POPULARITY
This week, Trace takes a closer look at one of the boldest maneuvers in pirate cinema: whether a determined crowd could actually flip something the size of an aircraft carrier by running from one side to the other like in the documentary “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Meanwhile, Julian investigates the logistics of purchasing the Sun—who exactly you'd pay for it, what ownership might legally mean, and how tempting it would be to start charging the planet a small recurring fee for access to daylight.LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DWARF 3 SMART TELESCOPEhttps://link.thatsabsurdshow.com/dwarfHere's Trace's photo of the Orion Nebula that made Julian even more jealous than before:https://www.instagram.com/p/DVgdBJ8jW3l/?igsh=MXR2cnp0MWJhcmU0aA==QUESTIONSJulian: "Sun, how much?" from FrandorTrace: "How many people would it take to flip an average aircraft carrier?" from ArtDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Sea Change travels to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, for a lively live panel discussion about the future of seafood. For more than a century, the Gulf seafood industry has shaped towns, cultures, and identities along the coast. Yet, if you talk to almost anyone who works on the water, they'll tell you the Gulf seafood story has changed more in the last 30 years than the hundred years before that. If you care about what's on your plate, what happens to this coast, or what kind of future we're leaving to the next generation of fishers and eaters, you're in the right place. CREDITSThis episode of Sea Change Live was hosted by Executive Producer Carlyle Calhoun. Eva Tesfaye edited the episode. Sound design by Kurt Kohnen. Live music performed by Grits and Greens.We'd like to thank the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Eagle Point Oyster Company, Holy Ground Oyster Company, Grits and Greens, and the panelists Ryan Bradley, Matthew Mayfield, Boyce Upholt, and Alex Perry. Sea Change is a WWNO and WRKF production. We are part of the NPR Podcast Network and distributed by PRX. Sea Change is made possible with major support from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. WWNO's Coastal Desk is supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Meraux Foundation, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
How has English dominance marginalised First Nations knowledges?We hear from Gudanji/Wakaja author and academic Dr Debra Dank about how Aboriginal people's expressive practices and deep relationships to Country are being erased.How can we learn to listen to Country, to the ‘non-human utterances' of birds, the wind, the rain?And how do we listen to Country with our whole bodies, not just our ears?Can we discover our own embodied wisdom, and how does this relate to our sense of belonging on this continent?GuestsCarmine Gentile is an Associate Professor (Faculty) within the School of Biomedical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering and IT) at the UTS. He leads the Cardiovascular Regeneration Group, working on 3D bioprinting and stem cell technologies both at the Heart Research Institute and UTS.Debra Dank is a Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon woman from the Barkly Tablelands in the Northern Territory. Dr Debra Dank is an Enterprise Fellow with the University of South Australia.For 40 years Deb has worked in various roles in primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory in urban and remote contexts.She worked to establish the Indigenous Literacy Foundation which included extensive work with remote communities to develop a robust but flexible service delivery model that supported place-based, community-identified responses to literary needs in early childhood education, provision of appropriate literature for remote communities, and the production of reading material for English as a Second language contexts.Reference: Terrraglossia is published by Echo Publishing.Leah Subijano (she/her) is a Filipino-Australian, multidimensional soul, and a fierce advocate for racial justice and gender equality. She loves to deep dive into all things social justice, spirituality, and dismantling systems to birth a new Earth. Leah believes that drumming and dance are decolonising and embodiment tools that help people reconnect with themselves, their ancestral wisdom, community, and the natural world.Odette Subijano is Leah's mother.CreditsThis series was produced on the Lands of the Gadigal People, the Cammeraygal People, the Darug People, and the Guringai People.Host: Elaine LafortezaProducer: Masako FukuiWith the support of Jane Curtis and Sarah Gilbert of UTS Impact StudiosTile artwork by Alexandra MorrisThis podcast was created by the UTS Multicultural Women's Network and is part of the broader UTS Acknowledgment of Country in Our Languages project.
