Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gear Based Technologies

What happens when you put a Sphere of Annihilation inside a Bag of Holding? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — go deep on magical item combos, the science of extradimensional space, the world’s most powerful glue, potion mixology, and the surprisingly complex question of when a sword becomes a person. We kick things off with the Bag of Holding — how its constant weight hints at real theories of gravity and extra dimensions — before combining it with the Sphere of Annihilation (a dense ball of antimatter in a magical containment field) and exploring the three probabilistic outcomes, including a spontaneous rip in space-time that sends your party to a random time period. Then we tackle Sovereign Glue, why no substance in our world truly sticks to everything, and the hilariously impractical physics of storing oil of slipperiness in a bottle. We also dive into potion mixology — why mixing potions in your body is random (your gut biome matters), what quantum wave interference has to do with making a potion permanent, and why you should always read the label before chugging two potions at once. Finally, we explore sentient magical items: Black Razor, Night Blood, and the Professor Orb — and debate whether these items contain trapped souls, emergent AI, or something else entirely. Topics Covered: How magical items are created: alloying, Damascus steel & samurai folding Magical attunement vs. non-magical attunement (medieval ergonomics) Why magical weapons harm magical creatures Impedance matching & the three-item attunement limit Luck as quantum mechanics, divination & short-range time travel The Luck Blade, Cursed Luck Stone & Shield of Missile Attraction The Bag of Beans, Deck of Many Things & wild magic items Favorite magical items: Cloak of Billowing, Folding Boat & Nolzur’s Marvelous Pigments Cursed items — liabilities or creative opportunities? Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

What makes a magical item truly magical — and how many is too many? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — dive deep into the science, physics, and storytelling behind D&D magical items, and things get wonderfully chaotic. We explore how magical items are created through the fantasy equivalent of metal alloying and materials science — from Damascus steel to samurai folding techniques — and how the concept of magical attunement maps perfectly onto impedance matching in electronics. We break down the difference between a non-magical plus one sword (medieval ergonomics) and a truly magical weapon, why magical weapons can harm magical creatures when ordinary ones can’t, and how luck itself might be a form of short-range time travel or quantum probability manipulation. Then we get into the really fun stuff: the Cloak of Billowing, the Luck Blade, the Cursed Shield of Missile Attraction, the Bag of Beans, the Folding Boat (which turns out to be an excellent murder weapon), and the ultimate chaotic device — the Deck of Many Things. Plus, does drawing a card that gives you a castle reveal fate or create it? And did your rich uncle have to die for that to happen? Whether you’re a dungeon master looking for inspiration or a player obsessed with magical loot, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: How magical items are created: alloying, Damascus steel & samurai folding Magical attunement vs. non-magical attunement (medieval ergonomics) Why magical weapons harm magical creatures Impedance matching & the three-item attunement limit Luck as quantum mechanics, divination & short-range time travel The Luck Blade, Cursed Luck Stone & Shield of Missile Attraction The Bag of Beans, Deck of Many Things & wild magic items Favorite magical items: Cloak of Billowing, Folding Boat & Nolzur’s Marvelous Pigments Cursed items — liabilities or creative opportunities? Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

What if the eight schools of D&D magic were actually eight fundamental forces of the universe? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — break down all eight schools of magic through the lens of real science, from particle physics and chemistry to neuroscience and quantum mechanics. We explore how the eightfold way in particle physics maps perfectly onto the eight schools of magic, and introduce the theoretical “magon” — the fundamental particle of spellcasting. Then we go school by school: Abjuration as proton-like defensive particles, Conjuration as spacetime manipulation, Divination as probabilistic quantum prediction, Enchantment as brain chemistry and pheromones, Evocation as pure chemistry-based destruction, Illusion as electromagnetic sense manipulation, Transmutation as nuclear physics, and Necromancy as life-force control. We also debate which school is the most dangerous, the most easily abused, and the most morally complex — and why charm, illusion, and necromancy form a uniquely troubling trio. Whether you’re a D&D wizard trying to pick your school, a science nerd who loves fantasy, or just someone who wants to know how a fireball is different from a cone of cold, this is the episode for you. Topics Covered: The eightfold way in particle physics & the “magon” Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Transmutation & Necromancy The science behind each school: chemistry, nuclear physics, neuroscience & quantum mechanics Which school requires the most energy? The ethics of necromancy, enchantment & illusion Real-world parallels: mirages, pheromones, nuclear reactions & optical illusions Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

