Profoundly Pointless - podcast cover

Profoundly Pointless

Explore Something New. Interviews on Science, Sex, Society and Sports. From CERN Particle Physicists and Professional Casino Cheats to Erotic Hypnotists and Olympic Athletes, every week we sit down with a guest from a different walk of life. The story is never the same but the goal always is, to learn something new. Named Best Interview Podcast in 2023, nominated in 2021 and 2022.
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Episodes

Pandemic Historian Dr. Graham Mooney

From the Black Death and Cholera, to Influenza and the Coronavirus, throughout history pandemics have killed millions. Pandemic Historian Dr. Graham Mooney joins us to explain what happened, why it happened and what we can learn. Then, John Shull learns a difficult lesson about the human body. And we unveil a new Top 5.Dr. Graham Mooney: 02:03John Shull: 30:35Top 5: 43:58Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookDr. Graham Mooney TwitterDr. Graham Mooney John Hopkins University Learn more about y...

Mar 18, 202059 min

Adventure Travel Expert Justin Walter

From diving with Great White Sharks in Africa, to crawling through the canyons of Zion National Park, we're exploring the world in this episode of Profoundly Pointless. Adventure Travel Expert Justin Walter joins us. We talk the travel destinations you have to see, popular places you should skip and finding the courage to take that first step out the door. Then, John Shull takes on the Coronavirus. And we countdown the Top 5 Things to do if you're Quarantined. Please leave a review if you like t...

Mar 11, 20201 hr

Psychedelic Drug Researcher Dr. Michele Ross

Magic Mushrooms, Marijuana, Ecstasy, Ayahuasca and DMT. We're going on a psychedelic journey in this episode. Psychedelic Drug Researcher Dr. Michele Ross joins us. We talk psychedelic medicine, what happens to your brain and the push for legalization. Then, John Shull ruins an opportunity. And we countdown the Top 5 Socially Acceptable Drugs. Please leave a review if you like the show.Dr. Michele Ross: 02:11 John Shull: 36:34Top 5: 47:58Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookDr. Michele Ross ...

Mar 04, 20201 hr 3 min

Hypnotherapist Chanee Rhee

We're exploring the subconscious mind in this episode of Profoundly Pointless. Hypnotherapist Chanee Rhee joins us. We talk hypnosis, childhood memories and knowing yourself. Then, John Shull traumatizes everyone around him. And we countdown the Top 5 Things You'd Want on a Deserted Island. Please leave a review if you like the showChanee Rhee: 02:25John Shull: 30:11Deserted Island: 41:27Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookChanee Rhee Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...

Feb 26, 20201 hr

Champion Dirt Bike Racer Taylor Heiman

From 90 mph sprints across open desert, to flying over 80 foot jumps, Champion Dirt Bike Racer Taylor Heiman has done it all, and won. We talk off-road racing, Motorcross and inspiring others to ride. Then, John Shull tries to get people to care about his bad day. And we countdown the Top 5 Things You Notice About People.Taylor Heiman: 01:28John Shull: 30:28Top 5: 39:04Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookTaylor Heiman Instagram Taylor Heiman Facebook 362 Media Learn more about your ad choic...

Feb 19, 202058 min

Steve Butcher Tattoo Artist

His tattoos are so realistic, they almost look like they can't be real. Renowned Tattoo Artist Steve Butcher joins us. We talk tattoo techniques, inking NBA players and how Kobe Bryant inspired him to chase his dreams. Then, John Shull spends Valentine's day getting rejected. And we countdown the Top 5 Worst Places to Get Nature's Call. Steve Butcher: 01:56 John Shull: 26:23 Top 5 Worst Bathrooms: 41:36 Contact the Show Instagram Twitter Facebook Steve Butcher's Instagram Steve Butcher's Website...

Feb 12, 202053 min

Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Steffanie Strathdee

As an Epidemiologist, Dr. Steffanie Strathdee studies the world's deadliest diseases. From the Wuhan Coronavirus and HIV, to Measles and Supebugs, we talk the microscopic dangers that could impact us all. Plus, the forgotten treatment that saved her husband's life. Then John Shull eavesdrops on people's conversations. And we countdown the Top 5 Breakfast Foods.Dr. Strathdee: 01:22John Shull: 30:38Top Breakfast Foods: 44:44Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookhttps://twitter.com/chngin_the_wr...

