Why does this thing exist? (Podcast)
by Why Does This Thing Exist? (Podcast)
It’s the podcast where neuroscientist and author, Dr Dean Burnett (The Idiot Brain, Psycho-logical) and his oldest friend in the world, Simon Feeley (some guff on BBC radios 4 and Wales, years ago) present each other with things, things they find confusing and perplexing, and have a little chat about them.
Episodes
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Episode 147: "Maximum Break" (with Dave Steele and Michael McCann)
In this episode, Dean and Simon bring in the receivers (Dave and Michael) to wind down WDTTE(P) enterprises and give the podcast the sendoff it deserves. Topics covered include: Cronenbergian phone accessories, detectives, teeth-tooth-teethbrushes, poo knifes, honeymoon romance, the chewiest...
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Episode 146: “Ice melts and rocks exist”
In this episode, Dean and Simon get flummoxed by a popular video about some rocks getting defrosted. Following that, they take a good look at a cursed object. They finish off by tuning in to some facts about old-timey radio. Diet Enak’s Mencairkan batu es -...
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Episode 145: “Are you an egg man?” (with Michael McCann)
In this episode, Michael returns to receive an update on Dean’s dogging investigation and then the three of them look at Japanese answers to the question “Why DOESN’T This Thing Exist?”. Following that, Simon’s cedes control of his section to allow Michael to speak on his interests and then...
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Episode 144: “Beak on the box”
In this episode, Dean complains about recipes and Simon talks about his charity work. Then, Simon tells Dean about a new shop he’s been to and the interesting thing he bought, and they slander a cereal. They finish off by discovering some breaking news in a Wikipedia article. Roti recipe -...
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Episode 143: “Nobel, no charisma, no chance”
In this episode, Dean and Simon read a comic that’s supposed to help people stop drinking and then they have a look at dirty-dog toothbrush accessory. They finish off by having a go at some Australian children and their efforts to communicate science. Captain Alcohol -...
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Episode 142: “The bad beef years are coming”
In this episode Simon and Dean look at a romantic meat product and then share their feelings on a recent news item from the skies. They finish off by celebrating some of cold-science's top achievers. Meat Rose - https://imgur.com/ddeDbym Article about a couple that had to sit next to a corpse on…
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Episode 141: “A man of the soil”
In this episode, Dean and Simon’s attempts to learn about agriculture and plumbing are foiled and then they revisit Wolverhampton’s powerful past. Farming hack video - https://www.facebook.com/YellowBee101/videos/a-handy-hack-for-farmers-/2045837919203825/ Hippo water saver eBay listing -...
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Episode 140: “A Full Three”
In this episode, Dean and Simon try to figure out what a TV Disney+ show might be about, get down and gritty at American Event, and praise Jesus. Will Trent - https://imgur.com/16QCthH Rolling in the Grits – Small Town Big Deal - https://youtu.be/bvrTfkY6xNw?si=M_nJZJwswMSJPfuQ Wikipedia –…
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Episode 139: “The Screaming Dog”
In this episode, Dean tries to remind Simon about a book they read as children but it just upsets him and then they have a look at a Japanese company that’s purchasing peoples' faces. Finally, the Random Wikipedia Article section floats in like a Dignitas pillow and gently smothers the episode to...
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Episode 138: “Neuroscientist and Friends” (with Carys Eleri)
In this episode, TV’s Carys Eleri visits Dean and Simon to learn about Joe Pesci’s singing sideline and a mysterious smelling machine. Pleased with her findings, she expresses her gratitude to the gentlemen by showing them a useless wristwatch. Then, everyone celebrates another successful episode...
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Episode 137: “I can smell the memory of a horse”
In this episode, Dean asks Simon why a horse appeared and then they have a look at someone else’s photos, rudely put up for sale. Finally, self-awareness and hypocrisy bring the episode to an untimely end. Photo of a lost horse - https://imgur.com/0CNT9lA Photos for sale on eBay -...
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Episode 136: "A face with a balloon drawn on"
In this episode, Dean and Simon discuss a rude and unused piece of spy-wear and have a look at a cracking pair of eBay listings. They finish off by sort of discussing a Wikipedia article about a short story but mostly just do some dreadful impressions and talk about animals coming to kill them....
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Episode 135: “A slug, a cow, a rabbit and a train.”
In this episode Dean and Simon take a look at the international cut of a flop film, an abandoned hat and a Wikipedia article about a wrestler that gives them a CTE. The Magic Roundabout (2005) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0339334/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Doogal (2006) -...
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Episode 134: “The Fish Adventure”
In this episode, Dean and Simon find out about a machine that helps you take you pet fish for a walk and fantasise about being among the fishes. Then, in section two, they have a look at a modern video review of a local restaurant. Finally, they learn about an Eastern European artist and besmirch…
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Episode 133: "Accidental Movie Episode"
In this episode, it's tangents galore as Dean and Simon struggle to talk about two film related items. First off, Dean asks Simon why Robbie Williams is a chimp now and then Simon makes Dean remember Forrest Gump. And Changing Rooms? They finish off by briefly looking at some computer software....
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Episode 132: “A full three tube meal”
In this episode, Dean and Simon talk about a computer game that blends housework with space warfare and a retro-modern method of consuming cheeseburgers. They finish off by ranking the cheese producing nations. There’s strong vein of space/cheese running through this episode somehow. Powerwash...
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Episode 131: “Nine pence a tooth”
In this episode, Dean goes to the wrong place for fashion insights and then Simon shows him a big box of loose teeth. Typical sort of stuff. They finish off by coming up with ways to widen participation in olympic sports. Large Lot 600 Vintage Single Denture False Teeth Tooth Post Fixings Crafts...
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Episode 130: “Our intention is to never disappoint”
In this episode, Dean and Simon look at a couple of systems for sweetening your hand-held meats and then discover a themed hotel while researching the emu vigilantes of an English coastal town. They finish off by finding out about a Japanese comic book. Jimmy Dean’s blueberry pancake sausage on a...
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Episode 129: "Christmas Special 3: Drinking cosmetics for attention" (with Dave Steele, Michael McCann & Dan Mitchell)
In this episode, it's a Christmas party funtime at Dean Manor as your hosts get haunted by three ghosts guests and discuss a toilet based Christmas tradition, a toilet based hip and groovy craze, one of Santa's gruesome mates and a dead poet's face. Tió de Nadal -...
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Episode 128: “Cat capsule. Catsule.”
In this episode, Dean and Simon have a gentle time shopping for starter knives for babies and then they have a look at a cool new fashion trend that Simon saw in London. They finish off by settling down to enjoy some 'callbacks' and learn about a medicine woman. Personalised 3D Print Folded Kid...
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Episode 127: “Dairylea but goaty”
In this episode, Dean and Simon try on a handsome man mask and then Simon tricks Dean into eating something bad for him. They finish off by finding out about a short story collection that sounds like it might be quite good actually. Latex handsome man mask - https://imgur.com/55Nys3t Article…
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Episode 126: “Taxiing Zippy around”
In this episode, Dean and Simon have a look at a Pepsi themed computer game from the 90s and propose a couple of ideas for games themselves. Then, they both have a look at a red-hot Indonesian game and remember fireworks. Finally, they get confused by a Wikipedia article so go to an expert for...
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Episode 125: “My awful outputs”
In this episode, Dean returns to the well to draw Simon’s opinion on some more things he found while walking his dog and then Simon shows off his expensive pants. They finish off by having a little think about a philosopher’s creed. Photo of the items Dean saw - https://imgur.com/yDfhYBT…
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Episode 124: "Your only potato"
In this episode, and in what might be a first for the podcast, Dean's selection gives Simon the opportunity to speak knowledgably. In return, Simon treats Dean with a new attraction that they've knocked up in China. Finally, the training missions for Man's conquest of Mars are thoroughly…
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Episode 123: “The Love Pug”
In this episode, Dean asks Simon to stare into the void as they examine the blackest ever black then Simon informs Dean of a local man’s special vehicular service. Finally, all the stars are recognised when Wikipedia randomly delivers an article about a short-lived American telly programme.…
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Episode 122: “Bald and wearing a crash helmet in Ladbrokes”
In this episode, Simon and Dean assess a machine designed to make the laborious sandwich making task easier and then they have a look at a device to help their hair come back. Finally, two old friends return to weigh in on Australia’s electricity sector and the animals within. Sandwich making...
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Episode 121: “Halloween Special”
In this episode, Dean and Simon get rude and spooky as they discuss bedwear (were) for the head (headwear/were) and a truly disgusting fancy dress outfit. They finish off with a Wikipedia article on the scariest subject of all – tooooooools!!! Nightcap -...
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Episode 120: “Enforced with curse”
In this episode, Dean has a lovely time showing Simon a swimming pool he refused to use in Brussels and then Simon teaches him about how a horrible man started an English tradition. They finish off by opening the door to poets. The pool at the Jam Hotel, Brussels -...
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Episode 119: “Monkey of honor”
In this episode, Dean and Simon learn some survival techniques and then they take a seat at the monkey buffet. They finish off the episode by finding out about a ‘new’ dessert. Five-Minute Crafts UK’s Camping Hacks and Survival Guide -...
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Episode 118: “Organic Nasal Stimulation”
In this episode, Dean reports on the filth he found in the woods again and then Simon shows Dean a pillow that is in doubly bad taste. The Random Wikipedia Article Section arrives to provide them with an opportunity to accuse a Brazilian bus company of fraud. Dean’s photo’s from the woods -...
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Episode 117: “The creepiest of the spaghettis” (with Dave Steele)
In this episode, Dave Steele (Will Riker’s Sex Beard Podcast - https://willrikerssexbeard.buzzsprout.com) returns for an episode of learning. Lessons learnt include: Why Dean is wrong about Spirographs. Why the Spanish jump over babies. What’s the most rubbish fish is. and What the Slenderman…
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Episode 116: “Knock up a squirrel”
In this episode, Dean and Simon promote Dean’s new book (available below and in all good bookshops) by discussing taxidermy marital aids and daft felt headwear for protecting the gentleman motorist before finishing themselves off by dialing in on Wikipedia. Squirrel head buttplug -...
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Episode 115: "Weeping"
In this episode, Dean and Simon remember a challenging egg game and then literally look up a dinosaur. At the end of the episode Simon learns about someone and likes them. Dizzy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dizzy_(series) Photo of a dinosaur’s fluffer - https://imgur.com/UIw5qI6 Wikipedia –…
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Episode 114: “You do one, two, or nein”
In this episode, your hosts watch an instructional video from an American politician and then monkey about with an expensive ape before Dean gets quizzed on bands in an exciting Random Wikipedia Section that defied the editor. Sen. Eric Adams Combating Gun Violence -...
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Episode 113: "The jazz of reading"
In this episode, Dean and Simon get all cheesy as they watch a man waste food and then they have a look at some cubic dogs. This week's Random Wikipedia Article section brings up the rear as information on a historic publishing company leads to a discussion of poetry, peep-hole publicans and the...
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Episode 112: “The feeling of iron”
In this episode, Dean and Simon have a look at a machine for forcing trees to return your affection and then they witness the latest developments in androids – they can smile now listener. Finally, in an extraordinary development, all the threads are pulled together as they take a visit to a very...
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Episode 111: “Consider drifting to Baglan”
In this episode, Simon calls in to help Dean criticise a coffee shop that demands to see the customers’ smile, then an analysis of a surfing competition for dogs descends into spoilers for the first ten minutes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Finally, marsupials are discussed and Dean reveals...
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Episode 110: "I love my wife"
In this episode, Dean and Simon look at mascot for a defunct fast-food chain with baldness and depression and then Simon grills Dean on his dog habits as they look at a dog’s bandana/billboard. They finish off by ranking the intolerances in a science heavy Random Wikipedia Article Section. Nathan...
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Episode 109: “Ugly things are important” (with Charlie Webster)
In this episode, Charlie Webster rejoins your hosts to search for fun. Dean brings up nude cyclists and Simon lets the group know about a foul fowl product. Charlie tells everyone about some crud he’s collecting and storing in his basement and then the three of them reminisce about bygone bovine...
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Episode 108: “The spirit of rock’n’roll as embodied by this rabbit”
In this episode, Dean complains about children’s television again but this time it's about a theme song so that’s a bit different I guess? Then, Simon tells Dean about a pop-star's yeast extract in a section which listeners will either love or hate. They finish off the episode by finding out…
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Episode 107: “What is a sport?”
In this episode; Dean and Simon have a look at an artist’s rendering of a lady from a famous song, take a trip to America to look at their gumwalls and then read a Wikipedia article that has been seemingly written by, and for, Aliens. Lady in Red Painting - https://imgur.com/tZ87q95 Seattle…
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Episode 106: "Goalposts made of rainbows"
In this episode, talk turns to Mr Blobby again as Dean and Simon look at a local football kit. They move on to discuss literature and cats and finish off by finding out about a famous man that designed bridges and tunnels or something. Llantwit Major FC Mr Blobby Goalkeeper Kit -...
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Episode 105: "Damp is damp"
In this episode Dean and Simon take a romantic/spooky boat ride, visit a Danish Bell Museum and have a learn about an erotic master of the graphite pencil. Tunnel of Love article - https://www.thevintagenews.com/2023/07/05/tunnel-of-love/ Dansk Klokkemuesum - https://klokkemuseum.dk/ Wikipedia -...
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Episode 104: "Give my hat money to the originator"
In this episode, Dean asks Simon if he can explain the popularity of a particular TikTok video but Simon gets sidetracked by an irrelevance. In part two they have a look at a company that sells weird shower curtains. Part three brings a brain-melting Random Wikipedia Article section where a…
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Episode 103: "You are the vibe" (with Michael McCann)
In this episode, Dean garners support for his hatred of people lounging in pubs, Simon put on a skin-suit show, everyone is mean about an American quiz show and then a foul mouth Australian shows up. 'Like Living Organisms' by Local Androids (Not safe for work) - https://vimeo.com/44993153…
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Episode 102: “Soft Fanged Saddo”
In this episode, Dean and Simon have a lovely time talking toilet about a possibly treasonous advertising campaign and a gadget that can help you count how many beers you’ve been drinking. Also, they have a look at a timeless sumo wrestler. Prince William advert - https://imgur.com/Zgr9yQp Piers...
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Episode 101: "Gazumped by Wellard" (with Dave Steele and Michael McCann)
Episode 101: “Gazumped by Wellard” (with Dave Steele and Michael McCann) In this episode, Dean and Simon call upon Mike and Dave to help them learn about a Mr Bean themed nightclub, the early stand-up career of a Hollywood star and a fragment of the gemstone industry. Photos from the Mr Bean Bar…
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Episode 100: “Fax machine tongue” (with John Rain)
In this episode, Dean and Simon invite John Rain (Smersh Pod, https://linktr.ee/itsjohnrain) along to celebrate reaching a hundred episodes. All your favourite topics are covered; RoboCop, defunct high-street shops, gout, naughty pet dinners, race science, light entertainers from the 70s/80s and...
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Episode 99: “Space mushrooms? Great!”
In this episode, Dean and Simon get annoyed by a needlessly chatty dog waste collection bag and then they have a look at a product for chicken lovers with expensive phones. Also, space mushrooms. Waste bag whimsy - https://imgur.com/bI2l7LX Chicken phone case -...
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Episode 98: “I sneak in and eat the cheese, I love the cheese"
In this episode, Dean and Simon have a look at a cheesy lump from Thailand and then get their noses all zazzed up with a magic machine. They also have a look at some flies and many valuable questions are asked and answered. Cheese burger video - https://youtu.be/mB1HSHvq_sI Nose trainer video -...
About this show
It’s the podcast where neuroscientist and author, Dr Dean Burnett (The Idiot Brain, Psycho-logical) and his oldest friend in the world, Simon Feeley (some guff on BBC radios 4 and Wales, years ago) present each other with things, things they find confusing and perplexing, and have a little chat about them.
Hosted by
Why Does This Thing Exist? (Podcast)