This week, we're rewriting the rules of life, starting at the molecular level and ending 250 miles above Earth. Julian digs into what would happen if our genetic code were triple-stranded like the Time Lords from Doctor Who. Except, TNA does exist (just not the way you think), and triple-stranded DNA isn't possible… or is it? Meanwhile, all-star guest and fart-gun connoisseur Lieven Scheire phones a friend who casually happens to be a former ISS commander to figure out how long astronauts could survive if everyone on Earth vanished, breaking it down into the four things you have to consider: water, oxygen, fuel, and cannibalism—wait, sorry, food! We meant food…LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DWARF 3 SMART TELESCOPEhttps://link.thatsabsurdshow.com/dwarfHere's Trace's photo of the Orion Nebula that made Julian even more jealous than before:https://www.instagram.com/p/DVgdBJ8jW3l/?igsh=MXR2cnp0MWJhcmU0aA==QUESTIONSJulian: "What if our DNA was TNA?" from AubreyLieven: "How long could the astronauts on the ISS live if everyone on earth disappeared?" from 80hd-neumann on SpotifyDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Send a textIn this episode, meet 20-year-old Nioka Bush who lives with Cerebral Palsy and is on the autistic spectrum. Nioka shares her experience growing up with her disability, going through the schooling system, the women who have helped shaped her and her advice for the next generation of women growing up with disabilities. This episode has been made in celebration of International Womens Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the globe. We believe that stories lived experience is the best way for people to learn about disability and help take action. Information in this episodeBreakthru School Leaver Employment Supports https://breakthru.org.au/services/school-leaver-employment-supports/Nioka Bush Instagram https://www.instagram.com/niokabush/International Women's Day - https://www.internationalwomensday.com/CreditsThis episode has been written, produced and edited by Susan Wood. Logo art by Cobie Ann Moore.If you would like to email us with a podcast topic request email community@scia.org.au with the subject heading 'Podcast Topic Request'Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is a for-purpose organisation that supports people with a spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. For more information about our supports and services, visit our Resource Hub at https://scia.org.au/resource-hub/.
What does embracing multilingualism sound like?In this episode, we hear from two poets who challenge the dominance of English by creating bold, multilingual poetry.How do these poets use language to disrupt, to heal, to remember, and to imagine a different, more ethical way of belonging in Australia?GuestsEsita Sogotubu hails from Fiji and is the Employability Manager at UTS Careers. Her traditional roots are in Vunuku, Moala, Lau with maternal links to Nayavu, Wainibuka, Tailevu. She is a former international student who has over 15 years experience as a career development practitioner.Nadia Niaz is the author of The Djinn Hunters and the founding editor of the Australian Multilingual Writing Project. Her work explores multilingual creative expression, translation, ‘belonging' and relationships with place. She is a Lecturer in the Creative Writing Program at the University of Melbourne.Anne Casey is originally from the west of Ireland and now living in Australia. She is the author of six poetry books. Her work is widely published and awarded internationally, ranking in The Irish Times' Most Read. She has a PhD from UTS where she teaches creative writing. Prankqueans are an ensemble of artists inspired by ancient Celtic mythology to celebrate all things female and Irish Australian. CreditsThis series was produced on the Lands of the Gadigal People, the Cammeraygal People, the Darug People, and the Guringai People.Host: Elaine LafortezaProducer: Masako FukuiWith the support of Jane Curtis, Sarah Gilbert of UTS Impact StudiosTile artwork by Alexandra Morris.This podcast was created by the UTS Multicultural Women's Network and is part of the broader UTS Acknowledgment of Country in Our Languages project.
This week on the most serious, most dramatic podcast ever recorded, Trace finally takes Archimedes up on his little boast: “Give me a lever and I can move the world.” Bold claim from a man who's never seen a 1999 Toyota Corolla. Meanwhile, Julian enters the stickiest thought experiment imaginable—yep, even stickier than trying to eat a spoonful of peanut butter with absolutely nothing to wash it down.LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DWARF 3 SMART TELESCOPEhttps://link.thatsabsurdshow.com/dwarfTrace really loves it. Julian is jealous. Kyle is … well, he's Kyle.QUESTIONSJulian: "Is there anything that the worlds strongest adhesive does not stick to?" from StephenTrace: "Archimedes said, give me a lever and I can move the world. How long would the lever have to be?" from RossDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
What happens when we say an Acknowledgement of Country in our mother languages?Would it feel different? More meaningful?Does it change the way we connect to First Nations peoples and cultures?We discovered that a multilingual Acknowledgement opened a door to deeper, and sometimes difficult conversations about colonialism, race, and what it means to belong in Australia today.GuestsViolet Laforteza Kennedy is Elaine's Daughter.Maria Eleanor Carbonell is Elaine's Mother.Nema Madnani is a higher education professional with experience in student equity, project co-ordination and community engagement. In her past roles, she contributed to initiatives focused on inclusion and reducing barriers within education. She cares deeply about staying connected to her cultural roots and family, and believes that honouring where we come from shapes how we show up for our communities.Carmine Gentile is an Associate Professor (Faculty) within the School of Biomedical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering and IT) at UTS. He leads the Cardiovascular Regeneration Group, working on 3D bioprinting and stem cell technologies both at the Heart Research Institute and UTS.Esita Sogotubu hails from Fiji and is the Employability Manager at UTS Careers. Her traditional roots are in Vunuku, Moala, Lau with maternal links to Nayavu, Wainibuka, Tailevu. She is a former international student who has over 15 years experience as a career development practitioner.Students at Marrickville West Public School.Aunty Glendra Stubbs is the Elder-in-Residence at UTS, and is a proud Wiradjuri woman who brings over 40 years of experience in providing cultural guidance, mentorship, and practical support to individuals.Lachlan McDaniel is a proud member of the Kalari Clan of the Wiradjuri Nation. He currently serves as Associate Dean of Research at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at UTS. His doctoral research examines the revitalisation of the Wiradjuri language and culture through community-driven initiatives reconnecting people to Country, tradition and identity.CreditsThis series was produced on the Lands of the Gadigal People, the Cammeraygal People, the Darug People, and the Guringai People.Host: Elaine LafortezaProducer: Masako FukuiWith the support of Jane Curtis, Sarah Gilbert of UTS Impact StudiosArtwork by Alexandra MorrisThis podcast was created by the UTS Multicultural Women's Network and is part of the broader UTS Acknowledgment of Country in Our Languages project.
