Published by Daniel J. Glenn
Making your favorite fictional technology a reality
Listen on Apple Podcasts49 min
What separates a skeleton from a lich — and does immortality inevitably make you evil? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Siepser — tackle one of the most ambitious projects of the season: building a complete taxonomic classification system for the undead. Using six core categories — physical presence, soul spectrum, voluntary vs. involuntary transformation, dead-then-reanimated vs. transformed-while-living, life force alteration, and sensitivity to pure things — they systematically break down skeletons, zombies, mummies, ghosts, banshees, liches, and vampires with the rigor of scientists and the enthusiasm of lifelong D&D players. Along the way they debate whether mummies are just high-quality zombies, whether a ghost can choose to stay or is forced to linger, and whether the vampire or the lich is the true apex undead predator. They also tackle the big philosophical question at the heart of all undead lore: does immortality inevitably lead to evil? Ben Siepser’s argument — that anything divided by infinity equals zero, making all moments meaningless — might just be the most elegant explanation for why every lich eventually goes mad and every vampire eventually stops caring about the living. Whether you’re a dungeon master building your undead roster or just someone who’s always wondered what actually separates a mummy from a zombie, this episode has the answers. Episodes we discussed: Fascinating Nouns ep. 276 about Near Death Experiences The great Fascinating Fights series! Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
45 min
What if crystals could store your personality — and eventually become sentient? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — dive into the fascinating world of psionic magical items, exploring the real science of crystals, information theory, and the question that haunts AI researchers and D&D players alike: when does something stop being a tool and start being alive? We break down two categories of psionic items — crystals and tattoos — through the lens of materials science, electronics, and quantum physics. We explore how dorjes work like crystal capacitors with discrete energy symmetries, why they can only store odd numbers and never more than 17 charges, and how the Psicrystal — grown from a shard of a psionic’s own personality — maps perfectly onto modern AI development and information theory. Dr. Dennin introduces Claude Shannon’s information theory (yes, the guy who coined the word “bit”) and explains why psionics aren’t just manipulating energy — they’re manipulating the fundamental probability structure of reality itself. We also dig into psionic tattoos, why their information density is limited by the resolution of ink on skin, and why you should probably vet your tattoo artist very carefully before letting them encode your psychic powers. Finally, we tackle the big question: at what point does a growing Psicrystal cross the line from clever storage device to sentient being — and is wisdom just being too old and tired to care? Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
49 min
What happens when you put a Sphere of Annihilation inside a Bag of Holding? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — go deep on magical item combos, the science of extradimensional space, the world's most powerful glue, potion mixology, and the surprisingly complex question of when a sword becomes a person. We kick things off with the Bag of Holding — how its constant weight hints at real theories of gravity and extra dimensions — before combining it with the Sphere of Annihilation (a dense ball of antimatter in a magical containment field) and exploring the three probabilistic outcomes, including a spontaneous rip in space-time that sends your party to a random time period. Then we tackle Sovereign Glue, why no substance in our world truly sticks to everything, and the hilariously impractical physics of storing oil of slipperiness in a bottle. We also dive into potion mixology — why mixing potions in your body is random (your gut biome matters), what quantum wave interference has to do with making a potion permanent, and why you should always read the label before chugging two potions at once. Finally, we explore sentient magical items: Black Razor, Night Blood, and the Professor Orb — and debate whether these items contain trapped souls, emergent AI, or something else entirely.
