Weird Things

A running conversation about science, AI, culture, and the strange future arriving early.

AI Compute Crunch, Vibe Coding, And Pocket Game Hardware cover art

Latest Episode

Apr 1, 2026, 10:19 PM

AI Compute Crunch, Vibe Coding, And Pocket Game Hardware

Andrew Mayne: Project Hail Mary Justin Robert Young: The Ferber Method Brian Brushwood: Logan Andrew Mayne: Arduboy FXC

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Recent Episodes

Mar 23, 2026, 4:11 PM

Real-Time AI Speeds, Code Models, Bio Hacking, And Movie Picks

The episode surveys an accelerating AI landscape where new hardware like Cerebras and Groq enables near real?time model responses, making voice and agent interactions feel instantly conversational. The conversation covers the rise of code models (Codex, Claude Code), practical tips for using multiple models to check each other, the tug-of-war between frontier labs and big incumbents (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, xAI), and how talent, salaries, and state-level data?center politics are shaping the field. They also touch on a striking story about a dog treated with an experimental mRNA therapeutic assembled with help from multiple AI tools, hands-on demos of rapid content generation and deepfake video, and a challenge to listeners to build weird things with these new tools.

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Mar 22, 2026, 4:12 PM

Moon, Mars, and Missteps: A Space Saga

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young tackle the latest in space exploration drama. They start with NASA’s Art Two mission facing delays due to a pesky hydrogen leak in their much-mocked SLS rocket. The conversation then shifts to Boeing’s embarrassing blunders with their Starliner spacecraft, highlighting the company’s fall from grace in space tech. Amidst these tales of aerospace angst, Elon Musk’s shifting focus from Mars to the Moon captures the trio’s attention, sparking a discussion on the implications for space travel and Musk’s sprawling empire under financial scrutiny.

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Mar 22, 2026, 4:12 PM

Moon Missions and AI Battles: A Space Odyssey with a Side of Silicon Valley Drama

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young gather to discuss the latest in space exploration and AI developments. They express concerns over the Artemis missions’ delays and technical challenges, particularly focusing on the SLS rocket’s issues and the ambitious plans for lunar landings involving SpaceX’s Starship. The conversation shifts to the AI domain, where they critique the rivalry between OpenAI and Anthropic, highlighting the recent controversial Super Bowl ad and the broader implications for AI’s future. The trio navigates these topics with a blend of technical insight and skepticism about the political and ethical landscapes shaping space exploration and AI.

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Jan 30, 2026, 11:53 AM

Space Shenanigans and the Future of Human Spaceflight

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a discussion about a medical emergency that led to an astronaut’s early return from the International Space Station, sparking rumors of the first space pregnancy. They then shift gears to the Artemis missions, highlighting the Artemis II mission’s goal of sending humans around the moon for the first time since the Apollo era. The conversation takes a turn towards the future of space stations, with companies like Vast Space and Axiom Space aiming to build modular, next-generation stations to replace the ISS. The episode wraps up with a critique of the new Starfleet Academy show, expressing disappointment and questioning its target audience.

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Jan 30, 2026, 11:53 AM

Bear Evictions and Genetic Tinkering: A Peek into the Future

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood explore the curious incident of a Californian homeowner, Kenneth Johnson, who discovered a 550-pound bear living under his house and the challenges he faced in evicting it. The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of AI and genetic engineering, pondering a future where animals could possess human-like intelligence and the ethical considerations that come with it. They also touch upon the potential for AI to revolutionize our understanding of animal communication, specifically mentioning Google’s DeepMind project aimed at deciphering dolphin language.

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Nov 27, 2025, 10:02 AM

AI Models and the Dog Man Mystery

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick off the episode with a discussion on the latest AI model updates, including Google’s Nano Banana and OpenAI’s GP 5.1. They explore the implications of AI personality and its impact on user experience. The conversation shifts to a group chat feature with ChatGPT, enhancing collaboration and consistency across AI interactions. They also touch upon the integration of AI in various platforms and the challenges of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of AI tools. The episode takes a mysterious turn with a scripted segment on Dog Man sightings, blending humor with curiosity about this cryptic creature. Throughout, the hosts engage in sprite generation experiments, adding a playful element to their tech-heavy dialogue.

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Nov 3, 2025, 10:34 AM

Robots, AI, and the Future of Work: A Deep Dive

In this episode, Andrew shares his experience attending a robot demo by 1X, highlighting the challenges and advancements in robotics. The hosts delve into the broader implications of AI and robotics on the workforce, discussing both the potential benefits and the anxieties surrounding technological change. They explore how AI is already impacting various fields, from healthcare to content creation, and speculate on the future of work in an increasingly automated world. The conversation also touches on the importance of adaptability and self-reliance in navigating these changes.

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Oct 27, 2025, 1:33 PM

The Handful Chronicles: Gravy, AI, and the Future of Content Creation

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood embark on a journey through the conceptualization of Handful, a fictional restaurant where gravy is served directly into patrons’ hands. The discussion evolves into the realm of AI-generated content, exploring the implications of AI in creative processes and content distribution. The hosts share insights into the rapid development of AI tools and their personal experiences with technology, emphasizing the importance of human connection and collaboration in navigating the future of creativity.

