The Magic Eight Ball of Your Existence: Imagine a computer model of the entire world, one on which world leaders can test their decisions and gauge the ripple effect of their actions. Is such a simulation possible? In this episode, Robert and Julie discus
May 30
From the Vault: You’ve Got Pee-Mail, Part 3
In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the amazing social power of urine, especially as it relates to urine-based communication in the animal world. (part 3 of 3) (originally published 5/22/2025)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati ... Show More
51m 47s
May 29
Weirdhouse Cinema: Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: The Wicker Man (1973) - Part 2
In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the monumental 1973 British folk horror film “The Wicker Man,” directed by Robin Hardy, written by Anthony Shaffer and starring Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee. (Part 2 of 2) (originally published 5/9/2025)See ... Show More
1h 43m
Dec 2020
SYSK Selects: How Chaos Theory Changed the Universe
<p>Since the age of Descartes, science has put all of its eggs in the basket of determinism, the idea that with accurate enough measurements any aspect of the universe could be predicted. But the universe, it turns out, is not so tidy. Explore the final frontier with Josh and Chu ... Show More
55m 31s
Mar 2022
227 - Imaginable - Jane McGonigal
<p>Jane McGonigal's new books details how she creates alternate reality games in which people take part in virtual worlds, and, in so doing, gain a sensitively to the cues (and a familiarity with the conditions) that could lead to certain outcomes, making it possible to both prev ... Show More
59m 59s
Jan 2022
Are we living in a simulation?
Sean Illing talks with philosopher David Chalmers about virtual worlds and the nature of reality, and other topics that stem from Chalmers's new book Reality+. In this far-reaching discussion, Sean and Prof. Chalmers get into the makeup of human consciousness, the question of whe ... Show More
1h 6m
Jan 2023
"Snow Crashing Into The Metaverse" from Imaginary Worlds
This week, we’re sharing an episode of Imaginary Worlds. For the last 30 years, the real world has been catching up to Neal Stephenson’s vision of the future in his 1992 novel Snow Crash, which influenced the creators of Google Earth, Second Life, Oculus Rift and more. Now the ce ... Show More
29m 19s
Nov 2023
Dead Planets Society: #11 Cube Earth Part Two
Turning the Earth into a cube, the gift that just keeps giving. Last episode we had fish bowl spaceships, this time we have sea monsters!
If you thought cubifying the Earth couldn’t get more wacky, you’re in for a treat. In the Dead Planets Society season finale, Leah Crane and C ... Show More
17m 11s
