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Stuff To Blow Your Mind

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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.

Episodes

Weirdhouse Cinema: Beyond the Mind’s Eye

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe explore the mind-bending, non-narrative CGI acid trip that is 1992’s “Beyond the Mind’s Eye,” directed by Michael Boydstun and featuring the music of Jan Hammer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 08, 20241 hr 11 min

From the Vault: The Eltanin Antenna

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow your Mind, Rob and Joe discuss the alleged Eltanin Antenna and the natural-world explanation for the image. What does this case and others like it reveal about our craving for extraordinary explanations of perplexing evidence? (originally published 08/10/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 07, 20241 hr 10 min

Odds and Evens, Part 1

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of odd and even numbers. How does it factor into our psychology, our art and our culture? Find out… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 05, 202454 min

Animalia Stupendium: Portuguese Man o’ War

Bored with dragons, the wizard Argomandanies turns his arcane attention to the fantastic fauna of the natural world. Welcome to Animalia Stupendium, a chronicle of Earth’s amazing biodiversity with all the enthusiasm of a fantasy monster book. In this episode, the wizard will discuss the Portuguese Man o’ War! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 04, 20249 min

From the Vault: The Matter of Everything, with Suzie Sheehy

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with physicist Suzie Sheehy, author of "The Matter of Everything: How Curiosity, Physics, and Improbable Experiments Changed the World." (originally published 08/08/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 03, 20241 hr 16 min

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Keepers

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the world of Russian cinema and also to… Middle Earth? Yes, let’s bask in the glory of “Khraniteli” AKA “The Keepers” AKA that 1991 Leningrad Television adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring.” (originally published 8/13/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 02, 20241 hr 7 min

From the Vault: The Colossus of Rhodes, with Michael Denis Higgins

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Michael Denis Higgins, Professor Emeritus of Earth Science at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi and author of the new book “The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: Science, Engineering and Technology.” What was the Colossus of Rhodes, why did it impress the ancient Hellenistic world and how might we recreate it in the modern world? (Originally published 07/27/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 31, 202439 min

Weirdhouse Cinema: Legend

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Ridley Scott’s dark fairy tale “Legend,” starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara and Tim Curry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 30, 20242 hr 32 min

Smart Talks with IBM: How open source can democratize AI

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, open-source models can further accelerate the pace of progress and help expand access to all. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell sits down with Mo Duffy, Software Engineering Manager at Red Hat. They discuss InstructLab and the benefits of open-source technology, such as flexible deployment and the ability to enhance transparency, as well as the power of partnerships and collaboration. Mo explains how a community-based approach is essent...

Aug 28, 202440 min

Ancient Oars on the Wine-Dark Sea, Part 3

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the mysteries and marvels of oar-powered galleys and warships in the ancient Mediterranean world. How many oars did they depend on? How many rowers and how many levels of rowers? And what are we to make of Ptolemy IV Philopator’s 40-oar Tessarakonteres? Find out… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 27, 202446 min

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Phase IV

What happens when a solar conjunction allows all ant species to unite against their enemies? Find out as Rob and Joe discuss the delightfully weird 1974 film “Phase IV.” (originally published 01/28/2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 26, 20241 hr 22 min

From the Vault: Oil and Troubled Water, Part 2

The interaction between oil and water has fascinated us since ancient times, and it has factored into practices as diverse as divination rituals and attempts to calm turbulent waters at sea with storm oil. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the effect of oil on troubled waters. (Originally published 08/03/2023, Part 2 of 2) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 24, 202446 min

Weirdhouse Cinema: The Warriors

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe take a street gang odyssey across New York City with 1979’s “The Warriors.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 23, 20242 hr 30 min

Ancient Oars on the Wine-Dark Sea, Part 2

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the mysteries and marvels of oar-powered galleys and warships in the ancient Mediterranean world. How many oars did they depend on? How many rowers and how many levels of rowers? And what are we to make of Ptolemy IV Philopator’s 40-oar Tessarakonteres? Find out… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 22, 202451 min

Alien: Romulus, a Monstrefact Mini-Review

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert shares his thoughts on the latest film in the “Alien” Franchise. This episode contains spoilers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 21, 202410 min

Ancient Oars on the Wine-Dark Sea, Part 1

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the mysteries and marvels of oar-powered galleys and warships in the ancient Mediterranean world. How many oars did they depend on? How many rowers and how many levels of rowers? And what are we to make of Ptolemy IV Philopator’s 40-oar Tessarakonteres? Find out… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 20, 202441 min

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Split Second

In this Weirdhouse Cinema classic, Rob and Joe watch on as world’s grumpiest detective Rutger Hauer investigates a series of monstrous murders in the climate change-ravaged future of 2008. It features Kim Cattrall, a great monster, flooded tunnels and a fun cast of character actors. (originally published 3/5/2021) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 19, 20241 hr 19 min

From the Vault: Oil and Troubled Water, Part 1

The interaction between oil and water has fascinated us since ancient times, and it has factored into practices as diverse as divination rituals and attempts to calm turbulent waters at sea with storm oil. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the effect of oil on troubled waters. (Originally published 07/20/2023, Part 1 of 2) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 17, 202444 min

Weirdhouse Cinema: Mortal Kombat (1995), Part 2

In this Weirdhouse Cinema two-parter, Rob and Joe enter the arena to discuss the 1995 video game adaptation “Mortal Kombat,” directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and featuring show favorite Christopher Lambert as Lord Rayden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 16, 20241 hr 26 min

Blood Squirting From the Lizard’s Eye, Part 2

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the curious biology of North America’s horned lizard – especially their ability to squirt blood from their eyes – as well as some culture and history surrounding their existence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 15, 202448 min

Smart Talks with IBM: An AI advantage for the US Open

As AI technology progresses, its impact on our daily lives—including how we consume our favorite sports— will grow alongside it. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM , Jacob Goldstein, host of Pushkin’s own What’s Your Problem? , sat down with Brian Ryerson, Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the US Tennis Association. They discuss the impact of data on the fan experience, the role that storytelling plays in sports, and how AI has unlocked innovative features, such as AI Commentary and Ma...

Aug 14, 202434 min

Blood Squirting From the Lizard’s Eye, Part 1

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the curious biology of North America’s horned lizard – especially their ability to squirt blood from their eyes – as well as some culture and history surrounding their existence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 13, 202443 min

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: This Night I'll Possess Your Corpse

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into the weird, wild world of Coffin Joe with the 1967 Brazilian horror film “This Night I'll Possess Your Corpse.” (originally published 08/25/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 12, 20241 hr 22 min

From the Vault: Mud, Part 4

What exactly is mud? Where does it occur and how does it factor into animal behaviors and human activities? In this classic four-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Rob and Joe immerse themselves in the mysteries of mud. (originally published 07/18/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 10, 202455 min

Weirdhouse Cinema: Mortal Kombat (1995), Part 1

In this Weirdhouse Cinema two-parter, Rob and Joe enter the arena to discuss the 1995 video game adaptation “Mortal Kombat,” directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and featuring show favorite Christopher Lambert as Lord Rayden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 09, 20241 hr 12 min

Listener Mail: The Neurons Have Fired

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.

Aug 08, 202457 min

The Ninja, Part 4

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, science and legend of the ninja or shinobi. Feudal Japan’s espionage specialists might not have resembled the characters in your favorite action movie, but they’ve become fictionalized staples of global popular culture while keeping to the shadows of history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 06, 202454 min