How do spells actually work — and why do some only affect certain creatures? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — break down the mechanics, physics, and philosophy behind spellcasting in D&D and beyond. We explore the power of true names and pronunciation (Cthulhu, anyone?), the science behind spell foci like wands — including a deep dive into electrostatics and why wood might not be a coincidence. We dig into why Charm Person doesn’t work on a dog, why Hold Monster is harder than Hold Person, and why elves are immune to Sleep (spoiler: they don’t actually sleep). Then we get into the physics of Fireball vs. Wall of Fire, including a true story about an accidental wall of fire in a college lecture hall. Finally, we tackle one of science’s oldest debates — is magic (and math) invented or discovered? — using the Newton vs. Leibniz and Edison vs. Tesla rivalries as our guide. Whether you’re a D&D player who’s always wondered why Otto’s Irresistible Dance might not work on someone without legs, or a science fan curious about the line between magic and physics, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: True names & the power of words in magic systems Spell foci: wands, electrostatics & druidic focus items Charm Person vs. Charm Monster — the biology of persuasion Hold Person vs. Hold Monster & paralysis mechanics Why Sleep affects (almost) everyone — and why elves are immune The physics of Fireball, Wall of Fire & controlling chaotic energy Named spells & the “second discoverer” effect (Newton, Leibniz, Tesla, Edison) Is magic invented or discovered? The math debate Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

Could humans actually develop psychic powers? The science says… maybe. In this episode of FT GBT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — dive into the often-overlooked world of psionics, exploring the real neuroscience and physics behind mind powers in D&D, Stranger Things, X-Men, Star Wars, and Warhammer 40K. We break down why psychic energy works as a continuum (unlike the discrete “chunks” of arcane spell slots), and how that maps onto pop culture icons like Eleven from Stranger Things. We explore the three categories of psionic powers — attacking the mind, defending the mind, and telekinesis — and dig into the real-world science behind each: from electromagnetic brain signals and sports psychology breakdowns (Simone Biles, Ric Flair) to Faraday cages, Jedi mind tricks, and why a tinfoil hat might not be such a bad idea after all. We also tackle the big question: can a non-psychic person defend against a psychic attack, or are they just a fish in a barrel? Whether you’re a D&D player curious about psionics, a sci-fi fan, or just someone who’s ever wondered if you could move a remote control with your mind, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: What are psionics & why they’re D&D’s most underrated subsystem Psychic energy as a continuum vs. discrete spell slots Mind attacks: ego whips, mind thrust & psychic horror Real-world parallels: sports psychology, CIA training, hypnotism Defending the brain: Faraday cages, Magneto’s helmet & Warhammer 40K The physics of telekinesis Eleven (Stranger Things), X-Men, Star Wars & psionic pop culture Can non-psychics resist psychic attacks? Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

Show Notes Can science explain how divine magic actually works? In this episode the FGGGbT Brain Trust tackles the rules, biology, and ethics behind divine magic in Dungeons & Dragons. From the life-force mechanics powering clerics and druids to the darkest corners of necromancy — we break it all down. We explore how death functions as a control valve for life energy, why souls are the currency of divine magic, and what separates a good necromancer from an evil one. Plus, we debate the ethics of raising the undead, zombie consent, and whether zombies are actually part of the natural order of things. We also break down the key differences between Revivify, Resurrection, and Reincarnation — and what the HBO show Carnival can teach us about the conservation of magical energy. If you’ve ever wondered whether necromancy can be ethical, what gods actually want with your soul, or why druids might be okay with zombies under the right circumstances — this is the episode for you. Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

Show Notes Can neuroscience and physics explain how D&D spell slots actually work? In this episode of FGGGbT (Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos & Gear-Based Technologies), the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — crack open the skulls of arcane magic users to figure out what’s really going on inside. We break down Vancian magic and why wizards forget spells after casting them (spoiler: it’s RAM, neural pathways, and sleep science). We explore spell slots as discrete energy units using battery analogies — from AA batteries to D batteries to full-on thermal runaway. We also dig into magic scrolls as portable energy storage, the key brain differences between wizards, sorcerers, and warlocks, and the science of necromancy. Plus, Dr. Dennin introduces his original house rule — Dennin’s Law of Unused Magical Energy — which asks: what if you could downcast a spell by forcing high-level energy through a low-level spell slot? (Hint: it involves lithium battery fires and a barbarian with a fan.) Whether you’re a D&D player, a science nerd, a fantasy fan, or all three, this episode will change the way you think about magic forever. Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Episodes We Discussed Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Memory w/ Rebecca Sharrock Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

Show Notes What is magic, really? In this episode, The Brain Trust dig into one of fantasy’s most fundamental questions — not just what magic does, but what it is. They explore why every great fantasy setting gives magic its own internal rules (and why breaking those rules breaks the world), how magic functions less like a supernatural miracle and more like a natural force nobody fully understands yet — a fifth fundamental force, sitting alongside gravity and electromagnetism. From there the conversation gets into the different kinds of people who use it: wizards who treat magic like science, sorcerers running on raw instinct, and clerics and druids who don’t need to understand the rules because they’ve got someone powerful on speed dial. Along the way there’s a detour into why your remote is basically a magic wand, why Alexa is closer to a spell than anyone admits, and the surprisingly thorny question of why, in a world where some people can rewrite reality with a word, those people don’t just run everything. Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs!