This week, Julian—hoping to crown the true MVP of the animal kingdom—drafts the ultimate basketball beast, while Trace turns up the heat to find out whether we're actually sweating in hot showers and, more deliciously, how many workouts it would take to perfectly season an omelette with his own hard-earned salt.LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DWARF 3 SMART TELESCOPEhttps://link.thatsabsurdshow.com/dwarfTrace really loves it. Julian is jealous. Kyle is … well, he's Kyle.QUESTIONSJulian: "What animal would be the best playing ball?" from ErickTrace: "Are we sweating during hot showers?" from Terry & "How long do I have to exercise to perfectly season my omelette?" from MarcDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Around 350 languages are spoken in homes across Australia, yet we see ourselves as an English-speaking country.And we tend to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures primarily through English and Western concepts.Let's challenge this dominance of English.My Language My Country is a six-part series that asks what changes when we approach Country through the many languages we speak.Why is English dominance a problem?How are cultural ideas and concepts embedded in language?And what does embracing multilingualism look and sound like?Why is it important for migrants and new settlers to support First Nations language revival?We explore how people are engaging with First Nations ways of being, building solidarities, and imagining what ethical belonging might look like.CreditsThis series was produced on the Lands of the Gadigal People, the Cammeraygal People, the Darug People, and the Guringai People.Hosted by Elaine Laforteza and created by the UTS Multicultural Women's Network.The producer is Masako Fukui.This podcast is part of the broader UTS Acknowledgment of Country in Our Languages project, featuring an audio library of Acknowledgments in 40+ languages, as well as videos and stories highlighting why this practice matters.My Language My Country is the first season of UTS Impact Studios' Change the Story podcast.Special thanks to An Le, Lucie Vayriot, Leah Subijano, Melissa May, Tiffany Dimmack, Claudia Taranto, And Jane Curtis, Sarah Gilbert of UTS Impact Studios. Artwork by Alexandra Morris.
In this emergency rerun episode, Trace's quest for answers takes him to a magical fantasy land of wizards, frozen keys, and bodily fluids. Meanwhile Julian discovers that there are about 3 degrees of separation between chickpeas and dynamite. Yes, really.P.S. Turns out pipes have strong opinions about podcasting schedules...mine burst.
Both Julian and Trace did ‘a journalism' this week! First, Julian learns that electricity is NOT magic (but will kill you) by calling a relative who makes lightning in a lab. Then, TracecalledaprofessorfromUCLAtoseehowmuchspacethatwouldsave.Turnsoutnotthatmuch. AlsoitmakesEVERYTHINGsomuchhardertoread.LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DWARF 3 SMART TELESCOPEhttps://link.thatsabsurdshow.com/dwarfTrace really loves it. Julian is jealous. Kyle is … well, he's Kyle.QUESTIONSJulian: "How much water does it take NOT to get electrocuted?" from StevenTrace: "How much paper would we save if we got rid of spaces and returns?" from GeraldDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
This week Julian hunts the medical mysteries behind the mystical unicorn horn, and Trace reads a loooooooot of government regulations looking to get tripped up by one tiny thing.QUESTIONSJulian: "How would we go about assessing the medical properties of unicorn horn?" from MattTrace: "How tall does an object have to be to be tripped over?" from BryannaDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Anyone who's ever had to educate a talking donkey would know, onions have layers (just like ogres). But, just like in the story with the giant, green, scottish (?) ogre — it's important to remember the lessons behind the fables! Like the tortoise and the hare, which reminds us that even if the tortoise doesn't win the race, it'll outlive a rabbit by several decades. Take that RABBIT.QUESTIONSJulian: "At what distance race would a tortoise actually be likely to beat a hare?" from Patreon poll winner NickTrace: "What is the half-life of an onion? If it was hypothetically preserved could it radioactive decay? How long would it take?" from BynzyldyhydeditoximonothaixyprophineDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
This week Julian takes a pleasant trip down to his local Egyptian library and tries to save it from burning to the ground and dramatically altering the course of history. And returning guest host Ralph Crewe explores the solar system in the most macabre way possible!QUESTIONSJulian: "If the library of Alexandria was never destroyed, how technologically advanced would we actually be today?" - FinjanRalph: "What would happen to a dead human body on each planet in the solar system" - ChelseaDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
It's our first episode of the new year! Welcome to 2026! In this, wild episode Trace (recording from his parent's sun room) explores the chemistry and power of the lasagna battery. Then, Julian flies off the handle about helicopters as a gift for himself for his birthday (Happy Birthday, Julian!
