The Shape of Outer Space

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to explore the curious world of brown dwarfs: celestial objects too large to be planets, yet too small to become proper stars. The panel chronicles the history of their discovery, examines their unusual characteristics, and takes a peculiar detour through some of history’s most notable dwarfs, both real and fictional. Along the way, they deliver breaking news on “The Orbital Report,” contemplate the tragic existence of celestial bodies that never quite fulfilled their potential, and reflect on their own experiences with disappointment, inadequacy, and unrealized ambitions. Ultimately, they confront a question that extends far beyond astronomy: Is something a failure simply because it never became what it was expected to be?

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry for an examination of the history, science, and allure of bungee jumping. The panel traces the activity’s origins, explores the physics behind the action, and considers the curious relationship between extreme fear and sexual ecstasy. Along the way, they investigate the bizarre and deeply erotic rituals of the mysterious Bun-Gi tribe and question their own dances with fear.

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to boldly go to infinity and beyond as they discuss the legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear. The panel chronicles Buzz’s origins, examines his agonizing relationship with reality, and considers what his journey can teach us about identity, delusion, and accepting oneself. Along the way, they put Sid on trial, examine the strange cinematic tradition of toys coming to life (including The Indian in the Cupboard) and reminisce about the beloved toys of their own childhoods. They cap it all off with a rousing game of “Guess the Star: Childhood Toy Edition.”

In an especially frightening installment, host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to confront one of the most terrifying phenomena ever discussed on the program: Demented Vortexes. The panel chronicles the bizarre story of Ebeneezius Longsworth and his disastrous discovery, attempt to understand the eleven-dimensional rotation, investigate the mysterious disappearance of the dark-web's Null Archive, and ask whether some knowledge is simply too dangerous to pursue. They cap it all off with a rousing game of “Guess the Star.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to journey beyond Neptune and explore the vast, frozen frontier known as the Kuiper Belt. The panel chronicles the history of its discovery, examines the icy worlds that inhabit it, and delves into the dubious Legend of Kuiper written by Gerard Kuiper himself.

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by returning panel members Justin Pallini, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to investigate the mysterious world of OOPARTS or “out-of-place artifacts.” From the Antikythera Mechanism and Baghdad Battery to the Saqqara Bird, Dropa Stones, and mysterious crystal skulls, the panel examines artifacts that have inspired theories of lost civilizations, ancient technology, extraterrestrial intervention, and even time travel. Along the way, they question why we’re so desperate for the past to be stranger than we think, share mysteries from their own lives that might be better left unsolved, and confront the possibility that history itself may be incomplete.

In a special LIVE presentation of The Shape of Outer Space, host Paul Cuminale is joined for the first time ever by the entire panel: Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry. Together, they open the cosmic mailbag and field queries from listeners on everything from Tycho Brahe and alien probing to Cosmic Brownies, Laika, Professor Dillard Gibson, and the qualifications of the panel itself. Along the way, they deliver breaking news on “The Orbital Report,” debut Tom Chew’s highly anticipated “Chew’s Reviews,” revisit some of the program’s most pressing unanswered questions, and invite listeners to join the discussion live. They cap it all off with a rousing game of “Guess the Star.”

Breaktime - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100302

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to examine the strange and controversial life of Professor Dillard Gibson. The panel chronicles Gibson’s rise to prominence among fringe researchers, explores his many eccentricities and unconventional theorems, and attempts to make sense of the long list of malfeasances that ultimately overshadowed his academic career. Along the way, they speculate on what could drive such a brilliant mind toward a life of crime and consider the thin line between genius and complete self-destruction. They cap it all off with a rousing game of “Guess the Star: Astronomer Edition.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Thomas Chew, and resident "bad boy" Dan Perry to discuss and dissect the 1984 science fiction cult classic The Last Starfighter. The episode begins with Dan Perry's monthly book report on "Space" by James A. Michener before the panel blasts off into the history, production, and science behind the film. Along the way, they examine the workings of the interstellar government, consider the surprising importance of the trailer park, explore the film's early ideas about artificial intelligence, and question the unsettling prospect of being replaced by an identical replica.

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and resident "bad boy" Dan Perry to examine the mysterious Allagash UFO Incident. Together, they chronicle the history of the alleged abductions, dissect the science behind extraterrestrial probings, imagine mysterious camping scenarios that are best avoided, and explore the unsettling phenomenon of missing time. Along the way, Dan Perry debuts his new monthly book report segment, the panel checks in with breaking news on "The Orbital Report," and they conclude the episode with a rousing game of "Guess the Star."