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Oct 24, 2025, 1:52 PM

The Unending Gravy Train of AI Creativity

In this episode, Andrew Mayne and Brian Brushwood embark on a philosophical journey through the realms of storytelling, AI’s burgeoning role in creative processes, and the enigmatic app SO’s contribution to communal humor and creativity. They explore Stephen King’s insights on storytelling, the magic of indirect evidence in magic tricks, and the importance of showing rather than telling in narratives. The conversation then shifts to SO, where they discuss its unique platform that allows for collaborative creativity among friends, using the example of ‘Handful,’ a fictional fast-food chain that serves gravy directly into customers’ hands. This episode is a testament to the evolving landscape of creativity, where AI and human collaboration open new doors to storytelling and humor.

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Oct 12, 2025, 4:36 PM

The Sora App Saga: A Tale of AI, Cameos, and Unexpected Marketing Genius

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young discuss the recent launch of the Soar app by OpenAI, its features, and how it quickly became a platform for both creating AI-generated videos and a new form of social media. They explore the app’s cameo feature, which allows users to create digital avatars and use them in videos, and how Mark Cuban used it for clever marketing. The hosts speculate on the future implications of AI in content creation, advertising, and the potential for new business models. They also share their personal experiences and tips for using the app, highlighting its potential for creators and advertisers alike.

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Sep 12, 2025, 4:28 PM

Martian Microbes and Robotic Ruminations

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood delve into NASA’s recent announcement about potential biosignatures found on Mars by the Perseverance rover. The conversation then shifts to the future of humanoid robots on Mars, with speculation on when the first robotic step might occur. They also touch upon the rapid advancements in AI, particularly in coding and its implications for various industries. Throughout, the trio explores the broader implications of these technologies for humanity’s future, both on Earth and in space.

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Sep 8, 2025, 10:23 AM

AI, Dependence, and the Future of Work

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood explore the rapid advancements in AI technology and its implications for the future of work and personal dependence on tech. They discuss the introduction of AI in various sectors, the potential for AI to replace human jobs, and the importance of adapting to and integrating AI into our lives responsibly. The conversation also touches on the significance of maintaining a balance between utilizing AI and retaining human skills and interactions. Additionally, they critique the media’s portrayal of AI development costs and highlight OpenAI’s initiative to create a job board for AI-related positions.

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Aug 20, 2025, 10:25 AM

AI, Podcasts, and the Future of Creative Writing

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on the recent advancements in AI models and their implications for creative writing and podcasting. They discuss the introduction of open-source AI models, the nuances of AI-generated content, and share their personal experiences with using AI tools for creative and practical purposes. The hosts also engage in a live demonstration, using an AI model to generate a podcast episode script, showcasing the capabilities and potential of current AI technology in content creation.

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Aug 15, 2025, 1:20 PM

Navigating the AI Revolution with a Touch of Human Magic

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood embark on a journey through the latest in AI, discussing the release of GPT-4, MH-X AI, Elon Musk’s contributions, and the introduction of ChatGPT’s Agent Mode. They explore the potential of AI to revolutionize tasks from filling out PDFs to creating slide decks, while also touching on the importance of human elements like accountability and creativity. The conversation veers into the realms of education, the value of human interaction, and the evolving landscape of effort and output in the age of AI. Personal anecdotes and experiences with these AI tools provide a grounded perspective on their potential and limitations.

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Aug 15, 2025, 1:20 PM

AI’s Latest Whirlwind and Hollywood’s Future

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young tackle the whirlwind of AI news, starting with Google’s I/O announcements, particularly their impressive V O 3 image generation model. They then shift to OpenAI’s advancements and discuss the intriguing, yet mysterious, hardware collaboration between OpenAI and Johnny Ive’s design firm. The trio also touches on Ant Philanthropic’s latest AI models, highlighting the rapid pace of AI development and its implications for various industries, especially Hollywood. The conversation veers into speculative territory with thoughts on how AI could revolutionize content creation, from corporate training videos to high school history projects. Despite the excitement, they remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the challenges and limitations that still exist.

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May 30, 2025, 11:35 AM

AI, Dinosaurs, and the Future of Entertainment

In this episode of Weird Things, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young explore the fascinating pace of AI development, demonstrating with a live example how a 2D image can be transformed into a 3D model. They discuss the potential of AI in creating new entertainment and gaming experiences, and the implications of job automation. The conversation shifts to the ambitious projects of Colossal Bio, aiming to bring back extinct species like the dire wolf, and wraps up with speculative takes on the future of Marvel’s cinematic universe, particularly the potential of ‘Thunderbolts’ to redefine superhero team dynamics.