46 min
What makes a magical item truly magical — and how many is too many? In this episode of FGGGbT, the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — dive deep into the science, physics, and storytelling behind D&D magical items, and things get wonderfully chaotic. We explore how magical items are created through the fantasy equivalent of metal alloying and materials science — from Damascus steel to samurai folding techniques — and how the concept of magical attunement maps perfectly onto impedance matching in electronics. We break down the difference between a non-magical plus one sword (medieval ergonomics) and a truly magical weapon, why magical weapons can harm magical creatures when ordinary ones can’t, and how luck itself might be a form of short-range time travel or quantum probability manipulation . Then we get into the really fun stuff: the Cloak of Billowing , the Luck Blade , the Cursed Shield of Missile Attraction , the Bag of Beans , the Folding Boat (which turns out to be an excellent murder weapon), and the ultimate chaotic device — the Deck of Many Things . Plus, does drawing a card that gives you a castle reveal fate or create it? And did your rich uncle have to die for that to happen? Whether you’re a dungeon master looking for inspiration or a player obsessed with magical loot, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: How magical items are created: alloying, Damascus steel & samurai folding Magical attunement vs. non-magical attunement (medieval ergonomics) Why magical weapons harm magical creatures Impedance matching & the three-item attunement limit Luck as quantum mechanics, divination & short-range time travel The Luck Blade, Cursed Luck Stone & Shield of Missile Attraction The Bag of Beans, Deck of Many Things & wild magic items Favorite magical items: Cloak of Billowing, Folding Boat & Nolzur’s Marvelous Pigments Cursed items — liabilities or creative opportunities? Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
46 min
What if the eight schools of D&D magic were actually eight fundamental forces of the universe? 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. We explore how the eightfold way in particle physics maps perfectly onto the eight schools of magic, and introduce the theoretical “magon” — the fundamental particle of spellcasting. Then we go school by school: Abjuration as proton-like defensive particles, Conjuration as spacetime manipulation, Divination as probabilistic quantum prediction, Enchantment as brain chemistry and pheromones, Evocation as pure chemistry-based destruction, Illusion as electromagnetic sense manipulation, Transmutation as nuclear physics, and Necromancy as life-force control. 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. 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. Topics Covered: The eightfold way in particle physics & the “magon” Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Transmutation & Necromancy The science behind each school: chemistry, nuclear physics, neuroscience & quantum mechanics Which school requires the most energy? The ethics of necromancy, enchantment & illusion Real-world parallels: mirages, pheromones, nuclear reactions & optical illusions Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
42 min
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. 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). 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. 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. Topics Covered: True names & the power of words in magic systems Spell foci: wands, electrostatics & druidic focus items Charm Person vs. Charm Monster — the biology of persuasion Hold Person vs. Hold Monster & paralysis mechanics Why Sleep affects (almost) everyone — and why elves are immune The physics of Fireball, Wall of Fire & controlling chaotic energy Named spells & the “second discoverer” effect (Newton, Leibniz, Tesla, Edison) Is magic invented or discovered? The math debate Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
38 min
Could humans actually develop psychic powers? The science says… maybe. 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 psionics , exploring the real neuroscience and physics behind mind powers in D&D, Stranger Things, X-Men, Star Wars, and Warhammer 40K. We break down why psychic energy works as a continuum (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. 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? 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. Topics Covered: What are psionics & why they’re D&D’s most underrated subsystem Psychic energy as a continuum vs. discrete spell slots Mind attacks: ego whips, mind thrust & psychic horror Real-world parallels: sports psychology, CIA training, hypnotism Defending the brain: Faraday cages, Magneto’s helmet & Warhammer 40K The physics of telekinesis Eleven (Stranger Things), X-Men, Star Wars & psionic pop culture Can non-psychics resist psychic attacks? Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
47 min
