The Shape of Outer Space

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to explore the curious world of brown dwarfs: celestial objects too large to be planets, yet too small to become proper stars. The panel chronicles the history of their discovery, examines their unusual characteristics, and takes a peculiar detour through some of history’s most notable dwarfs, both real...

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 t...

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 tri...

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 mys...

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...

In a special LIVE presentation of The Shape of Outer Space, host Paul Cuminale is joined for the first time ever by the entire panel: Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry. Together, they open the cosmic mailbag and field queries from listeners on everything from Tycho Brahe and alien probing to Cosmic Brownies, Laika, Professor Dillard Gibson, and the qualifica...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to examine the strange and controversial life of Professor Dillard Gibson. The panel chronicles Gibson’s rise to prominence among fringe researchers, explores his many eccentricities and unconventional theorems, and attempts to make sense of the long list of malfeasances that ultimately overshadowed his academic career...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Thomas Chew, and resident "bad boy" Dan Perry to discuss and dissect the 1984 science fiction cult classic The Last Starfighter. The episode begins with Dan Perry's monthly book report on "Space" by James A. Michener before the panel blasts off into the history, production, and science behind the film. Along the way, they examine the workings of the...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and resident "bad boy" Dan Perry to examine the mysterious Allagash UFO Incident. Together, they chronicle the history of the alleged abductions, dissect the science behind extraterrestrial probings, imagine mysterious camping scenarios that are best avoided, and explore the unsettling phenomenon of missing time. Along the way, Dan Perry debuts his ne...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by returning panel members Justin Pallini, Thomas Chew, and resident "bad boy" Dan Perry for another departure episode, this time celebrating the legendary Cosmic Brownie. The panel explores the history behind the iconic snack cake, marvels at its uncanny succulence, defines the concept of shelf stability, and debates whether children should be scarfing down preservati...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Thomas Chew to explore the fascinating phenomenon of time crystals. The panel discusses the pioneering work of Frank Wilczek and how the Nobel Prize-winning physicist helped bring the concept into existence, ventures deep into the strange world of quantum mechanics, and reflects on the lasting impact of Scante. They also revisit the obscure 1981 m...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by returning panel members Justin Pallini and Dan Perry for a new departure episode focusing on the mysterious world of Ancient Chinese Dark Magic. Together, they explore tales of talismans, spells, and sorcery, while examining the centuries-long quest for eternal life. In a new installment of "Terminology Breakdown," the panel unpacks the Eight Immortals and the magic...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to discuss the legendary and eccentric astronomer Tycho Brahe. The panel explores Tycho’s origins, groundbreaking astronomical work, and famously bizarre lifestyle, including his personal dwarf, his hard-drinking pet moose, his fake nose, and his alleged penchant for naked stargazing. Along the way, the...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Thomas Chew, and “bad boy” Dan Perry to examine the infamous Zanfretta UFO Incident from Genoa, Italy, in which night watchman Pier Fortunato Zanfretta allegedly encountered reptilian beings throughout the late 1970s. The panel dives into the nature of alien abduction, reptilian theory and the disturbingly vast phalluses associated with said reptilia...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to discuss The Whale, directed by Darren Aronofsky. The panel explores the film’s emotional core, reflects on the career and filmography of Brendan Fraser, and uncovers the surprisingly profound themes lurking beneath the surface of Encino Man. Along the way, they attempt to visualize what whales of space might look li...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini to visit the oft-forgotten planet Neptune. Together, they traverse its tumultuous winds in search of the secrets that may lie within, investigate the mysterious origins of its moon Triton, and even theorize about the planet’s hypothetical feelings. Along the way, they reflect on memories of first summer-camp loves and the emotions tied to them, before...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by returning contributors Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to examine the strange phenomenon of crop circles. The trio debates their questionable origins, dissects the signature twists of Shyamalan, and even stage a mock trial to put potential culprits to death. Along the way, they propose their own theorems before closing out another deep dive into the unexplained.

In another true departure episode, host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, resident “bad boy” Dan Perry, and newcomer Otis P. Bradshaw to discuss the NBC sitcom Wings. The panel explores the show’s place in television history, the impact of NBC’s iconic “Must See TV” programming block, and even breaks down the science behind the classic sitcom formula, along with a detour into how planes a...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined for the first time by a three-person panel: Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry, to discuss Laika, the first dog sent into space. The group reflects on Laika’s contribution to science and the humans who betrayed her trust, while also veering into conversations about animals more (or less) deserving of such a fate, hot dogs, and Tom Chew’s controv...

In another special departure episode, host Paul Cuminale is joined by members of the ever-rotating panel, Justin Pallini and Dan Perry, to focus on Easter. The trio explores the holiday’s religious significance alongside its cultural symbols, before Justin and Dan square off in another installment of “Ethics Committee” to debate which holds greater importance. They also discuss the film Flatliners...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to examine the alleged alien abduction of Betty and Barney Hill, one of the most famous encounters in UFO lore. The panel revisits the details of the case, considers alternative explanations and explores the role hypnosis played in recovering the Hills’ memories. Along the way, they reflect on the nature of memory itself, the kinds of me...

In a special episode titled Queries of the Cosmos, host Paul Cuminale opens the mailbag to answer questions sent in by listeners. From curious inquiries about distant galaxies to speculation surrounding extraterrestrial life, Paul tackles a wide range of cosmic queries. The episode also features a never-before-heard segment discussing the 2022 film The Whale starring Brendan Fraser.

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by panel member Dan Perry to explore The Many Anomalies of Mars. Together, they examine the Red Planet’s most curious features, debate their speculative implications, and take a critical look at 1970s photographic technology that fueled decades of intrigue. From strange surface formations to bold hypotheses about ancient Martian civilizations, the conversation ventures...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by recurring panel member Justin Pallini and newcomer Thomas Chew to revisit the 1982 classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The trio explores the film’s origins, cultural impact, and lasting emotional resonance before launching into a spirited debate in a new segment called “Ethics Committee.” They also imagine what the famous unproduced sequel might have looked like. Ne...