Hyperfixation Investigations

Let’s do the Time Warp again and step right into an episode dedicated to the Rocky Horror Picture Show and it’s predecessor, the Rocky Horror Show! Some descriptors for RHPS include: a cult classic, a cultural phenomenon, an immersive experience, & a great way to usher in the Halloween season. Listen closely and jump with us into the unique world of this beloved show as Hyperfixation Investigations celebrates it’s 1-year anniversary!

Discussion Includes:

Brief Plot Summary

Key Dates & People for the Rocky Horror Show

Key Dates & People for the Rocky Horror Picture Show

Audience Participation & The Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club

Counterculture and a Cult Classic

© Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

Roll an investigation check with us this week as Josh leads us through a brief history and overview of the table top role-playing game (TTRPG), Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)! This beloved TTRPG has had a renaissance over the last decade, with growing popularity in streams, podcasts, main-stream films, and more.

Discussion Includes:

History of D&D

How Dungeons & Dragons has changed since its inception

Overview of the Basic Functions of the Game

Why Josh Loves It SO MUCH!

©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

Part 2 of Our Mini-Series “Geeks, Games, & General Mayhem”

Join us for this week’s “minisode” as we break down the history of LEGOs. From a beloved children’s toy, to a creative adult hobby, a movie franchise, a plethora of videogames, and even amusement parks, LEGO has grown and evolved over the decades. But at it’s heart is the idea of quality toys and creativity.

Discussion Includes:

Brief Overview of the LEGO Group’s History

The Movies

The Franchise Deals

The Video Games

The Discussion of “Adult” versus “Kids” LEGOs.

© Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

You might think this episode is about first- or third-person shooter games. Ya know, all that conversation about video games making kids violent. The general genocides that happen in many a game. But you would be wrong! Follow along on this minisode as we detail the real war crime that video game producers have been getting in trouble over for years!

Discussion Includes:

Prison Architect

Doom

Halo

Stardew Valley

The Red Cross

©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

After last month’s episode: Salt Overview, we delve further into specific examples of the history, science, medicinal, and religious uses of salt! Learn about the links between salt production & the harnessing of natural gas, salt and Christian monasteries, how molten salt nuclear reactors powered planes in the Cold War, and more!

Discussion Includes:

Historical Salt Production in China

Thorium Salt Nuclear Reactors

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) & Salt

Salt in Christianity.

For Research Resources & Related Images : www.hyperfixation-investigations.com/episodes/episode-21-salts-close-up

Timing:

00:00:00-Intro

00:01:11-Act 1

00:34:52-Intermission

00:39:41-Act 2

00:59:25-Outro

© Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

Welcome, at last, to the Black Hole episode! Josh has long alluded to creating an episode around these celestial objects and now is the time. Join us as we delve into the science, history, and misconceptions about some of the architects of galaxies! And of course, we discuss the use of Black Holes in Science Fiction (usually incorrectly). Be warned, once you cross the event horizon and begin this journey with us, there will be no going back!

Discussion Includes:

Black Hole Basics

History of Human Discovery & Knowledge

Common Misconceptions

Black Holes in Media: Sci-Fi’s Favorite Plot Device

©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

Salt is one of the most important and influential minerals in human history. From flavoring food, to being used as a form of payment, to its impact on science, the effects cannot be overstated. There are many kinds of salts, and they all have different chemical signatures. Throughout this episode, learn about table salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) and other edible sea salts from ancient times as well as salts we find in agriculture and other scientific areas. This episode is an overview of the history, science, and uses of salts, with more in-depth analysis coming in August!

Discussion Includes:

History of Salt from Ancient China to Today

Salt in Ancient Trade & Politics

Mummification & Salt in Egypt

The Chemistry & Basic Science of Salts

Salt in Religions

General Uses of Salts

©️ Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

We are starting off Season 2 with a “bang?” (sorry, not sorry). This episode is all about the often forgotten third atomic bomb core from World War II: Rufus, now known as The Demon Core. While this core was never dropped as a bomb, it was used for nuclear/plutonium testing after WWII and along the way, it was deemed “cursed”. Take a listen and find out why!

Discussion Includes:

The Bombs Dropped on Japan

Basic Chemistry of Atomic Bombs

Historic Atomic/Nuclear Research in the USA

Rufus the Demon Core

Basic Radiation Overview

The Deaths that Cursed the Demon Core

Long-Lasting Changes due to the Demon Core

Resurgence of the Demon Core in Internet Culture

©️ Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

We are happy to announce that Season 2 of Hyperfixation Investigations will be coming your way in July, 2025. Josh and Kara are hard at work behind-the-scenes on new episodes and new features for general listeners and subscribers alike. Check in for a blooper reel teaser in two weeks, and be on the look-out for announcements here on the website and on BlueSky and YouTube over the new few months regarding some exciting changes coming to HI! Thank you for all your support.

©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025