Vaguely Scientific
161 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsOur panelists answer audience-submitted questions that range from the serious to the ridiculous using as much science as they can muster! Hosts Jim, Derek, and a rotating panel use their expertise (or lack thereof) to tackle these questions in a manner that can only be described as "vaguely scientific."
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Episodes
Vaguely Scientific #147: A Whole Other Cannibalism
April 24, 2024 17:38 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Aly to talk about how delicious human-shaped creatures like Saiyans and elves must be. Then, we ascribe genres to our favorite animals. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Aly
Vaguely Scientific #146: All the Real Life Pokémon
April 10, 2024 07:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Dac to discuss which Pokémon could exist in the real world. Then, we flip that question on its head to talk about which animals could be Pokémon. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Dac
Vaguely Scientific #145: Indeterminately Research-Based
March 27, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Justin to answer those fun and silly April Fools-style questions. Oh, sorry. I meant to say that Mark and Jonathan are joined by Justin to answer those very serious and normal science-based questions. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Justin, Mark(?), Jonathan(?)
Vaguely Scientific #144: You'd Be a Human on Jupiter in the Clouds Dead
March 13, 2024 07:00 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBIn this episode, Jeremiah joins us for the first time(?) to discuss how a shrink ray might work. Then, we try to determine how long a dead body could float around in outer space before decomposing. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Jeremiah
Vaguely Scientific #143: Derek Has a Breakthrough
February 28, 2024 12:22 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Joel to discuss putting fun computer chips into our brains! Then, we take a deep breath and dive into a world where humans no longer had to breathe. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Joel
Vaguely Scientific #142: What's the Point of Chess, Really?
February 14, 2024 08:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Chris to discuss why we would want to program a computer to be good at chess. Then, we talk about non-carbon-based life forms and what those might look like. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Chris
Vaguely Scientific #141: Let's Not Burn Down the Internet
January 31, 2024 08:00 - 55 minutes - 24.5 MBIn this episode, Big A returns to talk about what kinds of wild things would happen if the internet were to suddenly shut down. Then, we look at artificial islands and whether or not that whole thing is worth the effort. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Big A
Vaguely Scientific #140: More Glaives in More Things
January 17, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Adam to figure out how to jam humans into carnivorous plants. Then, we look at how fictional weapons were inspired by real weapons. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Adam
Vaguely Scientific #139: A Polar Bear in Every Kitchen
January 03, 2024 08:00 - 51 minutes - 47.8 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Justin to discuss where Jörmungandr might be hiding. He's a beefy snek! Then, where's the nearest bear? It's much closer than you think! Panelists: Jim, Derek, Justin
Vaguely Scientific #138: Everybody Is Committed to Snow War
December 20, 2023 08:00 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBIn this festive episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Anne to discuss what the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future get up to when they're not bothering Scrooge. They gotta keep busy somehow. Then, could there be a real snowball war? Panelists: Jim, Derek, Anne
Vaguely Scientific #137: All Words Are Made Up and Don't Matter
December 06, 2023 08:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Sydney to discuss all the different sizes of rocks. Riveting! Then, we contemplate what flavor our teeth are. Finally, what are we thinking about and, more importantly, how are we thinking about it? Panelists: Jim, Derek, Sydney
Vaguely Scientific #136: Chicken Tastes Like Everything
November 22, 2023 19:30 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Joe to discuss why people say that everything tastes like chicken. Then, we analyze the anatomy of many sci-fi aliens. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Joe
Vaguely Scientific #135: Chucking Hammers in Lava
November 08, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Mark to discuss what superheroes might work best to avert historical disasters. Then, we try to figure out what exactly volcanologists do. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Mark
Vaguely Scientific #134: Vaguely Spooky 6 - A Bloody Craving
October 25, 2023 07:00 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Brian and Spooky Dave to talk about why vampires drink human blood and not, say, a horse's blood. Then, could a War of the Worlds-style panic happen today? Finally, we discuss our favorite Halloween costumes of days gone by. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Brian, Dave
Vaguely Scientific #133: Strong Lawn Feelings
October 11, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Adam to discuss how humans might be able to get wings and if they could use them. Then, we talk about how stupid grass lawns are. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Adam
Vaguely Scientific #132: Captain All of the Elements
September 27, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Jonathan to discuss whether there's any relation between the Pokémon Kabutops and Scyther. Then, what kinds of weird powers could we gain if we were able to manipulate the elements of the periodic table in the same way cartoon characters can manipulate earth, fire, water, and wind? Panelists: Jim, Derek, Jonathan
Vaguely Scientific #131: Calzone Earth
September 13, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Dac to try and figure out where Charmander's fire and Squirtle's water come from. Then, what would happen if Earth were to suddenly become flat? Everyone would probably die. But what else? Panelists: Jim, Derek, Dac
Vaguely Scientific #130: Vampire Entrapment Laws
August 30, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 49.6 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Justin and Aly to try to figure out what Scooby Snacks are made out of. Then, we tackle the most vital law enforcement question of our time: can a vampire cop enter your house without permission? Panelists: Jim, Derek, Aly, Justin
Vaguely Extra #12: Episode 88 Bonus Question
August 23, 2023 07:00 - 11 minutes - 11.1 MBWay back in Episode 88 (Justin: Time), we had actually planned and recorded a whole third question. However, we had so much other content from the first two questions that we had to cut it for time. So here it is in all of its glory!
