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 & Humor Social Sciences World
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Episodes
  • 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
  • Absurd Nursery Rhymes – Unraveling the Dark Origins of Childhood Favorites

    Absurd Nursery Rhymes – Unraveling the Dark Origins of Childhood Favorites
    Oct 2 2024
    In Episode 10 of The Absurdists, Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy take listeners on a journey into the absurdity of beloved childhood nursery rhymes. But this time, they’re not just recalling the catchy tunes from our youth—they’re digging deep into the surprisingly dark and twisted origins of these innocent-sounding jingles. Exploring the Dark Side of Nursery Rhymes From Humpty Dumpty’s tragic fall to the grim reality behind “Ring Around the Rosie,” nursery rhymes have far more sinister histories than their playful melodies suggest. Marlo and Mary explore how these stories, often passed down through generations, hold dark tales about royalty, plague, and even unwanted pregnancies. Yes, you read that right—an unexpected twist to the cheery rhymes we've been singing for ages. Humpty Dumpty’s Hidden Meaning Starting off with Humpty Dumpty, Marlo and Mary don’t just stop at the iconic line of the great fall. The hosts peel back the layers of the rhyme and reveal its deep ties to royal history and a dark political metaphor about King Richard III. This perspective is not only eye-opening but also a little chilling when considering how we sing it so casually to children. Jack and Jill’s Grief-Stricken End The hosts then move on to Jack and Jill, a seemingly harmless rhyme about fetching a pail of water. But beneath the surface, it hides a tragic tale of an unwanted pregnancy and a fatal fall. With their trademark absurdist humor, Marlo and Mary breathe new life into the rhyme, making listeners question everything they thought they knew about this famous duo. The Absurdity of “Ring Around the Rosie” Possibly one of the most well-known nursery rhymes, “Ring Around the Rosie” is filled with coded references to the Black Plague. In this episode, the hosts break down the rhyme, explaining how its cheery exterior masks a grim reality of death, ashes, and survival during one of Europe’s darkest times. A New Take on Mother Goose Marlo and Mary finish off the episode with some fun musings about reimagining these rhymes through an absurdist lens. Could they create their own modern-day versions of Mother Goose? They certainly think so, leaving listeners wondering what bizarre nursery rhymes the duo could come up with next. What’s Next? As always, Marlo and Mary leave listeners in suspense for next week’s episode, promising more absurdity and laughter. If nursery rhymes weren’t enough to blow your mind, stay tuned for even more deep dives into the most ridiculous and strange topics only The Absurdists can deliver. Catch the full episode and more on The Absurdists, and don’t forget to subscribe to keep the absurdity alive!
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • The Absurdities of Travel, Doors, and… Crickets?

    The Absurdities of Travel, Doors, and… Crickets?
    Sep 20 2024
    In this hilariously absurd episode of The Absurdists, hosts Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy take us on a whimsical journey through their recent experiences and quirky observations. Marlo shares stories from his recent travels to London and Paris, offering a unique perspective on everything from international McDonald’s menus to cross-cultural miscommunications. The episode kicks off with Marlo’s adventures in Europe, where he had a run-in with the famed Chicken Big Mac, but the real fun starts when he discusses his perplexing experiences with common courtesy. Is chivalry dead? Well, Marlo certainly feels like it might be, after opening doors for strangers in London, only to be berated for his kindness. The duo explores the awkward nuances of human interactions, such as when it's appropriate to hold a door open and how people react to simple gestures of politeness. The discussion then takes a dive into one of life’s great mysteries: Why do we say “bless you” when someone sneezes but not when they cough? Mary uncovers the fascinating origins of this centuries-old tradition, revealing an unexpected link to pagan beliefs. As always, the pair’s humorous banter makes even the history of sneezing a laugh-out-loud moment. But the absurdity doesn’t stop there! Marlo and Mary also tackle the curious dilemma of elevator etiquette. Do you engage with strangers or pretend they don’t exist? And why does striking up a conversation in an elevator feel more absurd in some cultures than in others? They share funny stories from their travels and dissect the bizarre nature of human behavior in these confined spaces. The episode wraps up with a surprising twist when Mary reveals her recent foray into trying crickets – yes, you read that right – during a tequila tasting in Mexico. Who knew crickets could taste like pistachios? But beware of the legs and antennae that get stuck in your teeth! If you’ve ever wondered about the culinary delights of insect-eating or are simply curious to hear how tequila can make even crickets taste good, this episode is for you. Highlights from Episode 9: Marlo’s London & Paris Adventures: From Chicken Big Macs to door-holding mishaps. Cultural Differences in Courtesy: When does holding the door open turn into an absurdity? The History of “Bless You”: A surprising look into the pagan roots of this common phrase. Elevator Etiquette: Should we engage, ignore, or just look at our phones? Mary Eats Crickets: A tequila-fueled adventure in Mexico, complete with crunchy snacks. Whether you're looking for a good laugh, a quirky travel story, or just want to hear the latest absurdities from Marlo and Mary, this episode has it all! Tune in now to The Absurdists Episode 9 and embrace the absurd with us!
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    1 hr and 5 mins

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