Backyard Philosophy Podcast

Finding The Perfect Christmas Tree

Ceremonies, traditions and festivities are in the air these winter months. For many the Christmas tree is a staple during the holiday season but getting the perfect Christmas tree and just getting a tree in general can be annoying, difficult and occasionally expensive. Have no fear though, for Nick will walk both Mike and you through the steps of finding your own Christmas tree and have it ready for the holiday season.

How Weird Are Platypuses?!?!

You know sometimes even God makes mistakes. Sometimes nature has one to many and creates a creature many would argue should not exist. But one creature in particular, puzzled scientist minds, at first not believing in its existence, thinking it was a hoax. To scientist asking each other how did this animal came to be. You may know this creature, popularized in media. I am talking about the weird and strange… Platypus.

The World Is Running Out Of SAND!!!

The ground beneath our feet is disappearing right in front of us! Cement, concrete and sand may soon be a thing of the past. It sounds obscured but it is true. The world of sand and concrete is one few know about but yet plays such a vital role in all of civilization. Trillions of dollars all rely on such a simple thing. But this simple thing has caused islands to be stolen, sand mafias to form and wars be fought all for sand. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about what goes into the cement world, how sand is disappearing and how governments business and cartels are forming around the business of sand.

Times Humanity Has Waged War On Animals ... And Lost?!

Humanity and mother nature have a complex and abrasive relationship and occasionally they try to hurt one another. Sometimes humans win, sometimes they lose. Join Nick and Mike as they discuss time humans have declared war on specific animals and lost.

The Science & Evolution of Self Sacrifice

All creatures in nature want to preserve their life, live long enough to pass on their genetics and ensure their survival .... except humans. Some humans will gladly give their lives to protect and save they ones they love and even complete strangers. But with a trait like this questions arise. How did self sacrifice evolve? Are certain people more willing to sacrifice themselves than others? How has self sacrifice genetics withstand the test of time? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the science of self sacrifice from chemicals in the brain to how nature and nurture effect people's willingness to lay their life on the line.

The Beast Of Gevaudan ... A Monstrous Story

The big bad wolf… Just in time for this holiday season. A story or stories similar foreboding and telling the danger of the monster that lay in the dark. Only, in this case unlike Red Ridding hood, this terror is true. A wolf, a monster, the devil himself. Either way this creature would kill and terrorized people for years. Leading to hysteria, bounty hunters, and a King himself getting involved. This is the tale of the Beast of Gevaudan.

Death By Cats ... Toxicplasmosis

The world is filled with dangerous things, many of which could bring about your death. From asteroids to car crashes, but sometimes the most dangerous things are right in front of our noses. The thing that may or may not be lethal could be living amongst you and you would have no idea. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about toxoplasmosis a force of nature that hiding in your home and how a cat may bring you to your death.

A Harsh Race To Map The Mexican American Border

In North America the man made line that has separated Mexico and America has been constantly in debate and changing. But few know the story of the adventures groups of surveyors from bother America and Mexico had. From crossing impossible deserts, shoot outs and surviving some of the harshest weather. Join Nick and Mike as they tell the tale of of a finishing line that was constantly moving and groups of men trying to survive against mother nature. 

The Science & History of Marriage

Marriage.... it is defined many different ways and has itself changed through history... from the ancient Egyptians to modern era, marriage has shaped and been shaped by culture and society. But what makes humans want to marry? Is it just chemistry in our brain.... is it societal pressure and how does marriage change one mind and body? Well Join Mike and Nick as they discuss customs and history, and science and biology of marriage and its impact on humanity.

The First Sleep Walking Killer ... Albert Tirrell

Killers come in many shapes and sizes with a wide arranges of deaths and monstrous acts. But few are usually the first of their kind. Join Mike and Nick as they talk about America's first sleep walking killer, did he do it on purpose or was it out of his control? Did he do it out of jealousy, revenge? Or was there some one else who was the true killer?