エピソード

  • From Orbit to Outrageous: The Absurdity of Technology Takes Flight
    2025/03/30
    On this episode of The Absurdists, Marlo and Mary take absurdity to new heights—literally. Broadcasting as a simulcast with The Tech Ranch, the duo dives headfirst into the story of astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who blasted off for an 8-day mission... and stayed for nine months. What began as a technical demonstration aboard Boeing’s Starliner became a real-life Gilligan’s Island of the cosmos. From drinking recycled sweat and urine (yum?) to surviving on rationed mac and cheese and damp towel showers, Marlo and Mary explore what happens when cutting-edge tech meets absurd real-world glitches. But it doesn’t stop at the stars. They venture into: 🚀 Space survival, coffee withdrawal, and sharing your space station with strangers🧠 The blurred line between AI brilliance and tech absurdity🤖 Drones with flamethrowers, vibrating forks, and cows in VR headsets🔋 The electric future—will AI choose to power itself or your A/C? Plus, hear about CES 2025’s most hilariously unnecessary inventions (looking at you, moving desk lamp), and learn whether your pet rock really needed air holes. Whether you're a geek, a nerd, or somewhere in between, this episode reminds us that technology, like life, is best enjoyed with a laugh. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    42 分
  • Curtains, Curses, and Coded Chaos: An Absurdist Odyssey
    2025/02/14
    Welcome to our latest deep dive into the wonderfully weird world of absurdity! In this episode of our absurdist podcast, "Curtains, Curses, and Coded Chaos: An Absurdist Odyssey," hosts Mary Murphy and Marlo Anderson explore an eclectic mix of theater superstitions, digital mishaps, and offbeat cultural quirks that redefine what it means to be truly absurd. Unraveling Theater Superstitions The episode kicks off with a journey into the mysterious traditions of the theater. Ghost Lights & the Scottish Play:Learn about the eerie ghost lights that are left on stage to appease wandering spirits, and discover why uttering the word “Macbeth” (or, as theater insiders call it, the Scottish play) is said to bring bad luck—often warded off by spinning three times and even a dash of spit! Costume Curses & Colorful Rituals:Mary and Marlo debate the peculiar notion that blue costumes must always be paired with silver accents to avoid financial ruin. With historical insights into how expensive blue dye once was, this superstition is both fascinating and hilarious. Digital Absurdity: Voice-to-Text Mishaps Not all absurdity lives on stage. Our hosts also shine a light on the quirks of modern technology: Auto-Correction Gone Wild:Discover how a dropped F-bomb can transform into a harmless "duck" thanks to voice-to-text technology gone awry. Whether it’s a breakup text turning into a cookie recipe or the misinterpretation of simple words, these digital slip-ups remind us that absurdity is just a click away. Real-Life Laughs:With anecdotes that mix high theater and everyday chaos, Mary and Marlo show that even in the digital age, our lives are peppered with moments of unintentional hilarity. Why Embrace the Absurd? At its core, this episode is a celebration of the absurd in both art and life. The conversation moves seamlessly from traditional theater rituals to the unexpected glitches of modern technology, encouraging listeners to find humor and meaning in every mishap. Here are a few reasons why this episode is a must-listen for lovers of the absurdist: Insightful Humor:Combining historical theater lore with contemporary digital dilemmas creates a rich tapestry of storytelling that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining. Thought-Provoking Topics:Whether it’s exploring superstitions or decoding the chaos of voice-to-text errors, the episode offers fresh perspectives on the intersection of tradition and technology. A Unique Podcast Experience:With a blend of clever banter, cultural commentary, and a touch of irreverence, this episode invites listeners to step out of the ordinary and embrace the beautifully bizarre. Join the Conversation Are you fascinated by the absurd? Do you find humor in the inexplicable rituals and unexpected mishaps of everyday life? Then this episode is tailor-made for you. Dive into the world of theater superstitions, digital miscommunications, and everything in between on "Curtains, Curses, and Coded Chaos: An Absurdist Odyssey." Listen now and join our community of absurdists who revel in the chaos of creativity and celebrate the quirks that make life so unpredictably delightful.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1分未満
