Will-o'-the-Wisp: A Light in the Swamp

The scarecrow watches over the field, but does it watch us back? Does it keep the birds away, or does it deter darker fiends from these haunted lands? Join Robert and Joe for a Halloween-season look at the science, culture and folklore of scarecrows.See omnystudio.com/listener fo ... Show More

In this classic episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the wild realm of Mexican horror with Juan López Moctezuma’s 1977 cult classic “Alucarda,” starring Tina Romero, Susana Kamini, David Silva and Claudio Brook. (originally published 9/26/2025)See omnystudio.com/li ... Show More

In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the psychological, economic and decision theory phenomenon known as ambiguity aversion. Find out how it relates to the Ellsberg paradox, madman theory and the balance of power in our world. (orignally publ ... Show More

<p>Have you ever followed a ghostly light into the woods? For many, it sounds like a story straight out of the world of folklore -- yet these strange lights have been reported across the world. In Mexico, they're sometimes considered evidence of witchcraft. So what exactly are th ... Show More

<p>If you've ever bitten into a Wint-O-Green Life Saver candy in the dark, you've probably noticed an accompanying spark of light. Marshall Brain explains the chemistry behind the phenomenon known as triboluminescence in this episode.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices ... Show More

Here’s the scene. You’re driving down a secluded road. The only lights come from your headlights. The only sounds you hear are crickets and the hum of the engine. Suddenly, a mysterious orb of light appears in the distance, floating a few feet above the ground. You get the sense ... Show More

<p><strong>#198</strong></p> <p>In this special Halloween episode Melissa and Jam explore the spooky yet fascinating world of glow-in-the-dark chemistry. The discussion delves into nostalgic aspects of Halloween, focusing particularly on phosphorescence and the forbidden transiti ... Show More

The Will-o'-the-wisp is a malevolent spirit that manifests as floating lights in marshes and swamps, luring lost travelers deeper into treacherous terrain by mimicking familiar sources of illumination like campfires, lanterns, or distant homes, ultimately leading them to their do ... Show More

On any given night, dense clouds of dark, ghostly figures pass over your head as you sleep. Maybe you never knew they were there, but there are people out there who are deciphering all the unseen movement that happens amid the darkness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg ... Show More

What are "Ghosts?" Are they real? If so, what are they made of? Watch as the guys try to solve the mysteries of the spiritual world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 

Daniel and Jorge talk about sonoluminescence, a mystery that has evaded explanation for almost 100 years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

For thousands of years, humans were convinced meteors and stars shed heavenly goo onto Earth's surface, or that shreds of the Virgin Mary's veil drifted to the ground after her visitations. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel continue their exploration of weird weather pheno ... Show More