The Science of Godzilla, Zombies & Other Monsters, with Charles Liu
Neil deGrasse Tyson, co-host Matt Kirshen, and astrophysicist Charles Liu explore the science and cultural meaning of monsters, from Godzilla, dragons, King Kong, and Frankenstein to zombies and black holes. They discuss how physics, biology, and scaling laws constrain what monsters could exist, and how stories about monsters reflect human fears, technological change, and environmental anxieties. Throughout, they argue that the real "monsters" are often human hubris and ignorance, and that science can both demystify and reframe these fears.
Midnight Ghost Shows with Chelsey Weber-Smith
Host Sarah Marshall and guest Chelsea Weber-Smith explore the forgotten history of American "midnight ghost shows" or "midnight spook shows"-live theatrical seance‑magic‑horror shows that ran in movie theaters from the 1930s to the 1960s. They trace how these shows evolved from spiritualist seances into campy, gore‑filled spectacles aimed at teenagers, centered on elaborate stage tricks and a chaotic blackout sequence where anything could "happen" in the dark. The conversation also connects ghost shows to later horror culture, including William Castle gimmicks, haunted houses, and the participatory cult around The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Short Stuff: La Lechuza - The Witch Owl
Hosts Josh and Chuck explore the legend of La Lechuza, a terrifying owl-woman figure from folklore along the Texas-Mexico border and other Spanish-speaking regions. They describe her appearance, behaviors, and various versions of the story, including how she lures or punishes people and her supposed connection to witchcraft or demonic forces. The discussion also covers possible pre-Columbian roots, how Christian influence may have transformed an older deity into a demon, modern gender-focused interpretations, and appearances of La Lechuza in pop culture and local hoaxes.