What's Shakin with Shaner: Recent Episodes
Shakin Shaner
Where we celebrate the passion and the madness of the Geek, the Nerd, and often the Absurd. Each episode will be a different topic such as Saturday morning cartoons or Superheroes, favorite books, debates on absurd issues, movies and lesser known historical people and events.
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Psycho Bob the Cat dives into one of America's most enduring culinary debates: ketchup versus catsup. From ancient Southeast Asian fish sauces to the rise of Heinz and the standardization of "ketchup," discover the surprisingly rich history behind the famous tomato condiment. Packed with humor, historical trivia, and Psycho Bob's trademark feline wisdom, this article explores how language, tradition, and family history can turn a simple bottle of sauce into a cultural phenomenon.
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Long before superheroes, fantasy warriors, and legendary kings filled the pages of literature, there was Gilgamesh—the world's first literary hero. In this episode, Psycho Bob and Shaner explore the enduring significance of The Epic of Gilgamesh, humanity's oldest surviving epic poem, and examine how its themes of friendship, grief, mortality, and the search for meaning continue to resonate more than 4,000 years after it was written. From the ancient city of Uruk to modern appearances in Marvel Comics and the film Eternals, Gilgamesh's journey has influenced countless heroes and storytelling traditions. Discover why the first hero in recorded literature remains one of the most important figures in the history of human storytelling.
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Most werewolf legends are tales of curses, monsters, and terror lurking in the shadows. But what if one of history's most famous werewolves claimed to be a servant of God?
In this episode of Psycho Bob Says…, Psycho Bob the Cat sends Shakin Shaner down a fascinating rabbit hole into the strange case of Thiess of Kaltenbrun, an 80-year-old man who appeared before a court in Swedish Livonia in 1691 and openly declared himself a werewolf.
What followed was one of the most unusual supernatural testimonies ever recorded. Thiess claimed that werewolves were not agents of Satan but "God's hounds"—supernatural warriors who descended into Hell to battle witches and recover stolen crops, livestock, and blessings for the good of humanity.
Join Shaner and Psycho Bob as they explore the historical record, the folklore behind the legend, and the possibility that Thiess may have preserved echoes of ancient pagan traditions hidden beneath the surface of Christian Europe. Along the way, you'll discover why this remarkable story continues to fascinate historians, folklorists, and lovers of the weird more than three centuries later.
Was Thiess a holy werewolf, a folk healer, a keeper of forgotten traditions, or simply one of history's most colorful characters?
Tune in and decide for yourself.
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Grab a snack and join Shakin Shaner, Psycho Bob the Cat, and special guest Scott as they dive headfirst into the sweet battlefield of candy bars. From the ancient origins of cacao in Mesoamerica to the rise of modern chocolate empires, this episode unwraps the surprising history behind one of the world’s favorite guilty pleasures.
Along the way, the crew takes a nostalgic trip back to childhood memories, Halloween candy hauls, and the excitement of buying your favorite treat at the local store. They break down the biggest candy brands, uncover strange and lesser-known candy facts, debate what actually qualifies as a candy bar, and put their taste buds—and opinions—to the test.
The battle reaches full sugar-fueled intensity as Shaner and Scott reveal their Top 3 favorite candy bars and name the treats they’d gladly leave at the bottom of the Halloween bag.
Chocolate history, nerdy rabbit holes, nostalgia, and a few questionable opinions collide in this candy-coated adventure. The only real question left is: what’s your favorite candy bar?
Let the Candy Bar Wars begin.
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Psycho Bob was left unsupervised with energy drinks, internet rabbit holes, and entirely too much free time—which can only lead to chaos. In this episode of Psycho Bob Says, Bob drags Shaner and the Nerd Herd through a collection of strange, surprising, and downright bizarre facts that sound completely made up... but somehow aren’t.
Discover the goldfish that lived for 43 years, meet the World War II bear that outranked Shaner, learn why polar bears aren’t actually white, and find out why cuddling a platypus might be a life-changing mistake. Along the way, Bob also uncovers strange truths about coins, geography, smartphones, cereal, and even vegetables that apparently grow loudly enough to announce themselves.
Packed with weird history, odd science, terrible cat puns, and the usual dose of Psycho Bob chaos, this episode proves that reality is often stranger than fiction.
Press paws, embrace the weird, and join us for another journey into the passion, the madness, and the absurd.
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In this episode, Shakin Shaner and Psycho Bob dive headfirst into one of history’s strangest and most unsettling phenomena: mass sociogenic illness—better known as mass hysteria.
What happens when entire communities experience real symptoms… with no clear physical cause? From the bizarre Dancing Plague of 1518, where hundreds danced themselves to exhaustion, to the eerie Tanganyika Laughing Epidemic, where laughter spread uncontrollably across schools, this episode explores the fine line between mind and body—and how fear, stress, and belief can ripple through entire populations.
Along the way, the duo examines infamous cases like the Salem Witch Trials, the mysterious Mad Gasser of Mattoon, and even the panic sparked by Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds.
Blending humor, curiosity, and a touch of the absurd, this episode reveals a deeper truth: these events may sound unbelievable—but the fear and suffering behind them were very real. And perhaps most unsettling of all… we’re not as immune as we might think.
Tune in, Nerd Herd, and explore how the power of belief can shape reality in ways both fascinating and frightening.
