Science with The Blunt Letters

The Blunt Letters

If you wonder about dark matter, missing links, the wild lives of scientists, space updates, and cutting-edge technological breakthroughs then this is the podcast you've been looking for. Join hosts Micaela Superstar and Elle Lectrick for a drink and a savvy science conversation that gives you fuel for your nerdiest discourse and jokes you can't wait to rip off!

  1. S6 Ep3: Where are the scientists?

    1d ago

    S6 Ep3: Where are the scientists?

    In this episode of Science with The Blunt Letters, we investigate several scientists who have recently gone missing—cases now being pursued by the FBI. The surprising twist? Nearly all of them specialize in astrophysics or space-adjacent research. Micaela, Elle, and Jerbil sift through the facts and ask the big question: what’s really going on here? The hosts break down public records, reported timelines, and the strangest overlaps. Get ready for science, skepticism, and a few wild theories. Featuring the original song New Wave Tacos by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on our Patreon Follow us online: Website, shop, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Depop

    1h 21m
  2. S6 Ep2: The Gombe Chimpanzee War Explained

    Apr 9

    S6 Ep2: The Gombe Chimpanzee War Explained

    Join Elle Lectrick, Micaela Superstar, and Jerbil as they recount the shocking moment a peaceful chimp community split into rival groups and things went full-on nightmare mode in Gombe Stream National Park. With Jane Goodall and her team watching in absolute disbelief, the chimps launched raids, plotted ambushes, and generally acted like no one had prepared them for the concept of chill. Featuring the original song "The Great Chimp War of Kasekela" by Mariana Trench Reznor Become a Patron on our Patreon Follow us online: Website, shop, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Depop

    1h 14m

  3. Feb 18

    S6 Ep1: Capsaicin v. The Blunt Letters

    On this fiery installment of the Science with The Blunt Letters, Micaela, Elle, and Jerbil take on the infamous Hot Sauce Challenge—ten sauces, zero shame, and absolutely no regard for their future digestive peace. As the heat levels rise, the trio tests every so-called remedy they can get their hands on (milk, bread, ice cream, prayer, etc.) while breaking down the science of capsaicin: why it burns, how your body reacts, and the surprising ways it’s actually used in medicine and everyday life. Expect laughs, sweat, questionable decisions, and a few fun facts that’ll make you sound smart while crying over your next plate of wings. Featuring the original song "Science Shuffle" by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on our PatreonFollow us online: Website, shop, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Depop

    1h 15m

  4. 12/09/2025

    S5 Ep17: Typhoid Mary - Scapegoat of the Century

    In this episode, Elle, Micaela, and Jerbil dig into the messy legacy of Typhoid Mary—aka Mary Mallon—the woman history loves to blame. We break down how this poor cook got turned into America’s favorite disease scapegoat. We explore how sexism, classism, and science collided to ruin her reputation. Was she a menace, a martyr, or just really dedicated to peach ice cream and dangerously casual about soap? Join us for a hilarious and eye-opening look at the most misunderstood woman in epidemiology. Featuring the original song “Who Farted?” by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on our Patreon Follow us online: thebluntletters.com, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Depop References CDC Foodborne Contamination OutbreaksBL Teeth EpisodeTyphoid Mary/Mary Mallon: An Asymptomatic Carrier of Salmonella typhi The Lingering Ghost of Typhoid Mary: How the sad tale of Mary Mallon still haunts us today How Typhoid Mary left a trail of scandal and death List of foodborne illness outbreaks by death toll

    1h 5m

  5. 11/20/2025

    S5 Ep 16: Arsenic Poisoning: History’s Most Sophisticated Killers (Final in Poisoning Series)

