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
From the Vault: Astronomical Suffering and the Terran Diaspora
August 07, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 60 MBFor many futurists, the long term survival of humanity depends on its ability to become a true interplanetary and even interstellar species. But what is the potential moral cost of such a great technological and cultural leap forward? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the potential for astronomical suffering in the wake of Earth’s outward expansion. (originally published 4/23/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Se...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Cannibal Apocalypse
August 06, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 64 MBCan John Saxon resist the viral hunger for human flesh? In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1980’s “Cannibal Apocalypse,” a Spanish/Italian cannibal thriller filmed in Atlanta, Ga. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Invention of the Mirror, Part 1
August 05, 2021 19:52 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBSmoking pools of dark reflection. Propagator of uncanny doubles. Gateway to inverse kingdom. It’s time for Stuff to Blow Your Mind to venture into the world of mirrors, discussing their predecessors, their invention and way humans relate to the world on the other side. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: An Open Conversation about Open Innovation
August 04, 2021 07:01 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBIn this episode of Smart Talks, Malcolm talks to Jim Whitehurst, senior advisor at IBM and an expert in open source software and innovation. During their conversation, Jim reveals how embracing moments that initially feel like chaos can ultimately lead to more open organizations, and broader access to new ideas. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Regression to the Mean
August 03, 2021 15:57 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss regression to the mean, a phenomenon that occurs when a random sampling point is an outlier -- with applications to everything from economics and sports to health, religion and disappointing sequels. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Gremlins Have Pictures
August 02, 2021 13:55 - 17 minutes - 16.5 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: Pykrete
July 31, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBWhether plotting to build a great northern wall or an aircraft carrier made of ice instead of steel, the substance you’re looking for is Pykrete. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss what makes this super-strong ice so durable and why there was an actual plan to build ships out of the stuff during the Second World War. (originally published 8/6/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener fo...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Deep Blue Sea
July 30, 2021 18:11 - 1 hour - 75.5 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1999 shark film “Deep Blue Sea” in which super-smart sharks run wild in a sea base. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whispers of the Speaking Sword
July 29, 2021 15:44 - 52 minutes - 48 MBWeapons capable of thought, speech and autonomous action appear throughout multiple myths and legends. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore some stand-out examples and discuss what it all might mean. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact: The Horse Skull Under the Floor
July 28, 2021 07:01 - 4 minutes - 3.78 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the practice of placing horse skulls underneath your floorboards… Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Monoliths of Lalibela
July 27, 2021 07:01 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBLalibela, Ethiopia is home to one of the true wonders of the world: a series of 11 rock-hewn monolithic churches -- all interconnected by tunnels and passages that connect to catacombs and hermit caves. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the details of these 12th century marvels. (Originally published 1/23/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Centaur on Fire
July 26, 2021 14:42 - 31 minutes - 29 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 Spotlight Effect
July 24, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBEver feel like everyone in the Zoom call is looking at you? Ever astonished to find your contribution to a project goes unrecognized, or that your latest faux pas didn’t destroy you? Perhaps you’re not the central character in this narrative after all. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the spotlight effect and what it teaches us about our own perception of reality and those around us. (originally published 8/4/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices ...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Spontaneous Combustion
July 23, 2021 20:13 - 1 hour - 78.2 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe celebrate legendary weird actor Brad Dourif by watching his talent burn through in Tobe Hooper’s flawed tale of love, rage and pyrokinesis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Waiting, Part 3
July 22, 2021 17:59 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBIn this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss waiting in line and psychology of queuing up. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Waiting, Part 2
July 21, 2021 07:01 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBIn this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss waiting in line and psychology of queuing up. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: It's a Cold Night For Alligators
July 20, 2021 07:01 - 28 minutes - 26.1 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.
