

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

Jan 29, 2025 • 56min
Smart Talks with IBM: How Infrastructure is Powering the Age of AI
Ric Lewis, IBM’s Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, shares his insights on how critical hardware advancements, particularly in GPUs, are driving the AI revolution. He highlights the fascinating applications of AI from banking to local businesses, emphasizing its transformative potential. The discussion touches on the importance of infrastructure in leveraging data, the unexpected resilience of traditional hardware amid cloud dominance, and the nuanced future of AI in collaboration with various industries. Lewis's extensive experience spotlights the balance between innovation and established practices.

Jan 28, 2025 • 55min
Listener Mail: The Memory of Trees
Dive into the quirky world of cinema with tales of 'Dracula's Dog' and the nostalgia of classic horror characters. Discover the surprising ferocity of squirrels and their unexpected hunting antics. Reflect on the deep connection between trees and memory, exploring both personal experiences and folklore. Engage in playful discussions about the imaginative nature of storytelling, childhood memories, and the cultural significance of yew trees. Plus, delight in debates over the perfect dining entertainment that enhances social interactions!

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: A Chinese Ghost Story
Explore the supernatural romance of the cult classic film featuring screaming skulls and a seductive ghost. The hosts dive into its comedic elements, including a Taoist priest's rap, and discuss its cultural significance. The chaotic misadventures of Master Ling provide humor amidst horror, delivering an unexpected family dynamic. Themes of love, morality, and loyalty emerge in a world filled with magic and epic battles, encouraging a re-examination of non-traditional relationships while celebrating the film's unique blend of romance and adventure.

Jan 25, 2025 • 43min
From the Vault: The Nature of the Diamond, Part 2
Diamonds have been seen as divine tears and both a cure and a curse throughout history. Discover the geological marvels behind these gems, including their formation and the science of light interaction. The cultural journey of diamonds reveals ties to India's history and even the comic world of Wolverine. Dive into myths surrounding Alexander the Great and Diamond legends, from perilous valley adventures to their symbolic meanings in various cultures. Plus, explore how technology continues to shape our understanding of diamonds and their allure.

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 31min
Weirdhouse Cinema: Footprints on the Moon
Dive into the surreal mystery of 'Footprints on the Moon,' a visually stunning Giallo film from 1975. Discover how its haunting atmosphere and complex characters blur the lines between memory and reality. The hosts analyze the striking cinematography and the psychological depth of its performances, particularly highlighting the strong female lead. Explore the eerie island of Garma, where dreams intertwine with isolation and mystery, culminating in a chaotic chase among astronauts. This cinematic journey probes into themes of madness, identity, and humanity's timeless fascination with the cosmos.

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
Pretend Play, Part 5
Dive into the fascinating world of pretend play and its crucial role in childhood development. Discover how it boosts creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. Hear about the biological ties of play to cognitive growth and its presence across cultures. Explore how animals engage in play for social communication, and learn about the power of pretend activities in adulthood. From role-playing games to the significance of female voices in motherhood, this discussion unveils the lasting impact of imaginative play throughout life.

Jan 22, 2025 • 4min
The Monstrefact: Thiuime, the Black Squirrel
Dive into the fascinating world of Thiuime, the goddess of war from the Tabasco people in Mexico. Discover the significance of the black squirrel in Mesoamerican culture, especially its ties to women who died in childbirth. The discussion also explores the broader mythological implications of black squirrels in global folklore, uncovering their complex roles in art and tradition. This intriguing narrative reveals how these symbols resonate across cultures and time.

Jan 21, 2025 • 57min
Pretend Play, Part 4
Delve into the fascinating world of pretend play and its crucial role in childhood development. Discover how imaginative play enhances creativity and social skills, and explore the emergence of imaginary friends. Uncover surprising differences in play between genders and the influence of parental age. The discussion also highlights the persistence of imaginative behavior in adulthood, from improv theater to emotional connections with memories. Engage with the complexities of creativity through the lens of play, revealing its lasting impact across the ages.

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!
Dive into the wild world of a 1965 cult classic featuring fierce go-go dancers and chaotic adventures. Explore the film's bold themes of female empowerment and its shocking influence on modern cinema. Discover the vibrant characters and captivating dialogue that challenge traditional narratives. Reflect on cinematic legends like Russ Meyer and the complex dynamics of villainy and strength. Plus, uncover unexpected connections to horror films and the cultural impact of B-movies, making it a fascinating journey for film enthusiasts.

Jan 19, 2025 • 2min
Introducing: TechStuff Trailer
Dive into the captivating world where technology meets culture! The hosts explore how innovations shape our lives, from love to work. Expect intriguing discussions with leading figures in the tech industry, plus a sprinkle of drama from ambitious tech titans. Get ready for insights into the future and revelations about how technology influences our very existence.