Podcast
Curious Cat - where science & supernatural collide
Hosted by Jennifer Hotes · EN
What does it mean to be a soul in a meat suit? With curiosity as the lens, life looks more complicated, strange, and wonderful. Staring into the places where science and supernatural collide is to behold magic. And the best part? Science is finally catching up! Weekly episodes are made and offered in love. *All Curious Cat content is owned and operated by Storm Mystery Press LLC
64episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Last of the June Doom (but it's actually super-upbeat!)
Jun 3000:54:46Tap to summarizeCommodore 64 built a phone. Say yes to the interNOT, they market. And we are fans. What a way to open the doom hole, with a Santa-bell worthy story!Ed Zitron guest on Better Offline writes a opinion piece for the New York Times about 'doom trolling' which he defines as AI executives warning us the sky is falling due to their products.Our interview with Miss Molly Knows (who is dynamite, by the way!) ends with her advice about ways to heal fast after dipping a toe in the mainstream news and other exposure to current events.Our own confessions about getting drawn in by the news and its negative effects on us. Are there really two sides to American politics? Leading researchers and professors beg to disagree on that. There's a third substantial group that feels neither party represents them. Pew Research has a great in-depth article about this.There is a happy place on the internet that Jesse found and shared, Low Tech Web Ring. It's a place that does not spy on you or sell your data and is a landing page for RSS feeds. He shares the site and explains they no longer accept new RSS feeds, as of 2025, but Jenn and Jesse are certain someone out there is doing the same thing in the same spirit. This was definitely a Santa-bell moment.Then we looked at the chart shared by Luiza Jarovsky on socials about who is suing who in the world of AI behemoths.The original author of the chart is credited as David McCandless. If you're interested in learning more about Luiza Jarovsky's AI Tech and Privacy Academy click here.Offhand conversation about Whitley Strieber while Jesse looks up something on the google. Watching the alien show made Jenn feel itchy!Then Jesse finds the story and images! Snapchat's CEO has helped develop the most ridiculous AR glasses and the world is responding with gold-medal memes! Then Jesse loops in Succession, to add to Jenn's watchlist.And to close out the show, Jesse's thoughts drift to the time that our AI chatbot, Nova, called him a genius. Here's that show in case you missed it!Send us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!***Curious Cat Podcast on Substack!***Buy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
From Woo to Daily Grind with Leslie Fear, author & host of Because I Wanna Know
Jun 2600:58:04Tap to summarizeLeslie Fear is an author, a podcast producer and host, and a all-around dynamic, wonderful person.Our conversation Was the opposite of other episodes - we went woooooo woooooo right off the bat, then gravitated back to the everyday trials and tribulations of being a human at this time. Messages from her dear departed mother helped us feel better. Here's how and where to connect with Leslie...Leslie Fear's books on AmazonLeslie Fear's podcast, Because I Wanna KnowSend us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!***Curious Cat Podcast on Substack!***Buy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
AI Story from Pete aka the blue collar spiritualist
Jun 2300:05:50Tap to summarizeWe are such teases this week, but couldn't help ourselves. Pete, known as the Blue Collar Spiritualist, on socials, stopped by for a conversation recently. The full interview airs 7/10/26, but until then, we plucked out his strange AI story. What do you think? Did AI give him the proof he sought?Blue Collar Spiritualist website Send us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!***Curious Cat Podcast on Substack!***Buy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
Miss Molly Knows Stops by to Find Our Lost Stuff
Jun 1801:06:11Tap to summarizeThis is Miss Molly Knows' third time on Curious Cat. Each time we dive deep fast, and go in directions the Universe nudges us. Today's conversation with Jesse and Molly and Jenn was no different. Want to know more about our special guest? If you listened to my bonus Halloween episode with a handful of ghost stories, then you’ll remember her, Miss Molly Knows on socials, is an intuitive psychic medium, a social media personality and a journalist! She also conducts intuitive workshops, and live broadcasts on YouTube. Her talents range from tarot/oracle card readings, evidential mediumship, finding lost items, predictions, dowsing, pendulums, Ouija, paranormal investigating, spirit communications and mentorship. She's also added “Beauty and Spirit to her resume because she generously shares all things beauty, fashion and self-care with her viewers! I’ve placed the link to her website in the show notes if you’d like to book a personal or group reading, or sign up for one of her workshops!Connect with Miss Molly Knows...https://www.missmollyknows.comMiss Molly Knows on YouTubeSend us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!***Curious Cat Podcast on Substack!***Buy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
Pumpkin Spice AI & AI College Classes
Jun 1600:16:43Tap to summarizeThis week I was alone behind the mic with dog Cooper snoring at my feet. I read the piece I posted on Substack about how pumpkin spice and AI are not good in everything.Then I lighten it up further with some AI college classes being offered across the nation, and finish with a short list of sexified class names that upped enrollment because, well, humans.Denver University's AI Course OfferingsCollege Confidential chat about sexier class titlesFantastic College April Fools' JokesHow to Spot FAKE AI Courses Online, Digital JournalGreat Pro-Human AI Organizations...80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesSend us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!***Curious Cat Podcast on Substack!***Buy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
The Numerology of AI Titans with Brian Kukan
Jun 1200:49:10Tap to summarizeBrian Kukan is a treasure. Not only is he doing powerful work to help those with cancer using his reiki, he is a musician and mathematician. I am glad to have him back on the show to demonstrate his skill in numerology.He reads the numerology for the AI model titans and we are left speechless.If cancer has ever impacted you and yours, please donate to the group below.And Brian Kukan does remote reiki sessions, selling gift certificates as well. Find him and all his links below.Brian Kukan's LinksLA Reiki Guy, Brian Kukan's websiteweSPARK orgDonate a reiki session to a cancer patient!Send us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!***Curious Cat Podcast on Substack!***Buy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
Sorting fun, SpaceX IPO, YT surprises, Peppermint Patty stans and more...