Show Notes Can science explain how divine magic actually works? In this episode the FGGGbT Brain Trust tackles the rules, biology, and ethics behind divine magic in Dungeons & Dragons. From the life-force mechanics powering clerics and druids to the darkest corners of necromancy — we break it all down. We explore how death functions as a control valve for life energy , why souls are the currency of divine magic , and what separates a good necromancer from an evil one. Plus, we debate the ethics of raising the undead, zombie consent, and whether zombies are actually part of the natural order of things. We also break down the key differences between Revivify, Resurrection, and Reincarnation — and what the HBO show Carnival can teach us about the conservation of magical energy. If you’ve ever wondered whether necromancy can be ethical, what gods actually want with your soul, or why druids might be okay with zombies under the right circumstances — this is the episode for you. Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
44 min
Show Notes Can neuroscience and physics explain how D&D spell slots actually work? In this episode of FGGGbT (Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos & Gear-Based Technologies), the Brain Trust — Daniel J. Glenn, Dr. Michael Dennin, and Ben Sieper — crack open the skulls of arcane magic users to figure out what’s really going on inside. We break down Vancian magic and why wizards forget spells after casting them (spoiler: it’s RAM, neural pathways, and sleep science). We explore spell slots as discrete energy units using battery analogies — from AA batteries to D batteries to full-on thermal runaway. We also dig into magic scrolls as portable energy storage, the key brain differences between wizards, sorcerers, and warlocks, and the science of necromancy. Plus, Dr. Dennin introduces his original house rule — Dennin’s Law of Unused Magical Energy — which asks: what if you could downcast a spell by forcing high-level energy through a low-level spell slot? (Hint: it involves lithium battery fires and a barbarian with a fan.) Whether you’re a D&D player, a science nerd, a fantasy fan, or all three, this episode will change the way you think about magic forever. Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Episodes We Discussed Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Memory w/ Rebecca Sharrock Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
40 min
Show Notes What is magic, really? In this episode, The Brain Trust dig into one of fantasy’s most fundamental questions — not just what magic does, but what it is . They explore why every great fantasy setting gives magic its own internal rules (and why breaking those rules breaks the world), how magic functions less like a supernatural miracle and more like a natural force nobody fully understands yet — a fifth fundamental force, sitting alongside gravity and electromagnetism. From there the conversation gets into the different kinds of people who use it: wizards who treat magic like science, sorcerers running on raw instinct, and clerics and druids who don’t need to understand the rules because they’ve got someone powerful on speed dial. Along the way there’s a detour into why your remote is basically a magic wand, why Alexa is closer to a spell than anyone admits, and the surprisingly thorny question of why, in a world where some people can rewrite reality with a word, those people don’t just run everything. Listen to all our episodes on magic: The Magical World of….well MAGIC! Facebook Twitter Support the show by buying cool merch at Glennco Designs !
32 min
Vampires are the one monster that seems to have been around forever (I mean they are immortal), and they never seem to go away. Their popularity may wax and wane, but these predators are always present, ready to suck away our life force in order to preserve theirs. Even when it seems like we have discussed everything there is to say about these creatures of the night, the Brain Trust comes through with a new perspective. This week we discuss their relation to the mosquito, how blood types play a major factor, and how a virus could keep you alive while you are biologically dead. Podcast Links Castlevania Man-Eating Plants Facebook Twitter
37 min
Everyone remembers the famous line in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” where Indy says “Why did it have to be snakes?” Well our Daring Druid (and resident ophiophilist) Ben Siepser often wonders “Why isn’t it ALWAYS snakes”? So this week we take a look at a few of our favorite snake-based humanoids including the naga, the ophidians, and the dreaded Yuan-Ti. Just a bit of a warning, the reproductive cycles of these creatures gets REALLY weird, so make sure to have a pen and paper ready. Also keep an ear out (no pun intended) for my DeKalb Flying Corn shout out! Facebook Twitter
37 min
Are you ready for MORE petrification! This week we discuss the basilisk, a creature that can turn you to stone just by looking at you. Well it has to meet your gaze, but we get into the specifics so you won’t get fooled. It is also gigantic, which is something to consider. Listen as we talk about how near-sightedness as an advantage, the deliciousness of magic shell, and how spitting on goggles may or may not prevent fogginess. Facebook Twitter
30 min
There are certain creatures in myth and legend who have been said to have the ability to turn those they encounter into stone. This week we profile one of those creatures, the cockatrice. With the head of a rooster, the body of a lizard, and the wings of a bat, this tiny creature can petrify the largest of creatures with a single touch. They are feared in the fantasy world, since their small size and extreme accuracy make them fearsome opponents. This week we discuss how this would be possible, and what to do if you find one of your companions looking more statuesque than usual. Facebook Twitter
36 min
