

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 15, 2025 • 5min
The Monstrefact: Hortus the Rotting Mermaid
Dive into the eerie allure of underwater mythology, where enchanting mermaids blur the line between beauty and horror. Discover Hortus, a captivating creature from deep-sea lore that redefines our understanding of aquatic life. Unravel the intriguing symbiotic relationship between humans and the microscopic world within us, revealing the complexities of our own ecological narrative. This fascinating exploration invites listeners to rethink the connection between folklore and science.

Jan 14, 2025 • 46min
From the Vault: The Glorious Hermit Crab, Part 3
Dive into the fascinating world of hermit crabs, highlighting their unique behaviors and habitats. Discover the complex dynamics of shell competition and how these creatures mirror human social structures. Explore intriguing myths, like the transformation of a sea god into a snail. Learn about the remarkable adaptations hermit crabs employ for survival, including using fossil shells. Uncover the connections between hermit crabs and Mayan mythology, revealing their symbolic significance. Join in on engaging insights and listener interactions in this captivating marine adventure.

11 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Thing from Another World
Dive into the 1951 sci-fi classic, where themes of paranoia and identity collide amid Cold War anxieties. The discussion highlights the innovative filmmaking techniques and character dynamics that influenced the horror genre. A standout is Nikki Nicholson, portrayed as a strong female character challenging traditional roles. Explore the film’s legacy, directing controversies, and even alternative casting scenarios. Plus, gain insights into the impactful sound design that shaped the cinematic experience. Perfect for fans of genre-defining cinema!

Jan 11, 2025 • 52min
From the Vault: The Glorious Hermit Crab, Part 2
Dive into the intriguing world of hermit crabs and their unique shell economy! Discover the evolutionary links between hermit and king crabs, and how they engage in resource competition. Explore their fascinating housing strategies and symbiotic relationships with sea anemones. Delve into the clever shell trading behaviors, drawing parallels to human decisions in the housing market. This captivating journey highlights the astonishing adaptations and social interactions of these remarkable creatures!

Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 37min
Weirdhouse Cinema: Santo vs. the Martian Invasion
Dive into the bizarre universe of lucha libre as Santo battles Martians in a 1967 sci-fi romp. The hosts dissect the film's mix of supernatural wrestling, humorous alien aesthetics, and the cultural significance of El Santo. They explore the quirky relationship between technology, society, and the film's absurd narrative. With themes of morality, pacifism, and the struggle against chaotic extraterrestrial invaders, prepare for a wild ride filled with laughter and unexpected insights, where wrestling meets intergalactic mayhem!

Jan 9, 2025 • 57min
Pretend Play, Part 2: Theory of Mind and Imaginary Friends
Dive into the enchanting world of pretend play and its vital role in childhood development. Discover how imaginative scenarios help children grasp emotions and social perspectives. Learn about the fascinating dynamics of imaginary friends and their significance in fostering empathy. Uncover cultural perceptions of these companions and what they reveal about children's cognitive growth. Explore the intricate relationship between pretend play and theory of mind, shedding light on how kids understand beliefs and intentions.

Jan 8, 2025 • 7min
The Monstrefact: He Who Walks Behind the Rows
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the the sinister entity from Stephen King’s 1977 short story “Children of the Corn” and its mythological and folkloric predecessors….See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
Pretend Play, Part 1
Delve into the whimsical world of pretend play and its profound effects on childhood development. The hosts share amusing anecdotes highlighting imaginative scenarios, like playing with a Christmas elf. Discover how pretend play fuels cognitive and social skills, symbolizing a child's understanding of reality and fantasy. The exploration of imaginary friends and the creation of vibrant worlds showcases the creativity inherent in playful minds. Plus, learn about the connections between pretend play and advanced cognitive processes, including counterfactual reasoning.

Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 19min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the absurd sci-fi fantasy film “Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy,” a 1981 Yugoslav-Czech co-production full of intergalactic aliens and surreal monstrosities. (originally published 11/10/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 4, 2025 • 49min
From the Vault: The Glorious Hermit Crab, Part 1
Dive into the fascinating world of hermit crabs, exploring their unique adaptations and shell selection strategies. Discover how these clever crustaceans interact within their coastal environments and learn about their ecological roles. The podcast highlights their intriguing social dynamics, including aggressive negotiations over shells, with amusing comparisons to human wealth. Plus, uncover the challenges hermit crabs face in a changing world, all while shedding light on their survival strategies and biological wonders.


