logo
episode-header-image
May 2013
30m 25s

Ventriloquism: The Science of Dummies

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Ventriloquism: The Science of Dummies: It's time to rediscover ventriloquism, the surprisingly deft art of illusion that relies on a keen sense of comic timing and obsessive technique from the performer, as well as a buy-in into the illusion from the audience member. Why do we fall for it? What's going on in the brain? All shall be explained in this episode of Stuff to Blow Your mind.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
The Monstrefact: Monster Mantas of Chilean Folklore
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. 
5m 54s
Jul 8
The Manta Ray, Part 2
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. 
38m 26s
Jul 7
Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Shocking Dark
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 p ... Show More
1h 18m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2019
What's the Science Behind Applause?
The way that applause starts and moves through a large crowd is scientifically predictable. Learn what the research shows about the influence of sound and psychology in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystu ... Show More
5m 8s
Aug 2021
BrainStuff Classics: What Are the Most-Believed Myths About Our Brains?
Over-simplifications about how our brains work abound. Learn what these myths are, and why it's important to fight them, in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/even-educators-believe-common-my ... Show More
4m 47s
Jan 2022
BrainStuff Classics: What Makes Stars Twinkle?
On a clear night, the stars seem to wink and twinkle in the sky. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/why-do-stars-twinkle.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystud ... Show More
3m 51s
Mar 2022
Making Sense: How sound becomes hearing
In the same way optical illusions trick our eyes, audio illusions can trick our ears. This raises a fundamental question: What is hearing, and how much of it is made up by our brains?This is the first episode of our new six-part series, Making Sense.You can find more of Diana Deu ... Show More
41m 14s
Feb 2023
The Mind Numbing Medicine
This episode will render you oblivious, conked out and blissfully unaware. It’s about anaesthetics: those potent potions that send you into a deep, deathly sleep. Listener Alicia wants to know how they work, so our sleuths call on the expertise of consultant anaesthetist Dr Fiona ... Show More
43m 44s
Aug 2019
How Ventriloquism Works
Ventriloquism – where a skilled performer “throws” their voice, making it seem like a dummy on their knee is talking – has taken a long, circuitous road from early prophets, to witches, then finally to the stage. Get to the bottom of this uncanny trick. Learn more about your ad-c ... Show More
48m 58s
May 2012
002 - The Illusion of Knowledge
In this episode of the You Are Not So Smart Podcast we discuss the illusion of knowledge with Christopher Chabris, co-author of "The Invisible Gorilla." After that, we eat a triple-ginger molasses cookie while discussing non-believed false memories.Patreon: http://patreon.com/you ... Show More
47m 4s
Sep 2023
How We Live With Contradictions
Think about the last time you did something you knew was wrong. How did you explain your actions to yourself? All of us tell stories about why we do the things we do. We justify our failures, and come up with plausible explanations for our actions. This week, Elliot Aronson expla ... Show More
53m 53s
Nov 2020
What's it like to fall into a black hole?
Take a cosmic field trip with Daniel and Jorge, as they guide you on a thought experiment into the heart of the most mysterious objects in the Universe. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
48m 10s
Nov 2021
Mind readers
Will scientists ever fully understand the human brain? In their quest for knowledge, they’ve tried knives, magnets, computers, blood, and even a good metaphor.For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on ... Show More
33m 10s