YOUR letters regarding snake pits, tomatoes and more.

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    From the Vault: The Voynich Manuscript, Part 1 Sep 05, 2020

    Browse the libraries of the world and you’ll find nothing stranger and perplexing than the so-called Voynich Manuscript, a 15th century tome that has perplexed linguists and codebreakers for hundreds of years -- and remains a mystery. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss just why we can't stop looking to its weird pages. (Originally published 9/3/2019)

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    Fingernails, Part 2 Sep 03, 2020

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

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    Fingernails, Part 1 Sep 01, 2020

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

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    From the Vault: Surfing Neanderthals Aug 29, 2020

    What do recent studies about surfer’s ear and neanderthals reveal about their relationship with the ocean? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the condition and some recent findings regarding the neanderthals. (Originally published 8/27/2019)

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    Tomato, Tomato, Part 2 Aug 27, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the tomato.

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    Tomato, Tomato, Part 1 Aug 25, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the tomato.

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    From the Vault: School Dreams Aug 22, 2020

    Have you ever experienced dreams of forgotten classes, impossible exams and other examples of school-age anxiety? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the pervasive nature of the school dream. (Originally published 8/22/2019)

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    Shatter Me Like Sub-Zero Aug 20, 2020

    From the ice-based violence of Mortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero to the body-shattering kills in action films like “Time Cop” and “Demolition Man,” we seem to have this obsession with frozen human bodies exploding into a million shards of ice. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss just how feasible these scenes really are.

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    Pit of Serpents Aug 18, 2020

    The Well of Souls sequence from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a memorable slice of blockbuster history but a very dubious presentation of snake behavior -- but that doesn’t mean the snake pit is mere fantasy. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe grab a torch and descend into the pit of serpents.

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    From the Vault: Lot's Wife: Flesh into Salt Aug 15, 2020

    You’ve probably heard the Biblical tale of Lot’s wife, in which a trio of angels destroy a couple of ancient cities and the resulting blast turns a woman into a pillar of salt. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe set aside most of the theology to ponder if and how a human body could become a big old chunk of salt. (Originally published 8/20/2019)

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    From the Vault: Demogorgon Aug 13, 2020

    You probably know the Demogorgon as the powerful demon lord from Dungeons and Dragons, or perhaps as the interdimensional monster from “Stranger Things.” But where does this curious name come from? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe pursue the origins of the Demogorgon through modern pop culture, romantic poetry, translated texts and Gnostic mystery. (Originally published 10/1/2019)

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    The Interior World Aug 11, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore.

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    From the Vault: How to Survive a Great Fall Aug 08, 2020

    Anticipating a fall from 10,000 feet or more? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss your chances of survival. (Originally published 8/15/2019)

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    Pykrete: Ice Like Stone Aug 06, 2020

    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 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.

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    The Spotlight Effect Aug 04, 2020

    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 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.

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    From the Vault: Prehistoric Transylvania Aug 01, 2020

    This episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind takes listeners to Transylvania, where a rogue baron made important early strides in the field of paleobiology and where, during the Late Cretaceous period, giant pterosaur dubbed “Dracula” feasted on pony-sized dwarf sauropods. (Originally published 8/13/2019)

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    Volcanoes of Life Jul 30, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    The Horned Helm, Part 2 Jul 28, 2020

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe continue their exploration of helmets -- both the horned and the non-horned variety. Learn about the beautiful complexity of Japanese samurai helmets, perhaps the weirdest helm ever donned by a king and more.

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    From the Vault: The Secret Intellect of Animals, Part 2 Jul 25, 2020

    In the second of two classic episodes, Joe and Christian continue their discussion of animal cognition, including animal morality, tool use, mental time travel, culture, and other strange clues to the intellectual complexity of our cousins in the animal kingdom. Afterwards, they speak to Dutch-American primatologist Frans de Waal about his book and his thoughts on the future of animal intelligence research. (Originally published 2/23/2017)

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    The Horned Helm, Part 1 Jul 23, 2020

    Fantasy fiction is lousy with horned helmets -- and more than a few non-Vikings wore them historically. So what’s the deal with horned helms? Why are they impractical from an offensive standpoint? For that matter, just where do helmets come from and are there any animals that wear them? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    Listener Mail: Fireworks, Hellfire and More Jul 21, 2020

    Once again, Robert and Joe call forth the mailbot to read and discuss listener mail in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    From the Vault: The Secret Intellect of Animals, Part 1 Jul 18, 2020

    In the first of two classic episodes, Joe and Christian discuss the work of Dutch-American primatologist Frans de Waal, and ask the question of not just whether animals are smarter than we understand, but why the evidence of animal cognition is often so difficult for we humans to grasp. (Originally published 2/21/2017)

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    Cancer and Evolution with Kat Arney Jul 16, 2020

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with Kat Arney about her upcoming book "Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution, and the New Science of Life's Oldest Betrayal."

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    Heaven and Hell with Bart Ehrman Jul 14, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with Bart Ehrman, author of 'Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife.'

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    From the Vault: Social Media is a B.U.M.M.E.R. Jul 11, 2020

    How will you feel the day you finally delete all your social media accounts? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the arguments for doing just that in Jaron Lanier’s book “Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now.” (Originally published 8/6/2019)

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    The Tide of Gold Jul 09, 2020

    Gold from the ocean? In this 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.

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    How does travel engage the senses? Jul 07, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore...

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    From the Vault: TEETH Jul 04, 2020

    Where do teeth come from and how do different dental variations in the animal world force us to rethink our glorious chompers? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore dental evolution and the wondrous marching molars of elephants and manatees. (Originally published 7/23/2019)

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    Into the Egg Chamber Jul 02, 2020

    Eggs are amazing and some of the varieties we find in nature are wonderfully weird, riveling or exceeding anything you’d ever find on a fictional derelict spaceship. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider some curious specimens from the world of eggs.

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    Smart Talks With IBM: The Power of Quantum Computing Jun 30, 2020

    Some problems are so big and complex that there’s not enough computational power on Earth to tackle them. Enter Quantum computing, a new kind of computing that can change how we solve problems forever. In this episode of Stuff To Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with Director of IBM Quantum Strategy and Applications Research, Katie Pizzolato and ExxonMobil VP of R&D, Dr. Vijay Swarup.

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    From the Vault: Roman Extinctions Jun 27, 2020

    Humans are capable of amazing technological and societal feats, but we’ve also brought much misery, death and destruction to our world. We are currently in the midst of the sixth great extinction event -- the Holocene extinction -- and the ravages of human activity extend back throughout our history as a dominator species. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe focus in on some of the key extinctions that occurred during the Roman Empire. (Originally published 6/27/2019)

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    Kimchi: A Song of Salt and Cabbage Jun 25, 2020

    What exactly is kimchi and what is the chemistry of its deliciousness? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore this spicy, fermented staple of Korean cuisine.

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    The Invention of Fireworks Jun 23, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe light the fuse and find out.

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    From the Vault: The Facial Feedback Hypothesis Jun 20, 2020

    To what extent does the act of smiling generate happiness in the mind of the smiler? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Facial Feedback Hypothesis and what it means for our complex human emotions. (Originally published 6/20/2019)

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    Ant Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Ants Jun 18, 2020

    The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies are torn asunder. As the will of one colony clashes with another, forces advance, withdrawal and sometimes whole populations perish in the Earth. Such are the wars of the ants, compared to which the wars of humanity are but a blip. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and tactics of ant warfare, and what humans can learn from it all.

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    Smart Talks with IBM: The Debating AI Jun 16, 2020

    Project Debater is the first AI system that can debate humans on complex topics, with a larger ambition of helping people build persuasive arguments and make well-informed decisions. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with Project Debater Lead Researcher, Noam Slonim and IBM VP for Data and AI, Madhu Kochar.

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    From the Vault: Brain Soup and Liquid Brains Jun 13, 2020

    Is there ever a good scientific reason to turn brains into soup? What does all of this have to do with the concept of “liquid brains?” Robert and Joe explore on Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (Originally published 6/11/2019)

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    Ant Wars: Episode II - The Antmire Strikes Back Jun 12, 2020

    The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies are torn asunder. As the will of one colony clashes with another, forces advance, withdrawal and sometimes whole populations perish in the Earth. Such are the wars of the ants, compared to which the wars of humanity are but a blip. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and tactics of ant warfare, and what humans can learn from it all.

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    Ant Wars: Episode I - The Antom Menace Jun 11, 2020

    The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies are torn asunder. As the will of one colony clashes with another, forces advance, withdrawal and sometimes whole populations perish in the Earth. Such are the wars of the ants, compared to which the wars of humanity are but a blip. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and tactics of ant warfare, and what humans can learn from it all.

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    Solidarity Jun 09, 2020

    A brief note from Stuff to Blow Your Mind in support of racial justice.

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    From the Vault: The Soap Dragon Jun 06, 2020

    What monsters of fatty flesh lie slumbering in the sewer guts of our great cities? Join Robert and Joe as they venture into the dark to discover the beast we all made together. (Originally published 6/4/2019)

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    Subterrenes: Like Submarines but Underground Jun 04, 2020

    The notion of a subterrene, or underground drilling vehicle, is well established within the realm of science fiction, but what are the real-world possibilities for vehicles that drill or melt their way through the subterranean world. Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind…

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    Smart Talks with IBM: The Impact of AI in a Pandemic Jun 02, 2020

    How is AI helping organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the topic with Ritika Gunnar, Vice President of IBM’s Data and AI Expert Labs and Learning, and Jay Bellissimo, IBM’s General Manager for the U.S. Public and Federal Market.

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    From the Vault: The Great Wave May 30, 2020

    For centuries, sailors have told stories of mountainous killer waves that rise out of the ocean without warning. Join Robert and Joe for a discussion of the history and science of rogue waves. (originally published 5/30/2019)

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    The Invention of the Book, Part 2 May 28, 2020

    Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the history of book technology, from ancient clay tablets and papyrus scrolls to the codex and beyond.

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    The Invention of the Book, Part 1 May 26, 2020

    Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the history of book technology, from ancient clay tablets and papyrus scrolls to the codex and beyond.

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    From the Vault: The Doppelganger Network May 23, 2020

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss Doppelgangers, fairy imposters, the brain basis for the feeling of familiarity, and a unique way of understanding the impact of social media and modern communications technology. (originally published 5/28/2019)

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    Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 5 May 22, 2020

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 4 May 22, 2020

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 3 May 22, 2020

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 2 May 22, 2020

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 1 May 22, 2020

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    Listener Mail: Hobbits, Gorgons and More May 21, 2020

    It's time for another listener mail episode, this time with your thoughts on hobbits, gorgons, pointing and much more...

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    Smart Talks with IBM: Rethinking Supply Chains May 19, 2020

    The supply chain is vital to life in the modern world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted this flow of goods and materials to a considerable degree. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with IBM Global Managing Director for Consumer Industries Luq Niazi and Partner at the Consumer Center of Competence (CoC) at IBM Karl Haller.

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    From the Vault: Send an Owl/Raven/Pigeon! May 16, 2020

    Harry Potter sends messages by owl. The characters of ‘Game of Thrones’ employ ravens. Meanwhile, real-life messenger pigeons have carried messages for thousands of years. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider just why the homing pigeon is perfect for this job -- and why owls and ravens are not. (originally published 5/9/2019)

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    Invention Playlist 4: Invented Words, Part 2 May 15, 2020

    Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore...

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    Invention Playlist 4: Invented Words, Part 1 May 15, 2020

    Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore...

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    Invention Playlist 4: Barbed Wire May 15, 2020

    You may very well encounter barbed wire everyday -- and, in all likelihood, you see THROUGH this flesh-ripping barrier. Where did this invention come from? How did it change the world? Robert and Joe discuss “the devil’s rope” in this episode.

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    Invention Playlist 4: The Turnspit Dog May 15, 2020

    Robert and Joe continue the month’s journey through human CULINARY techno-history -- this time with the story of the turnspit dog. This now-extinct breed of dog turned the meat in many a European kitchen, before it was replaced by machines.

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    Invention Playlist 4: Penicillin May 15, 2020

    A fungal accident in the early 20th century opened the door for the medical wonders of the antibiotic age. In this episode, Robert and Joe explore what came before and how Alexander Fleming’s discovery changed the world.

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    Invention Playlist 4: The Museum May 15, 2020

    Where do museums come from? Explore their history in this episode...

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    Invention Playlist 4: Sun Glasses May 15, 2020

    Shades didn't invent themselves. Robert and Joe explore their origins...

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    Invention Playlist 4: Chopsticks May 15, 2020

    Chopsticks may seem like a basic invention, but this invention has a fascinating history...

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    Invention Playlist 4: The Vending Machine May 15, 2020

    It took my quarters and gave me candy, but who invented this machine? Find out...

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    Invention Playlist 4: Guillotine May 15, 2020

    It cuts heads off, but who invented it? Robert and Joe explore.

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    Listener Mail: Moa Money, Moa Problems May 14, 2020

    It's time for another listener mail episode, this time with your thoughts on teleportation mishaps, the mighty moa and much more...

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    The Mighty Sarlacc May 12, 2020

    Few places in the Star Wars universe are regarded with as much horror as the Great Pit of Carkoon, within the Dune Sea of Tatooine. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the mighty Sarlacc and compare what we know about this organism to denizens of the natural world.

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    From the Vault: The Sacred Mountain, Part 2 May 09, 2020

    Why do sacred mountains exist in so many cultures and myths? To what extent could high altitude conditions contribute to the way our mind processes these breathtaking environments? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the wonder and science of sacred mountains. (originally published 4/25/2019)

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    Invention Playlist 3: Board Games, Part 2 May 08, 2020

    Board games have only grown in variety and complexity in recent decades, but just how far back in time do these curious physical simulations go? In this episode of Invention, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider the meeples of ancient history.

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    Invention Playlist 3: Board Games, Part 1 May 08, 2020

    Board games have only grown in variety and complexity in recent decades, but just how far back in time do these curious physical simulations go? In this episode of Invention, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider the meeples of ancient history.

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    Invention Playlist 3: The Atlatl Spear Thrower May 08, 2020

    The spear is a truly ancient human technology, but this preceded one of humanity’s oldest mechanical inventions: the atlatl or spear thrower. In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe explore the history and physics of this amazing hunting device.

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    Invention Playlist 3: The Condom May 08, 2020

    Condoms are an important part of human health and medicine, but where did this invention come from? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Invention.

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    Invention Playlist 3: Air Conditioning, Part 3 May 08, 2020

    Air conditioning has had a profound impact on modern life -- and in more ways than you might realize. In this trio of Invention episodes, Robert and Joe explore pre-AC cooling methods, the invention itself and the many ways it changed the shape (and temperature) of our lives.

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    Invention Playlist 3: Air Conditioning, Part 2 May 08, 2020

    Air conditioning has had a profound impact on modern life -- and in more ways than you might realize. In this trio of Invention episodes, Robert and Joe explore pre-AC cooling methods, the invention itself and the many ways it changed the shape (and temperature) of our lives.

