Stuff To Blow Your Mind

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe tap into the January Giallo spirit of things with 1975’s “Footprints on the Moon,” a beautifully-shot surreal mystery starring Florinda Bolkan, Peter McEnery, Nicoletta Elmi and Klaus Kinski -- with cinematography by Oscar-winner Vittorio Storaro. (originally published 1/24/2025)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Submitted for your approval: Given listener nostalgia for past TV marathons of The Twilight Zone, Robert and Joe devote this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind to the classic episode “The Rip Van Winkle Caper.” Join them as they break down some of the scientific, cultural and economic topics associated with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the Silvesterkläuse, particularly the monstrous “ugly” versions that factor into Swiss New Year’s Eve traditions.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 this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the wild world of lucha libre with the 1967 Mexican science fiction film “Santo vs. the Martian Invasion,” starring El Santo himself alongside Wolf Ruvinskis and Maura Monti. (originally published 1/10/2025)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of pretend play in childhood development and human consciousness. (originally published 1/7/2025)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1980’s “Battle Beyond the Stars" and revel in this wonky space opera featuring a number of b-movie mainstays and future stars. (originally published 06/24/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s classic holiday episode, Rob and Joe once more turn their minds to Christmas trees – but not the ones you’ll find in living rooms and department stores. No, for these Christmas trees, they’ll be considering natural organisms in the watery depths of Earths’ oceans… (originally 12/12/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Christmas Eve transmission, Dr. Anton Jessup reflects on the nature of holiday conquest and what victory actually looks like…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic holiday episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the history and invention of the eggnog, how it became such an iconic holiday beverage and some curious historic goblets associated with the consumption of this rich, milky draught. (originally published 12/15/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1977’s “Blue Sunshine,” directed by Jeff Lieberman and starring Zalman King. It’s a twisted tale of post-60s anxiety, hippie disillusionment and sensationalized media treatments of psychedelics. It’s also technically a Christmas movie, so strap in… (originally published 12/20/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe return to the world of squirrels and their curious carnivorous ways… (originally published 1/2/2025) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1984 science fiction comedy horror film”Night of the Comet,” directed by Thom Eberhardt and starring Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelli Maroney and Robert Beltran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special holiday episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the science of bad christmas gift giving – and receiving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the monstrous Afanc of Welsh tradition… (originaly published 12/4/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this two-part series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the science of blubber and some of the ideas surrounding cetacean insulation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, guest-host David Striepe of the Talkin' Tofu podcast returns to chat with Rob about the 1987 miniaturization film “Innerspace,” directed by Joe Dante and starring Dennis Quaid, Martin Short and Meg Ryan. (originally published 1/3/2025)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe dig into the powerful resonance of the fireplace and hearthstone in human culture, psychology and myth. (part 2 of 2, originally published 12/19/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1985’s “Santa Claus: The Movie,” starring Dudley Moore as an elf, John Lithgow as a scheming tycoon and David Huddleston – the Big Lebowski himself – as Santa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this two-part series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the science of blubber and some of the ideas surrounding cetacean insulation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this holiday episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the diminutive tomtars of Swedish holiday tradition…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the use of firescreens, polescreens and related technologies that shielded the eyes from the glow, heat or desolation of the hearth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss 1976’s “Rock'n'Roll Wolf,” also known as “Mama.” It’s a Romanian–Soviet–French co-production and a live-action adaptation of the Brothers Grimm tale “The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats.” (originally published 12/13/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe dig into the powerful resonance of the fireplace and hearthstone in human culture, psychology and myth. (part 1 of 2, originally published 12/17/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe welcome the holidays in – on Krampusnacht – with the 1995 holiday horror film “The Day of the Beast,” directed by Álex de la Iglesia and starring Álex Angulo, Armando De Razza and Santiago Segura.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the science, culture and mythology of licking. (part 3 of 3)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the legendary shapeshifter of French and Creole Louisiana known as the Rougarou…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 this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1980 grindhouse mainstay “Shogun Assassin,” a western release compiled from the first two “Lone Wolf and Cub” films by Kenji Misumi, highlighting its sizzling action with added electronic score and captivating narration. (originally published 12/6/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe continue their look at sacred trees of the world with a look at lightning-struck trees in European traditions, as well as the sacred rowan tree. (originally published 12/10/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1999 shark film “Deep Blue Sea” in which super-smart sharks run wild in a sea base. (originally published 07/30/2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe celebrate such monstrous dishes as the Cockentrice, the Turducken and other historic culinary indulgences – as well related monsters that you might accidentally order at a medieval feast. Bon appétit! (originally published 11/21/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the mermaid Hortus as described and illustrated in the book “Dr. C. Lillefisk's Sirenology” by Jana Heidersdorf. (originally published 1/15/2025)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss urohidrosis: the avian habit of urinating and/or defecating onto the scaly parts of one’s own legs. Find out what it’s all about… (originally published 11/19/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe consider the 1974 Thai co-production "Hanuman vs. & Ultraman," in which the hindu god Hanuman teams up with the Ultra Seven to defeat evil monsters and dastardly human plots. (originally published 5/28/2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the various sacred trees of the world, including the giant sequoias of North America and the ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua of Hawaii. (originally published 11/14/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1991 cyberpunk action movie “Future Kick,” starring Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, Meg Foster and Chris Penn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the science, culture and mythology of licking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malcolm Gladwell heads to San Francisco Tech Week to talk with IBM’s new Director of Research Jay Gambetta in front of a live audience. They discuss IBM’s plans to scale quantum computing power, the groundbreaking experiments already underway, and what impact these new computers could have on chemistry, medicine, and even finance.  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://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the science, culture and mythology of licking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab your drug bazooka! In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe dive back into the wild world of euro-kaiju films with the 1961/1962 Danish/American co-production “Reptilicus.” (originally published 11/22/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Jonathan Birch about his new book “The Edge of Sentience: Risk and Precaution in Humans, Other Animals, and AI.” (originally published 11/12/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this two-part Weirdhouse Cinema exploration, Rob and Joe dive into Noirvember with 1998’s “Dark City,” directed by Alex Proyas and starring Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien, and Ian Richardson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 consider the mighty musk deer!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss various examples of sacred, sacrificial and novel daggers from various cultures and traditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe celebrate Noirvember with a viewing of the 1941 Robert Florey crime film “The Face Behind the Mask,” starring the legendary Peter Lorre. (originally published 11/15/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic, monster-themed episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss a creature most dreadful to the mariners of old: the mythical siren.(originally published 11/7/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this two-part Weirdhouse Cinema exploration, Rob and Joe dive into Noirvember with 1998’s “Dark City,” directed by Alex Proyas and starring Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien, and Ian Richardson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss various examples of sacred, sacrificial and novel daggers from various cultures and traditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the enigmatic Beast from Cartoon Network’s 2014 animated series “Over the Garden Wall.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.