Shows
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 138: Assassins CuisineOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the museum's hall of Middle World history where Joe recounts the history of the infamous group known as the Assassins. They both discuss the impact this group had from the 11th to 13th century on middle world history, their downfall, along with wondering what kind of food they may have eaten. 2024-04-271h 04
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 137: Chicxulub Asteroid CityOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in the Museum's voided exhibition hall where Xan recounts the events of the devastating KPG extinction event that destroyed the Dinosaurs, and most life on Earth, while also discussing just how long our planet has been around, and all it has endured.2024-04-131h 10
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 135: Parthenogenesis EvangelionOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe inside the Museum Chapel of the Holy Stingray, where Xan discusses the hot gossip behind the pregnancy of Charlotte the lone stingray and breaks down the science as to how and why this is possible without her having a mate. Meanwhile, Joe opens with his thoughts regarding Dune 2. 2024-03-161h 00
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 134: Soccer PunchOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the Museum's replica 16th-century Florentine arena, where Joe discusses the history, rules, and story that makes up the Florentine sport, Calcio Storico Fiorentino. All the while, they discuss the role of sports in society and their greater physical and psychological impact.2024-02-241h 15
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 133: Scuba Certified FreshOn today's tour, we join Xan and Joe for a relaxed tour as they re-visit the infamous Tampa Triangle Dead Zone, where Xan recounts the perplexing story surrounding the lost wreckage of German submarine U-166, and a boat-load of mercury.2024-02-101h 15
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 132: Pyramid Scheme to DivinityOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in the Museum's hall of ancient Egypt where Joe recounts the history surrounding an important figure in the ancient Egyptian world, Imhotep, along with describing some of the evidence for his existence, and some of the speculative conspiracy theories surrounding his existence. 2024-01-271h 19
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 131: Wolf DispensaryOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the Museum's hall of Predator Animals where Xan discusses the recent news concerning the reintroduction of wolves into the state of Colorado by conservationists, while also discussing the environmental impacts wolves have in their given ecosystems, and how their absence in the East Coast of the United States due to colonization has led to environmental devastation. 2024-01-131h 10
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 129: Overfished and Under Surveillance: The Tampa TriangleOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe in the dark as Xan brings to light the mysteries and misinformation surrounding the infamous Tampa Bay Triangle Dead Zone regarding missing persons, UFO sightings, and bizarre conspiracy theories. All the while, providing insight into why hammerhead sharks have a hammer-like head.2023-12-021h 14
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 128: Languages in LanguishOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the Museums hall of extinct and endangered languages where they discuss the ongoing event of language death throughout the world, while Joe emphasizes why it is essential that endangered languages be preserved so we may gain insight from their cultural knowledge, and history to better our future.2023-11-181h 30
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 123: Big Whale if TrueOn today's tour, after a month-long hiatus our tour guides, Xan and Joe, return to the Uncanny County Museum and join us in the museum’s Big Hall, where Xan takes us through the history of Earth's largest animals, both living and extinct, while also bringing some insight into the recent news surrounding Perucetus. 2023-09-091h 11
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 122: Step by Step: A Brief History of the Aztec EmpireOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as Xan leads a tour focused on the history of the Aztec empire and how they rose to prominence. Meanwhile, they briefly discuss the ways human civilizations have developed through kin-based relationships and the role rituals play in bonding people together.Sources used:Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs by Camilla TownsendThe WEIRDest People in the World by Joseph Henrich2023-07-291h 30
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 121: Parking Spaces and Non-placesOn today’s tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the museum's parking garage where Joe leads a discussion focusing on the 2020 book, Unofficial Britain: Journeys through Unexpected Places by Gareth E. Rees, with a focus on the overlooked histories embedded within mundane spaces and their cultural/psychological effects on the populations living alongside them.2023-07-151h 20
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 118: An Hour for a Minute: Waiting in Line for Fine ArtOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they wait in line to enter the museum. Joe recounts his recent experience at the recent Yayoi Kusama exhibition at David Zwerner, I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers, and both him and Xan bring up critical points regarding spectacle vs art, and our relation to time.2023-06-031h 20
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 117: Cider? I Hardly Know HerOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe at the Uncanny Valley Orchard where Xan recounts the origins of apples in America, the science behind producing them, and the history that they are attached to that has had major impacts on our world today. Our source and recommended reading is American Cider: A Modern Guide to a Historical Beverage by Dan Pucci & Craig Cavallo2023-05-201h 10
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 114: Partridge Run: The Mystery of FlightOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they focus on the mystery surrounding how birds achieved flight. Xan gives us a broad evolutionary overview of this history and later explains the science and creative strategies behind the more recent theories surrounding flight evolution. 2023-04-081h 17
