Making your favorite fictional technology a reality
Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gear Based Technologies
Claim This Podcastby Daniel J. Glenn
5.0(1 reviews)
279 episodes
Updated Weekly
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Podcast Overview
Making your favorite fictional technology a reality
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/23/2017
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Recent Episodes
July 1, 2026
Ep. 218 Schools of Magic
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal"><strong>What if the eight schools of D&D magic were actually eight fundamental forces of the universe?</strong> In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — break down all eight schools of magic through the lens of real science, from particle physics and chemistry to neuroscience and quantum mechanics.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">We explore how the <strong>eightfold way in particle physics</strong> maps perfectly onto the eight schools of magic, and introduce the theoretical “magon” — the fundamental particle of spellcasting. Then we go school by school: <strong>Abjuration</strong> as proton-like defensive particles, <strong>Conjuration</strong> as spacetime manipulation, <strong>Divination</strong> as probabilistic quantum prediction, <strong>Enchantment</strong> as brain chemistry and pheromones, <strong>Evocation</strong> as pure chemistry-based destruction, <strong>Illusion</strong> as electromagnetic sense manipulation, <strong>Transmutation</strong> as nuclear physics, and <strong>Necromancy</strong> as life-force control.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">We also debate which school is the most dangerous, the most easily abused, and the most morally complex — and why charm, illusion, and necromancy form a uniquely troubling trio.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Whether you’re a D&D wizard trying to pick your school, a science nerd who loves fantasy, or just someone who wants to know how a fireball is different from a cone of cold, this is the episode for you.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3b2.png" alt="🎲" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Topics Covered:</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The eightfold way in particle physics & the “magon”</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Transmutation & Necromancy</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The science behind each school: chemistry, nuclear physics, neuroscience & quantum mechanics</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Which school requires the most energy?</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The ethics of necromancy, enchantment & illusion</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Real-world parallels: mirages, pheromones, nuclear reactions & optical illusions</li> </ul> <h2>Listen to all our episodes on magic:<br /> <a href="https://bit.ly/FGGGbT_Magic">The Magical World of….well MAGIC!</a></h2> <h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fgggbt">Facebook</a><br /> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/fgggbtpod">Twitter</a></h2> <h2>Support the show by buying cool merch at <a href="https://bit.ly/Glennco_Designs">Glennco Designs</a>!</h2>
June 24, 2026
Ep. 217 How Spells Work
<p>How do spells actually work — and why do some only affect certain creatures? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — break down the mechanics, physics, and philosophy behind spellcasting in D&D and beyond.<br /> We explore the power of true names and pronunciation (Cthulhu, anyone?), the science behind spell foci like wands — including a deep dive into electrostatics and why wood might not be a coincidence. We dig into why Charm Person doesn’t work on a dog, why Hold Monster is harder than Hold Person, and why elves are immune to Sleep (spoiler: they don’t actually sleep).<br /> Then we get into the physics of Fireball vs. Wall of Fire, including a true story about an accidental wall of fire in a college lecture hall. Finally, we tackle one of science’s oldest debates — is magic (and math) invented or discovered? — using the Newton vs. Leibniz and Edison vs. Tesla rivalries as our guide.<br /> Whether you’re a D&D player who’s always wondered why Otto’s Irresistible Dance might not work on someone without legs, or a science fan curious about the line between magic and physics, this episode is for you.</p> <p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3b2.png" alt="🎲" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Topics Covered:</p> <p>True names & the power of words in magic systems<br /> Spell foci: wands, electrostatics & druidic focus items<br /> Charm Person vs. Charm Monster — the biology of persuasion<br /> Hold Person vs. Hold Monster & paralysis mechanics<br /> Why Sleep affects (almost) everyone — and why elves are immune<br /> The physics of Fireball, Wall of Fire & controlling chaotic energy<br /> Named spells & the “second discoverer” effect (Newton, Leibniz, Tesla, Edison)<br /> Is magic invented or discovered? The math debate</p> <h2>Listen to all our episodes on magic:<br /> <a href="https://bit.ly/FGGGbT_Magic">The Magical World of….well MAGIC!</a></h2> <h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fgggbt">Facebook</a><br /> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/fgggbtpod">Twitter</a></h2> <h2>Support the show by buying cool merch at <a href="https://bit.ly/Glennco_Designs">Glennco Designs</a>!</h2>
June 16, 2026
Ep. 216 Psionics: Mental Magic
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal"><strong>Could humans actually develop psychic powers? The science says… maybe.</strong> In this episode of FT GBT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — dive into the often-overlooked world of <strong>psionics</strong>, exploring the real neuroscience and physics behind mind powers in D&D, Stranger Things, X-Men, Star Wars, and Warhammer 40K.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">We break down why <strong>psychic energy works as a continuum</strong> (unlike the discrete “chunks” of arcane spell slots), and how that maps onto pop culture icons like Eleven from Stranger Things. We explore the three categories of psionic powers — attacking the mind, defending the mind, and telekinesis — and dig into the real-world science behind each: from electromagnetic brain signals and sports psychology breakdowns (Simone Biles, Ric Flair) to Faraday cages, Jedi mind tricks, and why a tinfoil hat might not be such a bad idea after all.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">We also tackle the big question: can a non-psychic person defend against a psychic attack, or are they just a fish in a barrel?</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Whether you’re a D&D player curious about psionics, a sci-fi fan, or just someone who’s ever wondered if you could move a remote control with your mind, this episode is for you.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3b2.png" alt="🎲" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Topics Covered:</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">What are psionics & why they’re D&D’s most underrated subsystem</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Psychic energy as a continuum vs. discrete spell slots</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Mind attacks: ego whips, mind thrust & psychic horror</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Real-world parallels: sports psychology, CIA training, hypnotism</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Defending the brain: Faraday cages, Magneto’s helmet & Warhammer 40K</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The physics of telekinesis</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Eleven (Stranger Things), X-Men, Star Wars & psionic pop culture</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Can non-psychics resist psychic attacks?</li> </ul> <h2>Listen to all our episodes on magic:<br /> <a href="https://bit.ly/FGGGbT_Magic">The Magical World of….well MAGIC!</a></h2> <h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fgggbt">Facebook</a><br /> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/fgggbtpod">Twitter</a></h2> <h2>Support the show by buying cool merch at <a href="https://bit.ly/Glennco_Designs">Glennco Designs</a>!</h2>
279 total episodes available
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- What is Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gear Based Technologies?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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