  • Absurd Origins: The Stories Behind Everyday Sayings
    2025/01/25
    Welcome back! After a holiday hiatus, Marlo and Mary dive into the bizarre, funny, and often dark origins of common expressions we use every day. From "raining cats and dogs" to "kick the bucket," this episode explores the fascinating history behind these sayings and how they’ve evolved over time. Along the way, you'll hear hilarious banter, personal anecdotes, and even a discussion about buttering up deities! What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why 17th-century England might’ve inspired "raining cats and dogs." The peculiar connection between bullets and enduring pain with "bite the bullet." Did ancient Greeks spill more than secrets with "spill the beans"? How cake became the ultimate symbol of ease with "a piece of cake." The absurd history of throwing butter balls at statues and its connection to "buttering someone up." Why you might want to rethink using "kick the bucket." Fun Highlights: Mary’s Easy-Bake Oven cornbread memories. Marlo’s story of being “red-handed” in Reno. A spirited debate about what it means to "put your best foot forward." Why Listen? If you’ve ever wondered where your favorite sayings came from or want to impress your friends with trivia about phrases you casually use, this episode is for you. Plus, Marlo and Mary’s chemistry and humor make for a fun and entertaining listen. Catch This Episode Anywhere You Podcast!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    32 分
  • The Absurdity of Numbers: From Friday the 13th to Missing Donuts and Decimal Mishaps
    2024/12/19
    Numbers: we use them to measure time, count calories, and set speed limits. They’re supposed to bring order to the chaos of life—but what happens when numbers get a little too absurd? In this laugh-filled episode of The Absurdists, co-hosts Mary Murphy and Marlo Anderson unpack the bizarre world of numbers with stories so ridiculous, they’ll have you checking your calculator twice. “It’s Just One More Donut—Relax!” Mary kicks things off with a story about the Baker’s Dozen. Why 13 instead of 12? Turns out, bakers in medieval England had good reason to throw in an extra loaf (or donut). If they shortchanged customers, they’d face severe penalties, from public ridicule to fines—so to be safe, they’d toss in a bonus baked good. Marlo chimes in with his own vision of modern bakers yelling, “Fine, take 13, just don’t sue me!” A sweet deal, if you ask us. Speed Limits That Don’t Make Sense Imagine cruising down a road, only to see a speed limit of 29 mph. Why not 30? Mary and Marlo explore these bizarre laws, pointing out places where 29, 31, or even 8 mph speed limits exist. Marlo jokes, “Is there some mystical traffic safety wizard who insists on prime numbers?” Whatever the reason, they agree—these signs are as confusing as a pie chart on a pizza box. Friday the 13th: A Recipe for Suspicion Ah, the dreaded Friday the 13th. Mary dives into the ancient superstition that has made hotel elevators skip the 13th floor and brides shiver when a wedding lands on this date. With its origins linked to Norse mythology, the Last Supper, and sheer human paranoia, it’s no wonder Marlo quips, “If 13’s so unlucky, why don’t bakers just skip it?” Decimal Points: Tiny Mistakes, Huge Absurdities The duo takes a hilarious detour into the world of decimal disasters. Did you know Popeye’s love of spinach—and the supposed iron content of the leafy green—was all thanks to a misplaced decimal point? One little error turned spinach into the superhero of vegetables, skyrocketing sales by 33% and cementing Popeye’s biceps into cartoon legend. Mary muses, “How many kids had to suffer through spinach dinners because of a math error?” Why 12 Ounces for Soda? Marlo then pops open the can on soda sizes—specifically, 12 ounces. Why not 10? Why not 13 (lucky or not)? The pair unravels the quirky history of the 12-ounce can, rooted in imperial measurements and packaging efficiency. “Twelve might sound random,” Mary jokes, “but it’s perfect for making you feel bad when you finish one and immediately want another.” The Five-Second Rule: Science