Vampires are the one monster that seems to have been around forever (I mean they are immortal), and they never seem to go away.  Their popularity may wax and wane, but these predators are always present, ready to suck away our life force in order to preserve theirs.  Even when it seems like we have discussed everything there is to say about these creatures of the night, the Brain Trust comes through with a new perspective.  This week we discuss their relation to the mosquito, how blood types play a major factor, and how a virus could keep you alive while you are biologically dead. Podcast Links Castlevania Man-Eating Plants Facebook Twitter

Everyone remembers the famous line in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” where Indy says “Why did it have to be snakes?”  Well our Daring Druid (and resident ophiophilist) Ben Siepser often wonders “Why isn’t it ALWAYS snakes”?  So this week we take a look at a few of our favorite snake-based humanoids including the naga, the ophidians, and the dreaded Yuan-Ti.  Just a bit of a warning, the reproductive cycles of these creatures gets REALLY weird, so make sure to have a pen and paper ready.  Also keep an ear out (no pun intended) for my DeKalb Flying Corn shout out! Facebook Twitter

Are you ready for MORE petrification!  This week we discuss the basilisk, a creature that can turn you to stone just by looking at you.  Well it has to meet your gaze, but we get into the specifics so you won’t get fooled.  It is also gigantic, which is something to consider.  Listen as we talk about how near-sightedness as an advantage, the deliciousness of magic shell, and how spitting on goggles may or may not prevent fogginess. Facebook Twitter

There are certain creatures in myth and legend who have been said to have the ability to turn those they encounter into stone.  This week we profile one of those creatures, the cockatrice.  With the head of a rooster, the body of a lizard, and the wings of a bat, this tiny creature can petrify the largest of creatures with a single touch.  They are feared in the fantasy world, since their small size and extreme accuracy make them fearsome opponents.  This week we discuss how this would be possible, and what to do if you find one of your companions looking more statuesque than usual. Facebook Twitter

There is a reason every little girl wants a pony:  Because horses are really cool.  They are so great that the world of D&D is filled with horse-based creatures including the unicorn, pegasus, nightmare, and even the centaur.  Why this form?  What tactile advantages does it provide?  How can a horse fly but a pig can’t?  We will answer all these questions on this week’s episode. Facebook Twitter

As human beings, we are lucky enough to be at the top of the food chain.  Being at the top means there is nothing above us.  No predators to watch out for, nothing evolving to eat is specifically.  We never have to check our rear view.  Or do we?  In this episode we discuss what makes a good human predator, and it turns out its plants!  That’s right, if we are going to be taken out, it will be by an attractive, seemingly harmless plant with beautiful flowers and hallucinogenic pollen.  Listen as we discuss the dangers of high coconuts, using a pitcher plant as a toilet, and how Ben deals with nightmares of Muppets. Podcast Links The Muppets on Fascinating Fights Facebook Twitter

The forest is filled with all kinds of creatures great and small. It is also home to one of the most mischievous and dangerous creatures: The Dryad. The woodland spirits are tied to a singular oak tree. They are so tied in fact, that they cannot stray more than 1000 feet from their home. This can be a problem, so they have devised ways of tricking and charming beautiful men to come and stay with them. Some break the spell and are able to return home, some are never seen again. This episode is filled with all sorts of interesting revelations, which include quantum waviness, the discovery of true commensalism, and whether there is such a thing as consensual abduction. Facebook Twitter

Everyone knows that trees are alive…but today we are only concerned with the ones that run around.  We are talking treants from D&D, Ents from Lord of the Rings, and the Fighting Trees of Oz.  Are these creatures plants with animal traits, or secret animals that look like plants?  We discuss the possibilities.  The answer may be found in upside-down jelly fish & leafy sea slugs.  Plus we show you the importance of poemifying your life, and indulging in a little tree sap. Facebook Twitter

When it comes to D&D, there is one apex predator:  The Dragon.  It is even in the name!  These winged creatures come in all sizes and colors, which is lucky for adventurers.  See, a dragon’s color tells you a lot about the creature, including their alignment, their powers, and their magic resistance.  When you are going after something so powerful, you will take any advantage you can.  We discuss why this is the case, and how it works.  We also explore the idea that much like predators in our world, there have to be a whole host of smaller creatures that live around the dragon to ensure their survival.  Why not hitch your wagon to the most powerful creature in the land! Podcast Links The Mimic Cycle Gelatinous Cubes Megalodon Facebook Twitter

