

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

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 16min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Masque of the Red Death
Dive into the eerie world of Prince Prospero as he celebrates within his opulent castle while the Red Death lurks outside. This discussion unpacks the haunting themes and visual brilliance of the 1964 cult classic, spotlighting Vincent Price's unforgettable portrayal. Explore character dynamics, including innocence corrupted and the complex interplay of good and evil. Revel in the film's legacy as a pivotal moment in horror cinema, blending dark humor with philosophical questions about mortality. Unravel the intrigue of a masquerade ball teeming with manipulation and deadly games.

Oct 19, 2024 • 55min
From the Vault: The Necromantic Urge, Part 3
Dive deep into the mystique of necromancy, exploring its ancient roots and complex practices. Discover the intriguing journeys of necromancers from the isle of Nat as they navigate cultural tensions surrounding their craft. Delve into the emotional motivations behind humanity's desire to communicate with the dead and the societal implications of these rituals. Unearth historical insights from civilizations like Çatalhöyük and Jericho, revealing how ancestor veneration intertwines with the supernatural. This exploration challenges our understanding of life, death, and beyond.

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 21min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: House by the Cemetery
Dive into the bizarre world of Lucio Fulci’s 'House by the Cemetery,' where ghosts and mad scientists collide in a horror spectacle. Discover the eerie charm of hidden gravestones and surreal encounters reminiscent of Lovecraft. The hosts debate the film's unique artistic style and its legacy in Italian B cinema. Enjoy insights on absurd bat attacks and comedic realtor conversations, all while unraveling the chilling mysteries lurking in the Freudstein house. It’s a wild blend of horror, humor, and cinematic nostalgia!

Oct 17, 2024 • 53min
From the Vault: The Necromantic Urge, Part 2
Dive into the intriguing world of necromancy, exploring its historical roots and psychological significance. Discover how ancient practices allowed shamans to communicate with the dead and the allure this holds in various mythologies. Literary connections, from Emily Dickinson to Homer’s Odysseus, reveal deep themes of memory and mortality. Enjoy a humorous twist on horror tropes while learning about ancient rituals and the cultural importance of ancestor veneration. Unravel the complex relationship between life, death, and personal style!

Oct 16, 2024 • 49min
The Monstrefact Omnibus: Alien
Dive into the haunting universe of Alien, where enigmatic races like The Engineers challenge our understanding of creation and destruction. Unpack the mystical black goo—both a weapon and a womb of new life. Discover the terrifying lifecycle of the Trilobite and the eerie reproduction of the facehugger, drawing unnerving parallels to real-world parasitism. Explore hybridization and the dark implications of bioengineering in space. This journey through monstrous biology melds science with cultural mythology, leaving you questioning the boundaries of life itself.

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 10min
From the Vault: The Necromantic Urge, Part 1
Delve into the fascinating world of necromancy as traditional practices intertwine with modern psychology. Hear about the mystical allure in ancient Mesopotamia and the cultural implications of communicating with the deceased. Explore complex narratives linking small business resilience to the haunting themes of death. Discover how ghostly perceptions have evolved over time, and enjoy a humorous take on seasonal snacks while discussing cybersecurity! It's a captivating journey through history, culture, and the metaphysical.

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 10min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Psychomania
Dive into the bizarre world of a 1973 supernatural biker movie that merges outlaw culture with witchcraft. The hosts dissect unique themes of death, resurrection, and motorcycle mayhem. They hilariously analyze the nihilistic Living Dead gang and their dark humor, revealing the oddities of revivalist biker lore. Expect to hear about quirky characters, absurd plot elements, and the film's cultural significance, all wrapped up in a visually captivating narrative. Prepare for laughs, insights, and a touch of the macabre!

Oct 12, 2024 • 1h
From the Vault: Kaibyō: The Strange Cats of Japan, Part 2
Dive into the mystical world of kaibyō, the supernatural cats of Japan, and their rich folklore. Explore iconic figures like nekomata and Bakaneko, uncovering their evolving tales and modern depictions. Discover how cats symbolize nonconformity, contrasting sharply with dogs, and the cultural reverence for their unpredictability. Delve into legends of cat-human hybrids and the enigmatic cat daughter, illustrating humanity's complex connection to these mystical felines. Unravel the significance of the Maneki Neko as a symbol of good fortune across cultures.

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 16min
Weirdhouse Cinema: Son of Frankenstein
Dive into the eerie world of a classic 1939 horror film as the hosts dissect 'Son of Frankenstein.' They explore directorial shifts and character depths, highlighting the dynamic portrayals of Basil Rathbone and Bela Lugosi. Enjoy humorous takes on name misconceptions and absurd legal situations involving Igor. Themes of familial legacy, morality, and the evolution of the Frankenstein mythos are examined, alongside the film's striking visuals and atmospheric score. This blend of horror and humor showcases the film's lasting impact on the genre.

Oct 10, 2024 • 46min
The Demons of Ancient Mesopotamia, Part 2
Dive into the eerie world of ancient Mesopotamian myths as the hosts unravel the roles of fascinating deities and demons like Humbaba, Lamashtu, and Pazuzu. Explore the playful connections between ancient names and modern pop culture, such as the humorous nods to Gozer from Ghostbusters. Discover how mythical monsters symbolize human fears and societal issues, alongside discussions on scorpion beings as both guardians and threats. The podcast also highlights the intertwining of ancient beliefs with today's technological innovations.