Stuff To Blow Your Mind

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe wrestle with their first full-blown snake movie: 1981’s “Venom.” It stars Oliver Reed, Klaus Kinski and a live black mamba snake from the London Zoo. Film historians still debate which was the more difficult actor of the three. (originally published 11/12/2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Published: 25 August 2025

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the mysteries and marvels of oar-powered galleys and warships in the ancient Mediterranean world. How many oars did they depend on? How many rowers and how many levels of rowers? And what are we to make of Ptolemy IV Philopator’s 40-oar Tessarakonteres? Find out… (originally published 8/20/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Published: 23 August 2025

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1967 sci-fi horror film “Quatermass and the Pit” starring James Donald, Andrew Keir, Barbara Shelley and Julian Glover.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Published: 22 August 2025

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the faunal boundary line between Asia and Australia known as the Wallace Line and the British naturalist it was named for, Alfred Russel Wallace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Published: 21 August 2025

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 giant clam!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the faunal boundary line between Asia and Australia known as the Wallace Line and the British naturalist it was named for, Alfred Russel Wallace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and guest co-host Anney Reese discuss the 1995 jungle adventure film "Congo" starring Laura Linney, Ernie Hudson and Tim Curry – as well as LOTS of Stan Winston gorilla costumes. (originally published 11/11/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

In this classic 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. (originally published 8/15/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1971 fantasy musical "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," directed by Mel Stuart, written by Roald Dahl and starring Gene Wilder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses Marvel Comics’ Galactus and how he ties into various contemplations of extraterrestrial intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

Happy Saint Swithin’s Day! In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the legendary saint whose feast day is July 15, the folkloric weather prophecies associated with the day and what modern meteorology has to say about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Mario Bava’s colorful anthology of gothic horror, starring the legendary Boris Karloff. (originally published 10/22/2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

In this classic 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. (originally published 8/13/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

In this special CAT WEEK episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1988 mutant housecat horror film "Uninvited," directed by B-cinema icon Greydon Clark and starring George Kennedy, Alex Cord, Clu Gulager, Toni Hudson and Eric Larson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

In this special CAT WEEK episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the oldest known evidence of domesticated cats on the isle of Cyprus, as well as tales of St. Nicholas of the Cats, also associated with the island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

In this special CAT WEEK episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the magical tiger and magpie from the 2025 film "KPop Demon Hunters."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

In this special CAT WEEK episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss some of the magical and folkloric cats of the British Isles, including Scotland's cat-sith and the Grimalkin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the classic 1957 miniaturization film “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” which manages to deliver ground-breaking special effects action and philosophical depth in equal measure. Plus, it features an amazing house cat attack! (originally published 03/24/23)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

In this four-part 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. (originally published 8/6/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the bonkers 1984 Wes Craven made-for-TV movie “Invitation to Hell,” starring Robert Urich, Joanna Cassidy and Susan Lucci.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Egyptologist, author and educator Colleen Darnell about ancient Egyptian religion, warfare and of course vintage fashion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe chats with Daniel Whiteson, co-host of the podcast "Daniel and Kelly's Extraordinary Universe" about Whiteson's upcoming book "Do Aliens Speak Physics," to be released November 4th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

In this classic 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. (originally published 7/26/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

In this four-part 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. (originally published 8/01/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1977 Ray Harryhausen adventure film “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger,” starring Patrick Wayne, Taryn Power, Margaret Whiting, Jane Seymour, Patrick Troughton and scores of amazing stop-motion creatures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

In this two-part series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe is joined by guests Anney Reese and Lauren Vogelbaum of the Savor podcast to talk about a collection of fascinating and bizarre transformations that food can undergo when stored in the right (or wrong) conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses the werewolf persona of late heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, from his 1983 album “Bark at the Moon.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

In this two-part series of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe is joined by guests Anney Reese and Lauren Vogelbaum of the Savor podcast to talk about a collection of fascinating and bizarre transformations that food can undergo when stored in the right (or wrong) conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss Ridley Scott’s dark fairy tale “Legend,” starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara and Tim Curry. (originally published 8/30/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

In this four-part 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. (originally published 7/30/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Joe and guest host J.J. discuss Quentin Dupieux's 2019 film "Deerskin," starring Jean Dujardin and Adèle Haenel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

In this four-part 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. (originally published 7/25/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

This week, the show takes you behind the scenes at L'Oréal’s research center in New Jersey. Malcolm Gladwell delves into the complexities of cosmetic formulation and the AI partnership with IBM. Learn how AI is poised to revolutionize the creation of beauty products, to make them even more sustainable and innovative. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe take a street gang odyssey across New York City with 1979’s “The Warriors.” (originally published 8/23/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

In this classic 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. (originally published 7/23/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1952 Finnish folk horror film "The White Reindeer," starring Mirjami Kuosmanen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

In this series of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the majestic manta ray. In this episode, learn all about their parasites, brains and cleaning stations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses a pair of creatures from Chilean folklore that may connect to observations of the manta ray…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

In this series of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the majestic manta ray. In this episode, learn all about manta ray reproduction and accounts of their pulling boats around by their anchors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

In this classic 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. (originally published 8/2/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

In this classic 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. (originally published 7/18/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

In this special July 4th episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1999 frontier cannibal horror film “Ravenous,” directed by Antonia Bird and starring Guy Pearce and Robert Carlyle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with Sam Kean about his new book “Dinner with King Tut: How Rogue Archaeologists Are Re-creating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

In this episode of STBYM’s The Monstrefact, Robert discusses uses of the manta ray in Dungeons and Dragons, the fictional Ixitxachitls and what it all seems to reflect about humanity’s relationship to real-world manta rays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

In this series of episodes from Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the majestic manta ray, from its biology and lifecycle to conservation issues and its portrayal in mythology, folk beliefs and even 1930s horror movies. Learn all about these strange and beautiful creatures and what’s being done to ensure their survival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

In this classic 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.” (originally published 7/19/2024)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

In this classic 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. (originally published 7/11/2024) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the infamously wild 1988 Indonesian folk-horror mockbuster “Lady Terminator,” directed by Tjut Djalil and starring Barbara Anne Constable as the unstoppable machine gun-toting avatar of the South Sea Queen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025