Hyperfixation Investigations

Fly through the cosmos this week with Josh and Kara as they cycle through the births and deaths of various kinds of stars in our universe. Learn how stars have been classified over time and how some of our favorite telescopes (Hubble!) help scientists figure out how hot and old stars are across space. From the beautiful clouds of gas that are the “nurseries for stars” to black holes that form from...

Learn the bare-bones basics of reading your Natal Birth Chart for your Zodiac. Kara and Josh discuss the Big Three and how to break down Planets vs Signs vs Houses. For more in-depth lessons on this topic, check out Corinne Lane’s Lessons and consider the Chani app to find out the details and interpretations of your birth chart!

Explore the history of Western Zodiac Astrology with Kara and Josh! From Ancient Babylon, to Medieval Europe, to 20th-century Britain, to Modern USA, learn about the ebbs and flows of Zodiac Astrology. From a form of science to a pre-Enlightenment relic, to a modern phenomenon, the practice of astrology has long had cultural significance. Learn from an astronomical point of view, why your sign or...

In honor of this month’s annual meteor shower, The Quadrantids, Josh and Kara explore some of Earth’s smaller and numerous neighbors: asteroids and comets. Learn what and where these Near Earth Objects (NEOs) are and how they turn into shooting stars! Finally, discover how an unofficial constellation named Earth’s annual December-January meteor shower: The Quadrantids. Discussion: Meteoroids vs Me...

Part 2 of the Mini-Series "Examples of Pagan 'Repurposing' in Organized Religion" (non-consecutive episodes) Ancient Rome boasted an impressive polytheistic religion. Festivals to various gods were celebrated throughout the year, and Saturnalia and Natalis Invictus occurred around the winter solstice (Dec 20/21). Kara and Josh explore these holidays and what, if any, influence they have on the dat...

We’re wrapping up this section of “The Deep, Dark, & Dirty Depths” with a look at fungi and their many different forms! Building on Episode 2: Roots!, Josh goes deeper into the mysterious world of mycelium, molds, mildews, and more. Discover how the fungi, known as molds, became a vital part of medicine and what certain types of fungi have in common with BookTok’s favorite books. Of course, you ca...

Trigger Warning: Spiders discussed 49:50--52:55 Listen along as Kara and Josh learn more about the iconic holiday fruit native to North America, from its growing process to how canned cranberry sauce became a staple food during the winter holidays! Cranberries are perennial plants that form vines to grow, regrowing year after year. While native to North America, they are mostly found and grown thr...

Following Part 1 of this Mini-Series, Episode 2: Roots!, Josh guides us on a hike through the Redwoods and Pando to teach us about megaflora. From tree hollows to heartwoods, Josh and Kara discuss how Redwoods get so old and so tall, how many plants clone themselves to create new life, and why Pando is argued to be the largest living organism on the planet. Learn what endangers the Redwoods and Pa...

Kara and Josh talk about music and activism in this episode. Musician Hozier has had a career full of popular hits and masterful lyricism. Among those lyrics sit messages about issues ranging from LGBTQIA+ Rights to anthems for Civil Rights Activists. Explore the themes of feminism, civil rights, LGBTQIA+ discrimination, and more in his music. Then, consider as Kara and Josh discuss parasocial rel...

We're digging down this week and researching the basics of root structures and mycelium! Learn as Josh presents about their similarities and differences and our hosts discuss their wider effect on our natural world.