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In this episode of Psycho Bob Says, we ride deep into the lawless frontier to uncover the story of Bass Reeves—one of the most legendary lawmen the Wild West ever produced… and one history nearly overlooked.
Born into slavery and forged in the chaos of the Civil War, Reeves escaped into Indian Territory and built a life defined by survival, skill, and unshakable resolve. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. As a U.S. Deputy Marshal under Isaac Parker, Reeves became a one-man force of justice, arresting over 3,000 criminals across some of the most dangerous land in America.
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In this nostalgia-fueled episode of What’s Shakin With Shaner, Shaner and his whiskered co-host Psycho Bob the Cat dive headfirst into one of the most joyful accidents in Saturday morning cartoon history: the psychedelic, pop-rock chase songs of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You. This a cross over event with Matt Spectro's podcast episode. To listen to that episode clickhere To visite our website with links to all of the songs, clickhere.
Joined by returning guest and fellow podcaster Matt Spectro, the trio explore how these upbeat musical numbers transformed fear into fun, turning haunted houses, mummies, creepers, and phantoms into high-energy musical montages. The episode breaks down several of the chase songs from Season 2, ranked and analyzed for their tone, lyrics, visual impact, and emotional effect—from the dreamy brilliance of “Daydreamin’” to the cheerful chaos of “7 Days a Week.”
It’s part music history, part cartoon philosophy, and part pure Nerd Herd joy—a love letter to the idea that sometimes, when a monster appears, the best response isn’t panic… it’s a killer groove.
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In this episode of Psycho Bob Says…, host Shakin Shaner—joined by his ever-judgmental feline co‑host Psycho Bob—dives into the extraordinary life of Grace O’Malley, the 16th‑century Irish sea captain, clan leader, and pirate queen who defied both tradition and an empire.
Told with wit, atmosphere, and sharp historical insight, this episode reframes piracy not as chaos, but as organization, resistance, and survival. Grace O’Malley didn’t conquer nations—but she lived free in a world designed to crush her, leaving a legacy that still echoes wherever the sea remembers those bold enough to sail it.
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Sparked by a suggestion from Dave in Texas (Nerd Herd represent!), this episode explores the 2,000-year reign of a practice once considered cutting-edge medicine. From the ancient theory of the four humors to the “heroic medicine” of the 18th century, we trace how physicians across civilizations believed that draining blood could cure nearly everything — from fevers and pneumonia to insanity and even excessive bleeding. Yes… they treated bleeding by bleeding.
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Traveling to the Northwoods nearRhinelander,Wisconsin, this episode unpacks how isolation, lumberjack life, and tall-tale culture gave birth to a spiny, red-eyed nightmare said to stalk the forests and howl just beyond the firelight. From its exaggerated anatomy and bizarre taste for bulldogs to the infamous hoaxes that helped cement its legend, the Hodag is revealed as more than a monster—it’s a symbol of fear, wilderness, and humanity’s uneasy relationship with nature.
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In this episode of What’s Shakin’ With Shaner, Shakin Shaner and his chaotic co-host Psycho Bob the Cat dive headfirst into the gloriously odd 1990s cult classic So I Married an Axe Murderer. From beat poetry and butcher shops to conspiracy-obsessed Scottish dads, the conversation celebrates everything that makes this film endlessly quotable and lovingly bizarre.
Joined by first-time guest Jody, a longtime friend of the show, the Nerd Herd revisits Mike Myers’ dual performance, the film’s origins, and its journey from box-office underdog to VHS-and-cable favorite. Along the way, the crew breaks down iconic scenes (hello, Café Roads and Sunday dinner), unforgettable cameos, improvised moments, and the soundtrack that perfectly captures early-’90s alt-romance paranoia.
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In this episode of “Psycho Bob Says…”, Shakin Shaner & Psycho Bob explore the astonishing true story of the Lykov family—Siberia’s legendary hermits. Fleeing religious persecution in 1936, the Lykovs vanished into the Siberian taiga, surviving in complete isolation for over 40 years. With no electricity, running water, or contact with the outside world, they built a life from scratch, relying on their faith, ingenuity, and the harsh wilderness around them.
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Dive into the chilling true story explored in the latest episode of What’s Shakin With Shaner. Host Shakin Shaner and sidekick Psycho Bob the Cat unravel the infamous murder of Bridget Cleary—a case that blends Irish folklore, superstition, and tragedy.
Set in rural Ireland in 1895, the episode recounts how Michael Cleary, convinced his wife Bridget was a fairy changeling, subjected her to a brutal ordeal that ended in her death. The narrative delves into the cultural backdrop: a country still reeling from famine, divided by politics, and steeped in beliefs about fairies and witchcraft. Bridget, an ambitious and independent woman, became the target of suspicion and ultimately, violence.
Listeners are taken through the events leading up to the crime, the community’s role, and the sensational trial that followed. The episode also explores the broader impact of the case on Irish society and politics, questioning whether superstition or deeper motives drove Michael Cleary’s actions.
The show closes with thought-provoking questions for the audience: Did Michael truly believe in the fairy legend, or was it a calculated act? Was he a victim of delusion, or something more sinister? The mystery lingers, inviting listeners to reflect and share their theories.
Tune in for a gripping blend of history, folklore, and true crime—where the line between myth and reality blurs, and the consequences are deadly.