Once you sign up to be an adventurer, it is a given that you will raid every chest you come across.  Some will have locks, some will have traps, and some may even eat you.  That last option is the topic of today’s show as we discuss mimics in D&D.  These creatures can take the form of anything wooden, metal, or stone, which is usually a treasure chest.  Not only that, but we will unveil a new natural cycle that includes the mimic and a mind-altering parasite.  It may not save your party from getting eaten, but it may help you appreciate the dungeon’s natural cycles. Podcast Links Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Mind-Altering Parasites What You’ll Learn 00:01:46 Introduction to the Mimic as a classic D&D monster. 00:02:02 Is the Mimic an evolved biological creature or the creation of a wizard? 00:02:56 A deep dive into what a Mimic is, its abilities, and its common forms. 00:05:03 Exploring the ecology of the Mimic, comparing it to a land octopus. 00:07:18 Real-world examples of aggressive mimicry, including the spider-tailed horned viper and the orchid mantis. 00:09:17 The potential connection between Mimics and carnivorous plants like the sundew. 00:14:17 Introducing the concept of “arthropod treasure” from Delicious in Dungeon. 00:15:59 The parasitic life cycle of the treasure bugs and their relationship with Mimics, compared to the jewel wasp. 00:18:55 How adventurers fit into the dungeon’s ecology. 00:22:11 Unveiling the “Mimic Arthropod Treasure Adventurer Cycle.” 00:23:23 A real-world parallel to the cycle: the green-banded brood sack, or “disco snail.” 00:25:13 Brainstorming creative ways to use mimics and mimicry in a D&D campaign. Where to Find the Hosts & Show FGGGBT X (Twitter): @fgggbtpod Facebook: FGGGBT Website: fgggbt.com Daniel J. Glenn X (Twitter): @DanielJGlenn Instagram: @theDanielJGlenn Website: danieljglenn.com Merch Shop: Glenncodesigns.com Dr. Michael Dennin Instagram/X: @denninmichael X (Twitter): @denninmichael Facebook: @ProfDenninMichael YouTube: Michael Denin Website: deninmichael.com Ben Siepser Social Media: @bsiepser Key Terms & References Creatures & Concepts: Mimic (Dungeons & Dragons) Gelatinous Cube Kobold Spider-tailed horned viper Orchid mantis Venus flytrap Sundew plants Jewel wasp Green-banded brood sack (“Disco Snail”) Media & People: Dungeons & Dragons Ed Greenwood (creator of the Forgotten Realms D&D setting) Delicious in Dungeon (Manga/Anime) Baldur’s Gate 3 (Video Game) The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Film) Fascinating Now (Podcast) Gaming Terms: DM (Dungeon Master) Metagaming XP (Experience Points)

If you wear a belt buckle (as any good adventurer does), then battling a rust monster is the only situation where you can get caught with your pants down.  These creatures seem to feed on metals, which means that unless you are proficient with clubs and quarterstaves, you are in big trouble.   If you have good loot, avoid these creatures at all costs.  Luckily in this episode we will tell you how to deal with these annoying creatures, how they are known to team-up with carrion crawlers, and how in the world they eat animated armor.  Plus we spend some time going over the proper way to Galumph. Facebook Twitter

Our 10th season begins!  We decided to do something a little different this year.  We were inspired by last season’s episode on “Delicious in Dungeon”, so we are taking a look at Dungeons & Dragons monsters and explaining how they work.  It turns out, there is a lot of literature on these creatures, and none has been written about more than the classic Gelatinous Cube, officially known as an Althcoid.  As it’s name implies, it a large cube of ooze, similar to a Jello desert, except in this case YOU are the main course!  It is transparent, and if you find yourself stuck inside one, you will dissolve into goo in less than 10 minutes.  We discuss this monster, how to incorporate them into your adventure, and also find a way to compare them to sour dough starter mix. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Delicious in Dungeon Facebook Twitter

Once you reach 200 episodes, you start to consider life expectancy. Should a podcast go on forever? Should a human live forever? While I have no idea about the first one, today’s episode is about the second one. Sure we will quickly congratulate ourselves but then we get down to the real work: Researching the quest for immortality. It turns out we are coming alarmingly close to halting the aging process, and in some cases even reversing it. We are destroying diseases that ravaged humankind, like cancer and AIDS. We even have billionaires who are charting their biomarkers and uploading their numbers to the internet in the world’s first case of open source human experimentation. We have some a long way since Dr. Frankenstein first jolted his monster to life (our first ep. BTW), and while we can’t raise the dead (yet), we are very close to ending death once and for all. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Frankenstein’s Monster FGGGbT Ep. Fallout FGGGbT Ep. Last of Us FGGGbT Ep. The Danger of Sleep Fascinating Nouns Ep. w/ Paul Hynek Facebook Twitter

