Why does this thing exist? (Podcast) - podcast cover

Why does this thing exist? (Podcast)

Why Does This Thing Exist? (Podcast)shows.acast.com
It’s the podcast where neuroscientist and author, Dr Dean Burnett (The Idiot Brain, Psycho-logical) and his oldest friend in the world, Simon Feeley (some guff on BBC radios 4 and Wales, years ago) present each other with things, things they find confusing and perplexing, and have a little chat about them. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Episode 147: "Maximum Break" (with Dave Steele and Michael McCann)

In this episode, Dean and Simon bring in the receivers (Dave and Michael) to wind down WDTTE(P) enterprises and give the podcast the sendoff it deserves. Topics covered include: Cronenbergian phone accessories, detectives, teeth-tooth-teethbrushes, poo knifes, honeymoon romance, the chewiest things, Rodney, the Lynchian career of Jane Lynch and more. Umbilical cable for iPhone - https://www.etsy.com/listing/123441193/umbilical-cable-for-iphone?msockid=24ee4423ce8a664a391b50f7cf6a6717 Teeth tooth...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 147

Episode 146: “Ice melts and rocks exist”

In this episode, Dean and Simon get flummoxed by a popular video about some rocks getting defrosted. Following that, they take a good look at a cursed object. They finish off by tuning in to some facts about old-timey radio. Diet Enak’s Mencairkan batu es - https://www.facebook.com/reel/2649552068574584 My Last Tooth ceramic trinket - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286463473472 Wikipedia – 1938 in British Radio - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1938_in_British_radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

Apr 22, 202540 minEp. 146

Episode 145: “Are you an egg man?” (with Michael McCann)

In this episode, Michael returns to receive an update on Dean’s dogging investigation and then the three of them look at Japanese answers to the question “Why DOESN’T This Thing Exist?”. Following that, Simon’s cedes control of his section to allow Michael to speak on his interests and then everyone discusses an article about grenades. Photos Dean took While walking a dog - https://imgur.com/QFkk1rM https://imgur.com/TIGQQHp https://imgur.com/1E9X1jE https://imgur.com/xrnHZp7 Chindogu - https://...

Apr 15, 202548 minEp. 145

Episode 144: “Beak on the box”

In this episode, Dean complains about recipes and Simon talks about his charity work. Then, Simon tells Dean about a new shop he’s been to and the interesting thing he bought, and they slander a cereal. They finish off by discovering some breaking news in a Wikipedia article. Roti recipe - https://www.cookwithmanali.com/roti-recipe/ Kellogg's Frosties Shower Gel - https://bubbletcosmetics.com/collections/kelloggs-shower-gels Wikipedia- Assetto Corsa EVO - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assetto_Co...

Apr 08, 202547 minEp. 144

Episode 143: “Nobel, no charisma, no chance”

In this episode, Dean and Simon read a comic that’s supposed to help people stop drinking and then they have a look at dirty-dog toothbrush accessory. They finish off by having a go at some Australian children and their efforts to communicate science. Captain Alcohol - https://captainalcoholcomic.com/ Dog Pooping Toothpaste Topper - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1552788872/dog-pooping-toothpaste-topper-comes-with?ref=shop_home_feat_2&logging_key=f0ab90686f6637f7dbcf6e9a80db27b73bbac6d5%3A1...

Apr 01, 202546 minEp. 143

Episode 142: “The bad beef years are coming”

In this episode Simon and Dean look at a romantic meat product and then share their feelings on a recent news item from the skies. They finish off by celebrating some of cold-science's top achievers. Meat Rose - https://imgur.com/ddeDbym Article about a couple that had to sit next to a corpse on a long flight - https://news.sky.com/story/couple-forced-to-sit-next-to-dead-body-for-hours-on-qatar-airways-flight-13317026 Wikipedia - Kamerlingh Onnes Award - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamerlingh_...

Mar 26, 202538 minEp. 142

Episode 141: “A man of the soil”

In this episode, Dean and Simon’s attempts to learn about agriculture and plumbing are foiled and then they revisit Wolverhampton’s powerful past. Farming hack video - https://www.facebook.com/YellowBee101/videos/a-handy-hack-for-farmers-/2045837919203825/ Hippo water saver eBay listing - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276838892825?itmmeta=01JKBVS5M6761YG4NNTC4W98PK&hash=item4074e24519:g:XEMAAOSwSR1nkP8M&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4CodCO1vSDjg2xNOt8By6oD6JK3WL5UbDjOgIbBzhpvkmdTsRFQ5oaK3ShoVhWvlhvV...

