It’s Not Rocket Surgery Episode 389 – Speediest Spider, Puffiest Planets, The Science of Happiness & Populism, and lots more science, technology and geek culture.

Links to other stories mentioned during the show are available on request.

Download Ep.389 (82MB)

Songs Played:
Holding Out For A Hero – Bonnie Tyler
Plush – Stone Temple Pilots
Do You Wanna Get Funky – C&C Music Factory
Nothing For Nothing – Billy Preston

The Round of 16 is dissected as the field is whittled down to the final eight. VAR arguments destined to last until 2042 are revisited, and the curious impact of political lobbying on red card suspensions is questioned. Unexpected exits are analyzed while a “Board of Peace” conspiracy theory is entertained. Quarterfinal predictions are shared, with a hopeful eye kept on a potential “Hand of God” sequel.

NB – The Round of 32 recap and Round of 16 preview was recorded as part of INRS Ep388.

Download RCKTSRGRY F.C. – From 16 to 8 (14MB)

It’s Not Rocket Surgery Episode 388 – FIFA World Cup 2026, Falling Satellites, Catapulting Spider, and lots more science, technology and geek culture.

Links to other stories mentioned during the show are available on request.

Download Ep.388 (47MB)

Songs Played:
Ladies & Gentlemen Part I – The Presidents Of The United States of America
Video Killed The Radio Star – The Presidents Of The United States of America
Kitty – The Presidents Of The United States of America
The Best Thing (Acoustic) – Boom Crash Opera
Independent Woman – Destiny’s Child
Surfin’ USA – The Beach Boys
Voila (Afro Soul Cover) – Barbara Prouri
We’re Not Gonna Make It – The Presidents Of The United States of America

The conclusion of the 2026 World Cup group stage is examined, highlighting historic upsets and shock eliminations that have shaped the final bracket. Pre-tournament predictions are reviewed as several heavyweights secure their progress while others face unexpected early exits. A forward look is provided for the high-stakes Round of 32 fixtures, including potential repeats of past classic matchups. Additionally, the reliability of data-driven simulations is addressed as the path to the final becomes increasingly clear.

Download RCKTSRGRY F.C. – Goodbye Groups, Hello Knockouts (17MB)

A recap of Matchday 2 highlights record-breaking performances from global icons and the unexpected resilience of tournament underdogs. As the group stage nears its conclusion, the **high-stakes permutations** for Matchday 3 are examined, focusing on teams facing a fight for survival and those securing their place in the knockout rounds. The tension of the final group fixtures is explored as the path to the Round of 32 becomes clear.

Download RCKTSRGRY F.C. – Between Matchday Two and Three (12MB)

It’s Not Rocket Surgery Episode 387 – Brain Rot, Neural Implants, Refreezing the Arctic, and lots more science, technology and geek culture.

Links to other stories mentioned during the show are available on request.

Download Ep.387 (61MB)

Songs Played:
Ice Ice Baby (Summer Synthwave Mix) – Auralnauts
September (Buffalo Soldier) – DJ Paolo Monti
Running On Empty – The Tullamarines
I’m Out And I Wanna Go Home – Daði Freyr

Quick review of the first 28 matches of the 2026 World Cup. Touch upon the startling scoring trends and red card rates, and the accuracy of the Monte Carlo model compared to the bookmakers. Recent upsets are analyzed as the highly anticipated match between Australia and the USA is previewed.

Download RCKTSRGRY F.C. – Day Eight Checkin (8MB)

It’s Not Rocket Surgery Episode 386 – World Cup 2026, Walking Anti-Clockwise, Crazy Cat Ladies, and lots more science, technology and geek culture.

Links to other stories mentioned during the show are available on request.

Download Ep.386 (89MB)

Songs Played:
U.S.A – Dubioza Kolektiv
Dunave Moje More – Pregrag Gojkovic Cune
Another One Bites The Bee Gee – Auralnauts
Ice Ice Matrix – Auralnauts
Freestyler – Steve ‘n’ Seagulls

Welcome to RCKTSRGRY FC, a special “side quest” episode dedicated to the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Download RCKTSRGRY F.C. – PreTournament Predictions (12MB)

It’s Not Rocket Surgery Episode 385 – Pope Leo XV vs Artificial Intelligence, NASA Moonbase 2032 Plans, and lots more science, technology and geek culture.

Links to other stories mentioned during the show are available on request.

Download Ep.385 (90MB)

Songs Played:
It’s Too Funky In Here – James Brown
I Hear Motion – Sean Kelly
Turn Out The Light – Grace Jones & Nelly Furtado
Can’t You See Slave – Marshall Tucker Band