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May 30, 2025, 11:35 AM

Quantum Leaps, Human Cannonballs, and AI Evolution

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young dive into a variety of topics, starting with the potential signatures of life on the exoplanet K2-18b, thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope’s findings. The conversation shifts to the rapid advancements in AI, including the evolution from hydraulic to electric motors in robotics and the implications of quantum computing on AI’s future. A human cannonball incident brings a mix of awe and concern, showcasing the risks performers take. The episode wraps up with discussions on AI’s role in content creation and the ethical considerations of its advancements.

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Mar 21, 2025, 11:48 AM

Of Mammoths and Mice: The Weird Science of De-Extinction

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a nod to the anniversary of GPT-4, reflecting on its impact and the rapid pace of AI development. The conversation takes a historical detour to the Ramree Island crocodile attack during World War II, with Andrew using AI to sift fact from fiction in this tale of survival and crocodile-infested mangroves. The trio then shifts focus to Colossal Biosciences’ efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth, starting with genetically modified mice sporting thicker coats. This step towards de-extinction sparks a debate on the feasibility and ethics of resurrecting ancient species, alongside a whimsical discussion on whether organic or robotic mammoths will roam the earth first.

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Mar 6, 2025, 6:08 PM

Nano Arcade and AI Musings

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young, with a special appearance by Bella, embark on a journey through the latest in nano technology, showcasing a nano-scale video game that could revolutionize biomedical engineering and nanotechnology. They explore the advancements in AI, particularly in workflow automation and the challenges of nano-tech. The conversation shifts to the potential of AI in enhancing scientific experiments and the practical applications of automation in improving efficiency. The trio also touches upon the upcoming Starship launch, placing a friendly wager on its outcome. Throughout, they share their latest media picks and muse on the future of AI and human creativity.

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Mar 6, 2025, 6:08 PM

Asteroids, Quantum Computing, and Disneyland Adventures

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a cosmic sigh of relief as the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth decrease. They ponder the implications of a moon impact, drawing parallels to sci-fi scenarios and historical events. The conversation then shifts to Microsoft’s announcement of a quantum computing breakthrough using exotic matter, sparking a discussion on the potential and current limitations of quantum computing. Andrew shares his recent Disneyland adventure, highlighting the magic of Rise of the Resistance and the charm of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, contrasting it with his disappointment in Galaxy’s Edge.

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Feb 21, 2025, 1:02 PM

Asteroids, AI, and the Art of Avoiding Armageddon

In a thrilling episode devoid of AI discussions (initially), Andrew, Brian, and Justin tackle the alarming news of an asteroid, dubbed ‘Kanye’s next album’, with a 2.2% chance of colliding with Earth. The trio explores various mitigation strategies, including nuclear options, while lamenting their AI tool’s refusal to cooperate on other matters. The conversation shifts to the groundbreaking AI tool, Deep Research, and its potential to revolutionize information gathering. They also delve into the cultural significance of Bigfoot, based on a detailed report generated by Deep Research. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the latest Fantastic Four trailer, expressing cautious optimism for the film.

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Feb 5, 2025, 10:47 AM

The AI Frontier: Deep Dive into DeepSeek, O3, and Beyond

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young tackle the rapid advancements in AI, focusing on DeepSeek’s R1 model and its cost-effective training methods. They discuss the skepticism and excitement surrounding DeepSeek’s claims and the broader implications for AI development and compute needs. The conversation shifts to OpenAI’s release of the O3 model, highlighting its reasoning capabilities and potential to accelerate the path to AGI. The trio also explores the role of open source in AI innovation, the significance of AI in mainstream discussions, and the future of AI-driven content creation and problem-solving.

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Feb 1, 2025, 2:20 PM

AI’s Latest Leap: Operator and the Future of Internet Browsing

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood explore the rapid advancements in AI, particularly highlighting the Chinese AI model Deep Seek and OpenAI’s latest creation, Operator. They discuss the technical achievements and controversies surrounding Deep Seek, its implications for the AI community, and the groundbreaking capabilities of Operator in controlling a browser to perform tasks. The conversation also touches on the broader impacts of AI on society, the internet, and how these tools could change our interaction with digital spaces.

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Jan 24, 2025, 2:52 PM

The AI Frontier: Hitting Walls and Vaulting Over Them

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young dive into the latest in AI advancements and the philosophical and practical implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI). They start with a discussion on recent developments from OpenAI and Google, segue into a Wall Street Journal article questioning if AI has hit a developmental wall, and then explore the significant leap in AI capabilities with OpenAI’s O3 model. The conversation shifts to the potential for AGI within the next year and the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that has caused a stir in the AI community. Throughout, they explore the nuances of AI development, the potential for AGI, and the ethical considerations of AI training data.

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Jan 23, 2025, 2:54 PM

A Timeless Dive into the Future and Past of Entertainment

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood take listeners on a fascinating exploration of entertainment’s past, present, and future. They kick off with a nostalgic look at how theme parks like Universal Studios have evolved, highlighting the technological advancements in attractions such as the Born Stunt Spectacular. The conversation then shifts to the potential of AI in creating immersive experiences, with Andrew sharing insights into reasoning models and the concept of AI agents. They also touch upon the importance of classic sci-fi literature, like ‘A Canticle for Leibowitz’, in understanding the roots of many modern narratives. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the implications of AI in programming and the potential for AI to revolutionize how we interact with technology and each other.