Vaguely Scientific #129: Political Mosquitoes
August 16, 2023 07:00 - 56 minutes - 52.5 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Catherine to talk about viewing our dreams using fancy pants technology. Then, we exterminate all mosquitoes! But is that a very good idea? Panelists: Jim, Derek, Catherine
Vaguely Scientific #128: That Sinking Feeling
August 02, 2023 07:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Sierra to discuss building a city on the bottom of the ocean. Then, we 3D print a delicious steak dinner! Panelists: Jim, Derek, Sierra
Vaguely Scientific #127: A Whale of a Time
July 19, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 46 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Andy because we're all earthworms now, and we need to decide the best place to live. Then, we get swallowed by a whale and have to figure out how to live in its stomach. It's been an eventful day. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Andy
Vaguely Scientific #126: Think Happy Thoughts or Fall Out of the Sky
July 05, 2023 07:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Dave to discuss what Peter Pan's pixie dust does to help people fly. Then, we go out in search of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Dave
Vaguely Scientific #125: Parents Are Pathological Liars
June 21, 2023 11:24 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Joel to talk about the weird things we tell kids to answer their seemingly easy questions. Then, we try to pave the world's roads in gold and/or cheese. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Joel
Vaguely Scientific #124: The Wandering Snowball
June 07, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Joe to discuss all of the ways that the sci-fi story The Wandering Earth would end just about all life on Earth. Then, we try to suss out why people like spicy foods so much. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Joe
Vaguely Scientific #123: 123 Is as Easy as ABC
May 24, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Mark to try to determine all of the ways King Midas would have died. Then, we pare down the alphabet, making it sleeker and more efficient. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Mark
Vaguely Scientific #122: The Midpoint Between Gundam and Muppets
May 10, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutes - 50.3 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Ryan to try to figure out how a virus could make you act drunk like in some weird Star Trek thing or whatever. Then, we ponder whether or not Tony Stark is a mech pilot and if Iron Man is a mech. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Ryan
Vaguely Extra #11: Lucky 7 Outtakes
May 03, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 45.9 MBHey, did you ever want to hear outtakes from episodes 79-91? Well good news! Now you can! Because this episode is the outtakes from episodes 79-91.
Vaguely Scientific #121: Too Tired to Discuss It Properly
April 26, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBIn this episode, Anne joins us to theorize whether or not there was an industrial civilization on Earth before us. Then, we tiredly discuss why we always try to discuss complex topics when we're tired. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Anne
Vaguely Scientific #120: The Various Sogginess of Your Human Body
April 12, 2023 07:00 - 56 minutes - 52.4 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Aly to discuss whether or not humans can feel wetness. Senses are weird. Then, we try to bring extinct animals back to life! There's ethics, probably. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Aly
Vaguely Scientific #119: 'Ere, 'Ese Are Some Goats
March 29, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBIn this April Fools episode, Jim(?) and Derek(?) are joined by Justin and Jeremiah to play Science Fact or Fiction, answer inane questions that are mostly just song lyrics, and skim through the best blog spam of the year! Panelists: Jim, Dere, Justin, Jeremiah
Vaguely Scientific #118: Ground Beef
March 15, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Brian to try to calculate how many hit points the Earth has. Then, we try to figure out why Naruto and his friends run so weird. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Brian
Vaguely Scientific #117: Portable Wormholes
March 01, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Joel to discuss how the Doctor's regeneration might work in a biological sense, and whether or not it would change their personality. Then, we dive into the Bag of Holding from D&D and try to figure that whole thing out. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Joel
Vaguely Scientific #116: Pizza Teeth
February 15, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46.9 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Jonathan to get really critical about the Ninja Turtles' diet of pizza and soda. Then, we think about whether or not any specific Scooby Doo gags are physically possible. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Jonathan
Vaguely Scientific #115: Noodle's Nuclear Bomb
February 01, 2023 08:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Chris to discuss what exactly Metroids from the Metroid series are draining out of their victim. Then, we try to build a hydrogen bomb in Dungeons & Dragons. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Chris
Vaguely Extra #10: Episode 114 Companion
January 25, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19.6 MBWe had to cut a lot of content from episode 114 because of time. So here's some of the best bits of Derek, Justin, and Jim talking about actual mythology, psychopomps, and culture!
