Stuff To Blow Your Mind
3,096 episodes — Page 12 of 62
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 7 – The Xenomorph
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the perfect organism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smart Talks with IBM: An AI advantage for the US Open
As AI technology progresses, its impact on our daily lives—including how we consume our favorite sports— will grow alongside it. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein, host of Pushkin’s own What’s Your Problem?, sat down with Brian Ryerson, Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the US Tennis Association. They discuss the impact of data on the fan experience, the role that storytelling plays in sports, and how AI has unlocked innovative features, such as AI Commentary and Match Reports. 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 https://ibm.com/smarttalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blood Squirting From the Lizard’s Eye, Part 1
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the curious biology of North America’s horned lizard – especially their ability to squirt blood from their eyes – as well as some culture and history surrounding their existence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: This Night I'll Possess Your Corpse
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe venture into the weird, wild world of Coffin Joe with the 1967 Brazilian horror film “This Night I'll Possess Your Corpse.” (originally published 08/25/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Mud, Part 4
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 07/18/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Mortal Kombat (1995), Part 1
In this Weirdhouse Cinema two-parter, Rob and Joe enter the arena to discuss the 1995 video game adaptation “Mortal Kombat,” directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and featuring show favorite Christopher Lambert as Lord Rayden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: The Neurons Have Fired
Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 6 – The Facehugger
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the facehugger from the “Alien” universe… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ninja, Part 4
In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, science and legend of the ninja or shinobi. Feudal Japan’s espionage specialists might not have resembled the characters in your favorite action movie, but they’ve become fictionalized staples of global popular culture while keeping to the shadows of history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
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.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Shocking Dark
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the shameless 1989 “Aliens” knock-off “Shocking Dark,” directed by Bruno Mattei and written by “Troll 2” scribes Rossella Drudi and Claudio Fragasso. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ninja, Part 3
In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, science and legend of the ninja or shinobi. Feudal Japan’s espionage specialists might not have resembled the characters in your favorite action movie, but they’ve become fictionalized staples of global popular culture while keeping to the shadows of history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 5 – The Xenomorph Egg
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the xenomorph egg or ovomorph from the Alien universe… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ninja, Part 2
In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, science and legend of the ninja or shinobi. Feudal Japan’s espionage specialists might not have resembled the characters in your favorite action movie, but they’ve become fictionalized staples of global popular culture while keeping to the shadows of history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Child of Peach
This week on Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind, Rob and Joe return to the wild world of Taiwanese 80s cinema, this time with “Child of Peach.” It’s a frantic, action-packed fairytale full of demons, glowing peaches and magic children. (originally published 03/17/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Mud, Part 2
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 07/11/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
The Ninja, Part 1
In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history, science and legend of the ninja or shinobi. Feudal Japan’s espionage specialists might not have resembled the characters in your favorite action movie, but they’ve become fictionalized staples of global popular culture while keeping to the shadows of history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 4 - The Neomorph
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the deadly neomorphs of the “Alien” universe… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hair on Fire, Part 2
In this two-parter from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the chemistry, space science and mythology of burning hair. So strap in for a discussion of everything from pirates and barbecue mishaps to Latin literature and science fiction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Clash of the Titans (1981)
In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1981 Ray Harryhausen stop-motion epic “Clash of the Titans,” which also happens to star a bunch of notable human actors as well. (originally published 03/10/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Mud, Part 1
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 07/06/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: It! The Terror from Beyond Space
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1958 space horror film “It! The Terror from Beyond Space,” considered one of several key influences on the 1979 classic “Alien.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hair on Fire, Part 1
In this two-parter from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the chemistry, space science and mythology of burning hair. So strap in for a discussion of everything from pirates and barbecue mishaps to Latin literature and science fiction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 3 – Trilobite & Deacon
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the so-called Trilobite and Deacon creatures from the “Alien” universe… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smart Talks with IBM: RE-AIR - Transformations in AI: Why Foundation Models Are the Future
