Stuff To Blow Your Mind
2,469 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★ - 5.5K ratingsDeep 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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Episodes
Incense, Part 1
September 20, 2022 16:01 - 40 minutes - 37 MBHumans have burned incense since ancient times for reasons that range from the practical to the divine. To aid in these rites, various cultures have created exquisite censers and housings for the burning, smoke-emitting biotics. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider some outstanding examples from the history of incense, including the incense clocks of China and swinging thuribles of Catholic tradition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: A Giallo is Born
September 19, 2022 10:01 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Invention of the Mirror, Part 2
September 17, 2022 10:01 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBSmoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side. (originally published 8/10/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Extra Terrestrial Visitors
September 16, 2022 15:27 - 1 hour - 65 MBOnce more on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into the wild world of Spanish b-movie cinema with Juan Piquer Simón’s “Extra Terrestrial Visitors,” in which a pair of aliens respond to drastically differing human encounters in the woods. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Nature of Fun, Part 3
September 15, 2022 15:45 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBWhat exactly is "fun" and how does it differ from other concepts related to quality and experience? Robert and Joe explore the question in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Ocron
September 14, 2022 10:01 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses Ocron, the masked sorceress in Lucio Fulci’s 1983 film “Conquest.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Nature of Fun, Part 2
September 13, 2022 13:15 - 41 minutes - 38 MBWhat exactly is "fun" and how does it differ from other concepts related to quality and experience? Robert and Joe explore the question in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: And The Gunslinger followed
September 12, 2022 10:01 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Invention of the Mirror, Part 1
September 10, 2022 10:01 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBSmoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side. (originally published 8/5/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Devil Girl From Mars
September 09, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 72.5 MBThis week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1954 Scottish sci-fi film “Devil Girl From Mars,” featuring a fashionable Martian queen, her robot Chani and interplanetary intrigue on the Scottish moors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Nature of Fun, Part 1
September 08, 2022 15:20 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBWhat exactly is "fun" and how does it differ from other concepts related to quality and experience? Robert and Joe explore the question in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Locksnakes of Thra
September 07, 2022 10:01 - 3 minutes - 3.46 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Locksnakes of “The Dark Crystal.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Invention of the Odometer
September 06, 2022 13:30 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBYou might not think your car’s odometer is that exciting, but it’s actually the modern incarnation of an ancient invention with roots in China and the Greco-Roman world. Join Robert and Joe as they discuss the invention of the hodómetron and the li-recording drum carriage in this invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Guaranteed to Work Perfectly for 1,000 Years
September 05, 2022 10:01 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Regression to the Mean
September 03, 2022 10:01 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBIn this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss regression to the mean, a phenomenon that occurs when a random sampling point is an outlier -- with applications to everything from economics and sports to health, religion and disappointing sequels. (originally published 8/3/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Conquest
September 02, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe continue their jaunt through 1980s fantasy with gore master Lucio Fulci’s 1983 film “Conquest.” It’s a strange, hazy dream full of werewolves, warriors, magic, snakes, dolphins, morlocks, bats and stoneage nunchucks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Bill Schutt on the Heart
September 01, 2022 10:01 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Bill Schutt, author of "Pump: A Natural History of the Heart," about the evolution of the heart and the history of humanity’s attempt to understand it -- along with a few questions about monsters. (originally published 09/30/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smart Talks with IBM: The Mayflower Autonomous Ship: AI and Automation at Sea
August 31, 2022 10:01 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBThe world’s first autonomous vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is signaling a new era in maritime technology. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Lauren Ober, host of The Loudest Girl in the World, and guests Brett Phaneuf and Don Scott, the engineers behind the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project. The two explain how automation and AI allowed them to reimagine the design and use of a ship at sea and their implications beyond maritime navigation....