    Elle, Micaela, and their Googler Jerbil are back to geek out on poison — this time, the sneaky, silent assassin: arsenic. In this final chapter of their Poisoning Series, they uncover what arsenic actually is, where it’s hiding, and share some wild stories of accidental and intentional poisonings. From Napoleon’s rumored demise to Giulia Tofana’s deadly cosmetics and Scheele Green’s toxic legacy in the 19th century, it’s a dark and hilarious tour through history’s most notorious poisonings. Because who says death can’t be hilarious when it’s laced with science and a little bit of snark? Featuring the original song "Optimistic Misanthrope" by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on our Patreon Follow us online: thebluntletters.com, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Depop References: Arsenic Poisoning Arsenic Wiki National Institute of Health: Arsenic Toxicity Scheele’s Green: Why This Toxic Pigment Became Popular Paris Review: Scheele’s Green, the Color of Fake Foliage and Death Giulia Tofana: poisoner, murderer, saviour? Lewisite Wiki

    1h 35m

  6. 10/01/2025

    S5 Ep 15: Ergot Poisoning - Hallucinations and History

    In the second installment of The Blunt Letters Poisoning Series, Elle and Micaela dive into the strange and terrifying history of ergot poisoning. From contaminated rye bread in the Middle Ages to its possible connection with the Salem Witch Trials, ergot has been haunting humanity for centuries. We explore the science of the fungus Claviceps purpurea, how it causes convulsions, hallucinations, and gangrene, and why it earned the nickname “St. Anthony’s Fire.” Plus, we discuss ergot’s surprising role in the discovery of LSD and its lasting impact on medicine, mysticism, and culture. Join us for a mix of history, toxicology, and true crime science in this deep dive into one of the world’s most notorious natural poisons. Featuring Original Song "Who Farted?" by Micaela Superstar References: Ergot ErgotismLSDHow Rye Bread May Have Caused the Salem Witch Trials Ergotism Today Ergot: from witchcraft to biotechnology  Were They Bitten? Or is it Ergot Poisoning? CIA sued over 1950s 'murder' of government scientist plied with LSD MK ultra wiki

    1h 48m

  7. 09/11/2025

    S5 Ep 14: Lead and the Birth of Forensic Science

    We’re kicking off our brand-new Poisoning Series with one of humanity’s oldest toxic troublemakers: lead! From ancient Roman plumbing to 20th-century paint and gas, Elle and Micaela trace the wild history of lead poisoning and how it shaped the world around us. Along the way, we dive into The Young Poisoner’s Handbook and the work of forensic science pioneer Alexander Gettler, who helped crack some of the first big poison cases. It’s part history, part true crime science, and all the weird, fascinating stuff you love. Join us as we start this series with a bang (but hopefully not a headache). Featuring Original Song Factotum by Micaela Superstar Aroma Tea Shop in San Francisco The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers by Caroline Fraser Musicophelia by Oliver Sacks What is lead? From University of Chicago:Lead Poisoning and Rome The Rise and Fall of Lead in the Workplace Loony Gas and Lead Poisoning story Lead Poisoning according to the Mayo Clinic Do Stanley cups contain lead? What to know about the lawsuit and potential exposure risk

    1h 11m

  8. 08/25/2025

    S5 Ep13: Gut Feelings- The Magic of Fermentation

    This week, the Blunt Letters crew dives into the funky, fizzy world of fermentation! From kombucha to kimchi, we explore how this ancient process transforms food, boosts gut health, and maybe even sharpens your mind. Along the way, we share strange facts, personal experiments, and why your microbes might just be your best friends. Tune in for laughs, learning, and a taste of the weird science behind fermented goodness. Featuring the Original Song "Would U Eat Me Up?" by Micaela Superstar References: Harvard Nutrition Source Therapeutic effects of vinegar: a review Daily Vinegar Ingestion Improves Depression Scores and Alters the Metabolome in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial Should There Be a Recommended Daily Intake of Microbes? Physiology of Acetic Acid Bacteria and Their Role in Vinegar and Fermented Beverages The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on fermented foods

    1h 34m
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If you wonder about dark matter, missing links, the wild lives of scientists, space updates, and cutting-edge technological breakthroughs then this is the podcast you've been looking for. Join hosts Micaela Superstar and Elle Lectrick for a drink and a savvy science conversation that gives you fuel for your nerdiest discourse and jokes you can't wait to rip off!

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