It's no secret that modern automobiles are incredibly convenient. They're almost like rolling computers, chock-full of GPS capabilities, infotainment systems, back-up cameras, security systems connected to the cloud and so on. But there's a potential dark side to all this convenience, and some observers are becoming increasingly concerned about what corporations and governments may do with this technology over the long term. Are we entering a world where Big Brother can brick your car the same way some tech companies can brick your gadgets? Tune in to learn more.
Sarah and Mike continue into the depths. With Dr. Pazder home from Mexico, he and Michelle continue their journey into her subconscious, and the stories continue to get weirder. This episode contains kitten sacrifice, and the first—but not the last—dead baby of the Satanic panic.
In which John describes environmentally friendly modern alternatives to burial, and refuses to apologize for leaving an urn full of ashes under his piano for a decade. Certificate #37628.
Weeks into the global pandemic, countries across the planet are trying to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Governments are taking extreme actions, businesses are going bust and conspiracy theories are proliferating. Today's question: What if some of those theories are true?
What a wild time to celebrate our 100th episode. At least we're celebrating it talking about something of great value, World War Z's portrayal of the loss of humanity from doing the right thing. I hope it helps to think about how we're all experiencing the grind and that's what makes us humans.
Recent appearances: Aaron did a two part chat with Emerson over at the Counterapologetics and Walden Pod. Pt1 is on Moral Luck and Pt2 is on Neutral Monism:
Sourdough starters! Ancient yeasts! Why we need/knead dough! And why you don't need to buy a starter to start. Polymath, particle physicist, inventor of the Xbox, and truly delightful fermentation nerd Seamus Blackley joins to chat about his kitchen adventures resurrecting dormant yeasts from 4,000 Egyptian baking vessels, plus wild yeasts, the infuriating myth of “yeast scarcity,” the beauty of everyday objects, the debt we owe our ancestors, the joy of getting to know your dough plus tons of tips for newbie and experienced bakers. The first half is all about the history of baking and yeasts and some hot Egyptian gossip, then we roll up our sleeves in the second half for how-tos. Forward this episode to anyone who bakes, who wants to bake, who lovingly feeds their jar of yeasts, who is intimidated by it or who just needs a lesson on how to slow down and enjoy the dormancy period we’re in right now. This episode’s got it all. Including some truly shameless bread puns.
Follow Seamus @SeamusBlackley and here’s one recipe tutorial megathread: https://twitter.com/SeamusBlackley/status/1135328857660305408
Three L.A. comedians are quarantined in a podcast studio during a global pandemic. There is literally nothing to be done EXCEPT make content. These are "The Corona Diaries" and this is Episode #18. Music is "Cure for Pain" by Morphine.
In which amateur algebra experts figure out where the planets in the solar system should be, and are (briefly) proven right, and Ken gets his hair cut by a ghost. Certificate #36737.
Jamie is back! We set out to discuss what happened in the primary and have a spirited debate as well. Some things I mentioned: 538, Vox, Weeds episode.
This is the Tranquillusionist, in which I, Helen Zaltzman, in the interests of temporarily trying to stop that feeling where you think your brain is trying to claw its way out of your skull, read the punchlines to classic jokes.
This episode, including a transcript, resides at theallusionist.org/punchlines; see if you can figure out all the jokes they belong to.
Find all the Allusionist episodes - other Tranquillusionists and also ones that are actually about something - at theallusionist.org.
The original music is by Martin Austwick. Hear Martin’s songs at palebirdmusic.com or on Spotify, and he’s @martinaustwick on Twitter and Instagram.
I make two other podcasts, Veronica Mars Investigations and Answer Me This, which are mercifully unconnected to current events, if you’re seeking some escape from those.