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 111: Crocs are BackOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, on an exhibit focused on the Saltwater Crocodiles' return to their natural habitats, and consequently the conflicts that have been reignited between them and Humans. Meanwhile, Xan provides a brief history of Crocodilians and how old they really are.2023-02-181h 27
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 108: Waterhouse's Dinosaurs are DownFor our first tour of 2023, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the paleo art wing of the museum where Xan recounts the story of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and his paleo art career, along with the drama that unfolded during his commission in 19th century New York City.2023-01-071h 30
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 106: Chicken Noodle Synth for the SoulOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in a room filled with vintage synthesizers ranging from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s where Joe takes the lead on describing the history and concepts behind the most popular synths of the late 20th century. 2022-12-031h 19
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 105: Xan and Joe Go Over the TopOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they discuss the new Netflix Film, All Quiet On The Western Front, alongside its previous versions, while also investigating the cultural impact World War 1 had on Art, Literature, and Fashion.2022-11-191h 14
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 103: Dinosaur Cancel CultureOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the hall of invalid dinosaurs where Xan discusses the origins of classifying species, its usage, and which species are no longer considered valid due to new discoveries, and accidental duplicates. 2022-10-221h 17
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 99: Reelin’ In the Fears: Lost in the ArcticOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, on a recreated 19th-century arctic voyage vessel where Joe recounts the story of Sir John Franklins' lost expedition to discover the Northwest passage. 2022-08-271h 10
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 98: Quantum Leap: The Occult and Modern ScienceOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, at the center of the universe where Xan leads us on a journey through time focusing on science's strange and intricate relationship with hermetic teachings and philosophies. 2022-08-201h 14
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 94: Phoenicia and FerbOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, on a replica Phoenician merchant vessel from 600 B.C.E where Joe recounts the story of the infamous journey of the Phoenicia across the Atlantic ocean. Meanwhile, they discuss the impact of replicas on our contemporary world. 2022-07-231h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 91: Low-Res MammalsOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in an exhibit hall dedicated to the history of cats. From the origins of cats to later their relationship with humans, Xan describes their evolution over thousands of years and how they obtained some of their very unique features. 2022-07-021h 39
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 86: Protestants and Catholics Part 3: A Cross-RoadContinuing on with our extended exhibition focused on the history of Protestants and Catholics, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they pick back up from part 2 by discussing the iconoclasm in northern Europe during the reformation and Martin Luther's take on arts place in one's faith. Meanwhile, Joe examines the Baroque Art movement and the church's hand in it while Xan recounts the impact of puritanical views embedded in the idea of minimalism affecting us today.2022-05-141h 29
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 85: Protestants and Catholics Part 2: Hugue-Knows?Continuing on with our extended exhibition focused on Protestants and Catholics, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they pick right back up from part 1 by discussing the creation of Calvinism and its effect on northern European art and culture. Meanwhile, Joe recounts the story of the Huguenots' existence in France and their intense conflict with the Catholic church over faith and power.2022-05-071h 30
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 80: Pontoons and Lagoons: Archeology in PolynesiaOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, on a raft in the middle of the open ocean where Xan discusses the complex maritime navigation of the Lapita people in ancient Polynesia.2022-04-021h 12
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 77: Sundog MillionaireOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in the museums' hall of maps depicting the different regions of Italy and Joe takes this opportunity to explore the history of dialects and languages from the Island of Sardinia. Meanwhile, Xan discusses the nuances of different languages and the complexity of the English language.2022-03-121h 19
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 75: Debriefing Debris: Historical CollectingOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the museum's hall of Rococo paintings, where they will be talking about the history of museum display and collecting. Upon discussing the history of the French Revolution and its consequences on the art world, Xan describes the collecting style of Edmond de Goncourt, A French private collector and curator. Meanwhile, Joe discusses his run-ins with the Museum of Anthropology in Florence, Italy, and the issues with removing context from historical objects.2022-02-261h 17
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 74: Ich bin der LoraxOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, on the outskirts of an eerie forest inside the museum where they take this opportunity to talk about natural borders. Joe talks about the history of the ancient Hercynian Forest and how it repelled Roman legions advancing into Germanic tribal lands as well as the wildlife it contained. Meanwhile, Xan discusses the impact natural borders, like the Mediterranean sea, have on cultures and natural environments.2022-02-191h 17
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 73: Crikey! It's the AZA Feat. @crikeyitschristianOn today's tour, our tour guides, Xan and Joe, are joined by special guest expert Christian Flores (@crikeyitschristian) who takes this opportunity to discuss a brief history of conservation in zoology and contemporary examples of this practice today.2022-02-121h 18
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 72: Hock of Ages: David Hockneys SecretOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside a rather large camera obscura where they talk about the documentary, David Hockneys Secret Knowledge, regarding the use of rudimentary projectors by 15th century artists. As curious and profound this discovery is, Xan and Joe theorize whether or not it discredits the artist's talents in mastering perspective, or enhances it…2022-02-051h 21