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Jan 23, 2025, 2:54 PM

The AI Frontier: Robotics, Simulators, and the Future of Labor

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood discuss the recent flurry of AI announcements from OpenAI’s Shipmas event and Google’s AI developments. They explore the implications of advanced AI models like GPT-3 and OpenAI’s O3, touching on their potential to revolutionize coding, problem-solving, and even the future of robotics and labor. The hosts speculate on how these technologies could lead to a new era of automation, where tasks from coding to physical labor could be handled by AI-driven robots. They also touch on the concept of physics simulators and their role in advancing robotics by allowing for more efficient testing and development.

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Dec 20, 2024, 12:44 PM

Magic, AI, and the Future of Video Generation

In this episode of Weird Things, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood explore the cutting edge of AI technology. Andrew kicks things off with a magic trick performed for an AI, showcasing the interactive capabilities of current AI models. The trio discusses the recent advancements in AI, including live video features and the implications for content creation. They also delve into the capabilities and limitations of video generation tools like So, offering tips for users to get the most out of these platforms. The conversation highlights the rapid pace of AI development and its potential to revolutionize various industries.

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Dec 20, 2024, 12:42 PM

The Future of Robotics and Sky Quakes

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a brief chat about the latest addition to Justin’s family and the implications of raising a child in today’s tech-saturated world. The conversation quickly shifts to Elon Musk’s recent showcase of Tesla’s advancements in robotics, including the Optimus robot and the Cyber Cab. The hosts speculate on the impact of these technologies on the future, from personal robotics to autonomous transportation networks. Additionally, they touch upon the phenomenon of sky quakes, debating their possible explanations and expressing skepticism about their origins. Throughout, the trio maintains a slightly irreverent tone, mixing in personal anecdotes and broader societal observations.

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Dec 18, 2024, 10:33 AM

Space Catchers and the Future of Robotics

In this episode of Weird Things, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young tackle the advancements in AI, marvel at SpaceX’s successful catch of the Starship’s first stage, and ponder the future of robotics, including Tesla’s Optimus. They discuss the implications of these developments and share their excitement for what this means for the future. The conversation also touches on the potential for AI and robotics to revolutionize industries and personal capabilities, with a nod to the importance of keeping up with these technologies.

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Oct 10, 2024, 12:22 PM

The AI Revolution Marches On

This week, Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young explore the forefront of AI technology, from OpenAI’s Dev Day revelations to Meta’s video AI marvels. They discuss the practical applications and implications of these advancements, such as customer service bots and AI-assisted video production, while also pondering the ethical and professional impacts on fields like medicine. The episode veers into a critique of current content production costs and praises for shows that manage to do more with less. Picks from the hosts include AI-related resources and entertainment that captures the spirit of innovation.

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Oct 10, 2024, 12:21 PM

Augmented Reality, VR, and the Quest for the Perfect Hologram

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a chat about the weather before diving into the world of augmented reality and virtual reality. They discuss the limitations of Apple’s Vision Pro and the potential of Facebook’s Project Orion, comparing the two and expressing their hopes for the future of AR. The conversation then shifts to acoustic holograms, showcasing how sound can be used to manipulate objects in space, creating what could be the future of holographic displays. The trio also touches on the advancements in AI, demonstrating how smaller, faster models can generate content and perform tasks with impressive speed and accuracy. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a slightly irreverent tone, mixing in their personal experiences and opinions on the tech industry.

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Oct 6, 2024, 3:40 PM

The Quest for a Silent Burrito Delivery

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood dive into a discussion that starts with Justin’s craving for a burrito and evolves into a conversation about the future of delivery services, including drones and autonomous vehicles like Waymo and Zoox. They explore the implications of AI advancements for space exploration, particularly on Mars, and the ethical considerations of colonizing planets with existing ecosystems. The trio also touches on the potential for AI in scientific research and ends with a speculative journey into a cave, humorously debating the essentials one might need, from snacks to an air horn.

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Sep 14, 2024, 11:02 AM

The Matrix Adventure and AI Revelations

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young kick off the episode with a dive into AI advancements, particularly focusing on OpenAI’s new model, Strawberry. Andrew shares a personal anecdote about attending a Matrix screening that turns into a surprise adventure, highlighting the unpredictability of life and the importance of choosing the ‘red pill’ moments. The discussion shifts to SpaceX’s latest mission, Polaris Dawn, marking significant milestones in private space exploration. The episode wraps up with the hosts sharing their latest Netflix picks, all while weaving in their unique insights and irreverent humor.

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Sep 1, 2024, 1:51 PM

From Space Mazes to Aquatic Apes: A Weird Things Journey

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young (eventually) take us on a journey from the depths of space to the mysteries of our ancient past. They kick off with space news, discussing the return path for astronauts via SpaceX, not Boeing’s Starliner, and delve into the grounding of SpaceX launches due to a mishap. The conversation then shifts to a natural phenomenon where butterflies harness static electricity, and ancient shark attack victims, suggesting our long history with these marine predators. The aquatic ape theory is skeptically revisited, pondering human evolution’s ties to water. The episode wraps up with a dive into the MCU, specifically the Secret Invasion series, contrasting its comic book origins with its MCU portrayal, and reflecting on the MCU’s evolution and future.

