How do we end a series about misdirection? With some fun stories from Reddit! In today's stories we wonder, if Houdini could unmask illusionist why can't a 12 year old boy? And what do you really owe your partner's parents when you travel together? Enjoy a couple of laughs with us as we wrap up... smoke and mirrors?

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:29:57 Stories start

Grant enthralls Maia with a story many of us think we already know. That of Mary Shelley and her masterpiece, the novel "Frankenstein". But much is misunderstood about the book, and the fascinating, traumatized, visionary young women who first gave birth to the creature. Buckle up for an episode of surprise cameo experiences as we piece together the true legacy of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:50 Pieced Together

The artist Maia mentioned at 1:04 is Tara Donovan. She was specifically referencing Fieldwork which was at the Denver MCA from Sep 2018-Jan 2019

"Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) by Félix González-Torres

Maia enchants Grant with a story full of surprises. Forget what you think you know about the famous Harry Houdini. More than one person's reputation gets called into question in this episode. Sound the spiritual trumpets (you'll get the reference soon enough), because this episode is here to delight. Find out the details of Houdini's oftentimes fraught relationship with one Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:31:43 Now You See Me

Halloween is quickly approaching, and we're here to talk about it. On this week's episode, Grant and Maia share AITA stories from Reddit and ask the bigger questions like who do we have to share our snacks with? What is the real meaning behind a holiday where you give candy away to children? And who isn't enjoying a little shredded cheese from the fridge?

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:28:27 Stories starts

Maia surprises Grant with something no one could see coming, a pet story that actually moves his cold heart. As with all of our stories, this pet is a little different than what you might be imagining. Man's best friend gets an upgrade... and goes to war? A story about the power of a silly lil treat and some human affection for Wojtek the Syrian Brown Bear in WWII.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:04 BEARly Different

Grant shares with Maia the complicated history of Sylvester Graham, inventor of the Graham cracker and so much more. Sexual suppression, mob justice, and food fads are on the menu in this surprising story about an innocent cracker.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:49 Lusting after Graham Crackers

Maia and Grant share Reddit AITA posts about The Happiest Place on Earth. Evil stepmothers, eccentric home décor, and traumatizing experiences at Disneyland. You know, happy things. 

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:19:23 Stories start

Grant tells Maia his nomination for the happiest place on earth. A confusing wonderland that has to be seen, and experienced, to believe. Life imitates art in this episode with some local flavor. Bring your appetite and dive in to Colorado's famous Pink Palace, Casa Bonita, featured frequently in the famous adult cartoon, South Park. 

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:09:41 Fighting off a Gorilla 

Maia tells Grant about the mysteries that do (or don't) exist in the magical land of Scandinavia. Your new favorite conspiracy theory, or your next vacation destination. It depends on who you ask. Thank you to our listener, Paula from Finland, who submitted the topic idea, the Finland Conspiracy originating from Reddit.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:48 The Finnish Line

Our first guest on the podcast! Maia invites her friend Lee on to discuss the summer he accidentally imprisoned himself on Hawaii. Grant and Maia bravely ask the question, who is really the victim in Lee's story? One of our most joyous episodes yet!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:07:46 Making Legos