Stuff To Blow Your Mind artwork

Stuff To Blow Your Mind

2,469 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★ - 5.5K ratings

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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Episodes

From the Vault: Horror Vacui, Part 2

January 02, 2024 11:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

Nature abhors a vacuum… and so do we? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the subject of horror vacui as it relates to philosophy, physics and the arts. (originally published 01/17/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Vault: Horror Vacui, Part 1

December 30, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB

Nature abhors a vacuum… and so do we? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the subject of horror vacui as it relates to philosophy, physics and the arts. (originally published 01/17/2023)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema: Gate II

December 29, 2023 16:19 - 1 hour - 95.3 MB

The Canadian gateway to Hell opens once more! In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, guest-host David Striepe of the Talkin' Tofu podcast returns to chat with Rob about 1990’s “Gate II” starring Louis Tripp and Pamela Adlon.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dawn of a Mindful Universe, with Marcelo Gleiser

December 28, 2023 14:26 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Templeton Award-winning author and theoretical physicist Marcelo Gleiser about his new book “The Dawn of a Mindful Universe: A Manifesto for Humanity's Future.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monstrefact Redux: The Four Guards of ‘Labyrinth’

December 27, 2023 15:37 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MB

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the four guards from the 1986 film ‘Labyrinth” and their paradoxical relationship to the truth… (originally published 01/11/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Vault: Humans Throwing Stuff

December 26, 2023 11:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MB

Focusing on the human animal, Robert and Joe continue their discussion of throwing ability and ponder how throwing ability may have impacted everything from language to ancient warfare. (originally published 01/12/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anton Jessup's Holiday Seclusion

December 25, 2023 11:00 - 6 minutes - 6.14 MB

In this special Holiday edition of Listener Mail, Dr. Anton Jessup addresses his many Christmas enemies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Vault: Animals Throwing Stuff, Part 3

December 23, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

Ever longed to play a game of catch with an octopus or a chimpanzee? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss animal throwing ability. (originally published 01/10/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

December 22, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 72.3 MB

In this holiday edition of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1964’s Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. Can Santa Claus teach the young of Mars how to be children again? (originally published 12/16/2022)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Vault: Animals Throwing Stuff, Part 2

December 21, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

Ever longed to play a game of catch with an octopus or a chimpanzee? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss animal throwing ability. (originally published 01/04/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monstrefact Redux: The Hooden Horse of Kent

December 20, 2023 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3.66 MB

In this special holiday episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Hoden or Hooden Horse of British winter ritual… (originally published 12/14/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Vault: Animals Throwing Stuff, Part 1

December 19, 2023 11:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MB

Ever longed to play a game of catch with an octopus or a chimpanzee? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss animal throwing ability. (originally published 01/03/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Christmas at Tannhäuser Gate

December 18, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

Once 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 99% Invisible World, with Roman Mars

December 16, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Roman Mars, host of the podcast "99% Invisible" about design, podcasting and life in the created world. Plus, they discuss the 2020 book “The 99% Invisible City” by Mars and his co-author Kurt Kohlstedt. (originally published 01/31/2023)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nutcracker

December 16, 2023 00:45 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MB

The decorative holiday nutcracker has become a staple of holiday decor and it also constitutes a specialized tool, so in this Christmas themed invention episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the gadget’s European history, its analogs in other cultures and the general history of humans and other animals cracking nuts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema: Santa Claus (1959)

December 15, 2023 23:50 - 1 hour - 69.2 MB

In this special holiday episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1959 Mexican Christmas movie “Santa Claus,” also known as “Santa Claus vs. the Devil.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monstrefact: Of Knots and Monsters

December 13, 2023 21:56 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MB

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the relationship between knots and monsters…  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rat King

December 12, 2023 22:50 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

The nightmare vision of black rats tangled by the tail continues to intrigue and revolt us, but what is its origin? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe venture into the sewers of history to seek answers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Crockett's Theme

December 11, 2023 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Once 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 Origins of Games Workshop, with Sir Ian Livingstone

December 09, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop and co-author of the Fighting Fantasy gamebook series with Steve Jackson, about their new book ““Dice Men: The Origin Story of Games Workshop.” (originally published 12/27/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema: I Come in Peace

December 08, 2023 21:21 - 1 hour - 81.2 MB

Christmas is a time for comfort and joy, sure, but it’s also a time for holiday-themed action films and drug-dealing space giants. In this holiday episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1990 sci-fi film “I Come in Peace '' starring Dolph Lundgren, Brian Benben, Betsy Brantley and Matthias Hues.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sunken Lands, Part 4

December 07, 2023 22:42 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MB

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of lost islands and forgotten continents, in both actual geologic history and the mists of the human imagination.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monstrefact Redux: Mumm-Ra

December 06, 2023 15:57 - 5 minutes - 5.14 MB

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses Mumm-Ra the Ever Living… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sunken Lands, Part 3

December 05, 2023 20:55 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of lost islands and forgotten continents, in both actual geologic history and the mists of the human imagination.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Oh Mighty Krampus

December 04, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

Once 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: Goblet of Eggnog

December 02, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

In this special holiday episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history and invention of the eggnog, how it became such an iconic holiday beverage and some curious historic goblets associated with the consumption of this rich, milky draught. (originally published 12/15/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema: RoboCop (1987)

December 01, 2023 23:15 - 1 hour - 81.2 MB

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 sci-fi action classic “RoboCop,” a film as deeply satirical as it is gratuitously violent.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sunken Lands, Part 2

November 30, 2023 22:05 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of lost islands and forgotten continents, in both actual geologic history and the mists of the human imagination.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smart Talks with IBM: Salesforce & IBM: Revolutionizing Experiences with Generative AI

November 29, 2023 11:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

The capabilities of artificial intelligence are increasing at a breakneck speed. Companies must leverage generative AI to transform everyday customer and employee experiences. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein sits down with Susan Emerson, Senior Vice President of Product: AI, Analytics & Data at Salesforce & Matthew Candy, Global Managing Partner of Generative AI at IBM Consulting.  They chat about the latest evolution of the two tech innovators’ decades-long relatio...