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In this bite-sized episode, Shakin Shaner and the ever-curious Psycho Bob the Cat explore the mysteries of Rujm el Hiri, a megalithic monument in the Golan Heights often called the “Stonehenge of the East.”
The site, also known as the “Wheel of Ghosts,” is made up of over 42,000 basalt stones arranged in five concentric circles with a central cairn, dating back to the Early Bronze Age II (3000–2700 BCE) or possibly even earlier. The true quesition is, "What is the true purpose of Rujm el Hiri?
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In this nostalgic episode of “What’s Shakin With Shaner,” host Shakin Shaner and sidekick Psycho Bob the Cat invite listeners to relive the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons with a deep dive into the classic animated series, “Underdog.”
Joined by special guest Will, a returning friend and U.S. Navy veteran, the conversation explores the origins and cultural impact of “Underdog.” Listeners are taken back to the 1960s, when “The Underdog Show” debuted as a clever parody of the superhero genre.
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In this lively episode of “Psycho Bob Says…” from What’s Shakin With Shaner, co-host Psycho Bob the Cat and Shakin Shaner dive into the quirky world of the Dunning–Kruger Effect—a psychological phenomenon where people with limited skills or knowledge overestimate their competence.
The episode opens with Bob’s comical attempt at audio engineering, which leads to a discussion about why those who know the least often feel the most confident. Drawing from the original 1999 study by psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger, the hosts explain that lacking skills also means lacking the ability to recognize one’s own shortcomings.
Listeners are treated to real-world examples, from overconfident beginners and self-proclaimed workplace experts to “Facebook medical professionals” and the classic “I Know Cars” guy. The show emphasizes that the Dunning–Kruger Effect isn’t about intelligence—it affects everyone, including experts stepping into new fields and, of course, cats with big egos.
Practical tips for avoiding the effect include embracing humility, seeking feedback, and learning the basics before claiming mastery. The episode closes with Psycho Bob’s signature advice: “Press paws, stay humble, and for the love of whiskers—learn before you leap.”
For more episodes and blog articles, listeners are encouraged to visit shakinshaner.com.
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Psycho Bob and Shakin Shaner dive into the story of Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, the Red Baron. They cover his early life as an aristocratic adrenaline junkie, his transition to the German Air Service, and his impressive record of 80 confirmed victories. Additionally, they explore the Red Baron's lasting legacy and his surprising presence in pop culture, including his appearances in Peanuts comics, the novelty hit "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron," and as the face of Red Baron Pizza.
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Get ready for a wild ride as Shakin Shaner and Psycho Bob the Cat delve into the bizarre-but-true story of Ann Hodges, the only person in history known to have been struck by a meteorite! This episode explores the events of November 30, 1954, when a space rock crashed through Ann's roof in Sylacauga, Alabama, forever changing her life. From the initial shock and media frenzy to a lawsuit over ownership of the meteorite, discover the incredible details of this cosmic collision.
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In this episode, Shakin Shaner and cohost Psycho Bob the cat dive into the ghostly history of early America. They explore three haunting tales: the story of Nellie Butler's spirit in Maine, the terrifying Bell Witch of Tennessee, and the enduring legend of Sleepy Hollow.
From the religious undertones of Nellie Butler's haunting to the social commentary in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this episode uncovers the deeper meanings behind America's most famous ghost stories. Prepare to journey into a world where history and the supernatural collide, revealing the enduring power of belief and the American psyche.
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In this turbo-charged transmission from the fur-lined bunker, Shakin Shaner and Psycho Bob the Cat claw into the legend of JJ Armes—the real-life, prosthetic-powered private eye who rewrote the rules of crime-fighting with chrome limbs and desert swagger.
From a childhood TNT explosion to parachuting into crime scenes, JJ’s story is part pulp fiction, part Cold War allegory, and all attitude. We decode his wild career busting drug rings, rescuing Marlon Brando’s son, and starring in a CBS pilot that aired once and vanished into myth. Plus, we dig into his 1970s action figure—complete with modular hands and a crime van playset—and explore how merchandising turned JJ into a plastic icon of resilience and rogue justice.
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Shakin Shaner and Psycho Bob hop aboard the Pork Chop Express to revisit John Carpenter’s neon-mystic cult classic. With special guest Stew from Stew World Order, we unpack this genre-mash love letter—martial arts, horror, comedy—where the “hero” is the sidekick and the best friend saves the day, because its all in the reflexes! Our verdict: Comfort-movie nostalgia meets kung-fu chaos and Carpenter cool.
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Set sail with Shakin’ Shaner and his whiskered first mate Psycho Bob as they chase the spectral sails of the most infamous ghost ship in maritime lore—the Flying Dutchman. This mini-episode of Psycho Bob Says… plunges into stormy seas, cursed captains, and devilish deals that echo across centuries.
Whether you believe in cursed ships or chalk it up to tricks of light and lore, this episode is a rollicking ride through one of the sea’s most enduring mysteries.
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In this episode, we dive into the jaw-dropping saga of Princess Olga of Kievan Rus—a royal widow who turned grief into one of the most brutal revenge campaigns in medieval history. After her husband was murdered by the Drevlians, Olga responded with chilling precision: burying emissaries alive, torching bathhouses full of nobles, and burning an entire city using pigeons as incendiary messengers.
