

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

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 22min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Beast With Five Fingers
What has five fingers and is an absolute beast? A disembodied crawling hand, of course! In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1946 horror film “The Beast With Five Fingers” starring Peter Lorre. (originally published 02/04/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 3, 2024 • 44min
From the Vault: Mud, Part 3
What exactly is mud? Where does it occur and how does it factor into animal behaviors and human activities? In this classic four-part Stuff to Blow Your Mind exploration, Rob and Joe immerse themselves in the mysteries of mud. (originally published 07/13/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 18min
Weirdhouse Cinema: Shocking Dark
Dive into the outrageous world of the 1989 film 'Shocking Dark,' an endearing imitation of the 'Aliens' franchise. Explore the charm of B-movies and what makes them 'so bad it’s good.' Discover the film's campy legacy through director Bruno Mattei's unique style. Laugh at the absurd portrayals in dystopian Venice while appreciating innovative low-budget storytelling. Unravel unexpected plot twists and the standout creature effects, illustrating how this cult classic leaves a lasting impact on sci-fi cinema.

Aug 1, 2024 • 51min
The Ninja, Part 3
Dive into the fascinating world of ninjas and their historical realities versus modern portrayals. Discover the stealthy wisdom of endurance, patience, and disguise crucial for espionage. Uncover the intriguing roles of female ninjas, or Kunoichi, and their unique strategies. Explore the practicality behind ninja swords and the myth of walking on water with the Mizugumo device. This captivating journey blends history, culture, and the enduring mystique of ninjas.

Jul 31, 2024 • 5min
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 5 – The Xenomorph Egg
Dive into the mysterious world of the xenomorph egg, also known as the ovomorph. Explore its crucial role in the Alien life cycle, and learn how it compares to terrestrial amniotic eggs. Discover fascinating theories about the egg's sensing abilities and nurturing capabilities for the facehugger. This deep dive reveals the complexities behind one of sci-fi's most iconic creatures.

Jul 30, 2024 • 43min
The Ninja, Part 2
Delve into the fascinating history and evolution of ninjas, uncovering the reality behind the shadows of feudal Japan. Discover the duality of these figures as elite warriors and outlaws, and how their identities transformed over time. Insights from Sun Tzu illuminate the art of espionage, while mythical elements intertwine with actual ninja lore. Explore cultural narratives and their impact on modern perceptions, culminating in playful discussions around 'Ninja Science' and pop culture references that keep the legacy alive.

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 12min
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Child of Peach
Dive into the chaotic and surreal world of 'Child of Peach,' a wild Taiwanese film filled with demons and glowing peaches. The hilarious obsession with urine brings a unique comedic touch. Explore the whimsical Peach Garden and witness epic battles against the King Devil. The hosts connect folklore themes to emotional depths, all while celebrating the film's cult status. Join them as they navigate the bizarre characters and risky filmmaking choices that define this eccentric cinematic gem. Listener interactions add an engaging layer to this whimsical journey!

Jul 27, 2024 • 56min
From the Vault: Mud, Part 2
Dive into the fascinating world of mud, uncovering its physical and cultural significance. Explore the eerie folklore of the doro-tabo and its connection to rice farming. Witness how wild pigs use mud as a cooling system, surpassing water in effectiveness, while staying stylishly groomed. Discover the remarkable survival tactics of both mud wasps and fiddler crabs, showcasing their architectural prowess in creating nests and managing burrows. This deep dive into mud reveals its multifaceted role in nature and human life!

Jul 26, 2024 • 1h 20min
Weirdhouse Cinema: Hercules in the Haunted World
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive back into the colorful filmography of Mario Bava for a rare peplum horror movie. It’s 1961’s “Hercules in the Haunted World,” starring Reg Park, Christopher Lee and Leonora Ruffo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2024 • 52min
The Ninja, Part 1
Delve into the shadowy world of ninjas, from their historical roles as spies in feudal Japan to their evolution in popular culture. Learn how childhood memories of ninja toys and films shape modern perceptions. Discover the paradox of their romanticized violent image versus their true espionage skills. Explore the often-overlooked female ninjas and their complex narratives. Unravel how ninjas embraced technology and how cultural myths have influenced global media.