Major breakthroughs in artificial intelligence research often reshape the design and utility of Al in both business and society. In this special rebroadcast episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Goldstein explore the conceptual underpinnings of modern Al with Dr. David Cox, VP of Al models at IBM Research. They talk foundation models, self-supervised machine learning, and the practical applications of Al and data platforms like watsonx in business and technology. When we first aired this episode last year, the concept of foundation models was just beginning to capture our attention. Since then, this technology has evolved and redefined the boundaries of what's possible. Businesses are becoming more savvy about selecting the right models and understanding how they can drive revenue and efficiency. 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/smarttalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sharks Don't Sink, with Jasmin Graham
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with shark scientist Jasmin Graham about her new book “Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Night of the Werewolf
On this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the world of Spanish horror with another Paul Naschy movie: 1981’s “Night of the Werewolf.” This time, Naschy’s tragic werewolf character Count Waldemar Daninsky goes up against vampire Countess Elizabeth Báthory! (originally published 07/14/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Machine Speaks
Long before such things were possible, our ancestors envisioned artificial heads that were capable of speech. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the journey from ancient tales of artifice and wizardry to the early breakthroughs in speech synthesis technology. (originally published 06/29/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Devil Bat
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1940 American horror film “The Devil Bat,” starring Bela Lugosi and Suzanne Kaaren. Watch out, because giant bats are coming for your aftershave! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yuru-chara: Japanese Mascots, Part 2
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss Japan’s beloved yuru-chara, corporate and governmental mascots that are undeniably cute but with deeper connections to other aspects of Japanese culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 2 - The Black Goo
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the deadly alien pathogen Agent A0-3959X.91–15 from the “Alien” universe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yuru-chara: Japanese Mascots, Part 1
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss Japan’s beloved yuru-chara, corporate and governmental mascots that are undeniably cute but with deeper connections to other aspects of Japanese culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: All Other Considerations Secondary
Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Creature with the Crystal Skin
It is dark inside the human body, but not every denizen of the animal kingdom is such a closed book. In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss various creatures with transparent anatomical features and translucent bodies. (originally published 05/19/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Plan 9 from Outer Space
In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe finally discuss a film that almost defies description: “Plan 9 From Outer Space.” Yes, it’s Ed Wood’s 1957 cinematic monolith featuring Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Vampira and the Amazing Criswell! (originally published 08/05/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Do ants make traps?
The trap is insidious. But of course it is. It was designed and executed… by ants? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, the ant wars continue as Robert and Joe explore some of the possibility that a few formidable Formicidae species actually lay traps. (originally published 01/20/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Monstrefact: Alien, Part 1 - The Engineers
In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert kicks off a series devoted to the various creatures of the “Alien” universe with a look at the enigmatic Engineers… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: The Fountain, Too Fast for Shadows
Why is a fountain in an urban environment so inviting and, at least to some extent, so calming? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss human fountain culture and the seeming benefits of urban blue space. (originally published 05/25/2023)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Special Order 937
Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Hooves, Part 2
In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the form and evolution of the horse hoof, as well as related adaptations. (originally published 06/13/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: Creature (1985)
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss William Malone’s 1985 “Alien” knock-off “Creature,” starring Stan Ivar, Wendy Schaal, Lyman Ward, Diane Salinger and Klaus Kinski. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rise of the Cicadas, Part 4
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Rob and Joe explore the world of the periodical cicada, from their curious lifecycle to their mythological and culinary roles in human cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox
In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage by Rob Thomas, senior vice president of software and chief commercial officer at IBM, during NY Tech Week. They discuss “the productivity paradox,” the importance of open-source AI, and a future where AI will touch every industry. 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/smarttalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rise of the Cicadas, Part 3
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Rob and Joe explore the world of the periodical cicada, from their curious lifecycle to their mythological and culinary roles in human cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listener Mail: Phaedra
Once more, it's time for a weekly dose of Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Weirdhouse Cinema listener mail...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Vault: Hooves, Part 1
In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe consider the form and evolution of the horse hoof, as well as related adaptations. (originally published 06/08/2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dungeonmaster
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the glorious world of 80s Charles Band productions with 1984’s “The Dungeonmaster,” a supernatural dreamscape with eight directors starring Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll and Leslie Wing. It’s time to reject the devil’s reality and substitute your own! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rise of the Cicadas, Part 2
In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Rob and Joe explore the world of the periodical cicada, from their curious lifecycle to their mythological and culinary roles in human cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.