And somehow… she became a saint.
Shaner and Psycho Bob the Cat unpack the layers of Olga’s transformation—from vengeful regent to canonized figure—while riffing on the absurdity, brilliance, and brutality of her tactics. It’s history with bite, commentary with claws, and storytelling that doesn’t flinch.
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In this gusty deep dive, Shakin Shaner and Psycho Bob the Cat explore the bizarre and brilliant history of flatulence-as-entertainment. From medieval jesters to Moulin Rouge fart symphonists, this episode proves that passing gas has long been a performance art. Learn about, Saint Augustine’s singing farters and IrelandRoland the Farter, who earned land for his annual Christmas toot and l iterary fart jokes from Chaucer and their deeper cultural meanings. Whether it’s satire, social rebellion, or just good old-fashioned absurdity, this episode celebrates the wind beneath history’s wings.
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Slide into your nostalgia zone and join Shakin Shaner and his wildly unpredictable feline co-host, Psycho Bob the Cat, as they karate-chop their way through the groovy legacy of Hong Kong Phooey. This Saturday morning cult classic may have only run for one season, but its kung-fu spoof, unforgettable theme song (sung by Scatman Crothers himself), and outrageous gadgets left a paw print on pop culture that still makes fans smile.
Special guest Matt Spectro, host of Matt Spectro Through the Multiverse, joins the Nerd Herd to reminisce, riff on trivia (Spot the cat was the real brains, folks!), and unravel why Phooey’s clumsy heroics still resonate with fans decades later. From funky theme song covers to comic book crossovers, this episode is a love letter to quirky Saturday morning glory.So crank up that theme song, grab your cereal, and dive into the absurd joy of Hong Kong Phooey—Number One Super Guy!
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In this claw-sharp episode of Psycho Bob Says, Shakin Shaner and his purrplexing co-host Psycho Bob the Cat dive whiskers-first into the mystery of the Kensington Rune Stone. Discovered in Minnesota in 1898, this rune-covered slab allegedly links Norse explorers to the heart of North America—centuries before Columbus took his first sail.
Was it a 14th-century Nordic expedition, a 19th-century hoax, or a runic rally for Scandinavian pride?
Psycho Bob’s verdict? “Whether it’s real or cosplay, it’s clawtastic conspiracy bait.” Is it a rune or a ruse? You decide.
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In this captivating episode of What’s Shakin With Shaner, Shakin Shaner and his eccentric feline co-host Psycho Bob unravel the enigma surrounding the death of one of America’s most iconic literary figures—Edgar Allan Poe.
Though long believed to have succumbed to alcoholism, Poe's final days raise far more questions than answers. From his delirious discovery outside a Baltimore polling station to a swirl of conflicting theories—including cooping, rabies, heavy metal poisoning, and even murder—this episode explores nine possible causes of Poe’s mysterious demise. Alongside surprising historical details and eerie coincidences, Shaner and Psycho Bob guide listeners through the facts, the folklore, and the persistent uncertainties surrounding Poe’s fate.
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Join Psycho Bob and Shaner as they discuss the novel, Blood Oath. Zach Barrows is an ambitious young White House staffer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he's partnered with Nathaniel Cade, a secret agent sworn to protect the President. But Cade is no ordinary civil servant. Bound by a special blood oath, he is a vampire. Cade battles nightmares before they can break into the daylight world of the American dream, enemies far stranger-and far more dangerous-than civilians have ever imagined.
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This episode is based mostly on the book, “Poisoner In Chief” by Stephen Kinzer, published in 2019. During the early period of the Cold War, the CIA became convinced that communists had discovered a drug or technique that would allow them to control human minds. In response, the CIA began its own secret program, called MK-ULTRA, to search for a mind control drug that could be weaponized against enemies.
MK-ULTRA, which operated from the 1950s until the early '60s, was created and run by a chemist named Sidney Gottlieb. Journalist Stephen Kinzer, who spent several years investigating the program, calls the operation the "most sustained search in history for techniques of mind control."
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Holy Crapadoodle, It's our 50th Episode! In “What's Shakin with Shaner’s episode 21 “Where’s My Jetpack?” we made reference to a possible jet pack appearance on the cover of the August 1928 issue of Amazing Stories. So, Bob and I decided to research the magazine and yep, we fell right down the rabbit hole of the archives for all Amazing Stories issues. To find the archives https://archive.org/details/amazingstoriesmagazine
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Hey Nerd Herd, we are back from an extended break and excited to get this collection of bizarre and odd stories out to you. Join Shaner and Bobber as they discuss the intersection of an outlaw, a physician and politics in Wyoming and then jump to some actual non-lethal proposals considered by the Pentagon. They close it out with a look at animal hybrids and actual research into creating a human animal hybrid. These are truly bizarre.
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Join Shaner and Psycho Bob the Cat as they discuss the case of a supposed werewolf in a remote German farming community. This is a well-documented case from the 1500's and was even referenced in the Exorcist and a Scooby Doo animated movie and the Dresden Files book series.
Join Psycho Bob & Shaner as they explore a contraversy or Buffalo Bill's final resting spot. Buffalo Bill Cody has been glamorized and criticized for over 100 years because of his role as a government scout, buffalo hunter, and Wild West Show promoter. We are not gonna jump into any of those topics but more specifically, where is he buried?