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 71: Ethically Sourced Dad RockOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they navigate the aesthetics, values, and contradictions inherent within Conservitave art. Ranging from oil paintings to flag designs, they break down some reasons as to why this type of art/design exists and where it potentially originated from.2022-01-291h 31
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 70: The Uncanny Cabinet Part 3: A Dragon Named HozierIn our final exhibition covering the mythological creatures held in the Uncanny Cabinet, our tour guides, Xan and Joe, focus on the history of Dragons. In covering their historical origins to their role in contemporary fantasy/visual pop culture, they attempt to understand how the concept of dragons came to be; discussing what they might mean within different religious and cultural contexts.2022-01-221h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 69: The Uncanny Cabinet Part 2: Attack on BunyanIn continuing with our series of exhibitions regarding mythological creatures on exhibit in the museum's Uncanny Cabinet, our tour guides, Xan and Joe, turn our attention to the history of giants. They talk about giants throughout mythology, history, and pop culture while also breaking down the reasons why they appear in many traditions around the globe.2022-01-151h 25
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 68: The Uncanny Cabinet Part 1: The Yassification of MermaidsIn kicking off the start of 2022, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in the Uncanny Cabinet where they will be launching a new series of tours focusing on mythological creatures through history, starting off with Mermaids/Merfolk. They discuss the origins of the mythology surrounding Sirens throughout history while attempting to investigate the psychological inner workings the stories might be alluding to. In contrast to the past, they also talk about the impact and fascination we have with mermaids/merfolk in our contemporary society and how it has changed/stayed the same over time. 2022-01-081h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 67: Twenty-Twenty Fun: Best of the YearHappy holidays from all of us at the Uncanny County Museum! As a last minute gift and ode to the end of the year, Xan and Joe go through some of the best moments from their tours in 2021.We will be taking a short winter break at the Uncanny County Museum and will be resuming our tours on January 8th.2021-12-251h 01
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 66: Italian State of MindOn today's tour, our tour guides, Xan and Joe, discuss the topic of memory by recalling their own memories from childhood, pondering if memory was ever considered to be important by our ancient ancestors. They discuss the continuity of human beings, comparing their memories to the most advanced technology from their time and theorize what we will compare ours to in the future. 2021-12-181h 10
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 65: Trolly ProblemsOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the neutral void space within the museum where they will be talking about the concept of utopias. Realizing the difficulty of discussing the idea of a perfect system of living, they provide examples throughout history where utopias succeeded or fell apart. Joe recounts the story of the failed Libertarian utopian town of Grafton while Xan proposes recent ideas surrounding Mesoamerican ideas on self sufficiency. 2021-12-111h 31
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 64: Ya Like Jazz? Sounds of ModernityOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in a featured exhibition of artworks by the sound artist Steve Reich, and use it as an opportunity to talk about sound art. Xan explores the history of sound art through examples from past artists, musicians, and movements while Joe brings in some contemporary artists of mention and musical techniques to the conversation. 2021-12-041h 36
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 63: Creative WarfareOn today's tour, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe outside the museums’ double feature screening of Dune (2021) directed by Denis Villeneuve and Come and See (1985) directed by Elem Klemov. They discuss and theorize why we are still interested in viewing war films today, and how it connects to contemporary art?2021-11-271h 38
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 62: Dinosaur OC’s Feat. @DinosaurcomicsOn today's tour, Xan and Joe are joined by special guest @Dinosaurcomics, who talks about his origin story as a paleo-illustrator. 2021-11-2059 min
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 61: Godzilla vs KhanOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in line for the Museum's new boat ride attraction, which focuses on the Mongol invasion of Tsushima and Iki Island. During the ride, Joe recounts the events leading up to the invasion, focusing on a brief history of Kublai Khan's politics and what was happening with the Japanese Shogunate in the mid 13th century. Meanwhile, they both question what the outcome would have been if the invasion had gone as planned...2021-11-131h 29
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 60: The Violent Act of PaintingOn today’s tour, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe in an exhibition space curated by Xan that is filled with objects that were placed as “Modern art” in museums to trick tourists. Stemming from Joe reading excerpts from the Essay, The Theory of the Cursed Brush by Shozo Shimmamoto, they discuss the power of materiality in everyday things and whether or not we should consider their elements in art making.2021-11-061h 29
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 59: Immortal Meat loaf: A history of HalloweenHappy Halloween from your favorite audio fabricated museum! Today we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, at the Uncanny County Halloween/October festival to discuss the origins of Halloween and how it has transformed into the holiday we know and love today. 2021-10-301h 30
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 58: Mission impossible: Dybbuk ProtocolOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, back in the Cabin of Curiosities where they will be continuing their series of eerie exhibitions by focusing on specific folklore from their cultures. Joe talks about the Sardinian festival of the Mamathones from Mamoidia and the theories surrounding its origin story. Meanwhile, Xan examines the legend of the Golem and recounts a haunting story that involves a Dybbuk, a wine cabinet, a mysterious curse, and Post Malone's collection of curiosities. 2021-10-231h 26