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    Invention Playlist 3: Air Conditioning, Part 1 May 08, 2020

    Air conditioning has had a profound impact on modern life -- and in more ways than you might realize. In this trio of Invention episodes, Robert and Joe explore pre-AC cooling methods, the invention itself and the many ways it changed the shape (and temperature) of our lives.

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    Invention Playlist 3: Bread/Toast/Toasters May 08, 2020

    Who invented toast? Who then went on to invent the toaster? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe chase the origins of bread transformed through the Maillard reaction and consider the origins of the specialized mini-oven we use to do it.

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    Invention Playlist 3: Ketchup May 08, 2020

    You love it. You put it on everything. But where does ketchup come from? In this 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.

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    Invention Playlist 3: Beachbum Berry on the Mai Tai May 08, 2020

    The Mai Tai isn’t only the most famous Tiki cocktail, it’s one of the most well known cocktails on the planet. But where does it come from? Who invented it? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe turn to noted Tiki historian and mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry for answers.

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    Pointing, Part 2 May 07, 2020

    Why is pointing such a central part of human communication? How does it relate to culture, technology and our relationship to non-human animals? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe look for answers.

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    Pointing, Part 1 May 05, 2020

    Why is pointing such a central part of human communication? How does it relate to culture, technology and our relationship to non-human animals? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe look for answers.

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    From the Vault: The Sacred Mountain, Part 1 May 02, 2020

    Why do sacred mountains exist in so many cultures and myths? To what extent could high altitude conditions contribute to the way our mind processes these breathtaking environments? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the wonder and science of sacred mountains. (originally published 4/23/2019)

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    Invention Playlist II: Bubble Wrap May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of bubble wrap...

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    Invention Playlist II: Toilets, Part 2 May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the toilet...

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    Invention Playlist II: Toilets, Part 1 May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the toilet...

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    Invention Playlist II: Braille May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of braille...

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    Invention Playlist II: Walls May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of walls...

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    Invention Playlist II: The Wheel, Part 2 May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the wheel...

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    Invention Playlist II: The Wheel, Part 1 May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the wheel...

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    Invention Playlist II: Roads May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of roads...

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    Invention Playlist II: The Saxophone May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the saxophone...

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    Invention Playlist II: Toothpaste May 01, 2020

    Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of toothpaste...

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    The Head of Medusa, Part 2 Apr 30, 2020

    We all know snake-haired Medusa, the gorgon of Greek myth whose very gaze turns mortals and titans alike to stone. But where does this iconic monster come from and why has she lingered so very long in our art, minds and culture? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe venture to the Gorgade isles in search of answers.

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    The Head of Medusa, Part 1 Apr 28, 2020

    We all know snake-haired Medusa, the gorgon of Greek myth whose very gaze turns mortals and titans alike to stone. But where does this iconic monster come from and why has she lingered so very long in our art, minds and culture? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe venture to the Gorgade isles in search of answers.

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    From the Vault: Flatus Ex Machina, Part 2 Apr 25, 2020

    Why is it so hilarious when robots and artificial intelligence fail? What does it reveal about comedy itself and our technological anxiety? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter. (originally published 3/28/2019)

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 10: Giant Spider Meal Apr 24, 2020

    At least giant spiders are not trying to eat us. Right? Right? Let's close out Halftober Monsterfest with 2016's episode about what it would be like to be eaten by a giant spider.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 9: Mindflayers Apr 24, 2020

    Demogorgon wasn't enough for you? Fine. Here's our 2016 episode on Dungeons and Dragons' fantastic mindflayer monster and how it matches up with the natural world.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 8: Demon in the Halls of Sleep Apr 24, 2020

    Halftober Monsterfest is about to get even weirder. Explore the basics of incubus and succubus myths, a few international variants and the possible biological, psychological and neurological explanations for these paranormal encounters.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 6: A Game of Werewolf Apr 24, 2020

    Are you a werewolf? You have to tell me if you're a werewolf. It's the law. Up next on the Halftober Monsterfest Playlist is the 2017 episode "A Game of Werewolf" about the deep psychology of a beloved social game.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 7: Carnivorous Plants Apr 24, 2020

    Halftober Monsterfest continues with Stuff to Blow Your Mind's 2016 episode about carnivorous plants in nature and myth.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 5: Cambrian Monsters Apr 24, 2020

    Let's go back to 2017. Heck, let's go back 500 million years to the monster-haunted waters of the Cambrian period. Halftoberfest now.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 4: Killer's Mask Apr 24, 2020

    The most recent Friday the 13th holiday was kind of a bummer, so let's play catch-up with this 2018 episode about masked killers in reality, fiction and culture.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 3: The Curse Apr 24, 2020

    What is a curse and how does the concept factor into the human experience? The playlist continues with this 2018 Halloween episode from Robert and Joe.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 1: Blood Type Drinker Apr 24, 2020

    Halloween in March? It's happening. Here's our episode "I Drink Your Blood Type" from 2019. Drink up.

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    STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 2: Demogorgon Apr 24, 2020

    Haftober Monsterfest continues with Robert and Joe's 2019 discussion on the origins of Dungeons and Dragons’ ultimate demon lord, the interdimensional beast from “Stranger Things” and an enigma of translated texts and gnostic mysticism.

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    Astronomical Suffering and the Terran Diaspora Apr 23, 2020

    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.

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    The Invention of Soap Apr 20, 2020

    We’re all probably using a lot more soap these days, but… what is it exactly? How does it work? Who invented it and how has it changed the world? Join Robert and Joe as they explore the invention of Soap. If you enjoyed the podcast Invention, stick with Robert and Joe as they continue to explore these same topics as part of Stuff to Blow Your Mind’s regular offerings.

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    From the Vault: Flatus Ex Machina, Part 1 Apr 18, 2020

    Why is it so hilarious when robots and artificial intelligence fail? What does it reveal about comedy itself and our technological anxiety? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter. (originally published 3/26/2019)

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    Invention Playlist: The X-Ray Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Here's their episode on the x-ray.

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    Invention Playlist: The Telescope Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Since we're already talking about optics, let's consider the telescope...

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    Invention Playlist: The Motion Picture, Part 3 Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Let's finish their three-part look at motion pictures...

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    Invention Playlist: A Motion Picture Mystery Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Here's their sidebar with Scott Benjamin about a mysterious death in the history of motion picture technology...

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    Invention Playlist: The Motion Picture, Part 2 Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Let's continue with the history of motion pictures...

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    Invention Playlist: The Motion Picture, Part 1 Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Let's move on from the camera to motion pictures...

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    Invention Playlist: The Camera, Part 3 Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Enjoy their three-part look at the camera...

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    Invention Playlist: The Camera, Part 2 Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Enjoy their three-part look at the camera...

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    Invention Playlist: The Camera, Part 1 Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Enjoy their three-part look at the camera...

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    Invention Playlist: The Camera Obscura Apr 17, 2020

    As the Invention podcast ends, discussions of techno-history become part of STBYM again. So let's explore some past episodes of Robert and Joe's other series. Up first, the camera obscura...

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    Brian Greene on the End of Time Apr 16, 2020

    Theoretical Physicist Brian Greene’s new book “Until the End of Time” contemplates the entirety of human history and the known universe in a single volume. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with the author about the cosmos, the human experience and science communication during a global pandemic.

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    Daniel Whiteson on Space Itself Apr 14, 2020

    What exactly is space? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, physicist Daniel Whiteson, co-host of the podcast Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe, drops by for another chat with Robert and Joe.

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    From the Vault: M.I.B. or N.I.B.? Apr 11, 2020

    Belief in UFOs is very much like a religion. It can fulfill the same purpose in an individual's life, give them a community of believers and provide grander framework for mundane life. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider the similarities between the so-called “men in black” and the devil. (Originally published 3/21/2019)

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 6: ‘Silent Running’ Apr 10, 2020

    It calls back a time when there were flowers all over the Earth... and there were valleys. And there were plains of tall green grass that you could lie down in - you could go to sleep in. And there were blue skies, and there was fresh air... and there were things growing all over the place, not just in some domed enclosures blasted some millions of miles out in to space.

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 9: ‘Bandersnatch’ Apr 10, 2020

    If you listen closely, you can hear the numbers. There's a cosmic flowchart that dictates where you can and where you can't go. I've given you the knowledge. I've set you free. Do you understand?

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 10: ‘The Fly’ Apr 10, 2020

    You're afraid to dive into the plasma pool, aren't you? You're afraid to be destroyed and recreated, aren't you?

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 7: ‘The Tingler’ Apr 10, 2020

    Ladies and gentlemen, just a word of warning. If any of you are not convinced that you have a tingler of your own, the next time you're frightened in the dark... don't scream.

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 8: ‘Hellraiser’ Apr 10, 2020

    I thought I'd gone to the limits. I hadn't. The Cenobites gave me an experience beyond limits. Pain and pleasure, indivisible.

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 4: Science of Thulsa Doom, Part 1 Apr 10, 2020

    Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark. Now they learn why they fear the night.

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 5: Science of Thulsa Doom, Part 2 Apr 10, 2020

    Contemplate this on the tree of woe.

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 3: ‘Highlander 2’ Apr 10, 2020

    Most people have a full measure of life... and most people just watch it slowly drip away. But if you can summon it all up... at one time... in one place... you can accomplish something... glorious.

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 2: ‘The Dark Crystal’ Apr 10, 2020

    End, begin, all the same. Big change. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad.

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    Matinee Science Playlist, Part 1: ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ Apr 10, 2020

    Dave, I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.

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    The Bone Palace, Part 2 Apr 09, 2020

    From an imagined palace constructed out of bone to the curious ways in which animals and humans use bone for tools and construction materials, take a stroll through halls of bone with Robert and Joe in this pair of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    The Bone Palace, Part 1 Apr 07, 2020

    From an imagined palace constructed out of bone to the curious ways in which animals and humans use bone for tools and construction materials, take a stroll through halls of bone with Robert and Joe in this pair of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    From the Vault: Bugs Under The Skin Apr 04, 2020

    Ever feel like there are bugs crawling around in your body? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore alleged incidents, medical publications and the reality of delusional parasitosis. (originally publsihed 3/19/2019)

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 10: Chinese Immortality Apr 03, 2020

    Explore tales and traditions from Taoist sorcery, alchemy and Chinese folktales.

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 9: Wound Mouth of the Undying Hydra Apr 03, 2020

    From myth to biology, the hydra hungers and grows.

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 8: Unicorns of the Mythic World Apr 03, 2020

    Discover the power and symbolism of the unicorn.

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 7: The Trident Apr 03, 2020

    What is the meaning of Poseidon's divine weapon?

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 6: The Slayer Apr 03, 2020

    Who is the slayer and why is this figure so important to our ancient and modern myths?

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 5: Demon Eaters and Possessed Tools Apr 03, 2020

    Meet the demon slayer Zhōng Kuí and follow a procession of spirits across the sea to Japan.

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 2: The Myth-Fleshed Fossil Apr 03, 2020

    Explore the place where geology and mythology converge.

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 3: Talos Apr 03, 2020

    Get to know everyone's favorite ancient bronze age robot.

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 4: Bones of the Plumed Serpent Apr 03, 2020

    Venture into the world of Quetzalcoatl.

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    Realms of Myth Playlist, Part 1: Unraveling the Mythic Apr 03, 2020

    What is mythology and why is it so important? Find out...

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    Déjà vu, Anxiety and Dreams, Part 2 Apr 02, 2020

    What is déjà vu and how does it relate to dreams and anxiety? Robert and Joe discuss what is known about this curious anomaly of memory on Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    Déjà vu, Anxiety and Dreams, Part 1 Mar 31, 2020

    What is déjà vu and how does it relate to dreams and anxiety? Robert and Joe discuss what is known about this curious anomaly of memory on Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    From the Vault: The Lost Daughters of Aten, Part 2 Mar 28, 2020

    Pluto may not be a planet, but it definitely exists. Not every case is so clear. The history of near-Earth astronomy contains many cases of bodies that may or may not have ever existed in the solar system we call home. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick take a journey through space to survey once-hypothetical bodies that took work to prove, once-imagined bodies that are now confirmed phantoms, and the unsolved mysteries where questions remain. (originally published 3/5/2019)

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 10: Dr. Jeff Hoffman Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about life beyond Earth's magnetosphere. Here's our 2018 chat with astronaut Dr. Jeff Hoffman.

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 9: Carl Zimmer Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about heredity. Here's our 2018 chat with acclaimed science writer Carl Zimmer about his book “She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity.”

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 8: Marah Hardt Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about the love life of coral with "Sex in the Sea" author Dr. Marah J. Hardt.

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 7: R. Scott Bakker Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about alien philosophy. Here's our 2017 chat with Canadian author R. Scott Bakker, discussing his dark fantasy novels as well as his paper 'On Alien Philosophy,' published in the The Journal of Consciousness Studies.

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 6: Mary Roach Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about penis transplants. Here's our 2016 chat with author Mary Roach, who devotes two chapters of her book "Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War" to urotrauma and genital transplant surgery.

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 5: Mark Mandica Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about salamanders. Here's our 2018 chat with Mark Mandica, executive director of The Amphibian Foundation.

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 4: Gene Kritsky Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about ancient Egyptian bee keeping. Here's our 2016 chat with "The Tears of Re" author entomologist Gene Kritsky.

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 3: Thomas S. Mullaney Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about the Chinese typewriter. Here's our 2018 chat with Thomas S. Mullaney about his book “The Chinese Typewriter: A History.”

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 2: Brian Greene, Max Tegmark and Barbara J. King Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about string theory, super AI and animal emotions. Here are our 2018 World Science Festival interviews with physicist Brian Greene, physicist Max Tegmark and anthropologist Barbara J. King.

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    Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 1: Diva Amon Mar 27, 2020

    Let's talk about deep sea ecology and conservation. Here's our 2019 chat with deep sea marine biologist Diva Amon.

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    Twilight of the Moa Mar 26, 2020

    The Moa of New Zealand were among the weirdest birds to ever live, and their history is full of evolutionary wonder, interspecies conflict, tragedy and scientific hope. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the rise and fall of the great Moa.

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    Rise of the Moa Mar 24, 2020

    The Moa of New Zealand were among the weirdest birds to ever live, and their history is full of evolutionary wonder, interspecies conflict, tragedy and scientific hope. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the rise and fall of the great Moa.

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    From the Vault: The Lost Daughters of Aten, Part 1 Mar 21, 2020

    Pluto may not be a planet, but it definitely exists. Not every case is so clear. The history of near-Earth astronomy contains many cases of bodies that may or may not have ever existed in the solar system we call home. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick take a journey through space to survey once-hypothetical bodies that took work to prove, once-imagined bodies that are now confirmed phantoms, and the unsolved mysteries where questions remain. (originally published 2/28/2019)

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    Space Between: A STBYM Update Episode Mar 19, 2020

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe catch you up to date on the podcast’s production schedule and generally check in with listeners in the wake of current events.