Is he buried on Lookout Mountain outside of Denver or on a mountain outside of Cody, WY?
Join Jeremy, Kevin and Shaner as they host the inaugural meeting of People Against Idiotic Nincompoopery (P.A.I.N.). They share their stories about the Agents of STUPID (Sluggsih, Thick-headed, Unthinking, Puerile, Inane, Dunderheads). As a part of the ceremony they must also describe how they, themselves, have been sleeper Agents of STUPID. Yep, the moronic behavior runs deep with this group.
Psycho Bobb and Shaner discuss pirate treasure. Dive into the rabbit hole with them and hear about the pirates, Captain William Kidd, Olivier Levasseur also known as the Buzzard, Black Sam Bellamy and Amaro Pargo.
- Did pirates really bury their treasure?
- Have treasure hunters found any?
- What happened to Captain Kidd's treasure?
- Has Pargo's treasure been found?
Join them to find out!
Join Psycho Bob and Shaner as they discuss the Cosmos Club, which was founded in 1878 by the Civil War soldier, Grand Canyon explorer and scientist John Wesley Powell. Powell and the other original members envisioned the club, located in the nation’s capital, as a nexus of thought and action.
Should they apply for membership? They think they meet the criteria!
Join Psycho Bob the Cat and Shaner as they rediscover Dashiell Hammett and discuss the Continental Op, one of the first major hardboiled detectives later developed in such characters as Hammett's own Sam Spade, Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, and others.
The Dain Curse was published in 1929, but before its publication in book form, it was serialized in Black Mask magazine in 1928 and 1929. The novel is composed of three parts, each concerning different mysteries — Part One, The Dains; Part Two, The Temple; and Part Three, Quesada.
Join Psycho Bob and Shaner as they discuss and recommend the Netflix series, the Blue Eye Samurai. They say, Holy Crapadoodle its awesome and they are not kitten.
In 17th-century Japan, when borders are closed to the outside world, citizens would never see a face that was not Japanese, except in rare cases of illegal trade. Our hero, Mizu, knows there were only four white men in Japan at the time of her birth and sets off to kill these men, one of whom might be her father, who made her a “creature of shame.” But revenge is not an option for women, so Mizu must forge her revenge quest while hiding her gender as well as her blue eyes.
Join Shaner and Bob as they discuss Poverty Point in northeastern Louisiana. Many archaeologists and scientists consider it as North America’s First City. It lies 15 miles west of the Mississippi River. At 1500 BCE, everywhere else in North America had small villages of about 100 residents, however, Poverty Point had between 4000 and 5000 residents. This was unprecedented at time.
To check out maps of the site, Maps and Images of Poverty Point (shakinshaner.com)
Join Bobber and Shaner as they discuss Shawn Inmon's book, Kradak the Champion.
Kradak the Champion's first appearance is standing atop a mound of bodies; some of which are not quite dead. In his arm is a chubby child he's rescued, who is destined to become a leader. Kardak is not just a hero. He's a warrior.
This image is captured in a film that, in the real world, features Steve, an actor who plays Kradak in a series of B-films. Unfortunately, the film attracts the wrong kind of viewer when Rista and Grint come through a portal from Arkana, view the film portrait of this hero's exploits, and decide that Steve is just the person to save their world. It isn't until they kidnap him and bring him to Arkana, the portal closed behind them, that they discover that Steve is anything but a hero.
In the past few months, the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights have been visible by so many people, other than those in the extreme north. A member of the Nerd Herd, Scott from South Dakota, asked what did ancient civilizations think the northern lights meant? That got me thinking and researching….
Join Psycho Bob and Shakin Shaner as they dive into ancient cultures and their beliefs on the Northern Lights. They explore the myths of the Norse, Chinese, Japanese, first nations of North America and even Europe!
Stew from the Stew World Order podcast, joins Shaner as they discuss the 1993 Mel Brooks movie, Robin Hood Men in Tights. Find out why Shaner has a special spot for this movies and Stew's cross-country trip that led to an insane number of viewings of this movie.
Not only do they share their original joy for this 30-year-old classic, but some behind the scenes information and a wee bit of insight.
Join Bobber and Shaner as they discuss that after the 1st Edition of their fairy tales, the Grimm Brothers had several of the stories altered such as Snow White’s biological mother became her step-mother and Rapunzel was not pregnant.
However, certain tales could not just be edited or altered to a fit a less gruesome standard, because they were completely horrific. One such story was “How Some Children Played at Slaughtering.” These were removed after the 1st edition and never published again.
Another installment of Psycho Bob Says is here and Bobber asks, what is the Antikythera Mechanism? For more than 100 years, scholars have struggled with defining it, determining its origin and replicating it.
After decades of study, it has been determined that the Antikythera mechanism is an Ancient Greek hand-powered mechanical model of the of the solar system. It was a mechanical computer of bronze gears that used ground-breaking technology to make astronomical predictions, by mechanizing astronomical cycles and theories.
Another 10-minute installment of Psycho Bob Says...Join him and Shaner as they try to answer 3 questions:
- Who was Johan Konrad Dipple?
- Was he the inspiration for Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein?
- Was he the real-life Dr. Frankenstein?