Send us a textIn the final episode for Have the Nerve for 2025, meet Susan's mother, Alma. Alma came from Kabankalan, Negros Occidental in the Philippines to Australia in 1981. She shares her perspective of raising Susan, observations as she got older, advice for parents of children who have disabilities, and the switch from being the caretaker to being cared for by Susan at the age of 85.This podcast would not be possible without funding from the Department of Social Services (DSS) as part of our Resource Hub. SCIA's Resource Hub is a collection podcasts, videos and articles by people with disability for people with disability, their family, academics - anyone interested in learning more from the people who live it!CreditsThis episode has been written, produced and edited by Susan Wood. Logo art by Cobie Ann Moore.Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is a for-purpose organisation that supports people with a spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. For more information about our supports and services, visit our Resource Hub at https://scia.org.au/resource-hub/.
Like Boromir said, "It is a gift! Let us use it against them!" The internet has been taken over by #lofi girls, so we commissioned an artist to turn Julian and Trace into our own #lofigirl for the holidays! (Is it a lofi girl? are we lofi guys? We're honestly not sure. Either way, we did it!!)We love you all! Thanks for making 2025 such an amazing year (for our little community) even though it was generally a terrible year for gestures broadly. Hope this can being a little light to your holiday season. Enjoy the wintery lofi beats interspersed with #holiday-themed fun facts! See you in 2026!QUESTIONSTrace:
Support your giving goals this holiday season! Go to GiveDirectly.org/Absurd and get a 100% match by Giving Multiplier! (Don't dilly-dally this match is only until the end of the year!)This episode aired around Easter, prompting us to ask: where does that weird Bunny get all the eggs? And why are there eggs in the first place? Guest Yasmin Khan (The Young Turks) has an answer. Meanwhile, Julian explores the word of bat-style crime fighting on a budget and Trace explores if living on Mars would make us super aggro!QUESTIONSJulian: "How can I be Batman on a Budget?" from Wyn (featuring Jasmine from Give Directly)Yasmin: "Where did the Easter Bunny get the eggs?" from Emily ATrace: "Would we all be more aggressive if we lived under a martian red sky?" from guest Yasmin KhanDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's silly idea you had, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? If you want an answer, no matter the question, tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
If your life had a soundtrack what would it be? Up-tempo action music? Epic orchestral swells? Romantic… xylophones? Are xylophones romantic? We don't know, we're podcasters, not EGOT-winning music producers of screen and stage. Maybe it's a good thing you can't hear what's in our heads… aside from on this show where we say everything in our heads, obviously. In this episode Trace explores what it might be like if the music in your head had a public feed. Meanwhile Julian tries to figure out what he couldn't do even if he had all the time in the world. Seriously, all of it.QUESTIONSJulian: "What can we NOT achieve with enough time?" from ShaneTrace: "What if you could hear someone else's life soundtrack?" from RebeccaDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
We did another live show!! I'm not sure how we convinced the Bay Area Science Festival that we are a legitimate podcast, but, hey, people actually showed up to watch the show in-person in San Francisco. We had an extremely tight window, and are famously (infamously?) long-winded, so in this episode special guest Dr Wallace Marshall ponders the nightmare of giant tardigrades, and Trace looks into the availability of gluttony… you know, for science.If you want to have our show on the road to you — send us an email at hello at thatsabsurdshow.com !QUESTIONSTrace: "At an all you can eat buffet, is there some point at which you can just keep eating as much more food as you want without gaining any additional weight or blood sugar or whatever?" from guest Dr. Marshall Wallace of UCSFMarshall: "What would happen if tardigrades were bigger?" from listener KristinaDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Happy American Turkey Consumption Day!