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    Invertebrate Emotions, Part 2 Mar 17, 2020

    Humans are feeling creatures, constantly awash in a sea of emotion. We struggle to understand the waters that suffuse us, but what about other denizens of the animal kingdom? What about the octopods? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the question of invertebrate emotions.

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    From the Vault: Gáe Bulg Mar 14, 2020

    Irish myth tells of a spear so deadly, that its deployment is certain death. Forged from the bones of sea monsters, the Gáe Bulg would send barbs through its victim’s every vein -- but only if the hero threw it with their foot. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick unravel the myth, history and science of this impractical Irish wonder weapon. (originally published 2/21/2019)

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    Invertebrate Emotions, Part 1 Mar 12, 2020

    Humans are feeling creatures, constantly awash in a sea of emotion. We struggle to understand the waters that suffuse us, but what about other denizens of the animal kingdom? What about the octopods? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the question of invertebrate emotions.

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    Biology of the Hobbit Mar 10, 2020

    Not to question the wisdom of Gandalf the Grey, but a hobbit might seem like a poor choice for a continent-sprawling journey to rid the world of evil. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe return to the science of Middle Earth with a look at scientific breakdowns of hobbit diet, hobbit physiology and hobbit vitamin requirements.

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    From the Vault: The Dark Crystal Mar 07, 2020

    It’s time for another movie-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and this time Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick are bound for the world of Thra in Jim Henson’s 1982 masterpiece “The Dark Crystal.” What are we to make of these complex creatures, mythological themes and cosmological alignment? (originally published 4/4/2019)

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    Autogenics Mar 05, 2020

    From a self-hypnosis practice rooted in early 20th century psychiatry to the Nazi persecution of homosexuals, Robert and Joe discuss autogenics training and its creator, Johannes Heinrich Schultz.

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    Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Mar 03, 2020

    As the world reacts to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Robert and Joe devote an episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind to cover what’s currently known about the virus and what you can do as infections continue to spread.

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    From the Vault: Split Brain, Part 2 Feb 29, 2020

    Our brains are composed of two hemispheres, but in what ways are they truly separate? In which ways are they one? In this bisected Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore what we’ve learned from split brain experiments in animals and humans. (originally published 1/17/2019)

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    Overconfidence: The Icarus Paradox Feb 27, 2020

    What is overconfidence? We tend to know it when we see it, but the concept is increasingly hard to nail down the more you think about it. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the mythic roots of hubris, the psychology of overconfidence and its role in society and business.

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    Overconfidence: Hubris and Nemesis Feb 25, 2020

    What is overconfidence? We tend to know it when we see it, but the concept is increasingly hard to nail down the more you think about it. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the mythic roots of hubris, the psychology of overconfidence and its role in society and business.

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    From the Vault: Split Brain, Part 1 Feb 22, 2020

    Our brains are composed of two hemispheres, but in what ways are they truly separate? In which ways are they one? In this bisected Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore what we’ve learned from split brain experiments in animals and humans. (originally published 1/15/2019)

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    Listener Mail: In Your Face! Feb 20, 2020

    It’s time for another hefty dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind listener mail. Join Robert and Joe as they read and answer your emails on facial recognition, gods, volcanoes the future and more.

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    The Fly: Into the Plasma Pool Feb 18, 2020

    It’s time for another movie episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, and this time Robert and Joe consider David Cronenberg’s 1986 sci-fi remake “The Fly.” It’s time to drink deep, or taste not, the plasma spring!

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    From the Vault: Snail Sex in the Sea Feb 15, 2020

    In the aftermath of Valentine's Day, join Robert and Joe as they revisit last year's interview with marine biologist and "Sex in the Sea" author Dr. Marah Hardt. It's a chat with STBYM's only four-time guest about all manner of marine invertebrate reproduction.

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    Occam's Razor Feb 13, 2020

    It’s a standard tool of skeptical thinking: When presented with two hypotheses that explain the data equally well, choose the simpler of the two. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, nature and complexities of Occam’s Razor.

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    Lessons of Vesuvius, Part 2 Feb 11, 2020

    In the year 79 CE, the Italian volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted with with the thermal energy of 100,000 atomic bombs. Ashen destruction rained down on Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore this terrifying episode in history and what we can learn from it.

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    From the Vault: Cupid's Leaden Arrow Feb 08, 2020

    It’s Valentine’s Day again, which summons images of mythic Cupid and his bow. But we often forget that Cupid has TWO arrows in his quiver: the golden arrow of desire and the leaden arrow of aversion. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss the mythic lead-slinger and the nature of his gray metal. (originally published 2/14/2019)

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    Lessons of Vesuvius, Part 1 Feb 06, 2020

    In the year 79 CE, the Italian volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted with with the thermal energy of 100,000 atomic bombs. Ashen destruction rained down on Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore this terrifying episode in history and what we can learn from it.

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    Facial Recognition Machinery, Part 3 Feb 04, 2020

    Chances are, your face is already part of the database -- and AI is getting better and better at reading one face and finding it in the vast sea of digital images. What does this mean for the future of privacy? How did we get to this point in techno-history and where do we go from here? In this multi-episode look from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore facial recognition technology.

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    From the Vault: Motivated Numeracy and the Politics-ridden Brain Feb 01, 2020

    If science were a candle in the dark, we’d need only spread its light to combat climate change denial and vaccine conspiracy theories. But what if the problem is more complex than that? What if a quirk of human cognition enables us to remain willingly in the dark, even as we hold the very candle? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the concept of motivated numeracy. (originally published 11/15/2018)

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    Invention: The Turnspit Dog Jan 31, 2020

    In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe continue the month’s journey through human CULINARY techno-history -- this time with the story of the turnspit dog. This now-extinct breed of dog turned the meat in many a European kitchen, before it was replaced by machines. (originally published 11/11/2019)

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    Facial Recognition Machinery, Part 2 Jan 30, 2020

    Chances are, your face is already part of the database -- and AI is getting better and better at reading one face and finding it in the vast sea of digital images. What does this mean for the future of privacy? How did we get to this point in techno-history and where do we go from here? In this multi-episode look from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore facial recognition technology.

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    Facial Recognition Machinery, Part 1 Jan 28, 2020

    Chances are, your face is already part of the database -- and AI is getting better and better at reading one face and finding it in the vast sea of digital images. What does this mean for the future of privacy? How did we get to this point in techno-history and where do we go from here? In this multi-episode look from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore facial recognition technology.

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    From the Vault: The Electric Ark Jan 25, 2020

    What if the Ark of the Covenant was actually a bronze-age machine capable of storing an electrostatic charge? It almost certainly wasn't, but the idea is a great excuse to explore the understanding of electricity in the ancient world. Join Robert and Joe for another Ark-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    The Monoliths of Lalibela Jan 23, 2020

    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 episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the details of these 12th century marvels.

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    Here Come the Warm Feels Jan 21, 2020

    There’s often a gap between feeling and understanding, but language and classification provide us with tremendous tools for self-reflection. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the concept of kama muta, a broad categorization of emotional states that include loved belonging, patriotism, cuteness, spiritual communion and the feels.

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    From the Vault: The Ark of the Covenant Jan 18, 2020

    What was the Ark of the Covenant? A mere ceremonial vessel for sacred items? A radio for speaking to God? The golden chest of the ancient Hebrews has fascinated historians, theologians, scientists, dreamers and Nazi-punching archeologists for ages. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider some of the more thought-provoking ideas concerning its nature. (originally published 12/6/2018)

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    Horseshoe Crabs: Blue Blood of the Ancients Jan 16, 2020

    Their fossils date back 450 million years and their copper-rich blue blood continues to benefit various medical applications. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science and history of horseshoe crabs.

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    Ten Year Anniversary Special Jan 14, 2020

    Yes, tomorrow marks ten years of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. In celebration, original cohost and HowStuffWorks editor Allison Loudermilk pops by to speak with Robert and Joe about science, science communication and some recent headlines.

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    From the Vault: The Great Basilisk Jan 11, 2020

    Behold the Great Basilisk, the crowned monster whose mere glance can kill a mortal and reduce wilderness to desert ash. Medieval bestiaries attest to its might, but today some futurists dread its name as an all-powerful malicious artificial intelligence. Will it imprison all those who oppose it within a digital prison of eternal torment? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider the horror of Roko’s Basilisk. (Originally published 10/9/2018)

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    Bandersnatch Jan 09, 2020

    From its literary origins in the mirror realm of Lewis Carroll to its terrifying appearance in Charlie Brooker's “Black Mirror,” the frumious Bandersnatch is a monster from which it is useless to flee. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe follow its trail through a maze of choice, freewill, advertising and streaming media.

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    Brandon Fibbs talks 9 Days in July Jan 07, 2020

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with Brandon Fibbs, host of the new podcast "9 Days in July," which explores each of the nine days of the Apollo 11 Mission, day by day, in nine 60-minute-long episodes. Listen to "9 Days in July" on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are found: megaphone.link/9daysinjuly

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    From the Vault: Machine Consciousness and P-Zombies Jan 04, 2020

    If a machine told you it was conscious, how could you tell if it was lying? Indeed, how can you tell that any random human in your life is lying when they speak of their own consciousness. Join Robert and Joe for a stirring discussion on AI consciousness, philosophical zombies and the coming techno-cognitive dilemma. (Originally published April 12, 2018)

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    Updates: The First Monster and Oumuamua Jan 02, 2020

    Our understanding of history and cosmos continues to evolve -- and that means episodes of Stuff to Blow Your Mind are likely to require updates. In this episode, Robert and Joe discuss recent updates to topics discussed in past episodes ‘The First Monster” and their coverage of Oumuamua.

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    David Grinspoon on New Horizons and the Weirdness of Pluto Dec 31, 2019

    In the book “Chasting New Horizons: Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto,” authors Dr. Alan Stern and Dr. David Grinspoon recount the riveting history of the quest to send a spacecraft to the planet Pluto. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Grinspoon chats about the book, the planet and the nature of space exploration.

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    From the Vault: On Teasing Dec 28, 2019

    We all know teasing when we see it or experience it, but what role does it play in human interactions? Join Robert and Joe in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind as they explore hurtful, playful and educative teasing. (Originally published Sept. 11, 2018)

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    Boxing Day Listener Mail Dec 26, 2019

    It's boxing day in many holiday traditions: A time to give a gratitude box to postmen, errand boys and servants. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe present just such a box to the mailbot Karnie and read some listener mail as well.

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    Is Santa a god? (part 2) Dec 24, 2019

    He knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, but is Santa Claus merely a magical entity or does he rise to the status of a god? In this pair of STBYM episodes, Robert and Joe discuss the general attributes of a deity and consider the awesome, reality-warping powers of the one we call Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and of course Santa Claus.

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    From the Vault: Christmas Island Crabs, Part 2 Dec 21, 2019

    Welcome to Christmas Island, a place where it’s still only Christmas once a year… but where red crabs swarm across the land and enormous coconut crabs feast on carrion in the forests. So deck the halls with boughs of SCUTTLING HORROR as Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick celebrate the holiday season in style. (Originaly published Dec. 27, 2018)

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    Is Santa a god? (part 1) Dec 19, 2019

    He knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, but is Santa Claus merely a magical entity or does he rise to the status of a god? In this pair of STBYM episodes, Robert and Joe discuss the general attributes of a deity and consider the awesome, reality-warping powers of the one we call Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and of course Santa Claus.

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    Prototaxites: Shrooms Like Cedars in the Devonian Wilds Dec 17, 2019

    Did 20-foot-tall giant fungi rule the earth 400 million years ago? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the puzzling prototaxites fossils from the Devonian period.

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    From the Vault: Christmas Island Crabs, Part 1 Dec 14, 2019

    Welcome to Christmas Island, a place where it’s still only Christmas once a year… but where red crabs swarm across the land and enormous coconut crabs feast on carrion in the forests. So deck the halls with boughs of SCUTTLING HORROR as Robert and Joe celebrate the holiday season in style. (Originally published Dec. 25, 2018)

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    The Psychology of Architecture, Part 2 Dec 12, 2019

    The natural world evokes various feelings in the mind, but humans spend a great deal of their time within spaces that they themselves designed and built out of the environment. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the ways that architecture impacts our thoughts and feelings.

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    The Psychology of Architecture, Part 1 Dec 10, 2019

    The natural world evokes various feelings in the mind, but humans spend a great deal of their time within spaces that they themselves designed and built out of the environment. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the ways that architecture impacts our thoughts and feelings.

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    From the Vault: Thought Experiments Dec 07, 2019

    Stuff to Blow Your Mind frequently discusses thought experiments on the show, from Schrödinger's Cat to the Infinity Hotel. But what constitutes a thought experiments? How long have they been around and what are the seven categories? Robert and Joe explore… (Originally published Jan 3, 2019)

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    Die Nacht des Krampus Dec 05, 2019

    Heute Nacht ist Krampusnacht. Besprechen Sie mit Robert und Joe auf STBYM die beliebtesten Urlaubsmonster aller.

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    It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas Dec 03, 2019

    It’s the first week of December and holiday music is already playing in retail stores around the world. Sure, this is supposed to infuse you with the holiday spirit and perhaps kickstart your holiday shopping blitz, but at what cost? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the pros and cons of all that Christmas music.

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    From the Vault; Stone Age Technology with Dietrich Stout Nov 30, 2019

    Paleolithic tools inform not just our understanding of prehistoric lives, but also the evolution and nature of the human mind. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with Emory University’s Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Dietrich Stout about the hand ax, tool use and even "2001: A Space Odyssey.” (Originally published Nov. 13, 2018)

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    Thankful: The Science of Gratitude Nov 28, 2019

    Tis the season of thankfulness, so in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the science of Gratitude.

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    Dangerous Foods: Adverse Additives Nov 26, 2019

    As is tradition, Stuff to Blow Your Mind prepares for seasonal feasts with a look at dangerous foods -- this time with a focus on peculurial and sometimes frightful additives such as lead, mercury and more.

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    From the Vault: 2001: A Space Odyssey Nov 23, 2019

    No discussion of great sci-fi cinema is complete without mention of “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The 1968 classic is 50 years old this year, so Robert and Joe figured it the perfect time to board the Discovery One and discuss its many scientific and futurist elements, as well as the legacy of Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s creation. (Originally published Aug. 14, 2018)

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    Devourer of Memories, Part 2 Nov 21, 2019

    “You are what you eat,” the saying goes -- but does that apply to memories as well? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, join Robert and Joe on a journey through the world of Planaria worms, controversial research, regineration, behaviorism and even the machinations of the unabomber.

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    Devourer of Memories, Part 1 Nov 19, 2019

    “You are what you eat,” the saying goes -- but does that apply to memories as well? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, join Robert and Joe on a journey through the world of Planaria worms, controversial research, regineration, behaviorism and even the machinations of the unabomber.

