The Absurdists

By: Mary Murphy & Marlo Anderson
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  • Summary

  • The Absurdists is a weekly podcast where co-hosts Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy take you on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through the bizarre, the whimsical, and the downright absurd aspects of modern life. Whether they’re discussing peculiar inventions, absurd laws, or the quirks of daily communication, Marlo and Mary bring humor, curiosity, and light-hearted banter to every episode. With a focus on finding joy in life’s oddities, The Absurdists is a show that embraces the weird and invites listeners to laugh at the unexpected. Tune in for engaging conversations, amusing stories, and a reminder to embrace the absurdity in your own life!
    Copyright 2024 Marlo Anderson LLC
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Biographies & Memoirs Comedy & Humour Social Sciences World
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Episodes
  • The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed

    The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed
    Nov 1 2024
    The Most Absurd World Records You Never Knew Existed Ever wonder who holds the record for balancing a running lawnmower on their chin? Neither had we, until this week's episode. Marlo and Mary dove headfirst into the weird world of record-breaking achievements, and folks, it's even stranger than we imagined. Did You Know People PAY to Break Records? Before we get into the truly bizarre stuff, here's something that blew our minds: people actually pay thousands of dollars to have their record attempts certified. That's right – somebody paid actual money to have someone watch them stack M&Ms. Speaking of which... Seven M&Ms: The Stack That Shocked Mary When Mary confessed she couldn't even stack two M&Ms, we knew we were in for a treat. The current record? Seven M&Ms stacked on top of each other. No glue, no tricks, just pure M&M-stacking dedication. As Mary put it, "I can't get two to stay on top of each other. I can't imagine anything more than that!" The T-Shirt Champion of Ontario Picture wearing 260 t-shirts at once. Now picture paying someone to watch you do it. Ted Hastings from Ontario did exactly that, requiring special order shirts up to size 20XL. His description? "Generally awful." But hey, he raised $11,000 for a playground, so we'll call that a win! High Heels at High Speed Remember Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint record of 9.58 seconds? Now imagine running that same distance in stilettos. Someone did it in 12.82 seconds – just 3.24 seconds slower than Bolt's record. Mary's response? "I'm already in pain just thinking about it." Other Mind-Bending Records We Covered: A man who broke 51 watermelons with his head in one minute 125 scoops of ice cream balanced on a single cone Fingernails measuring almost 43 feet combined Breaking 46 wooden toilet seats with your head in 60 seconds (because... why not?) The Stories Behind the Strange What makes these records truly fascinating isn't just the bizarre achievements – it's the stories behind them. From a teacher's scolding leading to 66 years of nail growth to a tribute to a lost loved one, these seemingly absurd accomplishments often have surprisingly touching origins. Want to Break a Record with The Absurdists? We're cooking up something special. Marlo and Mary are contemplating setting their own world record with our listeners. Stay tuned for what might be the most absurd group achievement yet! Keep it Absurd As Marlo always says, "Stay Absurd, Everybody!" And if you're thinking about breaking any of these records, maybe start with stacking two M&Ms before moving on to the running lawnmower balancing act. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to follow us for more weekly doses of absurdity. Fun Fact: During the recording of this episode, Marlo revealed he holds four world records himself – though thankfully none involve balancing lawn equipment on any body parts!
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    33 mins
  • From Big Macs to Bless You: Laughing Through the World’s Weird Rituals

