Episode 17: Bathtub Cheese Dreams and a Chocolate Loving Critter

Send us a textCould our entire reality be nothing more than an elaborate computer program? Physics professor Melvin Vopson thinks so, and his theory that gravity represents the universe compressing data like a computer might just change how you view everything around you.We kick things off with some bizarre updates that make you question what's real—a Michael Jordan-shaped Cheeto selling for over $8,000, the tragic and unexpected passing of Jiggly Caliente from RuPaul's Drag Race, and truly strange airplane incidents featuring passengers having breakdowns at 30,000 feet. The increasingly weird stories almost seem like glitches in our supposed simulation.The heart of our conversation explores Vopson's revolutionary paper proposing that gravity isn't just a fundamental force pulling objects together, but rather the universe's method of organizing information efficiently. Just as computers compress files to save space, Vopson suggests the universe pulls objects with mass together to optimize its computational resources. This theory transforms how we understand physical laws—what if everything from galaxy formation to planetary motion is simply the universe keeping its data organized?Whether you find the simulation hypothesis comforting or terrifying, it raises profound questions about free will, consciousness, and what it means to exist. After all, if our reality is programmed, are our choices truly our own? As we discuss the philosophical implications, we can't help but wonder if somewhere, someone or something is watching our simulated lives unfold—perhaps even laughing at the bizarre stories we cover each episode.Send us your thoughts, dog pictures, or recipes at okbudpod@gmail.com and check out our Patreon at patreon.com/diebud for exclusive content. Because whether we're in a simulation or not, this community is very real!Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Apr 47min

Send us a textEver wondered what happens when college rivalry meets reproductive biology? In one of the strangest scientific "competitions" we've ever covered, two college students from rival schools USC and UCLA are preparing to face off in the world's first competitive sperm race. Yes, you read that right. Tristan and Asher, both sporting athletic builds and cross necklaces, will be providing samples to be raced under a microscope through a track mimicking the female reproductive system. Both claim their healthy lifestyles and temporary abstinence will give their sperm the competitive edge, though the event has already faced venue changes and controversy.Meanwhile, we dive into several true crime updates, including the Karen Reed murder trial where newly revealed text messages surprisingly support the defense rather than the prosecution. The messages show an ordinary relationship argument and reconciliation attempt hours before the alleged murder, making many question the strength of the prosecution's case. We also discuss Robert Cremo III, the Highland Park Massacre shooter who received seven consecutive life sentences but cowardly refused to attend his own sentencing hearing where victims' families had prepared impact statements.In perhaps our most existentially concerning story, scientists have received $66 million to test whether they can combat global warming by literally dimming the sun. The controversial plan involves injecting aerosol particles into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight away from Earth. Some experts call this "barking mad" and a dangerous distraction from reducing carbon emissions, while others argue we need real-world data on potential climate interventions. From microscopic races to manipulating sunlight, this episode explores the fascinating, terrifying, and sometimes absurd intersection of science and society.Send us your favorite pie and pizza recipes at okbudpod@gmail.com and support the show on Patreon at patreon.com/diebud for exclusive content and updates!Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Apr 43min

Send us a textThe specter of a serial killer looms over New England as eight bodies have been discovered across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island in just two months. Despite police departments denying any connection between these cases, concerned citizens have formed online groups to track these disturbing patterns themselves. Ben, Jerry, and Kyle examine why authorities might downplay these connections and what evidence suggests something more sinister could be happening across the region.Death touches this episode in multiple ways, from the update on two children tragically poisoned by Easter chocolates in Brazil to Pope Francis's funeral arrangements, which sparked controversy when Cardinal Roger Mahoney was selected to seal the Pope's casket. The Cardinal's history of covering up clerical child abuse raises serious questions about accountability within the Catholic Church, even in death.The hosts also deliver a critical update in the Karen Reid murder case, where a key witness has now recanted testimony that was central to the prosecution's argument. This shocking development could potentially exonerate Reid, who has maintained her innocence in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe.From Billy McFarland selling the Fyre Festival brand after announcing his departure from the venture, to an Australian woman's viral experience with being charged extra for a Brazilian wax due to her "size," the episode weaves through serious crime updates and oddball social media controversies with the show's signature blend of insight and humor.Whether you're fascinated by true crime, religious hypocrisy, or the strange corners of personal services pricing, this episode delivers thought-provoking content that will leave you questioning official narratives and eagerly awaiting the next update on these developing stories. Subscribe for more unfiltered commentary on the stories that matter—even when mainstream outlets aren't giving them the attention they deserve.Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Apr 43min