Ruins Everything If you’ve ever dropped a cookie on the floor and yelled, “Five-second rule!”, you’re not alone. But Mary and Marlo dig into the science that debunks this age-old tradition. Turns out, bacteria don’t care about time limits—they’re faster than you reaching for that fallen French fry. Still, Marlo stands firm: “I’ll take my chances for a donut.” Absurd Number Trivia: More Than You Ever Wanted to Know From base-12 math (why do clocks use it but schools don’t teach it?) to marketing’s love for prices ending in $0.99 (“It’s practically free!”), this episode takes you on a whirlwind tour of number absurdities. Mary and Marlo even poke fun at unusual holidays tied to numbers—because why shouldn’t March 14th (3.14) be a day to eat pie? Why You Should Tune In If you love numbers, hate math, or just want a reason to laugh at the silly systems humans invent, this episode of The Absurdists is for you. Mary Murphy and Marlo Anderson keep things light, funny, and endlessly entertaining as they unravel the numerical nonsense all around us. Find us at wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Stay absurd!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    28 分
  • Hold Me Closer, Tony Danza: Unraveling the Mandela Effect
    2024/12/10
    The Mandela Effect: When Our Collective Memory Plays Tricks On Us Remember when Darth Vader said, "Luke, I am your father"? Or when Captain Kirk would regularly say, "Beam me up, Scotty"? Well, prepare to have your mind blown – neither of these iconic phrases was ever actually said in their respective franchises. Welcome to the fascinating world of the Mandela Effect, where our collective memories don't quite match up with reality. What is the Mandela Effect? The term "Mandela Effect" was coined in 2009 by Fiona Broome when she discovered that many people shared her false memory of Nelson Mandela dying in prison during the 1980s (he actually passed away in 2013). This phenomenon occurs when large groups of people share the same incorrect memories of past events or details. Pop Culture's Greatest Hits (That Never Were) Movies and TV Shows Star Wars: The actual line is "No, I am your father" – not "Luke, I am your father" Star Trek: "Beam me up, Scotty" was never uttered in the original series I Love Lucy: Ricky never said "Lucy, you have some explaining to do" – it was actually "Lucy, explain that to me" Snow White: The famous line is "Magic Mirror on the wall" not "Mirror, Mirror on the wall" Silence of the Lambs: Hannibal Lecter never says "Hello, Clarice" – he simply says "Good morning" Music Memories Queen's "We Are the Champions" doesn't end with "of the world" in the studio version Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" is often misheard as "doesn't make a difference if we're naked or not" instead of "doesn't make a difference if we make it or not" Madonna's "Like a Virgin" has been misheard as "touch for the 31st time" instead of "touch for the very first time" Brand Misconceptions The Monopoly Man never wore a monocle Fruit of the Loom's logo never included a cornucopia Oscar Mayer is often remembered as "Oscar Meyer" Why Do We Experience the Mandela Effect? Scientists studying false memory through the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm have found that our brains often fill in gaps with what we expect to hear or see. This explains why we might collectively misremember details in ways that seem to make more sense to us. The Impact on Popular Culture These shared false memories have become so ingrained in our culture that they often overshadow the original versions. Take "Beam me up, Scotty" – while never actually said in Star Trek, it's become the go-to phrase for referencing the show and appears on countless pieces of merchandise. What This Tells Us About Human Memory The Mandela Effect reminds us that human memory isn't like a video recording – it's more like a collaborative storytelling process where our brains fill in details based on context, expectations, and collective cultural experiences. This doesn't make our memories less valuable; it just makes them more interesting! In Conclusion The next time you're absolutely certain about a quote, detail, or fact from popular culture, you might want to double-check – you could be experiencing the Mandela Effect. And remember, as Darth Vader never said, "Luke, I am your father"! Want to hear more fascinating discussions about the unexpected and absurd? Tune in to The Absurdist Show, where we explore the weird and wonderful aspects of our world that make life interesting.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • Autocorrect Fails, Graffiti Tales, and Velvet Confessions: The Absurdists Unleashed