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 57: Doctor of VampirologyContinuing with our spooky themed exhibits, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside the abandoned castle on the hill, located on the museum grounds, where they will be leading an exhibit focusing on vampires and werewolves. Joe goes into detail about the origins of the European vampire myths and its transformation through the centuries. While Xan brings in some additional information regarding vampires in the 19th century, as well as a possible theory for how werewolf stories came to be.2021-10-161h 20
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 56: Panic! At Pablo BeachOn today’s tour, we are joined by our tour guides, Xan and Joe inside the Cabin of Curiosities where they take us through a series of strange rooms that focus on legendary cryptids and conspiracies surrounding them. Guided by the book, “Florida's Unexpected Wildlife,” Xan curates and discusses the many different cases of sea monster sightings on Florida's coastlines and provides details on these encounters. Meanwhile, they both theorize the reasons behind these conspiracies and sightings, putting into question the relationship these stories have with beachfront tourist towns...2021-10-091h 16
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 55: Sharks With Chainsaws: A History of TeethOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, inside a realistic recreation of a sand worm's mouth where they will be leading an exhibit on the history of teeth. They talk about the origins of teeth ranging from the evolution of sharks, to horses, and eventually humans and discuss early dental practices and myths surrounding tooth decay. All the while, discussing the drastic impact a species' diet and environment can have on their teeth and how our food has become too soft...2021-10-021h 14
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 54: Xan’s LabyrinthOn today's tour, we get lost inside the museum's labyrinth joined by our tour guides, Xan and Joe, who use this opportunity to explore the connection between the story of Atlantis and its theorized connection to the Minoan civilization. They briefly recount the history of the Minoans and shine light on its disastrous end and possible influence it had on Plato's story of Atlantis. If you are a longtime visitor here at the Uncanny County Museum, a bit of this tour will sound familiar to our very first exhibit.2021-09-251h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 53: Make it Make CentsOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in front of a large bank vault where they will be leading an exhibit about medieval and contemporary currency. Xan goes into detail about the Floren, a currency implemented by the Medici family of Florence in the 15th century while Joe takes us back north to talk about Iceland's 11th century currency system. All the while, they propose the idea that perhaps Cosimo de’ Medici sounded like Don Corelone from the Godfather.2021-09-181h 26
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 52: Xan and Joe Recognize Their MortalityIt's been one full year that the Uncanny County Museum has been open! As a special exhibit, our tour guides, Xan and Joe, celebrate this occasion by interviewing each other about their art practices. They share some insight into their own artworks, art process, and personal history that formed their arts careers.2021-09-121h 33
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 51: There's Dinosaurs in Them Hills Feat. Bradley StrockOn today's tour, Xan and Joe are joined by special guest Bradley Strock, who recounts his journey from inside the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum, a throwback to our first ever exhibit! They discuss the exhibits in detail, including the layout, artwork and exhibition design the museum employs for displaying their creationist vision of prehistory. At the same time, Bradley tells his stories of being out on a dig in Glendive and the adventures that ensued during his quest for some fossils.2021-09-041h 43
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 50: T. rex is Overrated Feat. Hillary McLeanOn today's tour, our tour guides, Xan and Joe sit down with fossil preparatore extraordinaire, Hillary McLean to talk about the complicated issue of collecting dinosaur fossils and the role of the museum in the public's perception of value. All the while, discussing why fish paleontology gets a bad rap, Jurassic Park 3, and why T. rex is an overrated dinosaur.2021-08-281h 39
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 49: Broken Clock TheoremOn today's tour, we journey underneath the museum to explore the catacombs that were found during the construction of the Uncanny County Museum and left intact. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe, take this opportunity to talk about the pseudoscience of phrenology and focus on a scientist named Samuel George Morton who measured the inside of human skulls. Before diving deep into the racist theroies and unethical display of human remains during this time, they also talk about how sometimes, old science was actually right. Like they always say, a broken clock is right twice a day...2021-08-211h 30
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 48: Old Time Croc and RollOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, in what seems to be a room filled to the brim with artifacts from the past. Ranging from Dorthys Ruby slippers to Dustin's hat from Stranger Things, Xan and Joe, take this opportunity to talk about the effects of nostalgia in our society today. While talking about the history of the word as well as its relationship to commodification, Joe brings up the question on what is the function of nostalgia when there is no longer a place or object to be nostalgic about? All the while, they...2021-08-141h 16
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 47: Going Off the Rails: NFTs in the Art WorldOn today's tour we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they take us into one of the UCM’s auction halls where they will be selling NFTs. In taking the opportunity to talk about the recent crypto buzz, they discuss the impact of reproducible art in the past with printmaking and its benefits and later consequences. From Goya's print subscriptions to contemporary illustrators on Twitter, they question how and if digital artists can safeguard their artworks when displaying them on the Internet?2021-08-071h 36
