Hyperfixation Investigations is a podcast with a wide breadth of topics: from art & science to ‘nerdoms’ & back! Join neurodivergent and queer hosts, Kara and Josh, as they infodump their newest hyperfixations with you! ©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024-2025
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Inspired by the mention of The Kraken in our last episode, Kara decided to join Josh in the realm of deep sea creatures, monsters, and cryptids. Explore with us as we follow the story of Scotland’s beloved Nessie from it’s ancient origins to the modern science trying to find the truth deep in Loch Ness. Discussion Includes: Ancient Sightings & Myths The 1933 Sighting 1934-1994: Sightings and Science The Hoax Sonar Expeditions © Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2026
Let’s continue our joyful learning about Josh’s favorite cephalopods, the octopus! This episodes continues from Episode 32. Josh will take us diving down to the further depths of their intelligence, shapeshifting, and mythologies! Discussion Includes: How to Shapeshift 101 What Do Octopus Dream About? Intelligence = Adaptability A Creature of Myth & Legend ©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2026
Part 1 of Our Mini-Series: "Language Through the Ages" Let’s talk language! Specifically, this episode delves into a brief history and overview of the study of etymology. Learn about the method of research for etymology, the difference between semantics and syntax, and the historical backgrounds of words like “weird” and “orange”! This episode sets the stage for further deep-dives into language studies as well as the use of etymology in our other episodes. Discussion Includes: Definitions and Clarifications of Language Categories Overview of Scientific Etymological Study Examples of Etymology
Swim with us through the coral reefs and dark sea floors as we explore the outrageous octopus! This episode specifically delves into the general evolutionary and biological facts of these 8-legged friends. Mythology, history, culture impacts and more will be available in a later episode! The intelligence and strangeness of these animals is sure to fascinate you, as it does Josh and Kara! Discussion Includes: Etymology of Octopus & Its Plurals Evolution & the Mollusk Phylum Cephalopods & Jet Propulsion Surviving the Chicxulub Meteor DNA versus RNA: Evolution & Adaption Biology Overview Arms ver
We’re leaping for joy this week as we discuss one of the peculiar days of the year: Leap Day! This day has been a long addition to certain civilizations’ time-keeping ways, including the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Learn about how this day came to be through both a historic and scientific lens. Discussion Includes: The Julian Calendar-Romans The Gregorian Calendar-Catholics Why February? Other Forms of Calendars Traditions & Celebrations of Leap Day/Year
Happy Valentine’s Day to all who celebrate! This holiday of love has ancient origins from Rome and Catholicism. It has become a saturated business market and an important day for restaurants, flower shops, bakeries and more. Join us as we explore the roots of this holiday and the myths, saints, and female entrepreneurs that have shaped it! Discussion Includes: Lupercalia and Ancient Rome Various Myths and Origins Saint Valentine(s) & Feast Days Chaucer Esther Howland ©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2026
In January 1926, some of the most important strides in mechanical television technology were made! Join Kara and Josh as they discuss the history & science of mechanical television and one of it’s most important inventors: John Logie Baird. With technology created in the 1880’s through to the switch to electronic television, we will flip the channels through many cool and impressive moments in television’s early history. Discussion Includes: Nipkow Discs & Other Science Early Mechanical TV History John Logie Baird Overview of the Move to Electronic Television © Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 202
After a lovely holiday season, Josh and Kara return to talk about Santa’s home—The North Pole! But what many may not know, is that there are in fact, multiple north poles, each with slightly different definitions and uses in the sciences. So join us this week as we explore the many north poles! Discussion Includes: Geographic Poles Magnetic Poles The Mythical North Pole Explorations of the Poles ©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2026
Welcome to the final episode of 2025! To “round out” the year, we are telling the tale of pumpkins, North America’s favorite native gourd/squash! While most know for its use in pies and lattes, pumpkin has a long and diverse history! It is likely one of the oldest domesticated foods in the Americas. So join us in celebrating the end of autumn with a deep dive on these famous gourds! Discussion Includes: Scientific Biology Overview Agricultural Overview Ancient History of Pumpkins Colonization of Pumpkins Pumpkin Fun Facts! © Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
The skies of November have turned gloomy friends, so it is a fitting time to tell the tale of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Many have heard the song, but the true story is a tragic example of the dangers of Lake Superior even in modern times. In this episode, Josh leads us through the life and final voyage of The Fitz and how Gordon Lightfoot found inspiration for a famous folk rock sea shanty. Discussion Includes: The Creation of the Ship The Omens of it’s Launch The Cargo Her 749th & Final Voyage Theories and Investigations of the Sinking The Song & The Memorials ©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 20
Let’s do the Time Warp again and step right into an episode dedicated to the Rocky Horror Picture Show and it’s predecessor, the Rocky Horror Show! Some descriptors for RHPS include: a cult classic, a cultural phenomenon, an immersive experience, & a great way to usher in the Halloween season. Listen closely and jump with us into the unique world of this beloved show as Hyperfixation Investigations celebrates it’s 1-year anniversary! Discussion Includes: Brief Plot Summary Key Dates & People for the Rocky Horror Show Key Dates & People for the Rocky Horror Picture Show Audience Participation &
Roll an investigation check with us this week as Josh leads us through a brief history and overview of the table top role-playing game (TTRPG), Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)! This beloved TTRPG has had a renaissance over the last decade, with growing popularity in streams, podcasts, main-stream films, and more. Discussion Includes: History of D&D How Dungeons & Dragons has changed since its inception Overview of the Basic Functions of the Game Why Josh Loves It SO MUCH! ©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
