The Shape of Outer Space

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry for an examination of the history, science, and allure of bungee jumping. The panel traces the activity’s origins, explores the physics behind the action, and considers the curious relationship between extreme fear and sexual ecstasy. Along the way, they investigate the bizarre and deeply erotic rituals of the mysterious Bun-Gi tribe and question their own dances with fear.

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to boldly go to infinity and beyond as they discuss the legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear. The panel chronicles Buzz’s origins, examines his agonizing relationship with reality, and considers what his journey can teach us about identity, delusion, and accepting oneself. Along the way, they put Sid on trial, examine the strange cinematic tradition of toys coming to life (including The Indian in the Cupboard) and reminisce about the beloved toys of their own childhoods. They cap it all off with a rousing game of “Guess the Star: Childhood Toy Edition.”

In an especially frightening installment, host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to confront one of the most terrifying phenomena ever discussed on the program: Demented Vortexes. The panel chronicles the bizarre story of Ebeneezius Longsworth and his disastrous discovery, attempt to understand the eleven-dimensional rotation, investigate the mysterious disappearance of the dark-web's Null Archive, and ask whether some knowledge is simply too dangerous to pursue. They cap it all off with a rousing game of “Guess the Star.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to journey beyond Neptune and explore the vast, frozen frontier known as the Kuiper Belt. The panel chronicles the history of its discovery, examines the icy worlds that inhabit it, and delves into the dubious Legend of Kuiper written by Gerard Kuiper himself.

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by returning panel members Justin Pallini, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to investigate the mysterious world of OOPARTS or “out-of-place artifacts.” From the Antikythera Mechanism and Baghdad Battery to the Saqqara Bird, Dropa Stones, and mysterious crystal skulls, the panel examines artifacts that have inspired theories of lost civilizations, ancient technology, extraterrestrial intervention, and even time travel. Along the way, they question why we’re so desperate for the past to be stranger than we think, share mysteries from their own lives that might be better left unsolved, and confront the possibility that history itself may be incomplete.