The Sunken Lands, Part 1

November 28, 2023 21:13 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of lost islands and forgotten continents, in both actual geologic history and the mists of the human imagination.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: A Bird of Courage

November 27, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

Once 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: Of Ice and Men, with Fred Hogge

November 25, 2023 11:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MB

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with author Fred Hogge about his new book “Of Ice and Men: How We’ve Used Cold to Transform Humanity,” covering everything from cocktail ice to the ancient history of ice houses. (originally published 12/06/2022)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Extra Terrestrial Visitors

November 24, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MB

On this classic episode of 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. MST3K fans know this one as "Pod People." (originally published 09/16/22) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Vault: Reptiles of Galapagos, Part 2

November 23, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MB

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the most famous reptilian residents of the Galapagos archipelago, including the world’s largest extant tortoise species and the world’s only marine iguana. (originally published 12/10/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monstrefact Omnibus: Monsters of DC Comics

November 22, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

In this special omnibus episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, enjoy the first four episodes concerning monsters from the DC universe: Killer Croc, Swamp Thing, Doomsday and Mister Mind.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Vault: Reptiles of Galapagos, Part 1

November 21, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MB

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the most famous reptilian residents of the Galapagos archipelago, including the world’s largest extant tortoise species and the world’s only marine iguana. (originally published 12/08/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Earth's Gravity Wears You Out

November 20, 2023 17:41 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

Once 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: Play the Record Backwards, Part 2

November 18, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert is joined by Rusty Needle’s Record Club host Seth Nicholas Johnson for a discussion of various means of secreting information into audio, from backmasking and locked grooves to examples from the digital age of music. (originally published 12/01/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema: The Butterfly Murders

November 17, 2023 23:24 - 1 hour - 79.3 MB

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1979 Hong Kong wuxia film “The Butterfly Murders,” directed by Tsui Hark. The film certainly delivers on killer butterflies, but it’s also a moody gothic castle film, an action-packed showstopper and a bit of a slasher.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Invention of the Crossbow, Part 2

November 16, 2023 22:02 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MB

In this invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Rob and Joe discuss the origins and ingenuity of the crossbow.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smart Talks with IBM: Generative AI: Its Rise and Potential for Society

November 15, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 48.6 MB

In order to stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace, businesses need to adapt to the potential of generative AI. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage at iHeartMedia’s studio by Dr. Darío Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at IBM. They chat about the evolution of AI, give examples of practical uses, and discuss how businesses can create value through cutting edge technology.  Watch the live conversation here: htt...

The Invention of the Crossbow, Part 1

November 14, 2023 22:51 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

In this invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Rob and Joe discuss the origins and ingenuity of the crossbow.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Now Available in Candle Format

November 13, 2023 15:50 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MB

Once 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: Play the Record Backwards, Part 1

November 11, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MB

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert is joined by Rusty Needle’s Record Club host Seth Nicholas Johnson for a discussion of various means of secreting information into audio, from backmasking and locked grooves to examples from the digital age of music. (originally published 11/29/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weirdhouse Cinema: Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy

November 10, 2023 20:59 - 1 hour - 72.1 MB

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the absurd sci-fi fantasy film “Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy,” a 1981 Yugoslav-Czech co-production full of intergalactic aliens and surreal monstrosities.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Headless Men, Part 2

November 09, 2023 18:39 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss headless beings in myth, legend and the bestiaries of antiquity. What is it about a headless being that captivates us so and why were such beings once thought to exist?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monstrefact Omnibus: Monsters of Marvel Comics

November 08, 2023 21:20 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

In this special omnibus episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, enjoy the first five episodes concerning monsters from the Marvel Comics universe: Marvel mummies, Mystique, the Symbiotes, the Thing and Ulvar the Giant.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Headless Men, Part 1

November 07, 2023 12:26 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss headless beings in myth, legend and the bestiaries of antiquity. What is it about a headless being that captivates us so and why were such beings once thought to exist?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Cats, Dogs and Stoneground

November 06, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

Once 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 Gimbal

November 04, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MB

In this classic invention-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the ancient origins of the gimbal, its connections to Chinese incense censers and its role in technological innovation. (originally published 09/27/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests

Mary Roach
4 Episodes
Carl Zimmer
3 Episodes
Marah Hardt
3 Episodes
Mark Mandica
3 Episodes
David Grinspoon
2 Episodes
Dietrich Stout
2 Episodes
Diva Amon
2 Episodes
Malcolm Gladwell
2 Episodes
Neil deGrasse Tyson
2 Episodes
Brian Greene
1 Episode
Carl Sagan
1 Episode
Colt Cabana
1 Episode
H.P. Lovecraft
1 Episode
Jeff Hoffman
1 Episode
R. Scott Bakker
1 Episode
Steven Johnson
1 Episode
William Beebe
1 Episode

Books

The Periodic Table
1 Episode