If we say: Making whoopee. Polishing the broomstick. The pickle tickle. Shagging. Enjoying Taco Tuesday. Parking the beef bus in Tuna Town. Waxing the carrot. Boinking. Glazing donuts. Going downtown. … I think you get what we mean (right?)This week, special guest Danielle probes the terrible scenario where ‘Doing Taxes' was more like actually filing financial paperwork than going for a roll in the hay. Meanwhile, Trace gets stuck in some kind of time loop (no groundhogs were harmed in the answering of this question).In case the above wasn't clear: This episode definitely acknowledges the existence of sex.QUESTIONSTrace: "What's the maximum number of times you could have déjà vu in a row before you'd get stuck in some kind of time loop?" from Danielle BezalelDanielle: "What if “doing taxes" wasn't fun (didn't feel good)?” from Constant ListenerDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
You know what's passé? Chemical rockets. Powering a space ship by harnessing the expanding gasses of a controlled explosion and shooting off to parts unknown guided only by fire, math, and spite for the force of gravity? Yawn. What if instead you got like, 40 cyclists with thighs as big as tree trunks that just won't quit, stuck them on some stationary bikes, and used them to power your spaceship like it was a sci-fi trireme from the year 30,000? WOULD THAT SOLVE ANYTHING??? Trace is going to find out.Meanwhile Julian is very concerned with the structural integrity of some fairy-tale pig houses, because they aren't up to code and there's a storm a-comin'. And that storm's name is Wolf. Big Wolf. Big Bad Wolf.QUESTIONS THIS WEEKJulian: "How much wind and energy was the big bad wolf able to generate in the three little pigs?" from AdamTrace: "What's the most efficient way to extract energy from a human?" from LudvigDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over my quaint and curious human egg, forgotten I should stretch my leg— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door“Though thy egg be shorn and shaven, thou,” I said, “art sure no craven, Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from a non-avian shore— Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's ratetian shore!” Quoth the Raven “No birds no more.”QUESTIONSJulian: "What if humans laid eggs as opposed to live birth?" from MarcoMarco from the San Diego Zoo: “What if there were no birds, like ever?” from MeganTrace: "What if humans laid eggs as opposed to live birth?" from Marco
In this special HALLOWEEN EPISODE ⚡️ Julian and Trace wear out Kyle's lightning button ⚡️ and answer some SpoOOoOooOOOoky questions about ⚡️ dangerous animals ⚡️ vampires and in true Millennial fashion…⚡️ ⚡️ ⚡️ alcohol ⚡️QUESTIONSJulian: "If a vampire bit and fed off of a very drunk person, would the vampire then get drunk from the persons contaminated blood? If so, would this also work for other substances (like caffeine or THC)?" from KellyTrace: "What is the most dangerous animal to become sentient?" from MacksDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on The Art That Reclaims Us S1:4In this resounding end to our Illuminating Worldviews series, Ayana speaks with artists Dr. Aubyn O'Grady and Jackie Olson about collective art and creative processes. Aubyn and Jackie share about their work on The Willow Basket Project at the Yukon School of Visual Arts and explore the ways that art can root us in place, support mining reclamation work, and even build bridges with unlikely allies.Through this project, they invite dialogue between artists, miners, and community members, reimagining mined landscapes as spaces of regeneration and cultural reconnection. This episode serves as a homage to how creative work can support healing for the land and open new pathways of relationship and understanding. As we conclude this series, we sit in deep gratitude for the land that made this series possible and for all of the guests, community members, and team members with Illuminating Worldviews who brought it to life. This episode, and the series as whole, stand as a testament to the importance of this vital collective work. Learn more at https://forthewild.world.CreditsThis series was produced thanks to the generous support of the team at Illuminating Worldviews, held by the RIVER collective and Northern Council for Global Cooperation.♫ The music from this episode is “After the Rain” by Cole Pulice courtesy of Leaving Records, “So Long Favorite” by Chaz Prymek, and “Spinning Sphere” by Lior Holzman.This episode was created by Ayana Young, Erica Ekrem, Julia Jackson, and Victoria Pham.Support the show
When can we all admit that we're all scrolling instagram while sitting on the toilet? When will we admit that foods with more surface area are just darn tastier? And when will we admit that … well we're still on the toilet because of constipation. Julian and Trace will cover all of this in this week's episode.Except the instagram thing, that's still a mystery to science because no one will admit it!! WHEN CAN WE ALL ADMIT THAT WE'RE AL—sounds of being stuffed into a truckQUESTIONSJulian: "What's the most impractical way to treat constipation" from Anonymous PooperTrace: "Why does the ‘surface area theory' work?" from BenDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on AI and Courting the Otherwise S1:3How might we face the end? Continuing our Illuminating Worldviews series, Vanessa Andreotti and Ayana delve into questions of what it means to live well during this fractured end of modernity. How can we best visualize the systems that have brought us to this point, and how might we bring ourselves out of them? Speaking to the complexity of birth and death in this moment, Vanessa sheds light on what she calls hospicing modernity – the act of bearing witness to a system that is unraveling. Vanessa and Ayana then explore the tools that may accompany us on our way towards existing differently. From efforts of grounding, to AI, to relationality, they consider how we may grow to think and move into the beyond. We have been conditioned to forget our belonging to Earth, to one another, to death itself. What thread might pull us back together? Learn more at https://forthewild.world.CreditsThis series was produced thanks to the generous support of the team at Illuminating Worldviews, held by the RIVER collective and Northern Council for Global Cooperation.The music from this episode is “After the Rain” and “In a Hidden Nook Between Worlds I” by Cole Pulice courtesy of Leaving Records and “I Believe in Being Ready” by Rising Appalachia.This episode was created by Ayana Young, Erica Ekrem, Julia Jackson, and Victoria Pham.Support the show
Locusts, Squirrels, and Birds OH MY! In this wild episode of the show, Julian drones on like the queen he is all about airplanes and bees. Then, Trace finds some fuzzy commandos to gnaw at infrastructure of New Jersey. Squirrel away this knowledge for a rainy day — as long as the locusts don't attack your airplane.QUESTIONSJulian: "How many bees would it take to Sully a plane?" from Zoe-- Wiki about Sully's plane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549-- Images of locust strikes: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/plague-locusts-180975345/Trace: "How many squirrels would it take to invade New Jersey?" from Pheonix-- Squirrel with a Gun gameplay video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZj4Ft6ZklM-- Squirrel with a Gun trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mpnSSJwSRw-- Play Cyber Squirrel One and invade your own power station here: https://robidev.github.io/CyberSquirrelOne/Do you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Continuing our Illuminating Worldviews series, we hear from X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell in conversation with Guná Jensen exploring the vital work of Tlingít language revitalization. Together, they reflect on the deep emotional resonance of speaking in one's ancestral language, and how this practice opens an anti-colonial lens in which to see and feel the world. Set within the lands of the Yukon, this episode is a moving tribute to the power and significance of Indigenous language learning that honors the autonomy, expression, and sense of belonging it nurtures within the community. This episode includes an excerpt from the premiere of the powerful short film The River That Untangles One's Mind by Skaydu.û Jules, Guná Jensen, and X̱'unei Lance Twitchell, produced by Douglas Joe/Creative Crow Media. Learn more at https://forthewild.world.CreditsThis series was produced thanks to the generous support of the team at Illuminating Worldviews, held by the RIVER collective and Northern Council for Global Cooperation.The music from this episode is “After the Rain” by Cole Pulice courtesy of Leaving Records, “Apple with Honey” by Cory Feder, and “Oro” and “ Voces que Ven” by Palo-Mah.This episode was created by Ayana Young, Erica Ekrem, Julia Jackson, and Victoria Pham.Support the show
Dearest Listeners,We write from our recording studio's trenches. The air is thick and oppressive. The relentless heat tests our resolve. Our studios, once creative havens, now resemble the crannies of camels. The temperature rises each hour, and so do tempers. We are tired–Listeners—bone-tired, the kind that settles deep into one's soul. Yet we press forward, driven by our duty to document the absurd. Julian hasn't fared well; the heat has frayed his nerves, making him snap at small provocations. Sophie has started doing karaoke and wears strange accents. Trace is... indescribable. We all persist, for absurdity waits for no one, and neither shall we. Onward to the 100th And a Halfth.Your faithful servants of nonsense, warmed like croissants, but unbroken.QUESTIONSJulian: "Why glasses thick and contact lenses not thick?" from SaffTrace: "Would eating lab grown human meat be considered cannibalism?" from Ellen featuring Simone Giertz (Her own YouTube channel, Yetch Store, formerly, Queen of Shi*ty Robots)Trace: "Is there a universal geographic coordinate system for the human body? If so, where is the Prime Meridian located on the body? Is it even necessary to assign a name to every square centimeter of the body?" from Yusuke featuring Patrick Kelly (PatKellyTeaches on YouTube)Julian: "Would I be cold if I was covered in thermal paste?" from ShaneTrace: "How large would I need to be for noticeable lag in real life?" from Jori featuring Amy Shira Teitel (VintageSpace on YouTube, on Twitch theSpaceVixen)Do you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Over the past months, For The Wild has journeyed to the Yukon in partnership with Illuminating Worldviews. Illuminating Worldviews is a space for examining the worldviews in which we find ourselves and to learn how they actively shape the material realities of our lives. This project, rooted and colored by the land of the Yukon invites questioning, examination, and future visioning centered in Indigenous ideology and the sentiment of journeying. In this conversation, Ayana is joined by Dr. Lee Brown and Elder Mark Wedge to discuss emotional competency and how we can regulate ourselves amidst all that this world brings. What does it mean to have a colonized heart? Is it to separate ourselves from our emotions? Touching upon the role of feeling in our overall wellbeing, they highlight how emotional regulation and connection are essential to the work of decolonization. This episode is a resounding testament to the healing that comes from embodiment and fully felt experience.Learn more at https://forthewild.world.CreditsThis series was produced thanks to the generous support of the team at Illuminating Worldviews, held by the RIVER collective and Northern Council for Global Cooperation. The music from this episode is “After the Rain” by Cole Pulice courtesy of Leaving Records, “Hyacinth and Apollo” by Carlisle Evans Peck, and “Marakaté” by Palo-Mah.This episode was created by Ayana Young, Erica Ekrem, Julia Jackson, and Victoria Pham.Support the show