The Invention of Surgical Gloves
August 30, 2022 16:34 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBIn this invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the origin of surgical gloves, the differing concepts for their composition and the struggle to get surgeons to wear them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Beware the Wheelers
August 29, 2022 10:01 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Dog with the Burning Brand
August 27, 2022 10:01 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBFrom dogs in old paintings that look like dope smokers to Aztec psychopomps, what’s with all these fire dogs? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore… (originally published 8/31/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Krull
August 26, 2022 15:26 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBThis week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into another slice of 1980s big screen fantasy with 1983’s “Krull,” which pits a ragtag group of fantasy adventurers against a technologically advanced alien force from another world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Paragraph, Part 2
August 25, 2022 13:24 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the standard nugget of textual thought: the paragraph. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact: The Boustrophedon
August 24, 2022 10:01 - 5 minutes - 4.82 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses an ancient style of writing that involved reading left to right and right to left… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Paragraph, Part 1
August 23, 2022 14:37 - 41 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the standard nugget of textual thought: the paragraph. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: And The Lord Did Grin
August 22, 2022 13:20 - 21 minutes - 20 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Whispers of the Speaking Sword
August 20, 2022 10:01 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MBWeapons capable of thought, speech and autonomous action appear throughout multiple myths and legends. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore some stand-out examples and discuss what it all might mean. (originally published 7/29/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Return to Oz
August 19, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into the magical world of Oz – not the 1939 version, but the dark fantasy stylings of 1985’s “Return to Oz,” featuring electrotherapy, nightmarish wheelers and other strange delights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Null Ship
August 18, 2022 18:43 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBIn this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss the history and principles of the vacuum airship or null ship. Will futuristic materials ever make this 17th century concept possible? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: The Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog
August 17, 2022 10:01 - 4 minutes - 4.51 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Whistling, Part 4
August 16, 2022 10:01 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: A Whistle of Worth
August 15, 2022 10:01 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Musical Frisson
August 13, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe is joined by producer and host of the Rusty Needle's Record Club podcast Seth Nicholas Johnson to talk about that moment when a song sends a shiver down your spine. (Originally published 6/10/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Thrilling Bloody Sword
August 12, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1981 Taiwanese fantasy adventure “Thrilling Bloody Sword.” This relentlessly psychotronic adventure isn’t easy to find, but rewards the seeker with bumbling dwarves, rampaging monsters and face-melting magic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: "Fuzz" with Mary Roach
August 11, 2022 10:01 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe welcome acclaimed science writer Mary Roach back to the show to discuss her new book "Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law." (originally published 09/14/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Dreepy, a Pokémon
August 10, 2022 10:01 - 3 minutes - 3.36 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the boomerang-headed Pokémon Dreepy, with some help from his son Sebastian. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Whistling, Part 3
August 09, 2022 15:37 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Can you prove that it didn't happen?
August 08, 2022 13:21 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Sea Turtles with Christine Figgener
August 06, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss sea turtle mysteries, biology, research and conservation with sea turtle researcher and conservationist Dr. Christine Figgener. (originally published 6/29/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Plan 9 from Outer Space
August 05, 2022 13:37 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe finally discuss a film that almost defies description: “Plan 9 From Outer Space.” Yes, it’s Ed Wood’s 1957 cinematic monolith featuring Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Vampira and the Amazing Criswell! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Whistling, Part 2
August 04, 2022 13:22 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: The SPOILER from “NOPE”
August 03, 2022 10:01 - 6 minutes - 5.94 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses something that happens in the 2022 Jordan Peele movie “NOPE” and there will be spoilers… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Whistling, Part 1
August 02, 2022 13:42 - 37 minutes - 34 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the nature and history of human whistling – including the subject of whistled languages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Back to the Garden
August 01, 2022 13:04 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Plague of Mucus
July 30, 2022 10:01 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBIn this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the organic substance that has been referred to in the scientific literature as “marine mucilage.” Prepare to be slimed. (originally published 7/1/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Tarantula
July 29, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 78.8 MBYes, this week on Weirdhouse Cinema, the 1955 film “Tarantula” takes to the hills. Join Rob and Joe as they discuss this atomic-age sci-fi thriller’s titular giant spider, a mutating Leo G. Carrol and Mara Corday’s “lady scientist” character Steve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fantastic Numbers, with Antonio Padilla
July 28, 2022 10:01 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with theoretical physicist and cosmologist Professor Antonio Padilla, author of the new book "Fantastic Numbers and Where to Find Them." Strap in for big numbers, fantastic numbers, black holes and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smart Talks with IBM: The Good Hacker: Hacking Businesses before Criminals Do
July 27, 2022 10:01 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBThe headlines tell us cyberattacks are a big, consistent threat to business data – and ours. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell takes on this topic with Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, and Stephanie “Snow” Carruthers, Chief People Hacker for X-Force, IBM. Snow and her team are finding creative solutions to test their clients’ security, including hacking into their systems before criminal hackers do. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. See omnystudio.com/lis...
From the Vault: Creature of the Gear
July 26, 2022 10:01 - 57 minutes - 53.1 MBWhat is a gear and when did humans invent it? Plus, Rob and Joe discuss the only known creature to have gears in its anatomy. Plus hear about a couple of wheel-based mythical creatures in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 9/2/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Warlocks in the Sky
July 25, 2022 10:01 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBOnce more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.