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
The Three-Pupiled Eye, Part 2
March 31, 2022 10:01 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBFrom heroes to sages to destructive monsters, various figures in Irish mythology are described as possessing eyes of seven or three pupils (or irises). We also see discussion of such marvelous eyes in Chinese traditions and in the writings of Pliny and Ovid. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigma of the triple eye. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: The Nosferatu Vampire
March 30, 2022 16:47 - 4 minutes - 3.78 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Nosferatu vampire… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Three-Pupiled Eye, Part 1
March 29, 2022 15:42 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBFrom heroes to sages to destructive monsters, various figures in Irish mythology are described as possessing eyes of seven or three pupils (or irises). We also see discussion of such marvelous eyes in Chinese traditions and in the writings of Pliny and Ovid. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the enigma of the triple eye. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Week Sauce
March 28, 2022 13:37 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Fata Morgana
March 26, 2022 07:01 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBThe horizon is an interesting netherworld of optical phenomena, where -- to the human eye -- ghost ships may sal the sky, phantom islands offer relief to weary sailors, sea monsters tower and alien ships enter the atmosphere. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the Fata Morgana mirage. (originally published 3/4/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Next of Kin (1982)
March 25, 2022 13:46 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture down under for the 1982 supernatural thriller “Next of Kin,” starring Jacki Kerin, John Jarratt and a superb score by German electronic music pioneer Klaus Schulze. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Beast Wore an Apron, Part 2
March 24, 2022 13:39 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBAre there any animals other than humans that cook their food? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of non-human animal meal preparation. Bon appétit! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Birdo of Subcon
March 23, 2022 07:01 - 3 minutes - 3.57 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the famous egg-spitting lizard creature from “Super Mario Brothers 2.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Beast Wore an Apron, Part 1
March 22, 2022 16:07 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBAre there any animals other than humans that cook their food? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of non-human animal meal preparation. Bon appétit! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Green Stamps
March 21, 2022 07:01 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Beastmaster 2
March 18, 2022 15:48 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBThis week on Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive into “Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time,” a 1991 sequel full of loincloths, green magic, animal hijinks and a lethal dose of goofy one-liners. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finn McCool, Part 2: The Thumb of Knowledge
March 17, 2022 07:01 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBThe Irish mythological hero Finn MacCool is known for many exploits, from the slaying of a great fire monster to the creation of Giant's Causeway. However, he’s also known for his magical thumb, which he could suck on to gain knowledge. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the thumb of knowledge and its relations to other myths and even a little bit of science. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listene...
The Monstrefact: Abhartach, the Irish Vampire
March 16, 2022 07:01 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses what may be the oldest vampire in Western European traditions… Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finn McCool, Part 1: Mythic Exploits of the Irish Hero
March 15, 2022 16:06 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBThe Irish mythological hero Finn MacCool is known for many exploits, from the slaying of a great fire monster to the creation of Giant's Causeway. However, he’s also known for his magical thumb, which he could suck on to gain knowledge. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe consider the thumb of knowledge and its relations to other myths and even a little bit of science. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listene...
Listener Mail: Tuesday's Great and Wednesday Too!
March 14, 2022 07:01 - 26 minutes - 24 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Halo, Part 2
March 12, 2022 08:01 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBFrom glowing rings to flaming sun discs, the halo takes many forms in religious iconography. Why do angels, saints, gods and demigods love standing beneath or in front of these things? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of halos in myth, art and optics. (originally published 3/2/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Eliminators
March 11, 2022 15:58 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive head first into the 1986 cyborg time-travel adventure film “Eliminators,” which has robots, cavemen, kung-fu and more boat-related combat than you’re probably ready for. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Seven Day Week, Part 3
March 10, 2022 17:59 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBOur modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact: Death Tripods of Dune
March 09, 2022 08:01 - 5 minutes - 5.24 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the death tripods of Dune… Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Seven Day Week, Part 2
March 08, 2022 16:53 - 49 minutes - 45 MBOur modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Lousy Smarch Weather
March 07, 2022 08:01 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Halo, Part 1
March 05, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBFrom glowing rings to flaming sun discs, the halo takes many forms in religious iconography. Why do angels, saints, gods and demigods love standing beneath or in front of these things? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of halos in myth, art and optics. (originally published 2/25/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Zeiram
March 04, 2022 15:19 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1991 Japanese sci-fi monster film Zeiram, in which a futuristic bounty hunter from space must hunt down a deadly alien renegade with the help of two hapless electricians. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Seven Day Week, Part 1
March 03, 2022 14:39 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBOur modern world is bound to the seven day week, but why is this the case? Is there anything in the cosmos or the inner workings of the human body that dictate this arrangement? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the history and invention of the seven day week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Ditto, a Pokémon
