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Jun 24 2014

How the La Brea Tar Pits Work

31 min 8 movies discussed
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It's surprising that a few 12-feet-deep pools of asphalt have proven to be one of the most significant troves of Pleistocene fossils, but the La Brea Tar Pits, located in the heart of Los Angeles, are giving science a clear picture of a puzzling time.

AI Summary

In this fascinating episode, Josh and Chuck dive into the famous La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, exploring how these bubbling asphalt pools have been trapping and preserving animals for thousands of years. They discuss the incredible fossil discoveries found there, from saber-toothed tigers and dire wolves to massive American lions, and explain why there's such a disproportionate number of carnivore remains. The hosts also cover the ongoing scientific work at the site, including the exciting Project 23 excavation that's yielding new insights into prehistoric life and climate change.


Movies Discussed

Bad Influence
Bad Influence
1990 1h 39m
★ 6.0
"I think that bad Rob Lowe movie, they, he did a bear to body in there — Josh was trying to recall a Rob Lowe movie where someone buried a body in the tar pits but was uncertain about the exact title." — Josh
Bambi
Bambi
1942 1h 10m
★ 7.0
"It's like Bambi — Josh compared the sad scenario of mama mastodon getting trapped in tar pits to the tragic death of Bambi's mother." — Josh
Behind the Candelabra
Behind the Candelabra
2013 1h 58m
★ 6.6
"Promoting the Liberace movie — Chuck mentioned seeing Matt Damon and Michael Douglas promoting this Liberace biographical film at a press junket." — Chuck
Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile
1989 1h 28m
★ 6.9
"The great movie Miracle Mile — Josh recommended this cult classic film about nuclear war that was shot at the La Brea tar pits area." — Josh
Night of the Comet
Night of the Comet
1984 1h 35m
★ 6.2
"Have you ever seen Night of the Comet? — Josh recommended this 1980s movie to Chuck as another film suggestion." — Josh
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
2026 1h 48m
★ 7.0
"Yeah, and ER — Chuck was also helping to identify Anthony Edwards by mentioning his role in the TV show ER." — Chuck
Revenge of the Nerds
Revenge of the Nerds
1984 1h 30m
★ 6.5
"Revenge of the Nerds — Josh was discussing Anthony Edwards' filmography and mentioned this as one of his roles." — Josh
Top Gun
Top Gun
1986 1h 50m
★ 7.1
"The guy from Top Gun — Josh was identifying Anthony Edwards by referencing his role in Top Gun." — Josh

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