

Stuff To Blow Your Mind
iHeartPodcasts
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
Mentioned books

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 38min
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Hunger
Dive into the stylish horror of a 1983 cult classic, where themes of aging, desire, and immortality intertwine. Unpack the emotional struggles of characters entangled in dark romance and unique portrayals of bisexuality. Marvel at David Bowie's captivating performance and the film's groundbreaking makeup effects. Explore the complex relationships that challenge traditional narratives, blending gothic aesthetics with cultural commentary. Experience the haunting atmosphere fueled by synthesizer music, revealing the poignant dynamics of love and loss in a vampire's eternal existence.

Feb 13, 2025 • 49min
The Burning Mountains of Io, Part 3
Dive into the explosive volcanic wonders of Jupiter's moon Io, where dynamic lava flows and sulfurous frost fields are revealing the secrets of its geology. Discover how extreme temperatures coexist with intense volcanic activity, reshaping our understanding of this alien landscape. The conversation touches on the implications of Io's eruptions for extraterrestrial life and contrasts them with Earth's phenomena. Plus, explore fascinating concepts around innovative space exploration methods and the cosmic connections that inspire our imagination.

Feb 12, 2025 • 6min
The Artifact: Claude Glass
Discover the intriguing history of the Claude Glass, a 19th-century black mirror that transformed how British tourists viewed landscapes. Explore the parallels between this device and today's Instagram filters, both of which reshape our experiences. The discussion highlights the evolution of landscape perception through art, particularly the influence of Claude Lorraine, while pondering modern dilemmas surrounding authenticity in an age of AI-generated content. It's a captivating look at how technology mediates our engagement with the natural world.

Feb 11, 2025 • 47min
The Burning Mountains of Io, Part 2
Explore the fiery volcanic activity of Io, Jupiter's mesmerizing moon, and its geological wonders. Dive into the mythology that inspired its name and uncover intriguing connections between Io and Earth. The possibility of life in lava tubes sparks fascinating debates, while discussions on science fiction reveal how this extreme world is often overlooked. Delve into geological comparisons that highlight the unique features of both Io and our planet, showcasing the universe's mystery and the potential for alien life in extreme environments.

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 9min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Dunwich Horror
Dive into a bizarre blend of love and horror as the hosts explore the psychedelic chaos of 'The Dunwich Horror.' They dissect the film's chilling visuals and cosmic themes inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Key discussions include dark rituals, eerie soundscapes, and the unique charm of Dean Stockwell's character. The exploration of generational conflict and the film's relationship with 1970s hippie culture adds an intriguing twist. Highlights also include a tribute to Sandra Dee's performance and an analysis of the film's impactful aesthetic and legacy.

Feb 8, 2025 • 39min
From the Vault: The Nature of the Diamond, Part 4
Discover the captivating world of diamonds, from their divine interpretations to their role as medicine. Uncover the myth that diamonds come from coal, and explore their unique formation deep within the Earth. Dive into modern body modifications, including a hip-hop artist's diamond forehead implant. Journey through the rich history of diamonds in cultures like India, and learn about their evolution from jewelry to dental adornments. Lastly, explore how diamonds are making waves in the medical field, raising both intrigue and ethical concerns.

Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 30min
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Brainiac
Dive into the bizarre world of a 1962 Mexican monster movie featuring the chilling character of Baron Vitelius d'Estera. Discover the grotesque design of the Brainiac, a creature that blends goblin and satanic traits, alongside a narrative that masterfully fuses horror and dark humor. The discussion also touches on the film's haunting score and surreal visuals, while exploring themes of vengeance and moral ambiguity within its unique context. Uncover the absurdity of a Gothic trial and the strange relationship between science and folklore as the hosts unravel this cult classic.

5 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 47min
The Burning Mountains of Io, Part 1
Explore the volcanic wonderland of Io, one of Jupiter's most intriguing moons, where extreme geology meets fascinating mythology. The hosts delve into stunning NASA imagery showcasing its vibrant surface and unique features. Discover the active volcanoes, like Loki Patera, and how Io's geology challenges our understanding of celestial bodies. The narrative weaves through the tragic tale of Io from Greek mythology, emphasizing themes of transformation and power. Join in for a playful discussion that blends science with rich cultural history.

Feb 5, 2025 • 5min
The Monstrefact: The Crimson Mist of Dungeons and Dragons
Dive into the chilling world of the Crimson Mist from Dungeons and Dragons. Discover its origins tied to folklore and literature, revealing its connections to illness and the supernatural. Uncover the eerie tales that have shaped this vampiric creature and explore how it reflects our fears and myths throughout history. This deep dive into fantasy and folklore will leave you questioning what lurks in the shadows.

Feb 4, 2025 • 40min
The Invention of Cotton Candy, Part 2
Discover the sweet origins and cultural impact of cotton candy, from its invention at the 1904 World's Fair to its enchanting transformation in Japan. Explore how electric machines revolutionized its production, making it a carnival staple. Delve into the whimsical connection between cotton candy and medical advancements in bioengineering, where its techniques inspire innovations in reconstructive surgery. Finally, journey into astronomy with amusing insights on low-density exoplanets that challenge our understanding of the cosmos.