Dive into the bizarre world of Pacific Northwest cryptids like Batsquatch, a winged menace near Mount Rainier, and the explosive Gumbaroo. Discover the spine-chilling legend of a dog-headed saint and the mysterious sea serpent, Caddy, lurking in Puget Sound. The discussion weaves humor and folklore, exploring how societal fears shape our view of these eerie entities. Laugh along as they recount real-life cryptid encounters, blending folklore with fascinating insights into human behavior and the supernatural.

🎆🎆🎆To ring in the New Year, we’re celebrating with a special encore featuring Natasha Lyonne, where the conversation takes a wonderfully strange and quantum-tinged turn. Paul and Stephen read a letter from a very interesting Wagger before they follow Natasha around her home, feed Rootbeer the dog, and uncover her unusual bedtime habit: falling asleep to quantum physics audiobooks. Hear why discipline and restraint and the structure of mathematics is grounding and leads to talk of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, and Peter Sellers.Paul quotes French writer Gustave Flaubert and kills the vibe, and this is before he reveals his desire to try cat food. Natasha’s man of choice is a doomsday prepper and there’s a crisis in American masculinity (ask yourself men, can you fix a toilet?) Next they go deep into body horror films, and Natasha goes down a Google search rabbit hole about the movie Slither (not a Cronenberg picture). Existentialism is definitively defined (thanks Stephen!), Russian Doll is unpacked, along with Kierkegard, Ted Chiang, and Albert Camus. That’s a LOT - thanks Natasha! And have a happy New Year!Natasha Lyonne, an actress, writer, and producer, is best known for her roles in Poker Face, Orange Is the New Black and the acclaimed Russian Doll, which she co-created and stars in.Paul Giamatti is a Golden Globe award winning actor and producer. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art.🎆🎆🎆=========Make sure to follow us @chinwagpod 👉🏼 IG: https://www.instagram.com/chinwagpod/ Tik: https://www.tiktok.com/@chinwagpod Website: http://chinwagpod.fm YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chinwagpod Send your stories, Qs, or thoughts to 📧 questions [at] chinwagpod [dot] fm========= Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Paul Rudd, the beloved actor known for his roles in Clueless and Ant-Man, as he shares laughs and fears with Paul Giamatti and Stephen Asma. They dive into childhood phobias, touching on hilariously awkward moments with clowns and bugs. Rudd recounts quirky Hollywood experiences, like his time in facial casts and encounters with wild animal actors, leading to humorous tales of performance anxiety. The trio reflects on the absurdity of fears and how their unique childhood adventures shaped their perspectives—perfectly blending laughter and nostalgia for the holidays!

In this intriguing discussion, Ian Simmons, News Editor of Fortean Times, delves into the peculiar world of conspiracies and urban legends. The trio covers bizarre topics such as Taylor Swift’s rumored occult links and sightings of giant rabbits. They explore the implications of misinformation, the eerie Havana Syndrome, and the zany antics of the KLF. From phantom jetpacks to the curious behavior of drones, they unravel how contemporary fears and folklore shape our perceptions of reality. It's a bizarre journey through the uncanny!

Dive into the intriguing world of AI and consciousness through iconic films! Examine whether machines can truly possess emotions and desires as explored in classics like '2001: A Space Odyssey' and 'Ex Machina.' Consider the future of technology with discussions on Neuralink and groundbreaking chip advancements. Challenge the relationship between consciousness, language, and emotional expression while questioning the essence of human identity. It's a captivating blend of cinema, philosophy, and cutting-edge science that will leave you pondering the nature of reality!

Dive into a nostalgic exploration of 'The Twilight Zone' as favorite episodes are celebrated and Rod Serling's cultural impact is dissected. The hosts discuss the peculiarities of early Hollywood and the rise of reality TV, alongside personal anecdotes from soap operas. They tackle the mind-bending question of whether we're living in a simulation, connecting it to philosophical ideas from Descartes. This unique blend of Hollywood history and existential inquiry makes for an engaging journey through memory and reality.

Join Tom Hanks, the two-time Oscar winner and bestselling author, as he delves into the fast-paced world of information and AI. He shares captivating thoughts on the impact of cell phones on memory and the connections between acting and writing. Explore the appeal of time travel as an escape and ponder whether to revisit the past or leap into the future. Hanks also reflects on his historical inspirations and the intriguing complexities of human nature, providing plenty of food for thought.

Avi Loeb, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor at Harvard, joins to tackle some fascinating questions. They discuss the dark mystery of Neanderthal cannibalism and what this reveals about survival instincts. Loeb also sheds light on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos and the ethical dilemmas it poses. From ancestry myths to cosmic explorations, this conversation dances across timelines and thought-provoking ideas, blending history with future possibilities.

In a chilling finale, Paul immerses listeners in the eerie saga of 'The Colour Out of Space.' The narrative intensifies as the Gardner family confronts madness sparked by a malevolent meteorite. A haunting disappearance and a sinister well amplify the terror. As strange colors twist reality, Ammi Pierce's discoveries reveal unspeakable horrors lurking in the shadows. Listeners are left questioning their own sense of reality while facing the cosmic dread that permeates the desolate Blasted Heath. Prepare for a gripping conclusion that lingers long after the tale ends.

🌌☄️☠️In this second of three hair-raising installments, Paul continues reading the eerie saga of The Colour Out of Space, one of his favorite stories from the master of cosmic horror, H.P. Lovecraft.As we return to the shadowed countryside west of Arkham, the strange events at the Blasted Heath intensify. Following the meteorite crash on Nahum Gardner's farm, unnatural transformations have begun to infect the land, twisting the environment in terrifying ways. The creeping dread grows as Paul’s captivating performance pulls you deeper into the unsettling mystery—revealing horrors that defy explanation and bend the very laws of nature. Tune in as the chilling story unfolds, and brace yourself for what lies ahead!Paul Giamatti is a Golden Globe award winning actor and producer. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art. 🌌☄️☠️=========Make sure to follow us @chinwagpod 👉🏼 IG: https://www.instagram.com/chinwagpod/ Tik: https://www.tiktok.com/@chinwagpod Website: http://chinwagpod.fm YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chinwagpod Send your stories, Qs, or thoughts to 📧 questions [at] chinwagpod [dot] fm========= Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices