Stuff To Blow Your Mind

iHeartPodcasts
undefined
7 snips
May 7, 2025 • 6min

The Artifact Redux: The Hand of Glory

Dive into the dark mystique of the Hand of Glory, an eerie artifact shrouded in legend and superstition. Discover how this mystical hand is tied to the mandrake plant, weaving a tale of magic through the ages. Unravel its connection to theft and evasion, as a unique specimen from the Whitby Museum reveals its sinister history. Explore themes of protective magic versus darker intentions, and uncover the chilling secrets behind this captivating object.
undefined
6 snips
May 6, 2025 • 41min

STBYM Listener Mail: Love on a Real Train

This episode dives into the unpredictability of travel, sharing tips to enhance family road trips. The hosts connect with listeners through engaging feedback, reinforcing community ties. Explore the intriguing cultural significance of Tlingit coin armor and critical skepticism in modern communication. Dive into the world of puppetry and its role in storytelling, alongside reflections on creativity and conformity in art. Finally, enjoy nostalgic chats about unconventional films and the chilling aspects of ventriloquist dummies in horror.
undefined
11 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 13min

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Devil Rides Out

Dive into a sinister showdown with Christopher Lee and Charles Gray as they embody dueling occultists in a tale of high-stakes Satanism. The discussion unpacks the film's chilling themes and cultural impact, revealing its blend of horror and dark comedy. Explore the intricacies of adaptation from literature to film, while celebrating Lee's legendary career. With a mix of suspense and humor, the hosts reveal societal reflections within the eerie narrative, all while confronting the balance between good and evil.
undefined
7 snips
May 3, 2025 • 47min

From the Vault: In the Name of Osiris

Explore the cosmic adventure of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission as it connects modern science with the ancient mythology of Osiris. Discover the intriguing survival tactics of Osiris bees, known for their unique parasitic behaviors, and their ties to Egyptian culture. Delve into challenges faced during the mission on asteroid Bennu and learn how mythology continues to influence science today. Plus, listen for captivating insights into the natural world, including herons and the complexity of ecosystems.
undefined
9 snips
May 2, 2025 • 58min

Weirdhouse Cinema: The Wicker Man (1973) - part 1

Dive into the eerie world of a cult classic as the hosts unravel the complexities of the 1973 film, exploring themes of paganism vs. Christianity. They discuss the unique character of Sergeant Howie, who defies traditional horror archetypes. With a mix of humor and horror, the film's chilling climax reveals the protagonist's moral dilemmas and likable antagonists. Listener engagement flourishes as they highlight quirky elements, such as a sweet shop with medicinal frogs, teasing deeper insights in the continuation of this fascinating analysis.
undefined
5 snips
May 1, 2025 • 46min

Shields Like Fish Scales, Part 2: Shield Walls

Dive into the fascinating world of ancient shields and their evolution in warfare! Discover how shield walls transformed combat tactics and the ingenious Roman testudo formation. Explore the realities versus myths of these defensive tools and their tactical importance in historical battles. Plus, see how innovative designs inspired by nature, like fish scales, enhance modern shielding. This journey connects the survival strategies of ancient warriors with contemporary military insights and media representations.
undefined
Apr 30, 2025 • 5min

The Monstrefact: Life on Star Wars' Utapau

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the lifeforms of the planet Utapau, as seen in “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
22 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 42min

Shields Like Fish Scales, Part 1: The Mythical Lost Legion

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss shield walls, the Roman tetsudo and a largely discredited but still interesting hypothesized example of military contact between the Roman Empire and the Chinese Han Dynasty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 28min

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Dragonslayer

Dive into the enchanting world of 'Dragonslayer,' where the legendary dragon Vermithrax Pejorative takes center stage. Discover the groundbreaking visual effects that transformed fantasy cinema and explore the film's rich themes of magic, sacrifice, and morality. The hosts dissect character dynamics, reflecting on love and heroism, while linking the story to contemporary portrayals of dragons. With a nostalgic twist, this compelling analysis reveals the film’s lasting legacy and its significant impact on the fantasy genre.
undefined
9 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 47min

From the Vault: The Cult of Osiris, Part 2

Explore the fascinating mythology of Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of fertility and the afterlife. Discover the transformation of Osiris into Serapis during Ptolemaic rule and how cultural syncretism shaped religious beliefs. Delve into the themes of resurrection found in Osiris and other deities, examining their impact on ancient rituals and narratives. The discussion also highlights the complexities of underworld journeys and the interpretations of death and rebirth across different cultures, inviting listeners to reconsider the connections between these myths.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app