Stuff To Blow Your Mind
Episodes
Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 2
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they ...
Ancient Pacific Navigation, Part 1
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The original discoverers of the Polynesian Islands traversed a vast ocean, bringing civilization to islands untouched by human activity. How did they ...
The Artifact: The Sugar Light
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In 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...
Listener Mail: Hurdy Gurdy Man
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: The Invention of Fireworks
03 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fireworks are a staple of celebrations around the world, but where does this invention come from and what’s the basic chemistry of their combustion?...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Devil's Express
02 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An 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...
The Plague of Mucus
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 “...
The Artifact: The Shining Pyramid
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 ht...
A Chat About Sea Turtles with Christine Figgener
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss sea turtle mysteries, biology, research and conservation with sea turtle researcher...
Listener Mail: Veteran of the Psychic Wars
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: The Tide of Gold
26 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Gold 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...
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Doctor X
25 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the medical academy where EVERYONE is a suspect in the cannibalistic “Moon Killer” slayings. Yes, from the director of “Casablanca”...
From the Vault: The Interior World
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most 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? ...
The Artifact Revisited: Stone Mushroom Clouds
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe talks about mind-boggling prehistoric mineral formations. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://...
From the Vault: How does travel engage the senses?
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Travel 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 epis...
Please Stand By
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Robert and Joe jump in a for a short update on this week's programing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee om...
From the Vault: Kimchi
19 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What 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...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Deathmoon
18 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When 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? Ye...
Where do numbers come from?
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join 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-ch...
The Artifact Revisited: The Psychedelic Blindfold
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe talks about a 2004 study of blindfolding and visual hallucinations. Learn more about your ad-choices a...
The Origins of Numeracy
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What 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 ...
Listener Mail: Fume Cupboard
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: Cancer and Evolution with Kat Arney
12 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 Scien...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Metalstorm
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’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: ...
Musical Frisson with Seth of Record Store Society
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe is joined by producer and host of the Record Store Society podcast Seth Nicholas Johnson to talk about...
Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Couch vs. cubicle: is the future of work hybrid?
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Remote working has kept many businesses afloat over the last year, but has it kept employees productive, enthusiastic, and inspired? In this special e...
The Moonless Skies of Mercury and Venus
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Moons are a popular accessory for the outer planets in our solar system, but Mercury and Venus are suspiciously unadorned. In this episode of Stuff to...
Listener Mail: Cat Comfort
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: Ant Wars, Episode 3
05 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies...
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Without Warning
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss "Without Warning," a perfectly serviceable sci-fi horror film directed by Greydon Cl...
From the Vault: Ant Wars, Episode 2
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies...
Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell: Can AI be empathetic? Reinventing client experiences
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In a time that’s been challenging for everyone, perhaps no other industry has been hit harder than healthcare. Anthem, one of America’s leading he...
From the Vault: Ant Wars, Episode 1
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The war has raged for at least 100 million years. Armored warriors boil up out of the ground and surge across the battlefield. Mandibles clash. Bodies...
Summer Vacation!
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stuff to Blow Your Mind is off for the week, but Robert and Joe take a few minutes to discuss the classic episodes that will be showcased in the feed....
From the Vault: Into the Egg Chamber
29 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Eggs are amazing and some of the varieties we find in nature are wonderfully weird, riveling or exceeding anything you’d ever find on a fictional de...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Hanuman vs. 7 Ultraman
28 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider the 1974 Thai co-production "Hanuman vs. & Ultraman," in which the hindu god Hanuman te...
Aniconism, Images and the Divine: Part 2
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Examples of aniconism -- the avoidance of images or idols -- can be found across multiple religions But what does it DO? What does it mean to employ r...
The Artifact: The Theropod Gap
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe looks at an intriguing question about missing carnivorous dinosaurs. Learn more about your ad-choices ...
Aniconism, Images and the Divine: Part 1
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Examples of aniconism -- the avoidance of images or idols -- can be found across multiple religions But what does it DO? What does it mean to employ r...
