Stuff To Blow Your Mind

Dive into the chaotic world of the 1986 horror film, Spookies, a wild ride filled with an eclectic mix of monsters. The hosts explore its troubled production and the creative chaos that led to a bizarre yet entertaining film. You'll hear about its standout performances, including the hilarious Rich, and the ridiculous teen archetypes. From the unique creature designs to the inclusion of comical sound effects, the hosts break down what makes this film a cult classic worth exploring.

Tyler Thrasher, a self-taught chemist, botanist, artist, and author, shares his passion for nature-science art, including his unique crystallized insects and lab-grown opals. He discusses the fascinating world of color in science and nature, revealing surprising facts like the rarity of blue foods and the ethical issues surrounding colors like mummy brown. Tyler emphasizes how his book, co-authored with Terry Mudge, aims to rekindle a deeper appreciation for colors and their complexity.

Explore the haunting depths of Mexican horror with a dive into the cult classic 'Alucarda.' The film's blend of gothic elements and surrealism is examined, highlighting its queer themes and critique of the church. The hosts break down standout performances, particularly Tina Romero's intense portrayal. They also discuss the eerie visuals, intense relationships, and striking scenes of possession and ritual. With a final reflection on the film's ambiguous ending, this discussion reveals why 'Alucarda' is a treasure that invites multiple viewings.

Dive into the whimsical world of the Ig Nobel Prizes, where laughter meets thought-provoking research. Discover how zebra-like stripes could potentially protect livestock from biting flies. Explore the provocative idea of ingestible polymers for weight management and its ethical implications. Unravel the science behind preventing cheese sauce from clumping, with practical tips for a perfect recipe. Lastly, learn about innovative designs aiming to tackle shoe odor using UVC technology. Prepare for a wild ride through bizarre yet fascinating studies!

Dive into the fascinating world of Lady Deathstrike from Marvel Comics! Explore her striking samurai-inspired design, complete with monstrous extendable talons. Discover her origin story and the intriguing ties to adamantium and cybernetics. Delve into the folklore parallels of monstrous hands and the influences of Japanese yokai. Uncover how Western interpretations shape her character, along with historical inspirations like Ming Dynasty nail guards. An engaging look at a complex femme fatale who continues to evolve in modern comics!

Discover the lighter side of science as hosts delve into the quirky world of the Ig Nobel Prizes. Laugh along with studies like rainbow lizards' surprising pizza preferences and the temporary boost in narcissism from high IQ feedback. Explore the fascinating research on how ethanol affects fruit bats, impacting their flight and echolocation. It's an entertaining mix of humor and thought-provoking insights that shows just how fun science can be!

Explore the cult classic sci-fi horror film “It Conquered the World” as hosts delve into its quirky charm and B-movie status. They analyze the film’s pacing, the disparity between its iconic poster and onscreen monster, and Roger Corman's impactful direction. Unique insights on the emotional versus logical themes resonate through the Cold War lens, while thrilling tales of character confrontations highlight suspense. With a focus on haunting music and memorable performances, this discussion is a nostalgic journey through cinema's eccentricities.

Dive into the intriguing world of odd and even numbers! Discover how these concepts influence art and our perceptions, thanks to processing fluency making even numbers feel more favorable. Explore the surprising gender associations with numbers across cultures, and delve into the etymology of 'odd' linked to biology and symmetry. Learn about the unique traits of marsupials, like the aye-aye’s fascinating middle finger, and enjoy amusing facts about animal names. This engaging conversation unwraps the unexpected significance of parity in our lives!

Dive into the surreal world of black sorcery and Buddhist magic through the lens of a legendary Shaw Brothers film. Explore the unique blend of kickboxing and supernatural elements as characters face grotesque rituals and intense body-horror effects. The film's vivid portrayal of spiritual conflict and the dynamic between ordered Buddhism and chaotic black magic makes for an intriguing midnight movie experience. With insights on the filmmakers and actors, this cinematic journey unravels a tale of revenge, transformation, and the quest for ultimate power.

Dive into the mysteries of the giant clam, exploring its unique biology and striking appearance. Discover the evolution of myths surrounding these creatures, from ancient legends to modern media portrayals that painted them as man-eaters. Investigate infamous stories of attacks, including a deep dive into urban legends and the real consensus from marine biologists that debunk these frightening claims. It's a fascinating look at how fiction often overshadows reality in the natural world.