The Shape of Outer Space

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...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini to dive into the Men in Black of UFO lore. Together, they examine the alleged origins, strange behaviors, and unclear intentions of these enigmatic figures, questioning not only their motives, but their humanity. The conversation takes a turn into pop culture as they also discuss the film franchise starring Will Smith (French Prince) and Tommy Lee Jon...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini to discuss Sputnik, the satellite that launched the Space Age and reshaped the Cold War. The two explore space’s strategic role during the era, the modern importance of satellites in delivering porno to television sets, and imagine what they might have done on the very day Sputnik first orbited Earth. They wrap things up with another great installment...

In another episode deviating from the show's usual format, host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to unravel the folkloric legend of The Secret Boogoos of Nim’Juk. Drawing from a personal connection to Justin’s heritage, the group explores the legend’s origins before painting a picture of the strange land, its inhabitants, and the secret that must never be revealed. Along the...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to explore the concepts of warp speed and hyperspace. Together, they break down the science behind each idea, compare how they differ, and examine their lasting influence on popular culture, along with a few personal connections to faster-than-light dreams. They wrap up the episode with a round of “Guess the Star.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry on this shocking and twisted episode to break down the Drake Equation, the famous formula used to estimate the number of intelligent civilizations in the universe. The usual contributors unpack the numbers, debate what each variable really means, and even take a moment to discuss John Drake, for whom the equation was named, and his lasti...

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to plunge into the mysterious world of black holes. Along the way, they examine the surprising legacy of the Segway, reflect on the groundbreaking contributions of Stephen Hawking, and contemplate what truly fills the panel’s proverbial black holes. The episode closes with a very special round of “Guess the Star: Dead Teen-Heartthrob Edi...

Host Paul Cuminale reunites with Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to take on the ever-persistent Flat Earth movement. Along the way, they dive into ancient Babylonian maps, question what we choose to believe, and reflect on the curves (cosmic and personal) that shape us all. As always, they wrap things up with a round of “Guess the Star.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to discuss Earth’s oldest companion: the Moon. The trio explores its deep cultural ties to femininity, the mythology of werewolves, and the curious lore of rural romance under moonlight. They close the episode, as always, with a round of “Guess the Star.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry on the constantly rotating panel to discuss our newest celestial neighbor: the quasi moon. The trio dives into what makes this orbital oddity so fascinating, reflects on the idea of unwanted visitors in space, and wraps up with another round of “Guess the Star.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to tackle the topic of ghosts (just in time for Halloween.) From ancient hauntings and historical accounts to personal encounters with the supernatural, the trio explores humanity’s enduring fascination with the spirit world. They round things out with a very special Halloween edition of “Guess the Star.”