    2024/11/26
    From Velvet and Big Cucumbers to Absurdist Graffiti: A Wild Ride with Marlo and Mary On the latest episode of The Absurdists, Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy take us on another rollercoaster ride of hilarity and peculiar musings. From wardrobe confessions (blue velvet, anyone?) to the accidental messages that left their senders red-faced, the duo keeps the laughs coming. Marlo reminisces about the unexpected texts and voicemails that left an indelible mark—like the infamous "big cucumber" text sent to a professor and a mysterious woman’s microwave notification from her phone company. Meanwhile, Mary shares her take on bathroom stall graffiti trends (spoiler: "Toy Story 2 is okay" is surprisingly popular). Not to be outdone, the pair dives into cats' antics with autocorrect mishaps, bizarre motion-detection emails, and even pranks involving printing hundreds of "Hello" pages. Plus, we learn about Marlo's personal autocorrect disaster involving a bamboo-related text (don’t ask). Highlights include: A CEO bombarded with 600 banana bread recipes—thanks to a cat on the keyboard. A sleepwalking contest entrant who accidentally claimed a prize months later. The accidental breakup text that was sent… to a mom. As always, Marlo and Mary bring their absurdist lens to life's everyday oddities. Want to join in the fun? Share your absurd stories with The Absurdists crew and let the hilarity unfold.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 6 分
  • Walking Down Memory Lane: Nostalgia, Humor, and Absurdity
    2024/11/20
    In this delightful and laugh-out-loud episode of The Absurdists, co-hosts Mary Murphy and Marlo Anderson take us on a whimsical stroll through the past. Together, they explore a variety of once-popular phenomena and inventions, rating them as either “Baby, Come Back” or “Forget About It.” Prepare yourself for an entertaining blend of nostalgia, absurdity, and quirky insights as the duo dissects bygone cultural staples and ponders their place in today’s world. Highlights from the Episode: The Ingenious Pet Rock Mary and Marlo kick things off with a deep dive into the pet rock phenomenon. From googly eyes to DIY versions, they ponder the rock's utility as the ultimate low-maintenance pet—and a hilarious fallback gift for awkward social situations. Would the pet rock be a hit if it made a comeback today? Mary’s verdict? “Baby, Come Back.” Drive-In Theaters: Nostalgia on Four Wheels Remember drive-in theaters? Marlo shares tales of cramming friends into car trunks to save a few bucks, while Mary recalls the questionable sound quality and lumpy French fries. Though it stirs up fond memories, both hosts ultimately agree this one is a “Forget About It.” Cigarette Vending Machines The duo reminisces about the ubiquity of cigarette vending machines in the mid-20th century. With no ID checks, these machines were a fixture in laundromats and grocery stores. The absurdity of their unregulated accessibility leads both hosts to give this relic a firm “Forget About It.” Soda Jerks and Custom Beverages Marlo fondly recounts his encounters with soda jerks, the original mixologists who crafted fizzy drinks from syrups and soda water. Mary, intrigued by this bygone experience, votes “Baby, Come Back,” envisioning a revival of soda fountains in nostalgic eateries. The Great VHS vs. Betamax Debate The rivalry between VHS and Betamax gets the absurdist treatment as Marlo reveals an unexpected twist: the porn industry’s pivotal role in VHS’s victory. While the higher quality of Betamax impressed professionals, its inability to adapt to the home recording market sealed its fate. Waterbeds: A Sloshy Sleep Saga Waterbeds were a sensation in the 70s and 80s, but their leaks, high maintenance, and the infamous patch kits made them more trouble than they were worth. Despite their nostalgic charm, both Mary and Marlo agree they’re better left in the past. Dial-Up Modems: The Internet’s Awkward Teenage Years Nothing screams early internet like the screeching tones of a dial-up modem. Mary and Marlo hilariously recount the agony of losing a