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Jul 26, 2024, 1:24 PM

SpaceX Oopsie and Genetic Frontiers

In Andrew’s absence, Justin Robert Young and Brian Brushwood tackle the recent SpaceX launch hiccup, where a ‘very rare glitch’ led to an unscheduled disassembly mid-mission, potentially jeopardizing the Starlink satellites’ deployment. The duo then shifts gears to a speculative debate on the future of human genetic modification for space travel, pondering the ethical implications and societal acceptance of such advancements. Amidst these discussions, they touch on AI’s role in music creation, sharing anecdotes and opinions on its evolving presence in the arts.

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Jul 8, 2024, 12:40 PM

Aviation Innovations and Misadventures

In this episode of Weird Things, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood embark on a journey through the evolving landscape of aviation technology. They discuss the myriad of companies attempting to develop next-generation aerial vehicles, including those adding excessive propellers to electric helicopters in hopes of making flying cars a reality. The trio delves into alternative aviation technologies, such as gyrocopters and other innovative designs that aim to improve safety and efficiency in air travel. Despite some companies’ unfortunate mishaps, including founders dying during testing, the hosts remain optimistic about the future of aviation, predicting the use of human-rated flying vehicles in cities by the end of the decade.

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Jul 8, 2024, 12:40 PM

Apple’s AI Ambitions and Privacy Paradox

Andrew Mayne and Justin Robert Young dissect Apple’s approach to integrating AI into its ecosystem with a strong emphasis on privacy. They speculate on the implications of Apple’s strategy to handle AI processing on-device as much as possible, while also offering cloud processing with user permission. The trio discusses the technical hurdles, Apple’s historical stance on privacy, and how these factors influence the development of Siri and other Apple services. They ponder the future of AI in Apple products, including the potential for Siri to become smarter and more useful, and the integration of third-party AI models.

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Jun 28, 2024, 11:58 AM

The Curious Case of 3D Printed Knives and AI-Generated Games

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young embark on a technological odyssey, starting with Andrew’s recent acquisition of a Bamboo A1 3D printer. The excitement is palpable as Andrew shares his adventures in 3D printing everything from knives to whirligigs, showcasing the printer’s impressive capabilities. The conversation then shifts to AI, with the trio exploring Claude 3.5 and its ability to generate games and video content on the fly. From creating simple games with just a few prompts to discussing the future of 3D printing and AI in creative industries, the episode is a deep dive into how these technologies are reshaping our world.

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Jun 14, 2024, 10:44 AM

AI Showdown: OpenAI vs. Google

In this episode, Andrew Mayne and Justin Robert Young dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence, focusing on the recent announcements and developments from OpenAI and Google. They discuss the significance of OpenAI’s GPT-4.0, its capabilities, and how it was presented to the public through a live demonstration, contrasting it with Google’s approach of showing pre-recorded demos of their AI technology, Astra. The hosts explore the strategic timing of these announcements, the competitive nature of the AI industry, and the implications of these advancements for the future of technology. They also touch upon the broader landscape of AI research, including the contributions of other companies and the importance of management in driving innovation.

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Jun 3, 2024, 3:52 PM

AI Controversies and Space Ambitions: A Weird Things Exploration

In this episode of Weird Things, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood tackle a range of topics from AI ethics and controversies surrounding celebrity voices in AI models, to the future of space exploration and the intriguing possibility of communicating with whales. Andrew shares insights from his time at OpenAI, debunking rumors about the misuse of Scarlett Johansson’s voice and discussing the advancements in AI technology. The trio also delves into the progress and challenges faced by space companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX, and the potential for humanity’s future in space. Additionally, they explore the fascinating idea of communicating with extraterrestrial life and the ethical considerations of advanced technologies.

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Apr 25, 2024, 10:26 AM

The Philosophical Snake: AI, Robotics, and a Fossilized Surprise

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood embark on a philosophical journey, starting with a tribute to the late Daniel Dennett, whose work on consciousness and thought experiments left a profound impact on Andrew. The conversation then shifts to AI, with Facebook’s new Llama 3 model stirring the pot in the open-source community, and robotics, where Boston Dynamics’ new Atlas robot demonstrates terrifying agility. The episode wraps up with the discovery of a potentially record-breaking fossilized snake, sparking a mix of awe and existential dread among the hosts.

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Apr 18, 2024, 5:46 PM

AI’s Musical Revolution: From Doom Musicals to Broca’s Brainy Beats

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood explore the fascinating frontier of AI-generated music. They kick things off with a nod to AI’s role in creating a musical version of Doom, then pivot to discussing various AI music platforms like Sun AI and Audio, comparing their capabilities and outputs. The trio marvels at the potential for AI to revolutionize everything from personalized songs about daily itineraries to educational tunes about complex subjects like Broca’s area in the brain. Throughout, they maintain a blend of awe and skepticism, pondering the implications of AI’s rapid development on creativity, education, and personal expression.