There is a reason every little girl wants a pony: Because horses are really cool. They are so great that the world of D&D is filled with horse-based creatures including the unicorn, pegasus, nightmare, and even the centaur. Why this form? What tactile advantages does it provide? How can a horse fly but a pig can’t? We will answer all these questions on this week’s episode. Facebook Twitter
36 min
As human beings, we are lucky enough to be at the top of the food chain. Being at the top means there is nothing above us. No predators to watch out for, nothing evolving to eat is specifically. We never have to check our rear view. Or do we? In this episode we discuss what makes a good human predator, and it turns out its plants! That’s right, if we are going to be taken out, it will be by an attractive, seemingly harmless plant with beautiful flowers and hallucinogenic pollen. Listen as we discuss the dangers of high coconuts, using a pitcher plant as a toilet, and how Ben deals with nightmares of Muppets. Podcast Links The Muppets on Fascinating Fights Facebook Twitter
34 min
The forest is filled with all kinds of creatures great and small. It is also home to one of the most mischievous and dangerous creatures: The Dryad. The woodland spirits are tied to a singular oak tree. They are so tied in fact, that they cannot stray more than 1000 feet from their home. This can be a problem, so they have devised ways of tricking and charming beautiful men to come and stay with them. Some break the spell and are able to return home, some are never seen again. This episode is filled with all sorts of interesting revelations, which include quantum waviness, the discovery of true commensalism, and whether there is such a thing as consensual abduction. Facebook Twitter
37 min
Everyone knows that trees are alive…but today we are only concerned with the ones that run around. We are talking treants from D&D, Ents from Lord of the Rings, and the Fighting Trees of Oz. Are these creatures plants with animal traits, or secret animals that look like plants? We discuss the possibilities. The answer may be found in upside-down jelly fish & leafy sea slugs. Plus we show you the importance of poemifying your life, and indulging in a little tree sap. Facebook Twitter
39 min
When it comes to D&D, there is one apex predator: The Dragon. It is even in the name! These winged creatures come in all sizes and colors, which is lucky for adventurers. See, a dragon’s color tells you a lot about the creature, including their alignment, their powers, and their magic resistance. When you are going after something so powerful, you will take any advantage you can. We discuss why this is the case, and how it works. We also explore the idea that much like predators in our world, there have to be a whole host of smaller creatures that live around the dragon to ensure their survival. Why not hitch your wagon to the most powerful creature in the land! Podcast Links The Mimic Cycle Gelatinous Cubes Megalodon Facebook Twitter
31 min
Once you sign up to be an adventurer, it is a given that you will raid every chest you come across. Some will have locks, some will have traps, and some may even eat you. That last option is the topic of today’s show as we discuss mimics in D&D. These creatures can take the form of anything wooden, metal, or stone, which is usually a treasure chest. Not only that, but we will unveil a new natural cycle that includes the mimic and a mind-altering parasite. It may not save your party from getting eaten, but it may help you appreciate the dungeon’s natural cycles. Podcast Links Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Mind-Altering Parasites What You’ll Learn 00:01:46 Introduction to the Mimic as a classic D&D monster. 00:02:02 Is the Mimic an evolved biological creature or the creation of a wizard? 00:02:56 A deep dive into what a Mimic is, its abilities, and its common forms. 00:05:03 Exploring the ecology of the Mimic, comparing it to a land octopus. 00:07:18 Real-world examples of aggressive mimicry, including the spider-tailed horned viper and the orchid mantis. 00:09:17 The potential connection between Mimics and carnivorous plants like the sundew. 00:14:17 Introducing the concept of “arthropod treasure” from Delicious in Dungeon . 00:15:59 The parasitic life cycle of the treasure bugs and their relationship with Mimics, compared to the jewel wasp. 00:18:55 How adventurers fit into the dungeon’s ecology. 00:22:11 Unveiling the “Mimic Arthropod Treasure Adventurer Cycle.” 00:23:23 A real-world parallel to the cycle: the green-banded brood sack, or “disco snail.” 00:25:13 Brainstorming creative ways to use mimics and mimicry in a D&D campaign. Where to Find the Hosts & Show FGGGBT X (Twitter): @fgggbtpod Facebook: FGGGBT Website: fgggbt.com Daniel J. Glenn X (Twitter): @DanielJGlenn Instagram: @theDanielJGlenn Website: danieljglenn.com Merch Shop: Glenncodesigns.com Dr. Michael Dennin Instagram/X: @ denninmichael X (Twitter): @ denninmichael Facebook: @ProfDenninMichael YouTube: Michael Denin Website: deninmichael.com Ben Siepser Social Media: @bsiepser Key Terms & References Creatures & Concepts: Mimic (Dungeons & Dragons) Gelatinous Cube Kobold Spider-tailed horned viper Orchid mantis Venus flytrap Sundew plants Jewel wasp Green-banded brood sack (“Disco Snail”) Media & People: Dungeons & Dragons Ed Greenwood (creator of the Forgotten Realms D&D setting) Delicious in Dungeon (Manga/Anime) Baldur’s Gate 3 (Video Game) The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Film) Fascinating Now (Podcast) Gaming Terms: DM (Dungeon Master) Metagaming XP (Experience Points)