    From Big Macs to Bless You: Laughing Through the World’s Weird Rituals
    Oct 24 2024
    In this latest episode of The Absurdists, Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy dive headfirst into the hilariously quirky world of human rituals, customs, and behaviors that, at a closer look, seem utterly absurd. With their characteristic wit, the duo unravels the strange ways people engage with everyday customs and habits that many of us take for granted, prompting laughter, reflection, and perhaps a little confusion along the way. The Great "Bless You" Debate The episode begins with a deep dive into the peculiar practice of saying “bless you” when someone sneezes. Marlo and Mary muse over why sneezes, and not coughs or yawns, earn this special acknowledgment. The pair uncovers the bizarre history of this ritual, tracing it back to ancient beliefs, where sneezing was thought to release spirits from the body, requiring a blessing to ward off evil. Mary shares how, even now, the custom persists globally, yet the logic behind it has long been lost to time. Marlo’s take? He wonders whether society would feel just as compelled to offer blessings if someone hiccupped or burped in public. Together, the hosts laugh at the oddity of such arbitrary social expectations, which shape behaviors we follow without second thought. Holding Doors: A Chivalry Conundrum Marlo recounts an awkward moment during his recent trip to London, where his attempt at politeness—holding a door open for strangers—was met with unexpected criticism. This moment triggers a larger conversation about the nuances of politeness and courtesy. The duo debates when it’s appropriate to hold a door, and how some cultures view these small acts of kindness differently. They discuss how politeness can sometimes backfire, turning an intended good deed into an uncomfortable social faux pas. Mary reflects on times when she felt awkward holding doors too long or when someone hurried awkwardly to avoid being “inconvenient.” The conversation naturally meanders into how different regions of the world handle common courtesy, with humorous stories peppered throughout. The Awkward Etiquette of Elevators Few things in modern life are as awkward as standing in an elevator with strangers, and Marlo and Mary fully explore this phenomenon. Should you strike up a conversation or pretend everyone else doesn’t exist? They laugh over the unwritten rules of elevator etiquette, where eye contact becomes taboo, and everyone instinctively turns to their phones to avoid interaction. Mary shares a story of a particularly lively elevator ride she once took in Las Vegas, where an impromptu conversation broke the unspoken rule of silence. Meanwhile, Marlo marvels at how such a small, confined space can amplify social anxiety and awkwardness. Crickets and Tequila: A Crunchy Cultural Experience Mary introduces listeners to her most recent culinary adventure in Mexico, where she participated in a tequila tasting that came with an unusual snack: crickets. Describing the experience with her signature humor, she shares how the tequila made the crunchy insects more palatable, although she warns listeners about the surprising challenge of dealing with tiny legs and antennae that stubbornly stick between your teeth. Marlo can’t resist chiming in, pondering the rise of edible insects in Western culture and playfully imagining future food trends. Could crickets become the new potato chips? The thought alone is absurd enough to warrant a chuckle. Absurd Reflections on Everyday Behavior The episode wraps up with reflections on how rituals and customs, from saying “bless you” to awkward elevator silences, shape human behavior. Marlo and Mary leave listeners with an invitation to embrace the absurdity of life and find humor in everyday interactions. Whether it’s holding a door, munching on crickets, or nodding politely in an elevator, these small moments remind us that life is full of quirks worth celebrating. Highlights from Episode 12: The Origins of “Bless You”: Sneezing and its strang...
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Unraveling the Absurd: Exploring 10 Mind-Bending Conspiracy Theories

    Unraveling the Absurd: Exploring 10 Mind-Bending Conspiracy Theories
    Oct 9 2024
    Are birds watching us? The Absurdists investigate! Birds Aren't Real: Government Drones in Disguise? One of the first conspiracy theories discussed is the internet-born idea that birds are actually government surveillance drones. According to this theory, all birds were replaced by mechanical lookalikes in the 1950s. Our hosts humorously point out the existence of ornithology and the impracticality of such a massive undertaking. "If these are drones," Mary quips, "they've missed a critical feature – stopping the robotic birds from pooping on us!" The Denver International Airport: An Illuminati Headquarters? The podcast explores the conspiracy surrounding Denver International Airport, alleged to be a secret base for the Illuminati. Marlo and Mary discuss: Unusual murals and underground facilities Connections to nearby military installations Prevalence of similar symbolism in older U.S. buildings "It's fascinating how everyday places can become the center of such elaborate theories," Marlo observes. Hollow Earth Theory: A Hidden World Beneath Our Feet? Our hosts tackle the Hollow Earth theory, which suggests that entire civilizations exist beneath the Earth's surface. They examine: Scientific impossibilities of a hollow planet Alleged UFO exits through the poles Humorous considerations of logistics for subterranean societies Mary jokes, "If the Earth is hollow, where does all the magma for volcanoes come from? A really big Instant Pot?" Celebrity Conspiracy: Was Paul McCartney Replaced? The long-standing theory that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a lookalike gets a thorough examination. Key points include: Analysis of supposed clues in Beatles albums Humorous observations about the "doppelganger's" successful career Speculation about DNA testing to resolve the mystery "If it's true," Marlo laughs, "the replacement Paul has had an even more impressive career than the original!" Chemtrails: Weather Control or Population Manipulation? The episode concludes with a discussion on chemtrails, the belief that airplane contrails are actually chemical agents used for nefarious purposes. Marlo and Mary explore: The science behind contrails Logistical challenges of a global chemtrail operation Critical thinking about the theory's plausibility "If chemtrails were real," Mary ponders, "wouldn't the people spraying them be affected too?" The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories While The Absurdists approach these theories with humor, they also delve into why people believe in conspiracy theories. Some reasons include: The desire for control and certainty in an uncertain world The need to feel special or privy to secret information Distrust in authorities and institutions As Marlo notes, "Understanding why people believe in conspiracy theories can help us approach these discussions with empathy." Conclusion: Critical Thinking in the Age of Information The Absurdists remind listeners that while it's fun to explore outlandish ideas, it's crucial to approach information with a balance of curiosity and skepticism. By examining conspiracy theories, we can sharpen our critical thinking skills and better navigate the complex information landscape of the modern world. "At the end of the day," Mary concludes, "it's about asking questions, seeking evidence, and not being afraid to change our minds when presented with new information." Stay tuned for future episodes of The Absurdists, where Marlo and Mary continue to explore the strange, silly, and downright absurd aspects of our world! Further Reading: The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories Critical Thinking in the Internet Age The Absurdists Podcast Official Website
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    1 hr and 12 mins

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