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Apr 16, 2024, 11:16 AM

AI Revolution and the Future of Creativity

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood embark on a comprehensive exploration of artificial intelligence, discussing its current capabilities, future potential, and ethical considerations. From AI’s role in personal training and spam evolution to its application in coding and art generation, the hosts cover a broad spectrum. They highlight the efficiency and affordability of AI in creating content, including music and images, and ponder its impact on the creative industry. The conversation also touches on the regulatory landscape, with a particular focus on the EU’s approach to AI governance.

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Mar 29, 2024, 2:34 PM

Navigating the Seas of Speculation and Sci-Fi

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood embark on a journey through a variety of topics, starting with a real-world disaster involving a boat crash and a collapsed bridge. They speculate on the implications of tainted fuel and the role of the National Transportation Safety Board in such incidents. The conversation then shifts to the potential for economic and infrastructural disasters, including the hypothetical use of nuclear weapons to disrupt GPS systems. The hosts also discuss the fragility of modern infrastructure and the importance of disaster preparedness. The conversation takes a turn into the realm of technology and security, with a focus on the challenges posed by AI and deepfakes in authenticating identity. They explore the idea of a secure, emergency communication system to verify callers during crises. Finally, the hosts share their picks, including a book recommendation and thoughts on the Netflix adaptation of ‘The Three-Body Problem’, noting its strengths and weaknesses.

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Mar 25, 2024, 11:43 AM

Supersonic Dreams and Toxic Cats

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood dive into a variety of topics starting with Boom’s attempt to bring back supersonic flight, despite the historical and regulatory hurdles. They also touch on the story of a toxic cat in Japan that fell into a vat of chemicals, raising concerns about its whereabouts. The conversation shifts to the rapid advancements in AI, including its use in automating mundane tasks and its potential impact on various industries. The hosts share their excitement and concerns about the future of AI, emphasizing its role as a powerful tool rather than a wish-granting entity. The episode wraps up with discussions on the economic implications of AI and the importance of understanding its capabilities.

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Mar 15, 2024, 2:10 PM

The Future is Now, and It’s Weirdly Domestic

Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood dive into a whirlwind of topics, starting with a unique birthday greeting from an internet celebrity to Justin, courtesy of Andrew. The conversation quickly shifts to the latest achievements in space exploration with SpaceX’s Starship making headlines. However, the meat of the discussion lies in the advancements in AI and robotics, particularly with a company integrating ChatGPT with robots to perform household tasks. The trio marvels at the rapid pace of technological advancements and speculates on the future implications for society, labor, and even off-world colonization. Amidst the awe, there’s a touch of concern about the societal adjustments required to embrace this new era.

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Mar 8, 2024, 1:22 PM

A Deep Dive into Space, Technology, and Woolly Mammoths

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a chat about SpaceX’s upcoming Starship launch and the company’s approach to failure as a step towards innovation. They delve into the history of space travel, highlighting the Space Shuttle’s design compromises and the importance of testing. The conversation shifts to Apple’s VR headset, with Brian sharing his mixed feelings about its practicality and Apple’s missed opportunity to create compelling content for spatial computing. The trio then explores the ambitious project of resurrecting woolly mammoths by Colossal Biosciences, discussing the scientific and ethical implications. Lastly, they touch upon the intriguing possibility of naturally occurring hydrogen production within Earth, which could revolutionize energy sources.

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Mar 2, 2024, 6:26 AM

The Great Podcast Blackout

In an episode that could be mistaken for a cryptic message left by time travelers, Andrew offers a brief apology to the Weird Things audience for the recent lack of episodes. He assures listeners that while the episodes have been recorded, changes in the backend process have led to a temporary blackout. The episode ends with a promise of a return to normalcy, leaving listeners to ponder the mysteries of what these ‘backend changes’ could entail.

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Oct 27, 2023, 2:27 PM

WT: Might As Well Be Cooking On The Sun

Out of the fire and into the even hotter frying pan! The end of the iTunes brand? Millenial speak. Snoozing, but not necessarily losing. A 104-year-old silent film is found. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Oct 20, 2023, 2:54 PM

WT: Bones Like a Space Bird

We’re back, making it so weird! The longterm effects of gravity on bone density. Cold blooded, goated, incredibly gucci. Playing around with a voice-assistant-turned-dungeon-master. No After Things this week! Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Sep 22, 2023, 2:56 PM

WT: Throw a Tiger at Space (w/ Andrew Heaton)

We’re joined with Andrew Heaton of Alienating the Audience and The Poliotical Orphanage. Why the moon landing is an evergreen conspiracy. Moon pranks! A stealth jet tries out a DIY autonomous driving mode after an ejection over South Carolina. Space and our role in “splooging the universe.” Will prompt engineers be automated away by AI? No After Things this week! Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Sep 16, 2023, 10:01 AM

