Stuff To Blow Your Mind

Into the Egg Chamber

02 Jul 2020

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...

From the Vault: Roman Extinctions

27 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Humans are capable of amazing technological and societal feats, but we’ve also brought much misery, death and destruction to our world. We are curre...

Kimchi: A Song of Salt and Cabbage

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What exactly is kimchi and what is the chemistry of its deliciousness? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore this spicy, ...

The Invention of Fireworks

23 Jun 2020

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?...

From the Vault: The Facial Feedback Hypothesis

20 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To what extent does the act of smiling generate happiness in the mind of the smiler? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discus...

Ant Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Ants

18 Jun 2020

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: The Debating AI

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Project Debater is the first AI system that can debate humans on complex topics, with a larger ambition of helping people build persuasive arguments a...

From the Vault: Brain Soup and Liquid Brains

13 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is there ever a good scientific reason to turn brains into soup? What does all of this have to do with the concept of “liquid brains?” Robert and ...

Ant Wars: Episode II - The Antmire Strikes Back

12 Jun 2020

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...

Ant Wars: Episode I - The Antom Menace

11 Jun 2020

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...

Solidarity

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A brief note from Stuff to Blow Your Mind in support of racial justice. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee o...

From the Vault: The Soap Dragon

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What monsters of fatty flesh lie slumbering in the sewer guts of our great cities? Join Robert and Joe as they venture into the dark to discover the b...

Subterrenes: Like Submarines but Underground

04 Jun 2020

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...

Smart Talks with IBM: The Impact of AI in a Pandemic

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How is AI helping organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the topic with Ritik...

From the Vault: The Great Wave

30 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For centuries, sailors have told stories of mountainous killer waves that rise out of the ocean without warning. Join Robert and Joe for a discussion ...

The Invention of the Book, Part 2

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the...

The Invention of the Book, Part 1

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Books are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, but where do they come from? In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the...

From the Vault: The Doppelganger Network

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss Doppelgangers, fairy imposters, the brain basis for the feeling of familiarity, and...

Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 5

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissa...

Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 4

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissa...

Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 3

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissa...

Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 2

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissa...

Psychedelics Playlist: The Manifested Mind, Part 1

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What are psychedelics? How have these substances influenced human minds and culture? What exactly do they invoke in the brain and how could a renaissa...

Listener Mail: Hobbits, Gorgons and More

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for another listener mail episode, this time with your thoughts on hobbits, gorgons, pointing and much more... Learn more about your ad-cho...

Smart Talks with IBM: Rethinking Supply Chains

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The supply chain is vital to life in the modern world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted this flow of goods and materials to a considerable degr...

From the Vault: Send an Owl/Raven/Pigeon!

16 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Harry Potter sends messages by owl. The characters of ‘Game of Thrones’ employ ravens. Meanwhile, real-life messenger pigeons have carried message...

Invention Playlist 4: Invented Words, Part 2

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/li...

Invention Playlist 4: Invented Words, Part 1

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Where do new words come from? Robert and Joe explore... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/li...

Invention Playlist 4: Barbed Wire

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You may very well encounter barbed wire everyday -- and, in all likelihood, you see THROUGH this flesh-ripping barrier. Where did this invention come ...

Invention Playlist 4: The Turnspit Dog

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe continue the month’s journey through human CULINARY techno-history -- this time with the story of the turnspit dog. This now-extinct ...

Invention Playlist 4: Penicillin

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A fungal accident in the early 20th century opened the door for the medical wonders of the antibiotic age. In this episode, Robert and Joe explore wha...

Invention Playlist 4: The Museum

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Where do museums come from? Explore their history in this episode... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omny...

Invention Playlist 4: Sun Glasses

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Shades didn't invent themselves. Robert and Joe explore their origins... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee ...

Invention Playlist 4: Chopsticks

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chopsticks may seem like a basic invention, but this invention has a fascinating history... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpod...

Invention Playlist 4: The Vending Machine

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It took my quarters and gave me candy, but who invented this machine? Find out... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwor...

Invention Playlist 4: Guillotine

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It cuts heads off, but who invented it? Robert and Joe explore. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudi...

Listener Mail: Moa Money, Moa Problems

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for another listener mail episode, this time with your thoughts on teleportation mishaps, the mighty moa and much more... Learn more about ...

The Mighty Sarlacc

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Few places in the Star Wars universe are regarded with as much horror as the Great Pit of Carkoon, within the Dune Sea of Tatooine. In this episode of...

From the Vault: The Sacred Mountain, Part 2

09 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why do sacred mountains exist in so many cultures and myths? To what extent could high altitude conditions contribute to the way our mind processes th...

Invention Playlist 3: Board Games, Part 2

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Board games have only grown in variety and complexity in recent decades, but just how far back in time do these curious physical simulations go? In th...

Invention Playlist 3: Board Games, Part 1

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Board games have only grown in variety and complexity in recent decades, but just how far back in time do these curious physical simulations go? In th...