For many generations, Santa has been seen as a portly fellow who’s hard work throughout the year makes Christmas Day magical for all.  That view is becoming a thing of the past.  We have done a lot of episodes on the technology of Christmas, and this year we have a new entry:  Red One.  This Santa is absolutely jacked, and has tremendously high powered technology at his control, including a duplicating machine that makes generating toys a cinch, and an enlarging ray that warps the reality around an object so that a toy car can become a full-sized working model.  But there he still has a naughty list that requires round the clock surveillance without your knowledge.  Oh and there is definitely a conspiracy to hide his existence from the world.  Remember, nothing is free, including toys at Christmas.  Even Santa has secrets. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Prep & Landing Dennin’s Discussion of Santa Tech Facebook Twitter

Raiding tombs is tough work, which is maybe Lara Croft, the world’s most famous tomb raider, is such a jerk.  Personally I like Indiana Jones a lot better, but he was definitely not as athletic as Lara.  Sure he had the bullwhip, but Lara uses a magnetic grappling hook with the proficiency of a samurai warrior.  She is excellent at parkour, and is more agile when it comes to avoiding traps.  Let’s say she inspires you to raid tombs of your own, well there are a few things to consider.  This week we discuss the difference between puzzles and traps, the difference between a re-grappler and a de-grappler, and how to restore a painting without ruining it. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Edge of Sleep Fascinating Nouns Ep. w/ Ian Livingstone Facebook Twitter

On this show we discuss how the world will end every other episode, and since we discussed robot survival skills on the last episode, once again, we are due.  This week we actually explore what Dennin calls the ultimate apocalypse:  Dying if you fall asleep.  This is the concept of Markipliers new series “The Edge of Sleep”, which is what inspired this episode.  How long do you think you could stay awake?  24 hours?  48?  I know I have been up 12 hours as I write this and I can barely keep my eyes open.  I would definitely be toast.  Luckily we explore some of the ways you could stay awake for 19 days, which is what the current world record is.  Plus we share some of our favorite all-nighter stories, and discuss the benefits of caffeinated water. Podcast Links Facebook Twitter

The early part of this century saw an explosion of television shows demonstrating extreme survival skills.  I am talking about Survivor, Naked and Afraid, Man VS Wild, or anything Bear Grylls stars in.  I think this was really to show how far we humans have gone from nature.  We have lost almost all of our primal instincts, but in fairness, we do have them.  Our inner caveman is always simmering below the surface.  This is not true for robots.  Sure AI has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past few months, but could an artificially intelligent robot survive in a harsh, remote environment?  Could they learn survival skills without a single human present?  That is the question we are going to tackle today.  Our Enigmatic Engineer Ben Siepser is mostly robot, and as such, he reveals his first ever memories.  These may hold the key to the survival of all robotdom. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Transformers Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Dog Intelligence FGGGbT Ep. on I Am Mother Facebook Twitter

Let’s say you work with classified documents, or you just have a boring job you want to forget.  Wouldn’t it be great if you could just turn off your brain as you entered work and turned it back on when you left the building?  You know, give the heavy lifting to your unconscious or whatever.  If this sounds like a dream come true, then you will LOVE the TV show Severance.  Here people have an operation that puts a chip in their brain which creates an entirely new personality.  This personality IS you, but it only remembers what happens at work.  The original you gets to experience all the cool stuff like weekends and not working, while this new personality is stuck finishing your mindless tasks.  It’s a dream come true!  That is, of course, you are the original you and not the new you.  Their life sucks.  Anyway, we discuss all the pros and cons of this arrangement on this week’s episode! Facebook Twitter

Beetlejuice has been called “The Ghost with the Most”, but the most of what?  Is there something special that he has that other ghosts in the afterlife don’t have?  The short answer is YES, and it involves the Deadon particle.  Don’t worry, we explain everything for you in this episode.   These give him the power to be the greatest bio-exorcist in the afterlife, which is how the B-man makes his living.  And saying his name three times?  First of all, don’t do it.  Secondly, it makes perfect sense, trust me.  Plus we have a quick conversation about how he would fare against the Ghostbusters, and let me say, the consensus was 50/50, AND we tell you how to properly shrink a head. Podcast Links Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Slavic Myths Fascinating Fights:  The Ghostbusters VS Beetlejuice Articles Vincent Price’s Shrunken Head Apple Sculpture Smithsonian on the Shrunken Head Facebook Twitter

My guess is that most people listening to this episode will NOT find themselves lost in a fantasy dungeon (unless it is while playing a game of D&D of course).  However should you, it may become necessary to start catching and eating monsters.   Luckily the Brain Trust has just finished watching the anime “Delicious in Dungeon” so we have you covered.  A dungeon is its own ecosystem, complete with photosynthetic plants (when there is sunlight), wild fungi, herbivores, scavengers and yes, even carnivores.  What should you eat, and how should it be prepared?  Well a cockatrice is multiple animals, so it should be cooked like a turducken.  Need vegetables?  Try planting some on a dirt golem.  We even discuss the complicated science of cooking so all your meat will taste delicious on out wok.  Just steer clear of the dragons and you will be fine. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Dune Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Brains in Jars Facebook Twitter

