logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
1h 4m

CLASSIC: The Rise of the Chimera

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

From ancient stories of shapeshifters to works of fiction like "The Island of Dr. Moreau", humanity has always been fascinating with the line between people and non-human animals -- but modern technology may finally allow us to create real-life chimeras. In fact, it already has. The only question here is how far scientists have actually gone in this regard (and whether that's something they don't want us to know).

They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
Exploding Mics: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk, Chapter Two
In mere hours after the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10th, 2025, conspiracy theories metastasized across the internet net. Within 33 hours, authorities claimed they had captured the assassin, and began to map out a timeline of the murder. However, a lot of people we ... Show More
40m 43s
Sep 15
CLASSIC: What the Heck is an NFT?
In tonight's Classic episode: a new player has entered the strange, often confusing world of Bitcoin -- the non-fungible token, or NFT. This digital token, which can be virtually anything, is technically unique. It's a one-of-a-kind thing existing in an entirely intangible state. ... Show More
1h 7m
Sep 14
Strange News: The DHS Traces Your Finances, No Water For You! Plus: You Can See Everything, Drone Shenanigans, and More
Recent revelations confirm that the Department of Homeland Security and other parts of law enforcement are secretly accessing your financial records -- and taking you in, even if you haven't committed a crime. Plus, US courts rule people have no right to clean water. A sinister C ... Show More
59m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2012
The Existential Horror of the Humanzee
<p>A Russian program to breed human/chimpanzee hybrids? Prisoners injected with animal testes? These grotesque tales shed light on the line between humans and chimpanzees. In this episode, Robert and Julie discuss humanity's attempts to create a humanzee.</p><p> </p> Learn more a ... Show More
31m 29s
Apr 2022
Relaxed Fit: Transhumanism Part I - A Chimp None the Less
<p>This week we explore the sometimes <i>sticky</i> topic of Transhumanism, the belief that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology, this week focusing on the biological aspect of Transhumanism, s ... Show More
1h 14m
Sep 2023
Star Trek - Metamorphisis
Metamorphosis explores themes of love, sacrifice, and immortality, and raises questions about the nature of humanity and the limits of technology. 
12m 5s
Feb 2024
Werewolves: Real Shapeshifters Among Us
For centuries, people have spoken of those who could shapeshift, taking the form of wild creatures. Werewolves were thought to be only a work of fiction, but then why do some entire communities believe in their existence?<br /><br />Find out more at HorrorStory.com or get in touc ... Show More
22m 34s
Dec 2021
6: Genetic Chimeras, Judas Goats, and Toys
<p>On a surprisingly deep holiday episode, we ask, what is a genetic chimera, could it save lives, and is it moral? What are Judas Goats, and what are the challenges faced in conservation? And most importantly, what were the first toys in history and what were our favorite toys?< ... Show More
1h 39m
Jan 2016
S01 Episode 1: Opening the Gate
Since the dawn of communication we have shared stories about imaginary beings; entities such as demons, angels, monsters and fairies.<br>But what if they weren’t stories at all? What if these entities were real, existing right next to us, right now, walking invisibly among us? Wh ... Show More
21m 26s
May 2019
T5: Will we all become cyborgs?
A talk for Episode 5. Bioethicist Andy Miah on what cyborgs today can tell us about humanity’s future. Will genetic modification and life extension technology cause more or less social equality? Produced by Eliza Lomas and Becky Ripley. Don’t forget to take part in our Forest 404 ... Show More
7m 32s
Apr 2022
Sideshow 8: Lion & Lamb
Humans are animals. But at some point throughout the course of evolution, our species got the upperhand. Today, a short history of our co-existence with the animal kingdom… and what happened when we decided that these animals would join us on stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for ... Show More
26m 35s
Jun 2020
Body Hacking: More Than Human
Anne Muir and Liz Waid tell about a group of people who explore the relationship between the human body and technology. Would you want to see sound? Would you want to hear colors? Would you want to unlock doors just by approaching them? People can put technology into their bodies ... Show More
15m 1s
Nov 2017
An Attempt to Understand Zoophilia
<p>Human culture emerges from a legacy of lives lived in close proximity to wild and domesticated animals. We see it in our myths and, in its most taboo and perplexing form, we see it in zoophilia. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Christian attempt to demyst ... Show More
1h 4m