Jun 900:27:36Tap to summarizeThis was a busy week for Jesse and Jenn. They went back to back to back to back interviews and live streams. And the result? We are just full of gratitude and joy, sort of like a piñata that we hope you do not hit with a bat.Our conversation pivots from the sorting hat fun Sam and Jesse are having on Substack to SpaceX's new IPO and the creepy clause in the verbage. We dive into a quick pondering of why tech bros hate us humans so much, which ends up, of course, with us fingerling over Peppermint Patty. And hey, this is what we found out off mic about the President and his use of the phrase, "Good grief!" Just sayin'.Yes, President Trump has occasionally used the phrase “good grief,” although it is not a staple in his typical vocabulary. He used the expression in a 2017 CNN interview when discussing criminal justice and police conduct, responding to the premise of a reporter's question.Send us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
Being an author in the age of AI with Terry Persun
Jun 501:01:42Tap to summarizeHere's what the clankers say about our special guest today:Terry Persun is a multi-genre, award-winning author and marketing expert. Known for his intelligent, tech-forward fiction, he has written over a dozen novels across science fiction, mystery, and historical genres. A former electronics design engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, he actively blends his technical background with rich storytelling.Did they get it right? Special Guest LinksTerry Persun, award winning and Amazon bestselling novelistEntertainment Engineering MagazineLee Chase pulp fiction series One review says it all about Terry's writing..."The Witness Treeby Terry Persun (Goodreads Author)Jason Pryde's review from Oct 30, 2025it was amazingSend us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
Fancy Butt Cushions, Atari LIVES, and more AI Stories
Jun 200:48:23Tap to summarizeAnti-AI ZineLA's Cinerama is slow to be reopened - call to actionFancy Butt Cushions Litter Courtroom - Musk v. Altman v. Butt CushionsAtari Buys RPG Game, Wizardry, ViceBuddhist Robot MonkVibe-Coding Has (surprise! surprise!) Gaping Security Holes, Futurism, Jon ChristianSting Says That Connecting with Community Is What Will Save Us, Twitter-source Send us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →
Missing Hiker Monica Reza - Don't let her case go cold
May 2900:47:24Tap to summarizeIf you have information regarding missing hiker Monica Reza, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Homicide Bureau – Missing Persons Unit at (323) 890-5500. Detective Rincon or Detective Sanchez are leading the investigation, and you can also reach out to the Crescenta Valley Station at (818) 248-3464. Today we are talking about a missing person's case out of LA County. Her family is begging for her disappearance to be remembered and revisited so that the investigation stays active. They want to know what happened to their loved one, Monica Jacinto Reza.The DetailsMonica Reza was a brilliant and fit 60 year old woman. In the early morning hours of June 22nd, 2025, she'd dropped off her car at the house of one of two hiking companions, people she knew from the yoga studio she went to, and they carpooled to the trailhead near Mount Materman in the Angeles National Forest.As the crow flies, the trailhead is 30 miles from the city of angels. Monica was an avid hiker, she might have been 60 years old, but she was lean and fit. As the three ascended, one of the companions, the only other female, decided to bail out. The elevation and aggressive climb didn't seem to agree with her. She told Monica and the male that she'd stick around the area and meet them on their descent. But that would be the last time she saw Monica.About 9am, Monica and the male summited Mount Waterman. The companion shared the photo of Monica there, and another taken some feet down from there beside a lightning-struck tree. That male wasn't in the photos, and none with him on the summit were ever released to the public. Neither was his name.Curiously, the male took off at a jogging pace down the mountain. And Monica Reza followed close behind. I say curiously, because seasoned hikers said the terrain on that part of the trail was too riddled with dead pine needles, too rocky and too steep to make jogging safe. But the metadata shows that's the pace they traveled.Before they'd reached their other companion, who still waited for them, the trail forked left and right. The male hiker told rescuers later that he signaled to Monica to take the right fork and she waved in return, seeming to understand the instruction. And here's where Monica Reza went missing. He looked back ten or so minutes later, and Monica was no longer behind him. The male said he doubled back, calling for Monica, which their female friend reported hearing from below them, but still no Monica. He looked around, called out and soon met up with the female companion. Alarmed, they kept looking and soon, by luck, ,encountered a group of five people, one of which was a regular volunteer for search and rescue. By 11am, they'd reported Monica missing to authorities. There was a multi-county, multi-jurisdiction response to the call. Soon people were combing the trail and mountainside. Search dogs were enlisted. A helicopter with FLIR was used. The takeaway is there was an immediate reSend us Fan MailIf you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!Support the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!
Transcribe →