WE DID IT. WE MADE 100 PODCAST EPISODES WITHOUT MISSING AN UPLOAD (almost).To celebrate Trace and Julian decided to do it big. How big? TEN WHOLE QUESTIONS BIG. SO BIG THEY HAD TO ASK THEIR FRIEND SOPHIE SHRAND TO HELP THEM OUT BIG. BIG ENOUGH TO.... BE... LIKE... REALLY LONG... BIG.You get the idea.We pulled out all the stops for this absolute marathon of an episode because we owed it to you all. You have made making each episode such a delight with your weird thoughts, running gags, and delightful dispositions. As just a couple of dudes riddled with ADHD and science nerdiness... what did we do to deserve you?! We're so grateful that y'all have showed up for this show week after week. Thank you.QUESTIONSJulian: "What if water ice sank?" from HunterTrace: “How much did Rapunzel's long hair weigh?” from Hal with Special Guest Kari Byron (Mythbusters, MythFits podcast)Sophie: “Likely way to die while walking my dog?” from LisaJulian “If a frog had a glass ass would it hop?” from CoyTrace: "How would the world be different if Zeppelins were the primary method of transportation?" from Hannah (yes, that Hannah) feat special guest Dr Alex Dainis (a.k.a. the “Blimp Lady”)Do you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Tired of having to do all your evil deeds yourself? Well with this one simple organism and some ethically dubious genetic engineering you too could have your very own army of immortal minions! (Intelligence and number of eyes may vary). Julian explores what you might need to make these little favorites of moms everywhere. Then Trace explores a pool of saliva.... Just going to leave it at that.QUESTIONS:Julian: "If you were to create a Despicable Me Minion what living thing would you start with?" -AvaTrace: "Is it possible to drown people in saliva? " -MostaphaelDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Want to make a nanoscale image of the Mona Lisa? Listener Kodiak does. All they have to do is learn a bit of quantum mechanics, some thermochemical nanolithography, and then tap the genius of ancient superbrain Leonardo da Vinci! EASY!! Scientists did it!! Even though you can't see it without a powerful microscope trust us that she is smirking even harder than usual.While Trace is poking around like Ant Man, Julian roleplays as Frozen's Elsa to see if he can extinguish fire with nothing but an icy blast. Spoiler alert: you may be better off with a magical mystical freeze ray.TRY YOUR HAND AT NANO ARTThanks to Prof. Babak Anasori for coming on the show and explaining nanoscale art to us.
The hip bone connected to the basalt rockThe femur bone connected to the lunar mariaThe foot bone connected to the gravitational equilibrium of the celestial bodies!That's the story of the bones… and… this episode?QUESTIONSTrace: "How easy would it be to break your bones if humans can fly?" from AnonymousJulian: "How big would the moon have to be to make you weightless?" from SunDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
his week, Julian prunes the universe down to size: bonsai animals, bonsai humans, bonsai...uhm...did he just say bonsai HUMANS? Meanwhile, Trace tunes into the world of telepathy, where mind-reading might sound less like superpowers and more like trying to pick up a radio station with a bent coat hanger.QUESTIONSJulian: "Can you bonsai any living things other than trees or shrubs?" from ArdTrace: "How would telepathy actually work? Would it be fuzzy like those AI images? Aren't all brains wired differently?" from DalaDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
This week, we and guest Lieven Scheire all ruminate about a new job: Fart Safety Officer. Meanwhile, Trace get's SALTY thinking about what if the oceans weren't and Julian calculates the pure pasty reflectiveness of the Britons.QUESTIONSTrace: "If we removed all salt from the oceans, would that solve anything about rising water levels?" from RobLieven Scheire: "Could a fart be ruminated to the point where smelling it would kill you?" from NickJulian: “Could enough pasty Brits reflect enough sunlight to make a laser?” from GabrielDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Julian rolls into yet another extremely nerdy community and fires rounds left and right. Meanwhile, Trace calls his mom to help answer a question from a kid. As long as we're not on the subject though, what do tree trunks and military tanks have in common? They're both flammable.QUESTIONSJulian: "Who would win: Dragons vs WW2 tanks” - Tim Trace: “Why are trees Green and Brown why not purple or something else?” - RhondaDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
Oompa Loompa, do-ba-dee-doo, Julian's got a blueberry question for you…Oompa Loompa, do-ba-da-dee, it you are wise you'll listen to … this podcast??What do you get from a hose to space?“Is it a straw or a siphon,” asked Trace?Blaming us for these silly quest-ionsYou know exactly what… else happ-pens!We dig deep and will answer them!Oompa Loompa do-ba-dee-da,If you like this pod then you will go far.You will live in happiness too,Like the oompa loompa do-ba-dee-doo!QUESTIONSJulian: "What would happen if you ran a hose from the ocean into space" from PinkyTrace: "How many blueberries would you have to eat to actually turn blue?" from JustinDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
In this episode, Trace investigates whether your furry companion is cuddling you... or forging a trauma bond in exchange for treats. Meanwhile, in a shocking twist of anatomy, Julian answers what would happen if your muscles worked in reverse. Flexing? Cancelled. Walking? Complicated. Cuddling your trauma-bonded cat? Still mandatory.QUESTIONSJulian: "What if muscles worked in the opposite direction?" from Eline from the NetherlandsTrace: "Does my cat have Stockholm syndrome?" from RobDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's silly idea you had, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? If you want an answer, no matter the question, tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