Send us a textDeadmau5 gave Coachella attendees more than they bargained for when the Canadian DJ delivered a performance that quickly went viral—not for his signature electronic beats, but for repeatedly falling over his equipment while visibly intoxicated. The 44-year-old producer (real name Joel Thomas Zimmerman) later took to social media with refreshing candor, joking that while he remembered nothing of the night, at least he "didn't have a cig," calling it a personal victory amid the chaos.Meanwhile, Tiger King's Joe Exotic has found love in the most unexpected place—prison. The incarcerated zookeeper tied the knot with Jorge Flores Maldonado, a fellow inmate serving time for immigration issues. Complete with tuxedos and matching white boutonnieres, the ceremony marks a new chapter for Exotic, who proudly shared photos of their union online. Maldonado has already stated he's willing to follow his new husband to Mexico if they're both released, adding another twist to Exotic's already colorful life story.The digital era continues creating disturbing new challenges as teenagers employ AI "nudify" apps to generate fake nude images of classmates. These applications, which received over 200 million visits in just six months, create realistic-looking nudes from simple headshots, causing psychological harm to victims. We also explore the strange case of a Polish woman claiming to be Madeline McCann who's now facing stalking charges for harassing the missing girl's family. Between paranormal investigators passing to the other side and disturbing true crime cases, this episode examines how technology and human behavior continue to intersect in unexpected—and sometimes troubling—ways.Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch video versions of our episodes, and reach out with your thoughts or pet photos at okbudpod@gmail.com!Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 Apr 49min

Send us a textPrepare yourself for a journey through some of the most shocking news stories making headlines right now as we navigate taboo subjects with our signature dark humor and unfiltered commentary.When Kanye West drops a new song accompanied by a tweet describing incestuous acts with his cousin during childhood, we're forced to examine whether this represents another mental health episode, a publicity stunt, or something more disturbing. The fully-produced track raises serious questions about the people surrounding celebrities during potential crises and the responsibility of platforms that continue amplifying potentially harmful content - especially as West battles for custody of his own children.Science provides no relief as we dissect a ridiculous claim about researchers discovering a new color outside human visual range. We expose how five lucky participants apparently witnessed a "super-saturated bluish-green" color called "Olo" through elaborate laser setups. This segment perfectly captures how modern media transforms minor findings into sensationalized discoveries while more pressing issues receive less attention.Things take an even darker turn when we discuss the New Pornographers drummer's arrest on child pornography charges after being seen entering restaurant bathrooms with minors. This leads us to contemplate the eternal question of separating art from artists who commit heinous acts - and whether some crimes are simply unforgivable.The medical horror story of a man discovering a 30-centimeter kidney worm thrashing in his catheter bag will have you swearing to thoroughly cook your fish and wash your hands religiously. We conclude with a brutal true crime case involving a love triangle, a hammer attack, and torture that reminds us just how bizarre reality can be.Share your thoughts with us at okbudpod@gmail.com or support us on Patreon at patreon.com/diebud. Everything's going to be OK, Bud...even after hearing these stories.Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Apr 50min