Part 2 of Our Mini-Series “Geeks, Games, & General Mayhem” Join us for this week’s “minisode” as we break down the history of LEGOs. From a beloved children’s toy, to a creative adult hobby, a movie franchise, a plethora of videogames, and even amusement parks, LEGO has grown and evolved over the decades. But at it’s heart is the idea of quality toys and creativity. Discussion Includes: Brief Overview of the LEGO Group’s History The Movies The Franchise Deals The Video Games The Discussion of “Adult” versus “Kids” LEGOs. © Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
You might think this episode is about first- or third-person shooter games. Ya know, all that conversation about video games making kids violent. The general genocides that happen in many a game. But you would be wrong! Follow along on this minisode as we detail the real war crime that video game producers have been getting in trouble over for years! Discussion Includes: Prison Architect Doom Halo Stardew Valley The Red Cross ©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
After last month’s episode: Salt Overview, we delve further into specific examples of the history, science, medicinal, and religious uses of salt! Learn about the links between salt production & the harnessing of natural gas, salt and Christian monasteries, how molten salt nuclear reactors powered planes in the Cold War, and more! © Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
Welcome, at last, to the Black Hole episode! Josh has long alluded to creating an episode around these celestial objects and now is the time. Join us as we delve into the science, history, and misconceptions about some of the architects of galaxies! And of course, we discuss the use of Black Holes in Science Fiction (usually incorrectly). Be warned, once you cross the event horizon and begin this journey with us, there will be no going back! Discussion Includes: Black Hole Basics History of Human Discovery & Knowledge Common Misconceptions Black Holes in Media: Sci-Fi’s Favorite Plot Device ©W
Salt is one of the most important and influential minerals in human history. From flavoring food, to being used as a form of payment, to its impact on science, the effects cannot be overstated. There are many kinds of salts, and they all have different chemical signatures. Throughout this episode, learn about table salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) and other edible sea salts from ancient times as well as salts we find in agriculture and other scientific areas. This episode is an overview of the history, science, and uses of salts, with more in-depth analysis coming in August! Discussion Includes:
We are starting off Season 2 with a “bang?” (sorry, not sorry). This episode is all about the often forgotten third atomic bomb core from World War II: Rufus, now known as The Demon Core. While this core was never dropped as a bomb, it was used for nuclear/plutonium testing after WWII and along the way, it was deemed “cursed”. Take a listen and find out why! Discussion Includes: The Bombs Dropped on Japan Basic Chemistry of Atomic Bombs Historic Atomic/Nuclear Research in the USA Rufus the Demon Core Basic Radiation Overview The Deaths that Cursed the Demon Core Long-Lasting Changes due to the
Join us for some laughs to whet your appetites for Season 2! This blooper reel contains funny moments and tangents that didn’t make it into the final edits of Season 1’s Episodes 1-4. Warning: this reel contains “that’s what she said” jokes and mouth sounds! ©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024-2025
We are happy to announce that Season 2 of Hyperfixation Investigations will be coming your way in July, 2025. Josh and Kara are hard at work behind-the-scenes on new episodes and new features for general listeners and subscribers alike. Check in for a blooper reel teaser in two weeks, and be on the look-out for announcements here on the website and on BlueSky and YouTube over the new few months regarding some exciting changes coming to HI! Thank you for all your support. ©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
We finally have an episode where our favorite phrase “deep dive” is truly apropos! So join us as we deep dive the fascinating underwater world of whales. This group of animals technically includes dolphins and porpoises in addition to whales. Discover their forms of communication, diets, family structures and more! Discussion Includes: The Evolution of Whales Communication & Friendship for Whales & Dolphins The Diet of Whales: Teeth versus Baleen Orcas! (Kara’s Fav) Whales and Echolocation Whales in Media ©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
Nearly 70% of women in the U.S. use hair-coloring products ranging from bleach to permanent hair dye. Learn about the use of hair coloring in the ancient world and how a discovery in the 1800s brought about the hair dye we know of today. Discover the biochemistry of how different types of hair dye work, the economic strength of the industry, and more in this episode! Discussion Includes: Biochemistry of 4 Types of Hair Dye History of Ancient Hair Dye Modern Hair Dye from the 1800s to Today Hair Dye & Health Economics of the Hair Coloring subsection of the Cosmetics Industry ©Wolf & Stag Produc
WARNING: EPISODE CONTAINS STAR WARS SPOILERS! Travel to Naboo and Coruscant via starship as Josh outlines the factors leading to the fall of the Jedi Order throughout the Star Wars Franchise, including movies, television shows, and books. Fun facts include which politician’s name is used almost verbatim in the films and more! Discussion Includes: History & Function of the Jedi Order Origins & Conflict with the Sith The Jedi and the Galactic Republic The Clone Wars Nails in the Coffin: Jedi Order and Galactic Republic The High Republic Era (Star Wars Books) ©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025
Part 1 of our Mini-Series: "Yes, We Were Those Greek Mythology Kids Wind’s in the East, Spring’s Comin’ in… learn about the Greek Gods of the Wind, the Anemoi, in this episode! Start with learning their names and enjoy as Kara and Josh breeze through some of their myths and mentions in epic poetry like the Odyssey. Discover other artistic forms and uses of the Anemoi, the god Aeolus (keep of the Winds), and wind in general from modern novels to wire sculptures! Fair warning, there are a decent amount of wind puns scattered throughout the episode. Spoilers for Percy Jackson: The Last Olympian a
It’s all in the Tea-Tails! After learning about the main types of tea and how tea plants are processed to create one of our favorite drinks, we’ll dive into the complex and often dark history of tea. The introduction of tea to the Western World is embroiled in colonization, smuggling, scandals, and wars. One of the main culprits behind all of this mayhem was the East India Company. Did you know the Opium trade and Opium Wars are closely tied to the tea trade? Discussion Includes: The Main Tea Plant Types of Teas Tea Processing Methods The Colonization of Tea pre-East India Company Tea Smugglin