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 46: Bad Art: The Greatest HitsOn today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe as they lead us through the Uncanny County Museums’ hall of “bad art”. They talk about famous unpopular artworks from popular artists, such as Michelangelo's Night and break down why we consider certain works from great artists to be bad in comparison to what is considered their masterpieces. All the while, Xan and Joe finally have their long awaited debate on whether Bob Dylan was better during his Electric or Folk years.2021-07-241h 32
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 45: The World's Fair: Crushed Pennies and Crushed DreamsOn today's tour, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe at the Uncanny County Fair where Joe thought they would be displaying their artworks…Instead it is actually them, who are on display. They use this opportunity to talk about the 1893 World’s Colombian Exposition held in Chicago and list the numerous things that made their debut there, as well as the amount of racism and horrors that were also implemented at the event. Furthermore, through looking at this example, they question how America will confront and deal with its past...2021-07-171h 20
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 44: The Vikings Part 3: Normal Norman BusinessIn bringing our three week long exhibition on the Vikings to a close, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe as they wrap up the Viking age. Joe finishes up presenting his research by ending with the Normans and highlights their origin and political entanglement with the Frankish crown. He also breifly discusses the 11th century rulers of the Kingdom of Denmark who will attempt to revamp the old raids of the 9th century. All the while, they discuss the end of the Viking age, Hagar the Horrible's arch nemesis, and Viking Businessman.(Part 3 of 3)2021-07-101h 21
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 43: The Vikings Part 2: Vikings World TourContinuing on our three week long exhibition on the Vikings, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe as they discuss the Viking age and the exploration that takes place during the late 8th to 9th centuries. Joe leads the discussion by focusing on where the Vikings went, highlighting their travels from the British Isles all the way east to the Kievan Rus, Constantinople, and even as far south as the Mediterranian sea. All the while, wondering just how much influence they had in the areas they traveled too as a part of their world tour.2021-07-031h 29
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 42: The Vikings Part 1: The Vibe-KingsWelcome to the Uncanny County Museums special exhibition on the Viking age, skål! This exhibition will take place over the course of 3 weeks and led by your co curators and tour guides, Xan and Joe. They take us through this largely unknown but popular history and investigate just who these seafaring peoples were. After being hinted at countless times, Joe finally leads the research he's been hoarding regarding the Vikings and leads us through halls of Vikingr weapons, clothing, hairstyles, longships, and even recent research regarding what they possibly would have looked like. So grab a drink and j...2021-06-261h 34
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 41: The Inka: An Empires New GrooveOn today's tour, we head above sea level to the Andes mountains to join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, where they will be discussing the formation and rise of the Inkan empire, pre 1492. Xan goes into detail and illustrates how their empire was formed from bureaucracy and trade tactics rather than warfare, the peoples that inhabited the area, and what life was like during that time. All the while, discussing anti calvary flame slings, llamas, and The Emperor's New Groove.2021-06-191h 40
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 40: Grapes and Beards: Vikings in North AmericaOn today's tour, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe in the museum's interactive exhibit on Vinland from the old Norse sagas. In presenting the story of “Vikings'' in North America, Joe will be covering a brief overview of this profoundly interesting topic in History. He recounts the tales of adventurers Erik the Red, Leif Eriksson, and Thorfinn Karlsefni in their roles in finding the North American continent as they're told in the Icelandic and greenlandic sagas. Nevertheless, investigating why they would have traveled so far west at this time and why they never told anyone...2021-06-121h 40
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 39: B-Side DinosaursOn today's tour, we head to the Uncanny County Museum's Dinosaur Hall where we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as Xan leads a discussion regarding the representation and illustration of Dinosaurs since their discovery. Ranging from dramatic paleoart to the Disney movie Dinosaur, Xan maps out a timeline that illustrates where the images of these creatures come from. All the while, they discuss buddy cop movies, Jurassic Park, and the Dinosaur movie head finger puppets from McDonalds. 2021-06-051h 25
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 38: True GrittyOn today's tour, we head to the Uncanny County Museum’s old saloon where our tour guides, Xan and Joe, while dressed in their cowboy cosplays, investigate the depiction of the American West presented in Cinema and its impact on the United States' cultural mythology. They survey the use of audio, visual, and literary tropes in Westerns through the decades ranging from The Great Train Robbery to True Grit (2010). All the while, discussing the costumes in Back to the Future Part III, Dude Ranches, and making a Western starring Phildelphias own Gritty...2021-05-291h 19
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 37: Sensual Censorship: Exploring Erotic Art With FlorizelOn todays tour, our tour guides, Xan and Joe, are joined by guest curator Florizel to discuss erotic art and the censorship that often looms over it. Through discussing Florizels artistic practice and her methods of making and researching, they discuss the censorship and shadowbanning that takes place on social media today as well as historical moments were erotic art was embraced. All the while, questioning the impact of social media sites acting as the final say on what art is or is not allowed to be.*CW: brief mention of sexual assault (1 hr 28...2021-05-221h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 36: A Rebar Angel's ThesisOn today's tour, our tour guides, Xan and Joe, talk under a model of a rebar angel from Chernoybl and discuss recent events in which people have returned to live on the abandoned land. They discuss the return of wildlife and the absorption of radiation by mushrooms, as well as how long it will take before the radiation reaches its halflife. All the while, they wonder if either of them could move and survive in the wild...2021-05-151h 12