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    From the Vault: The Ship of Theseus Nov 16, 2019

    An ancient ship rots in the harbor and so we restore it piece by piece until nothing of the original ship remains. Is it still the same ship? Join Robert and Joe as they discuss one of history’s more mind-boggling thought experiments. (Originall published Aug. 21, 2018)

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    Listener Mail: Black Hole Dream Nov 14, 2019

    Have you ever dreamt that you forgot about a college class until the morning of the final exam — and then dreamt that a black hole swallowed the entire university? Yes, it’s time for yet another Stuff to Blow Your Mind listener mail.

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    Listener Mail: Halloween Hangover 2019 Nov 12, 2019

    Halloween may be over, but Robert and Joe have a bunch of spooky listener mail to unpack before the other holidays kick in. Grab whatever is left of the Halloween candy and tune in...

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    From the Vault: Squirrels, Part 2 Nov 09, 2019

    You might think you know squirrels, but what do you REALLY know about these woodland tree rodents? In this special two-part episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss their appetite for meat, their alleged acts of savagery and various other facts that will make you reconsider the skugg and respect its kingdom. In this episode, things get weird. (Originally published Aug. 30, 2018)

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    The 2019 Ig Nobel Prizes Nov 07, 2019

    Yes, it’s time once more for us to cover the Ig Nobel prizes. This year on Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider cubical wombat poop, truly dirty money, diaper-changing robots and much more.

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    Ann Swanson: Science of Yoga Nov 05, 2019

    What is yoga? How can it heal our bodies and minds? And where do we draw the line between spiritual models of the human condition and proven biology? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Ann Swanson, author of “Science Of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect your Practice” drops in for a chat about yoga research and the benefits of mindfulness.

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    From the Vault: Squirrels, Part 1 Nov 02, 2019

    You might think you know squirrels, but what do you REALLY know about these woodland tree rodents? In this special two-part episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss their appetite for meat, their alleged acts of savagery and various other facts that will make you reconsider the skugg and respect its kingdom. Up first, let’s talk about their bloody diet... (Originally published Aug. 28, 2018)

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    Anthology of Horror, Volume 3 Oct 31, 2019

    The time has come. Once more, Stuff to Blow Your Mind reaches into the depths of TV horror anthology history, pulls out a handful of episodes and spins science and wonder out of the monstrosities therein. For this year’s installment, Robert and Joe discuss episodes The Outer Limits and The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror.

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    Anthology of Horror, Volume 2 Oct 29, 2019

    The time has come. Once more, Stuff to Blow Your Mind reaches into the depths of TV horror anthology history, pulls out a handful of episodes and spins science and wonder out of the monstrosities therein. For this year’s installment, Robert and Joe discuss episodes of Monsters and The Twilight Zone.

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    From the Vault: Anthology of Horror, Volume 1 Oct 26, 2019

    From “Night Gallery” to “Tales From the Crypt,” everyone loves a great horror anthology show. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a new ghoulish tradition, as they pick a few notable installments from horror anthology TV and cinema history in order to explore the real-life science and history behind the blood and madness. (Originally published Oct. 30, 2018)

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    Hellraiser Oct 24, 2019

    Robert and Joe have such sights to show you in this movie episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. Join them as they discuss Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” and the questions it raises about monastic traditions, flagellation, puzzle boxes and the science of pain.

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    Chet van Duzer on Sea Monsters Oct 22, 2019

    Dive into the haunted seas of history as Joe chats with cartography historian Chet van Duzer about sea monsters, strange maps and the dark mysteries of the global ocean.

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    From the Vault: Monstrosity/Cuteness Spectrum Oct 19, 2019

    It seems the unavoidable fate of all terrifying monsters, doesn’t it? We reduce the most horrifying creatures of myth, legend and folklore to an adorable kids costume or a mega-cute illustration. Why can’t we help ourselves? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the battle between cuteness and monstrosity, with examples drawn from Japanese traditions. (Originally published Oct 31, 2017)

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    The Gerasene Demoniac Oct 17, 2019

    “My name is Legion.” In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the Biblical tale of exorcism and swine. What did the story mean? How was it used to enforce our relationship with animals and just how intelligent are pigs?

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    Burned from the Mind’s Eye, Part 2 Oct 15, 2019

    From the VHS horrors of “The Ring” and claims of psychic photography to cutting edge research into neuro technology, humanity continues to wrestle with the notion of the mind’s eye. In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert and Joe dive into the mystifying world of the mental image.

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    From the Vault: The Slayer Oct 12, 2019

    Myth and folklore are full of monsters and the heroes who slay them. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick meet some of these fabulous slayers and discuss the science and potential meaning of their bloody endeavors. (Oct. 25, 2018)

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    Burned from the Mind’s Eye, Part 1 Oct 10, 2019

    From the VHS horrors of “The Ring” and claims of psychic photography to cutting edge research into neuro technology, humanity continues to wrestle with the notion of the mind’s eye. In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert and Joe dive into the mystifying world of the mental image.

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    Our Cars, Our Bodies, Our Minds Oct 08, 2019

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the cognitive effects of driving. How does it alter our perceptions of self? How might driving prevent cognitive decline? What are the benefits of automotive ergonomics and how do we avoid the risks of road rage is aggressive?

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    From the Vault: Jenny Greenteeth Oct 05, 2019

    According to certain English folktales, a vile creature lurks in the slime-caked dark of local ponds. When little ones wander too close to shore, she lashes out to drown them in her slippery embrace. She has many names: Nelly Longarms, Peg Powler, the Grindylow... and Jenny Greenteeth. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss these old tales of aquatic terror, their instructional nature and the real-world predators who swim the shores in search of terrestrial prey. (Originally published Oct. 2, 2018)

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    I Drink Your Blood Type Oct 03, 2019

    Gather round ye blood drinkers and children of the night, for in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe will discuss human blood types -- what they are, why they exist and what powers they hold. It’s all required listeners for any serious vampires.

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    Demogorgon Oct 01, 2019

    You probably know the Demogorgon as the powerful demon lord from Dungeons and Dragons, or perhaps as the interdimensional monster from “Stranger Things.” But where does this curious name come from? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe pursue the origins of the Demogorgon through modern pop culture, romantic poetry, translated texts and Gnostic mystery.

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    From the Vault: Five Reasons to Never Take Your Space Helmet Off Sep 28, 2019

    You've consumed enough science fiction to know something the average red shirt doesn't: Never take your space helmet off on a foreign planet. But if you're still tempted to breathe deep the gathering gloom, how about five compelling scientific reasons not to? Join Robert and Joe as they discuss "Alien: Covenant" and explore some very compelling biological and radiological reasons to remain helmeted on an alien hell world. (Originally published May 25, 2017)

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    Mark Mandica: Amphibian Conservation and Vilified Reptiles Sep 26, 2019

    Mark Mandica, executive director of the Amphibian Foundation, returns to Stuff to Blow Your Mind to discuss the ongoing challenges of amphibian conservation as well as the value of two unfairly-vilified reptiles: the copperhead snake and the common snapping turtle.

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    Daniel Whiteson: Particles and Science Sep 24, 2019

    How do we relate to the unseen worlds of particle physics and distant stars? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, physicist Daniel Whiteson, co-host of the podcast Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe drops in for a chat about particle physicists, science communication and the wonders of our cosmos.

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    From the Vault: Euphemisms Sep 21, 2019

    Sure, euphemisms allow us to talk about something unpleasant or taboo without actually invoking the dreaded word or words -- but what else is going on? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe explore the linguistic power of euphemisms to alter and transform the tone or meaning of everyday communication. (Originally published Dec. 13, 2016)

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    The One Ring Sep 19, 2019

    One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the most powerful artifact in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series and how it relates to real-life metallurgy.

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    Flares from Infinity: Sagittarius A* Part 2 Sep 17, 2019

    A super massive black hole broods at the center of our galaxy. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss just what that means -- and doesn’t mean -- for humanity, our solar system and our future.

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    From the Vault: John Dee, Part 2 Sep 14, 2019

    Elizabethan scholar Dr. John Dee was one of the most learned men of the 16th century, applying his intense mathematical intellect to matters scientific, political, alchemical and occult. He advised Queen Elizabeth, sought communion with angelic beings, advocated British expansion and plunged the depths of human knowledge in age of great change. In this second of two episodes on the topic, Robert and Christian discuss Dr. Dee’s involvement in science, statecraft, cryptography and espionage. (Originally published Dec. 8, 2016)

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    Flares from Infinity: Sagittarius A* Part 1 Sep 12, 2019

    A super massive black hole broods at the center of our galaxy. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss just what that means -- and doesn’t mean -- for humanity, our solar system and our future.

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    Summer Reading 2019 Sep 10, 2019

    It's never too late for Summer Reading! In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe welcome back former co-host Christian Sager, host of the podcast Supercontext for a discussion of recent reads. Jump on it before summer ends!

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    From the Vault: John Dee, Part 1 Sep 07, 2019

    Elizabethan scholar Dr. John Dee was one of the most learned men of the 16th century, applying his intense mathematical intellect to matters scientific, political, alchemical and occult. He advised Queen Elizabeth, sought communion with angelic beings, advocated British expansion and plunged the depths of human knowledge in age of great change. In this first of two episodes on the topic, Robert and Christian discuss the world, life and magic of the enigmatic Dr. Dee. (Originally published Dec. 6, 2016)

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    The Voynich Manuscript, Part 2 Sep 05, 2019

    Browse the libraries of the world and you’ll find nothing stranger and perplexing than the so-called Voynich Manuscript, a 15th century tome that has perplexed linguists and codebreakers for hundreds of years -- and remains a mystery. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss just why we can't stop looking to its weird pages.

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    The Voynich Manuscript, Part 1 Sep 03, 2019

    Browse the libraries of the world and you’ll find nothing stranger and perplexing than the so-called Voynich Manuscript, a 15th century tome that has perplexed linguists and codebreakers for hundreds of years -- and remains a mystery. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss just why we can't stop looking to its weird pages.

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    From the Vault: Illusory Truth Effect, Part 2 Aug 31, 2019

    If a lie is repeated often enough, are we more likely to believe it? Sadly, the answer is yes. Psychologists call it the illusory truth effect and it influences both our daily lives and the larger movements of politics and culture. Join Robert and Joe for a two-part discussion of untruths, the human mind and just what you can do to fight the big lies at work in your world. (Originally published July 12, 2018)

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    Listener Mail: That's a Bummer Aug 29, 2019

    Yes, it's listener mail time once more, this time with e-mails about B.U.M.M.E.R. social media platforms, planetary defense, the Tingler, psychedelics and more.

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    Surfing Neanderthals Aug 27, 2019

    What do recent studies about surfer’s ear and neanderthals reveal about their relationship with the ocean? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the condition and some recent findings regarding the neanderthals.

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    From the Vault: Illusory Truth Effect, Part 1 Aug 24, 2019

    If a lie is repeated often enough, are we more likely to believe it? Sadly, the answer is yes. Psychologists call it the illusory truth effect and it influences both our daily lives and the larger movements of politics and culture. Join Robert and Joe for a two-part discussion of untruths, the human mind and just what you can do to fight the big lies at work in your world. (Originally published July 10, 2018)

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    School Dreams Aug 22, 2019

    Have you ever experienced dreams of forgotten classes, impossible exams and other examples of school-age anxiety? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the pervasive nature of the school dream.

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    Lot's Wife: Flesh into Salt Aug 20, 2019

    You’ve probably heard the Biblical tale of Lot’s wife, in which a trio of angels destroy a couple of ancient cities and the resulting blast turns a woman into a pillar of salt. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe set aside most of the theology to ponder if and how a human body could become a big old chunk of salt.

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    From the Vault: The Dark Side of Neuroplasticity Aug 17, 2019

    When you hear the word “neuroplasticity,” you probably think of it in terms of a young brain’s ability to learn or an older brain’s struggles to rebound from injury. The possibility of a neuroplasticity-boosting drug remains one of medicine's true holy grails, but is there a dark side? Robert and Joe discuss the balance of plasticity and stability in the human mind. (Originally published July 5, 2018)

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    How to Survive a Great Fall Aug 15, 2019

    Anticipating a fall from 10,000 feet or more? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss your chances of survival.

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    The Weird World of Prehistoric Transylvania Aug 14, 2019

    This episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind takes listeners to Transylvania, where a rogue baron made important early strides in the field of paleobiology and where, during the Late Cretaceous period, giant pterosaur dubbed “Dracula” feasted on pony-sized dwarf sauropods.

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    From the Vault: Chariots of the Gods Aug 10, 2019

    Chances are, you’re already quite familiar with the notion the ancient astronauts visited the earth and gave humans the tech support they needed to climb the ladder of civilization. There's no true proof to back it up, yet ancient astronaut speculation is a 20th century invention -- and one tied closely to a single bestselling author. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss Erich von Däniken and Carl Sagan's thoughts on ancient aliens. (Originally published June 28, 2018)

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    Asteroid 2019 OK: The Little Doomsday Aug 08, 2019

    The near-Earth object (NEO) known as Asteroid 2019 OK just made an unexpected close pass, raising the hair on the back of humanity’s collective neck. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe weigh the risks posed by other NEOs and discuss what we’re doing to track them and even stop an incoming doomsday rock.

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    Bonus Episode: Ephemeral's Alex Williams Aug 07, 2019

    Former Stuff to Blow Your Mind producer and host of the podcast Ephemeral drops in for a chat about the media of yesteryear and related topics. Listen in and learn more at www.ephemeral.show

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    Social Media Is a B.U.M.M.E.R. Aug 06, 2019

    How will you feel the day you finally delete all your social media accounts? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the arguments for doing just that in Jaron Lanier’s book “Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now.”

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    From the Vault: The Gods Must Be Counterintuitive Aug 03, 2019

    What’s the key to a lasting myth, a captivating religion or a sensational film pitch? Some cognitive scientists and anthropologists argue that the key is a minimally counterintuitive narrative: the right balance of the mundane with just a dash of the unreasonable and unexpected. Join Robert and Joe as they discuss the minimal counterintuitiveness effect. (Originally published August 2, 2018)

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    The Tingler Aug 01, 2019

    It’s time for another movie episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and you might be surprised to discover all the weird and wonderful themes at work in the often-dismissed 1959 Vincent Price film “The Tingler.” Not only does it dwell on fear and symbiosis, but it also features the first reference to LSD in a major motion picture.

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    Listener Mail: The Psychedelic Experience Jul 30, 2019

    It’s listener mail time again, this time devoted entirely to feedback on Stuff to Blow Your Mind’s five-part series on psychedelics. Join Robert and Joe as they read everyone’s submitted thoughts and experiences.

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    From the Vault: MDMA, Part 2 Jul 27, 2019

    Some of you have tried the ecstasy. Others have merely heard about the drug on a TV sitcom, or heard about it in a news report. Either way, MDMA's power resonates through our culture -- and sometimes it's hard to distinguish the truth form the misinformation. But what exactly is this psychoactive agent? Where does it come from and what sort of effect does it have on the human experience? Join Robert and Christian as they explore the origins and properties of MDMA. (Originally published Dec. 17, 2015)

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    Electric Microbe Land Jul 25, 2019

    It’s easy to think of electricity as the domain of Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla and Street Fighter’s Blanka. But as Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, it’s also the domain of microbes -- and it will change the shape of future technology.

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    TEETH: Dental Evolution and Marching Molars Jul 23, 2019

    Where do teeth come from and how do different dental variations in the animal world force us to rethink our glorious chompers? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore dental evolution and the wondrous marching molars of elephants and manatees.

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    From the Vault: MDMA, Part 1 Jul 20, 2019

    Some of you have tried the ecstasy. Others have merely heard about the drug on a TV sitcom, or heard about it in a news report. Either way, MDMA's power resonates through our culture -- and sometimes it's hard to distinguish the truth form the misinformation. But what exactly is this psychoactive agent? Where does it come from and what sort of effect does it have on the human experience? Join Robert and Christian as they explore the origins and properties of MDMA. (Originally published Dec. 15, 2015)

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    TEETH (with Katie Goldin) Jul 18, 2019

    Katie Goldin is back with a new season of Creature Feature, so she joins Robert and Joe on Stuff to Blow Your Mind for a chat about strange and amazing teeth in the animal kingdom.

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    Psychedelics: The Manifested Mind, Part 5 Jul 16, 2019

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    From the Vault: Timothy Leary, Part 2 Jul 13, 2019

    Idolized by some and reviled by others, Timothy Leary remains an icon of 1960s counterculture and psychedelic self-exploration. But who was this rebel, psychologist and celebrity? What did he reveal about LSD’s power and potential? Join Robert and Christian for a special two-part look at the man, the time and the drug he championed. Turn on, tune in, drop out... (originally published Sep 21, 2017)

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    Psychedelics: The Manifested Mind, Part 4 Jul 11, 2019

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    Psychedelics: The Manifested Mind, Part 3 Jul 09, 2019

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    From the Vault: Timothy Leary, Part 1 Jul 06, 2019

    Idolized by some and reviled by others, Timothy Leary remains an icon of 1960s counterculture and psychedelic self-exploration. But who was this rebel, psychologist and celebrity? What did he reveal about LSD’s power and potential? Join Robert and Christian for a special two-part look at the man, the time and the drug he championed. Turn on, tune in, drop out... (originally published Sep 19, 2017)

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    Psychedelics: The Manifested Mind, Part 2 Jul 04, 2019

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    Psychedelics: The Manifested Mind, Part 1 Jul 02, 2019

    What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissance of scientific study into their properties improve our lives? In this series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert and Joe explore the world of entheogens.

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    From the Vault: The Science of Holy Butter Jun 29, 2019

    There's more to butter than meets the eye. Each yellow pat of fatty goodness is nothing short of processed solar energy, and its long history entails many a magical and sacred rite. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Christian consider the curious nature of butter. (Originally published Jan 10, 2017)

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    Roman Extinctions Jun 27, 2019

    Humans are capable of amazing technological and societal feats, but we’ve also brought much misery, death and destruction to our world. We are currently in the midst of the sixth great extinction event -- the Holocene extinction -- and the ravages of human activity extend back throughout our history as a dominator species. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe focus in on some of the key extinctions that occurred during the Roman Empire.

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    Listener Mail: Fatberg City Jun 25, 2019

    It's time for another listener mail and this time we have field reports from the war on fatbergs in the world's sewers -- plus various other e-mails related to recent episodes.

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    From the Vault: The Fartonomicon Jun 22, 2019

    What is a fart? From what foul bodily depths does it arise? Join Stuff to Blow Your Mind hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they crack open the Fartomicon. Explore the fascinating chemistry of flatus, recoil in horror at the thought of medieval fart demons and consider the curious creatures that enjoy a flatulence-free existence. (Originally published April 17, 2018)

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    The Facial Feedback Hypothesis Jun 20, 2019

    To what extent does the act of smiling generate happiness in the mind of the smiler? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Facial Feedback Hypothesis and what it means for our complex human emotions.

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    Silent Running Jun 18, 2019

    It’s time for another movie episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and this time Robert and Joe are talking about 1972’s “Silent Running,” in which Bruce Dern and his robot pals are caught in an endless chase. It’s a discussion of sci-fi, space botany, environmentalism and the relationship between humans and the forest.

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    From the Vault: Life on Venus Jun 15, 2019

    The planet Venus might seem a hellish destination and an unlikely place to find extraterrestrial life. And yet, many experts agree that life may have existed in the planet's ancient oceans -- and may thrive yet within the upper atmosphere. Join Robert and Joe in a quest for Venusian aliens. (Originally published May 17, 2018)

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    Against ‘Survival of the Fittest’ Jun 13, 2019

    Is natural selection REALLY survival of the fittest? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss where the phrase comes from and how well it actually matches up with our understanding of evolution.

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    Brain Soup and Liquid Brains Jun 11, 2019

    Is there ever a good scientific reason to turn brains into soup? What does all of this have to do with the concept of “liquid brains?” Robert and Joe explore on Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    From the Vault: Finite and Infinite Games Jun 08, 2019

    How do you play the game of life? Do you play it as a finite game or an infinite one? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the 1986 philosophy book “Finite and Infinite Games: A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility” by American scholar James P. Carse. (Originally published May 31, 2018)

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    Q2: Bones of the Plumed Serpent Jun 06, 2019

    In the Stuff to Blow Your Mind episode “Quetzalcoatl: The Winged Serpent,” Robert and Joe discussed the feathered snake god of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica -- as well as the giant pterosaur named after it. In this episode, fossils and myth come together in a discussion of Adrienne Mayor’s geomythology take on the plumed serpent.

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    The Soap Dragon Jun 04, 2019

    What monsters of fatty flesh lie slumbering in the sewer guts of our great cities? Join Robert and Joe as they venture into the dark to discover the beast we all made together.

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    From the Vault: Neurosecurity: Dawn of the Brain Hackers Jun 01, 2019

    While hackers and malware can certainly cause a great deal of damage and misery, these dangers can’t hurt us physically, right? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe are sorry to say you’re wrong -- and as more biotechnology and brain-computer interface creeps into our lives, the risk will only go up. Tune in for a discussion on inherent vulnerability, looming technology and what needs to happen to protect us. (Originally published June 1, 2017)

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    The Great Wave May 30, 2019

    For centuries, sailors have told stories of mountainous killer waves that rise out of the ocean without warning. Join Robert and Joe for a discussion of the history and science of rogue waves.

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    The Doppelganger Network May 28, 2019

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss Doppelgangers, fairy imposters, the brain basis for the feeling of familiarity, and a unique way of understanding the impact of social media and modern communications technology.

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    From the Vault: Beyond the Uncanny Valley May 25, 2019

    From bad CGI characters to creepy humanoid robots, everyone knows the uncanny valley effect when they see it. But where did this idea come from and to what extent is it actually a thing? Join Robert and Joe as they descend into the uncanny valley and explore just what's going on in our minds when we lock eyes with less-than-human simulacrums. (Originally published April 6, 2017)

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    Listener Mail: Sacred Squirrels and More May 23, 2019

    It’s time for another bag of Stuff to Blow Your Mind listener mail, plus a minor update on sacred squirrels. Join Robert, Joe and your friendly neighborhood mailbot dig into your thoughts on recent episodes.

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    Deep Sea Ecology with Diva Amon May 21, 2019

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe chat with deep sea marine biologist Diva Amon about life in the deep ocean -- from the wonderous organisms that thrive there to the human activities that threaten their future.

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    From the Vault: Into the Uncanny Valley May 18, 2019

    The far side of the uncanny valley rises steeply, assaulting our psyche as our artificial human likenesses creep ever closer toward perfection. But what happens when we actually emerge on the other side? What happens to human society when video footage is no longer the gold standard? Robert and Joe investigate. (Originally published April 4, 2017)

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    The Science of Thulsa Doom, Part 2 May 16, 2019

    It’s time for another movie-themed Stuff to Blow Your Mind episode. In fact, it's TWO episodes. This time Robert and Joe discuss the 1982 sword and sorcery picture “Conan the Barbarian.” Join them as they gush over the film’s charismatic villain Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and explore the real world of giant snakes, Set, snake arrows and more.

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    The Science of Thulsa Doom May 14, 2019

    It’s time for another movie-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind -- and this time Robert and Joe are discussing the 1982 sword and sorcery picture “Conan the Barbarian.” Join them as they gush over the film’s charismatic villain Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and explore the real world of giant snakes, Set, snake arrows and more.

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    From the Vault: Carl Zimmer on Heredity's Power May 11, 2019

    Why does heredity hold such power over us? How did the ancients contemplate it and how is genetic technology changing the shape of future heredity? In this classic episode, Robert and Joe chat with acclaimed science writer Carl Zimmer about the topics explored in his book “She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity.” (Originally published June 14, 2018)

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    Send an Owl/Raven/Pigeon! May 09, 2019

    Harry Potter sends messages by owl. The characters of ‘Game of Thrones’ employ ravens. Meanwhile, real-life messenger pigeons have carried messages for thousands of years. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider just why the homing pigeon is perfect for this job -- and why owls and ravens are not.

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    Almost Cannibals May 07, 2019

    What’s the line between cannibalism and mere predation? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider some thought-provoking cases of predation and cannibalism in the animal world.

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    From the Vault: Coral Sex in the Sea May 04, 2019

    Sure coral reefs are rich, vibrant ecosystems, but did you know they also have a kinky side? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, "Sex in the Sea" author Dr. Marah J. Hardt returns to chat about coral reproduction and the role this vital, threatened organism plays in our world.

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    The Fallacy of Alignment: Fundamental Attribution Error, Part 2 May 02, 2019

    How do we consider and predict the actions and intentions of others? How much do we lean on an individual’s presumed internal disposition versus the particulars of their situation? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the fundamental attribution error, which breaks down the errors and even dangers of causal cognition.

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    The Fallacy of Alignment: Fundamental Attribution Error, Part 1 Apr 30, 2019

    How do we consider and predict the actions and intentions of others? How much do we lean on an individual’s presumed internal disposition versus the particulars of their situation? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the fundamental attribution error, which breaks down the errors and even dangers of causal cognition.

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    Invention: Toilets, Part 1 Apr 27, 2019

    Have you subscribed to Robert and Joe's other podcast INVENTION yet? If not, here's a taste of what they're up to in part 1 of their look at toilet technology, from the oldest latrine pit to the modern flushing commode.

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    The Sacred Mountain, Part 2 Apr 25, 2019

    Why do sacred mountains exist in so many cultures and myths? To what extent could high altitude conditions contribute to the way our mind processes these breathtaking environments? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the wonder and science of sacred mountains.

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    The Sacred Mountain, Part 1 Apr 23, 2019

    Why do sacred mountains exist in so many cultures and myths? To what extent could high altitude conditions contribute to the way our mind processes these breathtaking environments? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the wonder and science of sacred mountains.

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    From the Vault: Humanity's THC Odyssey Apr 20, 2019

    Humans have known about cannabis for thousands of years, crafting hemp textiles and consuming its psychoactive THC. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Christian Sager examine the cannabis plant, its travels through human populations and its famed sensory and psychological effects. (Originally published May 3, 2016)

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    The Imp of the Perverse Apr 18, 2019

    In 1845, Edgar Allan Poe wrote a tale about a man overcome by the compulsion to confess to the heinous crime he sought to keep secret. The conundrum pops up in other Poe tales as well, but the so called “Imp of the Perverse” also invades the human mind with alarming regularity. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe attempt to understand just why, considering Freud, neuroscience, Ironic Process Theory and more.

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    The Pressure Apr 16, 2019

    Atmospheric pressure. Water pressure. Geologic pressure. What exactly IS pressure and how do humans interact with it? Join Robert and Joe for a look at examples on and within planet Earth -- as well as beyond.

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    From the Vault: Bicameralism, Part 2 Apr 13, 2019

    In 1976, psychologist Julian Jaynes presented the world with a stunning new take on the history of human consciousness. His book “The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind” hypothesized that ancient humans heard hallucinated voices in place of conscious thought, and presented archaeological, literary, historical and religious evidence to support this highly controversial view. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they dissect bicameralism and discuss the evidence, the criticisms and more in this two-parter. (originally published Sep 28, 2017)

    Related Content: Bicameralism, Part 1: The Voice of God (podcast)Bonus Episode: R. Scott Bakker on Consciousness & Consult (podcast)Where is my mind? (podcast)What Mind Control Feels Like(podcast)Outside Content:The Julian Jaynes Society'The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind' by Julian Jaynes

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    Against Narrative: Are stories bad for us? Part 2 Apr 11, 2019

    It’s hard to imagine human beings without storytelling and literature. Surely, these are some of the very things that define us. Narratives give our lives and our world meaning, but what if there’s a dark side to their sorcerous power? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the storyteller’s potent spell.

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    Against Narrative: Are stories bad for us? Part 1 Apr 09, 2019

    It’s hard to imagine human beings without storytelling and literature. Surely, these are some of the very things that define us. Narratives give our lives and our world meaning, but what if there’s a dark side to their sorcerous power? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the storyteller’s potent spell.

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    From the Vault: Bicameralism, Part 1 Apr 06, 2019

    In 1976, psychologist Julian Jaynes presented the world with a stunning new take on the history of human consciousness. His book “The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind” hypothesized that ancient humans heard hallucinated voices in place of conscious thought, and presented archaeological, literary, historical and religious evidence to support this highly controversial view. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they dissect bicameralism and discuss the evidence, the criticisms and more in this two-parter. (originally published Sep 26, 2017)

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    The Dark Crystal Apr 04, 2019

    It’s time for another movie-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and this time Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick are bound for the world of Thra in Jim Henson’s 1982 masterpiece “The Dark Crystal.” What are we to make of these complex creatures, mythological themes and cosmological alignment?

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    Listener Mail: The Quickening Apr 02, 2019

    Once more, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick bust out some listener mail -- with the aid of their mailboy Karny, who was accidently infected by the recent “Highlander 2” episode and is now displaying symptoms of multiple Highlander personality disorder.

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    From the Vault: Eternal Youth, Part 2 Mar 30, 2019

    Throughout history, humans have faced the inexorable process of aging and death. We’ve dreamt up countless myths to explain why we age and what comes of seeking immortality, but what does science tell us about the process? Why do we age? What purpose does it serve in natural selection? Indeed, what can science offer us in the way of eternal youth? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick seek to find out in this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration. (Originally published Jan. 9, 2018)

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    Flatus Ex Machina, Part 2 Mar 28, 2019

    Why is it so hilarious when robots and artificial intelligence fail? What does it reveal about comedy itself and our technological anxiety? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter. In this second episode, the joke's on us.