He was born August 25, 1673, in Castle Frankenstein near Darmstadt Germany. He studied theology, philosophy and alchemy at the University of Giessen, obtaining a master's degree in theology in 1693.
Dippel claimed to discover alchemy's elixir of life and that he could exercise demons and even killed a man in duel. Join Bobber and Shaner as they attempt to answer the questions above!
Join Will and Shaner as they discuss the single season of MTV Spider-Man, a fully CGI animated series, solely on MTV.
MTV Spider-Man lasted only one season but addressed more mature themes following Peter, Harry and Mary Jane at Empire State University. Will and Shaner address the darker tones, the villains and voice actors that made this an award winning animated series. It is currently streaming on Disney Plus, so check it out and join Will and Shaner as they geek out!
Join Psycho Bob and Shaner as they geek-out over Marvel's GI Joe issue #21, the Silent Interlude. The issue has no dialogue, word bubbles, or onomatopoeia and was published in March 1984 the Writer and Penciller was Larry Hama.
It stars Snake Eyes, one of GI Joes most iconic bad asses, who is mute. This is the introduction of the Cobra assassin, Storm Shadow. He kidnaps a member of GI Joe; Scarlett and takes her to the Balkans to Destro's castle.
Tune in to hear how seeing this issue at age 12 left an impression on Shaner and also on the comics book industry.
Join Psycho Bob and Shaner as they discover the real meaning and origination of the word Yule!
They jump into 5th and 6th century references as well as Norse history and sagas to discover that Yule is a reference to a pagan celebration of Odin and the Wild Hunt. Hear how the King of Norway made the significant changes to Yule and why we say it today.
Join Shakin Shaner and Psycho Bob as they explore some horrible shows from the 80's, some of Shaner's favorite shows that were cancelled and one diamond in the rough of sucktastic 80's shows.
Have you heard of the shows, B.A.D. CATS or Wizards and Warriors? No, well there is a reason why. The discussion goes back to the 80's and they even discuss the show that is panned by most everyone as the worst sitcom ever.
Shaner goes into detail on Automan, Manimal and the Tales of the Gold Monkey. These were some of his favorite 80's shows that were all cancelled, but one actually made it a full season. Tune in to find out which one.
Crystal skulls have been a popular subject appearing in numerous TV shows, novels, and video games. Popular references are the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and the video game Assassin Creed Series.
Join Bobber & Shaner as they discusses the Crystal Skulls and their legacies. There are 4 skulls he will cover and specifically the Mitchell-Hedges Skull. Is it a real Mesoamerican artifact that can cause visions, cure cancer and take the life of human beings?
Join Shaner as he celebrates the Marine Corps Birthday, honors Veterans Day and discusses one of the most iconic Marines ever, Dan Daly, a legendary badass.
Daniel Joseph Daly was born on November 11, 1873 in Glen Cove, New York. By size, he was 5 ft 6 in and weighed 132 lbs but established himself as an amateur
boxer. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 10, 1899. Daly joined the Marine Corps hoping to fight in the Spanish-American War however, the war ended while he was going through training at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Although he missed the Spanish-American War, he saw combat in China, Haiti and in France during WWI. Daly was one of two Marines to receive the Medal of Honor for two separate combat engagements. The other Marine was Major General Smedley Butler, whom we highlighted in our 5th episode. They served together in a few locations and Butler described Daly as "The fightin'est Marine I ever knew!"
Daly was reportedly offered an officer's commission twice to which he responded that he would rather be "an outstanding sergeant than just another officer."
Join Shaner as he dives head-first into a new rabbit hole and discovers Icelandic Sorcery. He discusses the historical background of Iceland as a nation, the introduction of Christianity, the uniqueness of Iceland magic.
He really fell deep into this one as he also explains three different Icelandic black books, sorcerers and the execution of witches. One of the bizarre discoveries is the necropants. Yeah, you gotta hear this.
Another 10-minute installment of Psycho Bob Says...Join him and Shakin Shaner while they try to determine how bad are these ads?
In “Whats Shakin with Shaner’s” episode 13, “The Crash at Crush” we explored failed marketing and publicity stunts such as Pepsi’s failed Numbers Fever in the Philippines and the colossal failure of the head on train crash at Crush TX.
Recently, we discovered some additional failures that just got be talked about.
Join Shaner as he dives down the rabbit hole of the French fairy tale Blue Beard. This is a new one for him. He reads the fairy tale, explores the analytical takes and the influence of the tale. Kevin and Jeremy join him at the end to try and figure out, is this fairy tale or a horror story.
Another installment of Psycho Bob Says...Join him and Shakin Shaner while they try to determine Whose Booty Is It?
In “Whats Shakin with Shaner’s” episode of “Cryptographs, Lost Treasure and the Beale Papers” we discussed several lost treasures to include that of the pirate Captain Kidd. During research, they came across the largest sunken treasure ever found, in other words the largest booty ever found. Learn about the Black Swan Project that resulted in the recovery of an estimated $500 million worth of silver and gold coins from the ocean floor.
Join Shakin Shaner as he discusses his love for cryptographs and lost treasure. It all started with the 1980 ABC Weekend Series, The Gold Bug, an adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe's short story of the same name.
Join the adventure of looking for Captain Kidd's treasure. Shaner also talks about John Dillinger's lost case of cash, the $375,000 in gold on the Big Horn River and gets deep into the infamous Beale Papers. Is there $43 million hidden in a vault in Virginia?