March 02, 2022 08:01 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the shapeshifting Pokémon known as Ditto. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Invention of Ketchup
March 01, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBYou love it. You put it on everything. But where does ketchup come from? In this classic episode of Invention, Robert and Joe explore the mysterious origins of everyone’s favorite sweet red sauce -- and consider the jaw-dropping fact that ketchup isn’t always red and isn’t always made from tomatoes. (originally published 9/29/19) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: At Length Did Cross an Albatross
February 28, 2022 14:34 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Moses Illusion
February 26, 2022 08:01 - 57 minutes - 53 MBHow many animals of each kind did Moses take on the Ark? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss The Moses Illusion, one persistent example from a class of mental phenomena known as “knowledge neglect.” (originally published 2/23/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire
February 25, 2022 14:25 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the greatest vampire snooker movie of all time. Yes, it's Alan Clarke's 1985 rock musical "Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sailor on a Sea of Lava
February 24, 2022 19:02 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBTo sail down a river of lava in a boat is surely a thing of pure fantasy, but in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the actual “lava boats” you might glimpse in volcanic footage as well as what would be required to build a vessel capable of traversing a true lake of fire. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Akhlut
February 23, 2022 08:01 - 3 minutes - 2.94 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Akhlut of Inuit traditions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Dissolver of Worlds
February 22, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBIn this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss the nature of the Alkahest, the universal solvent of alchemy. (originally published 4/27/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Supernaut
February 21, 2022 08:01 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Gold, Metal of the Sun
February 19, 2022 08:01 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBIn this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the nature of gold, humanity’s history extracting it from the Earth and the amazing properties of gold nanoparticles. (Originally published 2/16/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Mr. Vampire
February 18, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBIn this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1985 Hong Kong comedy horror film “Mr. Vampire,” in which our heroes use kicks, furniture, rice and Taoist sorcery against the deadly Chinese hopping vampires, the jiāng shī. (originally published 7/9/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 2
February 17, 2022 08:01 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBIn this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Shān Hǎi Jīng or “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” an ancient Chinese text that compiles the mythic geography and fantastic creatures of the world. (Originally published 2/11/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact Redux: Chiseltooth
February 16, 2022 08:01 - 4 minutes - 4.3 MBIn this classic episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the monster Chiseltooth from Chinese mythology… (origianlly published 10/20/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 1
February 15, 2022 08:01 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBIn this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Shān Hǎi Jīng or “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” an ancient Chinese text that compiles the mythic geography and fantastic creatures of the world. (Originally published 2/9/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Hand of Dog
February 14, 2022 08:01 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Brain and Head Theft, Part 2
February 12, 2022 08:01 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBFirst they came for their heads. Then they came for their brains. In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the weird and fascinating history of head and brain preservation, veneration and theft. (originally published 2/4/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Brain Eaters
February 11, 2022 14:25 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1958 sci-fi movie “The Brain Eaters,” which doesn’t actually feature brain eating but is still a lot of fun. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Giants in the Earth: The Paleoburrows
February 10, 2022 14:29 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBEnter the paleoburrows of South America, where evidence suggests construction not by human hands or tools but by giant claws – and for purposes we’re still trying to understand. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: The Gruenak of Thra
February 09, 2022 08:01 - 3 minutes - 3.57 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses one of the doomed species of the planet Thra in “The Dark Crystal: The Age of Resistance.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thirst, Part 3
February 08, 2022 08:01 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBWhat is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Kuleshov Kul-Aid
February 07, 2022 08:01 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBOnce 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Brain and Head Theft, Part 1
February 05, 2022 08:01 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBFirst they came for their heads. Then they came for their brains. In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the weird and fascinating history of head and brain preservation, veneration and theft. (originally published 2/2/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Beast With Five Fingers
February 04, 2022 08:01 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBWhat has five fingers and is an absolute beast? A disembodied crawling hand, of course! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1946 horror film “The Beast With Five Fingers” starring Peter Lorre. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thirst, Part 2
February 03, 2022 19:22 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBWhat is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Baba Yaga
February 02, 2022 08:01 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses one of the most famous Russian fairy tale characters of all time… Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thirst, Part 1
February 01, 2022 19:19 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBWhat is thirst? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind series, Robert and Joe dive into the biological, cultural and mythological answers to this broad question. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.