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    Flatus Ex Machina, Part 1 Mar 26, 2019

    Why is it so hilarious when robots and artificial intelligence fail? What does it reveal about comedy itself and our technological anxiety? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter.

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    From the Vault: Eternal Youth, Part 1 Mar 23, 2019

    Throughout history, humans have faced the inexorable process of aging and death. We’ve dreamt up countless myths to explain why we age and what comes of seeking immortality, but what does science tell us about the process? Why do we age? What purpose does it serve in natural selection? Indeed, what can science offer us in the way of eternal youth? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick seek to find out in this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration. (Originally published Jan. 4, 2018)

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    M.I.B. or N.I.B. ? Mar 21, 2019

    Belief in UFOs is very much like a religion. It can fulfill the same purpose in an individual's life, give them a community of believers and provide grander framework for mundane life. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider the similarities between the so-called “men in black” and the devil.

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    Bugs Under The Skin Mar 19, 2019

    Ever feel like there are bugs crawling around in your body? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore alleged incidents, medical publications and the reality of delusional parasitosis.

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    From the Vault: Don't Drink the Salt Water Mar 16, 2019

    Whether you draw your wisdom from 18th century poems or experience in the surf, you probably know that drinking seawater is a terrible idea. But exactly why shouldn’t you drink saltwater? What happens if you do? Can it really drive you mad with hallucinations? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick look to the world of biology for answers. (Originally published Jan. 16, 2018)

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    Let's Make a List Mar 14, 2019

    Why are humans so fascinated by lists? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the reason we can’t pass a top 10 clickbait headline and are forever haunted by incomplete lists.

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    The Tunnelers Mar 12, 2019

    How deep into the Earth have humans traveled? How far have we drilled? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore some interesting lows from the history of mining, geologic exploration and good old fashioned subterranean living.

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    From the Vault: Jade Immortality Mar 09, 2019

    Chinese aristocracy of the Western Han Dynasty embarked on their journey into the afterlife within garments of stone -- luxurious suits of jade armor entailing thousands of individual plates sewn together with gold, silver or silk. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Christian Sager explore this ancient funeral custom and both the scientific and superstitious qualities of jade. (Originally published May 9, 2017)

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    Highlander 2: The Sciencing Mar 07, 2019

    Yes, the time of the Quickening is at hand! In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick finally make good on their threat to devote an entire episode to the 1991 film "Highlander II: The Quickening" and whatever science might be rendered from its plot. They wanted this to be a six-part series, but our boss tells us... there can be only one.

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    The Lost Daughters of Aten: Planet 9 Mar 05, 2019

    Pluto may not be a planet, but it definitely exists. Not every case is so clear. The history of near-Earth astronomy contains many cases of bodies that may or may not have ever existed in the solar system we call home. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick continue their journey through space to survey once-hypothetical bodies that took work to prove, once-imagined bodies that are now confirmed phantoms, and the unsolved mysteries where questions remain. This time, the destination is a hypothetical planet beyond the orbit of Pluto.

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    From the Vault: Talos Mar 02, 2019

    Among the many humanoid gods and bestial monsters of Greek mythology, one finds a peculiar outlier: Talos the bronze automaton. Said to stalk the shores of Crete, Talos pelted suspicious ships with rocks and immolated enemy soldiers with its smoldering embrace. Does this myth reveal Greek attitudes toward technology? What existing technologies can we decode in its description? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (Originally published Jan. 2, 2018)

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    The Lost Daughters of Aten, Part 1 Feb 28, 2019

    Pluto may not be a planet, but it definitely exists. Not every case is so clear. The history of near-Earth astronomy contains many cases of bodies that may or may not have ever existed in the solar system we call home. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick take a journey through space to survey once-hypothetical bodies that took work to prove, once-imagined bodies that are now confirmed phantoms, and the unsolved mysteries where questions remain.

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    Mystery of the Sea Circles Feb 26, 2019

    We’ve all heard about crop circles, and the entirely terrestrial reason they pop up in the occasional wheat field. But what about strange circles on the bottom of the sea? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss the mystery of these ephemeral patterns and what scientists discovered about their origin.

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    From the Vault: The Winter People, Part 2 Feb 23, 2019

    Do you feel like a different person during the winter? In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick examine the extent to which winter affects human health and culture. From the winter transformations of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people to the latest studies on seasonal genetic changes, prepare to contemplate the icy dark. (Originally published Dec. 28, 2017)

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    Gáe Bulg: The Spear of Death Feb 21, 2019

    Irish myth tells of a spear so deadly, that its deployment is certain death. Forged from the bones of sea monsters, the Gáe Bulg would send barbs through its victim’s every vein -- but only if the hero threw it with their foot. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick unravel the myth, history and science of this impractical Irish wonder weapon.

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    Ideophones: How does this word feel? Feb 19, 2019

    What’s an ideophone? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the place where sounds, meanings and the possible roots of language converge.

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    From the Vault: The Winter People, Part 1 Feb 16, 2019

    Do you feel like a different person during the winter? In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick examine the extent to which winter affects human health and culture. From the winter transformations of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people to the latest studies on seasonal genetic changes, prepare to contemplate the icy dark. (Originally published Dec. 26, 2017)

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    Cupid’s Leaden Arrow Feb 14, 2019

    It’s Valentine’s Day again, which summons images of mythic Cupid and his bow. But we often forget that Cupid has TWO arrows in his quiver: the golden arrow of desire and the leaden arrow of aversion. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss the mythic lead-slinger and the nature of his gray metal.

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    Listener Mail: Crab Sabbath Feb 12, 2019

    It's listener mail time again and Karnie the mailbot seems rather grumpy about a particular holiday. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they read and respond to various listener mail from the past month.

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    From the Vault: Minds of Musical Emptiness Feb 09, 2019

    We're all wired to enjoy different forms of music, but for some of us the wiring is missing entirely. Join Robert Lamb and Christian Sager as they explore the curious conditions of amusia and auditory agnosia in this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. (Originally published July 28, 2016)

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    Marah Hardt talks Snails, Sex and the Sea Feb 07, 2019

    It's almost Valentine's Day, so it's time to invite marine biologist and "Sex in the Sea" author Dr. Marah Hardt back on the show again! Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they chat with STBYM's only four-time guest about all manner of marine invertebrate reproduction.

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    Demon Eaters and Possessed Tools Feb 05, 2019

    As we slide into the Year of the Earth Pig, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick turn to the legend of the demon slayer Zhōng Kuí and follow a procession of spirits across the sea to Japan, where discarded tools spark spirit possessions, not joy. Sorry, Marie Kondo.

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    From the Vault: Aquatic Humanoids, Part 2 Feb 02, 2019

    From the sirens of 'The Odyssey' to 'The Creature From the Black Lagoon' and beyond, humans have always imagined their underwater doubles. In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert and Joe discuss the revealing myth and fiction of mermaids and gillmen -- as well as the aquatic ape theory and the biological possibilities of an aquatic humanoid.

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    Ships of Life: Shipwrecks Jan 31, 2019

    Water vessels serve the humans who made them, but that doesn’t mean other lifeforms don’t benefit as well. In this pair of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the various organisms that thrive aboard functional, abandoned and sunken ships

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    Ships of Life: Stowaways Jan 29, 2019

    Water vessels serve the humans who made them, but that doesn’t mean other lifeforms don’t benefit as well. In this pair of Stuff to Blow Your Mind episodes, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the various organisms that thrive aboard functional, abandoned and sunken ships

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    From the Vault: Aquatic Humanoids, Part 1 Jan 26, 2019

    From the sirens of “The Odyssey” to “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” and beyond, humans have always imagined their underwater doubles. In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss the revealing myth and fiction of mermaids and gillmen -- as well as the aquatic ape theory and the biological possibilities of an aquatic humanoid. (Originally published Jan. 23, 2018)

    Related Content: Aquatic Humanoids, Part 2 (podcast)Don't Drink the Salt Water (podcast)Here There Be Sea Monsters (podcast)Outside Content: 'Horror Noire' by Robin R Means Coleman

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    Invasion of the Globsters, Part 2 Jan 24, 2019

    When mysterious globs of meat wash up on the shores of human civilization, we have a tendency to see beasts in the blobs and have always tried to imagine the creature in the carnage. Welcome to the world of globsters, where mounds of putrid sea flesh birth cryptozoological dreams and science tends to have the last world. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore...

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    Invasion of the Globsters, Part 1 Jan 22, 2019

    When mysterious globs of meat wash up on the shores of human civilization, we have a tendency to see beasts in the blobs and have always tried to imagine the creature in the carnage. Welcome to the world of globsters, where mounds of putrid sea flesh birth cryptozoological dreams and science tends to have the last world. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore...

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    From the Vault: Bathysphere, Part 2 Jan 19, 2019

    In 1930, American naturalist William Beebe began his descent in a spherical, unpowered submarine known as a Bathysphere -- and in doing so visited a world previously unseen by human beings. In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss humanity’s prior understanding of the deep ocean and Beebe’s astounding reports from the world a half mile down. (Originally published March 29, 2018)

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    Split Brain, Part 2 Jan 17, 2019

    Our brains are composed of two hemispheres, but in what ways are they truly separate? In which ways are they one? In this bisected Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore what we’ve learned from split brain experiments in animals and humans.

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    Split Brain, Part 1 Jan 15, 2019

    Our brains are composed of two hemispheres, but in what ways are they truly separate? In which ways are they one? In this bisected Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore what we’ve learned from split brain experiments in animals and humans.

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    From the Vault: Bathysphere, Part 1 Jan 12, 2019

    In 1930, American naturalist William Beebe began his descent in a spherical, unpowered submarine known as a Bathysphere -- and in doing so visited a world previously unseen by human beings. In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss humanity’s prior understanding of the deep ocean and Beebe’s astounding reports from the world a half mile down. (Originally published March 27, 2018)

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    The Alien Biped Jan 10, 2019

    As humans, we’re quite accustomed to our weird vertical spines and precarious two-legged gait. But habitual bipedalism is far from the norm. When did it first occur on planet Earth? Will the robotic future walk on two legs? And can we reasonably expect alien lifeforms to follow suit? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    The Room of Infinite Unpleasantness Jan 08, 2019

    If you were to create the most unpleasant room humanly possible, what sort of design choices would you employ? What would the space look like and, more to the point, how would it make you feel? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    From the Vault: Biophilia Jan 05, 2019

    Why are humans so drawn to the natural world of biodiverse organisms? Is this longing merely part of our culture or do we possess an innate and even genetic tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they discuss Edward O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis and explore arguments for and against this captivating view of nature lovers. (Originally published July 18, 2017)

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    Thought Experiments Jan 03, 2019

    Stuff to Blow Your Mind frequently discusses thought experiments on the show, from Schrödinger's Cat to the Infinity Hotel. But what constitutes a thought experiments? How long have they been around and what are the seven categories? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore…

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    Listener Mail: The Fires of Orc Jan 01, 2019

    It's a new year full of new topics, but first comes a final bag of listener mail from 2018. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider your thoughts and experiences on the previous month's episodes.

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    From the Vault: Artificial Gravity Dec 29, 2018

    Humans are creatures of gravity. We’re born into it. Life as we know it evolved to thrive in it. So what’s a gravitational organism to do in the low-gravity and zero-gravity expanses beyond Earth? You can’t bring it with you, but scientists have cooked up a few different schemes to replicate its effects. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a full exploration in this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. (Originally published July 13, 2017)

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    Christmas Island, Part 2: Deca Deca Pod Y’all Dec 27, 2018

    Welcome to Christmas Island, a place where it’s still only Christmas once a year… but where red crabs swarm across the land and enormous coconut crabs feast on carrion in the forests. So deck the halls with boughs of SCUTTLING HORROR as Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick celebrate the holiday season in style.

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    Christmas Island, Part 1: Crabs Rule Everything Around Me Dec 25, 2018

    Welcome to Christmas Island, a place where it’s still only Christmas once a year… but where red crabs swarm across the land and enormous coconut crabs feast on carrion in the forests. So deck the halls with boughs of SCUTTLING HORROR as Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick celebrate the holiday season in style.

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    From the Vault: Tree of Life Dec 22, 2018

    Sacred trees. World trees. Holy trees of wisdom, immortality and the soul. They seem to grow from every culture on Earth and their roots dig deep into the soil of prehistory. What do they mean? Why are we so drawn to their symbolic power? Join Robert Lamb and Christian Sager for a stirring exploration. (Originally published Nov. 30, 2017)

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    Virgin Birth Dec 20, 2018

    For Christians, the Christmas centers around a miraculous virgin birth. But don’t worry, secular holiday revelers, because nature has its own virgin births to wonder over. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the world of parthenogenesis.

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    Invention: The Guillotine Dec 19, 2018

    Stuff to Blow Your Mind hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick have a brand new show -- and they're dropping a full episode of it into the STBYM feed. The show is INVENTION and this episode dives into the history, invention and legacy of the head-chopping French guillotine. What happens when we use our technology to create a more humane form of public execution? Find out, and be sure to subscribe to Invention wherever you get your podcasts.

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    Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe Dec 18, 2018

    Twas the night before Christmas and deep in the woods, a sacrifice was planned by the Gauls and their Druids… Yes, in this holiday episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the curious biology of everyone’s favorite smooch-inducing tree parasite -- as well as some of its alleged magic powers and scientifically-studied properties.

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    From the Vault: Baby Jesus and the Homunculus Dec 15, 2018

    We’ve all marveled at the grotesque, oddly-proportioned old man babies in medieval art -- but why did artists of the period pain such creatures? In this special Christmas episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the convergence of the homunculus theory of human reproduction, the nativity and the infants of medieval and renaissance art. (Originally published Dec. 21, 2017)

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    Strange Milk Dec 13, 2018

    Mammals are the true milk-bearers of nature, but there are a host of non-mammals that secrete various strange and wonderful milk-analogues. From avians to invertebrates, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the anomalous world of non-mammalian milk in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    Katie Goldin talks 'Creature Feature' Dec 11, 2018

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, guest Katie Goldin from the podcast 'Creature Feature' drops in to chat with Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick about weird biology and maybe a monster or two.

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    From the Vault: Greek Fire Dec 08, 2018

    To engage the ships of Byzantine Empire was to risk the horrors of Greek fire, a medieval weapons system that empowered ships to spew forth flaming liquid on enemy ships and crew members. The secrets of Greek fire are lost to history, but historians and scientists continue to theorize its formula and deployment details. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they discuss the weapon’s history, predominant theories on its specifics and the risks and rewards of secret keeping. (Originally published Aug. 22, 2017)

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    The Electric Ark Dec 06, 2018

    What if the Ark of the Covenant was actually a bronze-age machine capable of storing an electrostatic charge? It almost certainly wasn't, but the idea is a great excuse to explore the understanding of electricity in the ancient world. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for another Ark-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    The Ark of the Covenant Dec 04, 2018

    What was the Ark of the Covenant? A mere ceremonial vessel for sacred items? A radio for speaking to God? The golden chest of the ancient Hebrews has fascinated historians, theologians, scientists, dreamers and Nazi-punching archeologists for ages. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider some of the more thought-provoking ideas concerning its nature.

