Introducing Tiny Brain Theories: A Podcast for the Incurably Curious
Hi there! I’m Rachel, a photographer and creative entrepreneur based in Canada, and I’m beyond excited to share my newest passion project with you: Tiny Brain Theories. If you’ve ever found yourself diving deep into obscure corners of the internet or getting lost in a good book on some random topic you just had to know more about, then you’re in the right place.
This podcast will be all about embracing curiosity and chasing those fascinating rabbit holes that keep us wondering and learning. From art and history to folklore, science, and beyond, I want to create a space where we can explore the strange, obscure, and sometimes just plain weird ideas that make life so interesting. Think of it as a mix of storytelling, research, and the kind of spirals that lead you to random Wikipedia pages at 2 a.m.
What’s Tiny Brain Theories All About?
If I had to sum it up in one sentence, I’d say: Tiny Brain Theories is where curiosity meets storytelling. But it’s so much more than that. Each episode will be like a journey—a little adventure into the unknown where we uncover unexpected connections and dive deep into ideas that might seem random but turn out to be surprisingly meaningful.
I’m not an expert. I’m just a curious person who loves to ask questions and follow them wherever they lead. I might not always have the answers, but I hope that by sharing my spirals, I’ll spark your own curiosity and maybe even inspire you to dig into some rabbit holes of your own.
The First Series: Hieronymus Bosch and the Brotherhood of Our Blessed Lady
The first topic we’re diving into is something that truly sparked the idea for this podcast. During a trip to the Netherlands to visit a very dear friend, I was exploring the city of Den Bosch, home to the Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Blessed Lady. This centuries-old confraternity has an incredible history, and it just so happens that one of its most famous members was Hieronymus Bosch, the enigmatic painter known for his fantastical and surreal works.
Bosch’s art is impossibly detailed, deeply symbolic, and often downright bizarre. In this series, we’ll explore:
Bosch’s life and his mysterious connection to the Brotherhood.
The world he painted—bursting with allegory, religious themes, and the strangest creatures you’ve ever seen.
How the cultural and historical context of the Northern Renaissance shaped his work.
The ongoing mysteries surrounding his legacy and what his art might mean today.
I’ll also touch on some of the rabbit holes that naturally spring up along the way. For example, did you know that swans were a major symbol of prestige in Bosch’s time?
What You Can Expect
Themed Series:
Some topics, like Hieronymus Bosch, deserve more than one episode. I’ll dive deep into these subjects over a few episodes, so we can really explore every angle.One-Off Episodes:
Not every idea needs a whole series. Some episodes will be stand-alone explorations of quirky or fascinating topics.Listener Spirals:
In the future, I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you can’t stop thinking about or something you think would be fun to explore, let me know. This is a shared curiosity space, and I’d love for you to be part of it.
Why Tiny Brain Theories?
The name comes from how I often feel when I’m digging into a new topic—like my tiny brain is just barely keeping up with the endless wonder of the world. But isn’t that the fun of it? You don’t need to be an expert to explore, question, and appreciate the beauty of learning. Tiny Brain Theories is about finding joy in curiosity, no matter how big or small the question.
Stay Curious
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just someone who loves a good mystery, I hope this podcast becomes a space where you feel inspired to explore the world alongside me. You can listen to the first episode of Tiny Brain Theories in early January 2025 (I’ll link it here when it’s out!), and be sure to follow along on Instagram @tinybraintheories for updates, fun facts, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my research.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I can’t wait to share these spirals with you, and I hope they spark a little wonder in your world, too. Until next time, stay curious!
How to Get in Touch
Got a theory, a question, or a topic you think I should cover? Let’s connect! You can find me on Instagram or drop me an email at tinybraintheories@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.