connection when someone picked up the phone. Nostalgic? Yes. But neither wants to relive those frustrating days. Verdict? “Forget About It.” Milk Delivery: Then and Now While the traditional image of a milkman in a white uniform may no longer exist, modern-day milk delivery services still thrive in some communities. Both hosts celebrate its evolution, voting “Baby, Come Back.” Phone Booths: Privacy, Please Marlo and Mary debate the merits of phone booths, with Marlo highlighting their nostalgic charm and Mary dreaming of modern “cone of silence” booths for noisy public phone users. The verdict remains mixed, but Mary’s vision for their revival feels more relevant than ever. MySpace: The Social Media OG In a heartfelt closing, Mary declares her undying love for the original MySpace, reminiscing about its customizable pages and band promotions. She proudly states, “I will die on this hill: Baby, Come Back.” Takeaway This episode is a love letter to the absurdities of the past and the quirks of human innovation. Whether reminiscing about soda jerks or cringing at the thought of waterbeds, Mary and Marlo guide us through a delightful mix of history and hilarity. Join The Absurdists for this nostalgic journey, and don’t forget to share your own “Baby, Come Back” or “Forget About It” moments in the comments. Stay absurd!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分
  • The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed
    2024/11/01
    The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed Ever wonder who holds the record for balancing a running lawnmower on their chin? Neither had we, until this week's episode. Marlo and Mary dove headfirst into the weird world of record-breaking achievements, and folks, it's even stranger than we imagined. Did You Know People PAY to Break Records? Before we get into the truly bizarre stuff, here's something that blew our minds: people actually pay thousands of dollars to have their record attempts certified. That's right – somebody paid actual money to have someone watch them stack M&Ms. Speaking of which... Seven M&Ms: The Stack That Shocked Mary When Mary confessed she couldn't even stack two M&Ms, we knew we were in for a treat. The current record? Seven M&Ms stacked on top of each other. No glue, no tricks, just pure M&M-stacking dedication. As Mary put it, "I can't get two to stay on top of each other. I can't imagine anything more than that!" The T-Shirt Champion of Ontario Picture wearing 260 t-shirts at once. Now picture paying someone to watch you do it. Ted Hastings from Ontario did exactly that, requiring special order shirts up to size 20XL. His description? "Generally awful." But hey, he raised $11,000 for a playground, so we'll call that a win! High Heels at High Speed Remember Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint record of 9.58 seconds? Now imagine running that same distance in stilettos. Someone did it in 12.82 seconds – just 3.24 seconds slower than Bolt's record. Mary's response? "I'm already in pain just thinking about it." Other Mind-Bending Records We Covered: A man who broke 51 watermelons with his head in one minute 125 scoops of ice cream balanced on a single cone Fingernails measuring almost 43 feet combined Breaking 46 wooden toilet seats with your head in 60 seconds (because... why not?) The Stories Behind the Strange What makes these records truly fascinating isn't just the bizarre achievements – it's the stories behind them. From a teacher's scolding leading to 66 years of nail growth to a tribute to a lost loved one, these seemingly absurd accomplishments often have surprisingly touching origins. Want to Break a Record with The Absurdists? We're cooking up something special. Marlo and Mary are contemplating setting their own world record with our listeners. Stay tuned for what might be the most absurd group achievement yet! Keep it Absurd As Marlo always says, "Stay Absurd, Everybody!" And if you're thinking about breaking any of these records, maybe start with stacking two M&Ms before moving on to the running lawnmower balancing act. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to follow us for more weekly doses of absurdity. Fun Fact: During the recording of this episode, Marlo revealed he holds four world records himself – though thankfully none involve balancing lawn equipment on any body parts!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    33 分