Science with The Blunt Letters

The Blunt Letters
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Science
  • Updated Biweekly

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. Aug 18

    Is Your Lawn Fascist? The Toxic History & Environmental Impact of Lawns

    Is your lawn fascist? Find out now! In this episode of Science with The Blunt Letters, Micaela and Elle explore the classist history of the lawn and how the dream of perfect green grass is rooted in an ugly history of colonialism, conformity, exploitation, and even fascism. Then they dig into the environmental consequences of “the perfect lawn”. Micaela and Elle explore how pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and chemical runoff make their way into our ecosystems, while traditional lawn maintenance contributes to water waste, pollution, fire and flooding risks, and biodiversity loss. They uncover the human cost of maintaining lawns and the ongoing culture of conformity that go hand in hand with these status symbols. Discover how you can fight back with sustainable lawn alternatives, native ground cover, native plants, and other ways to replace your lawn with a healthier, more environmentally friendly yard. Become a Patron on our Patreon Follow us online: Website, shop, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Depop

    Is Your Lawn Fascist? The Toxic History & Environmental Impact of Lawns

  2. Jul 22

    Did CERN Break Reality? LHC Shutdown, Quantum Physics & The UFO Disclosure Files Explained

    On this episode of Science With The Blunt Letters, we investigate the recent CERN Large Hadron Collider shutdown and explain what the LHC actually does, why it matters, and why particle physics has become the center of so many wild theories about the universe. Then we go deep into quantum physics — the science that proves reality is far stranger than we ever imagined. From quantum uncertainty to the mysteries of existence itself, we explore why scientists are still uncovering new questions about how the universe works. Next, we examine the latest moment in the UFO conversation: the release of Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure film and the simultaneous release of government disclosure files. Is this a new era of transparency around UAPs, or another document dump? Finally, we discuss why audiences love the unknown, from Skinwalker Ranch to Outer Range, and what we would do if we ever met an alien. Science, aliens, quantum weirdness, and the mysteries hiding at the edge of knowledge — this is The Blunt Letters. This episode features the original song “F*cking Aliens” by Micaela Superstar Become a Patron on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/thebluntletters  Follow The Blunt Letters Online: Website: https://thebluntletters.com/ Shop: https://thebluntletters.square.site/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC74oPIINasTPg4sEqouY5_Q TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebluntletters Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thebluntletters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBluntLetters/ Depop: https://www.depop.com/thebluntletters/?brandIds=67&productId=427424406

    Did CERN Break Reality? LHC Shutdown, Quantum Physics & The UFO Disclosure Files Explained

  3. May 27

    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

    S6 Ep3: Where are the scientists?

  4. 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

    S6 Ep2: The Gombe Chimpanzee War Explained

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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