In this episode of Science with The Blunt Letters, we investigate several scientists who have recently gone missing—cases now being pursued by the FBI. The surprising twist? Nearly all of them specialize in astrophysics or space-adjacent research. Micaela, Elle, and Jerbil sift through the facts and ask the big question: what’s really going on here? The hosts break down public records, reported timelines, and the strangest overlaps. Get ready for science, skepticism, and a few wild theories.

Featuring the original song New Wave Tacos by Micaela Superstar

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Join Elle Lectrick, Micaela Superstar, and Jerbil as they recount the shocking moment a peaceful chimp community split into rival groups and things went full-on nightmare mode in Gombe Stream National Park. With Jane Goodall and her team watching in absolute disbelief, the chimps launched raids, plotted ambushes, and generally acted like no one had prepared them for the concept of chill.

Featuring the original song "The Great Chimp War of Kasekela" by Mariana Trench Reznor

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On this fiery installment of the Science with The Blunt Letters, Micaela, Elle, and Jerbil take on the infamous Hot Sauce Challenge—ten sauces, zero shame, and absolutely no regard for their future digestive peace. As the heat levels rise, the trio tests every so-called remedy they can get their hands on (milk, bread, ice cream, prayer, etc.) while breaking down the science of capsaicin: why it burns, how your body reacts, and the surprising ways it’s actually used in medicine and everyday life.

Expect laughs, sweat, questionable decisions, and a few fun facts that’ll make you sound smart while crying over your next plate of wings.

Featuring the original song "Science Shuffle" by Micaela Superstar

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In this episode, Elle, Micaela, and Jerbil dig into the messy legacy of Typhoid Mary—aka Mary Mallon—the woman history loves to blame. We break down how this poor cook got turned into America’s favorite disease scapegoat. We explore how sexism, classism, and science collided to ruin her reputation. Was she a menace, a martyr, or just really dedicated to peach ice cream and dangerously casual about soap? Join us for a hilarious and eye-opening look at the most misunderstood woman in epidemiology.

Featuring the original song “Who Farted?” by Micaela Superstar

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References

CDC Foodborne Contamination OutbreaksBL Teeth EpisodeTyphoid Mary/Mary Mallon: An Asymptomatic Carrier of Salmonella typhi

The Lingering Ghost of Typhoid Mary: How the sad tale of Mary Mallon still haunts us today

How Typhoid Mary left a trail of scandal and death

List of foodborne illness outbreaks by death toll

Elle, Micaela, and their Googler Jerbil are back to geek out on poison — this time, the sneaky, silent assassin: arsenic. In this final chapter of their Poisoning Series, they uncover what arsenic actually is, where it’s hiding, and share some wild stories of accidental and intentional poisonings. From Napoleon’s rumored demise to Giulia Tofana’s deadly cosmetics and Scheele Green’s toxic legacy in the 19th century, it’s a dark and hilarious tour through history’s most notorious poisonings. Because who says death can’t be hilarious when it’s laced with science and a little bit of snark?

Featuring the original song "Optimistic Misanthrope" by Micaela Superstar

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References:

Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic Wiki

National Institute of Health: Arsenic Toxicity

Scheele’s Green: Why This Toxic Pigment Became Popular

Paris Review: Scheele’s Green, the Color of Fake Foliage and Death

Giulia Tofana: poisoner, murderer, saviour?

Lewisite Wiki

In the second installment of The Blunt Letters Poisoning Series, Elle and Micaela dive into the strange and terrifying history of ergot poisoning. From contaminated rye bread in the Middle Ages to its possible connection with the Salem Witch Trials, ergot has been haunting humanity for centuries. We explore the science of the fungus Claviceps purpurea, how it causes convulsions, hallucinations, and gangrene, and why it earned the nickname “St. Anthony’s Fire.” Plus, we discuss ergot’s surprising role in the discovery of LSD and its lasting impact on medicine, mysticism, and culture. Join us for a mix of history, toxicology, and true crime science in this deep dive into one of the world’s most notorious natural poisons.

Featuring Original Song "Who Farted?" by Micaela Superstar

References:

Ergot ErgotismLSDHow Rye Bread May Have Caused the Salem Witch Trials

Ergotism Today

Ergot: from witchcraft to biotechnology

Were They Bitten? Or is it Ergot Poisoning?

CIA sued over 1950s 'murder' of government scientist plied with LSD

MK ultra wiki

We’re kicking off our brand-new Poisoning Series with one of humanity’s oldest toxic troublemakers: lead! From ancient Roman plumbing to 20th-century paint and gas, Elle and Micaela trace the wild history of lead poisoning and how it shaped the world around us. Along the way, we dive into The Young Poisoner’s Handbook and the work of forensic science pioneer Alexander Gettler, who helped crack some of the first big poison cases. It’s part history, part true crime science, and all the weird, fascinating stuff you love. Join us as we start this series with a bang (but hopefully not a headache).

Featuring Original Song Factotum by Micaela Superstar

Aroma Tea Shop in San Francisco

The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum

Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers by Caroline Fraser

Musicophelia by Oliver Sacks

What is lead?

From University of Chicago:Lead Poisoning and Rome

The Rise and Fall of Lead in the Workplace

Loony Gas and Lead Poisoning story

Lead Poisoning according to the Mayo Clinic

Do Stanley cups contain lead? What to know about the lawsuit and potential exposure risk

This week, the Blunt Letters crew dives into the funky, fizzy world of fermentation! From kombucha to kimchi, we explore how this ancient process transforms food, boosts gut health, and maybe even sharpens your mind. Along the way, we share strange facts, personal experiments, and why your microbes might just be your best friends. Tune in for laughs, learning, and a taste of the weird science behind fermented goodness.

Featuring the Original Song "Would U Eat Me Up?" by Micaela Superstar

References:

Harvard Nutrition Source

Therapeutic effects of vinegar: a review

Daily Vinegar Ingestion Improves Depression Scores and Alters the Metabolome in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Should There Be a Recommended Daily Intake of Microbes?

Physiology of Acetic Acid Bacteria and Their Role in Vinegar and Fermented Beverages

The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on fermented foods