In this rebroadcasted episode, Trace resets the solar system to observe what life would be like on a 2/3rds-sized "Wee Earth." Julian, meanwhile, uses particle physics to finally distinguish between his left and right hands.QUESTIONSJulian: "If I had some magic communicator to speak to someone in another galaxy, could I explain what "left" and "right" were?" from AnonymousTrace: "How would have life evolved if Earth was two-three times smaller?" from MomaDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
In this episode Trace takes way, way too long to explain that dreams are pretty darn short. Meanwhile, friend of the absurd, Deboki Chakravarti squeezes every last drop of information about breastfeeding.QUESTIONSDeboki Chakravarti: "Why do we only breastfeed our babies, but not other close relatives and friends to boost each other's immune systems?" from KathyTrace: "How does time in dreams work" from HauraneDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's silly idea you had, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? If you want an answer, no matter the question, tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
For our penultimate Heavyweight encore, we’re joined by Pen15 co-creator Anna Konkle to revisit last season’s junior high drama — #53: Leif.On Valentine’s Day in junior high, Leif was supposed to ask Kalila out. But he never did. Leif’s lack of action that day impacted Kalila’s life to come. And so seventeen years later, she wants to know: what happened.For more, head over to Pushkin+, where you can subscribe to hear an extended cut of Kalila’s conversation with Anna. CreditsThis episode was hosted and produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Jonathan Goldstein and Phoebe Flanigan. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production assistance from Mohini Madgavkar. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Max Green, Flora Lichtman, and Connor Sampson. In the IM recreation, Karina was played by Reagan Didier, and Leif was played by John Claassen — thanks to Greg Holt and Tony John for making that possible. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Katie Mullins, Florian Le Prisé, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! When the fish in the water make the kids scream and holler and panic with fear! That's right, it's Shark Time. You all know what we're referring to but we think the term might be trademarked like the Tuber Bowl and Taco Thursday. Anyway, we're kicking off the celebrations and to help us do so we went out and (politely) caught the coolest shark expert we know, Jaida Elcock, to answer your shark-related musings!QUESTIONSJulian: "What adaptation, that is completely absent from all sharks, would be best to add to sharks and why?" from JaidaJaida: "How fast would the ecosystem collapse - or the creature itself die - if a megladon got plopped into the ocean?" from Hannah (YES, THAT HANNAH)Trace: "What does it smell like underwater?" from TomDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
This week, we check back in with Joey to answer everyone’s burning question: does he still have a mullet?Years ago, Joey had a very bad day — all due to awkward misunderstandings. Jonathan and Gregor get involved to help him set things right.CreditsThis episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Kalila Holt, Peter Bresnan, and Stevie Lane, with editing by Jorge Just and Alex Blumberg. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Flora Lichtman, PJ Vogt, Saidu Tejan-Thomas, Grace Hawkins, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Bobby Lord, and Y La Bamba. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this strange episode Trace obsesses over the wild water system stretching across North America, and Julian contemplates indoor clouds and ACTUALLY ANSWERS: Does this solve anything?!?!Thanks to Dr Brian Rahm from the New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell University for answering my silly questions.Find out more about water: https://cals.cornell.edu/water-resources-instituteQUESTIONSJulian: "Is it possible to create a cloud indoors?" from Josh in Bozeman, MontanaTrace: "What would happen if everyone in North America turned on all their taps and hoses and just let the water run indefinitely?" from Patreon poll winner: TammyDo you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!HOW TO ASK A QUESTION
This week, we check back in with Scott to find out what turns his life has taken since the original episode aired in 2019.When Scott was a heroin addict, he crossed a line he thought he would never cross. And he’s been trying to uncross it ever since.CreditsThis episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Stevie Lane, Kalila Holt, and BA Parker, with editing by Jorge Just. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Nathan Foster, Jacob Eppler, and Jackie Cohen. This episode was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Michael Hearst, Michael Charles Smith, Podington Bear, Shadowlands, Stratus, Haley Shaw, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we catch up with Jonathan's dad about the years since his appearance in our first ever episode — #1 Buzz. Buzz and Sheldon are brothers in their eighties who’ve been estranged for decades. Buzz visits Sheldon to see if there’s still a relationship left to salvage. CreditsThis episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Wendy Dorr, Chris Neary, and Kalila Holt, with editing by Alex Blumberg and Peter Clowney. Special thanks to Caitlin Kenney, Starlee Kine, and Rachel Ward. The episode was mixed by Haley Shaw. Music by Christine Fellows and Haley Shaw. Our theme music is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.