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    From the Vault: Satanic Panic Dec 01, 2018

    What are we to make of alleged ritual satanic abuse and the moral panic that spread in the 1980s and 90s? Robert Lamb and Christian Sager enter a world of religion, fear and demons of the mind. (originally published April 16, 2015)

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    ‘Oumuamua II: Revenge of the First Messenger Nov 29, 2018

    Everyone’s favorite interstellar travel has been back in the news, thanks to curious speed increases and an intriguing paper on the possibility of alien solar sail technology. So join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they dock once more with ‘Oumuamua as it tumbles out of our solar system.

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    Halloween Hangover Listener Mail, Part 2 Nov 27, 2018

    Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean all the ghosts and ghouls are banished to the cellar. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they bust dive into the listener mail bag from October 2018.

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    From the Vault: Dangerous Foods III Nov 24, 2018

    Thanksgiving is a time of feasting and the wages of feasting, and so Robert and Joe are here to dish up a third installment of Stuff to Blow Your Mind’s “Dangerous Foods” series. Do you dare bite into the likes of licorice, giant Namibian bullfrog, hallucinogenic fish and wriggling octopus tentacles? (Originally published Nov. 23, 2017)

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    Halloween Hangover Listener Mail, Part 1 Nov 22, 2018

    Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean all the ghosts and ghouls are banished to the cellar. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they bust dive into the listener mail bag from October 2018.

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    Animals That Eat Poop Nov 20, 2018

    Thanksgiving is a time during which many Americans eat things they shouldn’t -- so it’s a perfect time to discuss coprophagia in the animal kingdom. But, unlike many holiday dinners, these examples of poop-eating organisms are not exercises in dysfunction. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick invite you to join yet another feast of knowledge.

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    From the Vault: Dangerous Foods II Nov 17, 2018

    Can your heart stand the shocking facts about toxic potatoes, mad honey and the mysteries of the dead man’s fingers? In this classic episode, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick enjoy a heaping helping of potentially dangerous menu choices. (Originally published Dec. 22, 2016)

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    Motivated Numeracy and the Politics-ridden Brain Nov 15, 2018

    If science were a candle in the dark, we’d need only spread its light to combat climate change denial and vaccine conspiracy theories. But what if the problem is more complex than that? What if a quirk of human cognition enables us to remain willingly in the dark, even as we hold the very candle? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the concept of motivated numeracy.

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    Stone Age Technology with Dietrich Stout Nov 13, 2018

    Paleolithic tools inform not just our understanding of prehistoric lives, but also the evolution and nature of the human mind. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick chat with Emory University’s Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Dietrich Stout about the hand ax, tool use and even ‘2001: A Space Odyssey.”

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    From the Vault: The Gordian Knot of Race Nov 10, 2018

    How deep-seated are today's racial issues? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Julie Douglas explore how something so abstract - like unconscious racial biases - can have real-world implications. (Originally published March 31, 2015)

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    Ig Nobel Prizes 2018: Part 2 Nov 08, 2018

    Each year, the Ig Nobel prizes honor the weirdest and wackiest contributions to humanity’s scientific understanding of the natural world. In this pair of Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast episodes, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick unpack each of this year’s winners.

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    Ig Nobel Prizes 2018: Part 1 Nov 06, 2018

    Each year, the Ig Nobel prizes honor the weirdest and wackiest contributions to humanity’s scientific understanding of the natural world. In this pair of Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast episodes, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick unpack each of this year’s winners.

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    From the Vault: Cambrian Monster Mash Nov 03, 2018

    Welcome to the ocean of monsters. In this classic episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick travel back 500 million years to the monster-haunted waters of the Cambrian period. Meet the monstrous trilobite, anomalocaris, opabinia, hallucigenia, wiwaxia, pikaia and leanchoilia. Plus, Dr. Anton Jessup drops by for a visit. (Originally published Oct 19, 2017)

    Related Content: Original publication (with species illustrations)

    Buy the Cambrian Life logo on a shirt, sticker and more: STBYM TeePublic Store

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    Listener Mail: The Squirrel Is Not Enough Nov 01, 2018

    To follow up our two-part look at the secret, bloody life of the common squirrel, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick present an entire listener mail episode devoted to your field reports on skuggs.

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    Anthology of Horror, Volume 1 Oct 30, 2018

    From “Night Gallery” to “Tales From the Crypt,” everyone loves a great horror anthology show. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a new ghoulish tradition, as they pick a few notable installments from horror anthology TV and cinema history in order to explore the real-life science and history behind the blood and madness.

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    Bret Wood on 'The Control Group' Oct 29, 2018

    Bonus episode! Join Stuff to Blow Your Mind hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they chat with Bret Wood, writer and director of "The Control Group," a fiction podcast from How Stuff Works that explores the dark history of CIA-funded mind control experiments. The entire series is out now and ready for your Halloween binge-listening.

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    From the Vault: The First Monster Oct 27, 2018

    Humans love monsters, but when did we first dare to dream up bestial hybrids and chimerical horrors? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider the 35-40 thousand-year-old Löwenmensch statues. Who created these images of lion-headed men? What do they represent and what do they reveal about human cognition? (Originally published October 27, 2017)

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    The Slayer Oct 25, 2018

    Myth and folklore are full of monsters and the heroes who slay them. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick meet some of these fabulous slayers and discuss the science and potential meaning of their bloody endeavors.

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    Quetzalcoatl: The Winged Serpent Oct 23, 2018

    From the Aztec temples of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica to the 1980s monster film “Q: The Winged Serpent,” the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl soars high over the human imagination. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the history of this winged wonder -- as well as the prehistoric Quetzalcoatlus named after the ancient Lord of the Dawn.

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    From the Vault: The Halloween Costume Made Me Do It Oct 20, 2018

    What happens when we slip into a costume? Be it a monster pelt, a sexy witch or a simple children's ghost mask, a psychological transformation takes place. Join Robert Lamb and Christian Sager for a fittingly seasonal look at enclothed cognition and deindividuation. (Originally published October 8, 2015)

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    Vampire Clinic, Part 2 Oct 18, 2018

    Vampire legends are a global phenomenon, and the trope of the blood-sucking humanoid shows no signs of vanishing from human traditions. But can we trace its origins back to any specific diseases and medical symptoms? In this blood-stained episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick haul up the vampire’s casket and look for signs of rabies, syphilis, dermatitis, tuberculosis and more.

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    Vampire Clinic, Part 1 Oct 16, 2018

    Vampire legends are a global phenomenon, and the trope of the blood-sucking humanoid shows no signs of vanishing from human traditions. But can we trace its origins back to any specific diseases and medical symptoms? In this blood-stained episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick haul up the vampire’s casket and look for signs of rabies, syphilis, dermatitis, tuberculosis and more.

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    From the Vault: Ghoul Oct 13, 2018

    If your fictional diet contains significant quantities of horror or dark fantasy, then you've likely encountered the ghoul: a scavenging, grave-robbing race of unnatural beings with an insatiable hunger for the dead. As Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this episode, the roots of ghouldom sink back into pre-Islamic Arabic folklore -- as well into the distant evolutionary history of humanity itself. (Originally published October 29, 2015)

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    The Curse Oct 11, 2018

    What does it mean when a beggar, wizard or witch spits a curse at another human being? Why does this particular work of magic weigh so heavily in human history? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick take a scientific, historical and cultural look at various curse traditions.

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    The Great Basilisk Oct 09, 2018

    Behold the Great Basilisk, the crowned monster whose mere glance can kill a mortal and reduce wilderness to desert ash. Medieval bestiaries attest to its might, but today some futurists dread its name as an all-powerful malicious artificial intelligence. Will it imprison all those who oppose it within a digital prison of eternal torment? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consider the horror of Roko’s Basilisk.

    Related Content: Machine God: Artificial Superintelligence (podcast)World Science Festival 2018 Field Report (podcast)

    Get that Basilisk Shirt:Stuff to Blow Your Mind store

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    From the Vault: Carnivorous Plants Oct 06, 2018

    Are humans truly safe from the hunger of meat-eating plants? Can we trust the trees that loom over us? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss myths and fictions of killer trees, the science of carnivorous plants and the curious absence of mean-eating plants in our natural world. (Originally published October 18, 2016)

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    The Killer's Mask Oct 04, 2018

    The masked psychopathic killer is a staple of horror fiction, and yet almost no real-life serial killers employed masks in the commission of their crimes. Why is this? What does the discrepancy between fact and fiction reveal both about the reality of murderer and the nature of our myth-making? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind.

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    Jenny Greenteeth: Horror at the Water’s Edge Oct 02, 2018

    According to certain English folktales, a vile creature lurks in the slime-caked dark of local ponds. When little ones wander too close to shore, she lashes out to drown them in her slippery embrace. She has many names: Nelly Longarms, Peg Powler, the Grindylow... and Jenny Greenteeth. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss these old tales of aquatic terror, their instructional nature and the real-world predators who swim the shores in search of terrestrial prey.

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    From the Vault: John C. Lilly Sep 29, 2018

    The figure of John C. Lilly as psychedelic dolphin communicator burns in the collective memory as a counterculture avatar, yet his legacy embodies far more than the mythologized and/or vilified figure that most of us know. Join Robert Lamb and Christian Sager as they examine the life, career and ideas of Lilly the scientist, Lilly the counterespionage researcher and Lilly the psychonaut. Welcome to the province of the mind. (Originally published Feb. 23, 2016)

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    Listener Mail: Robots of Theseus Sep 27, 2018

    It's listener mail time again and the plan to gradually replace every part of our mailbot Karnie is complete. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they read and respond to various listener mail from the past month.

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    Salamander Talk with Mark Mandica Sep 25, 2018

    Wade into the amazing and weird world of salamanders and other notable amphibians as Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick chat with Mark Mandica, executive director of The Amphibian Foundation. Gain a new level of appreciation for these fabulous organisms and learn what you can do to help them.

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    From the Vault: Mixologia Sep 22, 2018

    While the cocktail is an inherently American invention, the history of combining alcohols with other substances to create potent, drinkable concoctions dates back to ancient times. While you might expect dangerous ingredients to have a place in a wizard’s potion or a philosopher's goblet, modern cocktails and spirits have also dabbled with nefarious elixirs. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they explore the history, myth and science behind it all in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (Originally published Jan. 12, 2017)

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    Age of the Earth, Part 2 Sep 20, 2018

    Scientific consensus currently holds that the Earth is a 4.5 billion-year-old planet in a 13.8 billion-year-old universe. But how do we know? Why do religious models of a much younger (or older) Earth fail to pass the baloney test? In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the answers.

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    Age of the Earth, Part 1 Sep 18, 2018

    Scientific consensus currently holds that the Earth is a 4.5 billion-year-old planet in a 13.8 billion-year-old universe. But how do we know? Why do religious models of a much younger (or older) Earth fail to pass the baloney test? In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the answers.

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    From the Vault: Syphilis Sep 15, 2018

    Doctors have called it the great imitator because this destructive venereal disease can manifest almost any symptom. Initially spreading through sexual contact, Syphilis can remain dormant in the body for decades before flaring up again in brutally disfiguring, debilitating and deadly ways. It's difficult to overstate the impact of syphilis on the Western world, and it remains a threat to this day despite effective antibiotic treatments. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Julie Douglas explore the history of the illness and its cultural effects, from powdered wigs and false noses to surgical advances and vampire myths. (Originally published August 26-28, 2014)

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    The Obvious: Invisible Gorillas of the Mind Sep 13, 2018

    What is truly obvious in life? What does the word even mean? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a look at how we engage with the natural world -- from invisible gorilla experiments to the realm of phenomenology.

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    On Teasing Sep 11, 2018

    We all know teasing when we see it or experience it, but what role does it play in human interactions? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind as they explore hurtful, playful and educative teasing.

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    From the Vault: Black Stone of Mecca Sep 08, 2018

    The Kaaba marks the geographic center of the Islamic world, and here one finds Al-Hadjar Al-Aswad, the Holy Black Stone of Mecca. Islamic traditions hold that the once white white stone blackened with humanity’s sins, but various scientific theories point to geological and potentially cosmic origins. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss the mythic, historical and scientific substance of the Kaaba. (Originally published on Feb. 16, 2017)

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    Kirk Allen and Maladaptive Daydreaming Sep 06, 2018

    We all daydream and many of us funnel our imagination into creative acts. But what happens when these exercises overpower us? In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the strange case of nuclear physicist Kirk Allen, whose imagination may have gotten the better of him -- and his psychoanalyst. Dive into the world of cooperative illusions and maladaptive daydreaming.

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    Kirk Allen and the Cooperative Illusion Sep 04, 2018

    We all daydream and many of us funnel our imagination into creative acts. But what happens when these exercises overpower us? In this two-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the strange case of nuclear physicist Kirk Allen, whose imagination may have gotten the better of him -- and his psychoanalyst. Dive into the world of cooperative illusions and maladaptive daydreaming.

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    From the Vault: Jump Into The Void Sep 01, 2018

    Ever wrestle with the illogical quasi-compulsion to throw yourself off a cliff or building? Don’t worry! You’re probably not suicidal, but merely touched by the 'call of the void' or 'high place phenomenon.' In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert Lamb and Christian Sager explore some of the more enlightening theories about this experience.(Originally published Feb. 9, 2017)

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    Squirrels, Part 2: A Skugg Mystery Aug 30, 2018

    You might think you know squirrels, but what do you REALLY know about these woodland tree rodents? In this special two-part episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss their appetite for meat, their alleged acts of savagery and various other facts that will make you reconsider the skugg and respect its kingdom. In this episode, things get weird.

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    Squirrels, Part 1: The Bloody Beast Aug 28, 2018

    You might think you know squirrels, but what do you REALLY know about these woodland tree rodents? In this special two-part episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss their appetite for meat, their alleged acts of savagery and various other facts that will make you reconsider the skugg and respect its kingdom. Up first, let’s talk about their bloody diet...

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    From the Vault: A Taste of MSG Aug 25, 2018

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the history and science of MSG and explore just why we demonized it for so long. (Originally published Aug. 30, 2016)

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    World Without Predators Aug 23, 2018

    What would the world be like without predators? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the essential role of predators in Earth’s ecosystems and the terrible, cascading effects of their loss. A world without predators isn’t heaven. It’s hell.

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    The Ship of Theseus Aug 21, 2018

    An ancient ship rots in the harbor and so we restore it piece by piece until nothing of the original ship remains. Is it still the same ship? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they discuss one of history’s more mind-boggling thought experiments.

