The Shape of Outer Space

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Otis Bradshaw, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to discuss the legendary and eccentric astronomer Tycho Brahe. The panel explores Tycho’s origins, groundbreaking astronomical work, and famously bizarre lifestyle, including his personal dwarf, his hard-drinking pet moose, his fake nose, and his alleged penchant for naked stargazing. Along the way, the group dramatizes Brahe’s infamous duel before capping the episode off with a rousing game of “Guess the Star.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, Thomas Chew, and “bad boy” Dan Perry to examine the infamous Zanfretta UFO Incident from Genoa, Italy, in which night watchman Pier Fortunato Zanfretta allegedly encountered reptilian beings throughout the late 1970s. The panel dives into the nature of alien abduction, reptilian theory and the disturbingly vast phalluses associated with said reptilians, the hidden truth about libraries, and the many serpentine creatures woven throughout human mythology. You won’t want to miss this one!

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry to discuss The Whale, directed by Darren Aronofsky. The panel explores the film’s emotional core, reflects on the career and filmography of Brendan Fraser, and uncovers the surprisingly profound themes lurking beneath the surface of Encino Man. Along the way, they attempt to visualize what whales of space might look like before concluding with a special round of “Guess the Star: Portly Hollywood Figure Edition.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini to visit the oft-forgotten planet Neptune. Together, they traverse its tumultuous winds in search of the secrets that may lie within, investigate the mysterious origins of its moon Triton, and even theorize about the planet’s hypothetical feelings. Along the way, they reflect on memories of first summer-camp loves and the emotions tied to them, before capping it all off with a round of “Guess the Star: Planet Edition.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by returning contributors Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to examine the strange phenomenon of crop circles. The trio debates their questionable origins, dissects the signature twists of Shyamalan, and even stage a mock trial to put potential culprits to death. Along the way, they propose their own theorems before closing out another deep dive into the unexplained.

In another true departure episode, host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini, resident “bad boy” Dan Perry, and newcomer Otis P. Bradshaw to discuss the NBC sitcom Wings. The panel explores the show’s place in television history, the impact of NBC’s iconic “Must See TV” programming block, and even breaks down the science behind the classic sitcom formula, along with a detour into how planes actually fly. They cap things off with a round of “Guess the Star: Wings Guest Star Edition.”

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Host Paul Cuminale is joined for the first time by a three-person panel: Justin Pallini, Tom Chew, and resident “bad boy” Dan Perry, to discuss Laika, the first dog sent into space. The group reflects on Laika’s contribution to science and the humans who betrayed her trust, while also veering into conversations about animals more (or less) deserving of such a fate, hot dogs, and Tom Chew’s controversial solution to the homeless epidemic. They close things out with a very special round of “Guess the Star: Famous Animal Edition.”

In another special departure episode, host Paul Cuminale is joined by members of the ever-rotating panel, Justin Pallini and Dan Perry, to focus on Easter. The trio explores the holiday’s religious significance alongside its cultural symbols, before Justin and Dan square off in another installment of “Ethics Committee” to debate which holds greater importance. They also discuss the film Flatliners, imagine what an Easter celebration in space might look like, and deliver breaking news in “The Orbital Report.” The episode concludes with a round of “Guess the Star: Biblical Figure Edition.”

Host Paul Cuminale is joined by Justin Pallini and Dan Perry to examine the alleged alien abduction of Betty and Barney Hill, one of the most famous encounters in UFO lore. The panel revisits the details of the case, considers alternative explanations and explores the role hypnosis played in recovering the Hills’ memories. Along the way, they reflect on the nature of memory itself, the kinds of memories people might wish would disappear, and the broader question of why abductions continue to captivate the public.

In a special episode titled Queries of the Cosmos, host Paul Cuminale opens the mailbag to answer questions sent in by listeners. From curious inquiries about distant galaxies to speculation surrounding extraterrestrial life, Paul tackles a wide range of cosmic queries. The episode also features a never-before-heard segment discussing the 2022 film The Whale starring Brendan Fraser.