Humans are visual creatures, but we still rely heavily on our auditory senses to navigate the world.  We are also loud by nature, which is why New York City is constantly at 90 decibels.  My point is this:  If our survival is dependent on staying silent, I think we are doomed.  Most of us at least.  Which is why the monsters in A Quiet Place are so terrifying.  They seem built for our total annihilation.  Their ability to move undetected and hunt by sound makes them the perfect killer.  This week we discuss how these monsters work, plus we offer a few ways we might be able to stay alive along enough to defeat them. FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

Today we decide to take a trip BACK to the planet of Dune, which is a place like none other.  In our first episode we talked about the lack of water and how important saving every drop is.  Well this time we take a deep dive into that waterless pool to give you as many H2O saving tips that we can.  First of all we have to discuss where all the water went and how to get to it.  Secondly we have to get you on a very efficient urine reclamation system similar to the ISS.  Toilet to Tap as we like to say.  Thirdly, and admittedly this is pretty gruesome but necessary, we tell you how to take your fallen comrades and turn their lifeless bodies into about 8 gallons per 100 lbs.  That’s a lot of water to squeeze out of a human, but we give you all the deets on how to get it done. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Dune Sandworms FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

Tornadoes are one of the most truly devastating forces in nature.  They can appear out of nowhere, destroy entire towns, and then disappear without a trace.  They are categorized not by their power, but by the amount of damage they cause.  So how do these killer vortexes form?  And why are they almost exclusively a North American phenomenon?  Why do people chase them through the American Midwest?  We can’t answer the last one, but we try to nail every weather related question we can think of. FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

At the end of the last episode things looked pretty bleak. Highly advanced aliens are on their way and they are stifling our scientific breakthroughs. But humans are resilient. The aliens call us bugs, but nothing is more hardy than the cockroach. But what can we do? Well we specialize in out of the box thinking. How about shooting a probe towards the aliens containing the frozen brain of a brilliant scientist? What about nano wires that can silently cut a yacht into 5 sections? Or maybe we go straight analogue and create a committee of people who keep all of the strategies of humanity safely in their head? These seem like wild ideas, but there is a method to this madness. Listen as we give humanity hope that there may be a way to prepare for the alien that are speeding towards Earth at 1% light speed. FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

The TV show “3 Body Problem” introduces a major conundrum for humanity:  Aliens are on their way, and there is nothing we can do about it.  Are they friendly?  Are they hostile?  Who knows (Who am I kidding, we all know they will eventually turn on us)?  There is an upside though:  It will take them 400 years to get here, so we have some time.  But how did they find us in the first place?   What is their obsession with VR tech?  And what is a three body problem anyway?  Luckily The Brain Trust is here to help navigate this situation and answer all your questions. FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

“When Hell Freezes Over” is a common saying, but what does it even mean? Sure religious doctrine would have you believe that Hell is a place of fire and brimstone, full of lakes of lava, overcooked burritos, nuclear meltdowns, and other really hot stuff. But we also talk about the chill of the grave, and the cold touch of death. So which is it? Ghosts seem to straddle both worlds. Well this week we once again revisit the Ghostbusters series, complete with an entity that freezes everything it touches. Is there a connection to Absolute Zero, where all motion stops, and all life ends?  Does brass have ghost-busting powers, or is it only good for musical instruments?  Does Daniel figure out how to make his iron skillet work?  Listen to find out the answers to these questions and many more! Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Tom & Jerry Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Remote Viewing FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

We have been taught that Superman is the icon for truth, justice, and the American way.  He is the ultimate superhero, and always does what it right.  He is also an alien with more strength and power than anything we can imagine.  There are no counters to him.  Well except Kryptonite which is unbelievably rare.  Besides that, there is nothing we can do to stop him.  Luckily he is on our side…but what if he wasn’t?  This week, The Brain Trust looks at other Super Men who have the same powers as Kal-El, but without the same moral and ethic compass.  We even look at a world where the he lands in Soviet Russia and spreads communism throughout the world! Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Nope Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Vivarium FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

We’ve discussed how to build your own underground bunker, but what if you let a company like Vault-Tek do that for you?  In the world of Fallout, Vault-Tek is not the most trustworthy company.  They blew up the entire world to eliminate their competition!  While I do respect their hustle, it does leave the world in an irradiated mess.  So in three hundred years when you are coming out of your vault, how do you deal with all the radiation?  Is that just a part of your daily life?  And why are all the insects so big?  Strap on your Pip-Boy, and get ready to discuss everything you need to know to become a productive member of the new radioactive society. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on The Flintstones Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Echo and Daredevil FGGGbT Ep. on Fallout Articles Creating Designer Chromosomes FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

