Backyard Philosophy Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Mike and Nick, two childhood friends, talk and discuss; Issues, Life, and the Universe. Where they bring to light problems, subjects and solutions that may not be generally known to the public. Go deep into topics from all over the board, from Invasive Species to what is the Meaning of Life. Join these two friends as they explore and discuss in the podcast Backyard Philosophy.w podcast weblog
You ever get into an argument with a friend over something so petty, so non-consequential but you take it too far. Like what is better pancakes or waffles. You start doing research, getting historical sources and end up making a video from the research you found. Nope just me, ooof. In this episode learn about the surprising history of pancakes of all things. How pancakes has influenced not just culture but humanity itself.
The Wizard of oz is considered one of the most famous movies in all of cinema history. Without a doubt it has change cinema and has been iconic for generations. But at what cost? The price and I am not talking money wise, the cost to make this movie was high and bad on many levels. Bad enough that people say that this movie is cursed. Few know the darkness and dread that took place behind the scenes to make the movie. From explosions, hospitalizations and drugging people, the wizard of oz without a doubt has darkness behind it. And today we take a peek behind the curtain and follow the yellow brick road through all of it’s terrible twists and turns which get darker and darker along the way.
I just wanted to do a simple episode of what was… the first public library in history was, but no. No no no… of course… it’s complicated, complex and a bunch of historians are arguing what even is a library let alone the first library. But I did the research, I read, and combed through so, so much information just to give you the straight forward answer of, what was the first public library. Which changes depending on your definition of library. So here it is… the history and first’s? public library with some asterisks and how we got to it, all laid out in order and I’ll let you decide which was truly the first one.
Your fingerprint is your own, there isn’t another like it. Which makes it perfect for identifying you. Whether it be for security reasons or for convicting a criminal. Which is why fingerprints have been used so long in history and why they still use it in court of law. Just think about how many cop shows there are and how often they talk about fingerprints. But something else something else that is a completely distinguished identifier to you that all the cop shows miss… your toe prints. Yes your toes have finger prints or should I say distinctive marks. That can identify you just as well as finger prints and that are yours and yours alone. Which to my surprise has been used to catch criminals. So this episode we are going to explore a few times in history that people have been caught by their toe prints.
A lone knight, in full body armor, sits upon his stallion, halberd in hand, sword upon his hip. Waiting….waiting for the invading forces to arrive. The ground rumbles as the invading army draws near. Soldiers marching, and their “calvary” numerous but not riding horses rather riding … tanks. What will this knight do? Will he stand his ground against hundreds … who are armed with rifles, machine guns and tanks. And him only armed with an axe, a sword and a trusty stead. Will he stand his ground or will he turn and run? Join me this episode as we dive into history as a knight decided to stand up against the Nazis.
You’re walking down the street through the snow and you see a baby stroller and no one is around. As you walk past you see a child, a baby inside the stroller. Franticly you look around and see through a window a bunch of parents drinking some warm coffee laughing and talking with one another as their children brace the cold winter air. Your first instinct might be anger or to be worried about the child but it turns out it’s a common practice depending on where in the world you live. And in this episode into the blizzard, we go as I talk about why parents do this, possible health benefits and how this whole trend slash tradition got started. Of leaving your child to take naps in the cold winter air.
Milk and cookies are a staple in Christmas culture, the tradition of leaving out treats for Santa as he brings you gifts well… its hard to think of more classic Christmas trope. But all traditions have a beginning and all traditions are done for a reason. So why is it on Christmas eve do you leave cookies and milk out for Santa? Well down the chimney we go to investigate and tell you why so many people leave treats out for old saint nick.
Christmas is filled with traditions, some we make ourselves, some have been passed down through generations and some we practice but have no idea why. One of these events, traditions, is the celebration of yuletide and all the things that comes with it. But questions arise; what is yuletide, where does it come from and what on earth is a yule? Join as we dive down into the history of Christmas and were the holiday comes from.
The Holiday season is filled will joy and cheer, connecting with one’s loved ones and filled with traditions. But it is also filled with dread. Dread of making sure you get everyone gifts, you don’t forget anyone, decorations, obligations. Let’s be honest, the holiday season is a lot of work. And one of the most taxing busy work during the holidays is replying to everyone. Making sure you don’t forget anyone and show people you care even when you are tired and just want to crawl under the covers and be left alone. Well you are not the only one. And in fact the feeling of I don’t want to do this is a bit of where the Christmas card came from. And this episode we dive down the chimney and see where the tradition of Christmas cards came from and how they almost disappeared.
Imagine you come across a jewel, not just any jewel, a diamond. A diamond that is worth millions. A diamond deep blue in color and almost as big as a golf ball. The only problem is… it is said to be cursed. And over the centuries it has been stolen, remade and all the owners of it… all have mysteriously died. Would you still take it? Would you risk owning a cursed jewel for millions of dollars? … If you said yes, you would not be alone. Many people would risk their lives in the pursuit of getting the allusive diamond better known as the Hope diamond.
We all know of Dracula, both the myth and the real man… Whether it be movies about a vampire or books about the historic Vlad The Impaler. But few know about his younger brother Radu. Who had an interesting life of his own. A man who fought with and slept with Sultans, waged war against multiple kingdoms and sat on the same throne multiple times. In this episode we dive into the life of Radu whose life could be a Shakespearean play or new game of thrones novel.
We have all heard about spouses killing one another for insurance money, of black widows killing their husbands out of resentment, of deranged parents ending their own children’s lives. But perhaps there is no woman as prolific at doing all this than Mary Ann Cotton. One of… if not England’s first serial killer. A woman who killed around 21 people, all for greed and enjoyment. This is the Arsenic Killer Mary Ann Cotton.
Monsters have always plagued humanities mind, some of them real some of them nothing more than our figure of imagination. Either way, monsters induce fear, and perhaps there is nothing as infections to others as fear. So, what do you do when you have an era of war, plague and famine well you look for an escape goat or in this case an escape wolf. Across most of Europe during the 16th, 17th, 18th centuries a werewolf hunt ensued, prosecuting hundreds if not thousands of people on the crime of being in league with the devil. Join us this episode as we investigate the werewolf panic and stories about werewolves in Europe.
In the dark there is always something, something lurking, stalking, hunting. And with a flash of lightning in this tale a certain creature would appear and come for souls. There are many creatures of the night but if rumors are true this creature comes from the bowels of hell itself. Satan’s own pet, a beast that plagued English countryside’s for centuries. A hellhound. And not just any hell hound, oh no this one has its own name… The Black Shuck. A devil dog, a beast, a hell hound that has no limitations in its capacity and fears nothing. In this story we weather the storm of creature who plagued the English countryside and took lives along the way.
No that wasn’t your phone, but there is a high chance you thought it was or even felt a vibration in your pocket. And you are not alone. Millions if not billions of people all around the world hear and feel their phone go off, even though it never actually did. A phantom vibration. Is it the phone companies toying with you? Is it that you are going mad? Is it the clothes we wear, giving us a false sensation? Well in this week episode we dive into the strange yet common sensation… Phantom Phone Vibrations.
Boxing has been an evolving sport ever since its creation. In the early days … it was crude, raw and the rules were not really formed yet. Gloves were considered dishonorable, canvases were wood and dirt and the fight wouldn’t be over, till there was only one man left standing. But what happens when you have two men refusing to go down, refusing to give up, giving every inch of their body to stay in the fight. Well you get the longest boxing match that has ever happened and more than likely will ever will be. You get the brawl between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke.
The history of balloons in warfare is long and complicated. And until researching this didn’t know how crazy it actually was. Filled with a lot of drama, drama on who invented balloons first, drama of balloons being used to devastate cities and drama of an arms race with balloons being a hidden key player on multiple continents. But in this episode we are focusing on hot air balloons in war. Mainly when people got in balloons. Not just balloons in general. Which may be a future episode, because oh my god has humanity been using balloons in war in many different ways for a very long time. But this is the history of hot air balloons in warfare.
Noise pollution... a phenomenon that has slowly crept up on humanity and the world and is now having a devastating effect. From bird migrations, marine life to maybe even causing death. Noise pollution is here and it is growing. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss science, research and possible solutions for solving an issue that impacts all of our lives ... noise pollution.
When we think of ancient Rome, we tend to think of Caeser, Gladiators, a vast empire that stretches over enormous amounts of land. But Rome has a had a long history and has done things at times that roman people themselves and people in modern times think “what the hell are yall doing?” One of these times would be an end of an era, caused by deprecatory leading to a year of war that would stretch across continents. A time when all of Rome was up for grabs for any who had the power to lay claim… this is the Year of the 4 Emperors.
Sometimes you make a decision to peak behind the curtain only to find that you wish you didn’t. And that is what happened to me when I investigated think tanks. I was naive and thought they were just researchers and academics studying specific topics, boy was I wrong. As I explain what think tanks are and how they change the very world around us you will see too behind the curtain and see the power that they hold. This is what think tanks are.
Mankind has always had the hunger the need to push, to race, to challenge not only others but ourselves. For many of us we crave this feeling and sadly for many of us the opportunity never comes. But occasionally the fates listen and grant a chance to a weary soul. A chance to do something one has always dreamed of. But as the saying goes everything has a cost and be careful what you wish for. This is the tale of Frank Hayes a man dreamed to race horses.
Quite often I find myself late at night thinking about random and odd things… and of course me being me I decide to investigate my thoughts and find myself deep down the rabbit hole to a point in which I wish I never started. Rather than my brain hurt alone I decided to bring you all with me, bring you on the adventure on where serving sizes and nutrition labels come from. Trust me it’s weird. How they were created, how they are part of a vicious cycle that feeds into itself and how food labels are not always as they seem.
We currently live in an era of information abundance… where in majority of the world… information is free and out there for those who seek it. But like some places in the world that knowledge that information is gate kept and in it wasn’t always like the luxury we have today. Time and time again in history… kingdoms, governments, people in power have decided to control and limit knowledge. By burning books, erasing history and forcing people to bend the knee. And time and time again people resist against tyranny and want knowledge to flow free. In this episode this is one such time, a time when the Lithuanian people rose up against Russian rule and created one of the biggest book smuggling rings of all time.
Good luck … something I rarely ever have. And for many they lack too. Might be because of karma might be divine destiny might just be statistics not being in one’s favor. No matter what the cause many turn to everything and anything to change their fortune around. Rather it be religion, superstitions, or talismans. One such route people have chosen for good luck and to symbolize good luck since well basically since humanity formed is the small but mighty rabbit. And for modern times specifically the rabbit’s foot. So leave your holy hand grenades at home. As we venture down the rabbit hole we go… couldn’t help myself with that pun and Monty python reference… to tell how humans went from worshiping rabbits to carrying their foot in their pockets.
There is a saying, sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. That saying sometimes goes into the mind of scientists. Which can go one of two ways either really good or really bad. One such time when scientists rolled the dice would be in the beginning of World War 2, when a group of scientists decided it would be a good idea to put a nuke, a nuclear reactor under a stadium in the city of Chicago. No this isn’t about the batman movie this actually happened this is the tale of Chicago Pile 1.
The American revolutionary war, a war that would define not just the beginning of a country but the beginning of a new way of life. A war filled with patriots and legends who sacrificed, to ensure freedoms many have today. But some of these legends would be the inspiration behind movies, have cities named after them and would help America redefine its military forces. This is a story about one of those men. This is the story of Francis Marion … The Swamp Fox.
In the age of automation, AI and robotics…. we take many luxuries for granted. Luxuries that seem common in the modern world. But all the innovations we currently have, stem from many great people in history. And without their creativity, inventions and drive… the world would be a much different place. One such person in history is Ismail Al – Jazari. Nicknamed the father of robotics. Ismail would design, create and inspire … inventors for centuries to come. This is the story of one of the first roboticists, a man who helped shape the modern world.
In this episode Mike and Nick reminisce on how they started a podcast, what they learned along the way and some of their favorite podcast episode. The beginnings of figuring out the direction of their podcast and how they improved and grew along the way. They also discuss how the podcast is taking a slightly different direction and the future of this podcast.
Two giants go at it to decided which ocean is truly the best ocean... the Atlantic or the Pacific. In this boxing match of knowledge, facts and jokes, Mike and Nick go head to head trying to explain and convert the other to join the superior ocean side. Get some laughs and learn some interesting facts along the way, as the fight for the best ocean rages between the two of them.
From nearly every sci-fi, from Doctor who to Star Trek, time and space manipulation is somehow involved. The ability to warp space to travel faster, or to use a phenomenon to travel through time and everything in between has been used in science fiction. The authors of these tales come up with new and intriguing reasoning on how it is possible to do in the worlds they build. Quantum drives, gravitons and … time crystals. Turns out there may be some truth to fiction. A new state of matter called time crystals is making some headlines and warping the physics world.
Nails and screws some of the earliest building blocks in human history. They are in almost everything manmade but a question arises where do nails come from and how did we advance the technology to the point it is today. Well join Nick and Mike as Nick tries to tell the history and advancements of nails as Mike makes puns jokes and dad jokes laughing all the way through.
In 1987 a war between two countries took place, Chad and Libya it was a war with much foreign influence. Many countries wanted one side to win and the other to loose. But what happens when one side is heavily armed with land mines, tanks and machine guns and the other side turns a fleet of Toyota pick up trucks into a form of modern Calvary. You get the Toyota War... a war fought in the dessert and a war fought by doing impossible odds.
UBI... Universal Basic Income, a new type of economy or old ideas coming back from the past. The world is ever shifting and some major shifts are how people make money and how governments spend money. With those shifts the idea of a monthly stiffen, a yearly salary, a new welfare is heavily talked about. From politicians running on the idea of UBI to the fear of AI taking people jobs, has many truly considering the universal basic income may be the best solution. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss how a universal basic income would and has been implemented. How it effects welfare, mental health and countries economy. And what would the ideal situation look like for an implemented UBI.
Some species have survived the impossible, evolved to become the apex life form or to fight off the apex life form. Some species have lasted hundreds of thousands of years and all the turmoil that has happened in those centuries drought, asteroids, mammoths. But on specific life form that has survived it all and not only survived but flourished is the honey locus. A tree sharp, thorny, roots running deep and now all over the world . To the point were they are common, not going anywhere and spreading. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss a tree that evolved to be defensive that is now on the offensive.
Are you real? A question that has plagued humanity since conscious formed. Are we just a figure of imagination or are we in a video game? A theory has emerged that is driving both physics and philosophers crazy... the simulation theory. And Mike and Nick attempt to deep dive into this possibility that simulation theory could be real. Going down avenues rarely talked about or questioned when to simulation theory. Talking about new studies and papers about simulation theory and talking about some theories of their own.
Billy the Kid, Jesse James, Wyatt Earl... famous cowboys that help define an era of the wild west. But one cowboy that doesn't get his true due is Bill Picket. A cowboy who wasn't scared of anything, so skilled so daring he would travel the world over and be a house hold name during his era. Join Mike and Nick as they talk about a bull biting, circus riding true cowboy through and through... this is the story and legend of Bill Picket.
Since life was formed on this planet, creatures of all shapes and sizes has been taking from one another, sometimes for necessities other times just for fun. But one of the strangest creatures to walk this earth ... humans, steal for a weird wild and occasionally obvious reasons. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about how stealing is done, people mindset when stealing and how stealing is formed in society.
Life always finds a way, sometimes it is evolution, dumb luck or adapting to the environment. Or perhaps a combination of all three and that's where hawks come into play. Their is a special type of hawk that as learned like mankind to use fire. Was this a freak accident, did the hawks learn it from humans or are they evolving right before our eyes. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the strange phenomenon of fire hawks/
Socrates vs Buddha.... Plato vs Confucius. East vs west philosophy two different mind sets two massively different cultures with some major similarities. Join Nick and Mike as they dive into different philosophy's of old. How eastern thought and western thought differ and has helped defined societies and cultures for centuries.
Fish tales are sometimes not tall tales, sometimes there are hints of truth in them. Sometimes as a warning other as a helpful hint. One wives tale that has been around for centuries that the moon effects fish and change the times people should fish. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about how lunar cycles change fish patterns and when people should go fishing.
Apples and oranges... fruit so different they are used in idioms to show differences. But what happens when humanity decides to try to combine the two, to combine multiple different types of trees into a tree that bares multiple types of fruit. Is this a crime against nature, or a modern miracle. No, its tree graphing... the art and act of combining different types of trees to grow as one. Join Nick and Mike as they go through the strange phenomenon which is tree graphing.
Just about everything is run on electricity, homes, cars even toothbrushes... but what goes into and how did humanity make an infrastructure that is able to do all of this? Well like most things society has built is was pieced together with tons of errors and decided it was good enough. So join Nick and Mike as they discuss the flaws and weaknesses in power grids and power infrastructure. Why power lines are above ground rather than bellow ground. And the new emerging technology that is making countries grids safer, faster and more efficient... spoiler alert laser are involved. And how different countries are handling the problem of transferring electricity.
Popes and pirates, two classes of people that don’t usually cross paths in history. But in this event, they do. This is a tale of greed and boredom spiced up with opportunity. Vast treasure, open seas and sailors hungry for adventure leading to a mass of power shifts and fortune being lost and gained. This is about the treasure of Thibaud de Castillon.
War ... a terrible human phenomena but also an extremely profitable one. And where there is large sums of money there is complex structure. Perhaps non as complex as the military industrial complex. A mass production industry with trillions of dollars on the line. A line of business that depends on the politicians voting in their favor and the threat of war always being on the horizon. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the military industrial complex. Where did it come from? How does it work? How do companies influence politicians, write laws and control governments and how the military industrial complex may be necessary in todays modern age.
When you think of Canadians, you probably think, hockey, maple syrup, ultra-nice people … too nice some may argue. Needless to say, you probably don’t think of fierce near unstoppable soldiers, defeating entire armies by themselves. Especially when I mention the word Canada. Well in the case of Canadian Leo Major he proved the sometimes the nice guys are the most dangerous especially when nice guys fight against the Nazis
Lobbying has been part of civilization since societies formed. There as always been representatives, people asking for favors and trying to rule behind the curtain. And in todays episode, Nick and Mike peel behind that curtain to see how lobbying groups truly work. How they control K street in Washington DC, how the are able to create laws, influence elections and dictate a path for humanity that aligns with their interests.
From time to time, we all miss place things or lose something, it is almost human nature to do so. But what happens when a government or more specifically a government agency loses something that makes you concern for your own safety, that makes countries concern for their safety. Something so powerful that you can’t believe they lost it. Well, you get the story of the CIA in the height of cold war, losing a nuke.
As we grow up we allowed by society more and more freedoms... freedom to drink, freedom to drive, freedom to get married. But why.... why are those age limits in place why has society decided you need to be a certain age to do a certain task. Well join Nick and Mike as they discuss from the romans to modern day why societies put age limits on certain abilities. How age limits has constantly changed in modern times and psychology and moral dilemma that is age limits.
Drinking, partying, fireworks. All around the world millions if not billions of people celebrate the coming of a new year. A changing of seasons, a changing of time and for many a vow to change themselves. But New Years took a long journey to get where it is now. For most of history it wasn’t even on January 1st. A day of new beginnings itself has had many new beginnings but stems deep in humanities history. This is where new year’s celebration and resolution comes from.
Legal jargon is hard to understand even when you're a trained professional, and it is even harder when you're a fool. So how do fool understand legal written bills better... with alcohol. Join Nick and Mike as they turn congress chip bill into a drinking game, a pork hunt drinking game. Showing and sharing odd and funny things located in the bill all entertained with drinking. Laugh and learn as we drink to understand the US government.
Ceremonies, traditions and festivities are in the air these winter months. For many the Christmas tree is a staple during the holiday season but getting the perfect Christmas tree and just getting a tree in general can be annoying, difficult and occasionally expensive. Have no fear though, for Nick will walk both Mike and you through the steps of finding your own Christmas tree and have it ready for the holiday season.
You know sometimes even God makes mistakes. Sometimes nature has one to many and creates a creature many would argue should not exist. But one creature in particular, puzzled scientist minds, at first not believing in its existence, thinking it was a hoax. To scientist asking each other how did this animal came to be. You may know this creature, popularized in media. I am talking about the weird and strange… Platypus.
The ground beneath our feet is disappearing right in front of us! Cement, concrete and sand may soon be a thing of the past. It sounds obscured but it is true. The world of sand and concrete is one few know about but yet plays such a vital role in all of civilization. Trillions of dollars all rely on such a simple thing. But this simple thing has caused islands to be stolen, sand mafias to form and wars be fought all for sand. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about what goes into the cement world, how sand is disappearing and how governments business and cartels are forming around the business of sand.
Humanity and mother nature have a complex and abrasive relationship and occasionally they try to hurt one another. Sometimes humans win, sometimes they lose. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss time humans have declared war on specific animals and lost.
All creatures in nature want to preserve their life, live long enough to pass on their genetics and ensure their survival .... except humans. Some humans will gladly give their lives to protect and save they ones they love and even complete strangers. But with a trait like this questions arise. How did self sacrifice evolve? Are certain people more willing to sacrifice themselves than others? How has self sacrifice genetics withstand the test of time? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the science of self sacrifice from chemicals in the brain to how nature and nurture effect people's willingness to lay their life on the line.
The big bad wolf… Just in time for this holiday season. A story or stories similar foreboding and telling the danger of the monster that lay in the dark. Only, in this case unlike Red Ridding hood, this terror is true. A wolf, a monster, the devil himself. Either way this creature would kill and terrorized people for years. Leading to hysteria, bounty hunters, and a King himself getting involved. This is the tale of the Beast of Gevaudan.
The world is filled with dangerous things, many of which could bring about your death. From asteroids to car crashes, but sometimes the most dangerous things are right in front of our noses. The thing that may or may not be lethal could be living amongst you and you would have no idea. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about toxoplasmosis a force of nature that hiding in your home and how a cat may bring you to your death.
In North America the man made line that has separated Mexico and America has been constantly in debate and changing. But few know the story of the adventures groups of surveyors from bother America and Mexico had. From crossing impossible deserts, shoot outs and surviving some of the harshest weather. Join Nick and Mike as they tell the tale of of a finishing line that was constantly moving and groups of men trying to survive against mother nature.
Marriage.... it is defined many different ways and has itself changed through history... from the ancient Egyptians to modern era, marriage has shaped and been shaped by culture and society. But what makes humans want to marry? Is it just chemistry in our brain.... is it societal pressure and how does marriage change one mind and body? Well Join Mike and Nick as they discuss customs and history, and science and biology of marriage and its impact on humanity.
Killers come in many shapes and sizes with a wide arranges of deaths and monstrous acts. But few are usually the first of their kind. Join Mike and Nick as they talk about America's first sleep walking killer, did he do it on purpose or was it out of his control? Did he do it out of jealousy, revenge? Or was there some one else who was the true killer?
A city on fire, not caused by invaders, war, or a power plant explosion but rather... whiskey. Perhaps the most Irish way possible to start a fire. Join Nick and Mike as Nick tells the tale of how a distillery flooded the streets, caused the towns people to become drunk and set the city of Dublin on fire. And all the chaos that would ensue due to alcohol and flames.
In last few decades the world has seen an increase in countries become authoritarian in nature. Entire governments being toppled for dictators and authoritarian governments. But why are so many countries becoming authoritarian? How do countries go from being democratic to authoritarian? What is the psychology of both the dictator and the people to allow such things to happen? Join Mike and Nick as they discus on the ins and outs of governments and people form authoritarian countries? What it means to be authoritarian and places in the world where authoritarianism has caused a better standard of living then some democratic countries.
Crisper... it is everywhere now in multiple industries, but what exactly is it, how does it work, and what does the future entail for humanity? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss how crispr is changing science, the patent battles happening over who own crispr and the extreme experiments being conducted with experiment.
The world of myth and science has always butted heads with each other. One claiming the will of the gods the other claiming the sanity of reason. But what happens when a scientist creates a myth. A demon so pronouns that it would plague scientists for more than a hundred years. You get Maxwell's demon, a demon that can bend the laws of physics and thermodynamics to its whim. A demon that hundreds of scientist would fight against both as team and as individuals. Join Mike and Nick as they discuss Maxwell's demon, a demon that bends science to its command.
The earth has changed many times over its life time. From being nothing but atoms and gas, to being a lava engulfed apocalyptic planet, all the way to the earth we know today. But many things has changed over the planets life time and it didn't all come at once. Join Mike and Nick as they talk about ice ages, tectonic plates and how the earth was formed through catastrophe.
Chaos, randomness, the unknown. A thing many hate and dread. To have no control, no way of knowing, to be helpless. But what if the very thing many fear, the chaos that engulfs our lives is one of the things that protect us in the modern world. What if I were to tell you, your safety and mine is dependent and reliant on randomness. What if I were to tell you your safety depends on lava lamps.
Chaos, mayhem and war, plague Syria right now in a more than decade long civil war. But this is a civil war unlike any others. There are many sides, fractions and international players in this civil war. From the Syrian government, to the Kurdish people, to Russia, Turkey, America and Iran. To many more countries in between. Join Nick And Mike as they try to explain the complex situation that is happening in Syria right now, and where the future may go.
The valley of kings, land with hidden tombs, graves, and treasures. Filled with history, stories, and untold wealth. Only… This is probably not the valley of kings you are thinking of. No, this valley of kings is not land covered by a desert in Egypt. No this is land covered by snow, this is the valley of kings found not in Egypt but in Siberia. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about an ancient lost civilization that is being un-tombed in modern times.
Out of the pan straight into the fire! It seems as of late that the world is coming to the end and apocalypses is upon us. Which begs the question how did the first dark ages start? And more importantly how did they get out of the dark ages? Join Mike and Nick as they discuss overlap between the dark ages and modern times, how Europe fell into darkness and how they made it out of one of the worst periods of time. And perhaps ways to prevent and leave a new dark medieval ages that may be coming.
Once in a blue moon a perfect storm brews. Sometimes literally with flood, hurricanes, and tornados… and sometimes figuratively with a series of misfortunes all building upon each other. But occasionally… you get a mixture of figuratively and literally. A perfect storm that caused millions to abandon their homes in mass exodus in search of greener pastures. You get The Great Migration during the Great Depression. You get Okies.
Since the beginning of humanity, humans have been sitting around the fire enjoying a meal together. From there the culture, traditions and customs have change, from region to region and from time period to time period. Put something have stayed the same, others have morphed and some are making a come back. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about the importance of eating as family not only in history but for your own mental and physical health.
America has had firearms every since the country was formed, but as the country formed so did laws. But what were the early American gun laws? Do they still exist? Should we bring them back? Join Nick and Mike as the discuss early gun laws in America's history.
From making pyramids to launching ashes into space, humans do a lot of weird and odd things to their dead love ones. In this episode Nick and Mike talk about burial rituals of the dead. From corpses being sacrificed to vultures to QR codes being made to visit dead love ones and everything in between. Join us this episode as we dive into the fascinating and strange world of death rituals still in practice all over the world.
Over recent years the spotted owl in North America has been making some major headlines; The Owls Are Disappearing, Forest Fires Reek Havoc On Owls, Is Logging Destroying Owl Habitat. But much like most headlines and news articles, they are only telling the half truth or are opinionated. So what is truly happening to the spotted owl? Well, join Nick and Mike as they talk through and explain what is happening to this species.
Border changes... What are the different ways countries change their borders? Through war, debates, money, a game of poker or letting mother nature take the lead. There are many different ways that the borders of the world change and many problems that arise with it. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the issues of open vs close borders, how borders change and are changing and how mother nature is redefining borders for us.
Bambi isn't a kind peace loving animal, in fact deer kill thousands of people every year. Deer whether from stupidity or hate of humans constantly throw their bodies at humans and their cars. So much so it is becoming an epidemic. But what can be done, to protect people and deer without extremely impacting the environment. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss, the army of deer, current solutions in place and possible new solutions for the future.
Human Experimentation is it a dark spot on humanities morals or is it a hidden necessary evil? Humans have been experimenting on each other and themselves since the beginning of humanity. And interesting dark and positive things have all come from it. From cures to diseases to new medical procedures, to some of the worst humanity has to offer, as in torture, intent to harm and unspeakable horrors. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss everything from self experimentation, life saving experimentation, Nazi experimentation and current human experimentation,
Forests burn, cities burn.... lives and ecosystem up in flames. But through the ashes life reemerges. But what happens for life to return, what are the details animals and plants have to go through after a forest fire? Join Nick as he discusses with Mike on how life survives and thrives after forest fires.
Good bad, right wrong.... does it all depend on the culture or is there an universal rules for all of humanity? Is a heinous crime allowed if its part of their culture? Join Nick and Mike as they talk about the philosophical discussion of moral relativism.
Everyone has dreams and aspirations, ideas of the impossible, some wish to be astronauts, actors, professional athletes and yes even spies. But what happens when a man who grew up with no intention of becoming a spy, no training becomes one simply out of spite. You get perhaps the best worst spy in history and a man who help turn the tide in world war 2.
Hazing... a phenomenon that happens in schools, businesses and militaries. But what happens when hazing go to far? Is Hazing actually a good thing? What are different ways people haze? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss different forms of hazing and how hazing effects individuals, groups and society.
Julius Caesar... emperor of Rome. Through out his time as ruler and the rise to become ruler, Caesar had some interesting.... side quests. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about some of the interesting and hilarious conundrums that Caesar found himself through out his life time.
Do we judge music by the personality of the composer? Do we judge paintings by the artists? Do we judge movies on the actors? Do we judge works of art not just the art themselves but who artists as well? Join Nick and Mike as they try to find the line when the artists is more important than the art and is it possible to separate the art from the artists.
Symbols, languages, and stories change from culture to culture. Whether it be adaptation to the new times or be another culture trying to understand a way of life, about people in a faraway land. Either way time and distance can create large misunderstandings between the origins and meaning of a people’s way of life. And one prominent in the western world that misunderstands a symbol in the eastern world… the all mighty fez. Yes, that red hat that many of us have seen in movies, comics, and television. The fezzes history and meaning is complex and full of rises and falls. This is how a hat changed religions, empires and the world itself.
Many creatures including human are guinea pigs. Mice, dogs, monkeys and yes actual guinea pigs. All are creatures that are used in both to better humanity and in cruelty. But what is the line? Is developing cures for cancer worth tens of thousands of mice? Is using animals to test how poisonous something cruel? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the ins and outs of animal testing. The industries it has been and is used in, some of the history and laws in place, and greatest things found through animal testing and the worst things. Join us in the dark world of animal testing.
Madness… some are born in the darkness of insanity, others are forced into it. Some use their insanity to their benefit, of going against the grain, having new ideas and being un-predictable. While others are hindered by it, drag into the depths of their own mind. In the tale of Joanna perhaps better known as the Mad Queen it is a bit of all of the above.
Almost every country in the world has some form of national debt. Whether it be from internal or foreign debt, national debt place an importance on a countries spending, development and how it operates. But how important is the national debt? Does changing the debt ceiling cause economic turmoil? How does governments become in debt to itself? And how does nations get out of debt? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss national debt in America and how it works, forms and what it possibly mean for the future.
Borders have solidified, empires, kingdoms, and territories. In the modern era it outlines, countries, districts, and states. And when land is being carved up, humans have always tried to get the biggest piece of the pie. More resources, more space, more money. But what happens when a supposedly simple land survey, turns into the dividing factor that pushes indigenous tribes a certain direction, separates a country into two halves and cause neighbors to go to war with one another over honey. You get one of the most important land surveys in American history that few know about. You get the Honey War.
The internet is used daily in most peoples lives, from phones to desktops. In most aspects of lives from communication to work to travel and based on society the internet isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But a quest arises, how does the internet work? How does something that nearly everyone use work? Where did it come from? When was it invented? And what is the difference between internet and web? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the internet, the aspects involved in it and the people who control the internet?
Great scientists, engineers and inventors are always concerned with others stealing their thoughts and ideas. Taking what is inside their skull and claiming it as theirs, but what happens when fanatics and delusional people don’t try to take your ideas but flat out steal your physical brain. In this tale Mike tells Nick the story of when a mad man steals Albert Einstein's Brain.
Boredom, meditation, tranquility all related to nothingness. Is nothing good or is it bad? Is boredom and meditation different sides of the same coin? Join Nick and Mike this episode as they discuss the importance of nothingness. Needing more nothingness and the different attributes of boredom that very from generation. Discussing topic from how boredom increases mental creativity to how meditation may save your life.
People have been telling tall tales for eons and most are myth and fiction but sometimes the unbelievable is in fact the truth. In todays episode I will tell you of an explorer that ventured far and wrote down his journey. We are traveling back to ancient Greece, a time when the world was still so big and unfathomable. A time when a man, a merchant became restless and sailed into the horizon.
February has one of the most romantic days, valentine’s day. Love is in the air, partners bestow chocolate, flowers, and romantic gestures to one another. And nothing says romance like historical sex scandals. And perhaps nothing says sex scandals more than the catholic church. And today’s episode is a composed of scandals of which many have deemed him the worst pope in history, which is just in time for valentine’s day, almost like we planned it…
In this weeks episode Mike and Nick try something a little different, they make a drinking game out of politics. The rules are simple every time Mike or Nick find a Pork (pork being something that does not cordises with the bill) drink. Every time they find something idiotic... drink. Hold on for a funny wild ride as they drink to understand how politics work.
Have you ever heard the expression they don't make it like they used to. Well, there is some merit to that phase and some of the most evident evidence for that is the manufacturing of wood products. From 2x4's to kitchen cabinets the wood that they use is extremely different from the wood our ancestors used. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the difference between the trees and wood and how society has come to that point and how it effects everyday life.
For centuries people have been using banks to invest and save money. But over the years banking has evolved into something very different from its earlier form. There are many different types of banks, for many different type of applications for many different people. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss how banks form, how banks make money, how banks are protected and how banks in the 21st century truly work.
The United States laws has changed over the centuries it has been a country. New laws added, some old laws removed. But some laws... the amendments of the United States are perhaps the most important and hardest to add to. Nick and Mike discuss the amendments purposed that just didn't make it and if it would be a good thing or bad thing to add them.
For centuries traveling the seven seas was done by experienced sailors with not much equipment for navigation. Traversing dangerous waters, long vogues all with not having an accurate idea where they were. Join Nick and Mike as the discuss how a common man help developed navigation gear for the British Navy.
Humans in one form or another have teased, lied or started rumors, but in modern era a new form of teasing... trolling. From memes to comments the internet is filled with trolls. But some questions arise, where did trolling come from? How has trolling changed in society? And is trolling destroying society? Join Nick and Mike as the discuss the history of trolling, the different types of trolling and where trolling is headed.
The holidays are stock full of traditions and cultures. Some traditions very old some very new. But one popular in many peoples homes and in cinema is the tradition of a Christmas Tree. Bringing a tree inside in the middle of winter. But where did this nuance come from? How did it originate and how is it still in modern society? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss Nicks favorite topic.... trees.
With this holiday season nothing says the holidays more than winter. Snow, ice and if your certain countries invade other countries. France, Prussia, Germany… Germany again. All made a fatal mistake they try to invaded Russia in the Winter. But this winter its not a foreign invader invading Russia no this is what happens when the winter storms are so bad that Russia has to attack itself. This is a story of how Russia bombed itself to save people from winter.
In the age of Kings and Queens, the time of medieval ages, wars were rampant throughout Europe, treaties, arranged marriages were a dime a dozen. And lavish gifts for royalty were a common place. So a question arises what do you get a king as a gift? What do you get a king born into a powerful family and that has had the world on his finger tips since he was 9. Well… you get him something from a foreign land. Something that is one of the scariest things during the time period and even scary during the modern era. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about how royalty has exotic animal zoo.
Is society a construct or a natural phenomenal? Is society made from tribe, art or culture? Join Nick and Mike as they talk about how society forms, exists and adapts through out the ages. From nocturnal apes to modern cities. Society is everywhere but a question is how does society manufactured?
From our early ancestors to modern day, humans have been wearing make up in one form or another. And it has grown into a large profitable industry. But many things come along with it. Where do the minerals that go into make come from? Is cosmetics ethical? Who are the biggest sellers and the biggest users? Well join Nick and Mike two people who have no idea how the make up world works, but jump in to the deep end to figure out these questions and ideas. Join us this episode as Nick and Mike investigate the world of cosmetics.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, sometimes big giants other times scrappy little guys. Heroes are not determined by their body size but rather the size of their heart. And one 5 foot 5 paratrooper sure did have a lot of heart. But before I tell the tale of this of this underdog.
In this episode Mike and Nick talk about the Chinese government and what would hypothetically happen if America and China were to go to war against each other. From military powers, American soil being invaded to the cyber war currently happening between the two nations.
Perhaps there is nothing more frightening, then the creatures in the dark depth of the ocean. Beasts of near impossible size, monsters that are neigh indescribable. Usually these creatures stay deep under the water, away from the light, away from the land dwellers, but occasionally they rise to the surface to remind us, who truly rules the seas.
The truth is often stranger than fiction or this case scary. A story which seems like the plot of a movie and some poetic justice at the same time. This is a story of when the hunter becomes the hunted. Scary Tiger Story
From America to India, all across the world since the beginning of humanity clothes and textiles have been involved with humanities growth. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the billion dollar industry which is textiles. From dyes, slave labor, to shipping and sales. The world of textiles is deep and complicated and the world seems to get more complicated.
Nothing may be as iconic as a pumpkin and Halloween. From pumpkin pie to jack-o-lanterns, but where did this odd tradition come from. How did pumpkins become so engrained in society and in humanity's history. Join Nick and Mike as the tell the tale of the mighty pumpkin.
Fire, Water, Earth, Wind all things that can become and have been massive energy storage systems, and modern scientists are re-defining them. Join us this episode as Mike and Nick talk about how lithium batteries may be a thing of the past as new large scale and small scale batteries are in development. From solid state to liquid batteries to batteries that are literally massless.
What happens when one of the worlds historically powerful man, a man who command armies all of rome herself, is captured by a ship full of pirates. Now what happens when that man Julius Caesar has not gained political power or military power yet and is still captured by pirates. Join Nick and Mike on this historical event that shows how dangerous the ancient world truly was.
From dams, wave energy and quantum energy, Nick and Mike continue their discussion about new forms of green energy. What is the difference between green energy and renewable energy? How and where can such forms of energy can be implemented.
We all know given enough time water will erode the mightiest mountains to pebbles, and apparently… birds think they can do the same to skyscrapers. Today I am going to tell you the on going war between buildings and birds.
Many of us associate renewable with green but that is not always the case. There are big differences between the two and there are many forms of different energy source. Join Nick and Mike this episode as they discuss different types of energy sources, their pros their cons, where they can be implemented and the truth behind many energy sources on how they impact the world.
Many of us wish to travel the stars and see new planets. To colonize and begin new worlds that are lightyears away. But in order to find these distant celestial bodies we must pierce deep into the void of space. How do scientists take telescopes and view planets millions of lightyears away. Through Gravity. And before I tell you how us humans are using stars to see planets.
In this episode Mike and Nick talk about the history of prosthetics, where modern cyborg technology is. Brand new cyborg technology that is being made and fused with humans. And where the future of both the cyborg technology and the human race is heading. Join us this episode as we discuss, men you can see color with sound, robotic arms capable of breaking through walls and governments able to control a persons emotions.
Since the beginning of the human race, we have looked at the stars and ponder. What is this world, this universe? What makes up the things we hold in our hands and why do they exist? And occasionally just occasionally you get to figure out the universe by smashing things together. Today we are going to be talking about Hadron Colliders and how they work?
Tens of thousands of people are entering and in prison. But what happens after they get released? How does one re-enter society, what is the process after leaving prison, and what is life like during parole? Join Nick and Mike this episode as we talk about released prisons rights, job market and how the parole system works.
In one time or another we’ve all been picky eaters, whether as children not wanting to eat our vegetables or as adults with simply not liking a condiment or type of dish. But in extreme scenarios when you are starving to death and looking for food for your family you will eat the food you distain, you will eat just about anything. Well… unless you are the French, in which case you have to be tricked not to starve to death. This episode I am going to be talking about the man that tricked the French people into eating potatoes.
The world's population is growing exponentially, and many different countries are preparing for this human growth by building new cities and renovating existing ones. In this episode Nick and Mike discuss current cities being planed and built. Where they are being placed, why they are being put there and where and why cities should be put in certain locations.
What threat was so great that in world war 1, the Germans and the Russians teamed up together to fight this enemy. An enemy that wasn’t just attacking living soldiers but dead ones as well. An enemy that can smell you, see in the dark and run you down no matter how fast you run. Wolves a terror on Europe’s eastern border.
This episode is a little bit more heavy and serious. In this episode Mike and Nick talk about the epidemic which is plaguing the united states and the world and nobody seems to be having a conversation about. Human Trafficking. Modern slavery is far more common than one may think and the fight against slavery is unorganized and is more than likely happening within 3 miles of you.
From living as though you live in a Victoria age to the Unabomber, luddites come in all shapes and forms. Some good some bad and in this episode Mike and Nick are going to discuss modern luddites and how they have a space in the modern world, a world that is filled with ever growing technology.
As more dams go up and overfishing is become more prevalent salmon populations are going down. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about how salmon might be joining the endangered species and how we can still possibly save the wonderful fish that is salmon.
Lions Bears and Wolves oh my. Old problems for the modern farmer. For eons farmers have been trying to protect their herds with new, and exotic ways. From dogs and fences, to guns and sirens. But one method is making a massive comeback to help farmers from predators that the all mighty donkey.
As water becomes more scares and mono crops become more popular, certain question for modern farming arises. Join Nick Mike and special guest as they talk about walnut farming in the 21st century and what it takes to be a walnut farmer.
Wars are fought for many reasons, land, greed, liberty. But few wars are fought with noble intentions and purpose. This isn’t one of them. This might be the dumbest reason a war has ever started, even more so than all the Greeks fighting the trojans over a single woman. This is a war of the Oaken Bucket
Across the globe people are calling for higher raises and more pay especially in the minimum wage. Will raising the minimum wage help the people or will it destroy the economy? Join Nick and Mike this week as they talk about the legislative for raising the minimum wage, how it will impact industries and if different jobs should get different minimum wage.
What happens when meth meets the fishing world? When meth enters a populations water supply? You get some interesting stories and some interesting fish. Join us this week as Nick tells the epidemic of meth mixing with the fishing world.
Every year, everyday new innovations in medicine are coming out. From robotic maggots to ultrasound drug delivery systems. In this episode Mike and Nick talk about some interesting new technology in the medical field, what are they, how they work and what it will mean for the future of humanity.
The universe works in strange ways. Whether it be divine intervention, karma making a correction or just plain, circumstance. Sometimes people just get what they deserve. That is true today as it was back in ancient times. In this mini I will be telling the tale of a Scotsman got his revenge on a cheating Viking.
What is true anarchy? Apparently there are lots of different type of anarchy and differ in many ways. Join us this week as Mike and Nick discuss what anarchy truly is, countries that have had anarchy and if anarchy is just behind the horizon.
Medicine has come along way since the beginning of humanity. Conquering some major hurdles but also hitting some speed bumps along the way. Join us this week as Nick tell the tale of Jon Snow a physician centuries ago who helped revolutionized the medical field.
Crypto Currency, a new form of payment, money and trade for the 21st century. But how does it work? Where does it come from? Why are countries banning it? And is cryptocurrency here to stay? Well join Nick and Mike this week as they talk about the details of how cryptocurrency works, how it value changes and what it could possibly mean for the future.
The world is full of amazing people and some people have lives that will go down in history as legends. Perhaps none so more than Mad Jack. A man who carried a sword, bow and bagpipes into battle. Join us this episode as Mike and Nick tell the tale of a WW2 hero who led men into battle, traveled the world and inspired his men to write songs about him.
We have all been on a trail marked hard, difficult. Thinking it would be a great challenge only to finish it and realize that the hiking path was easy. Who decides how to mark trails, what to rate them? There has to be a better system to determine the difficulty of a trail. Join us this week as Nick and Mike do just that and discuss the possible future for marking trails.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming more and more engrained into every day life. The time of machines is upon us. Will it become Skynet from Terminator or like the robots from I, Robot? How can we trust artificial intelligence, how can creators and user make A.I. with morals. Well join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about trusting A.I.
It is important to laugh and sometimes politicians are the comedic of them all. Join us this episode as Mike and Nick talk and laugh about the dumbest US quotes politicians have said.
Is death the end? Are we doomed to come back over and over again? What are the rules and who decides what you reincarnation as? Join Nick and Mike as they talk about reincarnation. Who invented reincarnation and what does reincarnation mean in modern society?
Humans from the beginning of our societal start have paid and exchanged goods in one form or another. And the ways humanity has done so has changed and adapted with the ages. From trade and barter to precious metals and paper, to the 20th century of the dawn of the plastic age. Where a piece of plastic that’s 3.37” by 2.125” that’s 85.6mm by 53.98mm for everyone not in America. Has changed the world. And helped and ruin many people’s lives. With something so small but yet so powerful a question arises where did it come from? Where or how did the all mighty Credit Card come from?
As humans reach for the stars we unfortunately tend to bring our trash with us. All this trash, debris, pieces of paint are devastating to anything that gets hit by it. Well in this episode Nick and Mike talk about the possibility of humans being trapped on earth by space debris. What is causing the space shrapnel? And possible solutions to fix it.
More than likely at least once in your life you will be pulled over for speeding, many of you will get a speeding ticket. But it makes you think where does the speeding ticket money go? Why are the speeding laws the way they are? And when will they update the speeding laws to the 21st century. Well join us this week as Nick and Mike talk about their speeding experiences and were the world and laws of speeding are now heading.
As the planet warms, so do the seas. Making the oceans rise and slowly creep on taking the land right from under our feet. Join us this episode as Nick and Mike talk about the concerning problem that is the oceans rising and land being lost. Will humans live in a water world? Can we reverse the water we caused to flood into the oceans? Or is this just part of the cycle of earth that we all need to get used to?
From knights with swords and shields to the western frontier where two cowboys face off. Dueling has been engrained into human nature. But where does dueling come from? What are the actual rules to dueling? And what are some of the best duels in history? Join Nick and Mike as Nick tells the tale of dueling and how it has effected history and made some of its own.
In America it is common to tip, tip after everything, waiters, bar tenders, valets the list goes on and on. But tipping is not common in the rest of the world and tipping is forever changing. Join Nick and Mike this week as they talk about the history the culture and ethics of tipping.
We have all heard the phrase something is so easy even a monkey could do it. But what if that was the actual case and what if a monkey was better at doing a job than most humans. Well in this true fascinating tale of a disable man and a baboon. Join us this episode as Mike tells the tale of a smart adaptive baboon.
Governments, kingdoms and businesses have all used suppression of information to control and produce fear into the public. Well join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about suppression of information. From news companies to governments, how information is being suppressed and ways to get around that.
There is a popular phrase "If you have nothing to fear, then you have nothing to hide." This common phrase is being used more and more every year all across the world. With tech companies, social media and governments trying to collect, store and read everyone's data. But is it right to want to hide your information even if you have done nothing wrong? What are the implications of this quote on the peoples lives and society? Well join us this week as Nick and Mike talk and discuss the possibilities of the meaning of this phrase.
The world is getting smaller and smaller. Everyone is becoming more connected... and the romantic age of lost untouched places and tribes are slowly disappearing. But some tribes are still out there, still undiscovered or at least isolated. But what is the protocol to talk to these tribe members? Should we leave them alone? Should we help them when they need help? Join Nick and Mike as they talk about untouched tribes and the ethics of communicating with them.
The era is World War 2, Nazis are threatening to take over the world and the Allies are throwing everything they can to stop them. Sometimes weird solutions are the best solutions... and when this solution calls for explosives to blow up Axis powers. You know it is going to be a good one. Join Nick and Mike as Mike tells the tale of a British engineer who figure out how to bounce weird bombs at the Nazis.
Genetically Modified Organisms, a topic that has been under much debate. Will GMO's help feed a growing population? Are GMO's even safe? What are some advancements in science in the technology of GMO's? Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk, discuss and debate these very questions.
Many of us associate luddites with a group of people who don't like or are afraid of technology. But what if I were to tell you that isn't the case. In fact the how the term luddite came to be is a weird and entangle moment in history. Join us this week as Nick tells Mike about how the term luddite came to be and what it actually means to be a luddite.
What on earth has Mike and Nick gotten into this week. Eating your own species, eating humans! Join us this week as Mike and Nick discuss the history of cannibalism, how it is still being practiced today and the ethics and morals of eating another human being.
Modern athletes make a lot of money and athletes are engrained into our society but that didn't start with our society. Through out all of human time athletes, games and entertainment have been in our culture. And if you are good at something you can make money at it. Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about one of the most fierce competes in all of history and perhaps the richest athlete that ever was and ever will be.
Chemicals we spray on our food. Will they give us three eyes and two heads or will the help feed a growing population? Who is funding pesticide companies and testing? What are alternatives to pesticides. Well join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about those very questions. How pesticides are used, future tech in preserving plants from invaders and whether or not humans should be even using pesticides.
We have all heard the term organic farming, many of us buy organic food. But what really goes into organic products? How is the market effected, how do become an organic farmer, what is the truth about organic vs non organic? Join us this week as Nick, Mike and Special Guest Trent. Talk about the economics, the production and the process of being in the world of organic food.
Something so simple so elegant but the human race could not survive without... tress. That's right Nick is back talking about trees again, this episode explaining how the vast forests of the United States came to be. From explores, scientist, barons and even the French revolution all tied together to bring the mighty forests and parks that we all know and love to its glory of today.
What happens when you combine some good friends, a garage and a Mercedes? You get the start of a dynasty of some of the fastest and important cars in automotive history. Join us this week as Mike with special guest Stephen Peters. Talk about the history of AMG. How a few men created some of the first sleeper cars and changed the racing world as we know it.
Most of us have been on road trips in our life. All of us have seen or heard of grand adventures during road trips. But what happens when you do a road trip across America in a 1980's fire truck that you won in a raffle. Well.... you get an interesting time and some good stories. Join us this week as Mike interviews special guest Sean Robinson about his tale of winning, driving and fixing a fire truck.
Morals, how did humans develop them? Do other animals have morals? Are morals genetic traits or are they learned traits? Join us this week as Nick and Mike talk about morals. Where they come from, how our environment changes them and how society changes our moral compass.
War has always been awful, blood and death. But what happens when humans decide to have a cheeky war. A war were no swords or guns. But rather instead a bottle of booze and some chalk. Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about the kindest war humanity has ever waged and how booze seems to bring countries together.
The environment is a complex, in depth, complicated thing. An interesting dilemmas come up that heavily impact not only the environment but also humanity. Join us this week as Mike, Nick and special guest Dan, talk, philosophy and joke around about a complex system that effects many lives on many different layers.
What do you get when you mix Pepsi with Russia... no not a mixed drink. You get capitalism, vodka, and submarines? Join Nick and Mike this week as how Pepsi, Richard Nixon and Soviet Russia changed the world with one simple sip.
We all have gut feelings, hunches, have been told to trust of instinct. But what is instinct? Where does it come from? Is it possible to hack and override our human instinct? Join us this week as Nick and Mike talk about instinct from humans to animals, how instinct formed, how it kept us alive and how it changes even the fabric of society.
This episode we are going to talk about something nobody expects... the Spanish Inquisition. This dark moment in history, how it came to be, how it spread through out Europe and how this evil of humanity lasted for nearly 400 years. Join us as Nick and Mike talk about the craziness of the Spanish Inquisition.
Music... it impacts everyone and I do mean everyone. From being the soundtrack of our lives to how we develop and act. Music is deeply woven into everyone lives. Join us this episode as Nick and Mike talk about the impact music has on the human brain, culture and each of their selves.
Something so simple so elegant but the human race could not survive without... tress. That's right Nick is back talking about trees again, this episode explaining how the vast forests of the United States came to be. From explores, scientist, barons and even the French revolution all tied together to bring the mighty forests and parks that we all know and love to its glory of today.
Books, everyone loves them and there are so many good ones. Ones that have change our lives and lives around us. Join us this week as Nick and Mike talk about their favorite books and how books have changed and modeled them.
Dozens, hundreds, thousands of different species have mating seasons but humans don't. What would happen if humans did? How would history be effected? Would society advance to the point it is now? Would the world be utter chaos or utopia? Join us this week as Nick and Mike discuss the science and philosophy if the world got turned upside down and humans had matting, a rut season just like deer.
Fashion, we all wear clothes, we all have our own tastes and styles. But did you know that fashion is an industry that effects countries economies, the human brain and how humans behave? Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about the impact of fashion has on everyday lives and how entire markets live and die with the runway and fashion trends.
History is weird, and sometimes history is super weird. Like Navy vs Cavalry battle, ground vs sea weird. Join us this episode as Mike tell the tale of how multiple Dutch ships armored with some 850 cannons went against French cavalry and infantry in close quarter combat. How is that even possible? Who won? And who is even crazy enough to attempt this. Listen and find out about the battle at Den Helder.
The world is every changing, A.I., working from home, new industries, new values. And along side all that change is new hours. How long should a person work in a week? What is the optimal time to work on a project according to science? What are other countries work weeks like? Join us this episode as Mike and Nick talk discuss and debate the work week. Will the traditional work week go the way of the dodo and disappear. With basic income make everyone work only part time. Find out this week at Backyard Philosophy
The little things in life matter, especially if it can save your life. Taking the time to do things safely or prepare for what ever you are going to do can save not only your lives but the lives of people around you. Join us this week as Nick gives some facts and tips on how simply looking, preparing and doing things right can heavily impact your life and the world itself.
Do we live in a simulation? Do multiple universes exist? Is heaven and hell real? Join us this week as Nick and Mike dive into the science and philosophy behind simulation theory and different universe theories. Will we break free of the Matrix or will we make our own.
We were all taught in school that there are four states of matter; Plasma, Gas, Solid and Liquid. But what if, in truth you were lied to. The education system failed you and in fact there are dozens of other states of matter that make up our universe. Join us this week as Mike attempts to explain different states of matter that scientist have observed and are making. From superfulids to time crystals.
Freedoms come in all sorts of shapes and forms. But an age-old question can we truly be free? What is true freedom? Is true freedom just in our imagination or is it something attainable? Join us this week as Nick and Mike talk about freedom. Will the universe stop us from getting true freedom? Will money be the thing to actually set people free? Can even the Gods be free? Join us this episode to find out.
We were all taught in school that there are four states of matter; Plasma, Gas, Solid and Liquid. But what if, in truth you were lied to. The education system failed you and in fact there are dozens of other states of matter that make up our universe. Join us this week as Mike attempts to explain different states of matter that scientist have observed and are making. From superfulids to time crystals.
Is the big bad wolf coming to Colorado? Or is the ecosystem being restored? Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about what it means for nature and humans when wolves are reintroduced into an ecosystem. And how wolves effect ranchers, tourism, how to manage wolves and the history of human interaction with wolves.
You ever wonder what is all the interest in quantum computers, is it just sci-fi talk or will it revolutionized the world? Well join us this week as Mike teaches Nick a simple introduction into quantum computers. What the terms are, what they mean, how it works. And important hurdles for quantum computers to leap to enter everyday life.
The Whiskey Rebellion.... a tale of early American history, how some barrel of whiskey nearly caused America into a civil war. Join us this week as Nick educates us on the only true thing in the world is death and taxes, and taxes on whiskey are no different.
Earth... no not the planet, well yes the planet. But more specifically dirt. Soil the thing, the material all life stems from. Join us this episode as Nick goes down into the ground and tells us about soil; what it is made of, different kinds its importance.
City vs Rural... a tale as old as civilization. A clash of cultures. We think it is something that has and is only happening in recent history. But turns out humanity loves to argue with ourselves. Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk the modern divide between city and rural cultures. Listen and hear the points and arguments both sides make. The pros and cons of living in a city or rural area.
Continuing the conversation of the world beneath our feet. How soil interacts with the world, the bacteria, chemicals, and elements that are all intertwined with each other and our lives. Join us this week as Nick continues to teach us a crash course in the science of soil.
We all know that the education system has many flaws. From too much money to attend school, to the colleges and university not truly teaching their students. Why is that? Why do colleges cost so much money? Why do so many people go into to debt for a piece of paper? Are there other options? Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about higher learning, why colleges are the way they are and possible solutions to better our education system.
Earth... no not the planet, well yes the planet. But more specifically dirt. Soil the thing, the material all life stems from. Join us this episode as Nick goes down into the ground and tells us about soil; what it is made of, different kinds its importance.
For years the world has been using the same education, an education system made in the 1800's. Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk about why the education system is the way it is and possible solutions being implemented and ideas to solve the education system. We all agree the education system of the world needs to be improved and change for the 21st century. Listen this week as we talk about how to fix everything from pre-kindergarten to high school.
Most of us once or twice in our lives have had to do a research paper in school, and looking for information may have come across scientific articles behind a pay wall. Is the schools and organizations simply looking for more money, or are there things moving behind the curtain that most of us don't know about. Join us this week as Nick talks about the chaos of conspiracy of paying for scientific papers.
Ever wonder where the story of Santa's elves come from or how they became so intertwined with Christmas. Well join us this week as Mike tells Nick the story of how elves went from Norse mythology creatures of mischief, to the loving red checked helpers we know today.
With an ever growing population we have more mouths to feed. But how are we going to feed everyone? Will we use synthetically grown meat, algae or what about hippos? Join us this week as Nick and Mike talk about new possible food sources that could help feed our planet. From eating rabbits to changing our bodies to gather nutrients from the sun, the future of food is going to be interesting.
Ice, snow, wind, starvation and racing against the clock. Come join us as Nick talks about the arctic relief expedition. A tale of heroism, and overcoming impossible odds with snow dogs and reindeer, to save the lives of hundreds of sailors.
As Earth begins to become more and more crowded, humanities adventures nature, aims towards the stars. The science fiction of living on moons and planets are within our grasps. Join us this episode as Nick and Mike talk about what it takes to get us to Mars, how to survive on another planet and become a multi celestial body species. Will we have a space elevator? Will we live underground? What will we eat on these new strange planets?
In this weeks mini episode Mike tells the story of The Eggnog Riot to Nick. What happens when a bunch on military cadets are told no alcohol for the holidays during the 1800s. How crazy can an academy get with gallons of whiskey and wine. Well join us this episode to find out, and learn about one of the craziest Christmas Eve parties in American history.
Nano technology is an emerging technology and becoming more prevalent in the medical field. Join us this week as Mike and Nick talk how nano bots could cure cancer, heart diseases and bacterial infections. How nano bots are made, controlled and are programed. Will nano bots be the savior to humanities diseases or will we control humans through nano bots.
Perhaps one of the most important historical figures you never heard off. Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus. A man who held all the power in his hands twice and chose to give it back to the people. Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, influenced world leaders all through out time, all over the world, from George Washington the first American president to prime ministers the world over. Join us this week as Nick talks about this important man that all can learn from.
With technology becoming more and more prevalent in our everyday lives so to do people reliance on the technology. More specifically social media. Join Nick and Mike this episode as they discuss the new drug that is social media, and how it is affecting peoples everyday life. And learn so possible solutions to beat this new addicting feature.
A Hammer, A Chisel and 22 years and you can quite literally carve your own path in the world. Join us this week as Mike tells Nick of the amazing story of Dashrath Manjhi. A man who carved a mountain down to nothing all by himself. An amazing story, inspirational and a model for all of us to.
For eons people have been discussing the age old questions about free will.... Do we have free will? What is free will? Do we have a choice? Well this week Mike and Nick talk about free will vs determinism, how modern science is trying to answer this complex question, the impact of having and not having free will, and the importance of believing in free will to a human psyche. Join along in this adventure and discussion as Mike and Nick once again get over their heads.
In this Mini Episode: Nick explains the famous situation of the tragedy of the commons. As resources become less abundant, it is important to figure out how to work together and properly manage resources. And perhaps one of the best analogies/examples of resource management is the tragedy of the commons.
Did Mike and Nick stumble into a conspiracy that engulfs the world? Did thousands of back room deals finally got brought to light? Join us this episode were Mike and Nick talk about the global illegal trade of recycled goods. From America, to Brittan, to Japan, millions of tons of so called recycled goods being illegally transported, sold, burned and thrown into landfills. Does recycling actually help the planet? How much of your recycled goods are actually recycled?
Every year this small island in Greece launch thousands, THOUSANDS!!! of rockets at each other. Join us this week as Mike brings this amazing festival to Nick and you the audience. Discussing the chaos of Rouketopolemos.
We have all heard the stories that youngest gets away with the most, the oldest is the more mature. Well this week Mike and Nick investigate the science of these stereotypes. Is your destiny pre-determined by your birth order, do you siblings have now a reason why they are they way the are. Join us this week in this almost pseudo-science field with surprising evidence.
In this weeks episode Mike explains his opposing view on a famous quote of; "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein. Join us this episode as Mike tries to explain why he disagrees with that quote and mind set to Nick. And how simply doing the same thing over and over again may not be as crazy as one might think.
Nick and Mike talk about the growing problem of overpopulation. How overpopulation is coming, how it will lead to a list of problems; Food Production, Water Wars, Migration, Pollution and how overpopulation will change the way humanity lives. Join us this week as we bring the issues to the for front, what the world is doing to try to fix this problem and possible solutions for the future.
Join us this week with another mini episode, talking about one of the first presidential election. And the first presidential tie! Nick and Mike discuss how this new America era of being a democratic republic. Duels slander and back door deals in one of the earliest presidential election.
Is Artificial Intelligence our savior or our demise? Will Artificial Intelligence solve our problems or will replace humans? Join us this episode as Nick and Mike talk about what A.I. is, how it learns, where its going to be used and the possible future of Artificial Intelligence in society. Artificial Intelligence is coming and is a deep complex issue. Hopefully you learn a little about A.I. and get some laughs along the way.
With Halloween right around the corner, and perhaps nothing is more Halloween than Witchcraft. Join us in this spooky episode, as Mike and Nick talk about the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Hear how dozens of people were hunted and tried of witchcraft and how this moment will forever live in history.
This week, is a little different from normal episode. This episode Nick and Mike give a behind the scenes look, on how they got into podcasts, how they started the podcast and how they do a podcast. Join us as we talk about the trails and tribulations of figuring out equipment, uploading and our research methods.
We are tying something new! With the addition of the normal weekly episodes, will we be creating bonus mini episode for you, the listener to enjoy. Come join us in this ride as Nick and Mike discuss fear, both on a physical level and an emotional level. With Halloween right around the corner learn about what happens in your body when you are afraid and some ways Nick and Mike overcome their own Fears.
Fall deep down the rabbit hole this episode, as Nick and Mike investigate and discuss dreams and nightmares. What are the meaning behind dreams, the different type of dreams and why dreams happens. In ancient times our ancestors thought dreams as a gateway to other worlds, and in modern times scientist are working on recording your dreams for others to see. Join us this week with the Science of Dreams.
In this weeks episode, Mike and Nick talk about the ethics, implementation and effects it would have on the world of bringing back an extinct species. As technology progresses the reality of bringing back an extinct species is become more and more of a reality. Will humanity save the world by bringing back the dead, will Jurassic Park become a real place. Join us this episode in this complicated issue.
Mike and Nick discuss the complicated and worrying issue of the destruction of coral reefs. Did humans put the final nail in the coffin to coral reefs? What is causing such destruction? are there any solutions to save the coral reefs? Join us this week in Mike and Nick talk about what is causing death of coral reefs and solutions that could be the solution to this complex problem.
Currently wildfires are becoming more abundant and more dangerous. Wildfires impact many peoples lives in many different ways. Join us this episode as Nick and Mike discuss; history of wildfires, current ways we are fighting wildfires, after care of the land devastated from wildfires and possible solutions for the future of wildfires.
This week Nick and Mike discuss the phenomenon that is sweeping the nation and the world. The disappearing bees epidemic. How numerous species of bees are dying and going extinct. Join us this episode as we discuss causes for bees disappearing and possible solutions.
This episode we talk about the right to repair. A movement to allow individuals and third parties to repair products from companies. And how some large corporations are trying to prevent people from fixing their property and why individuals are trying to fix their property ranging from the farmer in Kansas repairing a tractor to downtown New York trying to repair a cell phone.
In this week episode, we discuss the growing collection around the world of nuclear waste, current procedures for handling nuclear waste and possible solutions for nuclear waste. Join us this episode as we talk about nuclear waste eating bacteria, cutting the half life of Uranium in half and possibility of having a nuclear mountain.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of having a coming of age or rite of passage. How coming of age has been so intertwined in our species history and how over time it has changed and in some ways disappeared. Join us this episode to discuss coming of age.
We continue from Episode #1 on invasive species. to go more in depth and different avenues on the complex subject of invasive species and how they affect the world.
In this weeks episode, we discuss invasive species ranging from the lion fish to honeysuckle. And how they affect the environment, the economy and our day to day lives.
This week we talk about hemp. What it has done for us, what it is doing for us and what it can do for us. We talk about different uses for hemp, laws in place about hemp and how hemp can be used to help complicated issues.
In this weeks episode we talk about different possibilities for mining in space. The problems, the possible solutions and possibilities that mining in space has to offer.
Mike and Nick, two childhood friends, talk and discuss; Issues, Life, and the Universe. Where they bring to light problems, subjects and solutions that may not be generally known to the public. Go deep into topics from all over the board, from Invasive Species to what is the Meaning of Life. Join these two friends as they explore and dicuss in the podcast Backyard Philosophy.
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