

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
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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.

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 19min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Creature with the Atom Brain
Dive into the bizarre world of 1955's 'Creature with the Atom Brain,' where science fiction meets horror. Explore the film's cultural anxieties over technology's impact on humanity, and get a humorous take on its perplexing title. Discover its influence on music, especially Rocky Erickson's tracks. From mad scientists and remote-controlled zombies to the dynamics of quirky relationships, this exploration connects the film's legacy to today's cinematic landscape. The chaotic narrative serves up laughs alongside chilling themes, making for a delightful retrospective.

Feb 1, 2025 • 50min
From the Vault: The Nature of the Diamond, Part 3
Discover the enchanting world of diamonds, from their ancient roots to their cosmic presence. Unpack myths surrounding diamond toxicity and ponder their combustibility under extreme conditions. Explore historical practices, like softening diamonds with goat blood, and marvel at their unique significance across civilizations. Delve into the mysteries of diamonds in space, including nanodiamonds from meteorites and the possibility of extraterrestrial diamond rain. This blend of history, science, and culture reveals the multifaceted allure of these gems.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 35min
Weirdhouse Cinema: Dracula (1931)
Explore the haunting legacy of the 1931 adaptation of Dracula, showcasing Bela Lugosi's iconic performance and its profound impact on horror cinema. Delve into the gothic aesthetic, revealing how its visual elements influenced future vampire portrayals. Discover the dark complexity of character relationships, particularly between Dracula and Renfield, that heighten the film's eerie atmosphere. Plus, uncover the surprising appearances of possums and armadillos and their symbolic significance in this classic tale of obsession and monstrosity.

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Invention of Cotton Candy, Part 1
Discover the whimsical world of cotton candy and its cultural significance, from fairs to childhood memories. Delve into its sweet science, exploring the unique transformation of sugar and its charming role in cinema. Alongside this, learn about the ancient Dragon's Beard candy and its intricate creation process. The discussion intertwines personal anecdotes with historical roots, revealing how societal influences have shaped our relationship with sweets over time, creating a rich tapestry of flavor and tradition.

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.