Mar 19, 202543 minEp. 141

Episode 140: “A Full Three”

In this episode, Dean and Simon try to figure out what a TV Disney+ show might be about, get down and gritty at American Event, and praise Jesus. Will Trent - https://imgur.com/16QCthH Rolling in the Grits – Small Town Big Deal - https://youtu.be/bvrTfkY6xNw?si=M_nJZJwswMSJPfuQ Wikipedia – McVegan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McVegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 12, 202543 minEp. 140

Episode 139: “The Screaming Dog”

In this episode, Dean tries to remind Simon about a book they read as children but it just upsets him and then they have a look at a Japanese company that’s purchasing peoples' faces. Finally, the Random Wikipedia Article section floats in like a Dignitas pillow and gently smothers the episode to death. Cover to “The Woolpack” by Cynthia Harnett - https://imgur.com/h1BCDyR Masks - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Kamenyaomote?ref=related&from_page=listing&listing_id=1319534813#items Wikipedi...

Mar 05, 202540 minEp. 139

Episode 138: “Neuroscientist and Friends” (with Carys Eleri)

In this episode, TV’s Carys Eleri visits Dean and Simon to learn about Joe Pesci’s singing sideline and a mysterious smelling machine. Pleased with her findings, she expresses her gratitude to the gentlemen by showing them a useless wristwatch. Then, everyone celebrates another successful episode by looking at an article on Wikipedia. Joe Pesci sings “Take your love and shove it” - https://youtu.be/OKYHGskALD4?si=uU5MxLJyPnWFrS9i ‘Aromas’ machine - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176584497019?mkcid=1...

Feb 26, 202557 minEp. 138

Episode 137: “I can smell the memory of a horse”

In this episode, Dean asks Simon why a horse appeared and then they have a look at someone else’s photos, rudely put up for sale. Finally, self-awareness and hypocrisy bring the episode to an untimely end. Photo of a lost horse - https://imgur.com/0CNT9lA Photos for sale on eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276769518573?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=uazFtm1PQuK&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lu4r0ycmrti&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Wikipedia - Guizar–V...

Feb 19, 202533 minEp. 137

Episode 136: "A face with a balloon drawn on"

In this episode, Dean and Simon discuss a rude and unused piece of spy-wear and have a look at a cracking pair of eBay listings. They finish off by sort of discussing a Wikipedia article about a short story but mostly just do some dreadful impressions and talk about animals coming to kill them. Radio Balls (NSFW) - https://imgur.com/aCYDzGb Stephen Hawking Coin – https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267141248619?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vQ-sdS7TSGG&sssrc=2047675&s...

Feb 12, 202546 minEp. 136

Episode 135: “A slug, a cow, a rabbit and a train.”

In this episode Dean and Simon take a look at the international cut of a flop film, an abandoned hat and a Wikipedia article about a wrestler that gives them a CTE. The Magic Roundabout (2005) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0339334/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Doogal (2006) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0763304/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk A photo of a hat - https://imgur.com/fqj7kSl Wikipedia - Ray Gordy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Gordy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 05, 202546 minEp. 135

Episode 134: “The Fish Adventure”

In this episode, Dean and Simon find out about a machine that helps you take you pet fish for a walk and fantasise about being among the fishes. Then, in section two, they have a look at a modern video review of a local restaurant. Finally, they learn about an Eastern European artist and besmirch a comedian. Article about a mobile fish tank – https://www.techeblog.com/custom-fish-tank-goldfish-walk-taiwan/ Tiktok restaurant review – https://www.tiktok.com/@swanseareviewed/video/74606179597325468...

Jan 29, 202541 minEp. 134

Episode 133: "Accidental Movie Episode"

In this episode, it's tangents galore as Dean and Simon struggle to talk about two film related items. First off, Dean asks Simon why Robbie Williams is a chimp now and then Simon makes Dean remember Forrest Gump. And Changing Rooms? They finish off by briefly looking at some computer software. Better Man trailer - https://youtu.be/neyfwa4GrVA?si=uuG8zcxTS834kDim Forrest Gump figurine - https://www.crabfigure.com/In-Stock-Chong-Toys-C003-1-6-Scale-Forrest-Gump-figure-p22228400.html Wikipedia - V...