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 35: Biblical KaijuOn today's tour, we journey to the depths of the sea, the tallest peaks of the realm, and the lush valleys of the land to explore the monsters from Judaic/christian mythology. We join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they lead a discussion about the origins, history, and possible real versions of the famous Leviathan, Ziz, and Behemoth from these sacred texts. They describe their own theories for what these monsters may or may not represent and Xan presents a theory regarding the possibility of the behemoth actually having existed...2021-05-081h 48
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 34: That Skunk Ape ShowOn today’s tour, we return to the infamous Cryptid hall where our tour guides, Xan and Joe, discuss the origins of Florida's beloved cryptid, the Skunk ape. Through exploring how it came to be known in popular culture they present a timeline of the first primate sightings in the U.S. While ultimately trying to wrap their heads around what came first; Bigfoot...or the Skunk Ape? All the while, being greeted by Florida man, talking about apple stealing orangutans, and wondering if Skunk Apes can swim freestyle...2021-05-011h 14
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 33: Prime Time Slime: Art on TVOn today's tour, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe as they take us through a curated exhibition of art from TV and movies. Ranging from shows such as the Office, ICarly, How I Met Your Mother, Broad City, and the Film, Velvet Buzzsaw, they explore the artist and curator tropes presented in these productions. All the while, discussing Xans first cup of coffee, vegan Chicken and Waffles, and Slime...2021-04-241h 20
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 32: Close Encounters of the Kitsch KindOn today's tour, we head back to the infamous Gossip Lounge at the UCM to join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, as they talk about “Kitsch”. Ranging from a $12,000 painting of Goofy surfing to the work of the infamous painter, Thomas Kinkade, they discuss where kitsch is positioned in the context of contemporary art and the global art scene. All the while, they talk about Billy Joel, cruise ship art, and the weirdest things they've received in the mail...2021-04-171h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 31: Bare Bear BonesOn today's tour, we will be heading to the Uncanny County Museums' recreation of a realistic cave complex. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe lead a discussion regarding early humans and their relationships with art, animals, and living spaces. They speculate the possible reasons as to why early humans would have painted animals and explore other theories that provide entirely different explanations and rationals. Nevertheless, considering the bias we may have towards this time period due to media/entertainment depictions and questioning if early humans even did live in caves…2021-04-101h 19
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 30: Art in the 20th Century, Part 3Bringing our 3 week long exhibition of Art in the 20-th Century to a close, we Join our tour guides Xan and Joe as they finalize our journey by bringing us into a recreation of a subway station.They discuss the late 1970s and the beginning of commercialism within art and the implications that it brings, following it all the way to the end of the 90’s. As they wrap up this exhibition we take a closer look at neo-conceptual artworks, the return of painting, and even Woodstock 99.This timeline will cover works from 1970 to 1999. Th...2021-04-031h 47
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 29: Art in the 20th Century, Part 2Continuing on our three-week long exhibition of art in the 20th century, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe as they take us through the different artistic movements that occur post World War 2. Ranging from conceptual artists working in South America, to the Japanese Avant-Garde, they focus on artists who have been left out of the Western European art canon in order to give more perspective and a broader context to where the foundations for contemporary art come from.This timeline will cover works from after 1945 to 1970.2021-03-271h 47
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 28: Art in the 20th Century, Part 1Welcome to the Uncanny Museums first ever exhibit of art in the 20th century! This exhibition will take place over the course of three weeks and each of our tours will be led by your trusty curators and tour guides, Xan and Joe. They will be taking us through art in the 20th century, although by means of looking at what was happening on the edges of the art scene at the time, rather than just the main western European art canon. This tour presents a timeline of works of art and art objects from the late 1800s to...2021-03-201h 41
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 27: Xan and Joe Go Down With the ShipHave you heard about the legend of the Titanic? On this rather strange tour, we head to the Uncanny County Museums planetarium (virtually and in person) for another one of our (in)famous watch along events! Our tour guides, Xan and Joe give their commentary live while watching the classic children's film, The Legend of the Titanic.*This is a different episode from our normally scheduled ones and it is encouraged to listen to this while watching the movie (available on YouTube). In the beginning segment of the episode, Xan and Joe explain how...2021-03-131h 35
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 26: Octopus Shell Collection: The Half Year SpecialOn this special tour, we head to the Uncanny County Museums Aviary where we will be joining our tour Guides, Xan and Joe as well as our special guest Michelle Cimino, for an in depth discussion regarding animal intelligence. In narrowing down this rather large scale topic, they examine the possibilities of collective intelligence within animal species as well as consider how we can measure the intellect of animals without necessarily projecting human traits onto them. All the while mentioning an octopus's shell collection, tool wielding corvids, and talking plants.2021-03-071h 33