Shakin Shaner has assembled an expert panel to discuss why we do not yet have jetpacks. He is joined by Jim, Raye from the podcast, Being Bookish, Matt from the podcast, Don't Wreck Yourself, and Mike from the podcast, Multiverse of Badness.
Why don't we have jetpacks? Are the airline unions behind it, is the government testing them but allowing us to think they are UFOs, is there problem with fuel, or is this all part of the ball bearing matrix? You need to listen to this to believe it!
Being Bookish
Don't Wreck Yourself
The Multiverse of Badness
In this 10-minute installment, Psycho Bob the Cat & Shakin Shaner explore the films and legacy of special effects and animator Ray Harryhausen. Join them as they discuss "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms", "Jason and Argonauts" and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad."
In “Whats Shakin with Shaner’s” recent episode of Hercules v Heracles, our good friend Randy mentioned that he first got interested in Greek Mythology from watching the 1963 movie, “Jason and Argonauts.” The special effects were provided by Ray Harryhausen.
Ray Harryhausen was an American-British animator and special effects creator who developed the technique of rear and front projecting footage one frame at a time while animating to do stop-motion on a budget. This technique, which he named Dynamation, is still used by stop-motion animators today.
Join Randy and Shakin Shaner as they discuss the 1997 Disney movie Hercules and geek out over Greek mythology. They explore the differences between the movie versions of Hercules, Zeus, Hera and Pegasus and the actual Greek myths. Check out their favorite stories from the 12 labors of Heracles.
Psycho Bob the Cat is the co-host, producer and engineer of “What’s Shakin With Shaner” and he usually has a lot to say. To give him a bigger voice, we will be releasing 10 minute episodes in between our larger episodes. These installments will be based on topics picked and written by Psycho Bob.
Psycho Bob says “what’s the deal with the half-naked statute of George Washington?”
The seated and sandal wearing Washington gazes sternly ahead. He is bare-chested and his right arm and hand gesture with upraised index finger toward Heaven. His left palm and forearm cradle a sheathed sword, hilt forward, symbolizing Washington turning over power to the people at the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War. George is in a toga and yes he is naked to the waist.
Shakin Shaner is joined by Kevin and Jeremy, two fellow veterans on a complete geek out on the book, Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia.
Five days after Owen Zastava Pitt pushed his insufferable boss out of a fourteenth story window, he woke up in the hospital with a scarred face, an unbelievable memory, and a job offer. It turns out that monsters are real. All the things from myth, legend, and B-movies are out there, waiting in the shadows. Officially secret, some of them are evil, and some are just hungry. On the other side are the people who kill monsters for a living. Monster Hunter International is the premier eradication company in the business. And now Owen is their newest recruit.
It’s actually a pretty sweet gig, except for one little problem. An ancient entity known as the Cursed One has returned to settle a centuries old vendetta. Should the Cursed One succeed, it means the end of the world, and MHI is the only thing standing in his way. With the clock ticking towards Armageddon, Owen finds himself trapped between legions of undead minions, belligerent federal agents, a cryptic ghost who has taken up residence inside his head, and the cursed family of the woman he loves.
Business is good . . . Welcome to Monster Hunter International.
Join Shakin Shaner in a celebration of the long lasting legacy of the Brothers Grimm. Jacob and Wilhelm, were German academics, philologists, cultural researchers, lexicographers, and authors who together collected and published folklore and fairy tales. Less well known is the their pioneering scholarly work on a German dictionary, which they began in 1838.
Shakin Shaner discusses that their tales were not originally intended for children and goes into detail on a lesser known tale, the Girl without Hands. You can follow us on Twitter @shakinshaner and visit our website
Shakin Shaner has a complete nerd-fest in this homage to the original Sherlock Holmes novels and short stories. He relates several noteworthy items, such as Sherlock Holmes, as a fictional character has been featured in more movies than any other character in the history of cinema and that the phrase, "Elementary my dear Watson," is not found in any of the novels or short stories.
Shakin Shaner is joined by Marquis and Tony, fellow sandwich connoisseurs, as they discuss bread and its secret code, the namesake of sandwiches, the first sandwich recipe in America and the great debate of what is and is not a sandwich.
Shakin Shaner and Psycho Bob the Cat explore failed marketing and publicity stunts while contemplating ways to promote "What's Shakin With Shaner".
Learn about the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati's turkeys away episode in 1978 and McDonalds millions lost in the 1984 Olympics give away. Then it takes a sharp turn to the tragic with Pepsi's failed marketing campaign in the Philippines that lead to death threats, riots and death due to the firebombing a delivery truck. Then meet Mr. William Crush and his idea to crash two 35 ton steam engines in a head-on train collision!
Join Shakin Shaner as he discusses mirrors in mythology and attempts to determine who's soul is trapped in the magic mirror in Snow White, the Grimm Brothers story. Charlemagne, Windikund, and the Irminsul from the 8th century all play a role in Shakin Shaner's wild-ass assumptions with no proof. You know you are curious so check it out. The 1856 publication of the 7th edition of the Grimm Brothers Fairy Tales is the reference for this episode and can be found on our website.