Feb 05, 202055 min

Freerunning with Dominic Di Tommaso

Awe-inspiring jumps and epic crashes, this is the life of World-renowned Freerunner and Actor Dominic Di Tommaso. We talk freerunning techniques, avoiding injuries and the greatness of Michael Buble. Then, John Shull does something no adult should. And we countdown the Top 5 Worst Kinds of Facial Hair.Dominic Di Tommaso:01:42John Shull: 37:56Worst Facial Hair: 52:30Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookDominic Di Tommaso InstagramDominic Di Tommaso YouTube Channel Learn more about your ad cho...

Jan 29, 20201 hr 3 min

Las Vegas Sports Handicapper Dave Cokin

With the Super Bowl fast approaching we're taking a look at the gambling odds. Las Vegas Sports Handicapper Dave Cokin joins us. We talk the life of a professional gambler, the future of sports betting and the the best way to beat the odds. Then, John Shull gets carried away on social media. And we countdown the Top 5 Things We Like But Are Embarrassed to Admit. Please leave a review if you like the show.Dave Cokin: 02:05John Shull: 30:14Top 5: Embarrassing Things We Like: 41:56Contact the ShowI...

Jan 22, 202055 min

Professional Juggler Taylor Tries

What started as a struggle with depression has turned into a massive online community. Taylor Glenn of Taylor Tries joins us. We explore the life of a professional juggler and how trying something new helped her get out of bed. Then, John Shull gets suckered into a new car. And we countdown the Top 5 Times of the Day. Taylor Glenn: 01:45John Shull: 32:37Top 5 Times of the Day: 42:11Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookTaylor Tries InstagramTaylor Tries YouTubeTaylor Tries Podcast Learn more ...

Jan 15, 202054 min

Forensic Pathologist Dr. Judy Melinek

Death investigations. Unusual autopsies. Medical mysteries. Forensic pathologist Dr. Judy Melinek takes us inside the life of a medical examiner. We talk crime scene investigations, working in the morgue after 9/11 and her new book, First Cut. Then, John Shull settles the Pizza Rolls vs. Hot Pockets debate. And we count down the Top 5 Ways We Don't Want to Die.Dr. Judy Melinek: 2:14John Shull: 39:03Top 5: 51:06Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookDr. Melinek TwitterDr. Melinek Facebook Worki...

Jan 08, 20201 hr 5 min

Futurists Ryan O'Shea and Brian David Johnson

It's a new decade and we are looking into the future. Futurists Ryan O'Shea and Brian David Johnson join us. We talk biotechnology, robots taking over the world and the new technology that could change society. Then, John Shull does partner yoga. And we countdown the Top 5 Failed New Year's Resolutions. Futurists Ryan O'Shea and Brian David Johnson: 01:35John Shull: 22:40Top 5 Failed Resolutions: 35.36Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebook Ryan O'Shea TwitterRyan O'Shea InstagramRyan O'Shea F...

Jan 01, 202051 min

Profoundly Pointless Holiday Special

We're doing something special for the holidays in this episode of Profoundly Pointless. The best presents, ignoring your family and the Top 5 Things of 2019.Contact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 25, 201927 min

Comic Book Writer Steve Orlando

Batman. Wonder Woman. Martian Manhunter. Steve Orlando is the creative force behind some of comic’s most beloved characters. In an in-depth interview, we explore what it takes to be a comic book writer, the secret to good storytelling and what’s next for Wonder Woman. Then, John Shull considers getting a male tramp stamp. And we discuss the Top 5 Comic Book Villains.Steve Orlando: 01:55John Shull: 46:51Top 5 Villains: 01:02:05Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagram Tw...

Dec 18, 20191 hr 13 min

Ballerina Petra Conti

On stage it's beauty and grace, behind the scenes it's endless hard work and physical pain. In this episode we explore the life of a professional ballerina. Principal Dancer Petra Conti joins us. We talk growing up in the ballet, the joys of performance and dancing her last dance. Then, John Shull ruins Thanksgiving. And we discuss the Top 5 Dance Songs.Petra Conti: 02:13John Shull: 31:28Top 5: 45:01Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookPetra Conti In...

