Stuff To Blow Your Mind

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow your Mind, Rob and Joe discuss the alleged Eltanin Antenna and the natural-world explanation for the image. What does this case and others like it reveal about our craving for extraordinary explanations of perplexing evidence? (originally published 08/10/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the fascinating world of odd and even numbers and their surprising influence on our psychology and culture. Discover how these numbers evoke emotions and shape societal perceptions, making them more than just mathematical concepts. Explore their artistic significance in visual storytelling, art composition, and even the culinary world. Plus, anticipate thought-provoking discussions that will continue to unravel the mysteries of these numerical companions!

Bored with dragons, the wizard Argomandanies turns his arcane attention to the fantastic fauna of the natural world. Welcome to Animalia Stupendium, a chronicle of Earth’s amazing biodiversity with all the enthusiasm of a fantasy monster book. In this episode, the wizard will discuss the Portuguese Man o’ War!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzie Sheehy, an accomplished physicist and author, dives into the fascinating world of curiosity and physics. She explores how hands-on experimentation has driven major advancements, revealing the beauty in both successes and failures. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in the field, tackling the Matilda Effect and celebrating their groundbreaking work. Sheehy also unpacks the complexities of subatomic particles and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and curiosity-driven research in shaping our understanding of reality.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the world of Russian cinema and also to… Middle Earth? Yes, let’s bask in the glory of “Khraniteli” AKA “The Keepers” AKA that 1991 Leningrad Television adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring.” (originally published 8/13/2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Michael Denis Higgins, Professor Emeritus of Earth Science at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi and author of the new book “The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: Science, Engineering and Technology.” What was the Colossus of Rhodes, why did it impress the ancient Hellenistic world and how might we recreate it in the modern world? (Originally published 07/27/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Ridley Scott’s dark fairy tale “Legend,” starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara and Tim Curry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once more, it's time for a dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, open-source models can further accelerate the pace of progress and help expand access to all. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell sits down with Mo Duffy, Software Engineering Manager at Red Hat.  They discuss InstructLab and the benefits of open-source technology, such as flexible deployment and the ability to enhance transparency, as well as the power of partnerships and collaboration. Mo explains how a community-based approach is essential for developing genuinely open-source AI.  This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.  Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the fascinating world of ancient oar-powered galleys and warships! Discover how these vessels shaped Mediterranean culture and warfare, with insights on the mighty trireme and its tactical prowess. Uncover the secrets of iconic ships like the 40-oar Tessarakonteres and the significance of bronze weaponry in naval history. The discussion navigates the evolution of naval tactics and craftsmanship, while also hinting at future archaeological breakthroughs. A deep dive into maritime mastery awaits!