The Artifact: Boiling Tar and Murder Holes
July 19, 2021 07:01 - 4 minutes - 4.09 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the meurtrière or “murder hole” found in the ceiling of a a fortress’s gateway or passageway -- and what you might push through it... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Volcanoes of Life
July 17, 2021 07:01 - 57 minutes - 53.1 MBFrom our earliest experiences with paleoart to tales of Pompeii and visions of modern catastrophes, it’s easy to associate volcanoes with death and destruction. But what if it’s less a case of Mount Doom and more a case of Mount Life, at least from a broader environmental point of view? Robert and Joe explore the question in this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind. (originally published 7/30/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystud...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Godzilla vs. Hedorah
July 16, 2021 07:01 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1971’s “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” also known as “Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster.” The king of all monsters tears it up with a pollution-powered alien kaiju. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Waiting, Part 1
July 15, 2021 17:11 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBIn this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss waiting in line and psychology of queuing up. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact: The Blood Gutter
July 14, 2021 07:01 - 2 minutes - 2.73 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the fuller, a groove found in many blades that you might have heard referred to as a “blood gutter.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 3
July 13, 2021 15:41 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBThe original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind three-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: That Sweaty Horse Light
July 12, 2021 07:01 - 20 minutes - 18.6 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: Heaven and Hell with Bart Ehrman
July 10, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 77 MBMajorities of Americans believe in the literal existence of Heaven and Hell, but where did these concepts originally come from, and how have they changed over the centuries? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with Bart Ehrman, author of 'Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife.' (originally published 7/14/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Mr. Vampire
July 09, 2021 17:36 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBIn this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1985 Hong Kong comedy horror film “Mr. Vampire,” in which our heroes use kicks, furniture rice and Taoist sorcery against the deadly Chinese hopping vampires, the jiāng shī. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 2
July 08, 2021 15:05 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBThe original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind three-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 1
July 07, 2021 13:37 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBThe original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they do it? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe discuss the sheer scale of the Pacific Ocean and environmental navigation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact: The Sugar Light
July 06, 2021 14:39 - 6 minutes - 5.69 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe reads by the light of a sugar cube and a sweaty horse. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Hurdy Gurdy Man
July 05, 2021 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.5 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 Invention of Fireworks
July 03, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 68 MBFireworks are a staple of celebrations around the world, but where does this invention come from and what’s the basic chemistry of their combustion? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe light the fuse and find out. (originally published 6/23/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Devil's Express
July 02, 2021 19:28 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBAn ancient demon haunts the subways of New York City. Only one man has the martial arts skill to battle the creature in the depths. On this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss this weird 1976 genre mashup and its star player, Warhawk Tanzania. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Plague of Mucus
July 01, 2021 14:48 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBIn this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the organic substance that has been referred to in the scientific literature as “marine mucilage.” Prepare to be slimed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact: The Shining Pyramid
June 30, 2021 07:01 - 3 minutes - 3.67 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the Great Pyramid of Giza and its original luster. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Chat About Sea Turtles with Christine Figgener
June 29, 2021 15:18 - 1 hour - 60.9 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Veteran of the Psychic Wars
June 28, 2021 07:01 - 39 minutes - 36.2 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 Tide of Gold
June 26, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBGold from the ocean? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the basic idea behind the accumulation of oceanic gold and the fascinating historical hoax based on the notion. Plus, where does gold come from and how will deep sea gold mining endanger thermal vent ecosystems? Find out. (originally published 7/9/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Doctor X
June 25, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 70 MBWelcome to the medical academy where EVERYONE is a suspect in the cannibalistic “Moon Killer” slayings. Yes, from the director of “Casablanca” comes 1932’s “Doctor X.” Join Rob and Joe for a deep gaze into the technicolor abyss in this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema. (Originally published 1/8/2021) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Interior World
June 24, 2021 07:01 - 46 minutes - 43 MBMost of us have spent far more time at home this year, which raises the question: Just what sort of artificial interior environments have we created? What lives there besides our family and pets? And what are we missing out on? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore. (originally published 8/11/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact Revisited: Stone Mushroom Clouds
June 23, 2021 07:01 - 9 minutes - 8.69 MBIn this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe talks about mind-boggling prehistoric mineral formations. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: How does travel engage the senses?
June 22, 2021 07:01 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBTravel has long inspired the mind and engaged the senses, but just what's going on in the human body when we venture near or far? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore... (originally published 7/7/2020) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Please Stand By
June 21, 2021 07:01 - 2 minutes - 2.59 MBRobert and Joe jump in a for a short update on this week's programing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Kimchi
June 19, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBWhat 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Deathmoon
June 18, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 79.7 MBWhen 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where do numbers come from?
June 17, 2021 10:49 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBJoin 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Artifact Revisited: The Psychedelic Blindfold
June 16, 2021 07:01 - 7 minutes - 6.91 MBIn 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Origins of Numeracy
June 15, 2021 16:26 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBWhat 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Fume Cupboard
June 14, 2021 13:20 - 34 minutes - 31.6 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: Cancer and Evolution with Kat Arney
June 12, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBIn 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Metalstorm
June 11, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBIt’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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.