Vaguely Scientific #114: DIY Deities
January 18, 2023 08:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Justin to invent new modern deities that take control over our modern world. Then, we look at the Museum Go Round in Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and try to figure out how people aren't violently thrown against the walls inside. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Justin
Vaguely Scientific #113: Jim Can Finally Talk to Someone About Nadesico
January 04, 2023 08:00 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Mark to discuss whether or not the colors that we see are the same as the colors that other people see. Whoa. Then, we try to figure out wether we'd get along with ourselves if we met ourselves. Whoa again. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Mark
Vaguely Scientific #112: Santa's Flaming Zeppelin
December 21, 2022 12:19 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Big A to discuss how many birds (and other odd things) would be required to pull Santa's sleigh. Then, we explore decorating our tree in scientific, unorthodox ways. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Big A
Vaguely Scientific #111: The Joker's Plant Hair
December 07, 2022 08:00 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Jeremaiah to discuss how we could grow plants (such as watermelon) in our stomachs. Because that's a perfectly reasonable thing for someone to want to do. Then, we try to figure out what kinds of chemicals could turn your hair green and skin white like the Joker's. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Jeremaiah
Vaguely Scientific #110: Don't Think About It Too Hard
November 23, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Marcus to discuss how things that we accept as normal get really really weird if you think about them for too long. Then, we get stranded on an alien planet and have to choose a select few objects to keep ourselves alive and/or occupied until we're either saved or dead. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Marcus
Vaguely Scientific #109: Shocking Electrical Teamups
November 09, 2022 08:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Joe to discuss how we could use static electricity for industrious purposes. Also, we try to figure out how to force fictional characters to power our modern conveniences. Then, we look at whether or not a flying saucer would actually make a good vehicle. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Joe
Vaguely Scientific #108: Vaguely Spooky 5 - Every Monster All at Once
October 26, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBIn this frightening, and honestly a little greusome episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Spooky Dave and Sierra to try and figure out why people are so obsessed with serial killers. Then, we debate how many monsters you can be at once. Yes, you personally. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Dave, Sierra
Vaguely Scientific #107: Fossilized Human Garbage
October 12, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Anne to discuss how we might be able to tell how old a time traveler was. This includes their chronological age and how far removed they were from their starting point! Then, we try to figure out what remnants of human civilization might be discovered by future archaeologists after we've kicked the bucket. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Anne
Vaguely Scientific #106: Akira vs. Inspector Gadget
September 28, 2022 07:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Dac to discuss whether or not it'd be better to mechanically or genetically agument oneself for various reasons. None of them are probably nefarious. Then, we discuss alternate methods that Link could have used to stop the moon from falling in Majora's Mask. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Dac
Vaguely Scientific #105: Time Travel Isn't Worth the Effort
September 14, 2022 11:35 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Joel to discuss what human society might look like following an apocalypse. Then, we try to determine what the most likely "theory" of time travel might be. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Joel
Vaguely Scientific #104: St. Gnome Regional Hospital
August 31, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Justin and Aly to discuss how a cryptid hospital might be run. Then, we look at the age-old question: are birds dinosaurs? Finally, we keep the dinosaur train running by debating the largest dinosaur that a grizzly bear could defeat in combat. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Aly, Justin
Vaguely Extra #9: This Is Our Sixth Outtakes!?
August 25, 2022 16:00 - 55 minutes - 24.9 MBWe're about to wrap up our fourth year, so before we hit that season finale, let's look back to the end of our third year! These outtakes are from the summer of 2021, so they'll dredge up all those great memories.
Vaguely Scientific #103: Electronic vs. Paper Book Deathmatch
August 17, 2022 07:00 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Kelly to discuss the most obvious examples of the Dunning Kruger Effect in fiction. Then, we ask the age old question: are ebooks better than paper books? Panelists: Jim, Derek, Kelly
Vaguely Scientific #102: Batichlorians
August 03, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBIn this episode, Jim and Derek are joined by Ryan to make the internet angry once again. In our first question, we discuss how Batman could defeat Darth Vader and the Hulk. Then, we try to figure out how to cook up some actual factual Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Panelists: Jim, Derek, Ryan