WT: Psuedo-Fed

New NASA job listing: UAP expert! An object at Mexico’s Congress purports to be a mummified alien…it’s probably not. Decongestants in the US are pretty ineffective, says the FDA. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Sep 8, 2023, 5:38 PM

WT: Oceanic Enrichment Time

Florida man is rescued from oceanic hamster ball incident…again. Golden orbs from the bottom of the sea that we can’t identify. Eggs? Peruvians have a theory on the alien-like disappearances of gold and villagers. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Aug 18, 2023, 4:31 PM

WT: Flappy Bear Back

Bear or Nah? “Training” goldfish. Basically-Confirmed: LK-99 is not a room-temperature superconductor. The latest race to the South Pole. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Aug 4, 2023, 6:42 PM

WT: eDumper Breaks The Internet

Wading through the uncertainty surrounding research on a room-temperature superconductor. What are the benefits if it’s true and how much validity do we see in the progress so far? Riddle me this, alien lifeforms. What’s an electric vehicle you basically never have to charge? Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jul 28, 2023, 7:20 PM

WT: Lionless in Kleinmachnow

Do not panic: there wasn’t even a lioness to begin with! The new bisexual kings of the jungle. NASA goes Plus. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jul 21, 2023, 5:16 PM

WT: Universe Manifest Destiny?

Let’s say technology keeps accelerating–how do we make a Starfleet? Spreading humanity across the universe and how we might deal with extra-terrestrial life (especially compared to terrestrial life!) Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jul 14, 2023, 4:51 PM

WT: Never Fooled w/ Dr. Daniel Simons

We’re joined with Dr. Daniel Simons to talk about his viral Invisible Gorilla experiment, errors and data fraud in scientific studies, and his new book “Nobody’s Fool.” The line between misinformation and being incorrect. Scammer grammar is debated! Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jul 7, 2023, 6:39 PM

WT: Gianni Bravo

We pull at the new Threads app and pick apart the maybe next big thing or maybe not who knows! UFOs/UAPs are still a present idea, but we’re short on meaningful evidence to analyze. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jul 1, 2023, 12:18 PM

WT: Cereal Entrepreneur

Virgin Galactic finally took their first paid-passengers across the Karman line, even if they’re behind competitors. The new Indy movie sparks a conversation about how sequels should build and explore new ideas. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jun 23, 2023, 3:35 PM

WT: Deep C

A high-tech face-off may happen in a very low-tech way. We talk about the tragedy of the Titan submersible, what is and isn’t okay to comment on, and the culture around real-life epics compared to their fictionalized portrayals. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jun 16, 2023, 3:47 PM

WT: Pork-Barrel Flying Objects

Coded conspiracy theories and a UFO cold war raging on for decades? Are we in a simulation or not? Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jun 9, 2023, 5:47 PM

WT: Big, Dumb Googly Eyes

Apple’s Vision Pro was announced this week. What does the first product look like and how do we feel about this vision for the future? Googly eyes, resolution, field of view, and more speculation. . Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jun 2, 2023, 3:16 PM

WT: Fatty Dog-Dog KibbleTMTMTMTM

You show this eyeball-looking thing some respect! A neat idea for invasive species. Blue Origin is tapped to make the second-next lunar lander and we debate the worthiness of doing that now. pando pando pando pando. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.” [No After Things this week!]

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May 12, 2023, 4:59 PM

WT: Moo And Get It Over With

In a follow-up to last week, we talk a bit about the idea behind hypnosis (stage and therapeutic) and what, if any, effects someone could feel and why. Suggestion, mesmerism, altered states, mesmerism, and a little thing we call “mesmerism.” Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.” [No After Things this week!]

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May 5, 2023, 7:33 PM

WT: Oh, I Remember

A memory test for the guys and a discussion on memory. How people like the late Harry Lorayne and others keep memories and some discussion on the differences between photographic memory, autobiographical memory, mnemonics, and more. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.” [No After Things this week!]

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Apr 28, 2023, 4:55 PM

WT: Pie-as-a-Content

Starship is likely to miss the end-of-April deadline for the 2-pies bet. What ever happened to Boeing Starliner? Ghostwriting (when the ghost is an artificial intelligence). Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Apr 14, 2023, 5:20 PM

WT: The Revenge of the Cyst

ULA tests the launch pads as they experience an “explode-y” test launch of the Vulcan Centaur. Airports, seaports, spaceports? PIE ALERT: Starship is on the pad! What would you do-oo-oo for a Klondike (blank)? Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Apr 8, 2023, 8:54 AM

WT: Cooler Than 1 Pie?