Listener Mail: Sole Survivor
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: Subterrenes
22 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The notion of a subterrene, or underground drilling vehicle, is well established within the realm of science fiction, but what are the real-world poss...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Trancers II
21 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s sequel time once more on Weirdhouse Cinema! Join Rob and Joe as they jump right into Charles Band’s 1991 sequel to Trancers, starring Tim Tho...
Comfort in the Box: Human Edition
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why do cats like to sit in boxes? Why did humans use box-beds and are enclosed wooden beds really making a comeback? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind t...
The Artifact: Edible Currencies
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses money you can eat or drink... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodca...
Comfort in the Box: Cat Edition
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why do cats like to sit in boxes? Why did humans use box-beds and are enclosed wooden beds really making a comeback? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind t...
Listener Mail: Princes of the Universe
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: Invention of the Book, Part 2
15 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe exp...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Shock Waves
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe complete their trilogy of 70s Florida Movies with 1977’s “Shock Waves,” featuring Peter Cushin...
Reconsider the Bean, Part 2
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What are beans? Do they contain the souls of the dead? Can they be used to drive demons from the household? How important are they in the human diet? ...
The Artifact: The Toad Vomit Miracle
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe discusses amphibian vomit as failed technology and natural wonder. Learn more about your ad-choices at...
Reconsider the Bean, Part 1
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What are beans? Do they contain the souls of the dead? Can they be used to drive demons from the household? How important are they in the human diet? ...
Listener Mail: The Quickening
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: Invention of the Book, Part 1
08 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this classic Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe exp...
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Humanoid
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In celebration of Star Wars week, this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema explores one of the many films that sought to cash in on the popularity of George ...
Star Wars Alien Necropsy, Part 2
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In celebration of May the 4th, this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind ventures into a galaxy far, far away while also considering the science and bio...
Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell – Reshaping the Future with Women in AI
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, women represent approximately 22 percent of the AI workforce. But IBM is out to change that by increasing diversity not just in hiring but thro...
Star Wars Alien Necropsy, Part 1
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In celebration of May the 4th, this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind ventures into a galaxy far, far away while also considering the science and bio...
Listener Mail: Phobos Rising
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: The Invention of Soap
01 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We’re all probably using a lot more soap these days, but… what is it exactly? How does it work? Who invented it and how has it changed the world? ...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Zaat
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This time on Weirdhouse Cinema, we consider the Florida Movie par excellence: 1971’s “Zaat,” also known as “The Blood Waters of Dr. Z.” Prep...
The Sargasso Sea
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the sargassum seaweed and the many strange and amazing organisms that call it home....
The Artifact: Pants of the Necromancer
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the so-called necro-pants... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcas...
Dissolver of Worlds
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Joe discuss the nature of the Alkahest, the universal solvent of alchemy. Learn mo...
Listener Mail: Robot Hell
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: The Bone Palace, Part 2
24 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From an imagined palace constructed out of bone to the curious ways in which animals and humans use bone for tools and construction materials, take a ...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Silent Era Double Feature
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss a pair of silent era films: the animated “Cinderella” from 1922 and “The Mechanical Ma...
Phobos and Deimos: The Moons of Mars, Part 2
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The god of war does not march into battle alone. His sons, embodying panic and terror ride beside him. The same can be said of the planet Mars and its...
The Artifact: Wiping With Homer
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Joe discusses a couple of weird textual treasures recovered from an ancient garbage dump in Egypt. Learn m...
Phobos and Deimos: The Moons of Mars, Part 1
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The god of war does not march into battle alone. His sons, embodying panic and terror ride beside him. The same can be said of the planet Mars and its...
Listener Mail: Fire of Unknown Origin
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: The Bone Palace, Part 1
17 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From an imagined palace constructed out of bone to the curious ways in which animals and humans use bone for tools and construction materials, take a ...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Frogs
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Humans can only hurt the environment so long before nature fights back -- and that’s just what happens in 1972’s “Frogs,” starring a young Sam...
Punish the Machine, Part 2
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What will we do when robots and artificial intelligences break the law? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the issue o...
The Artifact: The Pedrail Wheel
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the wheels with tiny legs on them... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihea...