Dec 04, 201959 min

Professional Switch Kristyna Dark

We’re exploring a unique side of the sex industry in this episode. Professional Submissive / Switch Kristyna Dark joins us. We talk private submissive sessions, sensual tickling and death fantasies. Then, John Shull gets confused about how Pop Tarts work. And we discuss the Top 5 Foods That Are Better Cold.Kristyna Dark: 01: 42John Shull: 26:42Top 5: 40:23Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagram TwitterFacebookKristyna Dark Twitter Fetlife: Kristyna dark Darkfetish net...

Nov 27, 201955 min

Wine Expert Sarah Tracey

There’s Sommeliers. And then there’s SommelYays! Sarah Tracey has spent the last decade traveling the world on a quest for the best wine. We talk building your pallet, finding the best value and why wine is a box is coming back. Then, John Shull travels forward in time. And we breakdown the Top 5 Things You Don’t Want to Tell Your Parents. Sarah Tracey: 01:36John Shull: 37:52Top 5: 49:40Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagramFacebookSarah Tracey InstagramThe Lush Life...

Nov 20, 20191 hr

Titou the Magician

How did you do that? Every day he gets asked that question and now he's here to share. Professional Magician Titou joins us. We talk magical secrets, the shady world of stealing tricks and his work on Masters of Illusion. Then, John Shull gets weird with one of his neighbors. And we discuss the Top 5 Kinds of Hard Liquor.Titou: 01:41John Shull: 21:16Top 5 Liquors: 41:52Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagramFacebookTitou's WebsiteTitou Instagram Learn more about your ...

Nov 13, 201951 min

Heavy Metal Drummer Gene Hoglan

What started with a kid air drumming around the house, turned into more than 50 Heavy Metal albums. Legendary drummer Gene Hoglan joins us. We talk Thrash Metal drumming, Rock 'n' Roll stories and following your dream. Then, John Shull tells a story about shark attacks. And we discuss the Top 5 Pieces of Winter Clothing.Gene Hoglan: 02:16John Shull: 39:32Top 5 Winter Clothing Items: 56:26Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagramFacebookGene Hoglan TwitterHoglan Industri...

Nov 06, 20191 hr 8 min

Casting Director Marci Liroff

Mean Girls, Footloose, E.T., she's been a driving force behind some of Hollywood's biggest hits. Casting Director Marci Liroff joins us. The stories behind your favorite movies, what makes a good actor and bringing diversity to movies. Then, John Shull gets mad about splashing people in the pool. And we discuss the Top 5 Months of the Year. Marci Liroff: 01:15John Shull: 28:16Top 5 Months: 46:06Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagramFacebookMarci Liroff Twitter Marci ...

Oct 30, 201956 min

Exorcist Bryan Ouellette

After hundreds of exorcisms he's here to tell his story. Exorcist Bishop Bryan Ouellette joins us. We talk demonic possession, curses and what really happens during an exorcism. Then, John Shull asks an important question about water slides. And we discuss the Top 5 Scary Things in Life.Bryan D Ouellette: 01:27John Shull: 45:17Top 5 Scary Things: 53:54Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagramFacebookBryan Ouellette TwitterChurch Website Learn more about your ad choices....

Oct 23, 20191 hr 10 min

Nuclear Weapons and War with Hans Kristensen

They're the most dangerous weapons on Earth. And with tensions rising, one push of a button could change the world. Hans Kristensen, the Director of The Nuclear Information Project, joins us. We talk nuclear stockpiles, what could send missiles flying and accidents that almost led to annihilation. Then, John Shull learns about what ghosts eat. And we discuss the Top 5 Halloween Movies of All Time.Hans Kristensen: 02:35John Shull: 37:00 Top 5 Halloween Movies: 51:35Please leave a review if you li...

Oct 16, 20191 hr 3 min

The World's Most Haunted Places with Jeff Belanger

He's traveled the world on a quest for the best ghost stories. Author and Ghost Hunter Jeff Belanger joins us. We talk the world's scariest places, the stories behind some famous ghosts and his work on the Ghost Adventures TV show. Then, John Shull defends his newfound soccer snobbery. And we discuss the Top 5 Fictional Ghosts.Jeff Belanger: 01:47John Shull: 42:06Top 5 Fictional Ghosts: 57:01Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagramFacebookTwitterJeff Belanger Instagram...

