From Orbit to Outrageous: The Absurdity of Technology Takes Flight

On this episode of The Absurdists, Marlo and Mary take absurdity to new heights—literally. Broadcasting as a simulcast with The Tech Ranch, the duo dives headfirst into the story of astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who blasted off for an 8-day mission... and stayed for nine months. What began as a technical demonstration aboard Boeing’s Starliner became a real-life Gilligan’s Island of the cosmos. From drinking recycled sweat and urine (yum?) to surviving on rationed mac and cheese and damp towel showers, Marlo and Mary explore what happens when cutting-edge tech meets absurd real-world glitches. But it doesn’t stop at the stars. They venture into: 🚀 Space survival, coffee withdrawal, and sharing your space station with strangers🧠 The blurred line between AI brilliance and tech absurdity🤖 Drones with flamethrowers, vibrating forks, and cows in VR headsets🔋 The electric future—will AI choose to power itself or your A/C? Plus, hear about CES 2025’s most hilariously unnecessary inventions (looking at you, moving desk lamp), and learn whether your pet rock really needed air holes. Whether you're a geek, a nerd, or somewhere in between, this episode reminds us that technology, like life, is best enjoyed with a laugh. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!