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    From the Vault: The Cobra Effect Aug 18, 2018

    In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the perverse world of unintended consequences and the cobra effect. (Originally published Sept. 13, 2016)

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    Listener Mail: Tridents, Aliens, Microgravity Aug 16, 2018

    It's time for another dose of listener mail. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they read YOUR feedback on recent episodes related to coffee in space, tridents, Jungfrau Park and more.

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    2001: A Space Odyssey Aug 14, 2018

    No discussion of great sci-fi cinema is complete without mention of “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The 1968 classic is 50 years old this year, so Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick figured it the perfect time to board the Discovery One and discuss its many scientific and futurist elements, as well as the legacy of Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s creation.

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    From the Vault: Post-Empirical Science Aug 11, 2018

    Most scientists declare empirical falsifiability -- the notion that a theory may be proven right or wrong via scientific investigation -- to be the core principle of science. Others, such as string theorists, think science should move beyond those boundaries. Is empiricism an unnecessary straight jacket? Is “post-empirical science” an oxymoron? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore in this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. (Originally published Sept. 15, 2016)

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    Fear and the Autonomous Cyber Weapon Aug 09, 2018

    We often focus our fear in the wrong direction -- developing flying anxieties when we should be more concerned about that ride to the airport. We also tend to focus on autonomous weapons when we should be thinking more about autonomous CYBER weapons. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a discussion of cyber warfare.

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    Divine Weapon: The Trident Aug 07, 2018

    What are we to make of the trident? The three-toothed spear has seen service as the divine weapon of mythic deities, the fishing implement of common mortals and a symbolic weapon in gladiatorial combat. What does it mean, and was it ever a practical weapon? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick look for answers in myth, archaeology and military history.

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    From the Vault: To The Escape Pod! Aug 04, 2018

    Ever wanted to climb into the safe, metal womb of an escape pod and blast yourself free of this doomed vessel called life? Sure you have, but in the meantime consider some of the real-life air, space and terrestrial escape capsules that humans have envisioned over the years. Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick tell you all about it in this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. (Originally published Nov. 24, 2016)

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    The Gods Must Be Counterintuitive Aug 02, 2018

    What’s the key to a lasting myth, a captivating religion or a sensational film pitch? Some cognitive scientists and anthropologists argue that the key is a minimally counterintuitive narrative: the right balance of the mundane with just a dash of the unreasonable and unexpected. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they discuss the minimal counterintuitiveness effect.

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    Astronauts in Spaceships Getting Coffee Jul 31, 2018

    How can humanity ever hope to thrive without Earth if it can’t even function without its morning cup of coffee? Fortunately, engineers have devised increasingly practical means of brewing and sipping coffee in space -- neither of which are easy feats in microgravity. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a consideration of space coffee.

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    From the Vault: When We Think About Cyborgs Jul 28, 2018

    What began as a 1960s term for a retrofitted human space explorer has become a focal point for considerations of human and machine interaction, technological culture, biomechanics and feminist identity. Join Robert Lamb and Christian Sager as they set aside the brain/computer interfaces for a discussion of what it is to be a "cyborg" in 2016. (Originally published April 19, 2016)

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    Summer Reading 2018, Part 2 Jul 26, 2018

    It's a summer tradition! Once more, Stuff to Blow Your Mind devotes a summer episode to the discussion of fiction, non-fiction and children's books that the hosts read over the course of the last year. So listen in and maybe one of these books will accompany you on your next beach trip.

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    Summer Reading 2018, Part 1 Jul 24, 2018

    It's a summer tradition! Once more, Stuff to Blow Your Mind devotes a summer episode to the discussion of fiction, non-fiction and children's books that the hosts read over the course of the last year. So listen in and maybe one of these books will accompany you on your next beach trip.

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    From the Vault: Transhumanist Rapture War, Part 2 Jul 21, 2018

    What do the transhumanist visions and singularitarians have in common with Christian rapture doctrine, apocalyptic prophesies and far-future saviors? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they explore the space for common ground -- and conflict -- between genetically modified cyborgs and Heaven-teleported believers in this two-part episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (Originally published Aug 25, 2016)

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    The Ashen Light Jul 19, 2018

    Does the dark side of Venus occasionally glow with a dim, haunting phosphorescence? It’s one of astronomy’s oldest and most enduring mysteries. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for an examination of the ashen light.

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    Galactic Civilization’s End Jul 17, 2018

    If a technological civilization manages to survive itself, how will it fare against the larger challenges of a changing and hostile universe? If humanity ascends the Kardashev scale, how will our unrecognizable and godlike descendants cope with the end of the universe itself? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for an exploration of the cosmic end times.

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    From the Vault: Transhumanist Rapture War, Part 1 Jul 14, 2018

    What do the transhumanist visions and singularitarians have in common with Christian rapture doctrine, apocalyptic prophesies and far-future saviors? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they explore the space for common ground -- and conflict -- between genetically modified cyborgs and Heaven-teleported believers in this two-part episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (Originally published Aug 23, 2016)

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    Illusory Truth Effect, Part 2: Fight the Lies Jul 12, 2018

    If a lie is repeated often enough, are we more likely to believe it? Sadly, the answer is yes. Psychologists call it the illusory truth effect and it influences both our daily lives and the larger movements of politics and culture. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a two-part discussion of untruths, the human mind and just what you can do to fight the big lies at work in your world.

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    Illusory Truth Effect, Part 1: The Big Lie Jul 10, 2018

    If a lie is repeated often enough, are we more likely to believe it? Sadly, the answer is yes. Psychologists call it the illusory truth effect and it influences both our daily lives and the larger movements of politics and culture. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a two-part discussion of untruths, the human mind and just what you can do to fight the big lies at work in your world.

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    From the Vault: Sexbots Jul 07, 2018

    Sex between humans and machines is nothing new in the world of science fiction. Their forms range from angelic mechanoids to victimized humanoids, but the robotic lover is almost always an expression of purely human anxieties. Yet as real-world technology advances, we’re left to ponder the emerging form of the sex bot -- and the possibilities range from mere animate fetishes to therapeutic surrogates. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Christian Sager consider arguments for and against the embrace of synthetic paramours.(Originally published March 30, 2017)

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    The Dark Side of Neuroplasticity Jul 05, 2018

    When you hear the word “neuroplasticity,” you probably think of it in terms of a young brain’s ability to learn or an older brain’s struggles to rebound from injury. The possibility of a neuroplasticity-boosting drug remains one of medicine's true holy grails, but is there a dark side? Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss the balance of plasticity and stability in the human mind.

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    Listener Mail: Dreams, Subs and Goddesses Jul 03, 2018

    Once more, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick turn to Karnie the Mailbot for listener reactions and commentaries on recent episodes. Strap in for discussion of dreams, submarines, ancient goddesses and more.

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    From the Vault: The Inca Kingdom of Fibers Jun 30, 2018

    Welcome to the Kingdom of the Inca, where hundreds of rope bridges connect an imperial highway system and fiber-armored soldiers wield woven slings against the enemies of the Emperor. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the khipu system of knotted, colored string that served as a physical notation system in lieu of written language. (Originally published March 8, 2016)

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    Chariots of the Gods Jun 28, 2018

    Chances are, you’re already quite familiar with the notion the ancient astronauts visited the earth and gave humans the tech support they needed to climb the ladder of civilization. There's no true proof to back it up, yet ancient astronaut speculation is a 20th century invention -- and one tied closely to a single bestselling author. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss Erich von Däniken and Carl Sagan's thoughts on ancient aliens.

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    Black Holes, Part 3: The Future Jun 26, 2018

    Nothing can escape the pull of a black hole, not even Stuff to Blow Your Mind. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a three-part exploration of these incredible, invisible regions of the cosmos where ponderous mass warps the very fabric of space and time. In this final episode, cross the event horizon...

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    From the Vault: Humanzee Jun 23, 2018

    Chimpanzees are humanity's closest living relative, but there's both wonder and existential horror in that closeness. A species barrier separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom, but what if a chimp/human hybrid were to bridge that barrier? Join Robert Lamb and Christian Sager as they explore the case history of Russian biologist Ilya Ivanovich Ivanov and his attempts to breed a human/chimp hybrid in the early 20th century. (Originally published Jan. 21, 2016)

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    Black Holes, Part 2: Detection Jun 21, 2018

    Nothing can escape the pull of a black hole, not even Stuff to Blow Your Mind. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a three-part exploration of these incredible, invisible regions of the cosmos where ponderous mass warps the very fabric of space and time. In this episode, learn all about the science of black hole detection.

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    Black Holes, Part 1: Phantom Jun 19, 2018

    Nothing can escape the pull of a black hole, not even Stuff to Blow Your Mind. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a three-part exploration of these incredible, invisible regions of the cosmos where ponderous mass warps the very fabric of space and time. Up first, learn how the idea of black holes emerged as a mere ghost in the math.

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    From the Vault: The Substance of Silence Jun 16, 2018

    We all have a pretty good notion of noise, but what exactly is silence? Is it a substance or an absence? Between the mindflaying quiet of soundless rooms to wildlife ambience and white noise machines, what is the ideal balance of silence? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe look for answers and, yes, also discuss a few sound-sensitive monsters and the likelihood of blowing up a humanoid head with sound. (Originally published on Aug. 31, 2016)

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    Interview: Carl Zimmer on Heredity's Power Jun 14, 2018

    Why does heredity hold such power over us? How did the ancients contemplate it and how is genetic technology changing the shape of future heredity? Robert and Joe chat with acclaimed science writer Carl Zimmer about the topics explored in his new book “She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity.”

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    World Science Festival 2018 Field Report Jun 12, 2018

    Robert Lamb attended the 2018 World Science festival in New York City and had the chance to chat with its founder, physicist Brian Greene -- as well as a couple of noted panelists: physicist Max Tegmark and anthropologist Barbara J. King. This episode features those green room interviews, plus Robert and Joe’s discussion of their answers on theoretical physics, artificial intelligence and the evolution of religion.

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    From the Vault: P vs. NP Jun 09, 2018

    What does it mean to solve a problem in our universe? That's a trickier question than you might think, with some fairly high-stakes ramifications in the worlds of computing and even philosophy. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the inherent logic of problem-solving in our universe, with some attention to a special example of an outstanding problem in computer science: P vs. NP. (Originally published April 12, 2016)

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    Sleep and Creativity Jun 07, 2018

    What roles does sleep play in human creativity? Can we learn in our dreams? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick for a look at famous accounts of dream inspiration and scientific research into the link between creativity and sleep. And yes, they want you to tell them your dreams.

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    Troubled Sleep in the Arks of Doom Jun 05, 2018

    It’s hard enough to sleep just knowing that dozens of nuclear ballistic missile submarines haunt the oceans, each containing the means to rain nuclear annihilation on the world. But what’s it like to sleep aboard these arks of doom? It actually ties into long-term military study, and the results may help us send humans to other planets. Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore...

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    From the Vault: Early Days Electric, Part 2 Jun 02, 2018

    Electricity lost its magic over the course the 18th and 19th centuries. The "invisible fire" steadily transitioned from a mysterious force of wonder to a mundane reality of daily modern life. In this two-part edition of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the various electrical experiments, stunts, inventions, performances, innovations, occultisms and atrocities that transformed the tractable thunder. (Originally published Feb 11, 2016)

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    Finite and Infinite Games May 31, 2018

    How do you play the game of life? Do you play it as a finite game or an infinite one? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick discuss the 1986 philosophy book “Finite and Infinite Games: A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility” by American scholar James P. Carse.

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    Quantum Immortality May 29, 2018

    What is quantum immortality? How do we get from quantum physics to thought experiment suicide machines and what does it all say about the nature of our reality? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick dive into the multiverse.

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    From the Vault: Early Days Electric, Part 1 May 26, 2018

    Electricity lost its magic over the course the 18th and 19th centuries. The "invisible fire" steadily transitioned from a mysterious force of wonder to a mundane reality of daily modern life. In this two-part edition of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the various electrical experiments, stunts, inventions, performances, innovations, occultisms and atrocities that transformed the tractable thunder. (Originally published Feb 9, 2016)

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    The Alphabet and the Goddess, Part 2 May 24, 2018

    What happened to the worship of goddesses? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore Leonard Shlain’s hypothesis from his 1998 book “The Alphabet Versus the Goddess,” in which the author argues that the brain-altering power of written language unbalanced human civilization in favor of misogyny, tyranny and the worship of abstract, masculine gods.

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    The Alphabet and the Goddess, Part 1 May 22, 2018

    What happened to the worship of goddesses? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick explore Leonard Shlain’s hypothesis from his 1998 book “The Alphabet Versus the Goddess,” in which the author argues that the brain-altering power of written language unbalanced human civilization in favor of misogyny, tyranny and the worship of abstract, masculine gods.

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    From the Vault: Techno-Religion, Part 2 May 19, 2018

    We often think of technology and religion as distinct and separate worlds, but what happens when they converge? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick in this two-part episode as they examine religious world views shaped by technology, such as John Murray Spear’s electrical messiah, the simple prayer wheel and the psycho-spiritual technologies of Scientology. (Originally published Jun 11, 2015)

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    Life on Venus May 17, 2018

    The planet Venus might seem a hellish destination and an unlikely place to find extraterrestrial life. And yet, many experts agree that life may have existed in the planet's ancient oceans -- and may thrive yet within the upper atmosphere. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick in a quest for Venusian aliens.

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    Crazy Ants and Electricity May 15, 2018

    Do crazy ants crave electronics? Do they feast on that sweet, sweet juice? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick dispel some myths and explore the science of this particular insect invader.

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    From the Vault: Techno-Religion, Part 1 May 12, 2018

    We often think of technology and religion as distinct and separate worlds, but what happens when they converge? Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick in this two-part episode as they examine religious world views shaped by technology, such as John Murray Spear’s electrical messiah, the simple prayer wheel and the psycho-spiritual technologies of Scientology. (Originally published Jun 9, 2015)

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    Listener Mail: Of AI Minds and Human Farts May 10, 2018

    Once more, Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick consult recent offerings of listener mail for your thoughts on artificial intelligence, demonic flatulence and more.

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    Boltzmann Brains Revisited May 08, 2018

    Space brains. Religious models of infinity. Join Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick as they revisit the topic of Boltzmann brains and discuss the general history of infinity.

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    From the Vault: Animal Sex Cannibals May 05, 2018

    Sexual cannibalism is a rarity in the natural world, and scientists are still attempting to understand the act as practiced by mostly arachnids and insects. Why consume your mate after or during sexual intercourse? Why venture into such a scenario in the first place? Join Robert and Joe as they explore the thoroughly inhuman world of sexual cannibalism. (Originally published March 10, 2016)

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    Unicorns of the Natural World May 03, 2018

    While the unicorn itself is a creature of fanta