Oct 09, 20191 hr 8 min

eSports and Video Games with James Chen

If you're a video game fan you know his voice. eSports Commentator James Chen joins us for this episode of Profoundly Pointless. We talk the future of fighting games, finding the courage to pursue your passion and the best video games and video game characters of all time. Then, John Shull explains the hazards of forearm sweat. And we discuss the Top 5 Days of the Week. James Chen: 02:28John Shull: 43:32Top 5: 01:00:44Please leave a review if you like the showContact the ShowInstagramFacebookTwi...

Oct 02, 20191 hr 9 min

Celebrity Makeup Artist Misti Taylor and Dinosaur Hunter Levi Shinkle

With beauty secrets and dinosaur discoveries we've got something for everyone in this episode. Celebrity Makeup Artist Misti Taylor joins us. We talk working in Hollywood, makeup tips and the secrets that can't leave set. Dinosaur Hunter Levi Shinkle is back with something special. The new dinosaur that could help unlock the secret of flight. Finally, John Shull explains why he stopped going to the doctor. And we discuss the Top 5 Things You Hate to Do but Still Have To.Misti Taylor: 2:00Levi Sh...

Sep 25, 20191 hr 7 min

Disaster Researcher and Science Fiction Consultant Mika McKinnon

When bad things happen, she helps people not die. Disaster Researcher Mika McKinnon joins us for this episode. We talk the hidden dangers of big disasters, her work with the SETI Institute, helping Hollywood stay realistic and the simple things you can do to stay safe in an emergency. Then, John Shull wastes his time researching tomatoes. And we discuss the Top 5 Cereals. InstagramFacebookTwitterMika McKinnon TwitterMike McKinnon Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

Sep 18, 20191 hr 12 min

Professional CrossFit Athlete Patrick Vellner

He's one of the fittest people on Earth. And he's on a quest to be THE fittest. Professional CrossFit Athlete Patrick Vellner joins us. We talk training techniques, nutritional advice, finding the motivation to really push yourself and the best time to take your shirt off. Then, John Shull explains why he keeps his shirt tucked in. And we look at the Top 5 NFL Mascots.Patrick Vellner: 01:47John Shull: 36:21Top 5 NFL Mascots: 57:24InstagramFacebookTwitterPatrick Vellner InstagramPatrick Vellner T...

Sep 11, 20191 hr 8 min

Artificial Intelligence Researcher Melanie Mitchell

It's the technology of the future. But is that a good thing? Artificial Intelligence researcher Melanie Mitchell joins us. We talk the next big AI breakthrough, if we should trust computers and what some companies and government agencies are doing with AI that could be a big concern. Then, John Shull explores the complexity of a beaver dam. And we discuss the Top 5 Animals We'd Like to be Turned IntoMelanie Mitchell: 02:21John Shull: 30:02Top 5 Animal Transformations: 51:28InstagramFacebookTwitt...

Sep 04, 20191 hr 5 min

Fighter Pilot Major John "Rain" Waters

He always dreamed of being a pilot. But when the Twin Towers fell, he knew he had to do more. Major John "Rain" Waters joins us in this episode of Profoundly Pointless. What flying an F-16 is really like, what he learned in 53 combat missions and what's really behind those cool sounding call signs. Then, John Shull unveils the best way to shop for pants. And we discuss the Top 5 Things You Shouldn't Say in a Text.Major John Waters: 01:55John Shull: 37:10Top 5 Inappropriate Texts: 58:01InstagramF...

Aug 28, 20191 hr 12 min

Sex Coach Sara Tang

From Tantric to BDSM and more, she spent years learning from sex educators all over the world. Now Sara Tang is here to help improve your sex life. The best positions, how to please your partner and the sex organ most people overlook. Then, John Shull learns about back alley dice games. And we discuss the Top 5 Movie Franchises.Sara Tang: 02:26John Shull: 42:39Top 5 Movie Franchises: 01:03:30InstagramFacebookTwitterSara Tan Instagram Sara Tang's WebsiteSara Tang FacebookBetter in Bed Podcast Lea...

Aug 21, 20191 hr 15 min
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