We’ve discussed how to build your own underground bunker, but what if you let a company like Vault-Tek do that for you?  In the world of Fallout, Vault-Tek is not the most trustworthy company.  They blew up the entire world to eliminate their competition!  While I do respect their hustle, it does leave the world in an irradiated mess.  So in three hundred years when you are coming out of your vault, how do you deal with all the radiation?  Is that just a part of your daily life?  And why are all the insects so big?  Strap on your Pip-Boy, and get ready to discuss everything you need to know to become a productive member of the new radioactive society. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on The Jetsons Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Edgar Allan Poe Articles Chernobyl’s Impact on Wildlife Cancer Resistant Wolves Radiation Resistant Worms FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

There are very few characters that truly stand the test of time.  Superman and Batman are almost 90, but there are peaks and valleys to their popularity.  The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been consistently in the spotlight since the mid-80’s, which is a feat in my opinion.  As everyone knows, despite being 40 years old they are still technically teenage turtles that practice karate, who happen to have been mutated to be the general proportions of a human.  There are four of them, all named after renaissance artists, and all with a unique personality.  What is the key to their universality?  Is it living alone in the sewer?  Is it trying to fit in?  Is it the love of all things pizza?  We dive into this question on today’s episode.  Plus we talk about how to design a martial art for a turtle and a rat, and why Donatello should have been names Titian. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on The Fly Fascinating Nouns Ep. on The Mona Lisa Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Cicadas Articles Hannah Gadsby Ninja Turtle Joke FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

History is littered with tragic events, things that change the course of your life.  Some events have the magnitude to change the social order of the world itself.  What if you could go back and right these wrongs?  Who among us wouldn’t go back and stop 9/11, or prevent the holocaust?  Well this week, we take a look at this very possibility.  We were inspired by the Stephen King book/TV series “11/22/63”, which is about a man who goes back in time to stop the JFK assassination.  We walk you though the planning and preparation required to change history.  We also explore the notion that maybe history doesn’t WANT to be changed, and will fight back if you get in it’s way.  That is where things get a little tricky, but don’t worry, it’s NOT impossible! Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Coherence FGGGbT Ep. on Science Fiction Theater Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Edgar Allan Poe FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if during major moments of your life you simply made a different decision?  You know, went left instead of right?  What would your life be like now?  Well thanks to our old friend Quantum Physics, that decision happened, and that alternate reality exists. And if that life is better than the one you are in now, what do you do?  If you have the stones, you can get rid of the other version of yourself and take that life over.  I don’t mean kill them of course, but maybe a life swap?  Like a foreign exchange program.  Getting there is the problem.  Luckily this week’s episode will help you figure that part out. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Vivarium FGGGbT Ep. on Daredevil & Echo FGGGbT Ep. on From FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

Fighting crime is a dangerous business.  In the best of circumstances, you have keep your senses sharp, and maintain your focus at all times.  Seeing your enemy and hearing their movements are vital to your success, but what if you can’t see or hear?  What do you do then?  Well for Daredevil who is blind, and Echo who is deaf, you weaponize your other senses!  In this episode, we tell you how.  Whether it is using sign language to silently communicate, or echolocation to navigate the world, anyone can be a crime fighter.  We also discuss how dogs see the world through scent, how snakes see the world in heat patterns, and why Ben doesn’t think we should eat onions like apples. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Wishes Articles “What The Fluff?!” Challenge Daniel Kish Human Locomotion Model of Human Location Ben Underwood FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

He-Man is a Master of the Universe, and he is granted that status by The Power of Greyskull.  But what is this power?  We are a science show, so we believe there is no such thing as magic…or is there?  Is magic it’s own force that bind the physics of Eternia?  How can it turn a cowardly feline into Battle Cat? Also, what happens when the forces of science battle the ideology of magic?  We answer all these questions and more on this week’s exciting episode of Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gear…..Based….TECHNOLOGIES!! Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on She-Ra FGGGbT Ep. on Steampunk FGGGbT Ep. on Brain in a Jar FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

The shark is the ultimate killing machine.  It does three things:  swim, eat, reproduce.  It has a conveyor belt of teeth which basically makes it a large, living, underwater chainsaw.  The only thing that would make it deadlier is to make it bigger.  Enter the Megalodon, which was just like out great white sharks, except three times larger.  I used the past tense, but it has been scientifically proven that there is a chance they are still alive and patrolling the deepest parts of our ocean.  This week we explore the depths and teach you how to survive a Megalodon encounter. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Journey to the Center of the Earth FN Ep. on Sasquatch FGGGbT Ep. on Willy Wonka Articles We Discussed Kangaroo Rat Found Megalodon Facts Jules Undersea Lodge The Mariana Trench Taco Bell Meat FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