Join Shakin Shaner as he explores fun words to say, words we do not use often, 80's slang, military terminology and the crazy shit his dad says. His is join by Matt, co-host of the Don't Wreck Yourself podcast. Listen in while they debate which is colder....
Join Shakin Shaner as he discusses the gate control theory of pain and how we instinctively sucked a burned finger. He then heads on a rabbit hole to discuss two mythical heroes and how they gain their power from sucking a burned finger...does this open a mystical gateway? Discover the absurdity of this episode.
Finn McCool (Fionn MacCumhaill) was a 3rd Century AD warrior chieftain in medieval Ireland. He led a clan of warriors called the Fianna, and his adventures are documented in the Fenian Cycle.
Sigurðr, Siegfried (Middle High German: Sîvrit) or Sigurd is a legendary hero of Norse mythology, as well as the central character in the Vǫlsunga saga. The earliest extant representations for his legend come in pictorial form from seven runestones in Sweden and most notably the Ramsund carving (c. 1000) and the Gök Runestone (11th century).
Join Shakin Shaner and Jeff as they pay homage to Sean Connery and learn how he defined James Bond and helped create the blockbuster and an enduring franchise. Sean Connery was the first to portray James Bond in the movies, but did you know he was not the first to play Bond? A great tribute to the legacy of Sean Connery as Bond....James Bond!
In this episode, Shakin Shaner is joined by three expert panelists to create a new superhero team....The Fictitious Five. For some context--this is all in the spirit of the comic books Flaming Carrot and the Mystery Men.
They must create their superheroes from a list of 15 absurd super powers, a name and an origin story. Our team also discovers that they are missing the Fictitious Five leader, the Night Manager. Then they must discuss interviewing new members. Full of jackassery, you do not want to miss this!
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Shakin Shaner and Jeremy discuss how they discovered this New York Times Bestseller from Dean Koontz. WARNING--Listen at your own peril, as the Bodachs have sabotaged Jeremy's audio to prevent him from advising this realm of their existence. We tried to salvage his comments even after the Bodachs' otherworldly attacks.
Odd Thomas sees dead people. However, that is not the strangest or most interesting thing about him. Dead people seek Thomas out. They do not speak, but they communicate with Odd telepathically, frequently leading Odd to their killers. Shakin Shaner discuss this refreshing character and explore the world of Pico Mundo and they cast of characters to include the Fungus Man and Odd's destiny, Stormy.
Visit our webpage for this episode with additional content on Odd Thomas, click here! Follow us on Twitter
Shakin Shaner and Mike from Comics in the Golden Age (@ComicsintheGA) let their geek flags fly on the original Adventures of Jonny Quest which aired in 1964!
They discuss the uniqueness of the show when it first aired, starting with the original artwork from Doug Wildey, the influence from the comic strip Terry and the Pirates, and even James Bond. The show only lasted one season, but churned out 26 episodes of action adventure gold. For additional content and all episodes, on Shakin Shaner's website, Click Here!
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Shakin Shaner explores the life and legacy of Major General Smedley Butler, AKA, Old Gimlet Eye, who received two Congressional Medals of Honor. He dives into his life after the Marine Corps and touch on his participation in the March of the Bonus Army, the Business Plot and his book, "War is a Racket". This is truly a great story about honorable service, giving back and standing up for veterans, derailing a plot against the American Government and being true to oneself. A great way to celebrate Veterans Day.
Shakin Shaner and his friend and cinema enthusiast, Jeff, discuss some of the reasons why we like scary/horror movies. They discuss several of the subcategories including the monster movies of the 1930s and 40s, Hitchcock, the 80's slasher movies, alien movies, vampire, zombie, and several other movies that they find scary or disturbing. Also check out the new sponsor, WTF Films and their movie trailer. Guaranteed to make you cringe and smile all at once. Happy Halloween.
In this episode, Shakin Shaner is joined by four expert panelists to debate the complex issue of the Jetson Transport Tube Thingies: Why don't we have them and who dropped the ball. Apparently companies in the 1960s were working on the technology to transport humans in pneumatic tubes just like in the Jetsons. However, we never got the technology so Shakin Shaner and Lisa, Ashleigh, Jim and Randy join him to debate the reasons why! This....you don't wanna miss!
Shakin Shaner and his friend Randy, a fellow book worm, embark on an enthusiastic nerd-in on Ivanhoe. They explore this 200 year old novel, how they discovered it by the same means and the positive impact it had on both of them. With Randy's background in history and time spent as an educator, they dig deep into some of the background, discuss the historical significance of King Richard, Prince John and even Robin Hood. Check out their passion when they discuss the two main characters of Wilfrid of Ivanhoe and Brian DuBois Gilbert. Ivanhoe addresses many themes relevant today such as, racism, division of society classes, and haves versus the have nots. The differences between the ending in the book, versus the 1952 movie and the 1982 movie is another fine point of their nerd-in. If you are a fan of Ivanhoe or new to the book, check out this great conversation on this literary classic.
Shakin Shaner hosts Mike from Comics in the Golden Age (@ComicsintheGA) in a geek out on the 1981 Saturday morning cartoon, Spider Man & His Amazing Friends. Both first watched this show as children in the early 80's and share their fondness and joy of the superhero series. They dive into the episodes and discuss the premise of the series and all of the world building Marvel was doing early on in the 80's animated series.