Manimal and actors jumping between comedy and action. Call Samantha? It’s a living! The Starship bet is updated and it’s double-or-nothing time! Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Mar 24, 2023, 5:03 PM

WT: My Little Tax Adjuster

More ChatGPT discussion as a new Plugins feature enables a chatbot to make reservations and do scientific calculations. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Mar 18, 2023, 2:07 PM

WT: Giving Powerful Topology 4

We grill Andrew just a bit for info on the new ChatGPT-4 launch and more hot takes on artificial intelligence in the contemporary world. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Mar 3, 2023, 5:03 PM

WT: Little House in the Privy

The Department of Energy and FBI make waves by broadly supporting a lab leak theory for COVID-19. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule successfully makes it to the ISS for a 6-month space trip. Florida has been expanding a high-speed train line and there is a trail of death in its wake!! Let’s make a videogame, okay? There’s billions of users howling for us! Take a look at my attic. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Feb 24, 2023, 4:43 PM

WT: Thumb Rub

Three parts to an aerial…experience. Samsung lets you AI-ify your voice. Sorry–a what musical? We get a little phallic. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Feb 17, 2023, 5:34 PM

WT: Last-Minute Massage

Pranks and the mysterious “Outhouse Gang.” Trains and planes–minus dames. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Feb 3, 2023, 5:33 PM

WT: Ready Your Weaselhole

Nothing Forever, a 24/7 livestream written by GPT that offers a glimpse into a future of entertainment. A sighting over the American west that international actors signals to spy movies. Espionage: it’s real! Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jan 27, 2023, 8:44 PM

WT: Podcast-Shaped Data

Gobots, Transformers, and a real transforming robot! Oh you like eInk? Wear every book on your face then. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Jan 20, 2023, 3:54 PM

WT: Going Weird Mode

We’re back and have inside sauce on the biggest tech story of the year with an inside-man. Perspectives from inside one of Silicon Valley’s most promising non-profits. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Dec 20, 2022, 9:58 AM

WT Mini: Lasers, Riffing, and Wasp Wangs

Hey everyone, Bryce here with an update for you! We took the week off again due to the holiday calendar and some moving, but want to give you a little bit of weirdness. Lets you and me do a mini Weird Things!

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Dec 6, 2022, 2:57 AM

WT: Going Weird Mode

Taking *Birken*-stock of this Steve Jobs item auction. A new item has been made an “intangible cultural heritage” item. Disney shows off research into easier video de-aging. We’re going goblin mode on the new words of the year. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Nov 22, 2022, 9:07 AM

WT: Lunar Looper

Artemis I is launched! Still expensive, but it’s rounded the moon already. Things get spicy as we talk Twitter and what/who may be leaving the website and what may replace the bird-shaped hole. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Nov 15, 2022, 11:40 AM

WT: Pennzoil B-Negative

Tech is advancing at such a rapid clip–and its failures happen just as quickly. Impossible, Premium Blood. Exposing that which shall not be named? Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Nov 1, 2022, 2:50 AM

WT: Teens On The Loose

Why are these blocks closed? Is it teens? A buzzy eviction case. Family photo time! Something hit Mars and we can see it! Gross monkeys. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Oct 26, 2022, 8:59 AM

WT: Definitely Not a Photo

What is this?! An image the guys have to decipher. Interviewing yourself almost 4 decades later explored. Lurk moar!!1 Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Oct 18, 2022, 12:05 AM

WT: Not The Chocolate Cookies

Elephants are remarkably similar to THIS mammal. Adcubes in space? It’s more likely than you think. What might mass-interactive movies look like? Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Oct 10, 2022, 11:00 PM

WT: Yeet Force

SpinLaunch celebrated their 10th launch using a “kinetic launch system” to throw small payloads into the atmosphere. Confusion in the skies and over the airwaves. Weird Things Fish Oil will keep* you* young* forever**. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Sep 26, 2022, 10:36 PM

WT: That’s A Spicy Satellite!

NASA’S DART mission will happen between us recording this and you hearing it! The Delicacies of the Road. Foxy fishing makes history. Shoebacca’s storied entrance. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Sep 19, 2022, 10:52 PM

WT: Pork Rockets

Artemis is still on Earth and over-budget. What could we have done at the time to better spend that money and time? Any updates on last week’s Blue Origin launch anomaly? Rocket Lab sends satellites up in their 30th space mission. A new shape of monitor that offers a virtual-large screen at juuuuust the right angle. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Sep 13, 2022, 12:37 AM

WT: Sus My Cringe, Fam

The Navy finally rejects a FOIA campaign to find more footage of UAPs, unidentified aerial phenomena. Rare Snake Alert! Volcanoes: how vulnerable are we? Three stories of space “whoopsie-doodles.” THEY GOT TOO MANY NEW WORDS! After Things is taking the week off! Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Aug 30, 2022, 8:32 AM

WT: Built Fjord Tough

Westworld re-watching update and prequelling Jurassic Park. NASA’s Artemis I rocket launch has been scrubbed. What does it mean that this Earth-to-Moon-to-Earth mission has jumped the gun and doesn’t intend to reconsider? A space startup is looking to observe the clouds of Venus. William Shatner has been deep faked into an…”interactive” video chat bot. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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Aug 22, 2022, 11:43 PM

WT: We Solved The Case…!

What is the first plant we should grow on Mars? And the second? Did older civilizations leave us warnings about natural and environmental disaster? The Zoo Crew have to investigate and finger an animal in a 911 call curiosity. Got something weird? Email neshcom@gmail.com, subject line “Weird Things.”

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