Invention Playlist 3: The Atlatl Spear Thrower

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The spear is a truly ancient human technology, but this preceded one of humanity’s oldest mechanical inventions: the atlatl or spear thrower. In thi...

Invention Playlist 3: The Condom

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Condoms are an important part of human health and medicine, but where did this invention come from? Robert and Joe explore in this episode of Inventio...

Invention Playlist 3: Air Conditioning, Part 3

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Air conditioning has had a profound impact on modern life -- and in more ways than you might realize. In this trio of Invention episodes, Robert and J...

Invention Playlist 3: Air Conditioning, Part 2

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Air conditioning has had a profound impact on modern life -- and in more ways than you might realize. In this trio of Invention episodes, Robert and J...

Invention Playlist 3: Air Conditioning, Part 1

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Air conditioning has had a profound impact on modern life -- and in more ways than you might realize. In this trio of Invention episodes, Robert and J...

Invention Playlist 3: Bread/Toast/Toasters

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Who invented toast? Who then went on to invent the toaster? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe chase the origins of bread transformed throug...

Invention Playlist 3: Ketchup

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You love it. You put it on everything. But where does ketchup come from? In this episode of Invention, Robert and Joe explore the mysterious origins o...

Invention Playlist 3: Beachbum Berry on the Mai Tai

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Mai Tai isn’t only the most famous Tiki cocktail, it’s one of the most well known cocktails on the planet. But where does it come from? Who in...

Pointing, Part 2

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why is pointing such a central part of human communication? How does it relate to culture, technology and our relationship to non-human animals? In th...

Pointing, Part 1

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why is pointing such a central part of human communication? How does it relate to culture, technology and our relationship to non-human animals? In th...

From the Vault: The Sacred Mountain, Part 1

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why do sacred mountains exist in so many cultures and myths? To what extent could high altitude conditions contribute to the way our mind processes th...

Invention Playlist II: Bubble Wrap

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of bubble wrap... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudi...

Invention Playlist II: Toilets, Part 2

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the toilet... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio...

Invention Playlist II: Toilets, Part 1

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the toilet... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio...

Invention Playlist II: Braille

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of braille... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.co...

Invention Playlist II: Walls

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of walls... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/...

Invention Playlist II: The Wheel, Part 2

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the wheel... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio....

Invention Playlist II: The Wheel, Part 1

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the wheel... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio....

Invention Playlist II: Roads

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of roads... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/...

Invention Playlist II: The Saxophone

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of the saxophone... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystu...

Invention Playlist II: Toothpaste

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Robert and Joe explore the origins and impact of toothpaste... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio...

The Head of Medusa, Part 2

30 Apr 2020

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 Head of Medusa, Part 1

28 Apr 2020

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 ...

From the Vault: Flatus Ex Machina, Part 2

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it so hilarious when robots and artificial intelligence fail? What does it reveal about comedy itself and our technological anxiety? Robert Lam...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 10: Giant Spider Meal

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At least giant spiders are not trying to eat us. Right? Right? Let's close out Halftober Monsterfest with 2016's episode about what it would be like t...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 8: Demon in the Halls of Sleep

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Halftober Monsterfest is about to get even weirder. Explore the basics of incubus and succubus myths, a few international variants and the possible bi...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 9: Mindflayers

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Demogorgon wasn't enough for you? Fine. Here's our 2016 episode on Dungeons and Dragons' fantastic mindflayer monster and how it matches up with the n...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 7: Carnivorous Plants

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Halftober Monsterfest continues with Stuff to Blow Your Mind's 2016 episode about carnivorous plants in nature and myth. Learn more about your ad-cho...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 6: A Game of Werewolf

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a werewolf? You have to tell me if you're a werewolf. It's the law. Up next on the Halftober Monsterfest Playlist is the 2017 episode "A Game ...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 4: Killer's Mask

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The most recent Friday the 13th holiday was kind of a bummer, so let's play catch-up with this 2018 episode about masked killers in reality, fiction a...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 5: Cambrian Monsters

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let's go back to 2017. Heck, let's go back 500 million years to the monster-haunted waters of the Cambrian period. Halftoberfest now. Learn more abou...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 3: The Curse

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is a curse and how does the concept factor into the human experience? The playlist continues with this 2018 Halloween episode from Robert and Joe...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 1: Blood Type Drinker

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Halloween in March? It's happening. Here's our episode "I Drink Your Blood Type" from 2019. Drink up. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www...

STBYM Halftober Monsterfest Playlist, Episode 2: Demogorgon

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Haftober Monsterfest continues with Robert and Joe's 2019 discussion on the origins of Dungeons and Dragons’ ultimate demon lord, the interdimension...

Astronomical Suffering and the Terran Diaspora

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For many futurists, the long term survival of humanity depends on its ability to become a true interplanetary and even interstellar species. But what ...

The Invention of Soap

20 Apr 2020

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? ...

From the Vault: Flatus Ex Machina, Part 1

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it so hilarious when robots and artificial intelligence fail? What does it reveal about comedy itself and our technological anxiety? Robert Lam...