Punish the Machine, Part 1
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What will we do when robots and artificial intelligences break the law? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the issue o...
Listener Mail: Rejoice in the Sun
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
From the Vault: Twilight of the Moa
10 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Moa of New Zealand were among the weirdest birds to ever live, and their history is full of evolutionary wonder, interspecies conflict, tragedy an...
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Mad Love (1935)
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss one of the great weird films of the 1930s: “Mad Love,” in which Peter Lorre gives a stel...
From the Vault: Medusa, Part 2
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We all know snake-haired Medusa, the gorgon of Greek myth whose very gaze turns mortals and titans alike to stone. But where does this iconic monster ...
The Artifact Redux: The Mirrors of Dr. Dee
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses the mirrors of English occultist Dr. Dee, including the so-called Devil’s Looking Glass....
From the Vault: Medusa, Part 1
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We all know snake-haired Medusa, the gorgon of Greek myth whose very gaze turns mortals and titans alike to stone. But where does this iconic monster ...
Spring Break!
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rob and Joe took the week off, so here are just a few quick words about what you can expect this week in the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast feed... ...
From the Vault: Rise of the Moa
03 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Moa of New Zealand were among the weirdest birds to ever live, and their history is full of evolutionary wonder, interspecies conflict, tragedy an...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Gunhed
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Weirdhouse Cinema, enter a world of Japanese cyberpunk, killer AIs, giant robot tanks and more as Rob and Joe discuss the 1989 Toho movie...
The Machine Lords of Barnard 68, Part 2
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even as humans reach out into the void with robotic probes and turn to artificial intelligence to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life, we face...
The Machine Lords of Barnard 68, Part 1
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even as humans reach out into the void with robotic probes and turn to artificial intelligence to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life, we face...
Listener Mail: Yearly Dad Joke Inundation
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
Bonus Episode: Rob and Joe on "Record Store Society"
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Presenting "Record Store Society", a new iHeartRadio show hosted by STBYM producer Seth Nicholas Johnson. In this bonus episode, Rob and Joe stop by S...
From the Vault: Invertebrate Emotions, Part 2
27 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Humans are feeling creatures, constantly awash in a sea of emotion. We struggle to understand the waters that suffuse us, but what about other denizen...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Music Videos with Seth of Record Store Society
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Robert and Joe are visited by producer and host of the Record Store Society podcast Seth Nicholas Johnso...
Jupiter the Destroyer, Part 2
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Did the planet Jupiter, like a reckless god, wreak havoc on a young solar system? Join Robert and Joe and they consider the red planet’s destructive...
Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell – Using AI to Rethink the Way Work Gets Done
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With hybrid cloud and AI, businesses today can challenge the limits of how they put their data to work across the organization. In this episode of Sma...
Jupiter the Destroyer, Part 1
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Did the planet Jupiter, like a reckless god, wreak havoc on a young solar system? Join Robert and Joe and they consider the red planet’s destructive...
Listener Mail: Spoonman
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Once 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://...
Welcome to Smart Talks with IBM and Malcolm Gladwell
21 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The world's most challenging problems need smarter solutions. Join host Malcolm Gladwell as he interviews industry leaders and innovators to discover ...
From the Vault: Invertebrate Emotions, Part 1
20 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Humans are feeling creatures, constantly awash in a sea of emotion. We struggle to understand the waters that suffuse us, but what about other denizen...
Weirdhouse Cinema: Hands of Steel
19 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s episode of Weirdhouse Cinema is 30 percent human, 70 percent robot and 100 percent lethal -- because the subject is the 1986 Italian sci...
The Dad Joke
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We all know a “dad joke” when we hear one, but what exactly qualifies as a dad joke and what does it reveal about parenthood, childhood learning a...
The Artifact: The Corleck Head
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of STBYM’s The Artifact, Robert discusses a fascinating Celtic artifact... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpo...
The Nile Inundation: Gods, Water and Life
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The annual inundation of the Nile was vital to the Ancient Egyptians, and therefore factored heavily into their mythology. Join Robert and Joe as they...