In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' host Tony delves into the niche sport of arm wrestling. Tony interviews Jeff Kirby, a celebrated arm wrestler and founder of Southern Utah Arm Wrestling. Jeff, who has been competing since 2001, shares his journey, accomplishments, and unique perspective as an athlete with one arm. The discussion covers various aspects of arm wrestling, including its techniques, training methods, and the evolution of the sport. Jeff also offers insights into local and international arm wrestling organizations, and provides advice for newcomers interested in the sport.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:32 Introduction to Arm Wrestling

00:45 Meet Jeff Kirby

00:57 Jeff's Journey and Achievements

01:52 Tony's Passion for Arm Wrestling

03:48 Jeff's Early Life and Move to Utah

05:22 Discovering Arm Wrestling

10:59 Techniques and Training

17:43 Arm Wrestling Organizations and Tournaments

21:37 Jeff's Personal Story and Comeback

23:13 Promoting Arm Wrestling in Utah

27:03 Family Legacy in Arm Wrestling

28:52 Women's Arm Wrestling in Utah

29:34 Challenges and Hopes for Arm Wrestling as a Profession

30:58 Social Media's Impact on Arm Wrestling

32:39 Finding Arm Wrestling Communities

38:09 Jeff's Unique Journey as a One-Armed Athlete

45:05 Different Styles and Techniques in Arm Wrestling

54:55 Training and Safety Tips for New Arm Wrestlers

01:07:29 Mental Preparation and Rivalries in Competitions

01:16:36 Changes and Future Goals in Arm Wrestling

01:28:42 Favorite Arm Wrestlers and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

High Strangeness: Exploring the Unusual and Bizarre

In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' hosts Tony and Anthony delve into the peculiar and extraordinary aspects of our world. They kick off with a casual chat about the holiday season and how time seems to fly by. The episode features a range of intriguing topics, including 'Stone Man Syndrome,' a rare condition where muscles turn into bone, the discovery of strange animals like the Venezuelan Poodle Moth and the Blue Dragon sea slug, and extreme body modifications such as implants and corset piercings. They also touch on mysterious Siberian sinkholes, adding a geographical twist to the strangeness. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore these topics with curiosity and empathy, shedding light on the bizarre events and creatures that make our world so fascinating.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:45 Holiday Reflections and Personal Stories

02:33 Encountering the Unmovable

07:11 The Stone Man Syndrome

20:39 Exploring Strange Animals

22:50 Introduction to the Blue Dragon

23:04 The Blue Dragon's Unique Features

23:50 Is the Blue Dragon Dangerous?

24:14 The Blue Dragon's Size and Habitat

24:44 Hermaphroditic Nature of the Blue Dragon

25:20 Strange Animals Recap

25:30 Extreme Body Modifications

27:03 Horns and Spikes

31:21 Corset Piercing

35:55 Sinkholes Around the World

41:01 Conclusion and Reflections

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Uncovering the Dark Origins of Valentine's Day with Tim Raybourn

In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' host Tony explores the enigmatic and sinister origins of Valentine's Day with special guest Tim Raybourn, author of 'The Scary Book of Valentine's Lore: 50 Terrifying Tales of Romance from Around the World.' They discuss the historical and mythological roots of the holiday, including stories of martyrdom, Roman festivals, and medieval poetry. Raybourn shares insights about the various tales featured in his book, ranging from ghost stories and urban legends to tragic love myths, and examines the recurring themes of jealousy, revenge, and human folly. The episode highlights the timeless human fascination with love and its darker consequences, offering listeners a unique perspective on Valentine's Day.

00:00 Introduction to Valentine's Day Origins

01:34 Meet the Author: Tim Raybourne

01:47 Discussing the New Book 0

4:10 Valentine's Day Myths and Legends

05:21 The Dark Side of Valentine's Day

07:14 Historical Context and Comparisons

17:56 The St. Valentine's Day Massacre

21:45 Tragic Love Stories

23:18 The Tragic Tale of Thisbe and Pyramus

24:12 Connections to Romeo and Juliet

27:06 Themes of Miscommunication and Jealousy

29:30 The Power of Urban Legends and Ghost Stories

34:33 Upcoming Projects and Scary Fairy Tales

35:54 Valentine's Day Traditions and Events

37:44 Evolutionary Perspectives on Love and Passion

39:15 Book Illustrations and Artistic Collaboration

43:24 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

The Scary Book of Valentine's Day Lore