Jan 22, 202547 minEp. 133

Episode 132: “A full three tube meal”

In this episode, Dean and Simon talk about a computer game that blends housework with space warfare and a retro-modern method of consuming cheeseburgers. They finish off by ranking the cheese producing nations. There’s strong vein of space/cheese running through this episode somehow. Powerwash SImulator Warhammer 40,000 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcgf48gAX_s Cheeseburger in a tube - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HSHFW8B/?tag=097-20&ascsubtag=default Wikipedia - Xynotyro - https://en.wi...

Jan 15, 202544 minEp. 132

Episode 131: “Nine pence a tooth”

In this episode, Dean goes to the wrong place for fashion insights and then Simon shows him a big box of loose teeth. Typical sort of stuff. They finish off by coming up with ways to widen participation in olympic sports. Large Lot 600 Vintage Single Denture False Teeth Tooth Post Fixings Crafts Props - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/356246283319?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=ZlPZqWh5Q8G&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lu4r0ycmrti&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=CO...

Jan 08, 202540 minEp. 131

Episode 130: “Our intention is to never disappoint”

In this episode, Dean and Simon look at a couple of systems for sweetening your hand-held meats and then discover a themed hotel while researching the emu vigilantes of an English coastal town. They finish off by finding out about a Japanese comic book. Jimmy Dean’s blueberry pancake sausage on a stick - https://www.jimmydean.com/products/pancakes-and-sausage/on-a-stick/blueberry-pancakes-and-sausage-on-a-stick/ Emu news article - https://news.sky.com/story/stop-chasing-on-the-run-emu-in-your-4x...

Jan 01, 202538 minEp. 130

Episode 129: "Christmas Special 3: Drinking cosmetics for attention" (with Dave Steele, Michael McCann & Dan Mitchell)

In this episode, it's a Christmas party funtime at Dean Manor as your hosts get haunted by three ghosts guests and discuss a toilet based Christmas tradition, a toilet based hip and groovy craze, one of Santa's gruesome mates and a dead poet's face. Tió de Nadal - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ti%C3%B3_de_Nadal Skibidi Toilet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WePNs-G7puA Père Fouettard – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_Fouettard Wikipedia – James Brunton Stephens - https://en.wikipedia.o...

Dec 25, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 129

Episode 128: “Cat capsule. Catsule.”

In this episode, Dean and Simon have a gentle time shopping for starter knives for babies and then they have a look at a cool new fashion trend that Simon saw in London. They finish off by settling down to enjoy some 'callbacks' and learn about a medicine woman. Personalised 3D Print Folded Kid Play Knife Enlightenment Fidget Toy with Name Multicolour Available Children's Day Birthday Gift for Boy Girl - https://uk.callie.com/personalized-3d-children-game-folded-play-knife-with-engraved-name-mul...

Dec 18, 202442 minEp. 128

Episode 127: “Dairylea but goaty”

In this episode, Dean and Simon try on a handsome man mask and then Simon tricks Dean into eating something bad for him. They finish off by finding out about a short story collection that sounds like it might be quite good actually. Latex handsome man mask - https://imgur.com/55Nys3t Article about the old cheese from Egypt - https://allthatsinteresting.com/ancient-egyptian-tomb-cheese Wikipedia – The Lottery and Other Stories - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lottery_and_Other_Stories Hosted o...

Dec 11, 202449 minEp. 127

Episode 126: “Taxiing Zippy around”

In this episode, Dean and Simon have a look at a Pepsi themed computer game from the 90s and propose a couple of ideas for games themselves. Then, they both have a look at a red-hot Indonesian game and remember fireworks. Finally, they get confused by a Wikipedia article so go to an expert for ‘help’. Pepsi game - https://www.instagram.com/retroscifiart/reel/C_lvRztPEii/ List of food tie ins - https://www.giantbomb.com/games-based-on-food-products/3015-2999/games/ Sepak Bola Api - https://www.yo...