Send us a textA jealous ex-girlfriend's deadly Easter plot unfolds in Brazil as chocolate eggs laced with poison claim the life of a 7-year-old boy and leave his teenage sister fighting for her life. We examine how holiday celebrations can turn tragic when revenge becomes the motive, while exploring the disturbing evidence that led to the suspect's arrest.Meanwhile, the dangers of illegal cosmetic procedures make headlines after a New York woman dies following a botched butt implant removal in Queens. The unauthorized practitioner's attempt to flee justice raises questions about underground clinics and the risks people take in pursuit of physical transformation.Law enforcement takes a dystopian turn as we reveal how police departments are deploying AI-generated personas to infiltrate protest groups and potentially entrap citizens. These virtual agents with elaborate backstories blur the line between crime prevention and civil rights violation, especially when targeting college protesters and political activists.The surveillance state grows more tangible with Thailand's introduction of a fully operational RoboCop, complete with facial recognition and 360-degree cameras. As China simultaneously deploys spherical police robots capable of traversing both land and water, we consider the implications of replacing human officers with tireless machines that lack discretion and mercy.Join us for this alarming glimpse into a world where technology enables both deadly personal vendettas and unprecedented government control. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and remember to stay vigilant in an age where the digital and physical threats continue to evolve.Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Apr 50min

Send us a textThe bizarre and unexpected collide in this hilarious exploration of news that makes you question reality. We dive into the latest scam from Billy McFarland, who has "postponed" (not canceled) Fyre Festival 2 without offering refunds to the hopeful few who purchased tickets. The man who brought you cheese sandwiches in FEMA tents has struck again, this time without even providing the tents.The absurdity continues as we dissect Katy Perry and Gayle King's controversial "space mission" aboard Blue Origin's spacecraft. What was meant to be a historic moment for women in space quickly became social media fodder when footage revealed suspicious details, including a premature door opening and celebrities who spent their precious two minutes in space filming themselves instead of looking out the window. With Jeff Bezos orchestrating the whole affair and more celebrities lining up for future flights, we examine the growing phenomenon of space tourism for the ultra-wealthy.From the celestial to the terrestrial, we explore two shocking crime stories involving bodily functions and animal cruelty. An OnlyFans model faces felony charges for spraying urine on grocery store merchandise, while Hawaiian teenagers who stole and killed a beloved pet pig for a hunting contest learn that not all pigs are created equal in the eyes of the law. We wrap things up with Taco Bell's unexpected entry into the chicken nugget market, featuring jalapeño buttermilk-marinated, tortilla-crusted nuggets that might just change your fast food allegiances. Join us for this wild ride through the strangest corners of current events where we promise that everything's going to be OK, Bud.Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Apr 47min

Send us a textThat shadowy organization pulling strings behind the scenes? Turns out they might be more like high school pranksters with unlimited government funding than sophisticated spies from your favorite thriller. The CIA's recently declassified operations reveal an intelligence agency that once hatched a plan to drop extra-large condoms labeled "small" over communist countries to destroy male morale during the Cold War. Because nothing says psychological warfare like making your enemies feel inadequate about their manhood while American men supposedly strutted around with Magnum-sized confidence.But wait, it gets stranger. Remember Osama bin Laden? The agency commissioned the creator of GI Joe to design action figures with faces that would peel off in sunlight to reveal demonic red skin and green eyes. The plan was to distribute these terrifying toys to children across the Middle East. Only three prototypes were ever made, but the fact this idea made it past a brainstorming session tells you everything you need to know about CIA creativity.Sexual blackmail was another favorite tactic. The agency produced pornographic films with actors impersonating foreign leaders, including one called "Happy Days" showing President Sukarno of India. The plan hilariously backfired when Sukarno was reportedly impressed with how the film portrayed his sexual prowess. Other ventures included remote-controlled dogs with devices implanted in their skulls, testing psychics who claimed to bend spoons with their minds, and of course, the infamous MK Ultra mind control experiments.These bizarre operations raise important questions about government transparency and what exactly our intelligence agencies are doing with taxpayer money. Are today's classified operations equally ridiculous, or have they evolved into something more sophisticated? Subscribe to hear more strange-but-true stories that make you question everything you thought you knew about how power really works.Support the showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

16 Apr 52min