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 25: Old Three Toes...On today's tour, we are returning to our roots as a roadside museum here at the UCM and we will be heading to our newly installed cryptid exhibit. Here, we listen in as our tour guides Xan and Joe tells us the story of one of the lesser known infamous Florida cryptids, old three toes. During this tale, they discuss the origins and revealed mystery surrounding this cryptid and look at potential reasons as to why certain people are attached to this myth. All the while, discussing doctor names, emperor penguins, and what Florida was like in the 80’s...2021-02-271h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 24: It's a Documentary NowOn today's tour, we head to one of the Uncanny County Museums lecture halls where Joe is presenting a lecture regarding questioning the narratives presented in documentary films. From the Edison company to actuality films, Joe weaves us through a quick overview of the history of documentary filmmaking and how it has come to influence the contemporary versions we see now. During this presentation, Xan joins in for an in depth discussion regarding documentaries in contemporary media and how we consume them when faced with spectacle over facts. Specifically, focusing on the documentary series Tiger King compared to Making...2021-02-201h 31
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 23: Yoko, Oh No!On today's tour, we take a closer look into the life, career, and importance of the artist/musician, Yoko Ono. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe lead a discussion about the history and significance of Yoko Ono's contribution to art history and attempt to perform the actions that are mentioned in her Instruction paintings. All the while, discussing frustrating fans, Wings (the band) themed dipping sauce, and how to pack a Super Bowl...As a precursor to a future exhibition, this tour serves as a prologue to the Fluxus art movement of the 1960s...2021-02-131h 15
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 22: Pete Best of the BeatlesOn today's tour, we head to a rather unusual exhibit within a small room at the UCM, which contains a recreation of a stereotypical fans shrine to the Beatles. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe join us here for a discussion regarding dad rock, purple ketchup, JFK, and of course the Beatles. Like the Smithsonian (but more fun) this exhibit includes actual copies of all of the Beatles albums, bobbleheads, t-shirts, mugs, and any and all tacky merchandise you can think of. However, one cassette tape stands out from the rest and it reads, Everyday Chemistry...2021-02-061h 31
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 21: Wilderness as a ConceptOn today's tour, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe, in one of the (famous) Uncanny County Museum’s landscape wings. After inspecting the dioramas on display, they lead a discussion regarding representing wilderness in visual art. Ranging from Flemish landscape painting to more contemporary takes on American landscape painting. As well as taking a look at other ways of how landscapes are represented in different cultures and how we can balance both the beauty and the heavy weight of the histories attached to this lineage; specifically, within American landscapes. All the while, talking about Florida's plains, the pi...2021-01-301h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 20: Mega Morphin MorgansOn today's tour, we head to the Uncanny County Museums Wax hall, filled with all types of famous and life-like uncanny figures. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe lead a discussion focusing on the origins of the uncanny valley and why we have it. They Consider a multitude of possibilities ranging from our ancestors encountering other types of hominid species in the past, or perhaps, that it's because our brains like to play tricks on us. All the while, they talk about anatomical Venuses, lawyer billboards, the Boston Dynamics robots, and real dolls...2021-01-231h 30
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 19: The Yarn PrinceOn this tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe as well as our special guest, Kolbe White from the podcast Forced Football Facts in the museum's infamous Gossip Lounge. They lead a series of discussions dealing with museum scandals and the mishaps associated with acquiring artifacts. These topics range from Hobby Lobby's infamous museum scandal, Sue the t-rex, Archeoraptor, and other paleontology drama. All of which, tie back to this question of how to properly handle and follow through with the acquisition of ancient objects/fossils. As well as how to not rush into a new found...2021-01-161h 41
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 18: Apocalypse, How?Continuing from our previous tour trapped in the fallout shelter, we join our tour guides Xan and Joe as they continue a discussion regarding the apocalypse. Specifically, bringing up a multitude of examples ranging from historic moments such as the fall of the Roman empire, to literary ones like H. G Wells’ book, War of the Worlds. Investigating further this western approach to the end of the world (as we know it) and what place would creatives and philosophers have in a post-apocalyptic landscape?This is part 2 of 2 part series.2021-01-091h 14
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 17: Same as It Ever Was Welcome back to the Uncanny County Museum in this new year! On today's tour, we run into our tour guides, Xan and Joe as they are in the middle of transporting holiday/party decorations to the museum's basement(s). Joining in as volunteers for this excursion, we head to the sub-sub basement in order to find room to drop off these items. While in the middle of catching up and recapping the previous year, we stumble upon an abandoned fallout shelter from the 1950s. Mystified by this relic of the past, our tour guides begin a conversation regarding post...2021-01-021h 34
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 16: Xan and Joe Save ChristmasHappy Holidays from your favorite audio fabricated museum! On this rather strange tour, we tune into the Uncanny County Museums holiday special, via virtual streaming. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe lead a live director's commentary track alongside one of the lesser known, bizarre Christmas movies; Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas. *This is a different episode from our normally scheduled one’s and it is encouraged to listen to this while watching the movie (available on YouTube). In the beginning segment of the episode, Xan and Joe explain how to best set up this experience and...2020-12-261h 43
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 15: Bird WarsOn today's tour we head to the Uncanny County Museum’s petting zoo where a recent memorial has been placed. We join our tour guides, Xan and Joe at this specific site in order to pay homage in remembering the Emu War. In particular, recollecting how humanity has fought and lost two notable campaigns against different species of birds. They discuss both the absurdity and interesting points of the Emu war and why it feels like it's taken right from the plot of FernGully. All the while, discussing trading with corvids, roadside petting zoos, and war birds. 2020-12-191h 16