Dec 04, 202446 minEp. 126

Episode 125: “My awful outputs”

In this episode, Dean returns to the well to draw Simon’s opinion on some more things he found while walking his dog and then Simon shows off his expensive pants. They finish off by having a little think about a philosopher’s creed. Photo of the items Dean saw - https://imgur.com/yDfhYBT Expensive boxer shorts - https://www.hermes.com/uk/en/product/rayures-spatiales-boxer-shorts-H266900H7703XL/ Wikipedia – Archie J Bahm - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_J._Bahm Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

Nov 27, 202439 minEp. 125

Episode 124: "Your only potato"

In this episode, and in what might be a first for the podcast, Dean's selection gives Simon the opportunity to speak knowledgably. In return, Simon treats Dean with a new attraction that they've knocked up in China. Finally, the training missions for Man's conquest of Mars are thoroughly evaluated in another classic Random Wikipedia Article section. Clip from The Sooty Show - https://x.com/archivetvmus71/status/1850960727517118501?t=0dI1U2IYYwvljKCIx_6yIA&s=19 Blowing Flying Kisses Videos - ...

Nov 20, 202446 minEp. 124

Episode 123: “The Love Pug”

In this episode, Dean asks Simon to stare into the void as they examine the blackest ever black then Simon informs Dean of a local man’s special vehicular service. Finally, all the stars are recognised when Wikipedia randomly delivers an article about a short-lived American telly programme. Article on the squabbling about Vantablack and Black 3.0 - https://www.wired.com/story/vantablack-anish-kapoor-stuart-semple/ Pay a man to race you and lose - https://imgur.com/8WGXNRq and https://imgur.com/8...

Nov 13, 202447 minEp. 123

Episode 122: “Bald and wearing a crash helmet in Ladbrokes”

In this episode, Simon and Dean assess a machine designed to make the laborious sandwich making task easier and then they have a look at a device to help their hair come back. Finally, two old friends return to weigh in on Australia’s electricity sector and the animals within. Sandwich making device – https://www.facebook.com/reel/1237007297610903 Baldness helmet - https://www.temu.com/uk/------stimulation---use--109-pcs--promotes---and---g-601099691897752.html?_oak_mp_inf=EJjn8Oym1ogBGgpwZHp1dW...

Nov 06, 202442 minEp. 122

Episode 121: “Halloween Special”

In this episode, Dean and Simon get rude and spooky as they discuss bedwear (were) for the head (headwear/were) and a truly disgusting fancy dress outfit. They finish off with a Wikipedia article on the scariest subject of all – tooooooools!!! Nightcap - https://www.theirishstore.com/uk/mens-cotton-flannel-nightcap-one-size Bum hole outfit (NSFW) - https://www.fancydress.com/products/bum-hole-costume Wikipedia – Storey Pole - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storey_pole Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

Oct 30, 202439 minEp. 121

Episode 120: “Enforced with curse”

In this episode, Dean has a lovely time showing Simon a swimming pool he refused to use in Brussels and then Simon teaches him about how a horrible man started an English tradition. They finish off by opening the door to poets. The pool at the Jam Hotel, Brussels - https://www.smarksthespots.com/jam-hotel-pool-bar-restaurant-brussels/ The Titchborne Dole 1959 video - https://www.facebook.com/BBCArchive/videos/1949-newsreel-tichborne-dole/618650065320273/ The Titchborne Dole 2011 video - https://...

Oct 22, 202446 minEp. 120

Episode 119: “Monkey of honor”

In this episode, Dean and Simon learn some survival techniques and then they take a seat at the monkey buffet. They finish off the episode by finding out about a ‘new’ dessert. Five-Minute Crafts UK’s Camping Hacks and Survival Guide - https://www.facebook.com/5min.crafts.uk/videos/camping-hacks-survival-tips/393756080211878/ Monkey Buffet Festival Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLxgaTMN8MM Wikipedia – Chhoah Peng - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhoah-peng Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

Oct 15, 202440 minEp. 119

Episode 118: “Organic Nasal Stimulation”

In this episode, Dean reports on the filth he found in the woods again and then Simon shows Dean a pillow that is in doubly bad taste. The Random Wikipedia Article Section arrives to provide them with an opportunity to accuse a Brazilian bus company of fraud. Dean’s photo’s from the woods - https://imgur.com/vmbRomd , https://imgur.com/LWoEj4X and https://imgur.com/gKgj9hF Pillow - https://www.amazon.com/AOYEGO-Chloroform-Background-Decorative-Cushion/dp/B08M993P1N/ref=mp_s_a_1_46?dib=eyJ2IjoiMS...

Oct 08, 202442 minEp. 118
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