For any kid, the prospect of touring a magical chocolate factory is a dream come true, especially one whose secrets have been hidden for decades.  If you are one of the lucky few with a Golden Ticket, your life will never be the same.  See, Willy Wonka is not a run of the mill chocolatier:  He is a magician who can make anything you can imagine out of a few cocoa beans.  This week we finally get around to touring this factory, and talk about all of the wondrous contents.  We discuss how to construct a completely edible forest, getting a full three course meal into a stick of gum, Ben’s career as a glass blower, and finally, we calculate the odds of finding a Golden Ticket so YOU can someday own your own magical chocolate factory. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Everlasting Gobstoppers FN Ep. on Poisonings Articles We Discussed Klondike Big Inch Land Promotion The Metroid 2 Kool-Aid Wacky Warehouse Commercial FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

Who among us hasn’t wanted to find a magical lamp complete with a resident Genie to give us three wishes?  Heck, I would even take a monkey paw, knowing full well that I have to phrase things exactly right to avoid unintended dire consequences.  Well this week, the Brain Trust assembles to discuss wishes, how to make them, their ramifications, and proper phrasing to ensure that you can predict the desired outcome.  Messing with reality is tricky business, but this week we will prepare you for your next birthday wish, or trip to the wishing well. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Commercials Beamed Into Your Brain Articles We Discussed How To Make A Wish The History of Wishes The Monkey’s Paw FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

As a species, our main goal is to live forever, whatever that means.  We will live for centuries in underground bunkers in a nuclear holocaust, we will freeze our bodies when we die with the hopes that one day we will be brought back to life, and we even store our DNA to make sure we can be cloned if the need arises.  We have a better plan:  How about getting rid of that unnecessary body, which is prone to failure, and just preserve the part that matters:  The Brain.  This week we debate the pros and cons of storing your brain in a nutrient rich bath to be preserved for all time.  We even go into the accessories you can have that will allow you to experience the world around you, ensuring that you will have almost the same human experience as everyone else without all the biological hassle. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Upgrading Dennin FN Episode on Design Flaws of the Human Body FN Ep. on Mind Controlling Parasites Articles We Discussed Sleeping Cleans Your Brain Harvard Study on How Toxins Are Flushed Out Of Brain During Sleep Gut Microbiota Determines Social Behavior in Mice Ted Talk w/ Kathleen McAuliffe FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

We have all considered the famous Haddaway quote “What is Love?”, but no one has solved it…until now.  Using the tv show Quantum Leap as our inspiration, we will attempt to prove that love is a simple case of macro-level quantum entanglement.  But the interesting things about this cult favorite do not stop there.  We get into inhabiting  someone else’s body, temporary amnesia, forgetful squirrels, how the leaps in this show are like a choose your own adventure book.  This is quite a way to start the new season! FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

At it’s core, “A Christmas Carol” is a story about redemption.  How one man’s life (and those around him) was changed for the better, and all it took was a trio of ghosts operating in the middle of the night, showing all of one’s failures to scare Scrooge straight.  One would think that this was NOT repeatable, but it turns out that there is a movie that chronicles the behind the scenes activities of the Christmas ghosts.  What would it take to save a new wrenched soul every year?  How do you select a new Scrooge the perfect scrooge?  And when you have them, can you follow a formula for saving them?  Do you always need a “Tiny” Tim?  We look into the redemption process and see just how repeatable it is. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Foundation FN Episode on Meganets FGGGbT Ep. on Secret Government Experiments FGGGbT Ep. on Surviving a Battle Royale Situation Articles We Discussed Deleting Your Digital Footprint Top Ten Most Dangerous Malware What Makes Your Voice Unique FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

Inspired by the latest Mission Impossible movie, The Brain Trust discusses a worldwide computer virus that can hack into all, cameras, microphones, computers, etc.  It could be the ultimate blackmail machine.  So how do you stay hidden from an entity like this?  We give you advice on how to limit your digital footprint, and if you want to go the extreme, what it takes to live completely off-grid.  But even an underground bunker has it’s tells (Where do you put all the dirt you dig up?), but never fear, we tell you everything you need to know. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Foundation FN Episode on Meganets FGGGbT Ep. on Secret Government Experiments FGGGbT Ep. on Surviving a Battle Royale Situation Articles We Discussed Deleting Your Digital Footprint Top Ten Most Dangerous Malware What Makes Your Voice Unique FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter

The sci-fi series “The Foundation” is about a mathematician who creates a formula predicting the end of civilization.  Normally math is a pretty boring topic to discuss, but you know how much we like our doomsday conversations.  Also it is important to note that this world is ruled by an emperor, or more specifically a triumvirate of emperors. Cleon (his real name) took to cloning himself, so when he dies, another version of him steps up to take the role.  At all times there is an apprentice, a ruler, and an advisor.  We definitely discuss the benefits of a genetic succession, as well as several other things, including the power of our flight or fight response, and what it takes to create an encyclopedia. Podcast Links FGGGbT Ep. on Y The Last Man FGGGbT On Social Media Facebook Twitter