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 14: They Came From the Sea...On today's tour, we join our tour guides, Xan and Joe, on board a life size reconstruction of a warship that is theorized to have been used by the mysterious Sea Peoples. While on board this vessel, they discuss the impact these unknown peoples had on civilizations along the coasts of the Mediterranean sea during the bronze age collapse. As well as the reasons for why we know so little about them. Further investigating what it means to never get a full picture of what happened in the past, and the fear attached with never knowing. All the while...2020-12-121h 24
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 13: Liminal Target SpaceOn this rather unusual tour, we venture into uncanny counties' infinite local Target to take care of some errands. Here, we run into our tour guides Xan and Joe who do an impromptu tour regarding the documentary, Missing 411: The Hunted. A film that is about the amount of people who go missing in the United States national parks, focusing primarily on hunters. While leading both a summary and critique on the documentary, they Investigate this question concerning how we deal with missing persons situations and the lack of closure that can come with it. All the while, exploring the s...2020-12-051h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 12: Born in the U.S.AOn today's tour, we will be heading to one of the museum’s grand halls which has an installation depicting numerous thanksgiving day dinner tables from across the years. Here, our tour guides Xan and Joe discuss the birth of Americana and its origins within the United States. Including its help in forming a new mythology for Americans to look to. Questioning its hand in creating our holidays, as well as navigating the complicated and difficult topic of Thanksgiving. All the while, further investigating the origins of New England based holiday representation, advanced and complex indigenous farming techniques, western fi...2020-11-281h 28
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 11: Knowledge as a FlexOn today's tour, we will be heading to the Uncanny County Museum's life sized recreation of the library of Alexandria. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe each give a lecture regarding the question of what happens to information and artifacts lost to war and time? Bringing up different stories ranging from, the rise and fall of the famed library, to a story regarding a German paleontologist and the loss of Spinosaurus. Nevertheless, circling back to this question of how to best preserve and protect knowledge for all?2020-11-211h 32
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 10: Farm to Table TwitterOn Today’s tour, we will be heading to the opening reception of the Uncanny County Museums exhibition on Internet culture. Curated by our returning guest curator Allison Dempsey, we take a look at the artistic choices made to explore the depths of internet culture. All the while, hanging out with our tour guides Xan and Joe as they discuss the exhibition with Allison. Bringing up both past and more recent developments on social media. Ranging from Tumblr’s censored IHOP pancakes, conservative graphic design/memes, Yik Yak, chaos on Twitter, and the existential threat that is Cars 2. 2020-11-141h 31
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 9: Xan and Joe Journey Through The Ball PitOn today's tour, we pass by our tour guides Xan and Joe preparing and installing a new exhibition on internet culture. Amidst the construction and installation, they take a moment to reflect and discuss what they remember about the internet, primarily focusing on tumblr. Looking back at some of the most famous and bizarre moments on the popular social media site. Ranging from shipping wars to censorship, and recalling the absolute failure of Dashcon. All of this, while staring at the infamous ball pit…This is part 1 of a 2 part series.2020-11-071h 40
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 7: Who Is It For? Art in the Public SphereOn today's tour, we will be visiting a one day only exhibit, featuring an installation based on Roman Ondaks work titled Loop. Taking the museum's outdoor landscape and placing inside the exhibit. Within this seemingly unreal space, our tour guides Xan and Joe lead a discussion regarding artwork in public spaces, versus the museum or gallery space. Focusing on artists such as Adrián Villar Rojas, Mary Mattingly, Stefania Galegati, and others working in the contemporary art world. Contrasted against monuments and other popular public works. A major question arises which asks, for whom is this for? 2020-10-241h 26
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 6: Get Me an Imagine Dragons!On today's tour, we will be heading to the Uncanny County Museum’s music archives, a crowded space filled with filing cabinets that contain any and all music storing devices, such as vinyl, cassettes, cd’s, ect. Our tour guides Xan and Joe lead a discussion on how music should be archived and exhibited in a museum. All the while, sharing their musical tastes and opinions, discovering music by streaming vs. vinyl, and if Oasis is in fact better than Nickleback...2020-10-171h 20
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 5: Dead Parrots SocietyOn today's tour, we will be heading to one of the Uncanny County Museum’s underground cellars to take a look at some rare and preserved taxidermied animals. Our tour guides, Xan and Joe will be leading a lecture and discussion regarding human caused animal extinctions throughout history. Taking a closer look at animals such as the dodo, the great auk, the thylacine, and other less familiar animals lost to time.2020-10-101h 31
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 4: Xan and Joe Get BakedOn today's tour, we will be heading to the Uncanny County museum’s bakery for a chilled out, pastry filled discussion regarding the creation of bread. We look at how bagels became the ultimate travel food, how multiple cultures figured out baking by trial and error, and how bread is essentially alive...2020-10-031h 12
The Uncanny County MuseumEpisode 2: Show Me The Cursed Facts!On this spooky tour, we will be visiting the Uncanny County Museum's haunted auction! Where we have a very peculiar and haunted artifact on display for one day only. While leading the auction, our tour guides Xan and Joe share some insight on cursed objects throughout history, crystals, and their own ghost stories.2020-09-191h 22