Honey, I Shrunk The Podcast (GROUNDED!)
Summary
Amanda and Kelly discuss their recent trip to the Ecological Society of America conference in Salt Lake City, where they presented on science communication and explored the natural history museum with Christy Bills. The hosts then shift to a dual review of the 1989 film *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids* and the video game *Grounded*, analyzing the movie’s practical effects, plot points, and insect inaccuracies. They highlight specific scenes involving bees, ants, and a scorpion, comparing the film’s portrayal of these creatures to the gameplay mechanics in *Grounded*.
Topics discussed
Intro: Clementine the cat and producer Dirk
Recap of the Ecological Society of America conference
Invertebrate preservation and meeting Christy Bills
Great Salt Lake, brine shrimp, and hiking at altitude
Hiking safety stories and Utah travel tips
Playing Grounded and introducing Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Movie trivia: casting, aging, and 80s cultural references
Plot setup: Dr. Zelnick's machine and the kids' adventure
The shrinking incident and backyard practical effects
Backyard dangers: bees, sprinklers, and near-drowning
Auntie the ant and the death of the ant
Parental reactions and the horror of the backyard
Grounded comparisons: skeletons, lawnmowers, and physics
The dog's role and the giant turkey unshrinking
Surface tension, drinking water, and dirty sodas
Movie night snacks: sherbet punch and dirt cups
Movie rating and Rick Moranis's return in Space Balls
Bird watching: Flacco the eagle and Tracy Aviary
Local library bee exhibit and bug photos
Grounded 2 plans and gameplay tips
Outro: social media links and credits
Post-credits: microphone and audio filter check
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